Faking It

by Nicole Bell

When my sister announces she’s getting married, I do what I’ve always done—I step up, smile, and put her first.

What I didn’t sign up for? Planning the entire wedding with Reid Matthews.

He’s smug. He’s infuriating. He’s a chef who thinks he knows everything, and the man who humiliated me on my first day at my new job. 

Unfortunately, he's also impossible to avoid.

We clash over everything from the decorations to the menu to who’s actually in charge. But as the planning spirals and family pressure mounts, something unexpected happens—the man I swore I hated starts showing up when it matters most.

Somewhere between registry disasters, impossibly high expectations, and a sister who always gets her way, I start to wonder if I’ve spent my whole life saying yes to the wrong people.

And I wonder what might happen if I finally say yes to myself, and the last man I ever expected to fall for.

Genres: Romance

About the author

Nicole Bell writes swoony, closed-door romances in dreamy destinations. Her stories combine heart-warming emotion, slow-burn tension, and lovable characters who feel like friends. When she’s not writing romantic getaways, she’s likely soaking up the sun at the lake, chasing around her two lovable littles, enjoying a vanilla latte (or three), or daydreaming about her next adventure. Stay in the loop on new projects by connecting with Nicole on Instagram, @nicolebellbooks.

Reviews

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

If you'd asked me a year ago to read sappy romance novels, I'd have thought you were a few fries short of a happy meal. But here I am, swooning over every mushy line like a total sap. Don't get me wrong, I still don't buy into the whole love thing - I can tell the difference between reality and a fairy tale. The characters? Fabulous, especially Jane and Reid - they need a sequel! The rest can take a hike. This book? Amazing! Cheesy, hilarious, and dramatic - pure brilliance!

Thanks to Book Sirens for sending me an advanced copy to read and review

[OneMadReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good, clean read. I loved how it took place in Italy. Most of the time I enjoyed the romance, but there were a few times where it felt a little forced. One thing I didn't love, though, was how in the beginning of the book Jane, the female main character, always seemed to be drinking when she wanted to cover up her emotions or when things were going wrong. But other than that, this was a very enjoyable story!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Language: ! (Multiple uses of the word "damn")
Drug/Alcohol Content: 🍻

*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[MEF · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked rather than loved the book. It was fun while Jane and Reid were sparring and great that he (naturally) fell for her - so I should have been more invested rather than skim reading the final 30% to the conclusion.

Bridezilla sister Kate did a volte face at the end that wrapped things up neatly.

I received an advance review for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was excited to read this book after reading the other books in the catching flights and feelings series, but I wasn't expecting to have a new favorite! I finished this book in a weekend because I could not put it down! It has it all.. food, travel, family drama, and so many swoon-worthy moments. Add this book to your must-read for the year!

[Carolina CHC · Rating 4 out of 5]

What are the odds that the person who is incredibly rude to you on your very first day at a new job also turns out to be the best friend of your future brother-in-law? That’s exactly what happens to Jane Sinclair and Reid Matthews. What begins as an honest but unfortunate accident quickly escalates into a terrible first impression—strong enough to spark ongoing tension between them.

As the story progresses, Reid starts to see Jane’s true kindness, as well as the troubling way she allows her own family to constantly mistreat and emotionally undermine her. His support becomes one of the more meaningful aspects of the book and adds emotional depth to their relationship.

That said, I have mixed feelings overall. The first 40% of the book was engaging and enjoyable, with witty banter and humorous interactions between the main characters. However, as the story continued, the FMC’s emotional abuse at the hands of her family became increasingly difficult to read. What frustrated me most was that Jane never truly stands up for herself, which made the ending feel rushed and emotionally unresolved.

Additionally, the MMC’s cold and distant personality was never fully explored. While the story is told solely from Jane’s point of view, Reid’s firm decision to never date felt like it deserved more explanation, leaving his character arc somewhat incomplete.
Overall, this book had a strong premise and some compelling moments, but unresolved character development and pacing issues kept it from fully delivering its potential.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kaylee Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jane makes a terrible first impression when she meets Chef Matthew for her first interview at her new job. Of course a week later after that terrible incident she runs into him again. Only to find out he’s best friends with her sisters fiance and she has to work with him on all the wedding stuff. Jane gets taken advantage of pretty hard by her family. I absolutely loved the chemistry between Jane and Reid. This is a closed door romance which I will admit is not my favorite as I love me some spice but I knew going in and if the book has a great story and characters I never miss the spice. This was one of those books where I didn’t miss it. I was so wrapped up in the story I didn’t mind at all.

[Reda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Faking it is the second installment in the "Catching Flights..." series by Nicole Bell. It's the story of Jane, the best friend we met in Winging It, and the grumpy-to-her chef she's suddenly stuck working with. I think I liked this one better than Winging It because, as a heroine, Jane knows herself much better than Lola did.

Faking It was a light, fun sort-of-enemies-to-lovers story set partly in New York, and partly on the Amalfi Coast. The settings were lovely, the family drama felt familiar, and the romance was sweet. The villain was maybe a little cartoonish, but certainly quite the foil. I'm looking forward to Bri's story in book 3.

Many thanks to BookSirens for an ARC in exchange for my honest assessment of this work.

[Ashton Buye · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars ⭐️

This was such a fun, easy read that had me on the feels. An enemies to lovers trope along with some family drama and who wouldn’t like this book? It was such a fun palate cleanser from all the romantsy books and I’m so glad I took a chance on it.

This had me feeling right back in my dating days. The emotions, the banter, it was wonderful. There are a few spelling errors and grammatical errors where a sentence was repeated, but otherwise I’d definitely pick this one up again for a fun beach read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Yami · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first page, I was hooked. Reid and Jane completely stole my heart, and I found myself becoming obsessed with them. Jane’s story hit a little close to home. This series is cute, romantic, and this is the kind of story that pulls you in and makes you want to keep reading.

This is the second book I’ve read by Nicole Bell, and she has officially made me a fan. She does not disappoint, and I can’t wait to read more from her. 🔥📚

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jordan Rolsma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm officially a Nicole Bell Fan! I'm in love with Jane and Reid as a couple. Their banter at the beginning of the book is to die for, and I adored watching their relationship evolve into something sweet and mutually supportive. I particularly enjoyed seeing Reid help Jane find her voice and stand up for herself with her family. Really liked this one and I'm looking forward to the next!

** I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. **

[i_want_ all_the_spoilers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the sweetest romances out there. The amount of times I "awwed" and grabbed my chest. This is "use in your coffee", "gives you diabetes" sweet and I am here for it. I really liked how certain the MMC was of what he wanted and that the FMC listened to her heart instead of other people. There is one or more Cinderella and "stepsister" moment and darn I all the rest don't just piss me off.

[Noof · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Was gonna round to 4 but 1 thing that I kinda didn’t enjoy is how easily forgiven how awful her parents were, (like how her sister treated her too but I understood the reason). Anyways I overall found the book pretty interesting and nice.

[JD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book and the build up between the main characters. One thing I didn't like was the FMC let the family treat her despite the explanation at the end.

[Kinga · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.7

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved the book and i did tear up at some pages. also i had to help my sister plan her wedding while crushing on the best man 🫠