Faking It with #41

Hockey Hotties #3

by Piper Rayne

Fake.

Being the heir to Jacobs Enterprises, I’ve been around fake people my entire life. I promised myself a long time ago that I wouldn’t change for anyone. Which is the only reason I’m a professional hockey player who lives on the beach and does as he pleases without answering to anyone—except my father.

And now, my daughter.

Being a single dad wasn’t in the plan but after a one-night stand who took off after the baby was born, this is my reality.

My dad’s been harping on me to quit hockey and join the company for years and now that I’m a father, he’s only intensified his efforts. Until he makes me a deal I can’t refuse.

Insert Lena Boyd, the Jacobs’ family PR rep. She’s beautiful and intelligent and not at all the woman for me—ask anyone.

My dad needs us to act happily engaged and sell the idea that we’re in love. If we’re successful I won’t have to join the family legacy—ever. Of course, I agree.

That’s when things get complicated. I thought I had her all figured out until I found out there was more underneath her judgmental sneers and eye rolls. It feels like everything is coming together for the future I really want—with Lena—until my past ruins everything.

Genres: Sports Romance, Romance, Hockey, Sports, Audiobook, Contemporary, Enemies To Lovers

Paperback

First published September 21, 2021

About the author

Piper Rayne is a USA Today Bestselling author duo. Our goal is to bring you romance stories that have "Heartwarming Humor With a Side of Sizzle" (okay...you caught us, that's our tagline). A little about us... We both have kindle’s full of one-clickable books. We're both married to husbands who drive us to drink. We're both chauffeurs to our kids. Most of all, we love hot heroes and quirky heroines that make us laugh, and we hope you do, too.

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2h5oycP
Facebook: http://bit.ly/2w1WDQe
Instagram: http://bit.ly/2wJhFnG
Pinterest: http://bit.ly/2BJj7ZB
Bookbub: http://bit.ly/2g95QRB
Website: www.piperrayne.com

Join our newsletter and get 5 FREE BOOKS!
http://bit.ly/2tsNcpP



Our Books: We do things in 3’s. Three best friends. Three hot heroes. Three HEA’s.

Modern Love:


Single Dads Club:


Dirty Truth:


Bedroom Games:

Reviews

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

Puck my life!



The following ratings are out of 5:
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Romance: 💙💚🖤💜❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙
World building: 🌎🌍🌏🌎
Character development: 😳😬🤬😚🥰

The heroine: Lena - works as a PR representative for Jacob’s Enterprises. She makes a good deal of money and needs her job in order to support her father who is in an expensive care facility. She grew up caring for her father after her mother died and constantly had to worry about money and being kicked out of their latest apartment.

The Hero: Ford - heir to Jacob’s Enterprises, Ford grew up with a silver spoon in his mouth, but wanted to have his own life. He is now a Professional Hockey Player who has a fondness for women. After one of his one night stand’s ends up pregnant and leaves him with the six month old baby girl, Ford is left trying to make things work and keep his father at bay, who wants him to grow up, be “responsible”, and clean up his image so he stops embarrassing the family.

The Story: Though Ford is tired raising a six month old baby and playing hockey, he can’t seem to get a kiss he shared with Lena on his family’s private plane on New Year’s eve. However, Lena seems to hate him and works for his father, which makes her off limits.

The narration was done by Teddy Hamilton and Erin Mallon. I have listened to books narrated by both of these people before and they both are great readers with voices that fit well in the romance genre. Teddy Hamilton does great as they cocky hockey player and Erin has a soft lilting voice which I enjoy and fits Lena as well.

This was my second book in the Hockey Hotties series and I have really liked both of them so far. I plan to read more of this series. I love the sports romance and Hockey is my favorite since the guys are hot, well built and not afraid to fight.

Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Twitter|BookBub

[Syndi · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is no faking it with Faking It with # 41. The fake relationship is the theme here. Ford and Lena are cute together. Especially Ford. Miss Rayne done a wonderful job on this book. The plot is not heavy. But I like it very much.

Ford is a single father. When he was ordered to get married by his own father, he never imagine it would be to Lena. Lena needs money so badly to support her father. Lena is sweet. She is loyal and caring. She cares for her alcoholic father very much even though his father neglected her. The chemistry between Lena and Ford is off the chart.
There are some tender moment especially with Annabel.

Overall a very good book.

4 stars

[Penny · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this is my least favorite of the books in the series so far. While I liked Ford who is an arrogant, rich hockey player that has to raise his child on his own after her mother left (they had a one-night stand and she got pregnant), I didn't like or dislike Lena. I liked that she was good with Annabelle (H's daughter) but that's it.

I feel that some parts were not well developed and while this is supposed to be an enemies-to-lovers story I think we get to see them fight more in the previous books than this one. Overall it was an okay read though, it made me laugh at times and I had a good time reading it. 3 ⭐

[The Romantic Rush Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when I think I couldn't love the Hockey Hotties series even more, Piper Rayne unleash the full swooniness of Ford upon me and wow me with my favorite book in the series yet! The banter, the heat, the tender feels- I simply adored Faking it with #41. With every passing page, I fall more and more in love with the series- I just can't get enough of these Hockey Hotties!

Ford Ford Ford. I love a sexy single dad story- especially when said single dad is a arrogant playboy who finds himself unexpectedly solo parenting a baby girl. But the rebellious #41’s rich and powerful father wants to save his image, so he decides control the narrative in the form of a fake fiancé to minimize the fall out- and the family's PR guru Lena ends up being the perfect woman for the job. The only issue is these two have a love hate relationship- or perhaps, more of a hate-lust dynamic. What a yummy dynamic- and Piper Rayne brings all the humor and steam as this very fake engagement becomes very real.

Ford ending up winning me over completely- not just because of his relationship with Lena but because of the adorable ways he leaned into his new role as a father. I was practically keeling over with my swooning over him and his daughter Annabelle. And I loved Lena- she’s got a caring heart, a ton of patience, and admirable fortitude and drive. She helps us discover the magic in Ford as she discovers it herself- how he too is caring, strong, and very loving.

Ford cleans up and reforms fast- all out of love for his little girl. And we find out more about just what has made Ford who we’ve seen in the prior stories, his complicated family dynamics that have prompted his rebellious streak. Of course, his disgust with his family’s control and manipulations doesn’t help his relationship at first with Lena, whom he sees as yet another attempt from his father to meddle in his life. And the last thing Lena wants to do is babysit a rebellious manchild, and his actual child. But being together constantly soon had them building a sweet, emotional and sexy connection with ample enchanting chemistry to keep me turning the pages.

This series has fast become a favorite Piper Rayne series- as they tackle the sports romance genre with their trademark wit and steam. Looking forward to the next hotties to come!

[Nadine Bookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured Ford and Lena‘s story. I knew these two would eventually get together and I am so glad we didn't have to wait to long to get their story because they needed to be together ASAP!

Ford is a bit of a playboy he enjoys his time with the ladies and doesn't mind hooking up for a night...or two, but never did anyone see him settling down especially with Lena, his fathers Public Relations Rep, the one that is always tasked with keeping him in line. But if you have read the first couple of books in this series you knew it was inevitable that they would be together...how could they not be with that much chemistry between them. But what I never saw coming was that his dad would be the one to push them together, yes you read that right.

There's a fine line between love and hate actually sometimes I believe they are on the same side of the coin especially when it comes to couples like Ford and Lena, because the only thing that burns brighter than their dislike is their desire for one another.

Ford has been raising his daughter, Annabelle, on his own since her mother walked out on her. Your heart is going to melt when you see how he is with this precious little girl.

I listened to the audiobook version of this book and really enjoyed it, Teddy Hamilton and, Erin Mallon did a fabulous job with bringing Ford and Lena's story to life.

I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys Steamy Hockey Romances, Contemporary Romances, Single Dad Romances, Enemies-to-Lovers Romances, or the Fake Relationship Trope.

Happy Reading!!!

Find out more here: http://bit.ly/NBReviewFIW41



**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books**
I also preordered the kindle copy and purchased the audiobook which I listened to since it was released early
You can find me here:  https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic

[Carmen Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been waiting for Ford's book since we were first teased with it 2 books ago. I picked up the last book thinking it was his, so to say I'm happy to finally get my grabby hands on it is an understatement. There was so much about this book I was excited about and that was before we found out who his beautiful leading lady was.

And I was even happier when I found out it was Lena. Having met her a few times as she extinguished fires for Ford I knew she was going to be a perfect fit for him. She was so self confident and took none of his garbage. Getting to know her in a more personal setting had me loving her more. And if I had known what she had been through I probably would have wanted someone a little nicer than Ford for her.

Then Ford went and manned up on us in this book and was suddenly all swoony and sweet and perfect boyfriend material. Obviously that is part of the draw with the reformed manwhore, trouble maker getting all soft and gooey for the right lady. But he really was great.

Which probably shouldn't have been that big a surprise after he got over the shock of being a baby daddy. Then a single baby daddy and doted on his beautiful little girl. Because he really was a seriously great dad. And once he got his head around it all he gave awesome boyfriend. And oh the tease for the next book. I can't wait.

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fake relationship read was SO much fun! I have loved all the Florida Fury hotties, but Ford... I adored him in this book. It was fun getting to know him in the other 2 books, but I was thrilled to have him be the star - the star that he is.

Ford is the family screw up. Can't do anything right. While choosing hockey over the business being the biggest. His father can't let him forget it. Lena is the family's clean up person. She knows Ford's ways and never has a day off because of it. At least he keeps her job going.
He is a player on and off the ice. Enjoys spending time with woman and knows he has Lena to help fix all his mess ups.

Becoming a father has slowly changed him for the better, but not enough for the people who truly know him to actually believe it. His track record is too long to just wipe away.
Now to fix yet another screw up, he needs to fake date Lena, the woman who makes him hot in so many ways. Who pushes back and never lets him make her cower. She will be the death of him... if he can't get her under him and off his mind. After that New Years Eve kiss, he wants more.
Now he has to show her he isn't just faking...

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third installment in Piper Rayne’s Hockey Hotties series features a single dad, but not any single dad; Ford Jacobs, the Florida Fury’s most notorious playboy with a panache for getting into fights in the rink and outside of it, add in a surprise baby with a one-night stand and the baby’s mom walking away with nothing more than a note and things just got even more interesting especially when Lena Boyd, the family’s Public Relations representative gets involved. This enemies to lovers story contains two people who shared a kiss on New Year’s Eve and despite it being months later, neither one has forgotten it, the lust between them is high, their dislike for each other seems to be wavering but when Ford’s father suggests a fake marriage so he can sell the company that Ford wants nothing to do with, he’s surprised Lena agrees, he just has no idea why or how her screwed up childhood and teen years have affected her. Ford never thought he wanted a relationship or a family, but Lena intrigues him like no other, can he prove to her that he’s more than his past reputation?

What I really loved about this book was seeing these characters in a new light; we see Ford without his public persona, watch him learn to be a dad, and fall head over heels for his daughter, putting someone else first for a change. He also fell for Lena, but he had to work for it, again something he’s never really had to do before and it proves difficult, he messes up, he tries again, but realizes that this isn’t something his name, his money, or his fame can help him with. Lena has always come off as efficient, a bit straight laced, following the rules type of woman, so I loved seeing her letting her guard down a bit and finding out why she doesn’t trust easy and worries she’s not good enough for someone like Ford. I loved that she fell for Annabelle from the start even when Ford was kind of being a jerk about her helping with the baby. They both did some growing during this book, coming to terms with how their pasts shaped them and figuring out how to move forward and I appreciated the growth we saw in them both. Their chemistry was off the charts and it was easy to see they both were developing feelings even if they didn’t plan to.

While I did feel the whole arranged marriage so the buyer of the company can see that Ford has changed was over the top and the drama with the baby mama was just unnecessary angst, I did love Ford’s bros giving him advice and having his back from the start. I was truly sad that Lena didn’t really have that despite her friendship with Ford’s sister Imogen and his teammates’ girlfriends, she was basically all alone in her turmoil over their relationship.

Faking It With #41 was a satisfying romance; I enjoyed watching these two very different people find the love they never thought they’d have.

Review copy provided for a voluntary review.

[Jeeves Reads Romance · Rating 3 out of 5]

I keep going back and forth between three and four stars for this one, but there are definitely some things that I was unsatisfied with, so I'm leaning towards three. This had an uphill battle from the start, because I really, really hate the main trope - one night stand results in a baby, and the girl on the sidelines steps in to fill the role of Mom. Yes, the backstory was all kinds of troublesome for me, but this couple's chemistry in present day ALMOST made up for that. I loved Ford's vulnerability, and he is pretty adorable as a dad, so I was pleasantly surprised by the story once it got going. I actually liked Ford a lot more than I expected to, so if there had been a stronger emotional connection and less focus on Ford's playboy past, then I probably would've rated this higher.

The story follows Ford, a player on and off the ice. He comes from a wealthy family and usually gets what he wants, so suddenly becoming a father has thrown him off-balance. When a situation with the family business requires him to appear settled down, Ford enters an engagement of convenience with the PR woman who always has to clean up his messes. Lena has gotten to know Ford well over the last few years - she's seen the women and partying with her own eyes - and they frequently exchange tension-filled banter. Now that they're spending time together and Ford has calmed the chaos, Lena is seeing him in a different light. It's not long before their fake relationship begins to feel very real, but neither one is sure if Ford is ready for commitment.

I've been enjoying this series, so I didn't hesitate to read this, despite the fact that I knew the trope is one that rarely works for me. I actually really liked Ford and Lena's chemistry, and if I ignored the fact that Ford has hooked up with countless girls since that chemistry sparked, then this probably would've read pretty well. Unfortunately, that's an essential part of the story - drama and insecurities regarding Ford's playboy past are what threaten the relationship. I also think the emotional connection was lacking; Lena is lusty for Ford, and I don't think he earned that. They're definitely fire together, and the banter was great. There are some excellent moments in the story, and it does make a solid addition to the series. It's certainly not my favorite, but it's a relatively light and sexy read. I received an early copy and am voluntarily leaving a review of this single dad romance.

[Meli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ford ist ein erfolgreicher Eishockeyspieler, doch sein Vater erwartet von ihm, dass er den Sport hinter sich lässt und stattdessen das Familienunternehmen führt. Sein Leben wird auf den Kopf gestellt, als er plötzlich erfährt, dass er eine Tochter hat, um die er sich auch noch alleine kümmern darf, denn die Mutter des Kindes macht sich aus dem Staub und überlässt Ford das kleine Mädchen. Seine Situation ist eine Herausforderung für PR-Beraterin Lena, aber Fords Vater hat eine geniale Idee: Ford und Lena sollen eine Verlobung vortäuschen.

Ford hat definitiv nicht mit der unerwarteten Verantwortung für seine kleine Tochter gerechnet, aber er ist auch bereit zu tun, was nötig ist. Das bedeutet für ihn auch, sie vor Enttäuschungen zu beschützen. Er fühlt sich schon zu Lena hingezogen, auch wenn die beiden sich ständig zanken. An Silvester gab es einen Kuss und nun ist sie für ihren Job oft in seiner Nähe, aber mit einem Kind ist er vorsichtiger, wen er in sein Leben lassen will, denn er kann auch nicht zulassen, dass sich seine Tochter an jemanden gewöhnt, der nicht bleiben wird - schließlich wurde sie nun schon von ihrer eigenen Mutter verlassen.

Und dann macht ihm noch sein Vater Druck, dass er Eishockey aufgeben soll, dabei ist es das, was ihn glücklich macht, das Familienunternehmen hingegen könnte ihn kaum weniger interessieren. Aber er spielt mit, als sein Vater ihn dazu drängt, eine Verlobung mit Lena vorzuspielen und Lena hat auch ihre Gründe, sich darauf einzulassen. Die Zusammenarbeit mit Ford ist nicht immer leicht für sie, aber sie merkt schon, dass Ford zwar etwas Pech mit der Presse hat, aber ein anständiger und verantwortungsvoller Kerl ist, besonders seit er Vater geworden ist.

Es gibt in ihrer Liebesgeschichte schon verschiedene Elemente: Enemies-to-Lovers, Ford als Single-Dad, dann ist da natürlich noch das Fake-Dating und der Sport spielt auch eine Rolle, also ist schon eine Menge los. Trotzdem wirkt die Geschichte nicht überladen, es passt alles zusammen und ergibt einen kurzweiligen und auch gefühlvollen Liebesroman.

[Elisa ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

single dad with fake engagement!

she's the PR for his family and he can't stand her. she can't stand him because she thinks he's a guy that always had everything easy.
they have to be engaged to help his dad, if he accepts his family will stop asking him to take care of the family business and if she accepts she gets the money she needs.

this was so good! Ford is such a cute hero, and he's so bossy!

[Tpagirl Loves Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Faking it with #41 was the third book in Piper Rayne’s Hockey Hottie series. The series doesn’t have to be read in order but my enjoyment was even better because I had read them in order.

Ford Jacobs was the heir to Jacob Enterprises but all he wanted was to play NHL Hockey. And against all odds fighting his dad every step of the way, he was successful. Lena Boyd was the family PR rep and was kept on speed dial with Ford’s continued antics. They were like oil and water until they weren’t!

All in all, it was a a fun and enjoyable read. The authors added some serious topics but included humor as well. And thankfully it looks like we’ll have more in the near future with Ford’s sister and his ex-best friend and new hockey teammate! Bring it on!

[abby :) · Rating 3 out of 5]

i cant tell if i loved or hated this book.

ford and lena were a great couple, i love fake dating so that aspect of the story was great! this book kind of had the same problem as the last one with me, both characters needed therapy or at least someone to talk to about their obvious issues. ford’s aversion to letting lena help with annabelle really made me frustrated because it made no sense, also he let lena watch her before so it was just really unnecessary. these books have also felt like there’s misogynistic undertones all throughout and i don’t appreciate that. it’s not even how the men act it’s more how the authors write the women once they’re in relationships. all three women so far have had the same insecurities about their looks not being enough to keep a pro athlete. that’s completely normal but why have all three of these women, who are seemingly unaware of how attractive everyone else finds them, crying about not being enough when it’s not necessary for the plot. plus all the side characters act like the men own them once the relationship starts, and even when theres the long awaited third act breakup, that pisses me off. sorry for ranting i’m just irritated about this. also all this miscommunication and breaking up with someone because it’s better for everyone involved shit went on for way to long in this book.

overall it wasn’t terrible it just made me extremely mad, lena and ford were cute but in the end i guess but it just wasn’t enough for me to enjoy the whole book.

IMOGEN AND WARNER ARE NEXT !!!!!!!!

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

***ARC Provided by the Author***

I really wanted to enjoy this title, but Ford and Lena were sort of "meh" for me.

I loved the premise, and the blurb, but their connection was always a little superficial and, as I usually really enjoy works by these authors, I can't lie, I was surprised to be a little let down by this one.

i think it felt a little formulaic, like I knew what was going to happen. I get it, that happens in romance, we all know how it's going to end. And, we have a good idea of the rough how it's going to get there with...but this one felt like it followed a map, and that took all of the fun out of it...if that makes sense.

It won't be the last title I read by these authors, I was just a little non-plussed by this one.

[Yan · Rating 4 out of 5]

~3.75 stars

Yeah, you can tell I loved this one better than the last two books. 🤡 I’m a sucker for single dad romance, okay?? But seriously, the banter here was also a win for me. I loved how the leads started out hating to tolerating each other to getting into a fake engagement and finally going into a real relationship.

While I’m into heroes who are the stand-up kind of guy who’s always on the straight and narrow, there’s just always always something’s appealing with heroes who completely abandon their wayward ways and fall to their knees after meeting the right girl. 🥺

[gretareadsromance · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is so good. I have been waiting for this book and Piper Rayne did not disappoint with this single dad hockey player romance. Great story and the audio narration was excellent!

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

God I loved this story, it was a brilliant fake relationship book. One that was emotion fueled and just really great story to read. I mean we all knew that Ford's story would be crazy and full of emotion but I didn't quite expect for it to make a feel the way It did. Take everything you ever thought about Ford and forget about it. This man is something special. Especially when he finds someone that he can't stop thinking about and wanting.

Lena was one of the characters that I loved so much from Countdown To A Kiss. She is bold and strong woman, but she is broken and the way she feels abandoned by all her family is just heartbreaking to read. She has trust issues and that shows a lot in this story.

Ford and Lena embark on this journey and what a journey it is. I'd say this changes both of them for the better. I laughed hard and cried so much. Ford as a daddy was just so special to read and so unexpected.

This book is a total recommend from me. One that is a fantastic addition to this great series. The books and stories just keep getting better and better.

[The Love Librarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first read from Piper Rayne, and I enjoyed it! Faking It With #41 is the third book in this pro hockey series (I skipped the first few). Former playboy and partier Ford is met with the surprise of a lifetime when one of his one-night stands ends up pregnant. She leaves the baby with Ford, and the media have a field day with it. Lena, the family's PR person, is brought in to help with the press due to the recent development in Ford's life. These two have always disliked each other (or at least pretended to). Ford's partying ways don't help the image that his dad has tried to cultivate, being that he is interested in selling his business to those that are more on the "straight and narrow". His dad proposes that Ford and Lena pretend to be engaged so that potential buyers believe that Ford has gotten it together.

Overall, the reason for the fake engagement wasn't that exciting, but I really enjoyed watching these two straddle the line between dislike and love. These two had more in common than they realized, and they saw that when they finally stopped griping at each other. I loved how Lena bonded with Ford's child. They acted as a family unit throughout most of the book and those were my favorite parts.

I may look into other books in the series, because the writing was good and I'm interested in meeting some of Ford's teammates!

TROPES: hockey; single dad; rich hero; fake dating/fake engagement; roommates/forced proximity; rags to riches heroine; heroine with emotional trauma; reformed playboy

TRIGGER WARNINGS: parental abandonment; parent with alcoholism

[Ela's Welt der Bücher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Piper Rayne schreiben tolle Bücher und daher freute ich mich schon auf diesen dritten Band, den ich konnte mir Ford nicht mit einem kleinen Kind vorstellen, aber er hat gezeigt, dass er ganz anders ist und mit seiner Tochter mehr als gut zurechtkommt. Es war eine süße Geschichte und ich habe es gerne gehört, aber zu 100% konnte es mich dennoch nicht überzeugen.
4 Sterne

[Steffi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eine schöne Story zum einfach abschalten ohne viel Drama aber mit tollen Charakteren und viel Herz.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was classic Piper Rayne in the best way. I really enjoyed seeing Ford fall for Annabelle and Lena. I loved how he handled the problems that came at them, and I loved their relationship development. And as usual, the epilogue gave us a peek into the next book and I cannot wait!!

[sarah.booksanddreams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alleine wegen der Tropes: Single-Daddy & Fake-Beziehung bzw. Forced Proximity mit einem Hauch Haters-to-Lovers,
habe ich mich schon sehr auf den dritten Band der HOCKEY HOTTIES von Piper Rayne gefreut!

Ford hat mich in seiner Geschichte, definitiv für sich gewonnen.
Der einstige Player und überhebliche Hockey-Star der Florida Furys ist mit der Verantwortung für seine Tochter reifer und anständiger geworden.
Bei den noch immer manchmal stattfindenden leidenschaftlichen Wortgefechten mit Lena blitzt jedoch auch immer mal wieder seine schelmische, freche Art hervor.

Lena ist die anfangs akkurate, zugeknöpfte und emsige PR-Beraterin der Jacobs-Familie,
die Ford des öfteren in seine Schranken verweist.
Als Schoßhündchens seines Vaters ist Ford keineswegs gut auf sie zu sprechen.
Bis er bei Lena einen Blick hinter ihre Fassade erhascht,
und dabei eine temperamentvolle, gutherzige und ambitionierte Frau entdeckt.

Der sportliche Aspekt rückt in diesem Teil der Reihe zwar weit in den Hintergrund,
doch die Liebesgeschichte zwischen Lena und Ford macht dies durchaus wieder wett.

Es hat wirklich Spaß gemacht, Lena und Ford dabei zu beobachten, wie sie sich näher kommen und unfreiwillig Gefühle entwickeln.
Die Handlung plätschert zwar zuweilen auch etwas vor sich hin,
bietet jedoch genug wohlige und zuckersüße Momente,
um beim Lesen dabei sein Herz zu verlieren.

4 Sterne

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Universal



Ford's been the team's player, on and off the ice for years. Now the time has come, though, for him to grow up and step up, because his little girl needs a good dad. Ford needs help to right his reputation, to help stabilize his family's name, and that's where Lena, the family's publicist, comes in. A good ol' fake engagement should do the trick. Right? But what happens when these two sorta enemies start developing very not so fake feelings?



Oh how I love it when the cocky playboy is brought to his knees by love! Ford, Mr Player himself, though, is not only turned upside down and inside out by the love of Lena, but, even more importantly, by his adorable little girl. Now that is the sign of the very best kind of man - when he becomes a better man because he's so in love with his child. Talk about swoon!!! Ford becomes a much, much better man by the end of Faking It with #41, and I'm so glad Piper Rayne gave him a sweetheart like Lena to be by his side as he grew and changed into the man just hiding inside his womanizing image. This is my favorite so far in this awesome hockey series, can't wait for more hockey love when Ford's sister's story, Sneaking around with #34 comes out.



ARC via Wildfire Marketing Solutions for an honest review.
Ebook also purchased via Amazon.

Review / Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.

Blog | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Star review Faking It With #41 (Hockey Hotties #3) by Piper Rayne
This is the third book in the latest series from Piper Rayne. Faking It With #41 was a fabulous addition to Piper Rayne’s latest series. I love stories with single dads and that is what hockey player for Florida Fury Ford Jacobs now is . His father is persistent in trying to get Ford to retire and join the family business, which is where Lena Boyd, the Jacobs’ family PR representative comes into the equation.
When his father requests he pretend to be engaged to Lena in exchange for no longer being pushed to join the family business, Ford jumps at the chance. Of course the best laid plans often go astray and things quickly become complicated between Ford and Lena.
What happens when Ford’s past comes back and throws a spanner into the relationship that he is building with Lena? I really liked Ford and I knew that there was more to him than what he let show? However I didn't realize how much more there really was and I quickly fell for him.
All he really wants to do is be the best dad he can be to baby Annabelle and my heart melted whenever he was with her.
I loved this story and cannot wait to see what Piper Rayne has in store for this addictive series.

[Šinjorina · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have a hard time understanding how this book has such a high rating.

It's not inventive, or fresh, nor does it drag you in. The characters and their development are rushed, the plot sloppy. The smut is uninspired and robotic.

Additionally, the author must be a single child because she has no idea how actual siblings talk to each other - the amount of sexual innuendoes exchanged between them is frankly disgusting.

[Rosie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Faking It With #41 is the third book in the Hockey Hotties series, and is an enemies to lovers, fake relationship, single dad romance between Ford, the playboy Florida Fury hockey player and Lena, his family’s PR person. It had angst, emotion, and steam, and I am becoming more and more invested in the players’ lives and relationships as this series progresses.

Ford has always fought against what his family, especially his overbearing father, has set out for him. Instead of stepping into the family business like he was expected to do, he pursued hockey and was determined to make a name, and a career, out of the sport he loved. From an affluent background, his family have always stepped in to clean up his mistakes, but in more recent years, their PR employee has been Lena. Lena is from humbler beginnings and sees Ford as a playboy who gets away with everything, and they’ve always butted heads. Until Ford unexpectedly becomes a single father to a baby girl, and Lena must get involved and clear up the mess, something she’s used to doing. But Ford is devoted to his daughter Annabelle, and suddenly Lena begins to see him in a new light. The chemistry between them grows, and that’s when Ford’s father comes up with a plan, a fake relationship between the two whilst he sells the business, and Ford can continue to live his life the way he wants. Ford and Lena reluctantly agree, and play happy families, but when the lines between real and fake begin to blur, at the end of their time together, will either admit their real feelings?

Lena and Ford were always at each other’s throats, fighting an attraction but also a real dislike for the other. Ford always saw Lena as his father’s puppet, someone who would come in and fix whatever he’d done wrong and look down on him and his failures. Lena thought of Ford as the spoiled rich playboy who could get away with anything and took for granted his loving family and affluent lifestyle. But until they took down the walls, they had both set up and got to know the real person underneath, both realized they were much more complicated than first thought. The fake relationship gave them the space to be themselves, and learn more about the real version of each other, not the image they had in their heads. Ford became more confident as a father, and began to trust himself more, and realized that whilst he didn’t necessarily need help, he wanted to raise Annabelle with Lena. Lena learnt that she couldn’t project her past on to Ford, and to trust that he would keep his promises to her, despite how many times she’d been let down by others in the past. They both had to get past their fears before they could be together, but once they did that, they were unstoppable as a couple, and as a family.

[PP's Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOT SWOONY SINGLE DAD HOCKEY ALPHA ALERT! Faking It with #41 by Piper Rayne was full of entertaining moments, warm gooey feels, nuclear hot chemistry and just over all romance perfection. I am seriously in deep love with Ford and Lena!

Ford Jacobs has always been a rebel. An impulsive cocky playboy jock. His life changes suddenly when he becomes a father without any plan and the mother dumps baby Anabelle at his doorstep. Now his father and rich businessman Mr. Jacobs once again asks their family PR rep Lena to repair the damage. Only this time he wants them to be fake engaged. Now it will be interesting because they cannot stand each other and they also cannot stop wanting each other.


So there is something about an adoring single father...talk about ovaries exploding. And the way Ford embraced his fatherhood, oh my heart. He changed his life completely to take care of his baby. His father always wanted him to join his family business and never supported his career and Ford spent all his life rebelling. And for him, Lena was a part of his father's plan to control his life. Lena thought him to be a reckless rich hockey player and she thought it as a job. But that forced proximity opened their eyes. Ford could feel Lena is a passionate, kind hearted and super sweet woman with so much strength and fierceness. And Lena realized Ford is a good man at his core. Funny. Charming. Protective. Caring. Misunderstood. And oh the chemistry! The authors pulled the tension so taut that when they give in, it was pure ecstasy. The road from fake to real was riddled with uncertainty, stubbornness, heartbreak and pain that only made the happily ever after sweeter.

Faking It with #41 by Piper Rayne was such a sweet, sexy and just overall amazing ride that I didn't even notice the time passing. And I never wanted it to end.

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily

[Rachel Reads Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️
f: Lena
m: Ford
(Dual POVs)

The playboy troublemaker has fallen. I repeat the playboy troublemaker has fallen! From the moment Ford is forced to be a single father and take on the complete responsibility for his infant daughter, he changes his stripes. He was struggling, he knew he wasn’t perfect, but he was trying his absolute best to be the best father he could to his little girl. He’s completely out of his element trying to be a responsible father, especially having to be a single father, but it was heartwarming to see how sweet he was to his daughter.

I felt bad for Ford and how he’s had to grow up fighting for a chance to do what he loves, despite being groomed to take over the family business. In order to continue following his dreams and living out his passion, he’s willing to do just about anything, which includes marrying the family PR rep. Just like he was all in when he was trying to be the best dad he could, he was all in pretending to be the best fiance he could! Ford was a smooth talker and played his part of fake fiance very well! The sexy flirting, the sensual gifts, and the jealous possessiveness were all delicious!

Basically, I liked Ford and was proud of the drastic life changes he made to try to be the best dad he could. I connected with Lena and at one point, I completely understood how she felt in regards to her relationship with her father. I wasn’t a huge fan of the way the insecurities played a repeated part in the conflict. This one ended on an interesting note, and I’m extremely curious to continue the series to figure out what happens!

Favorite Quotes:
If you were mine, you’d show up with a glow that shows you’re a very satisfied woman. -Ford

“Baby, after I’m finished here, you’ll never be satisfied with your own fingers again.” -Ford

“If you stop, I swear to God I will break your dick.” -Lena

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Faking It with #41 by Piper Rayne.

The storyline is entertaining from start to end, it's well written, sweet, funny and the chemistry between Ford and Lena was off the charts.

I loved Ford and Lena, watching their relationship unfold had me swooning from the first chapter. These two both had their walls up in the beginning, then the more time they spent with each other they get to see the true person behind the front they had up.
Ford is such a great guy, he would do anything for his loved ones and I loved seeing his interactions with his daughter. I also loved how he would tease and push Lena's buttons just to get her attention, and then her reactions would lead to some very sweet and tender moments.

This book ticked all the boxes for me, great characters, a cute baby, great friendships and a storyline that left me with a heart full of love.



Faking It with #41 is a great addition to the Hockey Hotties series, each book has been a great read and I highly recommend them all!!

Grab your copy of Ford and Lena's story here --> https://books2read.com/fiw41

*I received an advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.*

[Ambur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Piper and Rayne's Hockey Hotties series has been off to a great start, and I have to say that FAKING IT WITH #41 is my favourite so far! I absolutely loved it! I'm a sucker for the single dad trope, love a reformed ladies man, and also love sport romances, and the fake dating and the hate-to-love tropes, so this checked so many of my boxes!

Along with being packed full of awesome tropes, I loved that we finally got to see Ford's story here! We've gotten to know him over the past two books in the series, and there's been so much build up for his story, so I wasn't sure what to expect really, but once I started, I was hooked! I loved that there were so many additional facets to his character and he and Lena were such a wonderful pair! Their banter, teasing, and back-and-forth both before and after their relationship began was so entertaining, and I loved every interaction that they had! I also loved Ford's humour, and I loved seeing both Ford and Lena open up to one another! Last, but certainly not least, I also absolutely adored all of the moments with Ford's daughter!!! She was adorable and I'm really looking forward to more moments where their little family pops up in future books later on!

Overall, I thought that FAKING IT WITH #41 was fantastic! The story was entertaining, funny, sweet, steamy, and I didn't want to put it down! I loved the mix of tropes, seeing all the previous couples, and also the hints for future books...because in case you haven't heard, Piper and Rayne are expanding this series and we're now going to get even more Hockey Hotties books! I'm super excited to see this series continue, and I'd recommend this book and the other books in the series to contemporary romance fans who like steamy, sweet romances with amazing banter, and fantastic friend groups!

Star Rating: ★★★★★