Fake Play

LCU #2

by Michelle Carrero

Blurb coming soon!

Genres: Hockey, Sports Romance, Sports, Contemporary, Romance, Fake Dating

316 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 16, 2026

About the author

Michelle Carrero lives in Southern California with her husband, two children, and an 80-pound gentle giant, black lab. She found her love for reading one summer while on bed rest and writing her own stories quickly became her greatest dream and passion.

When Michelle isn't reading or writing she can usually be found watching Formula 1, drinking mass amounts of coffee, or having movie nights with her family.

Reviews

[Mackenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just KNEW this book was going to eat. AND IT DID 👏🏼 I knew from book one that I was absolutely going to love these two characters together. Everyone always talks about the grumpy x sunshine trope. But to be honest, sunshine x sunshine just hits different. Mav & Chloe baby were everything. Praying Michelle gives us more from this world because I just can’t get enough!!🤭

College Hockey Romance
Fake Dating
Sunshine x Sunshine
Only One Tent
Lots of Banter

[Taylor (T-bag) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fake dating is one of my least favorite tropes, but Michelle has been an auto-read author since I read her debut novel, Art of Convenience. Fortunately, I loved Fake Play!!

Forget the fake dating- I love Michelle’s side characters because the girls are always girl’s girls and her men are green(ish) flags. Mav and Chlo were no exception!

Also, Michelle is funny AF!! I can totally see her books being adapted into a romcom movie.

Rating: 4.5⭐️

[Cara bunnypop_bookstagram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eurgh, chapter 43 broke me. Ugly crying at 1am and it wasn’t even about Chloe and Maverick 😂😭 IYKYK!

I’m a sucker for an Ice Hockey romance, especially a fake dating one! I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute, I’ll definitely be going back to read the first book in this series as well!

I loved how Mav and Chlo both saw each other for who they really were and not the impressions everyone else has of them. You really got the sense of them getting to know each other and understanding what the other was about.

There are some bumps along the way as there always are with these books (I’m looking at you Nathan 😂) but they help the story go where it needs to so we deal with our rage over them 😂

I total adored the OAP friendships with Rosie and William, their characters were so much fun and they also helped the MC’s connect more!
Also Chloe and Savannahs friendship 😍 bonded like sister rather than best friends and that came across really well. I’m looking forward to going back to book one to read Savannahs story.

Thank you to the author for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5

[Janae · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5

I thought this was going to be a cute college hockey romance but it turned out to have so much more depth than that. I loved the character growth between the two and how they rooted for each other. I didn’t expect to sob while reading this!

[Kaity · Rating 5 out of 5]

fake dating perfection <3

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ch 43 absolutely and utterly destroyed me. I wasn’t expecting to bawl my eyes out. I don’t usually cry when reading but dang this got me good.

I loved Mav and Chloe’s story so freaking much! The slow burn of their relationship and chemistry was SO good. I loved the entire storyline and writing just really kept you engaged and loving all of the characters.

𝐼𝒻 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓁𝑜𝓋𝑒…
- Hockey romance
- Fake dating
- Spice
- Banter
- Only one tent
- She’s the only exception
- Sunshine x sunshine

[Mehak Gill Kaur · Rating 1 out of 5]

In the first 10 chapter he‘s already made out with two different girls while also having interest in chloe and the second time he got interrupted if not he would have most likely continued making out with „the most untouchable girl and the most wanted and the most unobtainable girl“ the fuck man

[Katie Vitale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I even begin?!

I'm OBSESSED with Maverick. OBSESSED. The way that this man has layers and the way that Chloe recognizes that what he shows to everyone else and what's actually real...GENIUS.

This is the story of two people who have caved to outside perceptions of who they are and are constantly trying to maintain that image. Then they recognize that and see who the other truly is and LOVE them.

Chloe and Maverick are a slow burn (which I'm usually not a fan of) that is spectacularly written. The relationship and character development is masterfully written.

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️
2.5🌶️

🩵Fake Dating
🩵Only One Tent
🩵Sunshine X Sunshine
🩵College Hockey
🩵Good Girl X Bad Boy
🩵She's the Exception

"𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙨 𝙢𝙚 𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙠𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨, 𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛𝙞𝙨𝙝, 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙞𝙩𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩-𝙥𝙝𝙤𝙗𝙚, 𝙮𝙚𝙩 𝘾𝙝𝙡𝙤𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙩𝙝. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝, 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙣'𝙩 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙉𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙞𝙨 𝙚𝙭𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙡𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙜𝙪𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙠𝙨 𝙄 𝙖𝙢."

I really enjoyed these two. They are much more alike than either of them realizes, and they each push each other to let go of the pressures and labels others have put on them to just do what makes them happiest and most fulfilled. What better partner is there than one who sees beyond all of the masks and assumptions to the person who's been waiting to truly be seen the whole time? 🩵🩵🩵

Michelle is still fantastic at writing extremely relatable FMCs. Chloe is floundering, trying to keep her head above water, constantly trying to make everyone around her happy while never really knowing what that feels like for herself. The things that do make her happy or fill her cup she keeps to herself because she's terrified that someone will tell her that she's no good at them and she shouldn't bother. She's got a "situationship" with an idiot who will never see her worth, but who she keeps convincing herself will someday be ready to commit to her fully, but really she's just been manipulated by a man-child who wants to have his cake and eat it too. The way I see myself in so many of Michelle's characters is jarring and yet healing in the same breath. Knowing I'm not the only one out here dealing with all of this BS is surprisingly comforting.

Enter Maverick, the bad boy everyone thinks is just a pot stirrer, fighter, bad influence but is really the babiest of baby boys for Chloe before he even realizes he is one himself. 😍
He has been underestimated and looked down on for so long, and in comes Chloe who actually sees him for who he is under all of his showmanship, and well he's just done for. Though he doesn't want to admit it, he sure does jump right in and volunteer to be her fake boyfriend in front of her douchey ex real quick... 😏
The way he cares for her and gives her space to exist without any expectations, I just swooned.
"𝙄'𝙫𝙚 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙥𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙮 𝙙𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙄 𝙖𝙢 𝙤𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙪𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙩 𝙥𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙤𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙪𝙢𝙚. 𝙎𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙩, 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝘾𝙝𝙡𝙤𝙚. 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚'𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙣'𝙩 𝙙𝙤. 𝙁𝙤𝙧 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙤𝙣, 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝, 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙄'𝙢 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙈𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙠 𝙞𝙩 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙨 𝙙𝙞𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩. 𝙈𝙖𝙮𝙗𝙚 𝙞𝙩'𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙝𝙚 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙩'𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙡𝙖𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙨 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜-𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙞𝙩𝙡𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙤𝙧 𝙣𝙤𝙩-𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙄 𝙙𝙤𝙣'𝙩 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙞𝙡𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙢𝙮𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛 𝙤𝙧 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙧𝙮 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙛𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙪𝙥 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙝𝙞𝙢. 𝙄𝙩 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙨... 𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙮."

Our favorite characters from book 1 are back and I love the found family with all of the side characters, as well as the references to other Michelle Carrero faves. 😉
The set up for the next couple (I hope) is fantastic and I know I'm going to love them, but I enjoy everything Michelle has written so far, so that's not really a surprise at this point. There is a third act breakup and it is frustrating, but it gets resolved relatively quickly while they also hold each other accountable over it so it could be much worse. I used to be a third act breakup hater, but they are realistic and do happen, so as long as there is communication and nothing fundamentally bad is done to cause the breakup (i.e. cheating) then I can usually look past it and even appreciate it a bit, and the latter is the case here.

This is part of a series but can be read as an interconnected standalone, but one of the things I really enjoy about Michelle's books is the side characters and found family, so I recommend starting from book 1 or going back to it if you're so inclined to get the bigger picture of this group.

*I received an advanced copy of this book from the author and am leaving an honest review.

[We ReadRunTravel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fake Play By Michelle Carrero ARC Review

"Don't fall in love with me" 
"Don't hold your breath"

Fans of FAKE DATING - this is your next read!

Fake Play is the second book in the LCU Hockey Romance series, following sunshine overachiever Chloe and grumpy hockey defender Maverick.  Chloe wears her heart on her sleeve, while Maverick keeps his under lock and key. However Maverick's one soft spot seems to be Chloe as he willingly steps in as Chloe's "boyfriend" to ward off her persistent ex-fling. 

Fake dating quickly turns Maverick into a man obsessed, and Chloe enjoys walking him like a dog - literally- but think less of a golden retriever and more of a rottweiler.

In the midst of all the swoony things Maverick is doing, Chloe makes it her mission to make him see he is worthy of all the love she has to offer. 

Michelle Carrero is the QUEEN of unlikely matches turned soulmates (please see LCU Book 1 & The Whisky and Risky Duology) and our main characters definitely are two opposites attracking. And the attraction is spicy. Chloe and Maverick have amazing chemistry, we may have reread the tie scene more than once. But knowing how much they truly care for each other, no matter how many times they try to convince themselves it is all for show, makes their love story that much sweeter. 

One of the things we love about Michelle is that she can write college age characters with depth and maturity. While readers can still relate to them being young adults struggling with insecurities and planning their future. This isn't your typical college romance - it is an artful balance we appreciate. 

We can never fail to mention our favorite trope; found family and strong friendships. This group of characters are as tight knit as it gets and supportively show up for one another in every way that counts. The particularly touching storyline at the Senior Living Center expands their "family” further and provides some of the story's most impactful moments.  

While we hope this isn't the last we see of our LCU family, we can't wait to see what the extremely talented Michelle Carrero does next. 

PS - being mentioned in the acknowledgments of this book was probably the coolest thing that has ever happened to us!

4.5 ⭐️
2 🌶️

📖Fake Dating
☀️Grumpy Sunshine
🏕️Only One Tent
💪They Fight For Each Other
😎Bad Boy to Down Bad
🏒Hockey Romance

[Chantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

out today so go binge the series 👊🏼😜

this series and michelle writing is soooo GOOD, i loved hidden goal, i loved noah and savvy but i knew once i locked on maverick i was gonna LOVE HIS BOOK and michelle DELIVERED ONCE AGAIN.

this is the second book to the LCU (Linden Creek University), it follows Maverick Hall who is best friends with Noah Kingston (hidden goal) & Chloe Cooper who is best friends with Savannah (hidden goal). i love a series where the best friend gets with the other best friend 😜

Maverick is a hockey player “obviously” who is labeled as a player, hotheaded doesn’t do relationships and all that and people just loveee to talk about him, while Chloe is the girl who gets everything done she doesn’t like breaking the rules, she basically the girl who can do anything and can do no wrong the goody good. all of sudden their faking a relationship with rules, but things starts to get interesting .. 🤔

honesty this book is my favorite book out of all Michelle books she written and don’t get me wrong all her books are PHENOMENAL!! her characters are so easy to love and to read about, her MMC are easy to SWOON TOO, her FMC are SASSY BADASSES, you get attached to them so quickly and there’s no way you wanna put the book down once your start reading bc her writing is just so addicting.

i can’t believe i finished this book less then 24 hours and i can’t stop thinking about them i honestly love them soOo much, this book literally was full of swooning, laughs, and even tears?? who ever thought 😭 all i know is i can’t wait to reread this again. and if you thought i was obsessed with Rory Milller from Fake Out, you thought wrong bc Maverick tops himm 🫣😜

pls make this your sign to start her reading her books, you won’t regret it!

thank you Michelle for giving me the chance to read your books ealry, i will always be greatful to have stumble upon you and your work, thanks for giving me another home to come home too. 💗💗💗

[Rachel Nahabedian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: Loved It

🏒Fake dating
💙 Sunshine x sunshine
🏒 Slow burn with spice
🩵 Only one tent
🏒 She’s the exception
💙He crawls to her
🏒She sees the real him
🩵He sends her her horoscope daily
🏒Tired, overachieving FMC
💙She wears his jersey
🏒He falls first
🩵She falls harder

This book kind of took me by surprise. I went in expecting a light, cutesy fake-dating, college hockey romance (which it is), but it ended up having way more depth than I anticipated.

The side characters were a huge highlight for me. Rosie and William especially. I’m such a sucker for grandparent figures and meddling older characters. Chapter 43 really, truly, honestly...broke me. And Savannah?? Elite best friend energy. I’m already halfway in love with her and definitely need to go back and read her story in book one.

What really stood out to me was how Chloe and Maverick both hide who they truly are not by lying, but by just…not correcting people’s assumptions. That hit. It’s honestly easier to live up to expectations (even wrong ones) than to try and change how people see you. Once people decide who they think you are, it’s hard to shift that. But with each other? They see through it all. They recognize the real person underneath and show each other that they’re worthy, lovable, and deserving of happiness and sunshine.

There were a few moments later in the book that genuinely hit me right in the chest. And somehow, miracle of miracles, I survived the slow burn. The angst, the teasing, the waiting…it took forever for them to finally get there, but that edging made it so worth it (even if it hurt along the way).

And I’ll just end with this: Eff Nathan. I will never look at that name the same again. IYKYK

Thank you, Michell for the ARC.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely ate this up!! Hockey romance is my favorite sport to read about, fake dating is my favorite trope, and Michelle just knocked this one out of the park.

I love the connection that Chloe and Maverick have. Not only is their chemistry off the charts, but their emotional connection is deep and meaningful. People have their own perception of them, but they see one another for who they really are. As their connection grows, they become more vulnerable with one another; it's so beautiful.

I truly appreciate the slow burn of the story. It allowed time for Chloe and Maverick to build a solid foundation of friendship and trust. It's also so delicious to read characters who are so obviously into one another but they fight their feelings!

The friendships woven throughout the story was so special. Chloe and Sav are true ride or dies. Maverick and the boys are bros for life. But the friendships Chloe and Mav have with Rosie and William just leveled everything up. The moments they spent together connecting and also learning from their elders made me tear up so many times.

And lastly, Chloe's growth from start to finish was the cherry on top. She goes from timid pushover to standing up for what's right and finally making decisions for herself in a way thats so badass and had me clapping for her!

Thisnis more than a spicy little college hockey romance. It's a beautiful story written with emotional depth and layered characters that you'll connect with on a deep level.

Thank you Michelle for the ARC copy, and happiest release day!!

Everyone, go add this to your TBR and download on kindle now!

Fake dating
Sunshine × Sunshine
Good girl × "bad boy"
She's the exception
Hockey romance

Spice: 3/5

First person
Dual POV
*book 2/interconnected series

[Bells · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Whatever stars you're under, that's where I belong.”

Andwaeeeeee I’m officially cursed with b2b slow burn romances 😭 especially when I’m already in a slow burn slump. Chloe is the ultimate overachiever sunshine juggling everything except the one thing she actually wants. She keeps peeling pieces of herself away just to be chosen for who she is… only to end up fake dating another sunshine hockey player who hides his real self behind the “bad boy who doesn’t date” persona. Maverick? I loved him. The yearning. The fact that he fell first and she fell harder. The way he notices every little thing about her 🥹 and the lines slowly start to blur. She’s so selfless with everyone else but completely blind when the truth is right there. It took her nearly 60% to accept she was never going to be “the chosen” and from the start I just wanted to smack her because girl… you already knew the answer 😭

That’s honestly why it wasn’t a 5 ⭐️ read for me, even though their chemistry was cute AF. And then came the third-act breakup… over miscommunication… when they had barely even started dating for real 😣 Like I said, they’re both selfless in different ways. One keeps stretching herself past the limit while the other walks away thinking he’s protecting everyone. The spice was also pretty low for me and felt a bit rushed when it finally happened, which surprised me because the tension buildup had so much potential. I did love that she finally fought for them, and the ending was satisfying. And I can totally smell what book 3 is cooking 👀 teacher x hockey player? surprise baby? single mom?

PS: I genuinely wanted to kill Nathan 😤 he reminded me way too much of my jerk ex 🤬

This is my honest opinion for the ARC I received. Thank you Michelle for the opportunity.

[Jen Bean · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I loved about Fake Play: I love a good fake dating scenario, and Michelle did an awesome job with it! The fact that there was already some familiarity and tension between Chloe and Maverick make the fake relationship seem more realistic. Also, can we talk about the contrast between Nathan and Maverick?! (If you’ve never been entangled with a Nathan, consider yourself lucky 😂) Even before he and Chloe acknowledged their feelings for each other, Maverick treated her with consideration and respect, and that’s something everyone deserves. Perhaps my favorite part of Fake Play is the emphasis on how volunteering with elderly people helped Chloe (and the reader!) see who Maverick truly is—funny, charming, and a man who keeps his promises.

What didn’t work for me: I wasn’t into the third act breakup, but that’s a general dislike for that trope and not a specific criticism of Fake Play. I do think the author handled it well; Chloe addressed it quickly, and I loved how we got to see her stand up for herself and pursue something solely because she wanted to. There is some spice in Fake Play, but I think you could skip it and not lose anything important. Also, a side character dies (not on page) and I got more emotional about it than I thought I would, but tbh that has a lot more to do with me than with the book.

[Florencia Candela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has my heart and I can't wait for everyone to read this one
I was so excited for Fake Play because I LOVED Hidden Goal and I didn't know how Michelle could top that but she did!! 5 ⭐ doesn't seem enough for all the feelings this book put me through!
Maverick and Chloe had insane chemistry and banter but what I really enjoyed about them was their vulnerability. The honesty which they carried themselves with made my heart weak. As individuals, they were endearing, captivating and such enjoyable characters. As a couple, they were full of life and their connection was undeniable, they became easily one of my favourite hockey couples.
Their book was filled with laughter, honest conversations, banter, spice and some heartbreaking moments but I enjoyed every page in their story. They were both brave and inspiring, they are for those who are ready to take that step in life to become who they want to be and not who everyone thinks they should be.
Thank you so much Michelle for this ARC, Hidden Goal and Fake Play are a must read for me when it comes to hockey romances and I'm so grateful for this chance 🫶🏻🏒🩵

[Taylor Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️

Chloe is the girl that has her hand and everything and she’s always good at it but she doesn’t know what she wants. She’s being loyal to a guy for years who has only ever used her for a hook up and she thinks if she keeps waiting for him. He’ll eventually pick her. Maverick is a star hockey player who sleeps with every girl under the sun and doesn’t do relationships. He’s the bad boy of hockey or at least that’s what he portrayed everyone. When he keeps seeing this guy, Nathan hurt close feelings he tells Nathan at a party that him and Chloe are now dating. Now in a fake dating situation they start hanging out more playing along everywhere. I loved Maverick and Chloe. They both had good personalities. I loved the little side plot of them volunteering at the nursing home together. I even teared up when Willie passed away. I think both characters go a lot in this book and they brought out the best in each other. They always sell each other for who they were from the very beginning. I love the relationship. the spice was good and I think I might’ve liked this one better than the first one.

[Nina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chloe is the kind of person who’s good at everything .. and I mean everything. She always seems so put together, like her life is completely perfect, but that doesn’t mean she isn’t bottling things up. And of course, it all comes spilling out one night when she’s drunk and to the last person you’d expect: Maverick, the bad boy hockey player. Turns out, though, she’s not the only one hiding parts of herself. Next thing you know, they’re fake dating ….. or at least that’s what they keep telling themselves.

I swear I say this every time, but I just love how Michelle writes her characters. They feel so real, especially the FMCs. There were so many moments where I caught myself thinking, “I know that feeling,” especially with everything Chloe was going through in her situationship. And Maverick? He was exactly what she needed but honestly, she was exactly what he needed too. They balanced each other so naturally, it didn’t even feel forced. Also, I loved getting more of the friend group and seeing how much they genuinely care about each other. 🥹

[Megan Buchholz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel so lucky to have discovered Michelle Carrero — she’s one of those authors who just gets it. Her writing flows so effortlessly, making her stories easy to fall into, and her characters? Impossible not to love. Her MMCs will have you swooning, and her FMCs are strong, real, and so easy to root for. She keeps things simple in the best way—no unnecessary fluff, just heartfelt, engaging storytelling.

Fake Play was an ARC read for me, releasing April 16, and it’s an easy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. I was hooked from the very first chapter and genuinely couldn’t put it down.

This story follows Maverick Hall, an all-star hockey player at Linden Creek University (and best friend to Noah Kingston from 𝘏𝘪𝘥𝘥𝘦𝘯 𝘎𝘰𝘢𝘭), who’s headed to go pro next year, and Chloe Cooper, Savannah’s best friend. What starts as a fake dating situation to make an ex jealous quickly turns into something deeper—and I loved every second of it.

Sweet, addictive, and full of heart—this is one I won’t be forgetting anytime soon 🤍

[JJ Jofalltrades31 · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️

Wow wow wow. This was a freaking fantastic read!

It’s the next day after I finished it and I definitely have a book hangover.

These characters, their love and connection felt so nostalgic to me.

Watching their relationship blossom was like finding your forever someone all over again. I think or at least I hope everyone experiences a love in life where they take you as you are and accept all the parts of you, even the ones you may hide from others.

Mav and Chlo did exactly that for each other, they slowly revealed bits and pieces they held back from others as they fell in love, and it was so freaking cute to read. I felt giddy the whole time.

And the fireworks that went off when they finally gave into their chemistry made the slow burn well worth it.

Their volunteer time spent at the elderly home really pulled at my heartstrings and I love that part of the storyline.

Huge fan of Michelle’s writing and I am thankful for the ARC!

[Vana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute story. I liked the characters well enough. They both have issues with other peoples perception of them and knowing their self worth.

To me, this was a medium paced story. I didn’t feel like it dragged. And it definitely wasn’t an instalove story. It was borderline slow burn to me.
The reason for the third act breakup sort of bugged me. But the breakup didn’t last too too long. I’ve read stories where that breakup was just dragged out and it killed me. This one didn’t kill me 😂.

So yea, this book was enjoyable enough for me. It wasn’t life altering or changing my brain chemistry or anything like that. It wasn’t a challenging read, which I liked.

I’d give it 3.75 stars.
I didn’t dislike it and it wasn’t like I struggled to read it but I wasn’t raving crazy obsessed over it.

As for spice. It’s low on the spice scale to me. Maybe like a 🌶️🌶️ rating. There were a few spicy scenes.

[Nat’s Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75/5 ⭐️

Butterfly. Butterfly. Butterfly!! I’m in love with this story! Maverick and Chloe’s relationship had be devouring this book so fast. I love how Maverick is the bad boy on the outside but is actually a golden retriever on the inside. He was such an intriguing character and I adored how he interacted with Chloe. She had so much growth and it was great to see and feel like you were a part of it.

The side characters were amazing! I loved Rosie and William the most. They had such different personalities but were the best of friends. Not to mention they also gave the best advice.

I would highly recommend this book to those that like a fake dating romance, a sports romance, and lots of playful banter!

Thank you to the author for letting me be part of this ARC! Please note all reviews are my honest and unbiased opinion.

[Anna ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

*book edit will be posted on instagram on release day!!*

Rating: 5☆
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️.5
Pub: April 16, 2026

🦋 Fake dating
🏒 Hockey romance
⛺️ Only one tent
☀️ Sunshine x Sunshine

thank you to Michelle Carrero for this ARC!

i absolutely loved this story, everything about it, especially the way it had me balling my eyes out at one point.

Maverick and Chloe’s relationship is one that I’ll cherish forever. They were both viewed as people they didn’t relate to, but also didn’t want to let the real world see who they really were. Mav is a hockey player, on his way to the NHL. Chloe is just going through the motions in college, but won’t go after what she truly wants. Watching them open up to one another, when it was terrifying for them, made my heart so happy.

My favorite aspect of this book was where Maverick and Chloe were volunteering. I could see how much of an impact Rosie and William had on them. 🥹

[Mona M · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW let’s get into it :)

First of all 5 ⭐️ immediately

What I thought what was going to be a cute fake dating book (which it was) was so much more :))

Add this to your list, I need to go back and read the first one and honestly with this group I want more

Maverick quickly became my fave guy in the series and when I go back and read the first one I honestly think it’ll stay that way. Him and Chloe were so cute together and I want to see more of them.

Chloe has a huge heart and it was so great to see her become even more confident throughout the book!


Quotes:

"I bet wearing my jersey doesn't sound like such a bad idea now, huh?"

"You think I'm cute?"
"I think you're cocky."

"Is it bad?"
"No. It's just not you."

[Priri.Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

thankyou michelle carrero for the ARC
I loved this book so much. First of all i loved diving back into the LCU world and seeing Savannah and Noah being all mushy with each other. Chloe and Maverick were so cute, and honestly, who isn't a sucker for a fake dating trope? There is so much of these characters that is hidden, but i loved how both of them understood each other's hidden parts. These two really got each other in such an intimate way.
Also, I cannot believe this book made me cry, but I was actually teary-eyed for Willie and his wife Anne. Honestly, I'd read their book.
If you love hockey romance, college romance, found family vibes, and fake dating, then this is the perfect book for you.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much Michelle Carrero for this ARC!!

I’m a huge fan of the fake dating trope and hockey, so when I saw this book had both, I knew I was definitely going to read it. I just wasn’t prepared for how much I would love this book and I definitely wasn’t planning on crying like a baby while reading it😭… looking at you, chapter 43 ☹️😭

I loved both MCs and how they were able to truly see each other instead of making assumptions like everyone else. The author did an amazing job writing their relationship and letting it grow naturally without feeling forced, even with the fake dating trope. I’ll also definitely be going back to read book one! 💕✨

Add this to your TBR! You don’t want to miss out on reading such a great book! 📚🫶🏻

[Anna Autero · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of Fake Play by Michelle Carrero. This was such a great read and I couldn’t put it down. I have been anticipating this book since the set up for Chloe and Maverick at the end of Hidden Goal, and this book did not disappoint. I loved both MMCs and their effortless relationship. The slow burning tension was coming off the pages and kept me engaged, dying for them to finally come together. The way they really saw each other for who they are and with ease made it impossible not to root for them. I absolutely loved this book and cannot wait to see what happens with this group next.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stumbled across the first book in this series during a massive reading slump—and it did more than just pull me out of it. My first experience with Michelle Carrero’s writing instantly became a 5-star read, and I instantly needed more.

Getting an ARC of Fake Play felt like the best kind of luck—and it did not disappoint.
This story follows Maverick Hall and Chloe Cooper as they fake a relationship that quickly starts to feel very real. Maverick is everything—golden retriever energy with just enough depth to make you fall a little harder for him. And Chloe? So painfully relatable. That feeling of choosing someone who doesn’t choose you, of questioning your worth—it hits, and it’s real. Watching Maverick try to show her just how worthy she is? Easily one of my favorite parts.

The tension, the banter, the little glimpses of characters from book one—I loved every second. I absolutely flew through this book, and now my only complaint is not having the next one in my hands already.

Huge thank you to the author for the ARC—this was everything I hoped for and more. I can

[Mckenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first time reading this author and I did enjoy her work!

I loved that Chole and Maverick saw each other for who they really were and not the impressions everyone else had for them. You really get a great idea of them getting to know each other and truly understand one another.

Chloe and Maverick have insane chemistry and are just filled with so much banter! But they also show a lot of vulnerability and I enjoyed that as well. Maverick is a really intriguing character and he interacted so well with Chole. I adored all the little moments where he would focus on the conversation and see how she took things and use that to better understand her.

[Tiffany Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhh!!! I LOVE Maverick and Chloe sooo much!! The way they both saw each other for who they really were was amazing. Mav is literally the sweetest mmc, and Chloe is perfect for him. The side characters were all great except Nathan (you know what you did). I was not expecting to cry while reading this book, but I did. I will definitely be reading Noah and Sav's book now, and I really really hope Silas will get his book!
Thank you to Michelle Carrero for the ARC! I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.