Faking It with the Billionaire: An Enemies to Lovers Sweet Romance

by Ella Brinkley

355 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 12, 2026

Reviews

[Tina Lowery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ella Brinkley wrote about life within the pages of Faking it with the Billionaire. Chase and Maren have "known" each other for years -- as Maren was his sister's best friend. Yet, they never really knew details about one another. This story is messy, complicated, and involving child custody issues ... but it's real. I didn't want to put it down!! I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars for having heart, faith and truth, which ended in everlasting love.

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book surprised me in many ways! Not only did I love both of the main characters, I loved the depth of the storyline. Both the FMC and MMC were thoughtful and had growth through the storyline. There was intense intimacy (not spice) through thought and conversation. The story pulled me in and made me not want to put it down (finished in 2 days). Was also pleased that the follow through of the story and epilogue were thoughtfully done.

This was such a sweet and comforting storyline.

I can't wait to get a hold of more of Ella Brinkley's books in the future!

(I received a free ARC copy in exchange for an honest review)

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maren and Chase . . .

Standing in the Holloway kitchen two months after her life was irrevocably changed, Maren Blake thinks back to the last time she was there with Tessa, both of them relieved that college finals were over at last as they chatted about future plans. When her phone buzzed, she felt she should answer it. Officer Ramirez with the state police was telling her there was an accident involving her parents... and both were pronounced dead at the scene. Her need now is to get custody of her younger sister so they can stay together. Today, she is standing in the same kitchen with Chase Holloway. She hadn't seen him since the funeral, the first time they hadn't fought with each other. He had said only that he was sorry, then left early. And now he's grumbling that her staring at him is freaking him out. She had come here to talk to Tessa, and he had come home to talk to his parents. They hadn't expected to find each other here in the same place. Returning to the living room to talk to Tessa, she told her that her custody lawyer said the court wants her to look more "stable". Their buzz words, "Stable domestic environment, Support system, Long-term reassurance", hinted at their probable decision. Her lawyer's words for the 22-year-old, "young but capable, impressive but inexperienced", were not encouraging. What they expect to see is that she is not parenting alone, that there is a plus-one involved. So they ordered a Family Readiness Assessment week for Maren to undergo a supervised guardianship evaluation, even though the minor is her own 9-year-old sister Lila! Then Tessa told her Chase is doing something similar since he is trying to get custody of his deceased friend's 8-year-old son Elliot. Evan had named him as godfather in his will, but Evan's parents contested it because of his formerly "wild" past and he has been fighting for custody for over a year now.

Maren's phone rang and the Family Readiness Center is now ready to evaluate and judge her. She walks in to register and bumps into Chase who gave her an idea of what to expect and they stepped up together to register because this is a "couple's retreat" and the system has linked them!! Maren objects and they are taken to the Program Director. It was an administrative mistake, but they would need to start over. It would take weeks and the court deadlines would not be adjusted. Maren agrees to move forward on the current schedule... but they need to remain a committed couple "as their file is coded that way". If they restart, it will be assumed they are unprepared and they could both lose custody. They truly have no other choice it seems. Will being together start to feel real? Will they become a true couple? Or will they go their separate ways if the court makes its final decision and they lose everything?

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this one. The chemistry between Chase and Marin kept me glued from the start, but what really won me over was how steady and intentional Chase is. No chaos-for-the-sake-of-plot here - just a grounded, thoughtful hero who shows up, especially where it matters most.

One of my favorite parts was the hopeful arc for both children involved. It added real depth and heart, and it made the happy ending feel earned, not rushed. And can we talk about the follow-ups? Getting check-ins at six months and a year later felt like such a gift. So many stories leave us wondering what happens next—this one actually lets us see it, and it felt complete in the best way.

Minor spoiler: the banter about glow stars as décor made me smile, and I loved how the author circled back at the end with the glowing solar system in his bedroom. The little callbacks - paint colors, creativity, thoughtful details - made the story feel lived-in and intentional, mirroring the characters themselves.

Add in the best friend’s brother trope (always a win), sharp banter, and a pace that makes “just one more chapter” impossible… and you’ve got an absolute BINGE read. I devoured this in under 24 hours and closed the book feeling satisfied, hopeful, and already missing these characters.

Highly recommend if you love romance with heart, humor, and a happily-ever-after that actually feels finished.

[Shrutika Tanawade (bookcultivation) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a comforting and emotionally layered romance. While the fake-dating and forced proximity elements were fun, what really stayed with me was the depth of the characters.

Both Marin and Chase are fighting for custody, and that struggle gives the story real emotional stakes. I loved how their connection grew naturally through honest conversations and shared vulnerability rather than unnecessary drama.

Chase’s steady presence was one of my favorite parts. He feels dependable and intentional, which made the romance feel safe and sincere. The balance of playful banter and emotional growth worked beautifully.

The ending and follow-up moments made the journey feel complete.

If you’re looking for a closed-door romance that blends warmth, maturity, and heartfelt moments, this is definitely worth reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Samantha Thibodeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!
Closed door romance


This book has all the tropes: Billionaire, best friend’s brother, custody/single “parents”

This book was more than I expected. After tragic loses, MMC Chase is trying to gain custody of his godson while FMC Maren is simultaneously trying to gain custody of her sister. After years of knowing each other through Tessa, MMC sister and FMC best friend, they are forced to lean on each other through the guardianship process where they attend a week long evaluation/camp where the must pretend to be a couple.

This book goes through the emotions the grief of loosing someone close to you and the battles of fighting for guardianship.

The romance aspect is the cherry on top!

This is a must read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Chelsea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Faking it with the Billionaire was an interesting read. As enemies to lovers goes Maren has a disdain for Chase. He has quite the sordid past. However, now he has turned a new leaf. Maren and Chase meet at a retreat for potential guardians to prove they are suitable to care for their respective wards. They end up having to go through the retreat together, and Maren gets to know who Chase is now.

They have a lot of things to work through, and the book showed a lot of their processing emotionally. Dealing with your past is a pretty big theme in this book, too. Both were understanding and mature. Even as a drama, there was no unnecessary drama, which I appreciate.

I don't usually pick up drama books, but this was an intriguing read. I'm grateful for being part of this.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story makes me want to jump up and shout "You can do it!" It doesn't start off that way, but then again how many of us needed encouragement and support at some time. Here we have different ages, all going through uncertainty and doubt, yet with perseverance and change of mind-set, can achieve their dreams.
Maren and Lily, Chase and Elliot learn the hardship of grief, How to deal with it to achieve the outcome they each want. It was not plain sailing and Ella Brinkley brought in some hurdles that first needed to be overcome.
An engaging page-turner and besides the grief, there are some moments of bickering and even more of laughter.
I received a copy from BookSprout and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

You'll fall in love with Chase and Maren in this heartwarming enemies-to-lovers story about two broken people who have known each other for years, but completely misunderstood everything about one another. They both suddenly find themselves going through trials in their lives, and are subsequently forced together for a week-long therapy retreat, where they get to know the truth about one another. Well-written, kept my attention, and I flew through the pages (read it in just a few hours). If you are a fan of a good old fashioned sweet romance (kissing and cuddling only, no smut), this book is for you!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen "Kay" · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and both the MFC and MMC. This is the second book by Ella Brinkley I have read. I enjoy the depth of her characters. This one hit home with me as I went for custody of my nephew after the death of my sister, I was also his godmother. Maren is going for custody of her younger sister after their parents death, and Chase is fighting for custody of his godson Elliot, fighting Elliots grandparents. Elliots father, Chase’s best friend and given Chase custody in his will. You will not be disappointed with this book.
I received an ARC of the book via BookSprout, and I am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

'I agreed to fake-date my best friend’s grumpy older brother at a couples retreat. Nothing has been normal since.
If this all fails, I lose my sister. He loses his godson.
And I could lose the love I never meant to find, but now can’t imagine living without.'

The characters drove the storyline and they were so very appealing and likeable and perfect together. Plot was intriguing and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. All in all a great read! Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Simone Gremillion · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a hard time putting this book down. It was a cute read with a clean romance of the best friend's brother. Both are in a custody battle and wind up in a forced proximity situation for the sake of the kids. I love the story line and how the main characters feel deeply but didn't seem to shy away from talking to each other for long. Emotionally stable is how I would phrase it. Check this book out if you're looking for a sweet romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick, easy read. I do like BFF’s brother and forced proximity tropes, I just wish this one had a little more banter before the connection. I had a hard time relating to the adoption/legal guardian process and the couples retreat. It was a unique way to bring the MFC and the MMC come together. With the MFC only being 22, it just seemed a little off to me. She acted more middle-age, established woman. Chase never really came across as being a millionaire except for him paying off bills. I look forward to reading the other books I have downloaded by this author.

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 5 out of 5]

🥹 Marin and Chase stole my heart. This wasn’t just a story about two people connecting, the romance, and the happy ending. This included the kids. Marins sister and’s Chases godson. This brought so much depth to this story. I absolutely fell in love with this story because of the added elements. The way these two stuffs by one another, the support they gave each other…omgosh. This just pulls you in and you can’t help but love all of them. This was so wonderfully written and the moments with the kids, just awwww.

[Vicki Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faking It With The Billionaire is a fake romance between Chase and Marin who are both focused on obtaining the same goal which is custody. Chase is seeking custody of his godson, Elliot, which was directed by his father's will, and Marin is pursuing custody of her younger sister, Lily, following the death of her parents. This enjoyable enemies to lovers romance has amazing characters, intense chemistry, banter, emotional ups and downs, and a realistic custody process.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet new take on the fake relationship story - two people who were forced into faking by procedure and tried to maintain they were not together. Maren and Chase go through so much emotional growth and understanding in this story. It was sweet to see how they supported each other and came together to form a family. Though this was a full length book it was easy to read and kept me flying through the pages.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it !! love this series !! love Chase and Maren...this is their story... a fun fast paced rom/com drama... at a couples retreat ... a court ordered one at that !!! to gain custody of Lily , Maren's little sister after their parents died... for Chase to get his godson Elliot from the grandparents... it was in the will... this is their story... so funny !! so sweet !!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patti Rapozo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is certainly not a rom-com but once I accepted that, I really enjoyed this book. It deals with deeper subjects than most books I read but it’s actually more realistic. Chase and Maren have each experienced deep loss and have a lot of issues to work through. But if they can get through it all the prize is a family including Elliot and Lila. You are going to like this book.

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a little bit of a slow start, but I read the whole thing in one sitting. I hadn't read a romance in a while and this was a great place to start! I also appreciated that it wasn't one of those books that reminds you of the fact he's a billionaire every two seconds.

[Suze82 · Rating 5 out of 5]

a lot
There´s so much tragedy and loss going on in Maren and Chase´s lives, both struggling to keep two children who have lost their parents from being swallowed by the system. I kept rooting for all of them to succeed, leave tragedy behind, find love and live on happily as a patchwork family.

[B E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both are at a mandated retreat because they are seeking custody of children. She her sister and her his godson. He is her friends brother and a mix up states they are a couple. They can’t let anything prevent them from gaining custody.

[Becca]

DNF 3/1/26
I’m honestly not sure if I should dnf. I like the idea of the story but it’s very heavy and a bit chaotic.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashley Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was so sweet and I loved seeing them come together❤️

[Originalninja · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad that I was lucky enough to read this book. It was beautiful in it's own right. I loved all the characters. I would say that the book had a certain depth to it.

[Rebecca Shepherd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Faking It with the Billionaire follows Maren and Chase, who find themselves forced into a fake relationship during a Family Readiness Assessment / retreat – and did I mention they absolutely cannot stand each other? What begins as a strategic arrangement quickly becomes complicated as proximity, shared moments, and mounting tension start to blur the lines between “pretend” and “real.”

This is your classic enemies-to-lovers, but with a twist. I really enjoyed that it leaned more toward a slow-burn romance with less spice. The focus felt natural and centered on the bigger picture and overall story, which made it more relatable. The banter between the characters was easy and playful, their chemistry built at a satisfying pace, and I appreciated how the emotional shift felt earned rather than rushed. While the plot was predictable, it was still a nice, easy, and cozy read.

The vibes: comfort romance, enemies to lovers, fake relationship, best friend’s brother, therapy, custody, slow-burn tension.