Campus Fake

CFU Hockey #4

by Cadence Keys

The bold, confident girl everyone loves? She's the best lie I've ever told.

She’s loud, fearless, always laughing, and being a rock for everyone around her. No one has any clue that I’ve spent the last five years faking the confidence I exude like it comes naturally. No one would guess I’ve built a carefully crafted house of cards.

Until my estranged brother shows up at my door and threatens to tear it down. He demands I come home for Christmas and that it’s time to face my family—despite the fact we both know they still blame me for what happened.

Then my roommate and one of my closest friends, Harrison Gordon, swoops in with a rescue I didn’t see coming. He tells my brother that he’s my boyfriend and he’s coming with me. And instead of refuting the obvious lie, I go with it because the truth is I’m not strong enough to face my family alone.

The quiet hockey goalie has always seen more than he should. He sees through every joke, every deflection, every carefully crafted lie. And somehow, instead of running, he stays.

The more time we spend together, the harder it becomes to keep my walls up. Because Harry makes me feel safe in a way I haven't felt in years. He keeps insisting I deserve forgiveness. That I deserve love.

But Harry doesn't know the whole story. And I have no doubt that when he learns the truth about the night that changed everything, he'll realize what I’ve known all along.

Some sins are too big to be forgiven, and some people don’t deserve to be truly happy.

Campus Fake is a steamy friends to lovers, fake dating college hockey romance featuring a quiet goalie who falls first, found family, survivor's guilt, emotional healing, and a heroine who must learn that surviving isn't the same thing as living. It is the fourth and final book in the CFU Hockey series, but can be read as a standalone.

346 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication October 15, 2026

About the author

Cadence Keys writes steamy contemporary sports romances about complex alpha males and the women who love them. She loves football, coffee, and watching Gilmore Girl marathons. She has been writing for almost a decade, but only recently got the gumption to really do something with her work. She looks forward to publishing many more novels, specifically her LA Wolves series.

You can also find more information about all future releases at www.cadencekeysauthor.com/

Reviews

[Kris]

CFU Hockey: Harry “Gordy” & Sam

Thanks Cadence for the opportunity to experience this story early! (ARC & ALC)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Oh, my heart.
This was SO much more emotional than I expected. And it’s one thing to read it, but when you listen to it after, it hits so much harder!

Sam's family situation absolutely broke me. The devastation felt real, and her mum is a witch. With a capital B. Watching Sam carry all that guilt and pain while pretending to be the confident, fearless girl everyone sees was heartbreaking.

But, then there’s Harry.
He pined. He waited. He saw her.
He saw through all the jokes and bravado and somehow made Sam feel safe enough to finally let those walls down.

“Nothing about this has been pretend for me.”

There was one particular scene toward the end where I was crying, both while I was reading AND while I was listening. It was both heartbreak and happiness in such a bittersweet moment, and one that really stayed with me.

I loved that this didn't follow the typical hockey-romance formula. Yes, hockey is part of the story, but ultimately this was about family, friendship, healing, forgiveness, and finding the people who become your family.

I laughed. I raged. I cried. I fell in love with the family they created.
Honestly, this might be my favourite book in the series so far.

And now I NEED Eric's story. Although… I could absolutely be convinced to wait until after Viv gets hers first. A woman who owns an NFL team and her head coach? Sign me up! 

Overall, a beautiful, emotional friends-to-lovers/fake-dating romance with found family, survivor's guilt, healing, and a hero who falls first and sees everything.
Absolutely loved this one, and I’m sad to see this particular series end.

[Alexandra Z]

This book has some really great characters and a good plot line that was genuinely interesting. I really liked the MMC and the level of self-awareness he showed throughout the story. I also liked that the antagonist of the story never really redeemed themself. It made the book feel more unrealistic because, unfortunately, sometimes people genuinely don’t want to resolve the conflicts in a relationship. I do think the book could have been a little bit shorter. Some notes about how great the school’s hockey program was and the fact that it was a club team didn’t fully align for me, but overall, this was a good book and I will read the next one! I received an advance copy of this book at no charge. This is a voluntary review.

[Jo Cooper]

CAMPUS FAKE by CANDENCE KEYS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Campus Fake is the fourth (#4) and final book in the CFU HOCKEY series.


Sam Lowe is always the life of the party, the bestest best friend, and supports everyone around her with a kind word and a smile, but this overly cheerful demeanour hides a heart full of pain.

CFU Hockey goalie Harrison Gordon has been in love with Sam since the very first time he saw her. Quiet, stoic and watchful Harry sees past the mask Sam wears to the pain beneath, despite her keeping him firmly in the friend zone, he’ll wait as long as it takes to win her over.

When Sam is ambushed by her brother and guilted into going home for the Christmas holidays, Harry recognises the panic Sam’s trying to hide and pretends he’s her boyfriend, insisting on going with her. He might not know what secret Sam is hiding but he’s determined she won’t face it alone….

——————————

Campus Fake is the perfect end to this delicious series. Harry and Sam finally get their own story and it’s a humdinger!

Harry is the partner we all wish we had, he’ll do anything for Sam and that includes protecting her from her parents. He’s a true golden retriever MC, devoted, protective, kind and thoughtful.

Sam wears a mask hiding her pain, rather she exudes joy, kindness and compassion to everyone she meets. The guilt she’s carrying is threatening to overwhelm her and she really appreciates Harry’s support.

As Sam and Harry’s relationship blossoms so there are plenty of open door spicy scenes. They are dealt with sympathetically though and are tastefully done.

I read an ebook copy of this book, with around 350 pages (print copy) a delightful illustrated couple cover and great editing. This book releases on October 15th 2026. Although this is the fourth and final book in the series it can easily be read as a standalone.

With thanks to Candence Keys for an early chance to read this fantastic book! All comments are my own honest, unbiased opinion.

🏒 Golden Retriever MC
🏒 Hockey Romance
🏒 Open Door Spice 🔥🔥🔥🔥
🏒 Found Family
🏒 Survivors Guilt

[Avidreader]

Okay first of all I was really waiting for Sam’s book. I really really loved the story. If I can give ten stars I will. So, it’s the story of Harrison and Sam. Harrison is a very definition of a perfect boyfriend. His love for Sam is deep and steadfast. His love and unwavering support to Sam throughout the story truly healed Sam’s broken heart. My heart truly goes to Sam. Sam is amazing loyal loving person. She is carrying weight of hurt, trauma, pain of loss and guilt for the last five years that her friends are unaware of. She was just a kid when she wanted to go to the figure skating competition. She was really good and her coach wanted her to participate in it too. One of her loving brothers drove her to the competition and died in accident while coming back from the said competition. He was her biggest supporter. His death was no one’s fault but Sam has survivor’s guilt and blamed herself for his demise. She suffered from the loss of losing her brother she loved the most for five long years.The worst part is that her parents instead of protecting her and loving her blamed her for her brother’s death and extremely callous to her. They made her pariah. Her older brother showed up out of the blue and made her come with him to visit the family, Harrison went with her as her fake boyfriend. When she went to home her parents behavior and their treatment towards her was absolutely disgusting and downright cruel. Harrison carry her through that stormy visit. Eric her little brother is absolutely wonderful. He really wanted her in his life. She got closure with her parents and freed from the guilt and burden. It was so good to see that she found solid family and love in Harrison, her college friends, her brothers and Harrison’s sister too. Not only I enjoyed Harry and Sam’s happily ever after but everything about this story. I definitely recommend it.
Veronica pace and Noah B. Perez did really nice job bringing the characters alive with their voices in the audio book.

[Ashley]

CADENCE KEYS!!!! 😭❤️‍🩹

Firstly, thank you so much for allowing me to ARC read this in exchange for my honest opinion!

This was easily one of the BEST books in the series. I absolutely LOVE the world you’ve created. I’ve been hooked on this series from the very first book, but this one?! HOLY CRAPOLA.

The raw emotions throughout Sam and Gordy’s story absolutely destroyed me. Their journey was heartbreaking, beautiful, emotional, and handled so incredibly well.

And Gordy?! 🥹

The way this man becomes the shoulder Sam needs throughout everything completely melted me. He loves her, supports her, and stands beside her while she works through her own journey. He doesn’t try to magically fix everything—he’s simply THERE, loving her through it all.

It broke me and then put me back together again.

And Sam… ❤️‍🩹

I already loved her before getting her story, but now?! Reading everything she goes through absolutely CRUSHED me. Her healing journey was raw and emotional, and watching her slowly find her way through it brought my heart right back together.

Once I started this book, there was ZERO hope of putting it down. I was completely invested in Sam, Gordy, and every emotion Cadence threw at me.

This series has been amazing from the beginning, but Sam and Gordy’s story hit differently.

Cadence, you emotionally destroyed me with this one—and I loved every second of it. 😭❤️‍🩹📚

I absolutely cannot wait for MORE!!!!

[Colleen]

This was by far one of the best books Ive read this year! I was soo excited to receive the ARC and ALC of this book. I have absolutely loved every book in this series. I could not wait to read Gordy and Sams story!
Cadence Keys did an incredible job writing this book and all of these characters. Everything about this book was absolutely perfect! Their found family has been amazing in every book. Everyone in their family always steps up for each other and it is heart warming. I loved the way this friends to lovers story was written. The love between Gordy and Sam was beautiful. The spice level was perfect. Gordy is the perfect book boyfriend and such a good human! The way he supported and waited for Sam was next level!
I devoured this book and could not put it down. It was soo good, I had to fight the burning in my eyes to keep reading 😂
The audiobook 🎧 was beyond incredible! Veronica Pace and Noah B Perez did an amazing job bringing Sam, Gordy and this story to life! I can not recommend this book, audiobook, and this series enough! This is easily one of best books and series Ive ever read. Do not hesitate to read and listen to it. You will not be disappointed! I am soo sad this series is over but it was an amazing journey with an incredible group of people! I can not wait to read what Cadence Keys writes next!
🏒🥅💜💙🎧📚

[Manda Doorley]

Harrison “Gordy” Gordon- CFU’s hockey goalie is the strong, silent type. Always there for his friends, always watching, always observing, and patiently waiting for the right moment. As a goalie, his job is to always be watching, reading people, the plays, the puck and anticipating the next move. As a friend his is always watching and always there to support his friends. Through being the cook, to singing silly songs he doesn’t know the words to Rory, and through always being the rock they need. He met Sam over a year ago attending a music festival with his best friend. Since that day he has watched and observed her, she has moved into the same house, and he has become one of her closest friends.
Sam- is the girl that is always there for everyone. The first to help, make you laugh, give you a shoulder to cry on and be there for anything that you need. One night at the house’s family dinner, someone knocks at the door. When she opens it, the last person she is expecting to see is her older brother, demanding she come home. It is the last thing she wants. When Gordy steps up to say he will be coming with her, as her boyfriend, it is the last thing she expected, and the thing she needs most.
Tropes:
He falls first and hard
Survivor Grief
Found Family
Fake dating
Friends/ Roommates to lovers

[Donna Buckingham]

First of all, thank you to the author for allowing me to read this in advance (ARC & ALC copies). You are an amazing writer!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you want to read or listen to something that has so much emotion to it, then this book is one for you. I enjoyed this book from start to finish and really did not want it to end. The story pulls at the heart strings and I will admit to being misty eyed at a few chapters, and jumping for joy in others. The author really makes you feel as if you are in the story with this one, so have some tissues to hand.

The main characters, especially Gordy, are so relatable and they really pull you in. Gordy is stoic, reliable and totally in love with Sam. (What girl wouldn't want a man like that?) Sam is going through a really hard time and you really feel for her, but she comes across as a friend you would want on your side. Then around then they have amazing friends, and a few family members who have earnt the right to be there.

I don't want to ruin the story so will keep it to this, but make sure this is on your "To Be Read" list! You won't regret it. You will be smiling by the end with a feel good aura around you whenever you think of these characters and their story.

Favourite quote: "For forever and a day"

[Heather Arns]

Gordy is one patient man. Having been in love with Sam pretty much since he first met her and then deciding to wait until he thought she was ready to be more; he has the patience of a saint.
Their romance started out as a fake dating turned real. Reading/listening to their love story and seeing how their relationship grew was beautiful.
I bawled like a baby in chapter 40, so get those tissues ready.
Won’t let me review the ALC on audible, but a 5 ⭐️ Great duet. The audiobook has an added epilogue that the kindle version did not, so get it so you can listen to it!!
Can I just say, I wanted to jump into this book and rip into Sam’s parents. Sam’s story, pre-Montana, broke me. And I can honestly say that I LOATHE her mother, don’t like her father much either. No parent should treat their child like that and I was applauding Harry when he let them know exactly what he thought about their behavior. Do love her brothers and how they came to be on Sam’s side, yes could have happened sooner, but am happy with how they decided to step up to their mother and re-establish their relationship with their sister.

[tre.wandereads]

So I came into this book with a little bit of detachment from Sam. I felt she was hiding too much of who she was and I may not be in the right state of mind to nurture and tolerate that but she grew on me. I understood her better as the story progressed and felt bad for her and felt so mad at her parents. It's sad to know there are actually people like that, as I've witnessed for myself. And Gordy. Gordy was the absolute best. I loved the he falls first trope and he absolutely was an amazing everything. Reading the previous books, I've always waited for their story to come to life. And the author did Gordy justice, this was the best story for him!

Overall, the story was just a really heartfelt one that dives deeper into every type of people. And I like that it closed the way it did. That sometimes, there are damaged people that you don't need to force yourself into accepting if it's really not right anymore. It's just what it is. We are not responsible for how others feel or view the world. Everyone has a choice.

Loved this book so much!

[Cori Schafer]

I have been waiting to hear Gordy & Sam’s story since book 1. The wait was worth it!
This series does a good job of picking up from the last bit of the previous book but just in the new perspectives.

The chemistry with these two was perfect.
I feel like the third book in the series was much more filled with spicy scenes, this one had a good balance.

I was not prepared for the story with her parents and somewhat sad to not get much closure with that story arc, but it was def true life where sometimes we realize our parents aren’t going to be our biggest supporters.

It was nice to not have a big blow up between the main characters. All the conflict was outside the relationship which I appreciate. You get to stand behind the two characters the whole time and be mad at the other people in their lives for making bad choices.

Love the found family aspect of this entire series.

I like that we get a glimpse at the end of how the group is doing 5 years later in their careers.

10/10 would recommend!

[Kahgreymom]

Campus Fake is Book 4 in the CFU Hockey Series by Candence Keys.

If you told me that Cadence Keys would make me love a couple more than Liam and Ava I would have told you, no way that's possible. But Cadence Keys did it. You get to see some old characters as well as some new ones that will have you wanting more. I can't wait to see what comes next for Cadence Keys.

Harrison Gordon has always had feelings for Sam, but when he pretends to be her boyfriend to help with an awkward situation things start to become real. Sam finally sees Harry in a new light. Sam has had a lot of traumas in her life that she has kept hidden. Will she finally let someone in and open her heart? Will her past finally come to light.

Harry is the fake boyfriend that you wish was real. If you love a will they, friends to lovers hockey romance this book is for you.

If you love audio books the narrators Veronica Pace and Noah B Perez will have you biting your lip in the best way!

[Jillian Riley]

What a beautiful story. I did not for one second think I would get so emotional in a hockey romance… here I go nevering! Cadence captured the trauma and survivor guilt so beautifully that you really feel for Sam. Which makes Gordy’s intense unwavering love so much more passionate and moving.

The book is so well balanced with respect to all the elements that make a reader happy, pacing, spice, banter and side characters.

How refreshing is Gordy!? He is emotionally mature and communicates clearly. He is patient, passionate (his professions of love will squeeze your heart in the best of ways), thoughtful, humble and kind. It’s like Cadence crafted the perfect green flag man!

If you are tired of the miscommunication troupe and want the characters to grow without all the annoying back and forth this is one I HIGHLY recommend! The duet narration is fantastic and you will love the gravel and smoky vocals Gordy provides.

[Jen Wycech]

College Hockey
Fake dating
Friends to lovers
Found family
It's always been you
Dual POV - 1st person

Duet narration - Veronica Pace & Noah B. Perez
Great narrators.

Book #4 CFU Hockey series

Such a good book. I loved how Harry is so there for Sam no questions asked he just stands by her side through everything. Being her fake boyfriend for a holiday trip home where she is not exactly wanted. Sam is suffering from surviovors guilt after a car accident took her brother from her & her family. Moving to Montana for college and building a new life with a new found family. Harry has family issues of his own but nothing like Sam does.

Sam & Harry have chemistry, a sweet deep connection, and spice that will make your toes curl! This book made me laugh, tear up, and kick my feet. I highly recommend it!

Thank you Cadence Keys for this eARC & ALC.

[Kerry Glynn]

Thank you to Cadence Keys for the eARC this book.

This 4 book series has been one of my absolute favorite in hockey romances. The characters, the subject matter, the backstories, and the overall emotional details are simply the best. I have found that with each book both the MMC and FMC characters become stronger and even more vibrant. Harry/Gordy and Sam were just perfection. The chemistry and banter we were able to see in previous books really culminated here in their book. I loved how it was a fitting end to this group as the primary focus point. Without giving out any spoilers, I’m so happy that we will see them as background characters in the upcoming Montana Thunder series.

The epilogue was awesome and I think it will really start the next series off so well. Team Cadence for life!!!!

[Wenda]

Wow. This one hit it differently for me in ways I wasn't expecting. Of course it has the expected story of the relationship, but the individual stories of Sam and Harry, really took centre stage for me. Sam’s story just grabbed me from the start. The way Cadence was able to put words on paper that so aptly described feelings and emotions with both their family dynamics but especially Sam’s …. Wow. Relatable. Emotional. Heartbreaking.

Loved how this story started out… I knew we were in for more of a rollercoaster ride when it was revealed the reason Harry chose to help Sam out to begin with. Loved the found family dynamics as well.
Thank you to Cadence for the opportunity to be an eARC reader for this precious book. I truly found this book more than a typical fake relationship story. It has much more depth to the story than I thought it would. Bravo Cadence! Loved it!!! 5⭐️

[Keeley Stewart]

ARC Review…..

I absolutely loved this story and the way it was told. It really went deep into the emotions the entire book and I was either a sobbing mess or kicking my feet giggling. Sam and Harry’s connection and communication with each other was amazing and just kept on being built on the entire time. You really felt for Sam the entire time and were angry with and for her. Her character development and being able to actually see that she isn’t just this perky sorority girl that you see throughout the other books in this series. The pining and yearning from Harry was “chefs” kiss (pun intended) although in some ways we didn’t really see any development in him as a lot of the story did revolve around Sam and her past/trauma. This book was really well thought out and was just amazing.

[Jacque Abbott]

I immersive read this as I’ve enjoyed all these characters! I did enjoy Harry and Sam’s story. It was very sweet. I love how crazy about her he was, who doesn’t love a man willing to do anything for the woman he loves. The narrators were both new to me and I felt they did very well. Sam kind of reminded me as the mom of the group and I think her story fit the character very well. Harry was her rock as he always has been from book one in the series. I felt the other characters stayed true to who they were wish I truly enjoyed. One scene in particular Drew and Liam’s actions were on point! And I loved it!!

[Rae]

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

I really felt for Sam in this story. Watching her deal with her family brought out a lot of heavy, negative emotions in regards to her parents, but honestly, that’s a good thing—it proves just how impactful and well-written the angst was. I just really wished they had reconciled by the end. At one part I did end up getting teary eyed when Sam and Bryce were having a conversation. The fake boyfriend trope was chef’s kiss and I also enjoyed reading about Gordy’s backstory as well. I also loved the found family in her friends balancing out the biological family drama.

[Lisa Clostermann]

This hit me right in the feels. I had tears in my eyes at some points!
We finally get to see Sam and Gordy get their act together, all because Sam’s brother blindsides Sam with a visit to the hockey house telling her to come home for Christmas. After seeing how her parents are with her, it’s no wonder she avoids them! Of course, Gordy stands up for her and has a few things to say before whisking her off back home. But things are never that easy, and after a date night Sam ends up in a coma, and poor Gordy just breaks.
We also get to see Gordy’s sister finally break away from their parents and start her own life!!
I absolutely loved this

[Marci Crawford]

Hockey ✔️
Romance ✔️
Green Flag MMC ✔️
An FMC You’ll Root For ✔️
Supportive Group of Friends ✔️
Emotional Damage ✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️

You wouldn’t expect the heartbreak that this book will bring you. Good luck.

Every Cadence Keys book I experience in this series surprises me in different ways, and each book becomes my immediate favorite, but if you asked me to choose I wouldn’t be able to.

I listened to this as an ALC and these narrators…they put so much into it. So good.

Thank you to the author and Drafting Dreams for the advanced copy.

[Dianne W]

ARC review

Thank you Cadence for letting me read this book and trusting me to leave an honest review.

God I loved Sam & Harry’s story! I read the book in one day.
The emotional connection was so well written and what a man you are Harry…

They both have troubled family’s and know how to pretend everything is fine, that’s what started their whole connection. This is a full circle story, with a lot of emotional healing.

I will forever recommend these series to everyone.

[Vibeke Sørlie]

✨Audiobook✨

The narrators do a good job

This book is well written, and I love it! My hart is whit Sam and I can’t describe the way her story breaks my heart in more ways than one.

Gordie’s strength is amazing and he is a hero in my eyes.

Truths will be revealed in this story and your hart will cry whit the characters.

[Morgan]

An awesome finish to the series! I had a couple of teary moments reading Sam’s family dynamic. Harry being so steadfast was very refreshing. He was her rock and without even knowing it she became is too.

Advanced Copy Reader and a million thanks to the author for allowing me to!

[Kittykat2103]

What an emotional roller coaster.

Was invested before I even started this book.
I was so engrossed i just kept reading.

It has all the feels & makes you want more.

Received ARC copy of this book. This is my honest review

[jaimielee_reads]

4.5⭐️
Review to come!

[Amanda]

Whoa - this was an enjoyable read. Some very heavy themes throughout with sibling loss and family issues but it made for a great storyline. Gordy and Sam were great together.