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My Not So Fake Boyfriend

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So before we dive in here - I think I should tell you that Jenna Benson hasn’t been laid in a year. Yeah…a whole year. 

She was dating a guy who turned out to be such a douche bag that she actually moved away from her home town because the story he’d spun for everyone was that she just wasn’t good enough. 

But, anyway, that’s not the point of the story. 

Jenna’s brother is getting married in a couple of weeks and his best friend in the whole world, Adam, (who’s just got out of the Navy by the way) is coming to crash at her place for a while and they’re going to be driving home for the wedding together. 

I suppose I should mention that she knows Adam since she was 9 years old and has been crushing on this guy her entire life (not that she’d admit it of course). She hasn’t seen him in 8 years though. She gets home and he’s just let himself in (more like broke in to prove how little security the place has) to her apartment.

“Adam?”

His smile was slow, lazy, and still of panty-dropping quality after eight years. 

His eyes were unreadable, as he swept her from head to toe. “Jenna Benson, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes.”

Jenna gulped, already concerned with the way his smooth baritone made her stomach clench … her outrage at finding him in her living room had already vanished. Angel—her cat, perched beside Adam on the couch—spared her a glance and purred. The cat was relaxed and enjoying every swipe of Adam’s fingers. Then again, what female wouldn’t want to be stroked by Adam?

Adam grinned and gave Angel one last pat before standing up, “I love pussies.”

Jenna’s eyes were glued to him, entranced by his graceful movements. He was over six feet of pure muscle packaged in smooth, tanned skin and covered by military garb. 

“Well, baby girl,” he said, using his old moniker for her, “Where’s my hug?” He spread his arms and smiled.

Now, that doesn’t mean that this is all one sided of course.

The second Adam wrapped his arms around Jenna, he regretted it. 

Holy f***. 

Why was his little Jenna so far from adorable and further along the spectrum of sexy? When had Jenna gotten so hot? He felt dirty hugging the girl he’d grown up with because, as she pressed into him, all he could think about were her breasts pressed against his chest. And Jenna had an amazing rack from what he’s glimpsed. He didn’t remember her having any boobs at all the last he saw her. He shouldn’t have made that stupid pussy joke because now he could see himself stroking Jenna’s pussy. 

Ah! Hell. He wanted to power wash his mind with soap.

Think you know where this is going? Nope. 

Because Jenna’s stupid brother has invited her ex to the wedding (they used to be friends, go figure?), and there’s no way in hell she’s going to turn up dateless. 

Jenna knows there’s not enough time to meet someone that she would realistically be able to date long enough to justify taking to the wedding…so she begs Adam to be her fake boyfriend!

Bad idea, right? I mean there’s already enough sexual tension to cut with a knife…AND…Adam practically grew up in their house…so you KNOW there’s

159 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 7, 2019

2131 people are currently reading
268 people want to read

About the author

Raquel Belle

14 books58 followers

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5 stars
342 (36%)
4 stars
310 (33%)
3 stars
218 (23%)
2 stars
39 (4%)
1 star
16 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
Profile Image for Hilda.
1,321 reviews290 followers
October 9, 2019
I feel like this is a hidden gem everyone needs to read!!! Where are my hard core romance book lovers and why didn’t you recommend this book to me before!? You failed me. Maybe it was that awful book cover! So I forgive you.

Anyways, I loved how Jenna didn’t have to have a make over to impress the guy or change at all. She sees his tattoos and wonders if she should get one then laughs at her self for even thinking about it. Jenna and Adam clicked from day one. It was instant attraction for both of them. She had a crush on him as a child turned teenager but he was older and only ever saw her as a kid. But when they meet as adults, sparks fly. I loved her family and even her crazy overprotective brother. He did everything out of love.

It was the perfect romance book with just enough drama to entertain you and lots of sweet moments to keep you wanting more.
Profile Image for Emily.
5,866 reviews546 followers
February 3, 2020
Jenna Benson doesn't want to go home for her brothers wedding without a date. She needs to prove to her ex she has moved on and for some reason her brother invited him to his wedding. When her brothers close friend Adam arrives in town she lets him crash at her apartment. One hair brained idea later Jenna is trying to convince Adam to pretend he is her boyfriend at the wedding.

Adam can't believe that Jenna has grown up into a beautiful woman, a woman he would like to do more with but is unwilling to cross a line. When he agrees to help her out he should have realized feelings would get involved. It doesn't help that her brother is helping them add to the lie and everything is going haywire. Can these two stay strictly friends?

This was fun. Felt for Jenna because her ex is a jerk and you get why she is so desperate to show him she has moved on. Liked Adam a lot, he was a realistic character who I think had to give pause a few times when it came to Jenna. Entertaining story.
Profile Image for Ashley Kuehl.
21 reviews2 followers
October 8, 2019
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I did enjoy it. The story kept me engaged and the characters were likeable and fun to learn about. The only thing that kept me from a five star rating was the ending. I felt like it was kind of thrown together. Like it wasn’t a totally natural way to end the book. Other then that, I really liked it.
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,843 reviews60 followers
April 25, 2021
This was a pretty traditional “best friend/little sister” story. However, neither of the main characters acted liked they were later 20’s early 30’s and no one treated them like they were, either. It was very hard to take them seriously at times.

On the positive side, the sex was steamy. And I really liked how protected Adam was with Jenna. However, I needed some more closure on the creepy ex-boyfriend.
3 reviews
July 15, 2023
Great book

Well written. Loved the characters. Great plot. Hope to see more. Highly recommend reading. I absolutely loved the book. Chefs kiss.
440 reviews14 followers
September 10, 2019
Jenna Benson hasn’t had sex in a year and is becoming desperate! When her brother asks Jenna to let his best friend, Adam Hunter stay with her in her apartment, she can’t say no. Adam pretty much grew up alongside Jenna and her family. He’s was almost another brother for her. Of course the feelings that Jenna feels for Adam upon his arrival is anything but brotherly. All Jenna can think of is Adam including in bed and Adam feels the same way. Jenna’s brother is also getting married and worst of all invited Jenna’s ex-boyfriend to his wedding too. Jenna needs to find someone fast and begs Adam to be her pretend boyfriend. Adam reluctantly agrees to the scheme even though his feelings for her could be disastrous to the friendship. Pretty soon the touches and kisses between the two feel all too real; is it possible that Adam and Jenna could have a real relationship despite the fact they are supposed to be pretend or is it real?
What a wonderful contemporary second chance romance! Usually these aren’t that great but the setting of a wedding with the unfortunate ex and begging the best friend brother’s is used quite often this story had funny consequences felt fresh and great characters! Sure the read wasn’t a long one being a novella but there was enough to satisfy even with the happily for now ending which usually isn’t a great way to end things but still makes us pleased that everything worked out well. Jenna is just a great heroine; independent but also open, compassionate and caring. It was hard to not like her and want to be her friend because she would just be a blast to hang out with. Adam just literally was a hot handsome sensitive guy who doesn’t love that? Sure he hid his feelings a lot but everything totally worked for him and yes he totally sounds like someone to just jump into bed with despite the consequences that of course he is another book boyfriend that is not one to be ashamed of! The book was just a lot of fun to read and definitely one to keep on the kindle for a reread!
Profile Image for Paula.
974 reviews3 followers
October 15, 2019
The thought of returning to her hometown, in less that 3 weeks, for her brother’s wedding only made her feel lonelier. Going to his wedding single was bad enough but her ex would be there. Her brother, Noah, had liked the fact Jenna was dating his friend Bryce (they dated for 2 years) that he had plans for their wedding halfway through their time dating.
Jenna had started crushing on Adam when she was 9 years old. He was her brother’s bff and now he was crashing at her apartment, in Virginia, until they drove back home, to Massachusetts, for her brother’s wedding. It had been 8 years since she had seen him and the Navy, which he had just left, had left his body in great shape.
They were both, mentally, in a bit of shock at what the other one looked like. Adam still thought of her as “Baby Girl,” the nickname he bestowed on her when he thought he so much older than her when he was 12 and she was 9. After looking at her he realized she sure wasn’t a baby anymore and where did her womanliness come from?

Not the same old same old fake boyfriend book. Some twists and turns.

**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**
Jenna Benson
1. 27 years old, lives in Virginia, wide jade green eyes, heart shaped face, strawberry-blonde hair, porcelain skin,
2. Has been crushing on Adam since she was 9 years old.
3. Jenna hasn’t seen him in 8 years.
4. Dumped by her ex, Bryce, for being “too vanilla.”

Adam Hunter
1. 29 years old, tanned, smooth baritone voice, long fingers attached to strong hands, sterling gray eyes,
2. The best friend of Jenna’s brother Noah.
3. He left for the Navy when he was 18 and had just gotten out.
4. Proverbial playboy in high school.
5. Wicked humor.
6. Had been a Navy SEAL.

Ashley
1. Jet black hair, pale face, brown eyes, three rings running through one of her eyebrows, porcelain skin,
2. Jenna’s friend
3. Owns a tattoo shop.
Profile Image for JigsawGirl.
4,144 reviews
September 9, 2019
I liked Adam's character. He was the strong, silent, alpha type who was also sweet and gentle. I also liked Jenna. She was sweet and shy, yet fiesty, strong, and independent. at

Although Bryce tried to tear down her self esteem, she managed to ride above him. Bryce was a slimeball and got what he deserved.

I thought Adam and Jenna were a good couple with lots of chemistry. They shared a number of funny moments. They made each other better and happier. I appreciated the fact that the book was not full of angst. Adam and Jenna did the dating/mating dance for a decent amount of time; not too much, and no instalove. If I was going to be really picky, I would have liked to see them spend less time circling each other and more time as a couple.

I also liked Jenna's friend Ashley. I liked her personality.

Her brother Noah had typical idiotic, clueless brother ideas, but it was obvious he loved his sister.

The sex scenes in this book were not too much. Enough detail to provide a little heat, but not so detailed it wanders across the line to erotica.

This was an enjoyable read that left me feeling lighthearted with a smile on my face. I would give it 4.5 stars. If it had an epilogue, it would be 5 stars for me.

I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Sara.
2,347 reviews13 followers
September 16, 2019
Jenna and Adam have known each other since she was 9 years old. She’s had a crush on him forever, but he’s best friends with her older brother and thinks of her as a sister. Her couch was offered to him by her brother/his best friend upon him leaving the Navy. He sees her and realizes she’s not a little girl anymore and knows he needs to keep his hands to himself because of his friendship with her brother and how close he was with her family.

Jenna is dreading going home for her brother’s wedding because he invited her ex boyfriend to the wedding. She had to leave town to start over because of how bad the breakup was and how people thought of her.

Asking your brother’s BFF to be your fake boyfriend and go back home with you for a week of wedding festivities...whatever could go wrong? Whatever could go oh so right?

I enjoyed the plot, the characters and the author’s writing style. This was a fun and enjoyable read.

I received an ARC copy for an honest review.
Profile Image for Ebonie.
267 reviews7 followers
September 22, 2019
First off, I swooned incredibly hard over Adam. Former military, super hot, super sweet (even though he has some skeletons in his closet that he's battling) - he's a complete package. And then there's Jenna, who needs to get her mojo back in more ways than one. Bring her childhood crush Adam back into the picture, and sparks absolutely fly. While both characters spend most of the book battling through their individual pasts so that they can get to better futures, they were also fighting through expectations and stupid older brothers (sorry, Noah) to get to the love they both deserved. While this book wasn't as long as other books I've read, it packed just as much of a romantic punch as others that are twice as long. It was swoony, it was sappy, it was a page-turner, and it was awesome.

I received an advanced copy of this book, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to have read it before it went live. It was a great book!
602 reviews8 followers
November 23, 2019
Very cute story!

I love the story between Adam & jenna . He was in the navy for 8yrs after his mother & brother (which they really didn't get to it). Adam was noah 'a best friend & jenna's brother. Noah is getting married & jenna's ex cheating boyfriend was going to be there w/his current girlfriend. which was the reason Jenna moved out state. Adam was retiring from the navy & needed a place to stay while getting himself together. Jenna always had a crush on Adam but thought she outgrew it. Seeing him sealing all those feelings back & for the 1st time Adam saw her for the women she was. Now she needs a date for the wedding & decided to ask Adam to take being her boyfriend. Love it!
Profile Image for Rochelle.
1,642 reviews
September 9, 2019
This is the second book that I have read by Ms. Belle and I really enjoyed it. This a best friend’s sister/friends to lovers’ romance and it was done so well. Jenna came back to her hometown after her ex started to tell a story about her not being good enough. Adam needs a place to stay for Jenna’s brother’s wedding so he is going to stay with her. Jenna finds out that her ex is bringing a date to her brother’s wedding so she asks Adam to help her out. How long before the fake relationship turns into a real one? You will have to read the book and find out.

I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
17 reviews
October 2, 2019
The writing isn’t bad... but

Decent writing but the story was slow and uninteresting. Typical little sister falling for brothers bestfriend story. The attraction between the two of them was less built up to and mostly just forced from the minute the main characters were reunited. The love scenes weren’t exceedingly hot or much to talk about. The heroine was extremely insecure and pretty one dimensional. The hair color of the hero wasn’t mentioned even once in the entire book.. I’m a visual reader but I had no idea how to picture this guy. Overall I was pretty underwhelmed reading this. Glad I only paid $0.99.
Profile Image for Jackie.
2,554 reviews
October 6, 2019
3 & 1/2 stars rounded up.
While this was entertaining for the time I read it, it wasn't a book I'd want to re-read. The flow was a little erratic at times, with a little bit of repetitiveness, too. While Jenna was ok as far as heroines go, I just wasn't as attached to her as a main character. Adam was slightly better than Jenna, but not by much. Overall, they were a bit flat. I felt the descriptions of the main characters was lacking, especially for Adam, I had no clue what he looked like. Their situation was pretty typical for brother's bestfriend tropes. The conflict was almost not a conflict, I was expecting more. Other readers might enjoy it more than I did.
Profile Image for Daisy Sauceda.
1,809 reviews21 followers
September 9, 2019
I love reading this book. It was easy to read and quick. I fell in love with Jenna and Adam, as well as the other characters. The emotions the characters portray is the right amount. The book just jumps into the story and develops as it goes. The chemistry between Adam and Jenna is undeniable. I loved that Jenna's character developed as she become more confident. There is humor in the book which made it feel more real than just a story. Overall this a great book to read.

*** This is an advanced readers copy for a voluntarily honest review. ***
Profile Image for Carol.
3,568 reviews3 followers
September 16, 2019
My Not SoFake Boyfriend

Jenna was shown you cannot always trust in a relationship when one party doesn’t hold to the same set of standards, so Jenna is feeling a bit humiliated over her break up, and just wants to move on. The tricky part comes when her brother not thinking invites said ex to his upcoming wedding! Yep, jerk move. Join in for a funny, lust filled, humor, seriously hot get over the ex time, while Jenna goes on with her life. Awesome story❤️
Profile Image for Cherye Elliott.
3,397 reviews24 followers
October 13, 2019
Another title?

I have read this book before....maybe a couple of years ago. Same storyline and characters. Is this a re-release with a different name? This book said it was published in 2019. Hmmmm.

She is 27. He is 30. Please tell me why they are acting like high schoolers. Then 3/4 into the book poof, they turned into adults

Fav quote: “Adam, where are you going?” Briefly, a mocking grin formed on his lips. “To finish Bryce off and hide the body.”
Profile Image for Jamie Crain.
124 reviews4 followers
October 1, 2019
Great story

I normally stick to urban fantasy but came across this and I'm not sure where the recommendation came from. I wish I did so I could thank them. This was a quick, nice read and I enjoyed the storyline. The intro at the end for the next book already has a book in me. My first book from this author but it definitely won't be my last.
Profile Image for Lisa Adamek.
23 reviews
October 1, 2019
Couldn’t put it down!

My Not So Fake Boyfriend was a great book! I enjoyed the relationship between Adam and Jenna. Friends from childhood, Adam was her brother Noah’s best friend. She let him stay with her after he got out of the military. Jenna need a boyfriend for her brothers wedding and Adam is in the right place at the right time. The rest is in the book!
Profile Image for Kate Reyna.
661 reviews1 follower
October 27, 2019
Kind of a blah book

I went into this really interested. Then Jenna entered. Her personality really the wrong way. I wasn’t happy at all with how dumb she was and how shy she was. The book really didn’t hold excitement for me. It was well written with no mistakes and that’s why I gave it three stars.
Profile Image for Melissa.
191 reviews1 follower
November 8, 2019
Very sweet

Who doesn't love a 'brother's best friend' storyline? It's a very sweet story with a few bits of steam. Adam is a sweet protector, though, I'm sure we could have gone into more depth of his character. Would love to see a sequel to explore the characters more, but overall, a good storyline.
Profile Image for Sabra Barowski.
169 reviews10 followers
September 30, 2019
Loved this book!

I absolutely enjoyed this story! The characters really come alive! I highly recommend this book! I hope there is another book where Jenna and Adam make an appearance!
Profile Image for MV.
399 reviews
October 1, 2019
Faking it to making it

I love fake boyfriend books that end up becoming the real thing. That’s what happened to Jenna & her brother’s best friend. Adam is this sexy, hot navy seal who fell in love with Jenna and the rest is history! 😍
Profile Image for Trace Henley.
118 reviews2 followers
October 2, 2019
Rambled

A lot of it went on too long or rambled too much—I found myself skipping a lot. There were several grammatical errors, too. The story was okay, but quite a bit of the dialogue didn’t feel natural.
Profile Image for Karen S Mursewick.
208 reviews
October 7, 2019
Hot brother’s best friend

I didn’t like the fact that in the beginning Jenna and Adam listened to others dictate who they could have a relationship with !!!! Jenna was sweet and I loved how Adam was the Silent type made him more mysterious and Alpha like !!! Great book Raquel !!!
Profile Image for Sharon Rudolph.
2,132 reviews
October 8, 2019
Fun book

This was a fun book to read! I read it in one sitting. I loved the novella that came with it. The characters were wonderful and very entertaining! The storyline was great, it totally kept my attention throughout the while book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews

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