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Cedar Vale Chronicles #1
Faking It Next Door
Welcome to Cedar Where the nights are long, the gossip's longer, and every heart has a story.
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286 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 20, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews
May 21, 2026
Faking It Next Door is everything I love about small-town, why choose, romcoms! This book was an adorable and fun read. It is book 1 in Cedar Vale Chronicles series and I can already tell this is a series I am going to love! This book has laugh out loud moments, spice that we love to read, an antagonist that does his job well, second chances, fake dating, and an HEA I very much enjoyed!
After being away for 3 years, Annika returns home to a small town in Arizona from Italy after leaving her long term boyfriend. Upon returning home she encounters not only a feral raccoon that inhabits her grandmother's bookstore that she has taken over but the 3 guys she left behind all those years ago and an ex that flew into town refusing to give her up. This leads to her entering into a fake dating situation with all 3 men from her past. Things run a little differently in Cedar Vale where depending on which side of the small town you grew up in, poly relationships are the normal and are accepted and embraced. But to an ex with something to prove, that doesn't go over as well. Add to that the small town gossip site and you have an amazing story and a lot of laughs! I definitely recommend this book for a fun and enjoyable read!
After being away for 3 years, Annika returns home to a small town in Arizona from Italy after leaving her long term boyfriend. Upon returning home she encounters not only a feral raccoon that inhabits her grandmother's bookstore that she has taken over but the 3 guys she left behind all those years ago and an ex that flew into town refusing to give her up. This leads to her entering into a fake dating situation with all 3 men from her past. Things run a little differently in Cedar Vale where depending on which side of the small town you grew up in, poly relationships are the normal and are accepted and embraced. But to an ex with something to prove, that doesn't go over as well. Add to that the small town gossip site and you have an amazing story and a lot of laughs! I definitely recommend this book for a fun and enjoyable read!
July 29, 2026
Thank you Sinclair Kelly and Peachy Keen for the GIFTED ARC of Faking it Next Door.
This fake dating, why choose romance was full of quirky small-town characters, cute shops and a pet raccoon named Hemingway who stole my heart.
This book had great banter and tension. I loved the friendship the guys share and the fun and quirky history of the town. They are DOWN BADDDD and I’m here for it! All the shops had such fun names and the small-town gossip site was cracking me up.
I'll be using the term "ex-hole" from now on when referring to a terrible ex, so thank you for that 🤣
This was a fun read. I'll never say no to the fake dating trope and I love a why-choose.
This fake dating, why choose romance was full of quirky small-town characters, cute shops and a pet raccoon named Hemingway who stole my heart.
This book had great banter and tension. I loved the friendship the guys share and the fun and quirky history of the town. They are DOWN BADDDD and I’m here for it! All the shops had such fun names and the small-town gossip site was cracking me up.
I'll be using the term "ex-hole" from now on when referring to a terrible ex, so thank you for that 🤣
This was a fun read. I'll never say no to the fake dating trope and I love a why-choose.
May 22, 2026
4.4 stars.
June 27, 2026
Small town, why-choose perfection 😍
You guys. YOU GUYYYYSSSS!!! I’ve read several of Sinclair Kelly’s omegaverse books and they always have me in a chokehold, and her newest contemporary why choose novel is 100% on the same level.
Right off the bat we have all the hallmarks of an excellent second-chance, small town why-choose. Our FMC Annika is coming home from a long stay overseas and a bad breakup with a persistent ex-hole to take over her grandmothers book shop. Our MMCs, Besties Owen, Carson, and Roscoe have been holding a torch for her since high school despite her declaring them her “enemies” after a terrible miscommunication their freshman year. Annika runs into Owen at the exact moment her psycho ex shows up and thus our fake dating trope is born.
I’m a sucker for fake dating and this is no exception 🙏 I loved the way their relationship evolved, and each interaction felt less like “oh we’re doing this because he’s watching” and more like “we’re finding our way back to each other” 💕 The second chance vibes were strong with this one but not in a cringe way, more like a this was always meant to be way.
My absolute favorite part of this story (besides the romance obvs) was the amazing small town lore. The giant bulletin board in town that broadcasts gossip, the nosy old lady feuding publicly with town council, the poly side of town and the monogamous side of town, it was all done so well and made me laugh out loud more often than not 😂
While I’m sad to be leaving Annika and her guys in this book I cannot wait to see what the rest of the series brings (cause I KNOW Dre, Tennyson and Banks are gonna bring the heat too 🫠)
You guys. YOU GUYYYYSSSS!!! I’ve read several of Sinclair Kelly’s omegaverse books and they always have me in a chokehold, and her newest contemporary why choose novel is 100% on the same level.
Right off the bat we have all the hallmarks of an excellent second-chance, small town why-choose. Our FMC Annika is coming home from a long stay overseas and a bad breakup with a persistent ex-hole to take over her grandmothers book shop. Our MMCs, Besties Owen, Carson, and Roscoe have been holding a torch for her since high school despite her declaring them her “enemies” after a terrible miscommunication their freshman year. Annika runs into Owen at the exact moment her psycho ex shows up and thus our fake dating trope is born.
I’m a sucker for fake dating and this is no exception 🙏 I loved the way their relationship evolved, and each interaction felt less like “oh we’re doing this because he’s watching” and more like “we’re finding our way back to each other” 💕 The second chance vibes were strong with this one but not in a cringe way, more like a this was always meant to be way.
My absolute favorite part of this story (besides the romance obvs) was the amazing small town lore. The giant bulletin board in town that broadcasts gossip, the nosy old lady feuding publicly with town council, the poly side of town and the monogamous side of town, it was all done so well and made me laugh out loud more often than not 😂
While I’m sad to be leaving Annika and her guys in this book I cannot wait to see what the rest of the series brings (cause I KNOW Dre, Tennyson and Banks are gonna bring the heat too 🫠)
May 17, 2026
After being in Italy for the past few years, Annika’s back in Cedar Vale, Arizona helping her grandmother run her bookstore, while living in the apartment above the store and next door to her old high school nemesis, Owen Maddox.
And as much as she didn’t want to run into Owen again, she wants to run into her ex, Frederick, even less. So, when he randomly shows up, Owen steps in as her fake boyfriend to hopefully drive the message home that she’s not going back to Frederick.
Sadly, he can’t seem to get it through his head and keeps showing up and each time, one of Owen’s best friends, Roscoe and Carson, step in and claim they’re dating Annika.
Owen, Carson and Roscoe have been best friends for years and have been in love with Annika since they were teenagers and now that she’s back in town, they find this their second chance to finally be with her.
I loved the chemistry between Annika, Carson, Owen and Roscoe and their shared history. I thought the guys were sweet, fun and caring, but are so protective of Annika.
I liked that there wasn’t major conflicts or suspense, sometimes I just want to sweet and to the point romance with a perfect amount of spice and dirty talking and this book was it!
Cedar Vale is a small, quirky town with amazing secondary characters and fun a community gossip site, The Grapevine Gossip, that’s run by an older woman named Gertie.
I could see the potential why-choose relationships building and I can’t wait for more of this series!
And as much as she didn’t want to run into Owen again, she wants to run into her ex, Frederick, even less. So, when he randomly shows up, Owen steps in as her fake boyfriend to hopefully drive the message home that she’s not going back to Frederick.
Sadly, he can’t seem to get it through his head and keeps showing up and each time, one of Owen’s best friends, Roscoe and Carson, step in and claim they’re dating Annika.
Owen, Carson and Roscoe have been best friends for years and have been in love with Annika since they were teenagers and now that she’s back in town, they find this their second chance to finally be with her.
I loved the chemistry between Annika, Carson, Owen and Roscoe and their shared history. I thought the guys were sweet, fun and caring, but are so protective of Annika.
I liked that there wasn’t major conflicts or suspense, sometimes I just want to sweet and to the point romance with a perfect amount of spice and dirty talking and this book was it!
Cedar Vale is a small, quirky town with amazing secondary characters and fun a community gossip site, The Grapevine Gossip, that’s run by an older woman named Gertie.
I could see the potential why-choose relationships building and I can’t wait for more of this series!
May 20, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶🌶
This one hooked me from it's dedication and didn't let me go! I loved this quirky little town from Hemingway the raccoon, FAFO crossing (the only street light in town), and the east vs west. One side being traditional, while the other fully embraces poly relationships and the pranks these groups play on one another. This is a small town that thrives on gossip, so much so that they have an app, where it's posted regularly, The Grapevine, and a digital board in town 😂
Nik finds herself to be a part of the gossip daily, especially once she's seen to be with all three men that were once her sworn enemies.
Annika moves back to her small town of Cedar Vale, a quirky little town, after breaking up with her ex-hole Frederick. Once there, she is reunited with the boys that she once loved and currently hate due to a misunderstanding in high school. The boys Owen, Carson, and Roscoe all pretend to be her fake boyfriends to keep her ex away from her. Along the way, Nik realizes that she still loves them and wants to be with them.
📚 Enemies to Lovers
🏈 Fake Dating
📚 Forced Proximity
🏈 Why Choose
This one hooked me from it's dedication and didn't let me go! I loved this quirky little town from Hemingway the raccoon, FAFO crossing (the only street light in town), and the east vs west. One side being traditional, while the other fully embraces poly relationships and the pranks these groups play on one another. This is a small town that thrives on gossip, so much so that they have an app, where it's posted regularly, The Grapevine, and a digital board in town 😂
Nik finds herself to be a part of the gossip daily, especially once she's seen to be with all three men that were once her sworn enemies.
Annika moves back to her small town of Cedar Vale, a quirky little town, after breaking up with her ex-hole Frederick. Once there, she is reunited with the boys that she once loved and currently hate due to a misunderstanding in high school. The boys Owen, Carson, and Roscoe all pretend to be her fake boyfriends to keep her ex away from her. Along the way, Nik realizes that she still loves them and wants to be with them.
📚 Enemies to Lovers
🏈 Fake Dating
📚 Forced Proximity
🏈 Why Choose
May 25, 2026
This is a very fun, low angst, rom com read. I really enjoy reading Sinclair Kelly’s writing. I find it to be a really nice pace and I think she writes really fun and feisty FMCs really well. There is some really fun banter and cute romcom moments that I really enjoyed!
I liked the FMC a lot. Her character feels well thought-out and unique. Her quirks are adorable and I really appreciated that.
This book spends a long time rehashing a high school grudge. This is not my favorite. It makes the characters feel kind of juvenile. I enjoyed the story much more once the characters moved past that hurdle.
What’s Inside
❤️ Reverse harem
❤️ MFMM
❤️ Small Town Romance
❤️ Second Chance Romance
❤️ Feisty FMC
❤️ Fake Dating
Faking it Next Door by Sinclair Kelly, book One of the Cedar Vale Chronicles. I’m looking forward to the rest of the series!
I was gifted a copy of this book by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you!
I liked the FMC a lot. Her character feels well thought-out and unique. Her quirks are adorable and I really appreciated that.
This book spends a long time rehashing a high school grudge. This is not my favorite. It makes the characters feel kind of juvenile. I enjoyed the story much more once the characters moved past that hurdle.
What’s Inside
❤️ Reverse harem
❤️ MFMM
❤️ Small Town Romance
❤️ Second Chance Romance
❤️ Feisty FMC
❤️ Fake Dating
Faking it Next Door by Sinclair Kelly, book One of the Cedar Vale Chronicles. I’m looking forward to the rest of the series!
I was gifted a copy of this book by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you!
May 27, 2026
Sinclair Kelly is one of my go-tos for OV books. This one isn’t OV but I loved it all the same!
Cedar Vale seems like my kind of place to live 😂
I’m usually not a fan of the miscommunication trope but it minimal in this one and each time it was resolved rather quickly on page 🩷
Annika’s not so inner monologues were absolutely hilarious! And let’s not forget Gertie’s shenanigans 😂
This is off course a why choose novel where all the attention is on our FMC.
Her three men, Roscoe, Owen and Carson are so dam swoon worthy! And their years long pinning for the girl that got away definitely has the sympathy flowing.
We’ve got some ex-hole drama thrown in there as well as a little bit of angst.
The best thing about this was the humor. I literally laughed out loud multiple times while reading this one 🩷
The only reason this one only got 4 stars ⭐️ from me was because of the predictably of Annika’s actions once the ex-hole got into her head 😏
Other than that I throughout enjoyed this one!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️📚 overall story
🌶️🌶️🌶️ spice level
1st person POV
Multiple POVs
Cedar Vale seems like my kind of place to live 😂
I’m usually not a fan of the miscommunication trope but it minimal in this one and each time it was resolved rather quickly on page 🩷
Annika’s not so inner monologues were absolutely hilarious! And let’s not forget Gertie’s shenanigans 😂
This is off course a why choose novel where all the attention is on our FMC.
Her three men, Roscoe, Owen and Carson are so dam swoon worthy! And their years long pinning for the girl that got away definitely has the sympathy flowing.
We’ve got some ex-hole drama thrown in there as well as a little bit of angst.
The best thing about this was the humor. I literally laughed out loud multiple times while reading this one 🩷
The only reason this one only got 4 stars ⭐️ from me was because of the predictably of Annika’s actions once the ex-hole got into her head 😏
Other than that I throughout enjoyed this one!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️📚 overall story
🌶️🌶️🌶️ spice level
1st person POV
Multiple POVs
May 26, 2026
I’m a big fan of standalone why-choose romances and this one was super cute.
The story follows Annika as she returns to her small hometown after a breakup. Upon her return, she stumbles into her three once friends- turned enemies from high school, football stars Owen, Carson, and Roscoe. Once her creepy ex pops up in town hoping to win Annika back, the three men decide to fake-date Annika in order to get the ex to leave.
The story is very sweet. I thought all characters were extremely likable. I love the quirky FMC and the MMCs are all genuinely nice guys and are willing to do anything for Annika. I’m also a giant fan of any story with a fun animal sidekick and the raccoon that lives in the bookshop, Hemingway, was my instant favorite.
If you’re looking for a short read with good why-choose spice, a cast of endearing characters, and a super cute HEA, definitely give this book a try.
This book is available on Kindle Unlimited.
Thank you to Sinclair Kelly and Peachy Keen for the ARC in exchange for my honest feedback. 🩷
The story follows Annika as she returns to her small hometown after a breakup. Upon her return, she stumbles into her three once friends- turned enemies from high school, football stars Owen, Carson, and Roscoe. Once her creepy ex pops up in town hoping to win Annika back, the three men decide to fake-date Annika in order to get the ex to leave.
The story is very sweet. I thought all characters were extremely likable. I love the quirky FMC and the MMCs are all genuinely nice guys and are willing to do anything for Annika. I’m also a giant fan of any story with a fun animal sidekick and the raccoon that lives in the bookshop, Hemingway, was my instant favorite.
If you’re looking for a short read with good why-choose spice, a cast of endearing characters, and a super cute HEA, definitely give this book a try.
This book is available on Kindle Unlimited.
Thank you to Sinclair Kelly and Peachy Keen for the ARC in exchange for my honest feedback. 🩷
May 23, 2026
I’m giving it a little bit of a reluctant 4 ⭐️
Don’t get me wrong. It was super cute for a romcom. It had lots of great humor and very likable characters. It had a super cute town and fun and silly secondary characters, let’s not forget a fucking raccoon named Hemingway. It had all the ingredients you would need for a good why- choose romcom.
But the reason I took off a point was mostly because outside of the humor and the likable characters I feel like the story itself wasn’t really engaging and I feel like it also was really slow. And then, of course we had the dreaded an outdated third act break up. Why do author still do this in 2026? They all know we as a reader hate it and think it’s the stupidest shit ever. Because they always, and I mean always break up for the dumbest fucking reason ever. It’s usually miscommunication and that was the case in this story also.
The third act break up in this book was so dumb so out of nowhere and really infuriating that it kind of tainted it a bit for me.
But other than that, it was a very likable book and I would still recommend it.
Don’t get me wrong. It was super cute for a romcom. It had lots of great humor and very likable characters. It had a super cute town and fun and silly secondary characters, let’s not forget a fucking raccoon named Hemingway. It had all the ingredients you would need for a good why- choose romcom.
But the reason I took off a point was mostly because outside of the humor and the likable characters I feel like the story itself wasn’t really engaging and I feel like it also was really slow. And then, of course we had the dreaded an outdated third act break up. Why do author still do this in 2026? They all know we as a reader hate it and think it’s the stupidest shit ever. Because they always, and I mean always break up for the dumbest fucking reason ever. It’s usually miscommunication and that was the case in this story also.
The third act break up in this book was so dumb so out of nowhere and really infuriating that it kind of tainted it a bit for me.
But other than that, it was a very likable book and I would still recommend it.
May 31, 2026
If you are looking for a small town, why choose, romcom- This one’s for you!!
This book was so fun! I love the guys down bad. Carson, Roscoe, and Owen are so obsessed with Annika. I live for that!! The enemies to lovers, the banter, it was all perfect.
I can’t wait to see what else is in store for this series!
This book was so fun! I love the guys down bad. Carson, Roscoe, and Owen are so obsessed with Annika. I live for that!! The enemies to lovers, the banter, it was all perfect.
I can’t wait to see what else is in store for this series!
May 31, 2026
ARC Review
I want to start off by saying I read a LOT of why choose but tend to read it when combined with the dark romance genre, so maybe don’t take this as gospel.
I thought this book was extremely cute. I really liked the small town bookstore owner vibes and I thought the guys were all really cute. I liked the instant love and care they wanted to show her the second she came back to town. No crazy tropes that make you want to pull your hair out, although I did throw a girl are we serious out once at the end.
Was this book cute? Yes. Was this book my favorite? Not particularly but I also didn’t not enjoy it. I think I truly have to be in the mood for light and fluffy and wasn’t so it took me wayyy longer than usual to finish reading. Honestly 3 stars is probably more of a me problem than the actual book if that’s helpful for anyone!
You may enjoy if you like these tropes:
- small town bookstore owner
- why choose
- raccoon friends
- second chance
- mmc’s are still obsessed with her
I want to start off by saying I read a LOT of why choose but tend to read it when combined with the dark romance genre, so maybe don’t take this as gospel.
I thought this book was extremely cute. I really liked the small town bookstore owner vibes and I thought the guys were all really cute. I liked the instant love and care they wanted to show her the second she came back to town. No crazy tropes that make you want to pull your hair out, although I did throw a girl are we serious out once at the end.
Was this book cute? Yes. Was this book my favorite? Not particularly but I also didn’t not enjoy it. I think I truly have to be in the mood for light and fluffy and wasn’t so it took me wayyy longer than usual to finish reading. Honestly 3 stars is probably more of a me problem than the actual book if that’s helpful for anyone!
You may enjoy if you like these tropes:
- small town bookstore owner
- why choose
- raccoon friends
- second chance
- mmc’s are still obsessed with her
June 19, 2026
This was just spicy fun times. Small town why choose romance. Devoured this book in a day. It's by no means a literary masterpiece but it had me giggling kicking my feet all the same. Perfect summer read! 🏖️
May 21, 2026
Cute story with little depth
This is a short and cute story. It's simple without getting into anything deep. This is a good paper cleanser read.
I will say that racoon cracked me up. He was my favorite character. We didn't really get to know much about any if the men but their devotion to the FMC was always obvious.
Gerti and her shenanigans were very entertaining. I'd love to read more of her posts. The ending with her was fantastic.
I did absolutely love that entire last scene. I laughed out loud when he was being removed from the premises. It was a loud snort laugh that made my husband give me that are you okay over there look which made it even funnier.
I also felt like the characters ages felt like they should gave been older in some places and younger in others so it was kind of hard to picture these early 20s guys in this situation.
It wasn't a bad book it just needed more to get a higher rating. I probably wouldn't reread it either well except maybe the end. LOL
This is a short and cute story. It's simple without getting into anything deep. This is a good paper cleanser read.
I will say that racoon cracked me up. He was my favorite character. We didn't really get to know much about any if the men but their devotion to the FMC was always obvious.
Gerti and her shenanigans were very entertaining. I'd love to read more of her posts. The ending with her was fantastic.
I did absolutely love that entire last scene. I laughed out loud when he was being removed from the premises. It was a loud snort laugh that made my husband give me that are you okay over there look which made it even funnier.
I also felt like the characters ages felt like they should gave been older in some places and younger in others so it was kind of hard to picture these early 20s guys in this situation.
It wasn't a bad book it just needed more to get a higher rating. I probably wouldn't reread it either well except maybe the end. LOL
Review of advance copy received from Author
🩷ARC Review: Faking it Next Door🩷
4⭐️
3🌶️
What to expect:
Why Choose
MFMM no ⚔️
Quirky, Small Town
Sports Romance
Enemies to Lovers
Fake Dating
Forced Proximity
Football Player MMCs
She runs the Bookstore
Rom Com
The “one that got away”
Banter & Spice
Cute Nicknames
Mischievous Raccoon
An annoying ex bf
Main Characters: Annika- FMC, Owen- MMC, Roscoe- MMC, and Carson- MMC
I love why choose romance and this one was a fun, easy read. To preface.. this quirky town of Cedar Vale has an East vs West side which is polyamorous vs monogamous. We’re obviously on the fun side. The main characters have known each other since high school which is where they fell apart. Annika and Owen both become each other’s first then an unfortunate miscommunication happens with Owen, the guys and Annika’s twin brother Dre. Enter the enemies to lovers trope! The story centers around Annika’s return to town fresh off a breakup from her (atrocious) bf Fred-is-a -dick… (Frederick). She’s running her Nans bookstore and ends up as neighbors to her former nemesis Owen. Her ex tracks her down from Milan and tries to demand she return back with him. Luckily for her she has some hunky football players who let him know really quick she’s theirs. They enter a fake dating scheme to try to keep the loser ex-hole away from her (that man has zero concept of the word no) She agrees to the scheme but the guys are determined to make it real. They lost her once and will do anything to keep her this time. We also get some hilarious town chats on the Grapevine and some fun girl gang scenes which I enjoyed. I cannot forget to give the resident raccoon Hemingway some love, such a little rascal!
The chemistry between Annika and the guys immediately picks back up from where they left off in high school. I will say I was a little confused on their age but I’m assuming they’re young 20s and in college. I thought at first they may had been older. The spice was good you get both individual and group scenes 🔥.
I will say I’m not a fan of the endearment “little one” during spicy time. That through me off and I didn’t feel it matched his characters energy.
This story gives rom com vibes and is not to deep. Owen probably has the more deeper emotional connection being her first and having a sentimental moment with her after they reconnected (tree house scene). The book is very lighthearted and has some quirky moments.
There is miscommunication which I’m not really a fan of but I understand why it was used to set up the second chance plot. Also her ex-hole continues to pop up like an annoying game of Whack-a-mole! Her revenge on him after all the damage caused was perfect! 🙌🏼 They absolutely get their HEA and I can’t wait to see what happens in Cedar Vale with the rest of this new girl gang!
Thank you so much to Peachy Keen and Author Sinclair Kelly for the eARC in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own.
4⭐️
3🌶️
What to expect:
Why Choose
MFMM no ⚔️
Quirky, Small Town
Sports Romance
Enemies to Lovers
Fake Dating
Forced Proximity
Football Player MMCs
She runs the Bookstore
Rom Com
The “one that got away”
Banter & Spice
Cute Nicknames
Mischievous Raccoon
An annoying ex bf
Main Characters: Annika- FMC, Owen- MMC, Roscoe- MMC, and Carson- MMC
I love why choose romance and this one was a fun, easy read. To preface.. this quirky town of Cedar Vale has an East vs West side which is polyamorous vs monogamous. We’re obviously on the fun side. The main characters have known each other since high school which is where they fell apart. Annika and Owen both become each other’s first then an unfortunate miscommunication happens with Owen, the guys and Annika’s twin brother Dre. Enter the enemies to lovers trope! The story centers around Annika’s return to town fresh off a breakup from her (atrocious) bf Fred-is-a -dick… (Frederick). She’s running her Nans bookstore and ends up as neighbors to her former nemesis Owen. Her ex tracks her down from Milan and tries to demand she return back with him. Luckily for her she has some hunky football players who let him know really quick she’s theirs. They enter a fake dating scheme to try to keep the loser ex-hole away from her (that man has zero concept of the word no) She agrees to the scheme but the guys are determined to make it real. They lost her once and will do anything to keep her this time. We also get some hilarious town chats on the Grapevine and some fun girl gang scenes which I enjoyed. I cannot forget to give the resident raccoon Hemingway some love, such a little rascal!
The chemistry between Annika and the guys immediately picks back up from where they left off in high school. I will say I was a little confused on their age but I’m assuming they’re young 20s and in college. I thought at first they may had been older. The spice was good you get both individual and group scenes 🔥.
I will say I’m not a fan of the endearment “little one” during spicy time. That through me off and I didn’t feel it matched his characters energy.
This story gives rom com vibes and is not to deep. Owen probably has the more deeper emotional connection being her first and having a sentimental moment with her after they reconnected (tree house scene). The book is very lighthearted and has some quirky moments.
There is miscommunication which I’m not really a fan of but I understand why it was used to set up the second chance plot. Also her ex-hole continues to pop up like an annoying game of Whack-a-mole! Her revenge on him after all the damage caused was perfect! 🙌🏼 They absolutely get their HEA and I can’t wait to see what happens in Cedar Vale with the rest of this new girl gang!
Thank you so much to Peachy Keen and Author Sinclair Kelly for the eARC in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2026
Faking It Next Door was such a fun little why choose romcom escape. Small town chaos, fake dating shenanigans, protective golden retriever men, spicy group scenes, and a completely unhinged town gossip app? Yup. This book was messy, adorable, steamy, and honestly just a really good time.
After fleeing Italy and a terrible ex-boyfriend, Annika returns home to quirky little Cedar Vale to help run her grandmother’s bookstore while she figures out her life. What she doesn’t expect is to end up living next door to Owen Maddox, her former high school nemesis and first everything. The tension between them immediately comes roaring back, but things really spiral when her ex keeps showing up refusing to accept the breakup. Enter Owen...and then his best friends Carson and Roscoe...all pretending to be Annika’s fake boyfriends to scare the ex away.
Except none of these men are actually pretending. Owen, Carson, and Roscoe have basically been gone for Annika since high school, and the second she’s back in Cedar Vale, they fully decide this is their shot to finally make things real. The chemistry between the four of them was SO fun. Flirty banter, lingering history, protective energy, and just enough emotional tension mixed in with the spice to keep me invested. This definitely leans more lighthearted and low angst, which honestly worked for me. Sometimes I just want a fun, fast-paced romance with dirty talk, lovable characters, and men absolutely down bad for the heroine, and this delivered exactly that.
The town itself completely stole the show too. Cedar Vale is quirky in the best way. Between the East vs. West side rivalry, the town embracing poly relationships, the hilarious Grapevine Gossip posts, and Hemingway the bookstore raccoon causing absolute chaos, the whole book had this chaotic romcom energy that kept making me smile. Gertie and her gossip updates alone deserve their own book honestly.
I also loved how easy the relationships felt once everyone stopped fighting the past. The guys are sweet, protective, obsessed with Annika in the best way, and fully committed to proving they won’t lose her again. The emotional depth isn’t super heavy, but the book knows exactly what it wants to be: fun, flirty, spicy comfort reading with a cute HEA and a town you want to revisit immediately. I’m already excited for the future relationship drama brewing in this town.
What to Expect
Why Choose Romance
Fake Dating
Small Town Romcom
Second Chance Feelings
Enemies to Lovers Vibes
Protective MMCs
Quirky Small Town
Bookstore Setting
Group Spice
Touch Her and Die Energy
Chaotic Gossip
Funny Side Characters
Low Angst Romance
After fleeing Italy and a terrible ex-boyfriend, Annika returns home to quirky little Cedar Vale to help run her grandmother’s bookstore while she figures out her life. What she doesn’t expect is to end up living next door to Owen Maddox, her former high school nemesis and first everything. The tension between them immediately comes roaring back, but things really spiral when her ex keeps showing up refusing to accept the breakup. Enter Owen...and then his best friends Carson and Roscoe...all pretending to be Annika’s fake boyfriends to scare the ex away.
Except none of these men are actually pretending. Owen, Carson, and Roscoe have basically been gone for Annika since high school, and the second she’s back in Cedar Vale, they fully decide this is their shot to finally make things real. The chemistry between the four of them was SO fun. Flirty banter, lingering history, protective energy, and just enough emotional tension mixed in with the spice to keep me invested. This definitely leans more lighthearted and low angst, which honestly worked for me. Sometimes I just want a fun, fast-paced romance with dirty talk, lovable characters, and men absolutely down bad for the heroine, and this delivered exactly that.
The town itself completely stole the show too. Cedar Vale is quirky in the best way. Between the East vs. West side rivalry, the town embracing poly relationships, the hilarious Grapevine Gossip posts, and Hemingway the bookstore raccoon causing absolute chaos, the whole book had this chaotic romcom energy that kept making me smile. Gertie and her gossip updates alone deserve their own book honestly.
I also loved how easy the relationships felt once everyone stopped fighting the past. The guys are sweet, protective, obsessed with Annika in the best way, and fully committed to proving they won’t lose her again. The emotional depth isn’t super heavy, but the book knows exactly what it wants to be: fun, flirty, spicy comfort reading with a cute HEA and a town you want to revisit immediately. I’m already excited for the future relationship drama brewing in this town.
What to Expect
Why Choose Romance
Fake Dating
Small Town Romcom
Second Chance Feelings
Enemies to Lovers Vibes
Protective MMCs
Quirky Small Town
Bookstore Setting
Group Spice
Touch Her and Die Energy
Chaotic Gossip
Funny Side Characters
Low Angst Romance
Review of advance copy
Faking It Next Door is all the small town vibes, mixed with all the spiciness of a why-choose romance with and a splash of quirky romcom. All in all, it led to one steamy adorable book.
Annika is returning home to Ceder Vale, after living overseas for the past few years, with her proverbial tale between her legs. Helping her grandmother run her bookstore, while she figures out her next step in life. What her grandmother failed to mention in this sweet deal that included an apartment above the store, was that her next door neighbor was her old high school nemesis, aka the man who also deflowered her, Owen Maddox. However, as much as she didn't want to run into Owen again, she wanted to see her ex even less, so when he appears out of nowhere Owen actually stepped in as a fake stand-in boyfriend to hopefully drive the message home that things are officially over with her ex. Unfortunately, her ex continues to turn up over and over and each time Annika is with someone different, which means fake boyfriend count continues to grow since they all feel the need to make a point. But the jokes on her because her ex count doesn't seem to shrink and her fake boyfriend count only seems to grow. To make matters worse- her fake boyfriends want an actual relationship and they want to drop everything fake about it.
Carson, Roscoe, and Owen have been best friends for years and have also been in love with Annika for as long as they can remember. Now that she's back, they consider this their second chance. A chance to prove to her that she means everything and hope more than anything that she stays. If she needs them to call what they have fake, they'll take it, but they have every intention of removing the fake portion from the beginning of their boyfriend titles. They want a future and they want it with her.
Cedar Vale is a quirky small town, with the best secondary characters and a gossip site, The Grapevine Gossip, that is hilarious all on its own. I'm excited that this is only the first book in this series as there is a lot of potential with more why-choose relationships bubbling on the horizon. It's a quick read, perfect for the approaching summer months, enjoyed with a nice cool drink by your side to quench all the heat contained between the pages. 🥵
Annika is returning home to Ceder Vale, after living overseas for the past few years, with her proverbial tale between her legs. Helping her grandmother run her bookstore, while she figures out her next step in life. What her grandmother failed to mention in this sweet deal that included an apartment above the store, was that her next door neighbor was her old high school nemesis, aka the man who also deflowered her, Owen Maddox. However, as much as she didn't want to run into Owen again, she wanted to see her ex even less, so when he appears out of nowhere Owen actually stepped in as a fake stand-in boyfriend to hopefully drive the message home that things are officially over with her ex. Unfortunately, her ex continues to turn up over and over and each time Annika is with someone different, which means fake boyfriend count continues to grow since they all feel the need to make a point. But the jokes on her because her ex count doesn't seem to shrink and her fake boyfriend count only seems to grow. To make matters worse- her fake boyfriends want an actual relationship and they want to drop everything fake about it.
Carson, Roscoe, and Owen have been best friends for years and have also been in love with Annika for as long as they can remember. Now that she's back, they consider this their second chance. A chance to prove to her that she means everything and hope more than anything that she stays. If she needs them to call what they have fake, they'll take it, but they have every intention of removing the fake portion from the beginning of their boyfriend titles. They want a future and they want it with her.
Cedar Vale is a quirky small town, with the best secondary characters and a gossip site, The Grapevine Gossip, that is hilarious all on its own. I'm excited that this is only the first book in this series as there is a lot of potential with more why-choose relationships bubbling on the horizon. It's a quick read, perfect for the approaching summer months, enjoyed with a nice cool drink by your side to quench all the heat contained between the pages. 🥵
Review of advance copy received from Author
First of all, thank you so much for allowing me to read an ARC of Faking It Next Door!
Anyways on to the review!!
I really enjoyed the idea of Cedar Vale's inner town workings. Between the nosy locals and the gossip site for everyone to be clued in on all the drama happening around town, it was so funny and reminded me of Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls. The idea of a polygamous side and a monogamous side of a town is an interesting concept. If it happened IRL it sure would be one interesting place to live and/or see.
I have really enjoyed some of Sinclair Kelly's why choose & omegaverse in the past, but I am sad to say that unfortunately parts of Faking It Next Door fell a little flat for me.
Annika came back to town after being gone and was engaged to a complete dingus idiot loser. She really did not like the MMCs (Carson, Owen, and Roscoe) at first despite thinking they were hotter than hades itself. This was told to be an enemies to lovers, but oh how I wished they stayed enemies much longer! I only wish that maybe they hadn't fixed their miscommunication so early on in the book, and the boys could pine after her more and she could just try to resist them. Or at least, when Annika found out the truth about what actually happened between everyone, I wish the guys had given her some crap. Not a lot, but just a little. Make her grovel and pine some.
As someone who is the same age (22) as most of the MCs, the issues they were facing and the way they were handling their relationships made it feel like they were actually much older than they were supposed to be. Perhaps if they were in their late 20's?
It felt like there were some plotholes and for Fredericks father to show up and the end and did what he did threw me for such a loop and almost was unnecessary?... I don't know if I would've accepted it personally.
However, I did really like Annika and her guys. I wish I had a bookstore to run with a RACCOON?! Oh My Gosh! Hemingway was soooooo cute. I personally have a dream of having a pet raccoon. And her guys were SO HOT and SO WHIPPED from the start of the book. I mean making out against a bookshelf= total fantasy! The tension was 10/10 and the spice was melt-worthy.
Anyways on to the review!!
I really enjoyed the idea of Cedar Vale's inner town workings. Between the nosy locals and the gossip site for everyone to be clued in on all the drama happening around town, it was so funny and reminded me of Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls. The idea of a polygamous side and a monogamous side of a town is an interesting concept. If it happened IRL it sure would be one interesting place to live and/or see.
I have really enjoyed some of Sinclair Kelly's why choose & omegaverse in the past, but I am sad to say that unfortunately parts of Faking It Next Door fell a little flat for me.
Annika came back to town after being gone and was engaged to a complete dingus idiot loser. She really did not like the MMCs (Carson, Owen, and Roscoe) at first despite thinking they were hotter than hades itself. This was told to be an enemies to lovers, but oh how I wished they stayed enemies much longer! I only wish that maybe they hadn't fixed their miscommunication so early on in the book, and the boys could pine after her more and she could just try to resist them. Or at least, when Annika found out the truth about what actually happened between everyone, I wish the guys had given her some crap. Not a lot, but just a little. Make her grovel and pine some.
As someone who is the same age (22) as most of the MCs, the issues they were facing and the way they were handling their relationships made it feel like they were actually much older than they were supposed to be. Perhaps if they were in their late 20's?
It felt like there were some plotholes and for Fredericks father to show up and the end and did what he did threw me for such a loop and almost was unnecessary?... I don't know if I would've accepted it personally.
However, I did really like Annika and her guys. I wish I had a bookstore to run with a RACCOON?! Oh My Gosh! Hemingway was soooooo cute. I personally have a dream of having a pet raccoon. And her guys were SO HOT and SO WHIPPED from the start of the book. I mean making out against a bookshelf= total fantasy! The tension was 10/10 and the spice was melt-worthy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
3.75/5⭐️
This was an ARC read for me and was my first non-omegaverse read from Sinclair Kelly and I loved it!
Annika returns to her small hometown of Cedar Vale to take over running her gram’s bookstore after she finishes college and her 2-year long relationship ends badly. As much as she tries, she can’t escape 3 things as she settles back in: the small town gossip, her ex-best friends and first loves turned enemies (Owen, Roscoe, and Carson), and lastly and much to her chagrin, her ex.
When each of her enemies catches wind of her ex troubles since the guy stays in town pining after Annika and can’t take a hint, they step in and pose as her boyfriends to help protect her. Of course this dredges up old feelings for all of them- both good and bad- and now they all must reckon with what happened between them many years ago.
My only issue with this story was that it hinges on the miscommunication trope and for a good while in the book, Annika won’t hear out the guys on their side of the story even though she knows she should. Although all of that thankfully gets resolved, it still is one of my least favorite tropes, unfortunately.
There is also a point in the book where Annika stays with her brother and his roommates and they kind of brush and laugh off instances of both real and possible violations of Annika. She goes to take a shower and her brother warns her to check for hidden cameras and there aren’t any but they all laugh it off and seem okay with that, which kind of rubbed me the wrong way. Her brother also complains about his friends objectifying Annika to him (which he complains to her about) and that also was not a high point in the book. Other than that, and the general vibe that these guys aren’t horrible but they’re stereotypical macho college guys and need to be “set straight” sometimes (which also isn’t my favorite), the men in the book are pretty okay and I’m hoping they shape up a bit more in the books to come since I have an inkling many of them will be future love interests for Annika’s friends.
As the first installment of the Cedar Vale Chronicles, this book was great, and I can’t wait for the next books in the series!
This was an ARC read for me and was my first non-omegaverse read from Sinclair Kelly and I loved it!
Annika returns to her small hometown of Cedar Vale to take over running her gram’s bookstore after she finishes college and her 2-year long relationship ends badly. As much as she tries, she can’t escape 3 things as she settles back in: the small town gossip, her ex-best friends and first loves turned enemies (Owen, Roscoe, and Carson), and lastly and much to her chagrin, her ex.
When each of her enemies catches wind of her ex troubles since the guy stays in town pining after Annika and can’t take a hint, they step in and pose as her boyfriends to help protect her. Of course this dredges up old feelings for all of them- both good and bad- and now they all must reckon with what happened between them many years ago.
My only issue with this story was that it hinges on the miscommunication trope and for a good while in the book, Annika won’t hear out the guys on their side of the story even though she knows she should. Although all of that thankfully gets resolved, it still is one of my least favorite tropes, unfortunately.
There is also a point in the book where Annika stays with her brother and his roommates and they kind of brush and laugh off instances of both real and possible violations of Annika. She goes to take a shower and her brother warns her to check for hidden cameras and there aren’t any but they all laugh it off and seem okay with that, which kind of rubbed me the wrong way. Her brother also complains about his friends objectifying Annika to him (which he complains to her about) and that also was not a high point in the book. Other than that, and the general vibe that these guys aren’t horrible but they’re stereotypical macho college guys and need to be “set straight” sometimes (which also isn’t my favorite), the men in the book are pretty okay and I’m hoping they shape up a bit more in the books to come since I have an inkling many of them will be future love interests for Annika’s friends.
As the first installment of the Cedar Vale Chronicles, this book was great, and I can’t wait for the next books in the series!
May 17, 2026
My opinions are a bit all over the place with this book, but ultimately I didn’t love it and I don’t think the writing style is for me.
I wasn’t a huge fan of any of the characters, they didn’t have much depth to them and the chemistry was seriously lacking.
I was so confused on the timeline of how long it had been since Annika had seen the guys / been with Owen. Their ages threw me a bit as well, I think they’re all 21 but the whole situation made it seem like they were late 20s 🤷♀️
I was not a fan of the miscommunication in this book. It was so unnecessary and the guys should have owned up to the whole thing back then. Annika was then the one apologising to the guys when in my opinion it needed to be them doing that. She had every right to believe her brother after what he overheard them saying.
I never like when it mentions other women in second chance romances and two scenes made me feel gross.
The first was between Annika and Carson, he says how it’s his first time and obviously I’m thinking oh how sweet he waited for her but then he says it’s his first time going without a condom 🙃 and he never trusted anyone to do that before.
The other was maybe Carson again actually, it’s mentioned that he jerked off to a picture of the female bartender who is older than them and she caught him doing it. It’s their little secret together 🤢
The guys also mentioned how the one thing they haven’t done is share a woman because it wasn’t her. Like wow how high and mighty of you.
I know none of the characters needed to be celibate or virgins but I don’t need to know who else they’ve been with.
The spicy scenes were a bit cringey. I skipped a few of them because of how they were written.
They also started calling her little one in some spicy scenes and unless you’re a hot older guy / silver fox that’s just a no from 20 something guys and the same age as the FMC.
I’m sad that I didn’t enjoy this because I was really looking forward to reading it. But there was a lot I didn’t like.
Thank you for the ARC.
I wasn’t a huge fan of any of the characters, they didn’t have much depth to them and the chemistry was seriously lacking.
I was so confused on the timeline of how long it had been since Annika had seen the guys / been with Owen. Their ages threw me a bit as well, I think they’re all 21 but the whole situation made it seem like they were late 20s 🤷♀️
I was not a fan of the miscommunication in this book. It was so unnecessary and the guys should have owned up to the whole thing back then. Annika was then the one apologising to the guys when in my opinion it needed to be them doing that. She had every right to believe her brother after what he overheard them saying.
I never like when it mentions other women in second chance romances and two scenes made me feel gross.
The first was between Annika and Carson, he says how it’s his first time and obviously I’m thinking oh how sweet he waited for her but then he says it’s his first time going without a condom 🙃 and he never trusted anyone to do that before.
The other was maybe Carson again actually, it’s mentioned that he jerked off to a picture of the female bartender who is older than them and she caught him doing it. It’s their little secret together 🤢
The guys also mentioned how the one thing they haven’t done is share a woman because it wasn’t her. Like wow how high and mighty of you.
I know none of the characters needed to be celibate or virgins but I don’t need to know who else they’ve been with.
The spicy scenes were a bit cringey. I skipped a few of them because of how they were written.
They also started calling her little one in some spicy scenes and unless you’re a hot older guy / silver fox that’s just a no from 20 something guys and the same age as the FMC.
I’m sad that I didn’t enjoy this because I was really looking forward to reading it. But there was a lot I didn’t like.
Thank you for the ARC.
May 21, 2026
Smalltown quirkiness is something that I cannot get enough of in books for some reason. This book has that and so much more.
Annika spent three years in Italy dating a man she couldn’t really stand because she was terrified of becoming her parents. When she finally comes home she gets thrown into the deep end of her smalltown shenanigans. Living next door to one of her enemies, finding herself fake dating all three enemies to try and get her jerk of an ex to go away & a raccoon that has decided to be her nighttime cuddle partner….what more could be thrown at her.
Miscommunication is my absolute least favorite trope of all time. I very regularly find myself talking to the books telling them to just have a conversation. So I loved that the miscommunication of the past didn’t get drug out until almost the end of the book. I think her brother Dre got off a little too easy with the part he played in that miscommunication, but I have a feeling he will find himself in his own chaos soon enough. 🤣
I loved how Owen, Carson, and Roscoe balanced each other out. They knew this was there chance to finally get the HEA they all wanted with Annika & they weren’t going down without a fight. They weren’t afraid to bring in the big guns by calling Nan either.
I honestly loved so much about this one. There were times when things could’ve gone deeper, but to me it did not hurt the story at all that they didn’t. Hemingway was a hilarious addition and I hope we get to see him cause more chaos in the future! Thank you Sinclair for writing such a fun read and Peachy Keen for giving me the chance to read it early!
Annika spent three years in Italy dating a man she couldn’t really stand because she was terrified of becoming her parents. When she finally comes home she gets thrown into the deep end of her smalltown shenanigans. Living next door to one of her enemies, finding herself fake dating all three enemies to try and get her jerk of an ex to go away & a raccoon that has decided to be her nighttime cuddle partner….what more could be thrown at her.
Miscommunication is my absolute least favorite trope of all time. I very regularly find myself talking to the books telling them to just have a conversation. So I loved that the miscommunication of the past didn’t get drug out until almost the end of the book. I think her brother Dre got off a little too easy with the part he played in that miscommunication, but I have a feeling he will find himself in his own chaos soon enough. 🤣
I loved how Owen, Carson, and Roscoe balanced each other out. They knew this was there chance to finally get the HEA they all wanted with Annika & they weren’t going down without a fight. They weren’t afraid to bring in the big guns by calling Nan either.
I honestly loved so much about this one. There were times when things could’ve gone deeper, but to me it did not hurt the story at all that they didn’t. Hemingway was a hilarious addition and I hope we get to see him cause more chaos in the future! Thank you Sinclair for writing such a fun read and Peachy Keen for giving me the chance to read it early!
May 20, 2026
Faking It Next Door - Sinclair Kelly
4.25/5✨🌟
* SPOILERS *
I knew from the first chapter that this book was going to make me want more but then there was the fact that I was laughing a good portion of the book. If you need a book that makes you laugh and all the feels hit right, then this book is definitely for you.
When Annika’s ex follows her to her home town, she can only do the only thing they seems right. Fake date Carson, Roscoe, and Owen. These guys would seriously do anything to protect her.
They have been in love with her but I was so glad the miscommunication got resolved early on in the book because I hate it when it’s throughout the entirety of the book. I was so happy when Annika’s brother gave the guys his blessing. He’s very protective of his sister and he has every right to be.
There was a point in the book where the ex really god to her. Frederick is a bonified douche times a thousand. He just wouldn’t take no for an answer and I swear, he was always lurking in the shadows. Although, the end was perfection when Frederick got it handed to him.
I loved the scene when the guys told her she was as worth it. I loved MC’s that show how devoted they are to their partner. The guys loved her so hard and I was here for it.
I also loved the found family in the book but Gertie is quite the character. Also, the raccoon totally took over the book, especially when we first meet him when Owen got jealous of the raccoon. Ha. I can’t wait for more from the series.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
4.25/5✨🌟
* SPOILERS *
I knew from the first chapter that this book was going to make me want more but then there was the fact that I was laughing a good portion of the book. If you need a book that makes you laugh and all the feels hit right, then this book is definitely for you.
When Annika’s ex follows her to her home town, she can only do the only thing they seems right. Fake date Carson, Roscoe, and Owen. These guys would seriously do anything to protect her.
They have been in love with her but I was so glad the miscommunication got resolved early on in the book because I hate it when it’s throughout the entirety of the book. I was so happy when Annika’s brother gave the guys his blessing. He’s very protective of his sister and he has every right to be.
There was a point in the book where the ex really god to her. Frederick is a bonified douche times a thousand. He just wouldn’t take no for an answer and I swear, he was always lurking in the shadows. Although, the end was perfection when Frederick got it handed to him.
I loved the scene when the guys told her she was as worth it. I loved MC’s that show how devoted they are to their partner. The guys loved her so hard and I was here for it.
I also loved the found family in the book but Gertie is quite the character. Also, the raccoon totally took over the book, especially when we first meet him when Owen got jealous of the raccoon. Ha. I can’t wait for more from the series.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
June 11, 2026
Sinclair Kelly first off if you haven’t read any of her stuff what are you doing love her Omegaverse books. This one is more of like a small town cozy type vibe with it. Definitely still some sass and comedy in there so she hasn’t lost all of that in this book. The FMC is coming back to town after being in Italy and she’s running away from a relationship. She comes back to town take over the bookstore that her grandma left her. This town is very divided on poly or non-poly and she ran from these local guys because of a miscommunication so I’m just letting you know there is that in there however it’s it’s not directly between her and the guys so a little bit of a spin on that. Then you add in a feral raccoon that’s a pet and just got some good comedy moments in there with it. She’s reconnecting with her family but her ex comes to town being an absolute jerk, all of a sudden the guys that she wrote off start standing up for her. She’s wondering what is going on and why everybody’s claiming her putting them firmly in the pro poly group in town. They are football players at the local college and so good that are being scouted for pros. They decided they are gonna take it on themselves to protect her from her ex that is definitely doing some questionable things. They’re doing this for protection, but really these guys want their second chance because they know what happened but she doesn’t. They did not want to stand in her way and that kind of comes full circle in this book as well. I just kinda enjoyed the fact that this was like a really cute quick Small town comfort read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to Sinclair Kelly and Peachy Keen for this ARC. I couldn't put it down!
Annika, our FMC, is very relatable within the first few pages. She seems lost and unsure how to proceed. Some times it can feel like the world is setting you up to fail, when it's actually your grandmother pushing you to face what you've been running from.
I was glad the miscommunication Annika had with the guys came out earlier rather than later. It gave more time for the characters to build a relationship versus throwing hostility around like confetti.
Owen, Carson, and Roscoe are a good trio. I like how they handled the situation with Annika, not pushing but not disappearing. I ranged from being mad at the guys, to frustrated at their choices, to cheering them on. They tackled some important situations with maturity I wish I could see in more characters.
When the characters finally got their HEA it was a relief. At one point I wanted to sit Annika down and give her a stern talk, but her grandmother took care of that for me. I could understand her predicament, but I didn't like how she handled it. Again. Regardless, her guys showed up and were willing to fight for her. And that ending was so poetic!
I was sad when I hit the last page. I was not ready to let these characters go, especially Hemingway. He was the real star. 🦝
Tropes:
- Sports Romance
- Small Town
- Enemies to Lovers
- The One That Got Away
- Fake Dating
- Forced Proximity
Annika, our FMC, is very relatable within the first few pages. She seems lost and unsure how to proceed. Some times it can feel like the world is setting you up to fail, when it's actually your grandmother pushing you to face what you've been running from.
I was glad the miscommunication Annika had with the guys came out earlier rather than later. It gave more time for the characters to build a relationship versus throwing hostility around like confetti.
Owen, Carson, and Roscoe are a good trio. I like how they handled the situation with Annika, not pushing but not disappearing. I ranged from being mad at the guys, to frustrated at their choices, to cheering them on. They tackled some important situations with maturity I wish I could see in more characters.
When the characters finally got their HEA it was a relief. At one point I wanted to sit Annika down and give her a stern talk, but her grandmother took care of that for me. I could understand her predicament, but I didn't like how she handled it. Again. Regardless, her guys showed up and were willing to fight for her. And that ending was so poetic!
I was sad when I hit the last page. I was not ready to let these characters go, especially Hemingway. He was the real star. 🦝
Tropes:
- Sports Romance
- Small Town
- Enemies to Lovers
- The One That Got Away
- Fake Dating
- Forced Proximity
May 21, 2026
4.5 stars ARC Review
this was my first none-OV, Why Choose, by Sinclair Kelly and I thought it was so fun!
we first meet our FMC, Annika, having only a *slight* meltdown as she takes her on her new role at her Nan’s Bookstore. she’s back in her small town after three years away in Europe. She’s lost, doesn’t know who she really is or what she wants from life, other than to leave her Ex in the past. this is until her other past comes back to haunt her... and maybe a raccoon?
Owen, Carter and Roscoe are Annika’s childhood friends turned enemies turned the ones she ran away from.
they want her, plain and simple. she wants them but is too scared to get hurt again. until her Ex shows up and they get the opportunity to prove to her that they are the men for her whilst fake dating all three of them
this was a really fun read, it was light-hearted, with a small amount of angst, that helped us watch our characters work through everything together ()or in Annika’s case, Working it through whilst ranting to herself and more than likely being overheard by one of her guys!)
the guys are sweet, a little Himbo, attentive and so incredibly head over heels for our FMC. if you like Insta-love, with group activities, Black Cat x Golden Retriever, Second Chances and crazy smell town shenanigans, this is the perfect read for you!
it’s sweet, spicy and Fun. I can’t wait to see where these characters go from here.
this was my first none-OV, Why Choose, by Sinclair Kelly and I thought it was so fun!
we first meet our FMC, Annika, having only a *slight* meltdown as she takes her on her new role at her Nan’s Bookstore. she’s back in her small town after three years away in Europe. She’s lost, doesn’t know who she really is or what she wants from life, other than to leave her Ex in the past. this is until her other past comes back to haunt her... and maybe a raccoon?
Owen, Carter and Roscoe are Annika’s childhood friends turned enemies turned the ones she ran away from.
they want her, plain and simple. she wants them but is too scared to get hurt again. until her Ex shows up and they get the opportunity to prove to her that they are the men for her whilst fake dating all three of them
this was a really fun read, it was light-hearted, with a small amount of angst, that helped us watch our characters work through everything together ()or in Annika’s case, Working it through whilst ranting to herself and more than likely being overheard by one of her guys!)
the guys are sweet, a little Himbo, attentive and so incredibly head over heels for our FMC. if you like Insta-love, with group activities, Black Cat x Golden Retriever, Second Chances and crazy smell town shenanigans, this is the perfect read for you!
it’s sweet, spicy and Fun. I can’t wait to see where these characters go from here.
May 26, 2026
Faking It Next Door absolutely captured my heart — it’s everything I adore about small-town romcoms! This story is a charming explosion of joy, laughter, and genuine emotion that had me hooked from the very first page. The Cedar Vale Chronicles series has just gained a massive fan in me, and I can’t wait to dive into more! This book is filled with hilarious moments that will have you laughing out loud, spiced with just the right amount of heat, and packed with a villain who does his job oh-so-well. It’s a rollercoaster of second chances, fake dating fun, and a HEA that left me grinning ear to ear!
And oh, Hemingway — the mischievous pet raccoon who stole my heart completely! The witty banter, the intense chemistry, and the deep friendships between the characters made everything feel so real and relatable. I was utterly charmed by the quirky, vibrant town full of colourful characters and hilarious gossip — I couldn’t stop smiling at all the quirky shop names and the small-town drama. Honestly, these guys are DOWN BADDDD — and I’m right there with them, cheering them on all the way!
From now on, I’m officially calling my terrible ex the “ex-hole” — because this book made me appreciate the fun, cheeky side of romance even more. I’ll never pass up the fake dating trope, especially when it’s done with such charm and heart, and I’m a total sucker for the why-choose storylines! This book had me emotionally invested and completely obsessed — I just loved every second of it!
And oh, Hemingway — the mischievous pet raccoon who stole my heart completely! The witty banter, the intense chemistry, and the deep friendships between the characters made everything feel so real and relatable. I was utterly charmed by the quirky, vibrant town full of colourful characters and hilarious gossip — I couldn’t stop smiling at all the quirky shop names and the small-town drama. Honestly, these guys are DOWN BADDDD — and I’m right there with them, cheering them on all the way!
From now on, I’m officially calling my terrible ex the “ex-hole” — because this book made me appreciate the fun, cheeky side of romance even more. I’ll never pass up the fake dating trope, especially when it’s done with such charm and heart, and I’m a total sucker for the why-choose storylines! This book had me emotionally invested and completely obsessed — I just loved every second of it!
May 28, 2026
If you’re looking for a quick, fun, and easy read this book is for you. This story is fast paced, has a sense of humor mixed in, and finishes with a HEA.
That being said, this book was not my favorite, nor was it my least favorite. I did enjoy the easiness and flirty vibes. However, to me, it did feel rather rushed and immature at times. I did not feel a great connection between the characters or much depth to who they were. I know they all had a mutual past, but it didn’t give great detail into their current connection. For the immaturity, there were times I cringed at the dialogue or questioned what in the world just happened. For example, there was a time our FMC literally had cum come out nose…. Like wtf. It was probably added to be funny and different but that was just something I found rather odd to add it.
I’m not sure if my expectations were different because I read Sinclair Kelly’s series ‘Sinner’s Mark MC’ or not. I enjoyed that series; the storyline, pacing, and characters. That was also a multi book series whereas this RH was thrown into one book, so a lot had to be packed in a short period.
With all that being said, just because this book was not my fav of hers, doesn’t mean I won’t read any others.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Pepper percentage:
8.3% of the pages contain spicy content
13.8% of the chapters contain spicy content
That being said, this book was not my favorite, nor was it my least favorite. I did enjoy the easiness and flirty vibes. However, to me, it did feel rather rushed and immature at times. I did not feel a great connection between the characters or much depth to who they were. I know they all had a mutual past, but it didn’t give great detail into their current connection. For the immaturity, there were times I cringed at the dialogue or questioned what in the world just happened. For example, there was a time our FMC literally had cum come out nose…. Like wtf. It was probably added to be funny and different but that was just something I found rather odd to add it.
I’m not sure if my expectations were different because I read Sinclair Kelly’s series ‘Sinner’s Mark MC’ or not. I enjoyed that series; the storyline, pacing, and characters. That was also a multi book series whereas this RH was thrown into one book, so a lot had to be packed in a short period.
With all that being said, just because this book was not my fav of hers, doesn’t mean I won’t read any others.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Pepper percentage:
8.3% of the pages contain spicy content
13.8% of the chapters contain spicy content
Review of advance copy received from Author
- ARC REVIEW -
First I want to thank the author and Peachy Keen for allowing me the opportunity to read this fantastic story!
Faking It Next Door was such a fun, easy delightful read! I love a good why choose, but add in second chance, small town, they fall first tropes? IM SOLD!!! This book is just another reason why, why choose/reverse harems are a top tier sub genre of romance.
Annika, Owen, Carson, and Roscoe are just the best characters. Their banter and chemistry makes the story so effortless and its easy to see their love for each other, even when tension was a little high. I really enjoyed Annika's odd ball self. I love when I can relate to FMC's. It makes the story just a little sweeter!
I honestly can't wait for what's next in this series! I can see who may be next and the set ups are everything. The town's history is unique and makes for a fun interconnected series. Plus, Hemingway?!?!?! I need a pet raccoon STAT!! GIVE ME MORE RACCOON!!
If you like, why choose, small town, enemies to lovers, second chance and fake dating, THIS is the book for you! Sinclair, keep the books coming girl!! You will always have a reader in me.
Plot: 5/5
Spice: 3/5
First I want to thank the author and Peachy Keen for allowing me the opportunity to read this fantastic story!
Faking It Next Door was such a fun, easy delightful read! I love a good why choose, but add in second chance, small town, they fall first tropes? IM SOLD!!! This book is just another reason why, why choose/reverse harems are a top tier sub genre of romance.
Annika, Owen, Carson, and Roscoe are just the best characters. Their banter and chemistry makes the story so effortless and its easy to see their love for each other, even when tension was a little high. I really enjoyed Annika's odd ball self. I love when I can relate to FMC's. It makes the story just a little sweeter!
I honestly can't wait for what's next in this series! I can see who may be next and the set ups are everything. The town's history is unique and makes for a fun interconnected series. Plus, Hemingway?!?!?! I need a pet raccoon STAT!! GIVE ME MORE RACCOON!!
If you like, why choose, small town, enemies to lovers, second chance and fake dating, THIS is the book for you! Sinclair, keep the books coming girl!! You will always have a reader in me.
Plot: 5/5
Spice: 3/5
May 21, 2026
This is an ARC review. Thank you to the Author and Peachy Keen for the chance to read and review this copy.
I am in polyamory heaven at the moment. Faking it next door is a small town, why choose romance.
The three guys, Owen, Carson and Roscoe, are adorable. A nice mixture of cute and tough. All three are college football players who are looking for a second chance with the girl that got away. They've already fallen and just need to convince Annika to give them a second chance.
Annika ran away from her home town the first chance she got. Now she returns to help her Nan and to escape her last relationship. She has issues that go back to high school with the three guys, so is not looking for anything with them. But when her ex comes around to hassle her, she suddenly ends up in a fake relationship with all three guys.
This is a sweet but spicy small town, second chance romance. Sinclair Kelly has written this beautifully with the right mix of working through the past and handling the current drama with the ex. There is a great blend of romance, spice and humour especially with the grapevine message board and the introduction of more characters which you know will be in future books.
This was a nice lighter read for me after reading a lot of dark romance recently. I look forward to future books.
I am in polyamory heaven at the moment. Faking it next door is a small town, why choose romance.
The three guys, Owen, Carson and Roscoe, are adorable. A nice mixture of cute and tough. All three are college football players who are looking for a second chance with the girl that got away. They've already fallen and just need to convince Annika to give them a second chance.
Annika ran away from her home town the first chance she got. Now she returns to help her Nan and to escape her last relationship. She has issues that go back to high school with the three guys, so is not looking for anything with them. But when her ex comes around to hassle her, she suddenly ends up in a fake relationship with all three guys.
This is a sweet but spicy small town, second chance romance. Sinclair Kelly has written this beautifully with the right mix of working through the past and handling the current drama with the ex. There is a great blend of romance, spice and humour especially with the grapevine message board and the introduction of more characters which you know will be in future books.
This was a nice lighter read for me after reading a lot of dark romance recently. I look forward to future books.
May 25, 2026
ARC Review
I’VE GOT NINETY-NINE PROBLEMS… AND MY THREE FAKE BOYFRIENDS ARE ONLY SOME OF THEM. 💋📚🏈
Faking It Next Door is book one in a series of standalone, small-town, spicy rom-coms. Expect love, laughter, chaos, and plenty of shenanigans with the quirky people of Cedar Vale.
Annika returns to her hometown of Cedar Vale to manage her grandmother’s bookstore while trying to survive her clingy ex. To help her out, her former high school rival, Owen, steps in as her fake boyfriend..but it doesn’t stop there. His two best friends, Carson and Roscoe, end up joining the fake-dating arrangement too.
Now Annika finds herself tangled in a chaotic fake relationship with three men who have secretly been in love with her since their teenage years.
The banter was one of the strongest parts of this book. The characters constantly tease each other, push boundaries, and create tension that feels natural instead of forced.
Cedar Vale itself felt so alive and comforting. Between the cozy bookstore setting, nosy townspeople, football references, and random feral-raccoon chaos, this small town had so much personality.
Faking It Next Door is exactly the kind of chaotic, comforting, spicy romance that feels made for a one-sitting binge read.
I’VE GOT NINETY-NINE PROBLEMS… AND MY THREE FAKE BOYFRIENDS ARE ONLY SOME OF THEM. 💋📚🏈
Faking It Next Door is book one in a series of standalone, small-town, spicy rom-coms. Expect love, laughter, chaos, and plenty of shenanigans with the quirky people of Cedar Vale.
Annika returns to her hometown of Cedar Vale to manage her grandmother’s bookstore while trying to survive her clingy ex. To help her out, her former high school rival, Owen, steps in as her fake boyfriend..but it doesn’t stop there. His two best friends, Carson and Roscoe, end up joining the fake-dating arrangement too.
Now Annika finds herself tangled in a chaotic fake relationship with three men who have secretly been in love with her since their teenage years.
The banter was one of the strongest parts of this book. The characters constantly tease each other, push boundaries, and create tension that feels natural instead of forced.
Cedar Vale itself felt so alive and comforting. Between the cozy bookstore setting, nosy townspeople, football references, and random feral-raccoon chaos, this small town had so much personality.
Faking It Next Door is exactly the kind of chaotic, comforting, spicy romance that feels made for a one-sitting binge read.
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