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Faking It With the Boss

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The whole city of Las Vegas thinks we’re the power couple of the culinary world.
Don’t believe everything you read on the media, though. Our relationship is nothing but a lie.

Ben’s a lot of things--a childhood friend, a successful restaurateur, a reckless driver . . .
But he’s not my man. Nor do I want him to be.

Seriously, I don’t. Why doesn’t anyone believe me when I say that?

I mean, sure, he’s gorgeous as hell and a genius at what he does. He deserves all the fame and riches he’s got.
But he’s too aware of how good he is. Too arrogant. Too much of a control freak.

So no, we’re not really together. This is just pretend.
I’m not going to sleep with my boss and become a bad cliché.
Whatever we have is fake and will stay that way.

Except every time Ben speaks to me in that deep, commanding baritone, my heart starts racing for real.

And whenever we so much as brush against each other in the restaurant kitchen, a fire burns so hot in my core I can’t pretend it’s not there.

I’ve seen the hunger in those dark, intense eyes. He wants to claim me as his own.

But I won’t give in to the cocky bastard.
I can resist that wicked smirk and those kissable lips.
I can say no to those strong hands, the ones that could probably tear my chef uniform off with ease . . .

How hard can it be?


Faking It With the Boss is a stand-alone, full-length novel of approximately 50,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhanger, and a guaranteed HEA.

236 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 4, 2018

212 people are currently reading
110 people want to read

About the author

Nikki Chase

28 books499 followers
I write contemporary romance featuring bad-boy heroes and strong, feisty heroines.

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5 stars
87 (44%)
4 stars
56 (28%)
3 stars
38 (19%)
2 stars
13 (6%)
1 star
3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
2,696 reviews25 followers
July 8, 2018
3 1/2*
Claire & Ben’s parents are best friends & would like nothing better than the two of them to get together. He’s just opened a new restaurant she’s trained as a chief but is working in a fast food place. Can they help each other?
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Faking it ?
6 reviews
November 12, 2021
Ok so a lot. First of all this book is definitely mis advertised in the bio. It is not a fake dating to really falling for each other book. The characters have insta lust and pretty much insta love from the first second they meet and are “fake” engaged/married for about two paragraphs before they begin a real relationship, no build up at all. Furthermore the characters ARE NOT best friends they knew eachother as children but haven’t seen one another for 15 years.

Next the sex scenes are mehh in my opinion bc ofc she instantly orgasms basically the second he takes her pants off, dirty talk is pretty much non existent and they DON’T USE PROTECTION!! They are having sex with eachother unprotected and never mention if she’s on BC or another form of contraception, they don’t get std tests. Now I know that these romance novels aren’t always the most realistic but this was a particularly important and frustrating aspect for and author to ignore.

The main characters have no really personality except for 1-2 traits which they mention themselves having over, and over and over again. Female MC, rich girl who got bullied so now is super independent (but still let’s her parents get her a job using nepotism????) and is literally the worst driver in the world like honestly wtf was that about??? Oh and ofc she’s literally the best chef in the world after having literally worked at a fast food restaurant after graduating culinary school.
Male MC briefly mentions something about getting screwed over in the last restaurant he owned and then doesn’t talk about it again until the end of the book. Is basically a super controlling and “type a” which we’re told about 600 times in the book and that’s his whole personality.

The relationship of the characters moves at light speed (no development or lead up whatsoever) and conflicts with side characters are brought up once and then ignored. Not to mention a whole plot line of the book is people being obsessed with their relationship but I’m sorry people don’t even give the kardahsians that much attention. Oh and finally the icing on the cake was a shoehorned Latino gay character bc ofc she needed to throw some diversity in there at the last second. I am so there for LGBTQ+ representation and also minority representation but I hate it when authors just throw it in at the end just for the sake of being diverse and not developing these characters in to actual people at all.

Overall, I love a good tropy romance book but this was just not it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for BlueBug.
895 reviews2 followers
July 16, 2018
Ben owns a restaurant he's worked hard to build, especially after a recent restaurant debacle, and he would only hire the best to be a chef. Which is exactly what he's done. The only thing is he'd like to open another restaurant, the one he has always dreamed of having, in an area of Las Vegas that is far beyond something he'll ever be able to afford without help from his wealthy parents. But the last thing he wants is to take their money to follow his dream. He wants to make it on his own.

Claire is fresh out of culinary school and working at a fast food restaurant, wishing she could have her dream of being a chef in a Michelin star restaurant. But at the rate she's going, that dream doesn't look like it's even getting close. Her wealthy parents could give her exactly what she wants, but she already had a hard time in school because of the money she came from. She doesn't need their help with this and refuses to take it.

But when the parents, who are best friends, decide to intervene in their children's lives, dreams begin coming true, and sparks fly in a way neither of them expected or wanted. These two people have more in common than either of them wish, and it might not take as much as the parents think to push them together. But what of Claire's dream of becoming a head chef and Ben's dream of owning a second restaurant? Will they cook up more than good food in the kitchen?

This story was sweet and cute besides being steamy and fun. It was fun watching what the parents were doing behind the scenes in hopes of bringing their kids together. These two were best friends when they were kids who lost touch with each other as they grew up, so it was kind of a second chance romance. I loved the story, and the author's characters were both strong, which always makes me happy. Her heroine wasn't a pushover by any means, and I like that in a female lead character. It was entertaining with some humor and heartbreak. And I liked enjoyed each minute of it. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
Profile Image for Veronica LaRoche.
4,619 reviews69 followers
July 6, 2018
Ben & Claire’s Story will have you hooked from the start. Ben & Claire knew each other growing up but drifted apart, but now with the help of their parents they have reunited. Claire’s dreams come true when Ben offers her a job in his restaurant and working together they grow closer together. But will working together tear them apart? I enjoyed Claire and Ben’s story and loved seeing what Tessa & Luke were up too. Another great story that everyone should one click.

I voluntarily reviewed this Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Anakalia.
1,824 reviews17 followers
July 7, 2018
Claire and Ben’s story contains lots of ups and downs, lots of drama and discussion and quite a bit of heartache…
Both characters are stubborn without end, struggling through this emotional rollercoaster ride, all against the background of having to run a successful gourmet restaurant, and with overly supportive parents lurking behind their backs to further increase the pressure to succeed both in their relationship as well as being successful in their business partnership…

I really liked this novel!
Profile Image for Laila Viking.
4,090 reviews30 followers
July 10, 2018
An agreement turns out to become much more that both characters expected. An amazing well written romance with lots of chemistry and passion. I like the way the characters develop and how they are described. They have a attraction that is worth the try but can they both let their feelings free.
I was so captivated by the emotional ups and downs and the way they are described by the author. The writing style and use of words kept me on the edge most of the time. Twists that were unexpected only gave a lot more to the experience.
Absolutely one I can recommend to others.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
704 reviews1 follower
July 13, 2018
Dumb from the start

I can't even finish it because it's just so unbelievable. Ben didn't know who she was, but he did know her parents, knew that they had a daughter, abd actually knew her when she was little. So, why on earth would he not assume the woman near his age sitting between his parents' friends was their child that he knew existed? Why would he be confused about who she is? This makes zero sense.
543 reviews2 followers
July 6, 2018
I loved Claire and Bens story! Clair and Ben were childhood best friends resently reunited by their parents. Claire jumps st the opportunity to work at Bens restaurant. They quickly grow closer while working side by side. But what happens when they develop feelings for each other? This was such an awesome read.
Profile Image for Bookbytch5 janet Gray.
1,459 reviews9 followers
July 8, 2018
Nikki another hit, I loved Ben and Claire couldn't put it down till the end, There chemistry was off the charts, So can something fake become real, you want to more well you just have to ONE-CLICK NOW to find out. A must read, I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader copy.

Purchase Link: http://a.co/60WvhEY
4,389 reviews56 followers
July 22, 2018
A good modern romance. The characters are strong but not off putting. The problems they encounter are realistic stresses of job, learning to make compromises and how to communicate in spite of the somewhat far-fetched premise. Their chemistry is good. Of course, there is a little drama at the end, but so many do now a days.

I enjoyed this a lot.
Profile Image for Gladys.
13.9k reviews162 followers
July 6, 2018
This is a very enjoyable friends-to-lovers/fake marriage romance. It has a solid plot and characters with great chemistry, this is a book that reads easily. Ben and Claire's story is sweet, charming and a bit steamy. This is a voluntary, honest review.
3,165 reviews
July 9, 2018
An enjoyable fake marriage romance!

An enjoyable fake marriage romance story that was entertaining and hard to put down from the start. Loved Ben and Claire’s chemistry as well as the role of the secondary characters. The story kept me interested the whole time.
Profile Image for Carol Hepstall.
551 reviews5 followers
July 11, 2018
Awesome

Totally loved Claire and Ben’s story. Intriguing storyline and characters that kept me turning pages wondering what was going to happen next. I couldn’t put it down. I definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read
155 reviews
July 16, 2018
Good Love Story

Ben and Claire used to play together as kids, but both have grown up. She is a recent culinary school
Graduate and he is a restaurateur. Their families are best friends and hope they will make a match. They do fall in love despite meddling.

Profile Image for Letitia Bennion.
688 reviews2 followers
July 17, 2018
Control

What does too much control in situations get you? These two crazy characters! Stalking mistake, heat in the kitchen, passion and misunderstanding is all in this book. The whole set including this one are worth the read!
285 reviews
July 18, 2018
Enjoyed this book.

Loved Ben and Claire's story. I understood Claire wanting to make it on her skill. Struck me funny that the parents birthday they wanted without truly meddling much.
Profile Image for Pilucaaa.
67 reviews
February 22, 2024
Very nice, I really enjoyed it. I just don't like that they present the best friend at the very beginning and then just never mention her again until the very end. Honestly that didn't seem right.
But otherwise it was a fast and pleasant book.
4 starts :)
Profile Image for Tracey Crawford.
1,485 reviews6 followers
July 7, 2018
Awesome

I always love a happy ending. I was like when they continue on from previous books. Super hot Romance. Break characters good storyline. Always well written and amazing.
Profile Image for Eunique Sade Powell.
185 reviews2 followers
July 16, 2018
Ehhh! It just didn’t do it for me! The relationship seemed forced and omg. . . The big argument in the kitchen. . . I just didn’t get it. I’ve read better by this author
Profile Image for Alison.
1,123 reviews13 followers
July 27, 2018
Childhood friends reconnect after not seeing each other for years, end up working together & soon after the chemistry is to much to ignore.

Profile Image for B. Koe.
948 reviews11 followers
July 6, 2018
Exceptional, Emotive, and Extraordinarily BRILLIANT! The MUST-BUY of the summer!
“FAKING IT WITH THE BOSS” by Nikki Case is absolutely captivating! In a year where incredibly talented indie authors are blasting the traditional publishing houses into dust, I’m having difficulty coming up with a descriptive worthy of this most remarkable and romantic novel. (Truly, I don’t want my inability to be evocative to get in the way of my telling other readers to BUY THIS BOOK!) While romance readers can get a good idea of the general plot from the book blurb, what readers need to know is what makes this worthy of the reader’s time and money. First, this is not the normal lust to love romance. There is true romance where the boy and girl recognize the kindred spirit they shared as elementary youth and as adults realize they can work together for their mutual benefit. From that friendship, time, and togetherness lead to genuine caring, and a mutual lust for the adult versions of themselves. A paperwork mix-up, some muddled communication, and the stress of growing a business on the cusp of greatness lead to an event that almost ends them. Yet that is also the event which helps them reorganize their priorities in the most amazing way. I’ve skirted too close to “revealing” to say anything more other than the requisite. I was given an ARC of “FAKING IT WITH THE BOSS” to prepare this honest voluntary five-star review. I want to give “FAKING IT WITH THE BOSS” more than five stars because it spoke to me and has earned a STAR for GREATNESS. Nikki Chase has taken her writing to a new level with this one. So, purchase your copy of “FAKING IT WITH THE BOSS” today, and I think you will agree. “FAKING IT WITH THE BOSS” is destined for the FAVORITES collection to be read again and again! Happy pages! 😉
Profile Image for Pamela.
210 reviews4 followers
July 8, 2018
In this book we meet Claire once again. Claire is a strong, reliable, independent women who his not afraid of hard work and as a recent graduate of culinary school her dream is to work in a 5 star resturant. Late for a lunch with her parents she is cut off by a handsome man in a sports car. as she is explaining this to her parents and their best friends, said guy is coming towards them! Enter Ben, come to find out he is a childhood friend who she does not recognize. Meet Ben, he owns a resturant, he is handsome, confident, controlling and determined to make his new resturant a sucess! It is clear that the parents are up to something, offers are made, paperwork signed by both and Claire working in his kitchen after a very sucessful audition. We have rumors, a mixup in paperwork, chemistry between Claire and Ben...rumors fly...will the rumors come true...will they do what it takes to keep them just that rumors? Claire and Ben work well together both in and out of the kitchen, but will they give into that or be just old childhood friends? Well you will have to read the book to find out just what happens! I enjoyed reading Claire and Ben's story and to catch up with Tessa Claire's best friend! I want to thank Nikki Chase for the opportunity to read this book in advance of it's release.
1,293 reviews3 followers
July 9, 2018
There is Claire who finished culinary school but is having a hard time getting in with a high end restaurant. She is still working at a fast food place while she keeps looking for a real chef's job. She comes from a very well off family but doesn't want to take hand outs. Then there is Ben, who is back in town looking to open a second restaurant in Vegas. He hasn't been able to find the right location. They both happen to meet up at a dinner with their parents. Their parents have been friends forever and Ben and Claire actually grew up together. They lost touch before high school and Ben went off to LA to pursue his dream of becoming a success on his own. When Ben gets an offer of a great location that he can lease, there is just one catch, the location is owned by Claire's Dad and he want Ben to hire Claire as a chef. Will he do it? Will the chemistry he felt for Claire become overwhelming when they work together everyday? When they accidentally sign the wrong papers at the opening of the restauarnt and end up domestic partners will it cause problems? You'll need to read the book to find out. I definitely enjoyed this book.

I voluntarily wrote this review from an advanced copy of this book.
Profile Image for Sherill.
1,296 reviews38 followers
July 7, 2018
CHARMING SIZZLING ROMANCE

FAKING IT WITH THE BOSS - IS FILLED WITH FIERY ROMANTIC PASSION emotional moments, strong and believable characters, witty banter, family love, vivid dynamic scene descriptions and a happily ever after that is so deserved.

Ben a restaurateur is deliciously hot and a controlling workaholic with trust issues. Claire a newly graduate of culinary school is eager to land her dream job as a chef. She is smart, has inner strength and is a reliable worker. Ben and Claire knew each other as youngsters. Their parents are still best friends and have secretly wanted them to be together. Impressed with Claire's cooking talent Ben hires her to work in his new restaurant. There are a few complications before they reach their happily ever after.

A CHARMING entertaining story that kept me glued to my reader until the heavenly conclusion. Ben and Claire create magic in the kitchen and out; they are perfectly matched as a couple. The full cast of characters is praiseworthy and engaging. Loved this read. {Of my own volition without any stipulations, I reviewed an advanced copy.} Without reservations, I definitely recommend this read.
Profile Image for Ashlie.
307 reviews13 followers
October 5, 2018
I voluntarily provided an honest review in exchange for a free ARC of this book.

This was a very good book. It was a little different than other books by Nikki Chase as it was more about the relationship between the two main characters and their actions that drive them apart then bring than back together than about outside forces driving them apart then them overcoming it all despite the odds. It was nice to read a story that was more believable and relatable than a story about mob boss fathers keeping the main characters apart or some other less relatable circumstance. This story really focused on the characters and their relationships with each other and other supporting characters and their flaws and weaknesses as well as their strengths. I really recommend this book to anyone who enjoys relatable contemporary romance books. Unfortunately, as of the time of this review (10/4/2018), Nikki Chase's books are only available via kobo. You would need to download the free app to read her books currently.
2,295 reviews18 followers
July 7, 2018
An amazing read about childhood friends who meet once again during a luncheon with each other’s parents. Both parents are up to something and soon Ben, a restaurateur, signs papers on a building for his new restaurant and has Claire, a recent graduate of culinary school, start working for him in his kitchen. Due to a mix up with ppwk, a rumour starts about the two...will they fight the rumour or go along with it ?
A great read with steam and I enjoyed these two and how the book was about them, no over the top drama, no exes getting in the way, and the feelings and fights felt so real and could be about anyone real, not just characters in a book...refreshing and I loved it ! I loved how Claire finally stood up for herself, and how Ben finally realized what she meant to him which leads to their amazing HEA and a true partnership between them.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*
2,940 reviews15 followers
July 9, 2018
Faking It With The Boss is a sweet, sexy romance from Nikki Chase but left me a bit confused on a couple of plot points about partnerships and contracts and whether Claire was more than just an employee at Ben's restaurant. Aside from that, I liked this steamy romance. Ben and Claire have chemistry for sure and love might be on the menu if Claire can get past Ben's controlling ways and dismissive attitude. This story about two childhood friends who fall for each other as adults is an enjoyable read despite my earlier mentioned confusion. 3.75 stars.

I am voluntarily reviewing an advance reader copy of this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews

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