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Evergreen Cove #3
Icing The Fake
She needs a fake boyfriend. He's been waiting years for her to notice him. Three days in paradise might change everything.
Sophie Parker has her life perfectly running Evergreen Cove's busiest café, managing the local hockey team's schedules, and keeping her feelings for Jamie Lawson firmly in the friend zone where they belong.
Jamie's the Eagles' star forward with an unhealthy obsession with spreadsheets, a caffeine addiction only Sophie can satisfy, and zero plans to ever confess he's been in love with his best friend since forever.
Then Sophie's cousin announces a destination wedding in the Bahamas. With her entire family attending—including her recently engaged ex—Sophie needs a buffer. Someone safe. Someone who won't make things complicated.
Asking Jamie is the logical choice. They're friends. It won't be weird.
Except Jamie's yes comes a little too quickly. And the way he holds her hand on the beach feels a little too real. And when he kisses her under the stars to sell their story, Sophie realizes three
First, Jamie is dangerously good at playing her boyfriend.
Second, she doesn't want him to stop.
Third, going back to "just friends" might be impossible.
A sweet and swoony small-town hockey romance about falling for your best friend, fake dating done right, and discovering that sometimes the person you've been looking for has been right in front of you all along. 2/5 🌶️ level
Sophie Parker has her life perfectly running Evergreen Cove's busiest café, managing the local hockey team's schedules, and keeping her feelings for Jamie Lawson firmly in the friend zone where they belong.
Jamie's the Eagles' star forward with an unhealthy obsession with spreadsheets, a caffeine addiction only Sophie can satisfy, and zero plans to ever confess he's been in love with his best friend since forever.
Then Sophie's cousin announces a destination wedding in the Bahamas. With her entire family attending—including her recently engaged ex—Sophie needs a buffer. Someone safe. Someone who won't make things complicated.
Asking Jamie is the logical choice. They're friends. It won't be weird.
Except Jamie's yes comes a little too quickly. And the way he holds her hand on the beach feels a little too real. And when he kisses her under the stars to sell their story, Sophie realizes three
First, Jamie is dangerously good at playing her boyfriend.
Second, she doesn't want him to stop.
Third, going back to "just friends" might be impossible.
A sweet and swoony small-town hockey romance about falling for your best friend, fake dating done right, and discovering that sometimes the person you've been looking for has been right in front of you all along. 2/5 🌶️ level
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 21, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
March 9, 2026
ARC REVIEW!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️
Hockey player Jamie Lawson has been in love with his best friend and cafe owner Sophie Parker for years, but she’s always just seen him as her reliable best friend. When Sophie needs a date for a destination wedding where her ex-boyfriend will be with his new fiance, Jamie offers to fake date Sophie and attend as her boyfriend. But can Jamie handle playing the part, when none of it has ever felt fake to him?
This book is perfect for anyone who loves:
🏒 Hockey Romance
☕️ Golden Retriever MMC
🏒 He Falls First
☕️ Fake Dating
🏒 Best Friends to Lovers
☕️ Forced Proximity / One Bed
🏒 Slow Burn 🔥
Thank you, @brooklynharthockeyromance for trusting me with this ARC review. 🥰
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️
Hockey player Jamie Lawson has been in love with his best friend and cafe owner Sophie Parker for years, but she’s always just seen him as her reliable best friend. When Sophie needs a date for a destination wedding where her ex-boyfriend will be with his new fiance, Jamie offers to fake date Sophie and attend as her boyfriend. But can Jamie handle playing the part, when none of it has ever felt fake to him?
This book is perfect for anyone who loves:
🏒 Hockey Romance
☕️ Golden Retriever MMC
🏒 He Falls First
☕️ Fake Dating
🏒 Best Friends to Lovers
☕️ Forced Proximity / One Bed
🏒 Slow Burn 🔥
Thank you, @brooklynharthockeyromance for trusting me with this ARC review. 🥰
March 25, 2026
This is the type of friends-to-lovers books I adore. Jamie has been hopelessly in love with his best friend for 3 years and is finally given the chance to fake it. Jamie and Sophie are absolute sweethearts and have the same quirky tendencies, you can't help but root for them. Their ups and downs were relatable and you couldn't help but feel for them. I loved their circle of friends and family, especially how they teased, yet cheered them on. But Tyler was instantly my favorite—his serious one-liners still have me cracking up. After finishing this one, I definitely need to go back and check out the previous books in the Evergreen Cove series!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 22, 2026
The third book in the Evergreen Cove series, a well-written small-town hockey romance. The story follows café manager Sophie Parker, who asks her best friend and Eagles star forward, Jamie Lawson, to be her fake boyfriend for a destination wedding in the Bahamas to avoid her ex. During the trip, Sophie realizes that Jamie—who has secretly loved her for years—is her perfect partner, making a return to friendship impossible. This heartwarming story features a compelling plot and memorable characters. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 6, 2026
Really liked the slow buildup of this friends to lovers story. Highly recommend.
March 28, 2026
Brooklyn Hart's Icing the fake is a fun read about two friends who end up in a fake marriage situation, unbeknownst to Sophie, Jamie has been in love with her for years. When she finds out about how he feels, Sophie's fears take hold and she pulls away. Jamie commits to love her and after a short time that Sophie uses to think through everything, she realizes that she loves him too. Sophie appears to need time to consider and rationalize, and possibly even do Reasons To and Reasons Not To comparison lists. She has to sit and let her feelings and fears percolate and then settle, so she can truly see what she should do. I like this aspect of Sophie, even when it is a little frustrating as a reader, when we see what is going on and the choice she should make. Jamie, on the other hand, is steady, solid, unwavering, love. He knows what he desires in this life, and for him, Sophie is it. He does not "grow" per se in this story, but Sophie does, which satisfied my need to see character growth in a story.
I also loved the side characters and their stories, like Jamie's brother Jake, and the trouble he is going through with his and Jamie's parents. I love how close he and Jamie are. Speaking of family, Sophie's family is down to earth, normal, seems like middle class, loving parents and siblings. Their love is big enough to encompass Jamie and Jake too, which makes me love them even more. Jamie and Jake's parents don't actually make an appearance, but we sure do hear about them in relation to Jamie and Jake. In the end, we don't know what happens with them, because they are out of Jamie's and Jake's lives.
This is a down to earth, romance about a hockey player going for his dreams of playing professional hockey, while also getting and keeping the girl.
For being a hockey romance, we don't actually see any on-ice hockey action. I was somewhat disappointed by the lack of ice time, since this is supposed to be a hockey romance. I guess I've been spoiled by other hockey romance authors who always feature ice time and locker room shenanigans. I've come to expect that in my hockey romances. This lack of ice time is the reason for shaving 1 star, making this a solid 4 star read for me.
I also loved the side characters and their stories, like Jamie's brother Jake, and the trouble he is going through with his and Jamie's parents. I love how close he and Jamie are. Speaking of family, Sophie's family is down to earth, normal, seems like middle class, loving parents and siblings. Their love is big enough to encompass Jamie and Jake too, which makes me love them even more. Jamie and Jake's parents don't actually make an appearance, but we sure do hear about them in relation to Jamie and Jake. In the end, we don't know what happens with them, because they are out of Jamie's and Jake's lives.
This is a down to earth, romance about a hockey player going for his dreams of playing professional hockey, while also getting and keeping the girl.
For being a hockey romance, we don't actually see any on-ice hockey action. I was somewhat disappointed by the lack of ice time, since this is supposed to be a hockey romance. I guess I've been spoiled by other hockey romance authors who always feature ice time and locker room shenanigans. I've come to expect that in my hockey romances. This lack of ice time is the reason for shaving 1 star, making this a solid 4 star read for me.
April 25, 2026
A super cute friends to lovers small town romance. I wouldn’t necessarily call this a hockey romance as there really isn’t too much hockey in the book but the MMC is a hockey player. This one is pretty fun and low stakes and I read it in about 24 hours. This was my first novel by Brooklyn Hart and likely will not be my last. While I didn’t love some of the plot choices toward the end, I really enjoyed the story overall. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 4, 2026
4 🌟
massive shoutout to the author for an arc copy!
this is my first time reading from the author & it was such a cute lil read, i loved the angst, the slow burn, their friendship & their relationship, the setting, it was such a picturesque book & i love love love her baking constantly, it felt like such a cosy element to add to the book! would defo recommend reading it :)
massive shoutout to the author for an arc copy!
this is my first time reading from the author & it was such a cute lil read, i loved the angst, the slow burn, their friendship & their relationship, the setting, it was such a picturesque book & i love love love her baking constantly, it felt like such a cosy element to add to the book! would defo recommend reading it :)
Review of advance copy
this book was pure sugary romance goodness and I ate it up like dessert. Every single page made me smile like an idiot.
First of all, best friends to lovers + fake dating + hockey player hero?? That combination already had me sold before I even started. But Jamie and Sophie somehow made it even better.
Sophie Parker is running the busiest café in Evergreen Cove, juggling the local hockey team’s schedules, and doing her absolute best to pretend she does NOT have feelings tangled up in her friendship with Jamie. Meanwhile Jamie Lawson, the Eagles’ star forward and certified spreadsheet nerd (which honestly made me love him even more), has been quietly in love with her for YEARS. YEARS. And this man just waits. Patiently. Hoping she’ll see him one day.
Tell me why that alone already had my heart melting.
Then Sophie needs a fake boyfriend for her cousin’s destination wedding in the Bahamas because her recently engaged ex is going to be there… and of course she asks Jamie because “it won’t be weird.”
Except it immediately becomes weird. In the best possible way.
Jamie saying yes way too fast? Suspicious.
Jamie holding her hand on the beach like it’s the most natural thing in the world? My heart exploded.
Jamie kissing her under the stars to “sell the story”? I was DONE.
And Jamie… oh my god Jamie. This man has been in love with Sophie forever and the way he treats her is just soft, supportive, and so full of quiet devotion. He knows all her quirks, drinks way too much caffeine from her café, and basically just exists in this permanent state of “I’ll take whatever she gives me.” It made the tension so delicious because you just know he’s dying inside trying not to ruin their friendship.
The Bahamas setting was also chef’s kiss. Beach moments, fake boyfriend cuddling, family chaos, jealousy from the ex… it all created the perfect storm where Sophie slowly starts realizing that the man she’s been looking for has literally been standing right in front of her the whole time.
And once she starts seeing Jamie differently??? The swoon level went through the roof.
This book was sweet, cozy, emotional, and ridiculously romantic. The kind of story that gives you that warm fuzzy feeling while also making you yell at the characters to just kiss already.
Jamie Lawson has officially joined my book boyfriend list and Sophie is better not ever break his heart because I would throw hands for that man.
If you love best friends to lovers, fake dating, small town hockey romances, and heroes who have been quietly in love for years, you need this immediately. It’s adorable, swoony, and completely addictive. 🏒💙📚
First of all, best friends to lovers + fake dating + hockey player hero?? That combination already had me sold before I even started. But Jamie and Sophie somehow made it even better.
Sophie Parker is running the busiest café in Evergreen Cove, juggling the local hockey team’s schedules, and doing her absolute best to pretend she does NOT have feelings tangled up in her friendship with Jamie. Meanwhile Jamie Lawson, the Eagles’ star forward and certified spreadsheet nerd (which honestly made me love him even more), has been quietly in love with her for YEARS. YEARS. And this man just waits. Patiently. Hoping she’ll see him one day.
Tell me why that alone already had my heart melting.
Then Sophie needs a fake boyfriend for her cousin’s destination wedding in the Bahamas because her recently engaged ex is going to be there… and of course she asks Jamie because “it won’t be weird.”
Except it immediately becomes weird. In the best possible way.
Jamie saying yes way too fast? Suspicious.
Jamie holding her hand on the beach like it’s the most natural thing in the world? My heart exploded.
Jamie kissing her under the stars to “sell the story”? I was DONE.
And Jamie… oh my god Jamie. This man has been in love with Sophie forever and the way he treats her is just soft, supportive, and so full of quiet devotion. He knows all her quirks, drinks way too much caffeine from her café, and basically just exists in this permanent state of “I’ll take whatever she gives me.” It made the tension so delicious because you just know he’s dying inside trying not to ruin their friendship.
The Bahamas setting was also chef’s kiss. Beach moments, fake boyfriend cuddling, family chaos, jealousy from the ex… it all created the perfect storm where Sophie slowly starts realizing that the man she’s been looking for has literally been standing right in front of her the whole time.
And once she starts seeing Jamie differently??? The swoon level went through the roof.
This book was sweet, cozy, emotional, and ridiculously romantic. The kind of story that gives you that warm fuzzy feeling while also making you yell at the characters to just kiss already.
Jamie Lawson has officially joined my book boyfriend list and Sophie is better not ever break his heart because I would throw hands for that man.
If you love best friends to lovers, fake dating, small town hockey romances, and heroes who have been quietly in love for years, you need this immediately. It’s adorable, swoony, and completely addictive. 🏒💙📚
Review of advance copy received from Author
Icing the Fake by Brooklyn Hart is a swoony small-town hockey romance about fake dating, best friends, and feelings that have been simmering for years. When café owner Sophie needs a date for a destination wedding in the Bahamas—where her ex will be present—her best friend Jamie, a hockey star who has secretly loved her for years, steps in as the perfect fake boyfriend. The only problem? For Jamie, none of it has ever been fake.
I went into this expecting a cute fake-dating sports romance and instead got a story that completely wrecked me—in the best way. The slow burn between Sophie and Jamie is deliciously painful after three years of unresolved feelings, and the banter between them is sharp, natural, and genuinely funny. The opening Velcro-sneakers moment had me hooked instantly, and the Bahamas setting—with sun, family chaos, forced proximity, and the classic one-bed situation—creates the perfect pressure cooker for all those buried emotions to finally explode.
Brooklyn Hart’s writing shines in the emotional stakes. The romance feels fresh because the obstacles feel real: Sophie’s café, Jamie’s career, long distance, and the fear of ruining their friendship. When everything finally comes to a head, the payoff is so satisfying I literally had to stare at the ceiling for a minute. Jamie Lawson is peak book boyfriend material—devoted, patient, and hopelessly in love in the most heart-melting way.
Overall, this is a heartfelt, funny, and deeply emotional romance about choosing love even when it’s complicated. If you love best-friends-to-lovers, fake dating that turns very real, and hockey heroes who fall first and fall hard, this one is an absolute 5-star read.
I went into this expecting a cute fake-dating sports romance and instead got a story that completely wrecked me—in the best way. The slow burn between Sophie and Jamie is deliciously painful after three years of unresolved feelings, and the banter between them is sharp, natural, and genuinely funny. The opening Velcro-sneakers moment had me hooked instantly, and the Bahamas setting—with sun, family chaos, forced proximity, and the classic one-bed situation—creates the perfect pressure cooker for all those buried emotions to finally explode.
Brooklyn Hart’s writing shines in the emotional stakes. The romance feels fresh because the obstacles feel real: Sophie’s café, Jamie’s career, long distance, and the fear of ruining their friendship. When everything finally comes to a head, the payoff is so satisfying I literally had to stare at the ceiling for a minute. Jamie Lawson is peak book boyfriend material—devoted, patient, and hopelessly in love in the most heart-melting way.
Overall, this is a heartfelt, funny, and deeply emotional romance about choosing love even when it’s complicated. If you love best-friends-to-lovers, fake dating that turns very real, and hockey heroes who fall first and fall hard, this one is an absolute 5-star read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What an extremely satisfying read this has been, given that the fake-dating trope is one of my favorites and the story woven around it has to be convincing enough for me to love it.
Just like most stories with the fake-dating trope, the arrangement is borne out of the FMC's need to pretend she has a boyfriend to bring to a cousin's wedding so she can avoid the pitying looks of her relatives and ex-boyfriend if she were to otherwise attend it still as a single woman. The arrangement is then made with her best friend, the MMC, who she doesn't know has been in love with her for the past three years. Sophie, too, feels more for Jamie already, though she refuses to acknowledge it even to herself.
With that premise, it thus became an enjoyable ride witnessing the rest of the MC's burgeoning love. There's a lot of denial of their growing attraction at first, then doubts about whether their relationship could withstand the demands of their respective careers. It was heartbreaking to watch them buckle under the weight of their fears and doubts. But then later on it felt glorious when Sophie and Jamie finally let courage and determination to fight for each other guide their actions moving forward.
I'm certifiably addicted to this series now. Already I'm looking forward to the next couple to be featured in book four - this time I think it will be all about the opposites attract trope. Those two MCs appear to be totally at odds yet perfectly fitted for each other!
I'm a grateful recipient of a free advanced copy of this book. I write this review voluntarily.
Just like most stories with the fake-dating trope, the arrangement is borne out of the FMC's need to pretend she has a boyfriend to bring to a cousin's wedding so she can avoid the pitying looks of her relatives and ex-boyfriend if she were to otherwise attend it still as a single woman. The arrangement is then made with her best friend, the MMC, who she doesn't know has been in love with her for the past three years. Sophie, too, feels more for Jamie already, though she refuses to acknowledge it even to herself.
With that premise, it thus became an enjoyable ride witnessing the rest of the MC's burgeoning love. There's a lot of denial of their growing attraction at first, then doubts about whether their relationship could withstand the demands of their respective careers. It was heartbreaking to watch them buckle under the weight of their fears and doubts. But then later on it felt glorious when Sophie and Jamie finally let courage and determination to fight for each other guide their actions moving forward.
I'm certifiably addicted to this series now. Already I'm looking forward to the next couple to be featured in book four - this time I think it will be all about the opposites attract trope. Those two MCs appear to be totally at odds yet perfectly fitted for each other!
I'm a grateful recipient of a free advanced copy of this book. I write this review voluntarily.
March 22, 2026
- Small town romance
- Friends to lovers
- He falls first
- Fake dating
- Hockey romance
- Only one bed
I love the friends to lovers trope. I also love fake dating. Combine the two and I am a happy lady. Semi-pro hockey player Jamie Lawson has been in love with his best friend Sophie for about three years (while he was in a relationship, which was a bit cringe for me). However, when Sophie blurts out to her family that she is bringing her boyfriend to her cousin's destination wedding (where her former boyfriend will be in attendance with his new fiancee...), Jamie steps in to help his bestie.
Jamie thinks this may be the best time to show Sophie that he is real boyfriend material and not just a friend, but love is rarely that easy.
Jamie has to make a tough decision when he gets the call to try out for an AHL team...and they want him to come for training camp the same week as the wedding. Sweet cinnamon roll Jamie is ready to give up his dreams so he won't disappoint Sophie.
As Jamie and Sophie "practice" being a couple, the lines are absolutely blurred for Jamie. And he hopes Sophie is starting to feel the same way. But once Sophie realizes that Jamie is thinking of walking away from the biggest opportunity in his life, she starts to shrink away, thinking the past experiences with her former boyfriend asking her to move for him are repeating themselves.
My heart was pounding so hard while reading this. I was so invested in their relationship. Also, I can't wait to read Tyler's book next!!
- Friends to lovers
- He falls first
- Fake dating
- Hockey romance
- Only one bed
I love the friends to lovers trope. I also love fake dating. Combine the two and I am a happy lady. Semi-pro hockey player Jamie Lawson has been in love with his best friend Sophie for about three years (while he was in a relationship, which was a bit cringe for me). However, when Sophie blurts out to her family that she is bringing her boyfriend to her cousin's destination wedding (where her former boyfriend will be in attendance with his new fiancee...), Jamie steps in to help his bestie.
Jamie thinks this may be the best time to show Sophie that he is real boyfriend material and not just a friend, but love is rarely that easy.
Jamie has to make a tough decision when he gets the call to try out for an AHL team...and they want him to come for training camp the same week as the wedding. Sweet cinnamon roll Jamie is ready to give up his dreams so he won't disappoint Sophie.
As Jamie and Sophie "practice" being a couple, the lines are absolutely blurred for Jamie. And he hopes Sophie is starting to feel the same way. But once Sophie realizes that Jamie is thinking of walking away from the biggest opportunity in his life, she starts to shrink away, thinking the past experiences with her former boyfriend asking her to move for him are repeating themselves.
My heart was pounding so hard while reading this. I was so invested in their relationship. Also, I can't wait to read Tyler's book next!!
March 26, 2026
You’ve got to love a story where the main characters have been into each other all along, but each believes the other isn’t interested—or is already involved with someone else. Jamie visits Sophie’s coffee shop every day, secretly in love with her, yet convinced she only sees him as a friend after her last breakup. She thinks he is into his girlfriend. (They break up).
Fate steps in when they have to pretend to be a couple for a wedding where Sophie’s ex will be present, and it’s there that their relationship finally begins to shift from friendship into something more. We get to experience that transition right along with them—the chemistry, the tension, the gradual heat, and the emotional reveal as they finally open up to each other.
Their personal journey is thoughtfully balanced against Sophie’s business struggles, Jamie’s potential move into bigger things in the hockey world, and his complicated family dynamics. The author brings their world to life with realism, especially as they navigate the challenges of maintaining a relationship over distance. I could truly feel Sophie’s pain as she worries she doesn’t fit into Jamie’s new world, and I felt his devastation just as strongly.
They do get their happily ever after, but it’s honest and hard‑won, which makes it feel believable and deeply satisfying. A heartfelt romance that captures longing, growth, and the courage it takes to finally take a chance on love.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Fate steps in when they have to pretend to be a couple for a wedding where Sophie’s ex will be present, and it’s there that their relationship finally begins to shift from friendship into something more. We get to experience that transition right along with them—the chemistry, the tension, the gradual heat, and the emotional reveal as they finally open up to each other.
Their personal journey is thoughtfully balanced against Sophie’s business struggles, Jamie’s potential move into bigger things in the hockey world, and his complicated family dynamics. The author brings their world to life with realism, especially as they navigate the challenges of maintaining a relationship over distance. I could truly feel Sophie’s pain as she worries she doesn’t fit into Jamie’s new world, and I felt his devastation just as strongly.
They do get their happily ever after, but it’s honest and hard‑won, which makes it feel believable and deeply satisfying. A heartfelt romance that captures longing, growth, and the courage it takes to finally take a chance on love.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book surprised me. The Hallmark-y, feel good, small town romances are not 'my vibe'. I don't do Hallmark movies, touchy feely or similar books. Something about them just isn't for me. I prefer darker, moodier, sullen, morally grey (or even black) MCs. Icing the Fake is so far from my wheelhouse, and yet I absolutely loved evey page.
Our main character Sophie, local café owner, is struggling to get by. Worried about her upcoming rent increase for the cafe with no idea how she is going to be able to keep her doors open. Sophie panics when asked about a plus one for an upcoming family wedding, where he ex is the best man. Jamie, a local junior league hockey player, agrees to be Sophie's fake boyfriend for the wedding. They have 3 months to pull off a fake relationship and pass it off to friends, family and the town. The two have been best friends for 3 years and have been (not so) secretly in love with each other. Everyone knows, but them.
Icing the Fake is a cute story, that I found myself smiling at more than I would care to admit. It is a heart warming, slow burn, friends to lovers story that I could not put down. This was my first venture into the sports romance genre, and a perfect first taste as a life long hockey fan. You will find yourself rooting not only for their relationship, but also Jamie trying out for a minor league hockey team on his way to the NHL and Sophie's Cafe to overcome the hurdles thrown her way.
Our main character Sophie, local café owner, is struggling to get by. Worried about her upcoming rent increase for the cafe with no idea how she is going to be able to keep her doors open. Sophie panics when asked about a plus one for an upcoming family wedding, where he ex is the best man. Jamie, a local junior league hockey player, agrees to be Sophie's fake boyfriend for the wedding. They have 3 months to pull off a fake relationship and pass it off to friends, family and the town. The two have been best friends for 3 years and have been (not so) secretly in love with each other. Everyone knows, but them.
Icing the Fake is a cute story, that I found myself smiling at more than I would care to admit. It is a heart warming, slow burn, friends to lovers story that I could not put down. This was my first venture into the sports romance genre, and a perfect first taste as a life long hockey fan. You will find yourself rooting not only for their relationship, but also Jamie trying out for a minor league hockey team on his way to the NHL and Sophie's Cafe to overcome the hurdles thrown her way.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
I received an eARC of Icing the Fake by Brooklyn Hart, and I’m leaving this review completely voluntarily.
Icing the Fake is book three in the Evergreen Cove series. Even though I haven’t read the first two books yet, I had no trouble jumping into this one. I never felt confused or lost. That said, I’ll definitely be going back to read the earlier books because I really enjoyed this story.
We follow Sophie, a struggling coffee shop owner dealing with a landlord who keeps raising her rent, all while secretly harboring feelings for her best friend, Jamie. Jamie is a hockey player chasing his dreams of making it to the big leagues and he’s been in love with Sophie for years.
Everything comes to a head when Sophie’s cousin’s destination wedding in the Bahamas rolls around… and her ex is going to be there. In a moment of panic, Sophie blurts out that she’s bringing a new boyfriend except, there is no boyfriend. Enter Jamie, freshly out of a relationship and the only person she can turn to.
What follows is a sweet, emotional, slow burn romance filled with tension, longing, and all the what are we doing feelings.
Tropes you’ll find:
*One bed
*Fake dating
*Friends to lovers
*Slow burn
*Hockey player MMC
*Small-town vibes
If you’re looking for a cozy romance with emotional depth and that best friends to lovers ache, this is definitely one to pick up.
I received an eARC of Icing the Fake by Brooklyn Hart, and I’m leaving this review completely voluntarily.
Icing the Fake is book three in the Evergreen Cove series. Even though I haven’t read the first two books yet, I had no trouble jumping into this one. I never felt confused or lost. That said, I’ll definitely be going back to read the earlier books because I really enjoyed this story.
We follow Sophie, a struggling coffee shop owner dealing with a landlord who keeps raising her rent, all while secretly harboring feelings for her best friend, Jamie. Jamie is a hockey player chasing his dreams of making it to the big leagues and he’s been in love with Sophie for years.
Everything comes to a head when Sophie’s cousin’s destination wedding in the Bahamas rolls around… and her ex is going to be there. In a moment of panic, Sophie blurts out that she’s bringing a new boyfriend except, there is no boyfriend. Enter Jamie, freshly out of a relationship and the only person she can turn to.
What follows is a sweet, emotional, slow burn romance filled with tension, longing, and all the what are we doing feelings.
Tropes you’ll find:
*One bed
*Fake dating
*Friends to lovers
*Slow burn
*Hockey player MMC
*Small-town vibes
If you’re looking for a cozy romance with emotional depth and that best friends to lovers ache, this is definitely one to pick up.
Review of advance copy
This is my first ARC book ever ...and... this book is phenomenal!! I usually don't get teary-eyed from books, but I really felt for Sophie during her rough patches. Her emotional turmoil was so real! 😭
The Characters:
• Jamie Lawson: One thing I know for sure... he is the sweetest guy in the whole world! 😍
• Sophie Parker: She sounds so much like me! She cares about other people's feelings before her own and is a bit stubborn! Haha.
• The Support System: All of their closest friends were so supportive and wonderful! That’s what real friends do!
• The "Annoyances": My least favorite character was Brendan. 🙄 He was rude and a bit condescending. Even if I understood where he was coming from, you don't make demeaning comments like that to people! 😡 Alessandra was also annoying—kinda like a flirty girl version of Brendan.
• Jake: I wanted to cry for Jake. He has a lot going on with his family, and he is so young to have that much weight on his shoulders. 💔
The Vibe: The chemistry and the journey these characters go on had me screaming "HELLO?! FINALLY!!!" at the pages! 😂 It was so romantic, and I was so happy and excited for them!! 🥰
Thank you for this amazing book, Brooklyn Hart! 🏒❄️
The Characters:
• Jamie Lawson: One thing I know for sure... he is the sweetest guy in the whole world! 😍
• Sophie Parker: She sounds so much like me! She cares about other people's feelings before her own and is a bit stubborn! Haha.
• The Support System: All of their closest friends were so supportive and wonderful! That’s what real friends do!
• The "Annoyances": My least favorite character was Brendan. 🙄 He was rude and a bit condescending. Even if I understood where he was coming from, you don't make demeaning comments like that to people! 😡 Alessandra was also annoying—kinda like a flirty girl version of Brendan.
• Jake: I wanted to cry for Jake. He has a lot going on with his family, and he is so young to have that much weight on his shoulders. 💔
The Vibe: The chemistry and the journey these characters go on had me screaming "HELLO?! FINALLY!!!" at the pages! 😂 It was so romantic, and I was so happy and excited for them!! 🥰
Thank you for this amazing book, Brooklyn Hart! 🏒❄️
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was not prepared for this book! I thought I was picking up a cute fake dating hockey romance, and instead I got emotionally devastated in the best possible way.
Sophie and Jamie have been dancing around each other for THREE YEARS and Brooklyn Hart makes you feel every single one of them. The slow burn is REAL. The banter is sharp and funny without trying too hard, and the Velcro sneakers scene in chapter one had me immediately obsessed.
The Bahamas setting is everything, sun, forced proximity, one bed, family chaos, it's the perfect pressure cooker for two people who have been pretending for way too long. And when it finally breaks? I put my phone down and stared at the ceiling.
Jamie Lawson is my new book boyfriend. I said what I said.
The fake dating premise feels fresh because the emotional stakes are so real: Sophie's café, Jamie's career, the long distance, the timing, nothing about this is easy and that's exactly why it hits so hard. This isn't just a romance. It's two people choosing each other when choosing is genuinely hard.
Fully standalone, read it in one sitting, no notes. Tyler and Sloane cannot come fast enough.
Sophie and Jamie have been dancing around each other for THREE YEARS and Brooklyn Hart makes you feel every single one of them. The slow burn is REAL. The banter is sharp and funny without trying too hard, and the Velcro sneakers scene in chapter one had me immediately obsessed.
The Bahamas setting is everything, sun, forced proximity, one bed, family chaos, it's the perfect pressure cooker for two people who have been pretending for way too long. And when it finally breaks? I put my phone down and stared at the ceiling.
Jamie Lawson is my new book boyfriend. I said what I said.
The fake dating premise feels fresh because the emotional stakes are so real: Sophie's café, Jamie's career, the long distance, the timing, nothing about this is easy and that's exactly why it hits so hard. This isn't just a romance. It's two people choosing each other when choosing is genuinely hard.
Fully standalone, read it in one sitting, no notes. Tyler and Sloane cannot come fast enough.
March 23, 2026
Jamie and Sophie have been friends for a few years. When Sophie gets invited to a wedding in the Bahamas that her Ex-boyfriend will be at. She freaks out. Jamie tells her that he will go with her and they will pretend that they are dating. Jamie has been in love with Sophie for a while and knows he needs to tell her but is scared she will reject him. But only a few days in to their trip. She realizes that she is in love with Jamie. Will they be able to make it work? When they get back to the real world. Jamie is leaving to try out for team that is 4 hours away. Can they survive the long distance?
There is a lot of noncommunication between the two. Both of them thinking they don’t have to worry the other. Leading to a lot of misunderstandings. I love how Jamie never relents even when Sophie tells him to. I love how he knows everything about her all the little things and the way they just click with out even realizing it. Even when life throws them curveballs, they stick it out together. There are some emotional parts. Those parts just made it more realistic. This was a really sweet book! If you enjoy friends to lovers, you will love this book!
There is a lot of noncommunication between the two. Both of them thinking they don’t have to worry the other. Leading to a lot of misunderstandings. I love how Jamie never relents even when Sophie tells him to. I love how he knows everything about her all the little things and the way they just click with out even realizing it. Even when life throws them curveballs, they stick it out together. There are some emotional parts. Those parts just made it more realistic. This was a really sweet book! If you enjoy friends to lovers, you will love this book!
March 22, 2026
🏒 Hockey MMC
☕ Cafe owner FMC
🏒 Fake dating
☕ Best friends
🏒 Friends to lovers
☕ Slow burn
🏒 He falls first
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
🌶️/5
Sophie and Jamie have been best friends for three years. They know everything about it each. Every quirk, feeling, right down to their coffee order.
Jamie is a hockey player and Sophie is the owner of a coffee shop that Jamie always comes to at 6:15 in the morning. Jamie has always had feelings for Sophie but kept them hidden. When Sophie is invited to a family wedding where her ex will be with his new fiance, she decides she can't do it alone. So Jamie comes up with fake dating.
This was well written. It felt real. The emotions from how the characters felt about each other, their friends, their situations. It was all relatable. I loved the characters and their personalities. This was a great read. I'm glad I got the ARC for this story. I loved the journey it took me on. It is part of a series called Evergreen Cove and it's the third in the series. But can be read as a standalone.
☕ Cafe owner FMC
🏒 Fake dating
☕ Best friends
🏒 Friends to lovers
☕ Slow burn
🏒 He falls first
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
🌶️/5
Sophie and Jamie have been best friends for three years. They know everything about it each. Every quirk, feeling, right down to their coffee order.
Jamie is a hockey player and Sophie is the owner of a coffee shop that Jamie always comes to at 6:15 in the morning. Jamie has always had feelings for Sophie but kept them hidden. When Sophie is invited to a family wedding where her ex will be with his new fiance, she decides she can't do it alone. So Jamie comes up with fake dating.
This was well written. It felt real. The emotions from how the characters felt about each other, their friends, their situations. It was all relatable. I loved the characters and their personalities. This was a great read. I'm glad I got the ARC for this story. I loved the journey it took me on. It is part of a series called Evergreen Cove and it's the third in the series. But can be read as a standalone.
March 22, 2026
📌 Note: Icing the Fake is Book 3 in the Evergreen Cove Hockey series, but it works perfectly as a standalone — no homework required.
This book is pure sugary romance, and I loved every bit of it. Honestly, I’ve adored every installment in this series so far, and this one was no exception.
Sophie owns the local café, and Jamie — her best friend — is a regular, stopping by every morning for his coffee. When Sophie needs a fake boyfriend for her cousin’s wedding, Jamie is the obvious choice.
It’s the perfect setup… or at least it should be.
Because of course, keeping their real feelings hidden is completely impossible.
Jamie has been in love with Sophie for three years, and it’s not exactly a secret — the whole town can see it. Still, he waits patiently, giving her the space to come to terms with her own feelings. That quiet, steady devotion? Completely swoon-worthy.
If you love small-town romance with heart, charm, and a friends-to-lovers dynamic that just works, you’ll want to add this to your TBR immediately.
This book is pure sugary romance, and I loved every bit of it. Honestly, I’ve adored every installment in this series so far, and this one was no exception.
Sophie owns the local café, and Jamie — her best friend — is a regular, stopping by every morning for his coffee. When Sophie needs a fake boyfriend for her cousin’s wedding, Jamie is the obvious choice.
It’s the perfect setup… or at least it should be.
Because of course, keeping their real feelings hidden is completely impossible.
Jamie has been in love with Sophie for three years, and it’s not exactly a secret — the whole town can see it. Still, he waits patiently, giving her the space to come to terms with her own feelings. That quiet, steady devotion? Completely swoon-worthy.
If you love small-town romance with heart, charm, and a friends-to-lovers dynamic that just works, you’ll want to add this to your TBR immediately.
April 29, 2026
The fake relationship trope is one of my favorites, especially when the pair have history. It usually means that the situation that causes one to need a fake partner is a catalyst to them finally realizing that they are well suited for one another. It starts when Sophie needs a date to her cousin's wedding. She does not want to be the pitied single woman at the wedding. Turns out that her friend Jamie who steps in to be her temporary guy wants to be more than that. He has had feelings for her for years. Sophie takes a while to get on board and Jamie has waited a while and he is willing to wait for her to get there. It does not matter how they finally get started on their way to something more, it was neat to see him get something long desired and her wake up to the fact that someone special has been in her life and right there in front of her if only she let herself see it. This was sweet and hopeful.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 2, 2026
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via BookSirens. This in no way impacted on my view.
Seeing that her ex will also be at the destination wedding she's been invited to, bakery owner Sophie needs a plan on how to avoid him. Enter Jamie, her best friend, and star hockey player. They've been friends for years, so it'll be easy to pretend to be in a relationship, right? Well, the fact that they are both head over heels for each other may just throw a spanner in the works.
I absolutely adore a fake dating romance, especially between friends who have only hidden their feelings for each other from themselves and their love interest. Everyone around Sophie and Jamie could see they were in love and made for each other, but they themselves could never believe it. I was so happy to get a copy of Icing the Fake because it met all my expectations and then some. I love the world building, and the way each book's pairing keep appearing with more snippets of their own stories, while supporting Jamie and Sophie.
Seeing that her ex will also be at the destination wedding she's been invited to, bakery owner Sophie needs a plan on how to avoid him. Enter Jamie, her best friend, and star hockey player. They've been friends for years, so it'll be easy to pretend to be in a relationship, right? Well, the fact that they are both head over heels for each other may just throw a spanner in the works.
I absolutely adore a fake dating romance, especially between friends who have only hidden their feelings for each other from themselves and their love interest. Everyone around Sophie and Jamie could see they were in love and made for each other, but they themselves could never believe it. I was so happy to get a copy of Icing the Fake because it met all my expectations and then some. I love the world building, and the way each book's pairing keep appearing with more snippets of their own stories, while supporting Jamie and Sophie.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
March 6, 2026Three years Jamie had been pining for Sophie, buying coffee from her coffee shop. Sophie was his best friend and tried hide her feelings.
Both had problems in the background, Jamie a girlfriend he wasn’t sure he wanted, Sophie problems with her shop and an ill.
A phone call from her cousin and not wanting to be alone at the upcoming wedding she says she has a boyfriend. When Jamie’s girlfriend says they no longer have a relationship m, he persuades Sophie to fake date him.
What happens next is a rollercoaster ride of problems mixed with feelings. Jamie get called up to an ice hockey training camp that could lead to bigger opportunities, the same week as the wedding. Sophie has problems with the coffee shop and tries to find ways to save it. She sabotages their relationship and Her father ends up on ICU after surgery.
Jamie won’t let her end things and drive through a snowstorm to get to her.
The ending is lovely and definitely worth a read
Both had problems in the background, Jamie a girlfriend he wasn’t sure he wanted, Sophie problems with her shop and an ill.
A phone call from her cousin and not wanting to be alone at the upcoming wedding she says she has a boyfriend. When Jamie’s girlfriend says they no longer have a relationship m, he persuades Sophie to fake date him.
What happens next is a rollercoaster ride of problems mixed with feelings. Jamie get called up to an ice hockey training camp that could lead to bigger opportunities, the same week as the wedding. Sophie has problems with the coffee shop and tries to find ways to save it. She sabotages their relationship and Her father ends up on ICU after surgery.
Jamie won’t let her end things and drive through a snowstorm to get to her.
The ending is lovely and definitely worth a read
April 8, 2026
Icing the Fake is book three of the Evergreen Cove Series.
Sophie and Jamie might have thought they fooled others, but let's be honest, we could all see how much they cared for each other. They just didn't want to ruin their friendship by taking things further. However, when Sophie needs someone to stand in as a fake boyfriend, Jamie willingly and quickly steps in to help his friend. I loved seeing them come even closer together through the events of fake dating. They both wanted something more, but truly didn't want anything to interfere with their friendship.
This book also showed that sometimes the love can be strong, but it might not be able to fight through everything. Sophie goes through a lot of troubles and we see Jamie fight with everything he has to make sure Sophie doesn't put up any walls between them. The struggle they went through is fully felt through every page and word. It felt realistic and that made the story feel stronger.
Sophie and Jamie might have thought they fooled others, but let's be honest, we could all see how much they cared for each other. They just didn't want to ruin their friendship by taking things further. However, when Sophie needs someone to stand in as a fake boyfriend, Jamie willingly and quickly steps in to help his friend. I loved seeing them come even closer together through the events of fake dating. They both wanted something more, but truly didn't want anything to interfere with their friendship.
This book also showed that sometimes the love can be strong, but it might not be able to fight through everything. Sophie goes through a lot of troubles and we see Jamie fight with everything he has to make sure Sophie doesn't put up any walls between them. The struggle they went through is fully felt through every page and word. It felt realistic and that made the story feel stronger.
March 29, 2026
Both protagonists are nice, kindhearted but they somehow complicated their lives with unresolved confessions, obligations of fake dating and work, emotional vulnerabilities, and dismay.
I like that this hockey team consists of good, sweet, adorable hockey players.
It's a bit confusing to track Jamie's feelings and dating. When did he start liking Sophia? When did he start dating his now ex-girlfriend—before or after acknowledging his feelings for Sophie? Everyone in town thinks they like each other and will be together, except for Sophie's clueless friends. One of her best friends' sister dated Jamie, yet that friend wasn't worried or suspicious, unlike others, about him dating her sister while possibly romantically liking her friend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I like that this hockey team consists of good, sweet, adorable hockey players.
It's a bit confusing to track Jamie's feelings and dating. When did he start liking Sophia? When did he start dating his now ex-girlfriend—before or after acknowledging his feelings for Sophie? Everyone in town thinks they like each other and will be together, except for Sophie's clueless friends. One of her best friends' sister dated Jamie, yet that friend wasn't worried or suspicious, unlike others, about him dating her sister while possibly romantically liking her friend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 30, 2026
This is book 3 in the Evergreen Cove series and tells the story of Jake and Jamie, two best friends who agree to a fake relationship that leads them to analyze their friendship and feelings for each other,
Jamie and Jake have been best friends for the past 3 years, and when she needs a date for a family wedding, he steps in to help her. What she doesn't know is tha the has had feelings for her for the past years, and this gives him the freedom to act on them. Jamie did not realize the depth of the friendship and feelings they had for each other, and it scares her to maybe lose it all.
But fate will put them in a one bed room, and the side characters will all help these two realize that besides their professional dreams, there is always space for love.
A great Read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Jamie and Jake have been best friends for the past 3 years, and when she needs a date for a family wedding, he steps in to help her. What she doesn't know is tha the has had feelings for her for the past years, and this gives him the freedom to act on them. Jamie did not realize the depth of the friendship and feelings they had for each other, and it scares her to maybe lose it all.
But fate will put them in a one bed room, and the side characters will all help these two realize that besides their professional dreams, there is always space for love.
A great Read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is Jamie and Sophies story. They have always had feelings for each other but fir the last three years have only been friends without revealing their true feelings for each other. Until Sophie needs a plus one for her cousins wedding and mentions to her family she is bringing her new boyfriend, which is all fake.
I love how Brooklyn Hart captures these characters and how past characters from previous two books still drop into the story, I never want the stories of Evergreen Cove to stop and already looking forward to the next instalment.
This book can be read as a stand alone, which won't disappoint, but can also be read as a series which I have come to adore.
Well done Brooklyn, thank you for the early copy, cant wait for more in Evergreen Cove!
I love how Brooklyn Hart captures these characters and how past characters from previous two books still drop into the story, I never want the stories of Evergreen Cove to stop and already looking forward to the next instalment.
This book can be read as a stand alone, which won't disappoint, but can also be read as a series which I have come to adore.
Well done Brooklyn, thank you for the early copy, cant wait for more in Evergreen Cove!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is my first Brooklyn Hart book and I’m anxiously awaiting the next book in the series. Sophie is the quintessential small town cafe owner who is best friends with local hockey player Jamie. The two have come to depend on one another for their favorite routines. Sophie has feelings for Jamie but he has a girlfriend who lives in another city, so she never lets him know. Little does she know that Jamie has been heads over heels for her for three years.
Brooklyn Hart has done a great job of bringing these two characters to life! So much so that you become totally invested in their lives, and find yourself choosing between team Sophie and team Jamie!
Time to read Icing The Fake, and choose your team!
Brooklyn Hart has done a great job of bringing these two characters to life! So much so that you become totally invested in their lives, and find yourself choosing between team Sophie and team Jamie!
Time to read Icing The Fake, and choose your team!
March 21, 2026
This is a beautifully written, emotional journey that felt like a rollercoaster of feelings alongside Jamie and Sophie. Their transition from best friends to lovers is handled with such care - it highlights the immense courage it takes to risk a lifelong friendship for a chance at love.
The book beautifully illustrates that our greatest obstacle is often our own mind. It’s a tender story where the primary conflict isn't external danger or betrayal, but the internal fears that keep us from happiness. A perfect read for anyone who loves a low-angst, high-emotion "friends-to-lovers" and HEA romance.
I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Rating: 5/5 ⭐
Spice: 2/5 🌶️
The book beautifully illustrates that our greatest obstacle is often our own mind. It’s a tender story where the primary conflict isn't external danger or betrayal, but the internal fears that keep us from happiness. A perfect read for anyone who loves a low-angst, high-emotion "friends-to-lovers" and HEA romance.
I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Rating: 5/5 ⭐
Spice: 2/5 🌶️
April 7, 2026
Enjoyed this sweet story about Jamie, hockey player playing and working hard to get his way into pros. He has had a love for Sophie for several years and had his fellow hockey team players purchasing their coffee and food at her cafe in Evergreen Cove. Sophie had been dating a man, Brendan, who recently got engaged to Natsha a lawyer working her way to partner in the firm she’s working. Brendan is best man for her cousin’s fiancé and she was invited to participate at the pre wedding activities and here is where all the fun started with the fake dating between Jamie and Sophia. This story covered all highs and lows and found chuckles along with drama and intrigue.
I received an early copy for free and am giving my honest, best and free review
I received an early copy for free and am giving my honest, best and free review
Review of advance copy
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Jamie, a semi-pro hockey player, has been best friends with Sophie, a cafe owner, for over three years. Sophie has a wedding she needs a plus one for so she asks Jamie to be her fake boyfriend. Sophie's ex will be there and he didn't like the small town life she wanted, left and broke her heart.
Jamie has been in love with Sophie for those three years but doesn't want to lose Sophie as a friend so never told her how he felt. He agrees to fake date her in hopes of her falling for him, will this plan work or will he be heartbroken at the end of their fake dating?
Jamie has been in love with Sophie for those three years but doesn't want to lose Sophie as a friend so never told her how he felt. He agrees to fake date her in hopes of her falling for him, will this plan work or will he be heartbroken at the end of their fake dating?
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