Falling For Him

Games and Love

by Khardine Gray

Some men should come with a warning sign… 

Something like - 

Caution Beware of Playboy!

And, an arrow pointing to the fine print which should say something like –

‘He's great if you want wild fun, and great sex but don't expect him to be committed to you.’ 

That was the sign I wanted to place on Tristan Bouchard, my best friend. 

Yes, my best friend was the biggest playboy I’d ever met in my life, but he took care of me. We had this special relationship that somehow worked and we lived together.
I knew every single thing there was to know about this man. I'd had years of seeing him in action. 
Him with his Hollywood good looks, incredible physique, fantasy muscles, and eyes of the purest blue that could make you melt. 
He could charm the panties right off you, and you'd lose your mind before you knew what hit you. 
I knew this all too well. So well I could write a book.

I knew it even as that stupid note in our friendship box made us cross the line and become more than friends.
I knew it even as I reminded myself that this new thing that we had was just for fun.
I get it.
Some women like wild, no strings attached fun.
I understood perfectly that, that was what this was.
Fun. A Fling...
So… all I have to do is repeat these words to myself every day, and ignore what my heart tells me.

Don't fall for him, Don't fall for him, Don't fall for him.
I'll be fine if I do that.
Right?


If you like hot, steamy, romance with gorgeous, drool-worthy Alpha’s you will like this book.

Falling For Him is a full-length stand-alone novel with a deadly gorgeous alpha and a happily ever after.

Scroll up and one-click your copy today!

Genres: Romance, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary, Sports, Contemporary Romance

207 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 25, 2018

About the author

Khardine Gray is a USA Today Bestselling author who also writes under the pen name Faith Summers.
Khardine lives in England with her husband and two adventurous kids.
She writes contemporary romance, dark romantic suspense, and dark new adult romance.
Her books have sassy heroines and sexy, drool-worthy book boyfriends who will make you melt.
She simply adores her readers and loves spoiling them.
When she’s not writing or reading, you can find her in a ballet class or ice skating.

Reviews

[Ruby · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars!

[Coco.V]

💝FREE on Amazon today (8/7/2018)!💝

[Vivi Chatzikiriakou · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A sweet-romantic best friends to lovers roller coaster with the most heartwarming HEA destination."

"I received a complimentary copy of this book and have volunteered to leave a review."

Book rates: 4stars
Plot: 3+stars
Characters: 3+starts
Writing: 4stars
Pacing: 4stars
Cover: 4+stars

Falling For Him is the second book I had the chance to read by Khardine's Gray. Just like Never and Always, the author includes in the story strong emotions; like trust, affection, frustration, remorse, courage and love, with the implication to express the impact these emotions have to her heroes lives and relationships. This time, however, it was a bit too over the top for my tastes.

So, let's take it from the start without, of course, spoiling the story. Zoe's Carter life couldn't be more stressful than it already is. At her early thirties she has an opportunity to compete for the department head of the high-school she currently works along with an other one teacher who unfortunately hates her unreasonably much. As if it weren't her only problems, she also was heartbroken for being misleaded by a married man. Her almost twenty-years best friend Tristan was there to pick up her pieces until one night unpredictably he exposed his true feelings for her. The revealing brought up serious issues to their relationship, resurfacing Zoe's fear to trust again a man, more specific her best friend who was called the womanizer.

Falling For Him is a sweet romance with an enjoyable plot and two immensely likeable heroes. Although I have finished it in only one sitting, the impression the story left me wasn't the one I was looking for. The only reason was my lack of fully understand Zoe's behavior. I could see her fears but not her one way of thinking. I would really wanted her more self-confident for her age. Tristan on the other side is, again, one perfect man! I love how he reveals his feelings to Zoe and how he pleases her one way or an other. The best part...Their steamy-hot-sexy-as-hell love scenes. Here, the author once again burns the place entirely! And when everything between them finally settled down then she gifted them with the best HEA ending.

I hope I intrigued your imagination a little and make you grab the book, finding out what's really happening because there is no way to tell you myself. Until next time, enjoy your free time reading great books with the most unforgettable stories.

Vivi

[Staci · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really do hate to give this book one star, because there's actually a good story here, but I can't in good conscience give a book a good rating when there are so many errors that any decent editor could/should have fixed before publishing the book. There were a lot of grammatical and spelling errors, and I can't even count how many times we went from past tense to present tense in the same paragraph, and even in the same sentence many times. Examples below:

For what I know though of Victoria's Secret models, I know their all perfect beings who are indeed what you'd imagine angels to look like. The Victoria Secrets Angels are just a notch above the other models, and I guess above the rest of womankind in most men's eyes. Just the kind of woman my best friend would be dating.
"You like the green one, I'm staying here." He flashed me a dazzling smile, but I frown back.
"No." I really don't want pity tonight. Not from anyone, and not from him.

I hope the author gets this to an editor and publishes a second edition of it so that people who are as obsessive as I am about the "little things" can enjoy it.

[Yvette89 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zoe and Tristan have been best friends for almost 20 years. They met when Zoe was a 14 year old tutor and Tristan was the 17 year old star football player. They did everything together. Wherever Tristan went Zoe followed, literally. The even lived together for the past 15 years. They pretty much act like an old married couple. Anyone outside of their immediate friends and family would think they were a couple. They celebrate they friendsversary every year by drawing a note from their friendship box they created years ago. This year the note causes all the pent up feelings to come to the forefront. I loved Tristan from page one. He was a lovable playboy. His relationship with Zoe was cute and he adored her and spoiled her rotten. Zoe was so insecure that she almost jeopardized her happiness. It was hard for her to trust Tristan because she knew him so well and saw his love life up front and personal. Overall this book was good with great characters. I really enjoyed reading it and look forward to more.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tristan and Zoe, he was the handsome star quarterback at school from a wealthy loving family. Zoe’s a smart student from a broken and dysfunctional family. Zoe is asked to tutor Tristan to keep him on the team. They become close friends and move in together after school with Tristan being a playboy and Zoe dating douchebags. Years later their true feelings for each other come to the surface after another of Zoe’s relationships. Can they risk their special friendship for a relationship? This book was a great read. I voluntarily read an Advanced Copy of this book.

[Lisa :) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 stars.

I love best friend love stories and this one lies somewhere in the middle.

What I liked about it was that Zoe were first foremost friends. They had a strong platonic relationship (no secret crush or whatever) and a real personal connection.

They still got on my nerves right before their HEA so that I couldn’t give it more stars.

[❤️Melanie G.📖💛 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun sexy read.

[Shannie's ⭐️Lookin' 4 My Next BBF⭐️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cute lil fluff read!!

[Shirlgig · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never read a book like this before - a man and woman who are best friends living together for 8 years? Of course, they were in love!

Good reading!

[Chelsea · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first half was really good and had nice build-up. The second half was really cliche and showcased whiney, annoying characters. The entire book needed editing, though. When a single sentence switches between past and present, it's God awful. That happened throughout the story.

[Tracy Carmichael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

Would def recommend this book. Sometimes u dont see what’s in front of u til it hits u up the face!! Damn that was a hard book to put down!! Love the writers style and those steamy scenes? Well what can I say except they were HOT!!

[Crissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read from this author and I enjoyed it a lot. It's a great friends to lovers romance read with a bit of drama, steamy scenes and a lot of sweetness. This is a great book for readers looking for a light romance read that will leave you with a great HEA.

[Hopeless Romantic Chick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did!

Love stories like this. They characters are so relatable. They're opposites but that where the attraction usually starts even if you thought it's otherwis. Good job!

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Rating: ★★★★☆

Falling For Him by Khardine Gray is a delightful romance that will captivate fans of steamy, heartfelt love stories. From the very beginning, the book immerses readers in the sizzling chemistry between Zoe and Tristan, making it hard to put down.

Zoe and Tristan’s journey from lifelong friends to lovers is both engaging and heartwarming. Tristan’s playboy persona and Zoe’s struggle with her growing feelings create a dynamic and emotional narrative. Their relationship is built on years of friendship, which adds a layer of depth and authenticity to their romance. The way their friendship evolves into something more is beautifully handled, offering both passion and genuine emotional connection.

One of the standout aspects of this novel is the strong character development. Zoe’s internal conflict and Tristan’s charm create a compelling push and pull that drives the story forward. Khardine Gray excels at building romantic tension and crafting steamy scenes that keep readers hooked. The chemistry between the characters is electric, and their interactions are both sweet and intense.

Gray’s writing style is engaging and vivid, drawing readers into the world of Zoe and Tristan with ease. However, the pacing of the story occasionally feels uneven, with some moments dragging slightly while others rush by. The resolution, though satisfying, might leave readers wishing for a bit more closure on certain aspects of the plot.

Despite these minor issues, Falling For Him is a highly enjoyable read. The combination of romance, humor, and emotional depth makes it a standout in the genre. Fans of steamy, character-driven romances will find plenty to love in this book.

In conclusion, Falling For Him is a well-crafted romance with strong character dynamics and an engaging plot. Khardine Gray delivers a compelling story that will resonate with readers who enjoy passionate, heartwarming love stories. If you’re in the mood for a romance that blends fun and emotional depth, this book is a great choice.

[Carma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Falling for Him by Khardine Gray is a novel about 2 best friends for almost 20 years Zoe and Tristan. They were pushed together in high school when Tristan, star football star, needed some academic help and Zoe was assigned to be his tutor. They became fast friends and nineteen years later they are still best friends living together.

Zoe thinks Tristan is a man-whore to the nth degree for most of the years she’s known him. She’s no angel but tries to steer more toward the safe man, one totally opposite her father. She has been dating a man for the past 2 years until his wife shows up at her school and calls her a homewrecker. “Homewrecker” is the one thing she never, ever wanted to become in her life.

Tristan is a mover and player and loves the ladies. He knows through it all though Zoe will be right there by his side. She is his best friends and would do anything for her. When he finds out her latest boyfriend was using her he takes it upon himself to set him straight. No one hurts his Zoe and gets away with it.

Each year they open up their friendship box and pull out an envelope they’ve written and placed inside when they were younger. Each envelope has a task, trip or fun suggestion they HAVE to do with each other. This year’s envelope sends them both reeling. Will they be able to do what the envelope suggests and what consequences will it have on their relationship.

Falling for Him is the 2nd novel I’ve read by Khardine Gray. I received a copy of this novel from the author without expectations, all opinions expressed are solely my own. I enjoy her novels but what stops me from giving a 5/5 most times is the writing style she uses. I am not a fan of the 1st Person POV. It makes it really hard to follow along sometimes and I just don’t feel as connected with the characters and the situations to fully get immersed in the novel. With that said I would give more of her novels a chance in the future.

[B. Koe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A WONDERFULLY hot, but insightful FRIENDS TO LOVERS TALE!
Tristan and Zoe were best friend and roommates. A bit unusual, but it worked for them. What they didn’t realize was their good relationship kept them talking with each other, depending on each other, and supporting each other. So, it didn’t really surprise me that their friendship might bloom into something more. I expected it to happen, but I was not prepared for how it happened. You see, experience had taught me that extremely good-looking men were either gay or heartbreakers. While I recognized this pattern in college, I was reminded of that observation when reading the first few chapters of “Falling for Him”. Tristan, the main character with the devastatingly good looks, was an ardent bachelor who never stuck around for more than a romp or two until he, as most men do, he recognized what he had in best buddy and roommate, Zoe, and then “fell hard”. I loved how author Khardine Gray allowed readers to experience that realization, and then go on to have a front row seat as that friendship provided a base upon which Zoe and Tristan built so much more. Trust me when I say that “much more” was steamy, sexy, and HOT! Although there was some pace-dragging angst and “tell me about it” remembrance in a few of the chapters, it did not really detract. Author Gray’s ability to build wonderfully rich characters and a provocative tale kept this reader more than interested and able to give a STRONG recommendation to “HARD CRIMES” by Khardine Gray. Although this was my first read and review for the talented author Gray, I know it will not be my last! You should purchase your copy of “HARD CRIMES” TODAY. Happy pages! 😉

[Tina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this story, I really, really did. It had a good idea behind it. Best friends finally realizing they are attracted to each other and act on it. The thing that got me was the writing itself. The author switches from past tense to present tense on the same sentence and sometimes in an entire paragraph, a lot. It got confusing at times forcing me to re-read a page or two to catch up. I found myself skimming through the first half of the story and almost didn’t finish it. I almost stopped reading it before the characters hooked up, but I pushed through to see how the “sex scene” would play out. For as much build up as there was during the first half of the book, this much anticipated scene didn’t last very long and wasn’t descriptive enough to do it justice... Then I just skimmed through the rest of the book just to finish it. God, that sounds awful and I’m really sorry, but I just ended up not liking this as much as I hoped to.

Another thing that got to me was the grammar and what seemed like a lack of editing. I don’t know about most readers, but constant grammatical errors and spelling mistakes really turn me off when reading a book. It takes away from the story and frustrates me. Also the use of the same descriptive word being used over and over. In any case, the premise for this story was really good and relatable. It had tons of potential. I just think a little more time spent on developing the story itself and carefully crafting the character’s budding physical/emotional relationship, after being besties for 20 years, would have made this a better read for me.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is one special friendship between Tristan and Zoe. They meet back in high school when Zoe was asked to tutor Tristan so he could continue playing football. He stands up for her and they remain friends for 20 years. He goes to college and graduates and Zoe follows him whereever life takes them. Tristan played successfully pro football for a couple years and now owns his own sports recruiting business and Zoe became a high school teacher. They share a house and Zoe is well aware of his playboy lifestyle. Zoe finds out that her boyfriend of two years is married and her life almost crumbs around her. Tristan does everything in his power to cheer her up. Zoe has applied to become department head at school and goes up against a mean bully and all her drama. Every year they spend a night together on the anniversary when they meet and open a note from when they were kids and do what it says. Some years there are trips far away but this year it says to have sex! What will this note do to their friendship? Can they ever move forward from this note that was accidentally put in there? Tristan has cared for Zoe ever since they meet can it turn into a healthy relationship or will Zoe back away out of fear? This is one special friendship with the chance to become more!! I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[JJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jock meets Geek ='s a really great story.

Let's face it, friends don't act the way Tristan and Zoe do. They don't live together for years, follow each other wherever the other goes and they don't bend over backwards to put the other first. But that is exactly what Zoe Carter and Tristan Bouchard do and it works for them...in fact it has since they attended high school together almost 18 years ago!


When Tristan was a senior in trouble with his grades he needed a tutor or he would not be able to play football - the principal wanted a win so he told Tristan he would be tutored by a precocious teen who had skipped a grade, that would be Zoe...and so the story begins. It was a rough start but here they are almost 18 years later, sharing a home in sunny California and still BFF's.

At 34, Zoe Carter is in the running for department head at the school where she is teaching. She might be young for the position, but she is qualified and has some great ideas and everyone likes her...well, almost everyone!

As for Christian, he has segued from professional star QB for the LA Rams to personal director and talent scout for the Centaurs.

[Shanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best friends make the hottest lovers and never has it been proven more than in this book. Someone who after knowing you for twenty years and been living together for fifteen knows your every thought and action. Tristan an ex pro player and Zoe a teacher have been friends for years, after finding out her last boyfriend was married, Tristan forsakes his usual string of bimbos and stays in to comfort Zoe, during this time they open their yearly friendship box and pick out the next adventure. The paper says "we should have sex". This causes the two friends to look at each other differently and they embark on a hot, steamy and non stop bedroom action affair. Will it carry on asTristan has never managed past the eight week mark and Zoe can't forget his past so is looking out for signs of cheating constantly. With the added pressure of being up for the head of English against a nasty old woman can they make things work and achieve a HEA. Read it and see, I especially loved the epilogue. I voluntarily reviewed an arc.

[Kelly DeMarco · Rating 5 out of 5]

A decade + of oblivion is so obvious (to this reader)

Obliviousness. Denial. Awareness. Acceptance. Disbelief. All-in. These are just some of the adjectives that only reach the tip of the iceberg of Tristan and Zoe's unique exisisting and evolving relationship. They experience them all and then some as they contemplate a move from friendship to lovers in the most unique and unassuming way (a bit of humor too). Falling For Him also explores childhood baggage and overcoming fear despite bad choices.
From the book description, one would think that Tristan is the one to be slow on the uptake. However, that's not what I took away from Zoe and Tristan's story. For me, Zoe was her own worst enemy.
An engaging story with interesting, well developed characters inlcuding their lives beyond each other. Plenty of steamy nautiness to showcase Tristan's experience in the most delicious and sometimes romantic ways. A very sweet extended HEA that this reader absolutely appreciated and loved!

[Julie Goss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zoe's life is more stressful than she requires as she has been the opportunity to apply for the department head position at the school where she currently works. However she is up against another teacher who hates her and takes every opportunity to make this known to Zoe. She makes matters worse she is heartbroken after mislead by her boyfriend who turns out to be a married man. Her one great solace is her best friend Tristan (an ex football player) who for twenty years has been there to pick her up whenever she has troubles. Although they are extremely close, he is a player and not boyfriend material at all but if things were to change she knows she would love to be with him as he wants nothing more than for her to happy. Unexpected one night he reveals his true feeling towards her but she has her walls so high to protect her heart, can she ever see him as more than her best friend and less than the man whore she calls him. Will he break through the fear and trust issues she has, or are they destined to be just best friends forever.

This book has an enjoyable plot and two extremely likeable characters that you can route for. I loved their dynamic, chemistry and the way they care for each other throughout their troubles, no questions asked.

[Di · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing read that I first I wasn’t sure about...a playboy, Tristan and his best friend, Zoe. There is so much more to this story, everything these two have done for each other, been there when needed, putting each other first no matter what, living together for many years, a true friendship. I loved the fact that before the box, neither of them had any real inkling of wanting what that note read but when it’s revealed it’s like opening Pandora’s box and the story that follows...WOW.
A read with steamy sensual scenes, great characters, some heartbreak, and real love between two people who know the other better than they know themselves. I loved how it all played out with Tristan trying to figure out how to convince Zoe she’s the only one and how he proves it and how Zoe’s fears that were coming off the pages felt so real, like I was there beside her. The ending...perfect and the epilogue...perfect.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*

[Linda Lagrue · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Falling For Him” involves Zoe Carter an English teacher and playboy Tristan an NFL recruiter. They have been close friends for nineteen years and share the same house. Zoe would love a lasting relationship but has just discovered that her boyfriend of two years is married with children. Tristan cancels his date with a Victoria Secret model to comfort Zoe. Every year on their friendship anniversary they open the friendship box and pick an envelope. They do whatever the message in the envelope says, such as hiking, taking a trip etc. This year what the envelope suggests is shocking! Will Zoe and Tristan lose their friendship if they act upon the suggestion. “Falling For Him” is a wonderful, sweet, steamy friend-to-lovers book. Fascinating story! Marvelous characters! A MUST READ.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A super sweet best friends to lovers story filled with a roller-coaster of emotions. Players as the hero of a story usually have an uphill battle with me to prove their worthiness. I need to see that they’re changing for the better. Tristan didn’t have to work very hard to prove anything to me. From the very beginning it’s glaringly obvious that Zoe’s the single most important thing in his world. On the other hand, Zoe drove me to distraction. She allows her (somewhat justified) fears to goad her to act like an idiot for a lot of this book. I’m grateful that they both have some amazing friends that are available to talk some sense into them when Zoe and Tristan are being their most stubborn.
I received a complimentary copy of this book.

[Holly Minch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this book it was sweet and I love the best friends to soulmates story and this book moved along well and keep a baseline plot I was upset how Zoe was unwilling to see how he would never hurt her. Tristan was so extra and I loved it he did any and everything fo Zoe no one mattered the way she did and this was not just when they slept together but for the last 19 years he was a dog to women not going to try and justify the way he acted but with Zoe you knew he would never hurt her. I loved the friendship box and I liked the side story such as Zoes teaching job all in all this book was perfect for a nice read. I am so happy I picked it up and will look at the author's other books.

[Silvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zoe and Tristan have been best friends since they were in high school when Zoe was asked to tutor him by the principal. Fast forward almost twenty years and the two have been living together for the past 15 years as only true best friends can.
They have an adorable tradition of opening letters that their younger selves wrote to be done on their friendship anniversary. What happens when one of those notes opens their eyes to what they haven’t been seeing and to possibilities they never imagined?
This was an EXCELLENT friends to lovers book!!
I loved how Tristan was patient with Zoe. I also liked how Rachel made Zoe finally see the truth about her and Tristan.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Laila Viking · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written best friends to lovers romance. Great storyline and plot. Well described characters that develops nicely through the story and are likeable. There is a great chemistry between the main characters. The story is written in dual POV and gives the reader much more of the feelings and thoughts of the main characters in this way.
This story makes the characters go up and down with their emotional roller coaster. It has twists and turns in it that makes you want to read on. There are trust, affection, frustration, passion, remorse, courage and love in the story. Sometimes it felt as there was too much going on.
An enjoyable romance that has been on the way for 15 years.

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best friends since high school, Tristan and Zoe are still together years later. He's a major womanizer and she's advancing in her high school administration job. Zoe is crushed when she finds out that her boyfriend of tow years is not only married but has a family. She cries on Tristan's shoulder, as he's her BBF. During a game with their 'friendship box' she pulls a card about having sex and it opens up a whole new avenue. BFF or love in denial. No spoiler here, but a great friends to lovers romance that will heat up your kindle. I read a reader copy and voluntarily chose to write a review.