Playing Pretend: A Fake Fiancé Story

by Darcy Dawes

It’s been done a million times before. Woman hires man to be her fiancé. Except it’s different this time. Nora doesn’t need to hire anyone. Her best friend Nate is more than happy to step in to save her embarrassment when she has to attend the wedding of her ex-husband. Nate has been there through everything with Nora—including her crappy divorce. He doesn’t understand why she needs to prove anything to her ex but he’ll do anything for his best friend. Especially if it means time alone with her... But sharing a suite for two in beautiful Hawaii triggers feelings Nora never knew existed. Nate can’t keep his hands off her and she seems to be having the same problem. Friends with benefits will be easy right? After all, they just need to be honest with each other and no one will be hurt. But Nate wants more then friends with benefits. He wants her to be his...forever. Can he persuade her this is more then just pretend?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Friends To Lovers

101 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 4, 2019

Reviews

[LMR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Playing Pretend: A Fake Fiancé Story
By: Darcy Dawes
Be Careful What You Wish For... Cuz, You Just Might Get It!
She's headin' to HER Ex's Wedding,
Where she's supposed to be introducing her OWN Fiancé...
You see, she told a bit of a Story,
ALL Cuz she couldn't admit she hadn't MOVEd On!
Now it's just Hours to Wheels Up,
And she's Lackin' a BoyToy ON her Arm to Parade 'round Displaying Charm!
That's when she asks HER Bestfriend to Step In & Play the Part...
Only HE wants her HEART,
Cuz, it seems her BEST MAN has always been her biggest Fan...
And He's just been waiting for the Perfect Time,
To Come Out & Say You're M.I.N.E!
Looks like this Trip he's gonna get to DO & Say...
A lot of things he's been wanting to!
I was granted an ARC of Darcy Dawes' "Playing Pretend: A Fake Fiancé Story" via Booksprout; I recommend this book to others based upon its own merits. All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given!
Until next time... Happy Reading!

[Julianne Macneil · Rating 5 out of 5]

i read this book as part of an arc program. This is the friends to lover story of Nora and Nate. When Nora is invited to her ex-husband's wedding, she replies she will attend with her fiance, except she is single. The day she is supposed to leave to fly to the wedding in Hawaii, she asks her best friend Nate to pretend to be her fiance and go with her. Nate is in love with Nora and thinks this might be his chance to finally get her realize how he feels about her and to love him back. Nate agrees and tells her she has to be comfortable with him kissing her and touching her, so he wants to practice. They have a little practice and Nora is a little confused but thinks she wants more. When they arrive in Hawaii and meet with her ex, Nate begins to really make Nora comfortable with his kissing her. Both Nate and Nora decide to try to figure out their feelings for each other, but Nora's ex might be second guessing his divorcing her. I liked this story, i really liked Nate and thought he really loved Nora. I loved reading about how romantic Nate was in his quest to win Nora's love. I thought Nora loved Nate, but she never thought he loved her back. Good one.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a 2nd chance at love story for Nora. She was married and her ex-husband leaves her for another woman and Nora takes several years to get over it all with the help of her best friend Nate. Nora and Nate meet in college and have been friends since and it may have caused some problems for Nora’s marriage unknown to her. The ex invites Nora to his Hawaii wedding and Nora replies yes with a plus one, her fiancée. Not having one she convinces Nate last minute and they set off on a journey that is new and fresh! Nate has been in love with Nora and can not believe he finally has the chance to show her they can have it all! I love the connection and growth these two make as a couple in a short time and how easy their love is for one another. The ex tries to stake him claim on Nora, again with one little kiss. Will Nate’s misunderstandsing leave him heartbroken or will Nora show Nate what love is really like for them? Her ex wants what he gave up and will Nora leave the past where it belongs and move forward with Nate? I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Katja · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nora gets introduced as somebody who makes shit up and lies to people but it just falls to the roadside and there's never any consequences. Nate is her best friend. Her ex husband is a guy who can't make his mind up. She used to tell her ex that Nate is gay but that's not true. Nate and Nora agree to pose as an engaged couple in order to go to her ex husband's wedding.

I know it's a novella but it would be a better story if it spent a little more time developing the characters and their relationship. As it is now, there is no sexual tension because it turns intimate super fast, it takes about two minutes after the fake engagement until it's a done deal and there is sperm on her skirt. The reader is immediately told that Nate has always been in love with her, so there is no emotional suspense, it's just about waiting until his sexual prowess has impressed her enough.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy friends to lovers books and this definitely did not disappoint. Nora accepted an invite to her ex-husband's destination wedding to the woman he cheated on her with. To prove she is over him and doing great she said she was bringing her fiancé Who better to play fiancé than her best friend Nate? Nora and Nate have known each other since college. They were so close that in order for husband to be okay with their friendship, she let him believe Nate was gay. For years Nate has wanted his best friend Nora and now he's finally got his chance. He will use the four days in Hawaii to prove he's the right guy for her! And what will Nora do when she begins to think of Nate as more than friend?

[Peggy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is about recently divorced Nora and her BFF Nate. They have been friends for many years after meeting in college. Nora wants to show her ex that she’s not upset when she’s invited to his wedding in Hawaii. Nora asks Nate to go as her fiancé. This is a quick and predictable read. I realize I read an arc and expected there might be some proofing issues but this was not in the best shape to send out. Many words were in the wrong place or wrong words used. Not enough care and attention rates this a 3 star rating as it needed a deep edit not just proofs for mis-spelled words. Most times I had to read and read again to try and figure out what was meant. A very frustrating read.

[Caroline Doig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darcy Dawes is a new author to me and what a fantastic story. Nora needs a date for her ex’s wedding but the only person she can ask is her best friend Nate because she doesn’t want to look like a fool and go on her own. Nate has always had the more than friends feelings for Nora and when she asks him if he wants to play pretend at being her date he jumps at the chance. When they both get put in one hotel room Nate shows her how he feels, and I think Nora knew she had feelings for Nate but didn’t do anything about it until he made his move. This is a feel good read a friends to lovers romance and I highly recommend this book it’s definitely well worth the read.

[Jami · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I have any complaint about this book it would be that I want more. The story is sweet. The characters are captivating. I am loving the whole fake fiancee genre and this one fits the bill. Nate is happy to do whatever he can for his best friend Nora, especially if it means getting one on one time with her. The ex-husband getting remarried is the catalyst for making Nora stop and take a real look at Nate as more than a friend. The question is will she be willing to jump and trust her heart to him? You will have to read to find out.

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

[Brigitte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here is a story that I believe could be subjugated as the "classic" romance. I.e. without the villain. The story line is quite good, but still I wonder, who goes to their x-hubbys next marriage? Well, obviously that must be a possibility as this is not the first story I read where that happens... But this is quite a short story as well, but still has all the most neccessary elements needed to make the story quite good. I can at least recommend it if you like romances with a HEA.

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

[Debra Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Fantastic! The storyline is amazing, engaging, funny, emotional, witty, and beautifully written. The story moves along at a brisk pace and is easily read in one sitting. The chemistry between best friends Nora and Nate is intense, passionate, sweet, and off the charts HOT! A really enjoyable read and definitely recommended.

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

[Will Decker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those stories that doesn't waste any time getting right into the meat and potatoes of it, but it felt more forced than natural. They're still in friends mode but they're getting it on like two lovers in the early stages of discovering each other? Predictable, rushed, and trying to put too much into too few words. It was okay for a quickie, but don't expect anything deep and you won't be disappointed.

[Chelsea Ortiz-Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an entertaining book.
Nate and Nora's antics were ridiculously funny through much the entire read. Their chemistry and their obviously strong friendship just made it that much better.
I would highly recommend if you are looking for a feel good read.
Happy reading!
Rating 5 stars

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

[Stacie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was good if even though it was quite predictable overall. Nate hides his love for his best friend for years only for Nora to take going to her Ed husbands wedding to see what is right in front of her

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

[Darlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nate has been in love with Nora for 10 years but he didn't want to lose her as his best friend. When she asked him to pretend to be her fiancé for her ex-husband's wedding in Hawaii he jumped at the chance to show her that he really loves her and not as her best friend. I enjoyed this book.

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

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book and was honored to have been able to read and review. It was such a phenomenal read and had amazing characters as well as an amazing story line. I just could not get enough of it and once I started reading it I could not put it down. I recommend that you read it.

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

[Misty Goan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A romantic enjoyable well written fake engagement best friends romance. This fun adventure has numerous interesting situations, involving comfronting emotions while flowing smoothly. The characters have a strong connection and sizzling chemistry.

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

[Melissa B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Friends to lovers story!
Nora is attending her ex husband wedding so she asks her bestfriend to be her fake fiance.

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

[Cynthia Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nora asks her best friend Nate to be her fake fiancee at her ex husband wedding. Nate who been in love with her since college agrees. He hopes he can show her how much he cares.It's romantic, funny and the main characters are interesting.

[Angelica Larsson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wellwritten and fastpaced story filled with lots of emotions and wonderful characters. I enjoyed the storyline and the bond between Nate and Nora.

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

[Lashonta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Immature to be a Doctor

It’s feels like the author is super young the way the book was written Nora is a Doctorate but can’t chew gum and walk? Just doesn’t seem right, glad the book was free.

[Cherye Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoy!

Oh my gosh. What a fun read. A wonderful happily ever after book. The ending was classic. Don't cheat and read the last first!

[Belinda Lucero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice, awesome, and steamy

Loved it, was interesting and riveting.. Glad they all got what they wanted and longed for!!💖💖💖 Keep up the good work!!

[Carol Sandford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, sweet and delicious.

Love this kind of relationship, and even better, set in a place that conjures up some wonderful images. Sex wasn't half bad either 😘

[Liz · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. Honestly, I thought the premise sounded really fun, but I just didn't love the execution.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/6/2019)! 🎁

Blurb:
It’s been done a million times before. Woman hires man to be her fiancé.

Except it’s different this time. Nora doesn’t need to hire anyone. Her best friend Nate is more than happy to step in to save her embarrassment when she has to attend the wedding of her ex-husband.

Nate has been there through everything with Nora—including her crappy divorce. He doesn’t understand why she needs to prove anything to her ex but he’ll do anything for his best friend. Especially if it means time alone with her...

But sharing a suite for two in beautiful Hawaii triggers feelings Nora never knew existed. Nate can’t keep his hands off her and she seems to be having the same problem.

Friends with benefits will be easy right? After all, they just need to be honest with each other and no one will be hurt.

But Nate wants more then friends with benefits. He wants her to be his...forever. Can he persuade her this is more then just pretend?