The Stand-In Boyfriend

Greyford High #2

by Anna B. Doe

*Unpublished May 2025.*

This year was supposed to be the best of her life, but after finding her boyfriend cheating in front of half of the school, the last thing Jessica Bryant wants is to face her classmates.

Noah Russell still feels ashamed of what he did last year. He isn’t one of the bad guys. So, when he hears people bad-mouthing Jessica, he reacts without thinking.

It was supposed to be just a kiss, to give people something else to talk about, but now that they’re the ones controlling the rumors, why not continue?

A few weeks, just until homecoming, and then they’ll break up. Jessica won’t be the girl her boyfriend cheated on and Noah will get his redemption. Should be easy, right? Maybe if her stand-in boyfriend wasn’t also her mortal enemy…

The Stand-In Boyfriend is an interconnected standalone, sweet YA novella in Greyford High universe.

Genres: Young Adult, Romance, Sports Romance, High School, Contemporary, Sports, Novella

156 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 9, 2020

About the author

Anna B. Doe is an Amazon Top 30, USA Today and international bestselling author of new adult sports romance. She grew up near Zagreb, capital of Croatia where she still lives. She fell in love with reading at an early age, and she knew she wanted to be an author. 
She writes real-life romance, filled with angst and banter. Her characters are flawed and relatable. If you love big groups of friends with strong, sassy heroines and sexy heroes who're obsessed with them, Anna's books are perfect for you.
When she's not writing her newest book you can find her reading, binge-watching TV shows or listening to music on long walks with her dog. She's addicted to coffee and can't wait for her next adventure.

She is currently working on various projects. Some more secret than others.

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Reviews

[Ꮗ€♫◗☿ ❤️ ilikebooksbest.com ❤️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good fake high school romance!



The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: ❤️💙💜🖤💚
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌎🌍🌏🌎🌎
Character development: 👤👤👤👤

The setting: Greyford High School

The Hero: Noah – Captain of the football team, he used to have a crush on Evie though Evie was always in love with her best friend and neighbor Liam. Noah dated Evie for a bit and made a mistake by kissing Evie at a party even after she said No. Noah learned his lesson that No means No and Evie forgave him. Noah still feels bad about what happened because he is a good guy.

The heroine: Jessy – On the first day of summer before this school year, Jessy went to a party and found her boyfriend making out with a member of her Cheer squad. Now some of the girls in school are spreading rumors about her wanting her ex boyfriend back and calling her pathetic.

The Love Story: When girls in the hall at school are talking about Jessy behind her back and she overhears them, Noah steps in and rescues her by kissing her. After that they start to “fake” date to keep the gossipers at bay.

I read the previous book, The Penalty Box and I liked Noah in that book. I felt sort of bad for Noah since he had a crush on Evie and she was basically using him to try to get over Liam. However, Noah made a mistake when he was kissing Evie and he didn’t seem to notice that she wanted to stop. Though it definitely didn’t get any further than kissing, it was nice that Noah felt so bad about it and learned early that No means No. So he is now a better person.

I really liked this cute romance, it reminded me of one of my favorite 80’s movies about a fake high school romance, Can’t Buy Me Love!



I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.

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[ABookLover73 · Rating 5 out of 5]

FIVE CUTE STARS for Jessica and Noah ❤🖤❤🖤!!!

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Wonderfully!

I didn’t expect to love this book so much, but I have to admit that the characters and the story found a special place in my heart.

Anna has written another sweet and warm story that no reader will be able to resist!

"The Stand-In Boyfriend" is a young adult romance with a fake relationship trope.

Jessica is a special female character.

A girl who doesn't want to be the center of attention, but she will show her attitude and say what she thinks when it's necessary.

Noah is a male character I met in the previous book “The Penalty Box” and he didn’t leave a good impression on me.

But that has changed in this book.

Noah has shown that he is a boy who will help a lady in need, in this case, Jessica.

Jessica and Noah’s relationship is unique and the love they have for each other is incredible.

If you've read the previous books from the "Greyford High" series and you also love Anna's writing style, then this is a book for you!!!

Highly recommended!!!

[Anna Doe]

🏈❤️ The Stand-In Boyfriend is LIVE and FREE with Kindle Unlimited! ❤️ 🏈
➜ https://books2read.com/u/3Lg8E0



About The Stand-In Boyfriend:
❤️sweet YA romance novella
❤️sports romance
❤️fake relationship

Add to your TBR: http://bit.ly/greyford5
Vote Most Anticipated October Romance: https://bit.ly/304d3qu
Cover Design: Najla Qamber Designs



Blurb:
This year was supposed to be the best of her life, but after finding her boyfriend cheating in front of half of the school, the last thing Jessica Bryant wants is to face her classmates.

Noah Russell still feels ashamed of what he did last year. He isn’t one of the bad guys. So, when he hears people bad-mouthing Jessica, he reacts without thinking.

It was supposed to be just a kiss, to give people something else to talk about, but now that they’re the ones controlling the rumors, why not continue?

A few weeks, just until homecoming, and then they’ll break up. Jessica won’t be the girl her boyfriend cheated on and Noah will get his redemption. Should be easy, right? Maybe if her stand-in boyfriend wasn’t also her mortal enemy…

FREE with Kindle Unlimited ➜ https://books2read.com/u/3Lg8E0



Catch up on the series now! They're all FREE with Kindle Unlimited!
Lines: https://books2read.com/u/mqVEZ8
Habits: https://books2read.com/u/mvv1YJ
Rules: https://books2read.com/u/bM9l15
The Penalty Box: https://books2read.com/u/bW11PD

[Yami’s Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot begin to tell you how much I loved this YA/Fake Romance to Real Romance between a cheerleader and the football team’s quarterback. The Stand In Boyfriend is Book # 5 of the Greyford High series. I need to go back and read the other books in this series now.

This is my first ever book read by Anna B Doe and won’t be my last. Anna blew it out of the park with The Stand-In Boyfriend. This YA sports romance is a relatively quick read and I was so immersed in the story that I didn't want it to end. Containing the perfect combination of teenage angst and sweetness, this coming of age novel accurately highlights the trials and tribulations of navigating high school, developing friendships, and experiencing dating.

Jessica is completely humiliated when she, and half the school, witness her boyfriend cheating on her, with her best cheerleading friend. Noah is the popular high school quarterback, but he is remorseful over something he did last year with Jessy’s friend, Evie. Starting off with the best of intentions Jessy and Noah embark on a fake relationship. Of course, what could possibly go wrong?

This book has everything I love. It is sweet, not dark, tugs at your heartstrings and makes you wants to read more of it. I just wish there was another story to go along with this one, it was too short. I haven’t read the other book before this one, but I want to see more of Jessy and Noah after homecoming, What happens their senior year with their friends, etc.

The enemies to lovers/fake relationship trope is one that I absolutely love. And if it a football themed romance book, I’m totally in.

The Stand-In Boyfriend is a well written, sweet YA romance with an interesting storyline and likable characters. It was exactly what I needed during this time of stress as it captured my attention and left my heart feeling happy for a HEA ending

[Carmen Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always struggle to find a book to read when I am between ARC reads. I can't read anything too long or start a new series. And then I spend more time pouring over my TBR than I do reading and adding more books I'll never have the time to get to.

For some reason this book jumped out at me. I'm not sure why since it's the first book I have read from this author and it's the fifth book in a series. But I love the whole fake relationship trope. Add in sports and new adult and I was sold.

This was a novella, so the pace was pretty quick but it was so well written. I loved both Noah and Jessy. And reading it as a standalone worked but I did feel like I was missing out on a few inside stories.

I loved the writing, so I now have a new author to stalk and a series I can start from the beginning. So glad I picked this one up.

[Patricia's Book Kingdom · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Stand-In Boyfriend is a really cute, fast-paced installment to the Greyford High series. This one is about Jessy and Noah, characters you would have encountered previously if you have read the other books in the series, and how they unexpectedly found themselves in a fake relationship that slowly turns into something real. It is not necessary to read the previous books - The Strand-In Boyfriend can be read as a standalone.

I've seen her laugh and smile with Evie, but that has never been directed at me. I wonder what it would be like. Being the one responsible for her happiness.

Since I read the previous book, I was wary of Noah because of certain thing that happened. But I could see that he felt remorse and shame and it did not take me long to warm up to him. He was really sweet guy who made a foolish mistake and everyone deserves a second chance. I really love how he was with Jessy, always putting her first and always being there for her when she needed a friend. While Jessy was not a big fan of his at the beginning, he managed to slowly worm his way into her heart. I am happy that he got his own book and was able to work for his redemption.

It's getting harder and harder to divide truth from the lie, what is real and what is not, especially when Noah is near. Because when he kisses me, all of the lies and pretense fade away.

I really liked Jessy. She was a good friend that had no fear to stand up for the people she cared about. Only if she also stood up for herself, because when it came to people talking shit behind her back, she would let them get away with it and instead of tackling it head on, she ran away. That is the one thing that irritated me a bit. I know it is quite hard to stand your ground, but people should not get away with calling you pathetic. So the only real flaw that Jessy had was the lack of backbone. But other than that, she was very sweet and caring. She was also afraid of letting people get close in fear of losing them. Though she was not very sweet to Noah at the beginning. Considering what he has done to her best friend, it is understandable but the guy was there for her when it counted so she could have cut him some slack. However, things slowly started to change and Jessy has let Noah in the more time they have spent together.

"Fake or real, you're mine. And as long as we're together I take care of what's mine." Wrapping my hand around her waist, I pull her into my chest and kiss her."

There is small bit of drama involved but for the most part it's just straight forward fake-relationship-turning-real romance that will warm your heart. The bonus epilogue that is available for download is also very sweet and gives you glimpse into who is next book going to be about.

*ARC provided through BookFunnel in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

[SCBookAddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Stand-In Boyfriend is the perfect fake relationship / redemption story.

If you've read The Penalty Box, then the name Noah might leave a bitter taste in your mouth. BUT Anna B. Doe gives him another chance to redeem himself but this time it's with Jessy, Evie's best friend.

These two were so much fun to read. Jessy does not give Noah an inch. She's been scorned before and when the lines blur, she doesn't know how to trust Noah.

Noah, bless his heart, gives as good as he gets. I'm so glad he isn't a pushover. After The Penalty Box, I wondered what his character would be like but Jessy drives him nuts enough that he fights back and doesn't let her walk all over him.

This is definitely a must read! Noah and Jessy are one of my favorite couples of 2020!

[Christy Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read!

This was a fast paced quick YA read. The storyline was great and it could of possibly been a 5 star read even but I kinda feel like I'm missing information. Who let the car out of the bag so to speak towards the end? I feel that I needed to know who actually let what was going on slip but I was left in the dark. Other than that it was a cute read!

[Melluvsbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute but shallow. The h was a little too bitchy for me. I couldn’t figure out what her problem was. The ex cheating wasn’t ever addressed. She only speaks to him one time and it’s to offer a seat. The hero falls too quick.

[Roselyn_Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read The Penalty Box recently,
The Stand-In Boyfriend (Greyford #5) is my second Anna B. Doe Book and I absolutely loved it. Fake relationships is one of my favorite tropes so I was looking forward to reading this book and it did not disappoint. I first met Jessica (Jessy) Bryant and Noah Russell in The Penalty Box). While I loved Jessica's character, I really disliked Noah, but let me tell you that Mr. Noah Russell redeemed himself in the book. I LOVED HIM SO MUCH. I'm not afraid to admit that I loved him even more than I loved Liam.

Jessy was at the peak of her high school years. She was part of the cheer time and had been dating her boyfriend Jack for a few months. Just as she was ready to take their relationship to a more intimate level, she catches Jack cheating on her in front of their friends and classmates. At the start of her junior year, Jessy finds herself surrounded by gossip and high school drama surround her breakup with Jack. No matter how hard she tries to ignore the gossip, high school girls can be really mean and petty especially once they have found someone they could target.

After a bad decision in judgment caused him commit a horrible mistake, Noah Russell hasn't really forgiven himself. He carries the weight of his shame deep within himself. Understanding how it feels to be in a position of vulnerability he is instinctively drawn to want to protect Jessy and stop the rumors that follow her. The problem is that Jessy hates Noah, or does she?

The Stand-In Boyfriend was a sweet young adult, enemies-to-lovers, fake relationship story that captures the drama of high school. I really enjoy both characters. Jessy was strong but even the strongest of girls can only take so much before they break. Noah was just perfect. He acknowledge his mistakes and faced them head-on. He was so caring and protective of Jessy. From the very moment his heart pulled him towards her, she became his "Sunshine." This book was one of those feel-good romance that makes your heart feel lighter.

I also got a chance to read the bonus "scene" novella and I loved it just as much. I am looking forward to reading River and Jack's story. Let's see how Jack redeem himself. In the meantime, I am going to go back and read the first three books in the Greyford High series.

I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Cami · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Stand-In Boyfriend is the fifth book of the Greyford High series.⁣
⁣
Jessy just caught her boyfriend with one of her teammates, making it all fall apart. Two months later and with the last year of school at sight, her only wish is to go through this without major dramas.⁣
⁣
However the small town and the mean girls won’t let that happened and let this die quietly.⁣
⁣
Because of a situation at school, Noah thought it would be a good idea to be Jessy’s fake boyfriend until homecoming, when she would end their fake relationship. ⁣
⁣
Considerations:⁣
⁣
I confess that when I saw who the hero would be I was a bit surprised.⁣
⁣
Noah has a direct interaction with Evie in The Penalty Box (fourth book in the series), and that made me have an opinion about him that I thought was very difficult to change.⁣
⁣
And I also confess that it took me a few chapters to fully accept his redemption, because he really was a good person who ended up having a bad attitude.⁣
⁣
Jessy is a strong girl, and despite certain insecurities (nothing out of the ordinary for a young girl), she won me over very easily.⁣
⁣
Fake relationships is a trope that I really enjoy, so that’s another positive point to the story.⁣
⁣
At the ending, Jessy and Noah were so cute and they complement each other super well. I definitely recommend reading this book.⁣

❤️ Follow me on Instagram 💋

[Naadira Moodley (BookedMercy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fake Romance... Say no more!

A perfect read to take my mind off of everyday life. It was a quick engrossing read that has one of my favorite tropes, Fake Romance.

I haven't read any of the other book in the Greyford High Series so I went in without knowing any of the other characters back stories or what happend in the previous books. Maybe that is why I loved Noah and I have a feeling if I read the other books I wouldn't have loved him as much.

Noah and Jessica's relationship started out as a deception but their feelings slowly started showing and their relationship stopped being fake but they never realize it. They hid behind the fact that they were supposed to be pretending but their kisses showed just how much they felt for each other.

I would have liked to have seen more jealousy from Noah because I live for that in books especially books with this trope. But this was indeed a quick read that I didn't want to put down.

[Anja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh Noah Russell 😍😍😍 mi hai fatta proprio innamorare!!!
Abbiamo conosciuto i protagonisti di questo libro nel capitolo precedente e diciamocelo... per Noah non era finita molto bene, non ci aveva lasciati proprio con una bellissima opinione di lui ma qui, abbiamo la sua più completa redenzione!!!
Jessy, che non mi aveva colpita molto all’inizio, con lo scorrere della storia si è rivelata un bel personaggio femminile!
La finta storia d’amore che piano piano si è trasformata in vero corteggiamento è stata descritta in maniera deliziosa ed il loro continuo battibeccare da pepe alla storia!🧨🧨🧨
Veramente una lettura piacevole, peccato che come per il precedente è durato troppo poco 🥲
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ meritate!!!

[Anna Theurer (Anna's Bookshelf) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot even begin to tell you just how much I love the Greyford High series and this author knocks it out of the park with The Stand-In Boyfriend. This YA sports romance is a relatively quick read and I was so immersed in the story that I didn't want it to end. Containing the perfect combination of teenage angst and sweetness, this coming of age novel accurately highlights the trials and tribulations of navigating high school, developing friendships, and experiencing dating.

This is a standalone novella within this author’s highly entertaining Greyford High series, but if you happened to have read The Penalty Box, then you will recognize both Noah and Jessica (Jessy). Jessica is completely humiliated when she, and half the school, witness her boyfriend cheating on her. Noah is the popular high school quarterback, but he is remorseful over something he did last year. Starting off with the best of intentions Jessy and Noah embark on a fake relationship. Of course, what could possibly go wrong?

Teenage girls are notoriously known for gossiping and the author skillfully illustrated Jessy’s embarrassment in such a way that it was easy to feel her pain. A likable heroine, she is the type of girl that I believe many can relate to. She is a loyal friend & occasionally stubborn and I really enjoyed watching her challenge Noah. After reading The Penalty Box, I was a little iffy about Noah, but this boy won me over. He has a huge heart and I really like how he treated Jessica. While he may have been ashamed of his previous actions, I do feel that he redeemed himself.

The fake relationship trope is one that I absolutely love. The end game is generally predictable, but that in no way detracted from the story. The Stand-In Boyfriend is a well written, sweet YA romance with an interesting storyline and likable characters. It was exactly what I needed during this time of stress as it captured my attention and left me with a smile on my face.

I voluntarily read an early version of this novel. All opinions are entirely my own.

[Brittany (happy.ending.always) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can I give this more than 5 Stars?!! I wish I could. Get ready to swoon over a couple. Noah and Jessy are wicked couple goals. They start off their relationship faking it, as Jessy’s boyfriend cheats on her right in front of her and the rest of the school (jerk of a guy). When Jessy is at school and is being teased Noah steps in to save her and comes up with the plan to save the day and save Jessy by being her fake boyfriend. But when looks turn into heated stares and touches feel more real then they should, these two have to decide if their fake relationship was ever fake at all.

Literally when I say these two are couple goals I mean it. Even the nickname Noah has for Jessy is adorable. Everything about this book makes me happy. Yes, there are doubters of their relationship, one of those being Jessy herself, but why shouldn’t she doubt it, the relationship is fake. Poor Jessie had her heart ripped out publicly, so she is afraid to have that again. But something feels so right, she can’t deny her lust for Noah. Maybe this bad guy, isn’t so bad after all.

This a feel good, book. It makes your swoon, it makes your fall head over heels for Noah and it wicked makes you wanting to not put it down. This an absolute must read.

[Summerlynn83_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so dang thrilled when I found out that I was going to get a book for Noah. I was so disappointed in his actions in The Penalty Box so I wanted him to be able to redeem himself and boy did he ever! I loved that he was willing to put himself out there to help Jessy save face to all the gossips at school. Jessy had been through enough with her ex and I was was hoping beyond hope that the she and Noah would find their elusive happiness in each other. This novella was a fast read that had tons of sweetness, a dash of redemption and a lot of forgiveness. It was the perfect break after reading an intense book. I can’t wait for the next one in this series!

[J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an early copy of this title from the publisher. This did not affect the content of my review, which contains my honest opinions.

This book is such a sweet and swoon high school romance! The pace is rapid, and the book is a perfect length to immerse yourself in the Greyford High world for a while. I enjoyed Jessy’s character and Noah’s story, and I love the fake dating trope! Definitely grab a copy (and it’s free on KU!) if you enjoy high school romances.

[Sarah (lou_reads_romance) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another cute novella from Ms Doe, I liked Noah a lot more than I expected to and Jessy was a great character.
This has all the usual High School drama... mean girls, gossip and backstabbing. With a knight in shining armour ready to step in and save Jessy.
A quick read with a bit of heat but plenty of heart.

[Jasmine | Filthylittlereader · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ✨
The Stand In Boyfriend was a really cute story. Jessy had hesitations but Noah shut them all down. He refused to let her fight their chemistry. He was far from the bad guy he thought he was. A true sweetheart of a guy who could bring the swoon when he needed to.

[Live, Laugh, Love · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fiesty Jessica and a Noah to the rescue. A fake relationship, to stay above the gossip. This story was cute.

[it.sgottabethebooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love fake relationship books and this one by Anna B. Doe was great. This fast paced read was enjoyable and I adored Jessy and Noah. He was patient with her despite the attitude she threw his way constantly. It was such a cute and quick read.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who is ready for a fake relationship that will have you swooning. I absolutely fell in love with Noah from the beginning. You could feel his emotions for Jessica as you read this story. Jessica and Noah story is a fun to read story with great wit and banter.

[Lenor · Rating 5 out of 5]

" I lived in the darkness for way too long, and now I found my very own ray of sunshine, I’m planning to keep it forever…”

I loved this book, a fake relationship that turns real?? I’m all in. The stand-In Boyfriend is a really sweet story about Jessica and Noah, two characters we’ve come to love along Greyford High series, and I can happily say that Anna B. Doe has managed once again to make me swoon!!

High school drama is one of the many parts of growing up but being the center of attention of said drama is no fun at all; and right now, Jessica wants nothing more but just to be invisible. Starting junior year wanting to just ditch, because some scandal in the summer break is just exactly the kind of thoughts that Jessica has right now, but certain Football captain has other plans.

Noah Russell, the day he decided to be Jessica’s knight in shiny armor was the day it all changed, he had it all planned help Jessica out, but something changed and now he wants more but Jessica is too scared and too wounded to trust again. Can Noah make her change her mind and actually dive in with him?

A sweet Y/A romance that will make you fall in love and remember the best part of growing up…young love.

[Just Love books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was supposed to be her year, the year that she looks back at with fond memories. But that is not the case for Jessica Bryant, not after she comes face to face with her no good boyfriend sucking face with a girl on her own cheer squad! If getting her heart stamped on was not bad enough now people are spreading rumors that she wants to get back with said cheating sleaze bag ex of hers and the people are calling her pathetic. To say this is not the way she planned on starting her senior year would be an understatement.

••

Noah is no stranger to facing the gossip mills especially after his misstep when he tried to kiss Evie. Still feeling bad about this misstep, Noah decides to step in and help take the spotlight of Jessy, all while hopefully righting some of his wrongdoings. What neither of them expected was to still be at the center of the gossip mills but of once just maybe they could spin it the way they want. The two decide to use their new position to their advantage but keep things strictly fake if only their hearts got that memo.

••

I loved reading The Stand-In Boyfriend! This entire series has been highly entertaining and such easy reads. We meet Noah in the previous book and I have to say he was already worming his way into my heart and after getting to see him in full action I have to say he is such a cutie! I loved the chemistry between these two main characters, their pull to each other was undeniable. I loved all the cute nicknames that Noah had for Jessy and their flirty banter.

••

I absolutely loved watching these two give into their inevitable pull of their attraction. There is nothing quite like reading a cute young love romance, full of warm feels and loads of drama. I would recommend reading The Stand-In Boyfriend.

[Justmyfantasyworld · Rating 4 out of 5]

• 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 •

𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲: The Stand-In Boyfriend
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Anna B. Doe
𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: ☆☆☆☆ 4.5/5

𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲: 𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘣𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸.

What a lovely story this was! Even though, it is your typical enemies to lovers, fake dating romance, the author did keep me entertained and wanting to keep on reading. What I loved the most was the banter between Noah and Jessica. I could feel their connection growing through story. Even though it was a relative “short” story (I love long reads haha), I feel that the author gave the characters enough time to connect. It was really nice to see Noah trying to learn and do better from his mistakes in the past. And sometimes mistakes are just what they are, you aren’t immediately a bad person. I think that is one of the important lessons this book gives us. I recommend reading The Penalty Box before this book, just to get a bit more background info. That said, I think it will still be an amazing story if you don’t. The only two things that would have made the book a five star read for me are: I wish there was more time for the characters to connect, I feel we only touched the surface on some issues, I would have loved to delve deeper… and I kind of hoped for more DRAMA. I can be a drama queen sometimes and this is just such a sweet and cheesy story in comparison with my normally more angsty reads. I’ve heard that the author also has more angsty reads, so I’ll probably be checking those out!

My reviews are also available with photo at my Bookstagram: @justmyfantasyworld

[Misty (Reds Romance Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say that Jessica Bryant is hurt and mortified after learning about her boyfriends cheating in front of half the school is a complete understatement. Being the subject of school gossip is not what she needs right now, she wants to heal her broken heart in peace, but they just won't give it a rest. About all she can do is pray that someone else slips up and takes her place as the subject of her high schools gossip mill.

Then one little unexpected kiss changes everything... the day Noah Russell planted his lips on hers she knew things were about to get complicated for her all over again. Yes, she is still at the center of the gossip mill, but this time it's for a whole different reason, one that she can control... she hopes!

The Stand-In Boyfriend brings us front and center into the lives of Noah and Jessica, two high school students who are tired of being at the center of their high schools gossip mill. When Noah saw what Jessica was going through at school with all the hateful rumors swirling around her and such, he knew he had to do something about it. But his choice of action in the matter may have just started a whole new disaster for them... or maybe not. He knew kissing her would shut people up momentarily and give them something else to gossip about, but what he didn't expect were the fireworks behind the kiss. The two of them agree to use this little lip lock mishap as a way to redeem themselves at school, but what they don't realize is that their hearts didn't get the memo on the fake part. Their fake relationship might just more real than fake. I loved watching to these two fight the inevitable, they put a good fight but their hearts totally one the battle. Nothing is sweeter than young love and these two proved that time and time again... of course there was a lot of drama mixed in the there too... but nonetheless it was a sweet little romance brimming with feels, happiness, and plenty of reminders of first love feelings. Highly recommend this one, these characters will totally steal your heart!!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.

[Adria Flores · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jessica Bryant was ready to take the next step in her relationship with her boyfriend of six months until she witnessed him cheating on her with a cheer mate at a party nearly half the school was attending. Summer has past and Jessy now has to walk the halls of her school feeling humiliated and heartbroken until her knight in shining armor swoops in to save her. Noah is on a mission for redemption. The previous year he did something out of character and that he wasn’t proud of to Jessica’s best friend Evie. That wasn’t him though, he’s not a bad guy and finds an opportunity to prove it when he hears the gossip of Jessy’s recent breakup. A fake dating proposal between the two commences, but soon Jessy realizes Noah is one of the good guys and Noah doesn’t just want to pretend anymore, it starts to feel real to him. But is Jessy willing to put her heart on the line again for another jock? Read and find out!

Looking for something light and sweet? You’ll find that in The Stand-In Boyfriend. This YA romance will take you on a journey back to high school to witness young love. Jessy was strong willed despite her feelings after her very public break up. She also had a strong support system in her mother and best friend Evie. The dual POV layout of the book gets you to fall for Noah from the very beginning. You really get a sense of his regret and the guilt he feels, he really just wants to help Jessy but ends up falling for her instead. He’s so sweet and his tenderness with Jessy gets those young love butterflies fluttering inside.

Super CUTE!!! Can’t say it enough!

[Lucy Joyeux (Gazikova) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've got this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was another masterpiece by Anna! I've read two books by her in a single day and that says a lot.

I don't think I've read an interconnected series before, or maybe have but not one after another. So this one when I opened it and found Jessy and Evie and Liam, I was shocked for a while in a god way.

I loved seeing Evie and Liam reappear in this book, because I loved their story a lot. I was wondering what will happen to Jessy and Noah and I finally figure it out.

This book starts by Jessy finding out that her 6 months old boyfriend cheated on her with her former cheerleading friend. When school starts everyone is gossiping about Jessy and she can't take it, that's when Noah comes to the rescue. And what kind of rescue it is? Haha. From there it is a rollercoaster of emotions. I have to say I laughed, which I rarely do with books.

With one small thing that Anna included - sprained ankle - I could identify 100%, because I've had it 5 times already, yikes. But it makes you feel, let's say "special", when you read about something that happened to you, right? Even as small of a thing as sprained ankle.

If you don't want to read the previous books of this series, don't worry, you don't have to. This is a standalone book. I, myself, have started with 4th book which is Liam and Evie's story, so don't worry and go ahead. You won't regret it, I promise.

[Bookiechick Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book in Anna’s Greyford High Series. I was craving something sweet to balance the angsty dark reads of late and this book hit the spot.
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A sweet romance following Jessica and Noah as they go through fighting an unexpected chemistry and attraction. The drama and push and pull of them working out their dynamic and perceived feelings for each other in the beginning and to how they develop over their time together was an awesome read.
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The characters are awesome. We see some past faves which I loved. And we see how their relationship has developed as well as getting to know the new blossoming one between Jess and Noah. I honestly didn’t expect to see Noah again or at least in a main character capacity, I’m not entirely sure why, but I’ve enjoyed learning more about him. For some reason I though the series was about the hockey players so when I learn this was Noah’s book I was excited. Their development and progression through out is amazing and I have enjoyed their journey.
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I love the Greyford High world. I cannot get enough and I’m looking forward to how it expands in the future and who else we see get their HEA. The plot is great and blends seamlessly with the other books. I’ve enjoyed the interconnected thread wives throughout and I look forward to what Anna has coming.
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Definitely recommend for anyone looking for an enjoyable light, sweet romantic read about two people finding their second chances at love and happiness.

[Crow Takashi · Rating 4 out of 5]

"𝑭𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒐𝒓 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍, 𝒚𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒐 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒔 𝒘𝒆'𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒐𝒈𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝑰 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕'𝒔 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆"

I know me reading this and haven't read Greyford High Series yet is probably not the way to go...but I promise I will get to them asap! 🙏🏻

I thought this was a cute and sweet romance with Jessica and Noah's journey, from enemies to lovers' story. How they started out into fake dating each other just to control rumors led to something more than they put themselves in. 

Jessica had the best going out for her until she caught her boyfriend cheating on her in front of everyone from school, and gets put into Noah's spur of the moment in school. One kiss...one kiss that took the heat off and previous rumors away so why not continue right? Though it wouldn't be easy with Jessy hating on Noah for his past actions, so he wanted to redeem himself. That he did without giving a second thought! 

I love how simplistic it was with the fake dating trope, then the undeniable chemistry between these two. It was a process of dealing with each other, but at the same time getting to knowing one another. Jessica with her snarky attitude and so stubborn, Mason trying to be the good guy and being so sweet and caring; these two love pulling on each other strings! (fierce & witty banters)

I thought maybe the beginning lacked a bit? Like needing those small minor details but other than that I really loved this that I wish it was longer...I stalled a bit towards the end not wanting to end it 🤣

Thank you Anna for this digital arc copy for an honest review!! 🙏🏻❤