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Sexy Nerd: Revised Edition
He’s the hottest man I’ve ever seen.
And then…he speaks.
And I realize who he is.
The world knows him as John Brandt—the genius billionaire tech entrepreneur and investor. I have always thought of him as my brother’s annoying, nerdy best friend. He pulled my pigtails and called me Tiny Dancer. I put rubber snakes in his sleeping bag and called him Johnny B. Nerdballs.
Now he needs a pretend girlfriend for an important business trip to England, New York, and our hometown. Says he doesn’t want to bring someone he’d have to make an effort with and he thought of me. He can help me with my ballet career, but more importantly, I was hoping to bring a cocky rich guy to his knees this summer. Everybody wins!
He may still be a nerd in the streets, but he has optimized his firmware performance between the sheets.
Every time he opens his mouth, I can’t believe this guy’s for real.
Every time he touches me, I have to remind myself that this relationship is fake.
* This Revised Edition of Sexy Nerd is a complete rewrite of the original Sexy Nerd that was published in 2018. It is over 20,000 words longer than the original version. The general structure and main characters of the story are the same, the best parts are still here, but many details and plot points have been updated and expanded.
And then…he speaks.
And I realize who he is.
The world knows him as John Brandt—the genius billionaire tech entrepreneur and investor. I have always thought of him as my brother’s annoying, nerdy best friend. He pulled my pigtails and called me Tiny Dancer. I put rubber snakes in his sleeping bag and called him Johnny B. Nerdballs.
Now he needs a pretend girlfriend for an important business trip to England, New York, and our hometown. Says he doesn’t want to bring someone he’d have to make an effort with and he thought of me. He can help me with my ballet career, but more importantly, I was hoping to bring a cocky rich guy to his knees this summer. Everybody wins!
He may still be a nerd in the streets, but he has optimized his firmware performance between the sheets.
Every time he opens his mouth, I can’t believe this guy’s for real.
Every time he touches me, I have to remind myself that this relationship is fake.
* This Revised Edition of Sexy Nerd is a complete rewrite of the original Sexy Nerd that was published in 2018. It is over 20,000 words longer than the original version. The general structure and main characters of the story are the same, the best parts are still here, but many details and plot points have been updated and expanded.
ebook
First published March 14, 2018
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About the author
Kayley Loring
43 books1,746 followersAmazon Top 25 and USA Today bestselling author Kayley Loring spent many years as a screenwriter (under a different name) in Los Angeles before moving to the Pacific Northwest to live out her childhood dream of being a Disney heroine who talks and sings to woodland creatures. When not trying to keep animals alive, she’s writing steamy romantic comedy novels, obviously. She’s breathing cleaner air, writing dirtier words, and staring at her computer screen until her eyeballs dry out instead of prancing around Southern California in miniskirts and going to the hair salon. Still waiting for the woodland creatures to clean her house, though.
Read or listen to Kayley’s books when you want humor, heat, and heart. You’ll enjoy top-notch banter, strong heroines, lovable characters you’d want to know in real life and you’ll swoon over perfectly imperfect book boyfriends. All Kayley Loring books are steamy open door romance. Be sure to check out her next-level audiobooks!
Learn more at www.kayleyloring.com
Come join Kayley in her Facebook reader group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/kayle...
Follow Kayley on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayleyloring/
Listen to Kayley talk to the wildly talented narrators who narrate her audiobooks on the Multiple Eargasms with Kayley Loring podcast!
Read or listen to Kayley’s books when you want humor, heat, and heart. You’ll enjoy top-notch banter, strong heroines, lovable characters you’d want to know in real life and you’ll swoon over perfectly imperfect book boyfriends. All Kayley Loring books are steamy open door romance. Be sure to check out her next-level audiobooks!
Learn more at www.kayleyloring.com
Come join Kayley in her Facebook reader group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/kayle...
Follow Kayley on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayleyloring/
Listen to Kayley talk to the wildly talented narrators who narrate her audiobooks on the Multiple Eargasms with Kayley Loring podcast!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 408 reviews
May 16, 2022
"A part of us has to die before we can really fall in love. The person we fall in love with protects us and brings us back from the parts that are dead or broken, even if we can’t be together on the same plane of existence."
As you all know, Kayley Loring is my favorite and I've been making my way through her backlog. It's interesting for me that I get the same feels from her older books that I get from the newer ones. It's her voice and her writing. There's nothing quite like it.
And her heroes... well, damn.
"Stop talking. Dear God, please shut yer piehole you beautiful clueless bastard."
I wish I'd had a brother growing up. And that he'd had a best friend. He could've been a nerd, if he would've been a nerd like Johnny. OK, all the math, calculations, and need for control would probably have driven me up the walls, but everything else... shit. The guy has always seen her. Not just looked at her, but seen her. He was always aware of anything she said, she loved, and anything she did. Even when she pranked him.
"She’s like an all-time favorite song that passes through my consciousness on a regular basis, even when I don’t purposefully stop to listen. I smile and savor the thought of her."
Olivia was an interesting one. I don't think I ever fully connected to her. On some level I did: it's hard to be fully open about your feelings, and to really feel them, when the person on the other side is not. When they want to control everything. It's infuriating. And it's hard to keep guessing what's going on simply because the other person is not able to exteriorize what they mean in a 'normal' way. But... what is 'normal' anyway?
“Excuse me. I’m sure your taste in women is impeccable.”
He grins as he slowly looks me up and down. “I think it is.”
These two people are very different. The only thing they have in common is Olivia's family. Since John comes from a family of workaholics who've never been there for him, he's essentially grown in her house. He's her brother's best friend. Maybe it is because she was always around, but he never quite could get her out of his head. And although she's supposed to find him annoying AF, maybe that's not really the case.
"I need to loosen him up. Maybe he’s all talk and he isn’t really ready for action with me. Maybe I need to break down his workaholic nerd walls."
She's a dancer, and she works at a restaurant. He's a wealthy man and a brainiac start-up genius. She depends on emotions to do her job properly. He avoids them like the plague because they wouldn't be good for business. When he needs someone to go with him to some social functions, without any strings attached, he makes her an offer she can't refuse. Accompanied by a contract, of course, because he's an asshole. She says yes, even though she probably shouldn't.
And all bets are off.
"His immediate unrestrained passion is stunning to me, and I wonder if he’s been wanting this for longer than I’d realized. Given my body’s response to him, I even wonder if I’ve been wanting this for longer than I’d realized."
I love how he's into her, but she doesn't seem to be. I mean, he's Johnny Nerdballs, her archnemesis as a kid, right? But he's able to push down all her walls until they crumble. The thing is... will she be able to do the same to his?
"In just a week, John Brandt has gone from Brother’s Annoying Friend That I Want To Punch, to Person I Can’t Imagine Living Without Despite Sometimes Wanting To Punch Him."
There are so many moments when I wanted to punch him, because who lets you go when things get hot and heavy to attend a meeting? Yeah, no. But then I wanted to hold him and kiss him and do all other sorts of interesting things to him.
It's not his fault that he is the way he is. Life made him that way. He's too controlled, arrogantly intellectual, unable to commit, and a workaholic, but at the same time so in love. He's just unable to show it. Until he has no other choice, or he'll lose her.
"I’ve been falling in love with you for most of my life,"
The bottom line is that she doesn't feel like she can be a part of his world. She doesn't think she'll be enough. He needs to fully understand her, and she doesn't want to be understood. She simply needs him to just love her, without realizing he already does.
In fact, they already do love each other.
And they probably have for a while.
As you all know, Kayley Loring is my favorite and I've been making my way through her backlog. It's interesting for me that I get the same feels from her older books that I get from the newer ones. It's her voice and her writing. There's nothing quite like it.
And her heroes... well, damn.
"Stop talking. Dear God, please shut yer piehole you beautiful clueless bastard."
I wish I'd had a brother growing up. And that he'd had a best friend. He could've been a nerd, if he would've been a nerd like Johnny. OK, all the math, calculations, and need for control would probably have driven me up the walls, but everything else... shit. The guy has always seen her. Not just looked at her, but seen her. He was always aware of anything she said, she loved, and anything she did. Even when she pranked him.
"She’s like an all-time favorite song that passes through my consciousness on a regular basis, even when I don’t purposefully stop to listen. I smile and savor the thought of her."
Olivia was an interesting one. I don't think I ever fully connected to her. On some level I did: it's hard to be fully open about your feelings, and to really feel them, when the person on the other side is not. When they want to control everything. It's infuriating. And it's hard to keep guessing what's going on simply because the other person is not able to exteriorize what they mean in a 'normal' way. But... what is 'normal' anyway?
“Excuse me. I’m sure your taste in women is impeccable.”
He grins as he slowly looks me up and down. “I think it is.”
These two people are very different. The only thing they have in common is Olivia's family. Since John comes from a family of workaholics who've never been there for him, he's essentially grown in her house. He's her brother's best friend. Maybe it is because she was always around, but he never quite could get her out of his head. And although she's supposed to find him annoying AF, maybe that's not really the case.
"I need to loosen him up. Maybe he’s all talk and he isn’t really ready for action with me. Maybe I need to break down his workaholic nerd walls."
She's a dancer, and she works at a restaurant. He's a wealthy man and a brainiac start-up genius. She depends on emotions to do her job properly. He avoids them like the plague because they wouldn't be good for business. When he needs someone to go with him to some social functions, without any strings attached, he makes her an offer she can't refuse. Accompanied by a contract, of course, because he's an asshole. She says yes, even though she probably shouldn't.
And all bets are off.
"His immediate unrestrained passion is stunning to me, and I wonder if he’s been wanting this for longer than I’d realized. Given my body’s response to him, I even wonder if I’ve been wanting this for longer than I’d realized."
I love how he's into her, but she doesn't seem to be. I mean, he's Johnny Nerdballs, her archnemesis as a kid, right? But he's able to push down all her walls until they crumble. The thing is... will she be able to do the same to his?
"In just a week, John Brandt has gone from Brother’s Annoying Friend That I Want To Punch, to Person I Can’t Imagine Living Without Despite Sometimes Wanting To Punch Him."
There are so many moments when I wanted to punch him, because who lets you go when things get hot and heavy to attend a meeting? Yeah, no. But then I wanted to hold him and kiss him and do all other sorts of interesting things to him.
It's not his fault that he is the way he is. Life made him that way. He's too controlled, arrogantly intellectual, unable to commit, and a workaholic, but at the same time so in love. He's just unable to show it. Until he has no other choice, or he'll lose her.
"I’ve been falling in love with you for most of my life,"
The bottom line is that she doesn't feel like she can be a part of his world. She doesn't think she'll be enough. He needs to fully understand her, and she doesn't want to be understood. She simply needs him to just love her, without realizing he already does.
In fact, they already do love each other.
And they probably have for a while.
June 6, 2021
This was light-hearted, flirty, and fun! I always love a brother's best friend romance where the hero is the one who's had a crush on the heroine since they were younger.
May 1, 2018
Contrived Character Development and Slightly Racist
Premise was cute enough. The author could have spent a bit less time showing how main characters fit 'nerd' and 'dancer' stereotypes without detracting anything from plotline. Flashbacks were in no particular order and didn't always flow with plot. I was personally turned off by repeated references to "the sassy black lady in my head." It didn't add anything to the story, it wasn't cute or funny, and it was alienating as a black reader. Hopefully this author addresses that in future works.
Premise was cute enough. The author could have spent a bit less time showing how main characters fit 'nerd' and 'dancer' stereotypes without detracting anything from plotline. Flashbacks were in no particular order and didn't always flow with plot. I was personally turned off by repeated references to "the sassy black lady in my head." It didn't add anything to the story, it wasn't cute or funny, and it was alienating as a black reader. Hopefully this author addresses that in future works.
March 20, 2026
2.5 stars
After falling in mad love with Kayley Loring’s recent releases, I am continuing my obsession by making my way through her back catalogue. Sexy Nerd is a brother’s best friend romance that is funny, sexy and witty, with fun characters, but sadly the romance missed the mark a bit for me.
John is a genius tech millionaire who is completely devoted to his career, to the exclusion of pretty much everything else. He’s absolutely gorgeous and never has any trouble getting women, but when his marketing people tell him that he needs a girlfriend to improve his image, he turns to his best friend’s younger sister, and the woman he’s always secretly been in love with, Olivia.
Olivia is a professional ballet dancer who waitresses at a cafe to make ends meet. When John approaches her with his request and offers to pay her for her time, she jumps at the chance to be his fake girlfriend while he whisks her off to exotic cities to show her off to his business colleagues.
John and Olivia always got along as kids, but it was more of a brother/sister vibe and they teased and pranked each other constantly. Now they’re all grown up and Olivia is expecting John to be the complete nerd that he was growing up, but she is thrilled to discover that while he still has his nerdy tendencies, he is now completely confident, somewhat cocky, and is full of surprises, and the two of them soon find themselves completely swept up in wild sexy times.
It’s an odd dynamic as there’s not a whole lot of emotion, and though I certainly felt the lust between them, even that seemed a bit robotic at the beginning with random dirty talk and not a whole lot of attachment. The story is written in dual perspective, and I preferred John’s POV because he had feelings for Olivia from the very beginning. I didn’t really sense any build up from her until she suddenly realised she was in love with him, but again, I didn’t really feel that. There are definitely some sweet romantic moments, but there’s just something missing from these two as a couple to make the love story feel believable.
But it was a fun read, and I enjoyed the ending of the book where we finally got to see some feelings come in to play.
I’m really glad that I read this book after reading Loring’s more recent releases because I know what she’s capable of, and I look forward to continuing to explore more of her work.
2.5 stars – it was ok.
After falling in mad love with Kayley Loring’s recent releases, I am continuing my obsession by making my way through her back catalogue. Sexy Nerd is a brother’s best friend romance that is funny, sexy and witty, with fun characters, but sadly the romance missed the mark a bit for me.
John is a genius tech millionaire who is completely devoted to his career, to the exclusion of pretty much everything else. He’s absolutely gorgeous and never has any trouble getting women, but when his marketing people tell him that he needs a girlfriend to improve his image, he turns to his best friend’s younger sister, and the woman he’s always secretly been in love with, Olivia.
Olivia is a professional ballet dancer who waitresses at a cafe to make ends meet. When John approaches her with his request and offers to pay her for her time, she jumps at the chance to be his fake girlfriend while he whisks her off to exotic cities to show her off to his business colleagues.
John and Olivia always got along as kids, but it was more of a brother/sister vibe and they teased and pranked each other constantly. Now they’re all grown up and Olivia is expecting John to be the complete nerd that he was growing up, but she is thrilled to discover that while he still has his nerdy tendencies, he is now completely confident, somewhat cocky, and is full of surprises, and the two of them soon find themselves completely swept up in wild sexy times.
It’s an odd dynamic as there’s not a whole lot of emotion, and though I certainly felt the lust between them, even that seemed a bit robotic at the beginning with random dirty talk and not a whole lot of attachment. The story is written in dual perspective, and I preferred John’s POV because he had feelings for Olivia from the very beginning. I didn’t really sense any build up from her until she suddenly realised she was in love with him, but again, I didn’t really feel that. There are definitely some sweet romantic moments, but there’s just something missing from these two as a couple to make the love story feel believable.
But it was a fun read, and I enjoyed the ending of the book where we finally got to see some feelings come in to play.
I’m really glad that I read this book after reading Loring’s more recent releases because I know what she’s capable of, and I look forward to continuing to explore more of her work.
2.5 stars – it was ok.
March 26, 2018
2.5 stars
I really wanted to like this book more than I did, especially with such a hot guy on the cover, but once again if it took me more than a day to read, I guess it just wasn't that interesting.
John was a great character, but the flow of the story was awkward. His character development made sense and I love a "been in love with someone forever" story.
But it annoyed me how Olivia just instantly fell in love and in to bed with someone she had never thought of in that way, without any real build up of chemistry between the two.
I really wanted to like this book more than I did, especially with such a hot guy on the cover, but once again if it took me more than a day to read, I guess it just wasn't that interesting.
John was a great character, but the flow of the story was awkward. His character development made sense and I love a "been in love with someone forever" story.
But it annoyed me how Olivia just instantly fell in love and in to bed with someone she had never thought of in that way, without any real build up of chemistry between the two.
December 6, 2019
This was cute, and fun to read. I didn’t feel they had more than sexual chemistry (at least on her end). I definitely liked the hero and enjoyed reading his point of view in the past to see how he’s always cared about her. It would have been nice to read the same from her.
March 1, 2020
4 Stars / 3 Steam Fans
Video review available in Week 9 Feb 23 – 29 weekly book reviews.
For other video book reviews, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
Video review available in Week 9 Feb 23 – 29 weekly book reviews.
For other video book reviews, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
April 1, 2026
ตลกอะ ขำออกเสียงหลายฉาก ความคิด/คำพูดตลคแม่ง absurd และทะลึ่งมาก ต้องถอดสมองนิดนึง
พระเอกคือ certified nerd สุดๆ อ่าน pov นังละค่ดจะบันเทิง นังชอบอธิบายความรู้สึกตัวเองโดยใช้ mathematic หรือ scientific metaphors อะ กุจะบ้า5555 การกระทำหลายๆ อย่างก้ทำให้นึกถึงคนใกล้ตัว(และนึกถึงตัวเองบ้างเปนบางที5555) เรารู้สึกว่าเขา portray ผชเนิ้ด(แบบเข้าขั้นneurodivergent)ที่มีมุมโรแมนติกและรักผญคนนึงมากๆ ได้ดีนะ ส่วนเรื่องเซ้กซี่นี่ก้ของจิงว่าไม่ได้
ใดๆ writing แอบเมสซี่ไปหน่อย คือผมตามอารมณ์ตลค.ไม่ค่อยทันในหลายๆ จุด นางเอกก็มีมุมขัดใจนิดดดนึงแต่ได้อยุ่ไม่ถึงกับน่ารำคาญ
คือถ้าไม่ได้ชอบตลค.พระเอกมากๆ ก้คงให้3.75น่ะ
spice: 3/5
พระเอกคือ certified nerd สุดๆ อ่าน pov นังละค่ดจะบันเทิง นังชอบอธิบายความรู้สึกตัวเองโดยใช้ mathematic หรือ scientific metaphors อะ กุจะบ้า5555 การกระทำหลายๆ อย่างก้ทำให้นึกถึงคนใกล้ตัว(และนึกถึงตัวเองบ้างเปนบางที5555) เรารู้สึกว่าเขา portray ผชเนิ้ด(แบบเข้าขั้นneurodivergent)ที่มีมุมโรแมนติกและรักผญคนนึงมากๆ ได้ดีนะ ส่วนเรื่องเซ้กซี่นี่ก้ของจิงว่าไม่ได้
ใดๆ writing แอบเมสซี่ไปหน่อย คือผมตามอารมณ์ตลค.ไม่ค่อยทันในหลายๆ จุด นางเอกก็มีมุมขัดใจนิดดดนึงแต่ได้อยุ่ไม่ถึงกับน่ารำคาญ
คือถ้าไม่ได้ชอบตลค.พระเอกมากๆ ก้คงให้3.75น่ะ
spice: 3/5
March 28, 2026
İyi başlamıştı aslında. John tam da benim seveceğim bir karaktere sahipti. Zeki, her konuya bilimsel-matematiksel yaklaşan, aldığı kararlarda çok direk fikirli bir yapısı vardı. Bu tipleme bazen çok tatlı gelebiliyor.
John, Olivia'yı çocukluğundan beri tanıyor.Aslında tüm ailesini. Abisi en yakın arkadaşı hatta.Balerin olan Olivia'yı uzun zamandır ilk defa görmüştür.Ve "sanırım evleneceğim kadın o" der. Ama şuan yeterli değilim, kendime kazandırmam gereken şeyler ve yapmam gereken bir plan var diye düşünür.
OKEY...
E madem bu fikirdesin de evladım sonradan yaptığın o saçmalıklar nedir?! İlk baştaki vizyonun neydi sonradan attığın adımlar neydi? İkinci yarı çift beni yordu açıkçası. Güzel olabilecek hikayeyi basitleştirmişlerdi. Üzücü maalesef.
Sexy Nerd severim halbuki 😂
John, Olivia'yı çocukluğundan beri tanıyor.Aslında tüm ailesini. Abisi en yakın arkadaşı hatta.Balerin olan Olivia'yı uzun zamandır ilk defa görmüştür.Ve "sanırım evleneceğim kadın o" der. Ama şuan yeterli değilim, kendime kazandırmam gereken şeyler ve yapmam gereken bir plan var diye düşünür.
OKEY...
E madem bu fikirdesin de evladım sonradan yaptığın o saçmalıklar nedir?! İlk baştaki vizyonun neydi sonradan attığın adımlar neydi? İkinci yarı çift beni yordu açıkçası. Güzel olabilecek hikayeyi basitleştirmişlerdi. Üzücü maalesef.
Sexy Nerd severim halbuki 😂
March 25, 2026
I think the best way for me to describe this book is that it was very fast paced, while not being at the same time. There were a lot of flashbacks that helped paint the picture to how we got here. But it definitely jumped into their relationship and building that
Here we follow Olivia, a ballet dancer, and John, a billionaire. They have known each other their whole lives and there was always that little string pulling them together. She definitely thinks with her heart and he definitely thinks with his brain. I really enjoyed reading about how different they are and yet there was still a connection between them. I was fun to see you how they're relationship grew.
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Here we follow Olivia, a ballet dancer, and John, a billionaire. They have known each other their whole lives and there was always that little string pulling them together. She definitely thinks with her heart and he definitely thinks with his brain. I really enjoyed reading about how different they are and yet there was still a connection between them. I was fun to see you how they're relationship grew.
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
February 20, 2019
💖
What a good book this was. I will admit I felt a little dumb reading this though. Who knew nerds could be so hot with their big confusing words. This was a fun read!
What a good book this was. I will admit I felt a little dumb reading this though. Who knew nerds could be so hot with their big confusing words. This was a fun read!
November 24, 2020
DNF at 51% 2 stars… this one hurts… I really wanted to love it, especially cause it has one of my favourite tropes ever, fake relationship in it… alas, it wasn’t meant to be… *sighs* let me tell you why… I guess some spoilery things below… because I can’t really explain my reasons for disliking the book without some details, but nothing major :) read at your own risk :)
- the writing style was very uneven… there were parts I loved and then other ones that made me roll my eyes pretty hard…
- I knew going into this that they actually knew one another from the past, I mean, he is friends with her older brother, but I didn’t expect that he did have a crush on her… for a while… to the point where a while back he made a decision to completely change himself so he would be more attractive / appealing for her? it was weird…
- also, it feels like he has ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) with how he acts and has troubles with social cues and such… it’s not specified on page, at least not within the first half I read, but if that’s in fact the case, I feel like it’s a very problematic and very shallow representation…
- flashbacks were weird and unnecessary… they weirdly divided the current story and didn't really add anything important to the plot
- the story was like the writing style, uneven and all over the place… the change in heroine’s attitude gave me whiplash and the whole relationship lacked actual chemistry and connection
- I ultimately had to stop when I got to the first actual sex scene… because there were some sexy times before… but his comments were the final straw… I already forgot the details, but it was something like she was talking dirty and he said that she shouldn’t do it, cause it’s not what women should be doing or some other shit like that… again, I don’t remember the exact words, but I definitely remember the message… and especially coming from a guy who talks dirty to her all the time, it was the final thing that made me abandon this book…
I’m not sure if I will give this author another go… this book was a pretty big disappointment and I have way too many other books I am much more excited to try…
XOXO
A
- the writing style was very uneven… there were parts I loved and then other ones that made me roll my eyes pretty hard…
- I knew going into this that they actually knew one another from the past, I mean, he is friends with her older brother, but I didn’t expect that he did have a crush on her… for a while… to the point where a while back he made a decision to completely change himself so he would be more attractive / appealing for her? it was weird…
- also, it feels like he has ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) with how he acts and has troubles with social cues and such… it’s not specified on page, at least not within the first half I read, but if that’s in fact the case, I feel like it’s a very problematic and very shallow representation…
- flashbacks were weird and unnecessary… they weirdly divided the current story and didn't really add anything important to the plot
- the story was like the writing style, uneven and all over the place… the change in heroine’s attitude gave me whiplash and the whole relationship lacked actual chemistry and connection
- I ultimately had to stop when I got to the first actual sex scene… because there were some sexy times before… but his comments were the final straw… I already forgot the details, but it was something like she was talking dirty and he said that she shouldn’t do it, cause it’s not what women should be doing or some other shit like that… again, I don’t remember the exact words, but I definitely remember the message… and especially coming from a guy who talks dirty to her all the time, it was the final thing that made me abandon this book…
I’m not sure if I will give this author another go… this book was a pretty big disappointment and I have way too many other books I am much more excited to try…
XOXO
A
March 20, 2026
3.5 stars for me.
It should be easy for Olivia being a fake girlfriend for her brothr's best friend John.She did have a crush on him years ago but nothing preparde her to see John who was a huge nerd,is now very hot and rich.He needs girlfriend for important buisness deal,and she needs help with her ballet career,so it's a win win.What John didn't said it's that he have a plan,liking Olivia forever he needs her to fall for him,every step is planed and there's no room for failure.
A game that neither may win,as you can't plan love,will they both get what they want?
It was a steamy best friend brother romance with a lots of banter.I liked Olivia and John as a fake couple,the chemistry betwen them was very hot,and lots of tension and fun.It was a erotic romance,wich I enjoy from time to time,I only wish there was maybe more to the plot added.
I would recommend this book for steamy, fake dating romance fans.
Thank you LoveNotes PR for arc,my review is honest and my own.
It should be easy for Olivia being a fake girlfriend for her brothr's best friend John.She did have a crush on him years ago but nothing preparde her to see John who was a huge nerd,is now very hot and rich.He needs girlfriend for important buisness deal,and she needs help with her ballet career,so it's a win win.What John didn't said it's that he have a plan,liking Olivia forever he needs her to fall for him,every step is planed and there's no room for failure.
A game that neither may win,as you can't plan love,will they both get what they want?
It was a steamy best friend brother romance with a lots of banter.I liked Olivia and John as a fake couple,the chemistry betwen them was very hot,and lots of tension and fun.It was a erotic romance,wich I enjoy from time to time,I only wish there was maybe more to the plot added.
I would recommend this book for steamy, fake dating romance fans.
Thank you LoveNotes PR for arc,my review is honest and my own.
May 27, 2021
3 stars. I liked this book and thought it was cute.
John is the nerd who has grown up to be head-turning good looking. But he's still that nerd that Olivia grew up with; her brother, Nathan's best friend. John may be good looking but he's still awkward AF. He's been pining away for his friend's little sister longer than he even realizes and now that they are both adults and he is successful, he wants to give Olivia the world. He just does it in some really odd ways.
Olivia is struggling to make it as a principal dancer in her ballet troupe, but she still does well for herself waiting tables and just being the person she is. But there is something missing in her life. More success and maybe even love. When her brother's BFF stops by her place of work with an offer she can't refuse, that's when things get interesting.
Overall, this book was cute. I liked the premise and the two as a couple. They obviously had some sexy physical chemistry. A few things just felt a little off as far as the way the characters acted and how their relationship progressed and went back on track, but it wasn't a deal breaker. Entertaining, cute and an alright book. The audio was good and I liked the woman narrator. BUT she almost made it seem like the hero was autistic or on the spectrum (which the author says he is not). Not a big deal if he was but the way he handled some things made it seem like it. The male narrator was alright, but sometimes seem a little feminine. Did not take away from the book which was a fun, light and quick read/listen.
John is the nerd who has grown up to be head-turning good looking. But he's still that nerd that Olivia grew up with; her brother, Nathan's best friend. John may be good looking but he's still awkward AF. He's been pining away for his friend's little sister longer than he even realizes and now that they are both adults and he is successful, he wants to give Olivia the world. He just does it in some really odd ways.
Olivia is struggling to make it as a principal dancer in her ballet troupe, but she still does well for herself waiting tables and just being the person she is. But there is something missing in her life. More success and maybe even love. When her brother's BFF stops by her place of work with an offer she can't refuse, that's when things get interesting.
Overall, this book was cute. I liked the premise and the two as a couple. They obviously had some sexy physical chemistry. A few things just felt a little off as far as the way the characters acted and how their relationship progressed and went back on track, but it wasn't a deal breaker. Entertaining, cute and an alright book. The audio was good and I liked the woman narrator. BUT she almost made it seem like the hero was autistic or on the spectrum (which the author says he is not). Not a big deal if he was but the way he handled some things made it seem like it. The male narrator was alright, but sometimes seem a little feminine. Did not take away from the book which was a fun, light and quick read/listen.
April 21, 2020
Meh its ok
The main girl got on my nerves. I just wanted her to not be in the book. Heck I might like the crazy ex better! She was really what ruined the story. Their "witty banter" felt extremely forced and her reasons for always being mad or angry at the guy made no sense. She didn't even seem annoyed just angry it was not likable at all. I wanted him to sign up for the matchmaking thing to find someone better. The ending was kind of nice but it also kind of slapped you in the face. Over all ok read, premise and writing styles were good. I would not recommend this book to anyone but I would still recommend the author as she has other good books that are 100% better then this. She probably wrote this to hit a deadline.
The main girl got on my nerves. I just wanted her to not be in the book. Heck I might like the crazy ex better! She was really what ruined the story. Their "witty banter" felt extremely forced and her reasons for always being mad or angry at the guy made no sense. She didn't even seem annoyed just angry it was not likable at all. I wanted him to sign up for the matchmaking thing to find someone better. The ending was kind of nice but it also kind of slapped you in the face. Over all ok read, premise and writing styles were good. I would not recommend this book to anyone but I would still recommend the author as she has other good books that are 100% better then this. She probably wrote this to hit a deadline.
June 29, 2019
I am so glad this book was dual pov, because if I had only gotten Olivia's pov I wouldn't have like John at all. Getting the story from his pov let us see his motivation for the things he did and/or said to her.
I will say that one of the reasons this didn't get rated higher is due to the sometimes pervy sounding flashbacks. I mean there was one when he got a boner when she was a preteen for goodness sake.
I will say that one of the reasons this didn't get rated higher is due to the sometimes pervy sounding flashbacks. I mean there was one when he got a boner when she was a preteen for goodness sake.
March 22, 2026
4 stars!
A brother’s best friend, fake relationship romance that’s funny, sexy, and witty, with fun characters—I loved this book!
I love that Kayley Loring gave us this revised edition. I enjoyed the setup of the original—the chemistry was electric—but I didn’t fully feel the romance. This new version focuses on building the love story, and that added emotional depth elevates the whole story into something special.
John and Olivia practically grew up together. He was the nerdy best friend of her older brother, and with his own parents mostly neglectful, he spent most of his time at Olivia’s house. They teased and pranked each other as kids, but secretly harbored crushes on one another. Now they’re all grown up. John is a genius tech millionaire who needs a fake girlfriend to help secure a new business deal, and Olivia is a ballet dancer dreaming of her big break. They haven't seen each other for years, but when John shows up in Olivia's life and asks her to be his pretend girlfriend and travel with him for a month, in exchange for helping her reach her dreams, she agrees. Not just for her career, but for the chance to finally explore their undeniable attraction. For John, though, it’s more than that. He’s always loved Olivia, and while he’s thrilled to act on their chemistry, he also sees this as his chance to finally win her heart.
It’s a fun setup, but it’s John and Olivia’s personalities that make this book so entertaining. John has clear neurodivergent traits, he’s logical, structured, and socially awkward, and it’s completely endearing, and it contrasts wonderfully with Olivia’s confident, outspoken nature. Their flirting and bickering are so much fun and had me laughing out loud, and it's all underpinned by their intense attraction which leads to sizzlingly steamy shenanigans.
Olivia brings light, spontaneity, and warmth into John’s carefully ordered world, while his unwavering devotion gives her the stability she needs. Together, they awkwardly navigate their intense attraction and growing feelings as their fake relationship starts to feel very real. They do have some challenges to overcome, but their feelings for each other only continue to strengthen and I loved watching their journey.
This is such a fun read—funny, steamy, and full of heart. I really enjoyed it.
4 stars.
An Advanced Reader Copy was generously provided by the author for an honest review.
A brother’s best friend, fake relationship romance that’s funny, sexy, and witty, with fun characters—I loved this book!
I love that Kayley Loring gave us this revised edition. I enjoyed the setup of the original—the chemistry was electric—but I didn’t fully feel the romance. This new version focuses on building the love story, and that added emotional depth elevates the whole story into something special.
John and Olivia practically grew up together. He was the nerdy best friend of her older brother, and with his own parents mostly neglectful, he spent most of his time at Olivia’s house. They teased and pranked each other as kids, but secretly harbored crushes on one another. Now they’re all grown up. John is a genius tech millionaire who needs a fake girlfriend to help secure a new business deal, and Olivia is a ballet dancer dreaming of her big break. They haven't seen each other for years, but when John shows up in Olivia's life and asks her to be his pretend girlfriend and travel with him for a month, in exchange for helping her reach her dreams, she agrees. Not just for her career, but for the chance to finally explore their undeniable attraction. For John, though, it’s more than that. He’s always loved Olivia, and while he’s thrilled to act on their chemistry, he also sees this as his chance to finally win her heart.
“I’m curious. What, specifically, would you say is your weakness at this point in your life?”
Without hesitation, he says, “You are, Olivia.”
It’s a fun setup, but it’s John and Olivia’s personalities that make this book so entertaining. John has clear neurodivergent traits, he’s logical, structured, and socially awkward, and it’s completely endearing, and it contrasts wonderfully with Olivia’s confident, outspoken nature. Their flirting and bickering are so much fun and had me laughing out loud, and it's all underpinned by their intense attraction which leads to sizzlingly steamy shenanigans.
I cross my arms in front of my chest and huff, for no reason other than the fact that he is not fucking me right now and I’m sick of it.
Olivia brings light, spontaneity, and warmth into John’s carefully ordered world, while his unwavering devotion gives her the stability she needs. Together, they awkwardly navigate their intense attraction and growing feelings as their fake relationship starts to feel very real. They do have some challenges to overcome, but their feelings for each other only continue to strengthen and I loved watching their journey.
“I love you … I’ve been falling in love with you for most of my life.”
This is such a fun read—funny, steamy, and full of heart. I really enjoyed it.
4 stars.
An Advanced Reader Copy was generously provided by the author for an honest review.
March 20, 2026
📚ARC REVIEW📚
One of my favorite tropes is “knowing someone since childhood (long time ag) and becoming more today”. That was wordy lol but sometimes a trope description is better than a trope term to describe exactly what someone likes. Me, I’m the someone. LOL It’s one of my favorites because it allows the story/characters to have an inherent connection that the author doesn’t have to build giving them more space to develop “today’s” connection. Make sense? Plus, it has a nostalgic vibe that I love, especially when “old times” are talked about. Anywho, that and the fact that I have enjoyed every story I have experienced by Kayley, made me jump at the opportunity to read this ARC!
I enjoyed this story tremendously! Olivia and John charmed me from the get! Their story was “quick” but not because it was short in length or lacking in any way, but because I couldn’t get enough of these two and looked forward to the story every reading day I had! I had this feeling of contentment and giddiness while I read their story, and it just made me super happy. Kayley blended her signature humor with some sexy spice that made the story pop and captivated me from the start. The banter was incredible and the story growth felt organic and realistic. It was kind of magical experiencing Olivia & John shedding their reservations and learning what each needed to make the other “better”. Quirky and fun are two words that come to mind when I think of both Olivia and John and their story is going to be one I come back to in the future and I just cannot wait for the opportunity to listen to this story in DUET by Jason Clarke & Erin Mallon. IT IS GOING TO BE EPIC!
One of my favorite tropes is “knowing someone since childhood (long time ag) and becoming more today”. That was wordy lol but sometimes a trope description is better than a trope term to describe exactly what someone likes. Me, I’m the someone. LOL It’s one of my favorites because it allows the story/characters to have an inherent connection that the author doesn’t have to build giving them more space to develop “today’s” connection. Make sense? Plus, it has a nostalgic vibe that I love, especially when “old times” are talked about. Anywho, that and the fact that I have enjoyed every story I have experienced by Kayley, made me jump at the opportunity to read this ARC!
I enjoyed this story tremendously! Olivia and John charmed me from the get! Their story was “quick” but not because it was short in length or lacking in any way, but because I couldn’t get enough of these two and looked forward to the story every reading day I had! I had this feeling of contentment and giddiness while I read their story, and it just made me super happy. Kayley blended her signature humor with some sexy spice that made the story pop and captivated me from the start. The banter was incredible and the story growth felt organic and realistic. It was kind of magical experiencing Olivia & John shedding their reservations and learning what each needed to make the other “better”. Quirky and fun are two words that come to mind when I think of both Olivia and John and their story is going to be one I come back to in the future and I just cannot wait for the opportunity to listen to this story in DUET by Jason Clarke & Erin Mallon. IT IS GOING TO BE EPIC!
December 10, 2020
It was the over-sexualization of every single situation for me. I would totally love to have a John Brandt in my life, but there needed to be more than just an adorable brainiac to make this book something. #Maclan from A Very Bossy Christmas were cuter.
August 16, 2018
3.5 - Terrible title, cute book. This was just a happy book. Not too much angst and John was so weird, but I loved that about him. I saw another review say that he was so smart that he was dumb. Most of it worked for me, but I wasn't wowed.
April 21, 2019
4/5
This book was good! I didn’t enjoy it as much as a couple of Loring‘ other books, but I still enjoyed it! Would recommend if you are in the mood for a Sexy Nerd!
This book was good! I didn’t enjoy it as much as a couple of Loring‘ other books, but I still enjoyed it! Would recommend if you are in the mood for a Sexy Nerd!
April 4, 2026
Al principio estaba disfrutando estate libro porque se me hizo una lectura rápida y ligera.
Luego pense, wow esto tiene vibras de un libro bueno de Wattpad.
Y termine segura de que hay mejores libros en Wattpad.
No sentí ninguna conexión entre la pareja, se supone que el siempre estuvo enamorado de ella pero cuando por fin se le da la oportunidad de estar en una relación con ella la trata horrible, la trata como un ser inferior. El tenía que recordarnos a cada rato que es una persona súper inteligente que no tiene tiempo para nada pero aún así quiere tenerla a ella pero la aleja?
y ella, al principio enfocada en lo que quería, independiente, de la nada su personalidad se volvió seducirlo a él, se obsesionó con tener sexo con el y dejó de lado otras cosas.
No les mentiré este libro no me encanto, tenia probablemente expectativas muy altas, esto no fue para mi.
Sin embargo agradezco la oportunidad de recibir este Arc, agradezco a la autora y a LovenotesPr
Luego pense, wow esto tiene vibras de un libro bueno de Wattpad.
Y termine segura de que hay mejores libros en Wattpad.
No sentí ninguna conexión entre la pareja, se supone que el siempre estuvo enamorado de ella pero cuando por fin se le da la oportunidad de estar en una relación con ella la trata horrible, la trata como un ser inferior. El tenía que recordarnos a cada rato que es una persona súper inteligente que no tiene tiempo para nada pero aún así quiere tenerla a ella pero la aleja?
y ella, al principio enfocada en lo que quería, independiente, de la nada su personalidad se volvió seducirlo a él, se obsesionó con tener sexo con el y dejó de lado otras cosas.
No les mentiré este libro no me encanto, tenia probablemente expectativas muy altas, esto no fue para mi.
Sin embargo agradezco la oportunidad de recibir este Arc, agradezco a la autora y a LovenotesPr
March 29, 2026
This was an ARC i got.
This was such a fun, easy read with a trope lineup I already love—brother’s best friend, fake dating, and a nerdy glow-up. I was hooked pretty quickly.
John is the ultimate “sexy nerd”—brilliant, awkward in the best way, and completely gone for Olivia. But what really stood out to me was their chemistry. It felt natural, playful, and hot without trying too hard, and their banter made it even better.
I also really loved Olivia. She didn’t just get swept up in everything—her determination to not give up on her career made her feel more real and grounded. That part of her story added something extra and made me root for her even more.
If I had one small complaint, it’s that the emotional side of their relationship felt a little rushed at times. I wanted just a bit more depth in how everything came together.
Overall, it’s a flirty, funny, and steamy romance with great chemistry and a heroine you can really respect.
This was such a fun, easy read with a trope lineup I already love—brother’s best friend, fake dating, and a nerdy glow-up. I was hooked pretty quickly.
John is the ultimate “sexy nerd”—brilliant, awkward in the best way, and completely gone for Olivia. But what really stood out to me was their chemistry. It felt natural, playful, and hot without trying too hard, and their banter made it even better.
I also really loved Olivia. She didn’t just get swept up in everything—her determination to not give up on her career made her feel more real and grounded. That part of her story added something extra and made me root for her even more.
If I had one small complaint, it’s that the emotional side of their relationship felt a little rushed at times. I wanted just a bit more depth in how everything came together.
Overall, it’s a flirty, funny, and steamy romance with great chemistry and a heroine you can really respect.
December 21, 2021
Oh man.
As an ex ballerina, I am definitely a sucker for a ballerina romance. And while this one had everything I love (dark and brooding male lead, sassy ballerina, male lead with glasses) this one wasn't my favorite, the whole brother's best friend trope can sometimes get a little weird for me. As it's usually an older brother and the best friend having pants feelings really young. But Johnny has the "I'm so smart I'm dumb" energy that I adore.
But still had a great time, still inhaled. Not my favorite Loring, but still so good
As an ex ballerina, I am definitely a sucker for a ballerina romance. And while this one had everything I love (dark and brooding male lead, sassy ballerina, male lead with glasses) this one wasn't my favorite, the whole brother's best friend trope can sometimes get a little weird for me. As it's usually an older brother and the best friend having pants feelings really young. But Johnny has the "I'm so smart I'm dumb" energy that I adore.
But still had a great time, still inhaled. Not my favorite Loring, but still so good
March 26, 2026
Olivia is his best friend's younger sister, and a ballerina. He's just socially awkward Johnny B. Nerdballs to her. Now that he's a billionaire, he finally believes he has something to offer her.
I honestly feel like Kayley Loring can do no wrong, lol. I fall in love with every character of hers I've read, and I laugh out loud every time I read one of her brilliant stories.
If you're like me and have read Kayley before, you'll love this new edition of Sexy Nerd! I absolutely enjoyed every second I read this novel.
I honestly feel like Kayley Loring can do no wrong, lol. I fall in love with every character of hers I've read, and I laugh out loud every time I read one of her brilliant stories.
If you're like me and have read Kayley before, you'll love this new edition of Sexy Nerd! I absolutely enjoyed every second I read this novel.
April 19, 2020
4.50 ⭐ Her catalog of books has been exactly what I have needed over these past weeks. Still have a few more to go!
March 15, 2026
I am appalled. I was unprepared for this man to be written by a man. he is the worst kind of incel describing his crush - his best friends younger sister- as "blossoming at age 12 or 13". this woman, at 22 has "maintained her womanly curves" AS A BALLET DANCER??? The ONE THING about ballet dancers is they DONT have curves. that's the whole thing.
So hes a straight up pdf file.
He's in tech and he completely ignores the achievements of his female underlings.
All of this in chapter 2.
Read this as a cautionary tale of how not to write morally grey characters or forbidden romance - the "best friend" is mentioned but not shown twice. No - you need to have the best friend present so we can see if the best friend is also an Incel or if he's RIGHT to kill this guy.
The writing is okay.
So hes a straight up pdf file.
He's in tech and he completely ignores the achievements of his female underlings.
All of this in chapter 2.
Read this as a cautionary tale of how not to write morally grey characters or forbidden romance - the "best friend" is mentioned but not shown twice. No - you need to have the best friend present so we can see if the best friend is also an Incel or if he's RIGHT to kill this guy.
The writing is okay.
September 4, 2019
Another great book with a crappy cover. I didn’t think I could like a book about a ballet dancer and a startup founder but Loring proved me wrong again. Deeply moving and funny book that featured the best friend’s little sister trope.
March 9, 2026
I received this book as an ARC. All opinions are my own.
Well. Don’t think I’m a Kayley Loring fan. I’ve had several of her books suggested to me on Kindle Unlimited. BUT this was a DNF for me.
Call me a prude or whatever, but this was unnecessary spice, to the extent that all I could picture was some cheap late night movie.
The characters were not enjoyable to me. John’s “nerd” characteristics were so far fetched in combination with his sexy persona and abilities. Olivia was supposed to be a ballerina, but her personality made her seem more like an exotic dancer. The romance felt rushed, even with their history.
My favorite part of what I read was the MCM bungalow.
Again, I think I was the wrong audience for this.
Well. Don’t think I’m a Kayley Loring fan. I’ve had several of her books suggested to me on Kindle Unlimited. BUT this was a DNF for me.
Call me a prude or whatever, but this was unnecessary spice, to the extent that all I could picture was some cheap late night movie.
The characters were not enjoyable to me. John’s “nerd” characteristics were so far fetched in combination with his sexy persona and abilities. Olivia was supposed to be a ballerina, but her personality made her seem more like an exotic dancer. The romance felt rushed, even with their history.
My favorite part of what I read was the MCM bungalow.
Again, I think I was the wrong audience for this.
March 8, 2026
I’m really appreciative for the opportunity given by Kayley Loring and Love Notes PR for receiving this ARC!
Ugh how I love the trope where they’ve known each other all their lives, there is so much connection and Johnny and Olivia were definitely made for each other. This story was so incredibly cute and fast to read, perfect.
Ugh how I love the trope where they’ve known each other all their lives, there is so much connection and Johnny and Olivia were definitely made for each other. This story was so incredibly cute and fast to read, perfect.
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