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Never Fake It With Your Best Friend
I thought faking it with my best friend for three days would be safe. I've never been more wrong.
My board wants me married to someone of their choice to secure a billion-dollar deal. I don't play by their rules.
But when my fake girlfriend bails before a summit in Iceland, I turn to Gabrielle, my best friend, my employee, the only person who sees through my control.
I last one night before breaking every boundary we've set. By morning, we swear we can go back to being friends. But the storm traps us, and three days becomes a week of her laugh, the best sex I've ever had, the way she challenges me on everything.
By the end, I'm so far gone there's no going back. I want her in my life, in my bed.
Then they poison her food.
And I realize there's nothing I won't do to keep her safe. No empire worth losing her.
She's my choice. The rest of the world can fall in line or get out of my way.
★ Friends who definitely shouldn’t
★ Office tension with a billionaire problem
★ Opposites with undeniable chemistry
★ He falls first (and fast)
★ Fake dating. Real trouble.
My board wants me married to someone of their choice to secure a billion-dollar deal. I don't play by their rules.
But when my fake girlfriend bails before a summit in Iceland, I turn to Gabrielle, my best friend, my employee, the only person who sees through my control.
I last one night before breaking every boundary we've set. By morning, we swear we can go back to being friends. But the storm traps us, and three days becomes a week of her laugh, the best sex I've ever had, the way she challenges me on everything.
By the end, I'm so far gone there's no going back. I want her in my life, in my bed.
Then they poison her food.
And I realize there's nothing I won't do to keep her safe. No empire worth losing her.
She's my choice. The rest of the world can fall in line or get out of my way.
★ Friends who definitely shouldn’t
★ Office tension with a billionaire problem
★ Opposites with undeniable chemistry
★ He falls first (and fast)
★ Fake dating. Real trouble.
418 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 27, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 2, 2026
Best friend to more and phwoar my heart did soar with this book what’s more from the first page I was engaged ,on Joy Carlisle’s hook. The storyline is simply divine and as always ,with her excellent descriptions,I was immersed into their story. It’s the same old tale of falling in love ,a hearts and more of who you can be sure of . In my element I was with this my best friend bliss of course.
His board wants him married to someone of their choosing but they’re in for a bit of a bruising because he doesn’t acquiesce. He chooses his own conquest. Thank you very much ,someone with not only beautiful skin but a beauty within . One with a brain who gives as good as she’s given and drives him insane as she is just as striven as he.
When Rowan is in a bit of a pickle ,his fake date bailing he’s not fickle but he knows the perfect gal in Gabrielle . Not only is he her boss but she’s his best friend as well. So of course she steps in for him …with a bit of persuading..
Gabrielle is doing swell, working for her best friend and all but what’s this all about,fake dating as well. It’s not looking like she has a choice so all that comes out is a yes in a tiny voice…
One date weekend with his friend of four years ,hoping it won’t end in tears . Ya see there’s a summit in Iceland ,a work thing but it’s centred around couples activities not making his heart sing so of course she does appease ,to save his hide . But what about how he makes her feel inside ,when faced with just one bed? Well it’ll do alright they’ll get through the night somehow …Enough said.
But the next day comes around and so does he . And he isn’t going to be the same again . But is it much to his surprise or a new begin. A compromise. A flame ,a spark . A light in the dark? Well they’re about to find out without a doubt thanks to the stormy weather. The one outside but inside hearts pumping hell for leather as they grow closer together.
Well ,will two hearts melt with the snow that’s almost up to the window ? After being stranded for days. They’re in a daze of being happy in their cosy nest but does this lead to ever after happiness? Read this splendid book by Joy Carlisle ,it will surely make you smile . It did me ,it’s heavenly. Great writing as ever and clever plotting . Awesome characters too can’t be forgetting. All that heavy petting in the snow …you know..I do love her writing so.
His board wants him married to someone of their choosing but they’re in for a bit of a bruising because he doesn’t acquiesce. He chooses his own conquest. Thank you very much ,someone with not only beautiful skin but a beauty within . One with a brain who gives as good as she’s given and drives him insane as she is just as striven as he.
When Rowan is in a bit of a pickle ,his fake date bailing he’s not fickle but he knows the perfect gal in Gabrielle . Not only is he her boss but she’s his best friend as well. So of course she steps in for him …with a bit of persuading..
Gabrielle is doing swell, working for her best friend and all but what’s this all about,fake dating as well. It’s not looking like she has a choice so all that comes out is a yes in a tiny voice…
One date weekend with his friend of four years ,hoping it won’t end in tears . Ya see there’s a summit in Iceland ,a work thing but it’s centred around couples activities not making his heart sing so of course she does appease ,to save his hide . But what about how he makes her feel inside ,when faced with just one bed? Well it’ll do alright they’ll get through the night somehow …Enough said.
But the next day comes around and so does he . And he isn’t going to be the same again . But is it much to his surprise or a new begin. A compromise. A flame ,a spark . A light in the dark? Well they’re about to find out without a doubt thanks to the stormy weather. The one outside but inside hearts pumping hell for leather as they grow closer together.
Well ,will two hearts melt with the snow that’s almost up to the window ? After being stranded for days. They’re in a daze of being happy in their cosy nest but does this lead to ever after happiness? Read this splendid book by Joy Carlisle ,it will surely make you smile . It did me ,it’s heavenly. Great writing as ever and clever plotting . Awesome characters too can’t be forgetting. All that heavy petting in the snow …you know..I do love her writing so.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was honoured to receive an advanced copy of this story and this is my honest review.
This was the first time that I had come across this author and I am really glad I did.
Gabrielle is from the loudest Greek family going whilst Rowan's family has had events that have resulted in how he approaches everything.
Gabrielle is his complete opposite so gradually she chips at the walls around his heart. Rowan and Gabrielle have worked together for 4yrs and have become really good friends until one day Rowan has to persuade Gabrielle to accompany him to a work summit held in Iceland as it is based around couples.
Whilst in Iceland not only do they both hate the games that the couples have to take part in. But they soon discover that there is only one bed in the suite with some really creepy pictures above it! Where they then get stranded due to the weather.
Gabrielle comes across something she shouldn't have. As a result the people involved did something that would make her think twice about talking. This soon became incredibly dangerous for Gabrielle.
Can Rowan and Gabrielle solve the mystery about who went after her, as well as Rowan trying to save his company....
This was the first time that I had come across this author and I am really glad I did.
Gabrielle is from the loudest Greek family going whilst Rowan's family has had events that have resulted in how he approaches everything.
Gabrielle is his complete opposite so gradually she chips at the walls around his heart. Rowan and Gabrielle have worked together for 4yrs and have become really good friends until one day Rowan has to persuade Gabrielle to accompany him to a work summit held in Iceland as it is based around couples.
Whilst in Iceland not only do they both hate the games that the couples have to take part in. But they soon discover that there is only one bed in the suite with some really creepy pictures above it! Where they then get stranded due to the weather.
Gabrielle comes across something she shouldn't have. As a result the people involved did something that would make her think twice about talking. This soon became incredibly dangerous for Gabrielle.
Can Rowan and Gabrielle solve the mystery about who went after her, as well as Rowan trying to save his company....
March 2, 2026
My opinion of this book, I like the voice of the book to me. That is very important when I read a book book by whatever author this is the first time that I read from this author. In my opinion of this, I could get into the characters which I did and the atmosphere the world building was artistically to me then good. I can’t complain about my choice of reading this book. I have never really been into romance book like the Harley Quinn novels, and all that I never could get into this, but this is not them and she is not a Harley Quinn, romance novel list I like her style of writing and I really do but I give this book a thumbs up it held my attention. I liked Rowan the character and I liked Gabrielle both of them. Is it a good Reed? Yes, the world building the characters the format. The plot is actually good. You can fall in love with Rowan.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Romance, spice, corporate intrigue and family drama – what more could you want?
Rowan and Gabrielle aren’t just boss and employee but also best friends. With pressure from his Board of Directors Rowman needs a fake fiancé and when the one he arranges cancels on him, he asks his best friend, Gabrielle to do it. However, Rowan and Gabrielle can’t hide from their feelings while attending an international corporate summit where there is corporate intrigue and danger around every corner. Not knowing who they can trust, they are faced with a life & death situation, and the family drama continues back into the boardroom. Joy had me from the first chapter and I couldn’t put this book down until the end.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
Rowan and Gabrielle aren’t just boss and employee but also best friends. With pressure from his Board of Directors Rowman needs a fake fiancé and when the one he arranges cancels on him, he asks his best friend, Gabrielle to do it. However, Rowan and Gabrielle can’t hide from their feelings while attending an international corporate summit where there is corporate intrigue and danger around every corner. Not knowing who they can trust, they are faced with a life & death situation, and the family drama continues back into the boardroom. Joy had me from the first chapter and I couldn’t put this book down until the end.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I love Joy’s writing style. It’s easy, great paced, and entertaining. Her characters are well thought out and executed wonderfully. This story is no exception. It follows best friends, Rowan and Gabrielle. He’s also her boss. The Board of Directors are putting pressure on Rowan and he needs a fake fiancé. The first one canceled on him so, as second choice who better to choose than his best friend, Gabrielle. They have great chemistry as best friends do, but there’s something else there as well. There is danger and intrigue around every corner. They don’t know who to trust which leads to a life or death situation. Is there fake relationship going to have a HEA? Read this amazing book and find out. 4.5 stars.
Review of advance copy received from Author
He needs a fake wife to secure a deal, and his board wants to be the one to choose her, but Rowan doesn't fall into their game plan and chooses his own. When the initial woman falls through, he goes to his best friend Gabrielle to play the part, but what starts as a fake relationship goes sideways quickly landing them in a place they never expected to be when their hearts get involved. Will their fake relationship lead them to a happiness they never expected. This story is filled with thrilling twists and turns that had me caught up in it from the first page.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 16, 2026
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5 | Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
I highly recommend checking this out! The plot centers on lifelong friends Rowan and Gabrielle. When Rowan's arranged fake partner drops out right before a crucial business summit in Iceland where he needs to project a stable image to his company's board, Gabrielle steps up to play the part. Of course, the lines between real and pretend quickly start to blur. What really made this standout for me was the surprising amount of plot substance and suspense woven into the romance—it offered a lot more complexity than a typical fake-dating story.
Tropes
Friends to Lovers
Fake Dating
Billionaire / Corporate Boardroom
Travel / Destination Romance (Iceland)
I highly recommend checking this out! The plot centers on lifelong friends Rowan and Gabrielle. When Rowan's arranged fake partner drops out right before a crucial business summit in Iceland where he needs to project a stable image to his company's board, Gabrielle steps up to play the part. Of course, the lines between real and pretend quickly start to blur. What really made this standout for me was the surprising amount of plot substance and suspense woven into the romance—it offered a lot more complexity than a typical fake-dating story.
Tropes
Friends to Lovers
Fake Dating
Billionaire / Corporate Boardroom
Travel / Destination Romance (Iceland)
Review of advance copy received from Author
Carlyle just takes you through every emotion and every action, with every book. Banter, Heart, Anger, Love, and a “Take That” moment. I enjoyed the whole read. From the two main characters’ inner monologues to the extravagant Billionaire lifestyle. There was never a dull moment. I liked the fact that this doesn’t follow your typical romance outline of two people-like-love-marriage. It had intent. It had the ugliness of life/work balance. It had a little mystery to unravel. It was a great read.
February 27, 2026
‘Never Fake It with Your Best Friend”is Joy Carlyle’s newest book. You will love it. The first half is the love story of a boss and his head of computer security. Best friends to lovers is always a great story line. The second half of the book is the mystery of how and who poisoned his fiancée. Couldn’t put it down. I was so curious about who tried to kill her. Excellent plot. I definitely recommend this one.
July 10, 2026
Best friends first
Rowan is a billionaire CEO. Gabrielle is his best friend and his security analyst. When his fake girlfriend cancels at the last minute he begs Gabrielle to come instead. What could go wrong? Joy takes you on a roller coaster of all the emotions. There’s a poisoning, corporate espionage, lies, deceit, betrayal…. But through it all can love win and set everything right? You’ll have to read to find out!
Rowan is a billionaire CEO. Gabrielle is his best friend and his security analyst. When his fake girlfriend cancels at the last minute he begs Gabrielle to come instead. What could go wrong? Joy takes you on a roller coaster of all the emotions. There’s a poisoning, corporate espionage, lies, deceit, betrayal…. But through it all can love win and set everything right? You’ll have to read to find out!
February 27, 2026
Joy certainly knows how to add spice and twists in all the right places. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, and the plot kept me guessing who was truly behind it all. I didn’t figure it out until the very end. Love this read, I’m sure you will too!!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 27, 2026
When you read this romance by Joy you are going to be reading an amazing 5-star romance book with the most amazing characters, romance and HEA ending. There has never been a single romance book written by her that I didn't enjoy reading. So, don't waste another second and start reading this book. You will be thanking me for recommending it to you.
March 12, 2026
Unexpectedly deep
I was all about the fake relationship between best friends and the one bed trope but this was more than that. The characters deal with past trauma and their flaws and grow together. There’s quite a significant mystery plot involving her poisoning and corporate sabotage in addition to the romance
I was all about the fake relationship between best friends and the one bed trope but this was more than that. The characters deal with past trauma and their flaws and grow together. There’s quite a significant mystery plot involving her poisoning and corporate sabotage in addition to the romance
April 11, 2026
Sweet!
“I enjoyed this book overall. While the chemistry between the two main characters didn’t quite reach the level I typically look for, the strong reviews encouraged me to stick with it—and I’m glad I did. I really appreciated getting to know the characters more deeply, and the storyline kept things interesting with its many twists and turns.
“I enjoyed this book overall. While the chemistry between the two main characters didn’t quite reach the level I typically look for, the strong reviews encouraged me to stick with it—and I’m glad I did. I really appreciated getting to know the characters more deeply, and the storyline kept things interesting with its many twists and turns.
March 5, 2026
Absolutely Beautiful Story That Keeps You Guessing
So well written, with tension and surprises you don’t expect. I was so invested in this story and couldn’t put it down. Wanted to read in one go but unfortunately needed to sleep and wait until the next day. Thank you.
So well written, with tension and surprises you don’t expect. I was so invested in this story and couldn’t put it down. Wanted to read in one go but unfortunately needed to sleep and wait until the next day. Thank you.
March 19, 2026
I absolutely loved this story. Another 5 star read from Joy Carlyle. Joy is such an amazing author and storyteller. Rowan and Gabrielle are next level characters. The chemistry between them is top notch. The story hooked me in from the very beginning and never let go. I highly recommend this book and author!
June 9, 2026
Satisfying
This book did friend to lovers very well. The push/pull, trying to find a new normal and fitting together. Throw in some boardroom intrigue, power plays and attempted murder and you have a satisfying book.
This book did friend to lovers very well. The push/pull, trying to find a new normal and fitting together. Throw in some boardroom intrigue, power plays and attempted murder and you have a satisfying book.
March 2, 2026
really enjoyed this book and liked the characters. This is a slow burn romance that will give you some laughs and also have you emotionally invested. love this friends to more book
March 8, 2026
I needed a light read after a full-on heavy read. This one delivered. Some laughs, some bits got a bit annoying but overall quite a good read that kept me engaged.
dnf-2026
March 22, 2026it started on and then went downhill . just didn’t care for anyone
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews