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Boyfriend Rules #1
The Faker Rulebook
The Faker Rulebook: A perfect guide to a successful fake relationship with your straight best friend.
Noah—Rook Oliveira stumbled into my life when I was eleven years old.
Being the scrawny new kid at school with a mouth full of braces, I never expected to become unlikely best friends with the most popular boy in seventh grade.
At eighteen, I gathered the courage to tell him I was gay and admitted I'd never kissed a guy. He offered to be my first. Straight or not, that kiss had burned with nearly tangible fire and tattooed the moment on my heart.
I've spent the last four years trying to forget it.
Now we're seniors in college, and I've learned why secret relationships are a bad idea.
My brother is getting married, and my cheating ex is the best man. Honestly, Rook is more upset about it than I am. He comes up with this crazy plan to be my fake boyfriend for the week of the wedding.
If we're doing this, then we need to set some rules. Between fake kisses and sharing a bed, things could get messy. Because I'm in love with my best friend—and he has no idea.
The rules are simple. I never expected Rook to be the one that started breaking them.
The Faker Rulebook is a high steam, low angst standalone novel.
Noah—Rook Oliveira stumbled into my life when I was eleven years old.
Being the scrawny new kid at school with a mouth full of braces, I never expected to become unlikely best friends with the most popular boy in seventh grade.
At eighteen, I gathered the courage to tell him I was gay and admitted I'd never kissed a guy. He offered to be my first. Straight or not, that kiss had burned with nearly tangible fire and tattooed the moment on my heart.
I've spent the last four years trying to forget it.
Now we're seniors in college, and I've learned why secret relationships are a bad idea.
My brother is getting married, and my cheating ex is the best man. Honestly, Rook is more upset about it than I am. He comes up with this crazy plan to be my fake boyfriend for the week of the wedding.
If we're doing this, then we need to set some rules. Between fake kisses and sharing a bed, things could get messy. Because I'm in love with my best friend—and he has no idea.
The rules are simple. I never expected Rook to be the one that started breaking them.
The Faker Rulebook is a high steam, low angst standalone novel.
182 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 3, 2021
241 people are currently reading
1233 people want to read
About the author
Baylin Crow
21 books577 followersBaylin writes gay romance stories full of sweetness and steam. She's best known for her Sugar Land Saints series that follows a college football team set in Texas, which she also calls home. Whether writing books or reading them, Baylin spends the majority of her time tucked into the pages of stories about men who love other men. She has two amazing children, a spoiled cat, a hyperactive dog, and a heavy addiction to caffeine.
To be alerted by email when I release a book, please follow me on BookBub or sign up for my newsletter through my website.
Happy Reading! ❤📚
To be alerted by email when I release a book, please follow me on BookBub or sign up for my newsletter through my website.
Happy Reading! ❤📚
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 335 reviews
August 4, 2021
a light, low angst, sexy & cute childhood-best-friends-to-lovers read. ♥️ enjoyed it!
they had a dumb rule book for their “fake” relationship. the rules obviously got broken.
lots of fluff, sexy times, some jealousy, possessiveness. no unnecessary drama, which is nice sometimes.
they had a dumb rule book for their “fake” relationship. the rules obviously got broken.
lots of fluff, sexy times, some jealousy, possessiveness. no unnecessary drama, which is nice sometimes.
July 11, 2021
It’s a tale as old as time… You don’t want your mom to keep playing matchmaker and so you say your lifelong best friend actually became your boyfriend! You’ll only be fake boyfriends for this week away with family for your brother’s remote winter wonderland wedding. Easy peasy! What could go wrong?
So many aspects of this book I adored including…
-Dual first person POV
-Jealousy and possessiveness with a capital J and P. Not some one off scene but throughout the entire book. Not the type that gets tiresome either where it’s the same thing being said over and over. Rook is understanding so many of his feelings for Noah through the jealousy and possessiveness he feels towards him. Why don’t I ever like any of my bestie’s romantic interests, he wonders.
-Killer chemistry between two lovable main characters
-There was only one bed! GASP!
-Supportive family members
-Childhood best friends to lovers
-Sexuality discovery story
-Their friendship is so strong and supportive. They would do anything for each other without a second thought. I loved how much kindness and thoughtfulness they showed each other. The author displayed their bond in such seemingly small ways that really stood out for me like Noah wearing one of Rook’s sweatshirts that features the mascot of Rook’s college basketball team and always showing up to his games -- so much so that Rook’s teammates know Noah extremely well and are friendly with him.
-Winter wonderland setting! I really enjoy when books are set in a snowy setting. Rook and Noah ride a sleigh along with the wedding party -- it’s freezing outside -- and there is some adorable I’m cold keep me warm cuddle action going on.
-The sex scenes were magnificent. When they went from fighting to fucking...amazing.
-The writing and the pacing of the story worked perfectly for me. It didn’t feel like there was any filler added. The story never felt slow or stagnant in any way.
The Faker Rulebook took a trope that’s been done plenty of times before and it made it feel new and unique. I loved how so many sentiments said early on were tied into the story -- like when Noah says at 11 years old to his brother that he’s not a rule breaker and then in comes the rule book Noah and Rook put together for being fake boyfriends. Or when an 11 year old Rook says to Noah that it’s okay if he gets grounded for staying at Noah’s house too late, that it’s okay to break the rules; and he’s the one who wanted to do away with their rule book. There were so many instances of these small details that if I reread this book, I think I would pick up on even more. I loved everything about this book. Such a delight.
"Keep looking at me like that.” It wasn’t a threat. It was a demand. “You love seeing that you own me, don’t you?”
I nodded as I gasped for breaths that were stolen from my lungs.
"Good. I want you to see it.” His gaze sharpened on mine. “I fucking love you.”
So many aspects of this book I adored including…
-Dual first person POV
-Jealousy and possessiveness with a capital J and P. Not some one off scene but throughout the entire book. Not the type that gets tiresome either where it’s the same thing being said over and over. Rook is understanding so many of his feelings for Noah through the jealousy and possessiveness he feels towards him. Why don’t I ever like any of my bestie’s romantic interests, he wonders.
-Killer chemistry between two lovable main characters
-There was only one bed! GASP!
-Supportive family members
-Childhood best friends to lovers
-Sexuality discovery story
-Their friendship is so strong and supportive. They would do anything for each other without a second thought. I loved how much kindness and thoughtfulness they showed each other. The author displayed their bond in such seemingly small ways that really stood out for me like Noah wearing one of Rook’s sweatshirts that features the mascot of Rook’s college basketball team and always showing up to his games -- so much so that Rook’s teammates know Noah extremely well and are friendly with him.
-Winter wonderland setting! I really enjoy when books are set in a snowy setting. Rook and Noah ride a sleigh along with the wedding party -- it’s freezing outside -- and there is some adorable I’m cold keep me warm cuddle action going on.
-The sex scenes were magnificent. When they went from fighting to fucking...amazing.
-The writing and the pacing of the story worked perfectly for me. It didn’t feel like there was any filler added. The story never felt slow or stagnant in any way.
The Faker Rulebook took a trope that’s been done plenty of times before and it made it feel new and unique. I loved how so many sentiments said early on were tied into the story -- like when Noah says at 11 years old to his brother that he’s not a rule breaker and then in comes the rule book Noah and Rook put together for being fake boyfriends. Or when an 11 year old Rook says to Noah that it’s okay if he gets grounded for staying at Noah’s house too late, that it’s okay to break the rules; and he’s the one who wanted to do away with their rule book. There were so many instances of these small details that if I reread this book, I think I would pick up on even more. I loved everything about this book. Such a delight.
"Keep looking at me like that.” It wasn’t a threat. It was a demand. “You love seeing that you own me, don’t you?”
I nodded as I gasped for breaths that were stolen from my lungs.
"Good. I want you to see it.” His gaze sharpened on mine. “I fucking love you.”
January 24, 2021
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*I Liked It*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
The book centers around Noah Stephens and Rook Oliveira. They met when they were eleven years old and became best friends. Six years later, when they are eighteen, the friendship is still going strong. But that all changes when Noah's boyfriend cheats on him and he's gonna be in Noah's brother's wedding. Rook comes up with the idea of fake dating. Problem is, how do you fake that you aren't faking? Overall, I liked it. It was straight forward, hot and the chemistry is high. I love that their friendship was so deep, and I love the banter between the two. I like the author's writing. Her books doesn't have much depth or angst, just a light, fun and enjoyable read. It still doesn't beat her Broken Play book.
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (New Adult) Contemporary Romance (M/M).
Series: - Standalone.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Rook Oliveira.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Most likely.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Yes.
Will I read this again in the future? -Probably.
New Rating - 3.5/3 stars.
February 18, 2021
This was pure adorable fluff and just what I needed after a few reads that didn't work out so well for me.
And the heat... *slowly fanning myself*
My only complaint is that it's too short. I want more Noah and Rook in my life.
And the heat... *slowly fanning myself*
My only complaint is that it's too short. I want more Noah and Rook in my life.
February 3, 2021
Confession time: I usually stay away from friends-to-lovers romances.
It’s a troupe I usually don’t enjoy. I’m a huge fan of meet-cutes, and when the MC’s already know each other, it makes it less...real to me. Like I’m starting in the middle of the story.
I was hesitant to read this, but your girl here is a sucker for the fake boyfriend troupe. Especially fake-boyfriends-to-make-exes-jealous-at-brothers-weddings. So yeah. I added it, and the rest is history.
I was grinning and giggling and swooning throughout the whole damn thing. It was sweet, heartfelt and majorly steamy with top bants and wonderful dirty talk.
The book starts when Rook and Noah first meet at eleven years old. This is something I usually hate as well. Maybe it’s my mood or my tastes are changing, but I really enjoyed it. The first twenty percent is learning of their friendship, seeing it all on page. No one is more surprised than I am that I enjoyed it.
Noah and Rook were such well-rounded characters. Yes, this is low angst, but it also has a depth that makes it less cheesy than some others I have read with this troupe. They both have insecurities and learn to fight them.
The only thing I didn’t like was Noah insisting that Rook was straight so he couldn’t be into him. But I understand where he was coming from. He’s been in love with the guy since adolescence and was scared it was all just an experiment to Rook. But, they communicated after a bit of frustrating back and forth and—
THERE WAS NO WEIRD 70% BREAK UP!
I’m a very happy girl. This had the potential to be very dramatic near the 70% mark with Noah’s insecurities, but Rook wouldn’t take no for an answer. He was persistent. His love was true and he’d do anything for his Noah.
And the ending was too fucking cute.
This is the first book I’ve read in a while that I thoroughly enjoyed. I’ve been in a reading slump, and I’m happy to report this book popped me out of it.
Just a warning though, some might not enjoy this. There were a lot of “are you serious?!” moments but those didn’t bug me personally. It was just so damn sweet and entertaining I ignored some of the annoying stuff. Positives usually cancel out negatives, right? (Idk I failed math)
Recommended to those who want a light, steamy read that will make you laugh. It’s OTT at times, but for me that’s part of the fun!
5++++++++ swoony steamy first-times only one bed stars
It’s a troupe I usually don’t enjoy. I’m a huge fan of meet-cutes, and when the MC’s already know each other, it makes it less...real to me. Like I’m starting in the middle of the story.
I was hesitant to read this, but your girl here is a sucker for the fake boyfriend troupe. Especially fake-boyfriends-to-make-exes-jealous-at-brothers-weddings. So yeah. I added it, and the rest is history.
I was grinning and giggling and swooning throughout the whole damn thing. It was sweet, heartfelt and majorly steamy with top bants and wonderful dirty talk.
The book starts when Rook and Noah first meet at eleven years old. This is something I usually hate as well. Maybe it’s my mood or my tastes are changing, but I really enjoyed it. The first twenty percent is learning of their friendship, seeing it all on page. No one is more surprised than I am that I enjoyed it.
Noah and Rook were such well-rounded characters. Yes, this is low angst, but it also has a depth that makes it less cheesy than some others I have read with this troupe. They both have insecurities and learn to fight them.
The only thing I didn’t like was Noah insisting that Rook was straight so he couldn’t be into him. But I understand where he was coming from. He’s been in love with the guy since adolescence and was scared it was all just an experiment to Rook. But, they communicated after a bit of frustrating back and forth and—
THERE WAS NO WEIRD 70% BREAK UP!
I’m a very happy girl. This had the potential to be very dramatic near the 70% mark with Noah’s insecurities, but Rook wouldn’t take no for an answer. He was persistent. His love was true and he’d do anything for his Noah.
And the ending was too fucking cute.
This is the first book I’ve read in a while that I thoroughly enjoyed. I’ve been in a reading slump, and I’m happy to report this book popped me out of it.
Just a warning though, some might not enjoy this. There were a lot of “are you serious?!” moments but those didn’t bug me personally. It was just so damn sweet and entertaining I ignored some of the annoying stuff. Positives usually cancel out negatives, right? (Idk I failed math)
Recommended to those who want a light, steamy read that will make you laugh. It’s OTT at times, but for me that’s part of the fun!
5++++++++ swoony steamy first-times only one bed stars
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December 15, 2023
MM Romance
Childhood best friends to lovers
3.5 Stars ⭐️
🎵Narrated by: Iggy Toma🎵
As much as I love Iggy as a narrator, I think he does better with someone else because a lot of these voices sounded similar. That said, this was only 6 hours and perfect for a rainy afternoon. If I had reviewed this directly after listening I’d have bumped this to 4 stars but it’s been a week and it’s quite forgettable. I can barely remember the plot and names? Pffttt Were there names? Who are these people? I legit had to look them up and even then it doesn’t register in my memories.
What I do remember is how surprised I was that a book so short could give the proper backstory of their friendship. This is one of those books where two male childhood best friends have always been more than just friends and they needed something to happen to make that clear. In this story it’s a wedding date. I can’t remember who, obviously, but one was in love with his friend for years and the other had hated all his boyfriends, picked him over all his girlfriends and kept volunteering himself for physical things even though he’s supposedly straight. Yah okay.
This isn’t going to win any awards but for $1.70, I had a good time with it and I actually wouldn’t mind listening to others in the series. This author is real hit or miss for me but Iggy Toma definitely elevated this on audiobook and I’d listen to more for a good deal or if they were included with my membership.
Childhood best friends to lovers
3.5 Stars ⭐️
🎵Narrated by: Iggy Toma🎵
As much as I love Iggy as a narrator, I think he does better with someone else because a lot of these voices sounded similar. That said, this was only 6 hours and perfect for a rainy afternoon. If I had reviewed this directly after listening I’d have bumped this to 4 stars but it’s been a week and it’s quite forgettable. I can barely remember the plot and names? Pffttt Were there names? Who are these people? I legit had to look them up and even then it doesn’t register in my memories.
What I do remember is how surprised I was that a book so short could give the proper backstory of their friendship. This is one of those books where two male childhood best friends have always been more than just friends and they needed something to happen to make that clear. In this story it’s a wedding date. I can’t remember who, obviously, but one was in love with his friend for years and the other had hated all his boyfriends, picked him over all his girlfriends and kept volunteering himself for physical things even though he’s supposedly straight. Yah okay.
This isn’t going to win any awards but for $1.70, I had a good time with it and I actually wouldn’t mind listening to others in the series. This author is real hit or miss for me but Iggy Toma definitely elevated this on audiobook and I’d listen to more for a good deal or if they were included with my membership.
May 15, 2023
Audio - 5 stars
Story - 4 Stars
Story - 4 Stars
August 31, 2021
This was a nice and sweet friends to lovers romance.
February 12, 2022
Best friends to lovers is just... SUPERIOR 💯
April 28, 2021
The Faker Rulebook is a sweet romance between two best friends. Although the story was amazing, I wasn't the biggest fan of the writing style. This books gets 3 stars out of 5 for me. Purely for the cute plot!
So, The Faker Rulebook starts off with the literal beginning. Meaning, how Rook and Noah became best friends when they were just kids. We also catch a glimpse of their high school period. The majority of the plot happens when they are almost graduating from college.
Noah has always known he was gay... and in love with his best friend, Rook. However, Rook is straight. Or that is what he had always thought until he comes up with his crazy plan. Noah's brother is set to be married and his mother keeps trying to set him up with other guys. He is already dreading this wedding because of his mother trying to play Cupid, as well as the presence of his ex, a cheating bastard, also the best man of his brother. So Rook comes up with a plan to kill two birds with one stone. He proposes to Noah to be fake boyfriends for the week of the wedding. For the reasons to quiet his mom and to make his cheating ex jealous. Noah ultimately agrees to this insane plan but there need to be rules. Simply because he is in love with his best friend and he doesn't want to get his heart broken.
The best part of this book is definitely the plot. It was so DAMN SWEET to read their 'entire' journey from friends to being fake boyfriends to actual boyfriends. Funny how Rook didn't even realize that he loved Noah more than just a friend from the beginning. At the same time, it makes the trope even more genuine. Rook's feelings for Noah didn't came out of the blue. They had always been real from the start, only he didn't realize it was real love. And Noah ALWAYS wanted something more with Rook but at the same time he couldn't even hope for that out of fear of losing his best friend. The downside of The Faker Rulebook is the writing style. I am not the biggest fan of 'fragmented stories'. There were parts I really wanted to read in depth more but they were only briefly mentioned. If this book had more pages to it regarding the plot, character development and more details of some events, it would have been perfect!
Normally I would stay away from best friends to lovers stories. The Faker Rulebook just sparked my interest enough to read it for the fake dating trope as well. It made it more believable as to Rook, who is 'straight', falling in love with Noah. I recommend this book to anyone else who loves the best friends to lovers plot.
So, The Faker Rulebook starts off with the literal beginning. Meaning, how Rook and Noah became best friends when they were just kids. We also catch a glimpse of their high school period. The majority of the plot happens when they are almost graduating from college.
Noah has always known he was gay... and in love with his best friend, Rook. However, Rook is straight. Or that is what he had always thought until he comes up with his crazy plan. Noah's brother is set to be married and his mother keeps trying to set him up with other guys. He is already dreading this wedding because of his mother trying to play Cupid, as well as the presence of his ex, a cheating bastard, also the best man of his brother. So Rook comes up with a plan to kill two birds with one stone. He proposes to Noah to be fake boyfriends for the week of the wedding. For the reasons to quiet his mom and to make his cheating ex jealous. Noah ultimately agrees to this insane plan but there need to be rules. Simply because he is in love with his best friend and he doesn't want to get his heart broken.
The best part of this book is definitely the plot. It was so DAMN SWEET to read their 'entire' journey from friends to being fake boyfriends to actual boyfriends. Funny how Rook didn't even realize that he loved Noah more than just a friend from the beginning. At the same time, it makes the trope even more genuine. Rook's feelings for Noah didn't came out of the blue. They had always been real from the start, only he didn't realize it was real love. And Noah ALWAYS wanted something more with Rook but at the same time he couldn't even hope for that out of fear of losing his best friend. The downside of The Faker Rulebook is the writing style. I am not the biggest fan of 'fragmented stories'. There were parts I really wanted to read in depth more but they were only briefly mentioned. If this book had more pages to it regarding the plot, character development and more details of some events, it would have been perfect!
Normally I would stay away from best friends to lovers stories. The Faker Rulebook just sparked my interest enough to read it for the fake dating trope as well. It made it more believable as to Rook, who is 'straight', falling in love with Noah. I recommend this book to anyone else who loves the best friends to lovers plot.
April 8, 2023
Sweet & Angst-Free!
I really enjoyed this bi-awakening, friends-to-lovers, fake-boyfriend, short novel. Wow! That’s a lot of tropes 😂
One of the MC’s has been in love forever with his bestie. Bestie steps up for a contrived fake-boyfriend & realizes he loves him, too. Spoiler? Not really, since that’s how these things go.
Great audiobook by Iggy Toma. Enjoy!
I really enjoyed this bi-awakening, friends-to-lovers, fake-boyfriend, short novel. Wow! That’s a lot of tropes 😂
One of the MC’s has been in love forever with his bestie. Bestie steps up for a contrived fake-boyfriend & realizes he loves him, too. Spoiler? Not really, since that’s how these things go.
Great audiobook by Iggy Toma. Enjoy!
November 28, 2021
Overall such a great friends-to-lovers, fake-relationship romance.
I felt the connection between Noah and Rook from the beginning. I loved that the author showed the beginning of their friendship when they were 12 and how they formed the start of what would become their best friend connection, and even seeing them at 18 when they kissed (just so Noah, who came out as gay to Rook could have his "first kiss with a guy" which, of course it wasn't because of that, but they both played it off that way).
That really helped me feel it between these two, and feel that sexual tension as they decided to "fake" a relationship for Noah's brother's wedding, because Noah's mom is the kind of parent who wants to matchmake, and Noah doesn't want to deal with it, and Rook came up with it the first place to get back at Noah's ex, who is Noah's brother's best friend who cheated on Noah.
Really, the only reason for my star off is because I wish the "fake" aspect of this had been played up more. It didn't lean as much into the trope as I had hoped, and didn't do it for as long as I'd hoped either. Which is funny because then I got frustrated when they just weren't giving into their desire to be with each other (Or well, Noah wasn't because he was so scared to get his heartbroken. Rook, once he realized his desire and feelings, was pretty much all in at that point.)
But my main grievance is just that I wanted them having to "pretend" to hold hands, having to kiss in front of family, be all lovey-dovery and romantic, and realizing "oh so maybe this isn't as fake as I thought." Because it was real for Noah from the beginning, and pretty much for Rook too although it took him maybe a little longer to process that he had feelings for Noah and was in love with him. Noah, in this, has been in love with Rook basically since they were 12, so he's processed plenty and was already there.
So because they were both almost on the same page, the only thing making it "fake" was them not knowing if the other felt the way they did (or in Noah's case, thinking he knows it's not reciprocated because he thinks Rook is so straight) and think it truly was pretend for the other.
Other than the lack of the leaning into the trope, I did enjoy this overall. Noah got a *teensy* bit on my nerves with how staunchly he held onto Rook not truly being into him, but then sure he's attracted but he's just a fun hook up, nothing more, and Rook couldn't possibly be in love with him. But it was also understandable, with how scared he was to lose Rook's friendship if they crossed that line.
So overall a very enjoyable read, with great MC's that have amazing chemistry together. I definitely recommend this, two thumbs up from me!
I felt the connection between Noah and Rook from the beginning. I loved that the author showed the beginning of their friendship when they were 12 and how they formed the start of what would become their best friend connection, and even seeing them at 18 when they kissed (just so Noah, who came out as gay to Rook could have his "first kiss with a guy" which, of course it wasn't because of that, but they both played it off that way).
That really helped me feel it between these two, and feel that sexual tension as they decided to "fake" a relationship for Noah's brother's wedding, because Noah's mom is the kind of parent who wants to matchmake, and Noah doesn't want to deal with it, and Rook came up with it the first place to get back at Noah's ex, who is Noah's brother's best friend who cheated on Noah.
Really, the only reason for my star off is because I wish the "fake" aspect of this had been played up more. It didn't lean as much into the trope as I had hoped, and didn't do it for as long as I'd hoped either. Which is funny because then I got frustrated when they just weren't giving into their desire to be with each other (Or well, Noah wasn't because he was so scared to get his heartbroken. Rook, once he realized his desire and feelings, was pretty much all in at that point.)
But my main grievance is just that I wanted them having to "pretend" to hold hands, having to kiss in front of family, be all lovey-dovery and romantic, and realizing "oh so maybe this isn't as fake as I thought." Because it was real for Noah from the beginning, and pretty much for Rook too although it took him maybe a little longer to process that he had feelings for Noah and was in love with him. Noah, in this, has been in love with Rook basically since they were 12, so he's processed plenty and was already there.
So because they were both almost on the same page, the only thing making it "fake" was them not knowing if the other felt the way they did (or in Noah's case, thinking he knows it's not reciprocated because he thinks Rook is so straight) and think it truly was pretend for the other.
Other than the lack of the leaning into the trope, I did enjoy this overall. Noah got a *teensy* bit on my nerves with how staunchly he held onto Rook not truly being into him, but then sure he's attracted but he's just a fun hook up, nothing more, and Rook couldn't possibly be in love with him. But it was also understandable, with how scared he was to lose Rook's friendship if they crossed that line.
So overall a very enjoyable read, with great MC's that have amazing chemistry together. I definitely recommend this, two thumbs up from me!
May 31, 2021
I really liked this sweet first love story. The characters were were engaging and their "fake boyfriend" ruse was cute. I also really liked how Rook, the supposedly straight best friend, owned his feelings nearly from the start, and refused to back away or freak out. I actually would have liked to have a longer story, but the epilogue helped to end things on a great note.
February 12, 2023
Tropes:
- sports
- besties to lovers
- fake dating
- sexual awakening
Thick as thieves since they were twelve, Rook is the first person Noah tells about being gay AND that he’s never kissed a guy before. Rook takes it upon himself to be his first, like any good bestie would, but that kiss awakens something neither are prepared for and both agree to pretend it never happened.
Four years later, after a crappy break up with his brother’s best friend, Noah needs a date to his brother’s wedding and Rook jumps at the chance to act as Noah’s fake boyfriend. To save himself a world of hurt, Noah insists on creating a list of rules to make sure the lines between their friendship and his feelings for Rook don’t blur.
Except Rook thinks rules are stupid and meant to be broken, and the more time spent pretending to be Noah’s boyfriend, the more he realizes he’s been in love with Noah all along and now it’s time he showed it.
The Faker Rulebook was such a cute and quick besties to lovers/fake dating romance! Rook was so oblivious to his feelings and Noah was too busy guarding his heart, that this fake dating plan was just the nudge they needed. Their HEA was pretty adorable too 😍
- sports
- besties to lovers
- fake dating
- sexual awakening
Thick as thieves since they were twelve, Rook is the first person Noah tells about being gay AND that he’s never kissed a guy before. Rook takes it upon himself to be his first, like any good bestie would, but that kiss awakens something neither are prepared for and both agree to pretend it never happened.
Four years later, after a crappy break up with his brother’s best friend, Noah needs a date to his brother’s wedding and Rook jumps at the chance to act as Noah’s fake boyfriend. To save himself a world of hurt, Noah insists on creating a list of rules to make sure the lines between their friendship and his feelings for Rook don’t blur.
Except Rook thinks rules are stupid and meant to be broken, and the more time spent pretending to be Noah’s boyfriend, the more he realizes he’s been in love with Noah all along and now it’s time he showed it.
The Faker Rulebook was such a cute and quick besties to lovers/fake dating romance! Rook was so oblivious to his feelings and Noah was too busy guarding his heart, that this fake dating plan was just the nudge they needed. Their HEA was pretty adorable too 😍
January 13, 2021
This is a good story with a lot of WTF stuff happening, but it worked for me because I like my content a little bit OTT, besides is a fake boyfriend trope and I'm a sucker for those.
I liked the way the author showed us the main characters relationship through time, since they were young until the present, I liked how the discovery of their sexuality was handled and I liked the aggressiveness that Mr. Crow managed to put in their interactions once both started to sleep together. I think that made this explosive. 🔥🔥🔥
The WTF part came from two sources, one was Noah because when Rook told him he didn't mind kissing him, Noah said: but your straight. When Rook kissed him several times Noah said: but your not gay. When Rook pinned him to a wall, Noah still said: but your not gay. Seriously? At this point I think he is a little bit gay my friend... So this doubt created unnecessary situations that I didn't mind because the sex was hot, and yep I'm weak like that. 🤷🏻♀️ The other source was the whole stuff with the ex.
Total drama, me like it. 🥰❤
I liked the way the author showed us the main characters relationship through time, since they were young until the present, I liked how the discovery of their sexuality was handled and I liked the aggressiveness that Mr. Crow managed to put in their interactions once both started to sleep together. I think that made this explosive. 🔥🔥🔥
The WTF part came from two sources, one was Noah because when Rook told him he didn't mind kissing him, Noah said: but your straight. When Rook kissed him several times Noah said: but your not gay. When Rook pinned him to a wall, Noah still said: but your not gay. Seriously? At this point I think he is a little bit gay my friend... So this doubt created unnecessary situations that I didn't mind because the sex was hot, and yep I'm weak like that. 🤷🏻♀️ The other source was the whole stuff with the ex.
Total drama, me like it. 🥰❤
July 23, 2021
I connected with Noah and Rook from their first meeting in middle school, and I liked how the writer structured the narrative, leaping from middle school to high school to college, to show the maturing bond of these best friends, over ten years.
The fake-boyfriend trope is realistically developed for Noah's brother's wedding. A side plot with the best man adds a bit of tension to the destination setting.
But what I really appreciated about this novel was the jostling chemistry of two life-long friends, who know each other better than anyone. Except physically . . . Save for that sole fumbling of tongues while sharing a bed in high school.
So their back-and-forths as fake boyfriends, especially in bed, realistically counter their growing feelings, and make the transformation from life-long buds to long-legged lovers not only credible, but sexy.
Recommended for those who disdain the use of endearments between guys, such as "sugar lips".
The fake-boyfriend trope is realistically developed for Noah's brother's wedding. A side plot with the best man adds a bit of tension to the destination setting.
But what I really appreciated about this novel was the jostling chemistry of two life-long friends, who know each other better than anyone. Except physically . . . Save for that sole fumbling of tongues while sharing a bed in high school.
So their back-and-forths as fake boyfriends, especially in bed, realistically counter their growing feelings, and make the transformation from life-long buds to long-legged lovers not only credible, but sexy.
Recommended for those who disdain the use of endearments between guys, such as "sugar lips".
October 13, 2021
that was so fucking adorable. and i love and live for a good jealous mc
March 5, 2023
I'm sorry maybe this was just me or my mood, I honestly don't know.
I wanted to like this book so bad cause it has that romcom fake dating vibe with a hint of jealousy just from the blurb but it doesn't give me that at all.
Would've like it better if the mcs were likeable but Noah reasoning for not jumping into the relationship after rook confession was so typical that I groaned a few times, because I know something like this would've happened.
It lack the spark I would've expected in a fake dating trope, I want the banter, the lovey dovey stuffs and all of that.
But it's just a hint a jealousy.
It hit the spot with jealousy part ngl.
Either way I thought The first chapter of this book was really cute cuz it made me smiling really hard same goes with the last chapter and epilogue, the middle part of it eehhh not so much.
Would've work out way better if the mcs had more depth, that's all I'm gonna say thank you folks.
I wanted to like this book so bad cause it has that romcom fake dating vibe with a hint of jealousy just from the blurb but it doesn't give me that at all.
Would've like it better if the mcs were likeable but Noah reasoning for not jumping into the relationship after rook confession was so typical that I groaned a few times, because I know something like this would've happened.
It lack the spark I would've expected in a fake dating trope, I want the banter, the lovey dovey stuffs and all of that.
But it's just a hint a jealousy.
It hit the spot with jealousy part ngl.
Either way I thought The first chapter of this book was really cute cuz it made me smiling really hard same goes with the last chapter and epilogue, the middle part of it eehhh not so much.
Would've work out way better if the mcs had more depth, that's all I'm gonna say thank you folks.
March 14, 2021
2.5 stars cos the constant reminders of Rook being straight became redundant.
“Straight men” aren’t their male best friends first kiss, feel bouts of jealously when another friend playfully and platonically flirts with the gay MC and feels complete disdain for said gay best friends boyfriend.
When I first starting reading M/M I gravitated to books labeled GFY because knowing that not all feelings of love go unrequited is what makes reading romance books worth it but... its somehow become generic in the way the gay MC constantly feels the need to reaffirm that the other MC is straight. Like obviously he’s not if his lower bits gets tingly when thinking about the other MC’s lower bits. 😒
I get where doubts set in cos nobody wants to deal with heartbreak. Especially if they can prevent it but, instead of constantly reiterating that someone is straight they should focus on the fact that the other MC might be Bi and if something has to constantly be reiterated it should be that regardless of labels anyone that’s a part of the LBGTQ+ community has to face challenges regarding who they choose to love.
IMO that makes the love story thats about to unravel more engaging than feeling the need to roll my eyes every time the MC is told he’s straight. Clearly he’s not since he and the other MC are end-game. 🙄😑
Rant over... on to the next book.
“Straight men” aren’t their male best friends first kiss, feel bouts of jealously when another friend playfully and platonically flirts with the gay MC and feels complete disdain for said gay best friends boyfriend.
When I first starting reading M/M I gravitated to books labeled GFY because knowing that not all feelings of love go unrequited is what makes reading romance books worth it but... its somehow become generic in the way the gay MC constantly feels the need to reaffirm that the other MC is straight. Like obviously he’s not if his lower bits gets tingly when thinking about the other MC’s lower bits. 😒
I get where doubts set in cos nobody wants to deal with heartbreak. Especially if they can prevent it but, instead of constantly reiterating that someone is straight they should focus on the fact that the other MC might be Bi and if something has to constantly be reiterated it should be that regardless of labels anyone that’s a part of the LBGTQ+ community has to face challenges regarding who they choose to love.
IMO that makes the love story thats about to unravel more engaging than feeling the need to roll my eyes every time the MC is told he’s straight. Clearly he’s not since he and the other MC are end-game. 🙄😑
Rant over... on to the next book.
January 20, 2021
Really liked this book! It has a lot of my favourite tropes!
✔Bestfriends to lovers
✔Fake boyfriends
✔Pining
✔Nerd/Jock
✔Only one bed🛏
Really liked how we got a first meeting and an evolution of their friendship through years because most books with childhood bestfriends don't usually show that.
Loved the dynamic between Noah and Rook but Noah's continued disbelief over Rook's sexuality did annoy me a bit. Rook was my favourite. I love went after what he wanted and didn't create any drama or misunderstandings. If you're looking for a quick read with fluff and steam, then you'll not be disappointed!
*ARC provided by the author via Gay Romance Reviews in exchange for an honest and unbiased review
✔Bestfriends to lovers
✔Fake boyfriends
✔Pining
✔Nerd/Jock
✔Only one bed🛏
Really liked how we got a first meeting and an evolution of their friendship through years because most books with childhood bestfriends don't usually show that.
Loved the dynamic between Noah and Rook but Noah's continued disbelief over Rook's sexuality did annoy me a bit. Rook was my favourite. I love went after what he wanted and didn't create any drama or misunderstandings. If you're looking for a quick read with fluff and steam, then you'll not be disappointed!
*ARC provided by the author via Gay Romance Reviews in exchange for an honest and unbiased review
January 9, 2021
It was just so cute!! The starting was a bit slow but the ending was soo good. I loved the easy dynamic Noah and Rook had. I also loved how the whole story somehow seems real. Like, this could have actually happened in real life. I can believe it.
And Brad. What a dickwad. Cheating on his boyfriend, with his best friends younger brother, behind his back. I wouldn't wish such a friend on anyone. Well...maybe my ex (joking).
And Brad. What a dickwad. Cheating on his boyfriend, with his best friends younger brother, behind his back. I wouldn't wish such a friend on anyone. Well...maybe my ex (joking).
April 30, 2023
This was my first time reading this author and I'm giving this book a solid 3.3⭐.
With that being said, I have to point out that this book had quite a few things I really appreciated, but the story itself wasn't executed to my liking .
🟠 Fake boyfriend trope
🔴 Childhood best friends to lovers
🔵 A very believable GFY story
🟣 Both characters were great, especially Rook
🟡 The dialogues were life-like, filled with humor, good tension and sexy push/pull
🟢 The story ends with a HEA and has a good epilogue
🌶️ The spice, ooofff, the spice was great
Rook and Noah met when they were 11. They became friends and had a wonderful, very close friendship for a decade. Noah was secretly in love with Rook, him being openly gay and Rook being straight.
I do apologize for the *almost* dick pic, do avert your eyes if you think it'll traumatize you, but that is Rook and the left one is Noah
The story takes us to their college senior year, when Noah and Rook decide to play fake boyfriends for Noah's brother's wedding.
For the life of me I have no idea why this trope was needed here, I think the story could do without, everyone knew they were bff's and couldn't Noah, as an adult, just tell everyone he wants to be single?
Ironically, the Faker Rulebook was the one thing that didn't work in this story.
It was the main thing, but it wasn't working at all.
It was unnecessary and ridiculous, at least in my opinion, because we're talking about best friends here, friends who live together, spend all of their free time together and are really involved in each other's lives .
Do they need a rulebook? Come on.
I was really sold on this book until these guys decided to play fake boyfriends. I think everything happened really fast for Rook to really internalize those deep feelings of love for Noah and it would be more believable if they went back home and dealt with it there, amongst their friends and their everyday life.
When they do decide this is a real thing, we don't get to read about how things went after they came back home from that wedding.
How did everyone react? How did they cope with it? That part of the story was painfully missing.
The epilogue again takes us to a game 1 year later with Rook proposing, but again it felt like a lot of things were simply missing. And I was really sad about it, because I definitely liked Noah and Rook - especially Rook - and they were great together. I wanted more.
The spice was really good though, just how I like it, sexy, detailed and passionate .
Their intimacy was very believable for two guys together and solely because of this I will try out another book from this author, but not from this series.
With that being said, I have to point out that this book had quite a few things I really appreciated, but the story itself wasn't executed to my liking .
🟠 Fake boyfriend trope
🔴 Childhood best friends to lovers
🔵 A very believable GFY story
🟣 Both characters were great, especially Rook
🟡 The dialogues were life-like, filled with humor, good tension and sexy push/pull
🟢 The story ends with a HEA and has a good epilogue
🌶️ The spice, ooofff, the spice was great
Rook and Noah met when they were 11. They became friends and had a wonderful, very close friendship for a decade. Noah was secretly in love with Rook, him being openly gay and Rook being straight.
I do apologize for the *almost* dick pic, do avert your eyes if you think it'll traumatize you, but that is Rook and the left one is Noah
The story takes us to their college senior year, when Noah and Rook decide to play fake boyfriends for Noah's brother's wedding.
For the life of me I have no idea why this trope was needed here, I think the story could do without, everyone knew they were bff's and couldn't Noah, as an adult, just tell everyone he wants to be single?
Ironically, the Faker Rulebook was the one thing that didn't work in this story.
It was the main thing, but it wasn't working at all.
It was unnecessary and ridiculous, at least in my opinion, because we're talking about best friends here, friends who live together, spend all of their free time together and are really involved in each other's lives .
Do they need a rulebook? Come on.
I was really sold on this book until these guys decided to play fake boyfriends. I think everything happened really fast for Rook to really internalize those deep feelings of love for Noah and it would be more believable if they went back home and dealt with it there, amongst their friends and their everyday life.
When they do decide this is a real thing, we don't get to read about how things went after they came back home from that wedding.
How did everyone react? How did they cope with it? That part of the story was painfully missing.
The epilogue again takes us to a game 1 year later with Rook proposing, but again it felt like a lot of things were simply missing. And I was really sad about it, because I definitely liked Noah and Rook - especially Rook - and they were great together. I wanted more.
The spice was really good though, just how I like it, sexy, detailed and passionate .
Their intimacy was very believable for two guys together and solely because of this I will try out another book from this author, but not from this series.
February 12, 2024
Meh? 🤷🏻♀️
I was expecting a simple run of the mill clueless ‘straight’ best friend realizes he’s in love with his gay best friend while fake dating. And there was that, but what I didn’t expect and was driving me crazy was Noah, who apparently has loved Rook since he was 12 keeps pushing Rook away when Rook tries to show affection and keeps telling Rook he can’t like him because he’s straight.
It’s basically Rook being possessive and hoping things are real while Noah is being annoying telling Rook he doesn’t feel how he says he feels for most of the story 🙄🙄🙄
I was expecting a simple run of the mill clueless ‘straight’ best friend realizes he’s in love with his gay best friend while fake dating. And there was that, but what I didn’t expect and was driving me crazy was Noah, who apparently has loved Rook since he was 12 keeps pushing Rook away when Rook tries to show affection and keeps telling Rook he can’t like him because he’s straight.
It’s basically Rook being possessive and hoping things are real while Noah is being annoying telling Rook he doesn’t feel how he says he feels for most of the story 🙄🙄🙄
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2024
Short and sweet with a bit of spice - just what I needed after some more emotional reads :)
May 30, 2021
Childhood friends to lover, fake boyfriend troupe. This is sweet and fun. We get to see how Noah and Rook friendship started since they were 11 and Rook gave Noah's first kiss at 18. Noah had been in love with Rook since forever, but he didn't do anything about it. Most of the possessiveness, jealousy actually came from Rook, which is funny in itself. Rook acted like a jealous wife, whenever someone sniff around Noah. Usually I wouldn't like this jealousy coming from the straight best friend, but Rook actually was cute about his jealousy. I think it helps that throughout the whole book, he was not with any girls.
Honestly, I can't believe Rook had remain straight for so long. The way he looked at Noah and kissing him for the first time was so gay. Why didn't he realize this sooner? Anyhow, most of what happened here was totally from Rook's effort to win over his best friend. If it is up to Noah, nothing will happen. There are some idiotic moments from Noah, but is forgivable. He had a harder time accepting the fact that his fantasy is coming true. I really like the sweet epilogue.
Honestly, I can't believe Rook had remain straight for so long. The way he looked at Noah and kissing him for the first time was so gay. Why didn't he realize this sooner? Anyhow, most of what happened here was totally from Rook's effort to win over his best friend. If it is up to Noah, nothing will happen. There are some idiotic moments from Noah, but is forgivable. He had a harder time accepting the fact that his fantasy is coming true. I really like the sweet epilogue.
October 2, 2021
5-sugar-lips-stars !!!
I was sold just by reading the summary and when I never expect it to be good, I was WRONG.
This is a short book, but it gives out everything! The tension, fun, sexy and the romance? Oh, my lord
And the fake dating trope? Perfect. AHHH *dying noises*
And the straight best friend makes the move first? GAH! *more dying noises*
Ugh, this book have pretty much everything I swear.
You know the scene where both of the MCs argue and shouting at each other and then they got frustrated and kiss? This book has it. And I fucking love it!
Anyway short review, Noah’s confusion arc made me laugh. It was too much, but Rook just can’t take no for an answer. Rook wanted him and never even doubt that. I love that. I never thought a friends to lovers trope would be this good especially when they’ve known each other since 12 years old. Love it love it love it.
Favourite lines :
I’d loved him in every way possible from the day I’d claimed him as my best friend. My Noah. It had all led to this moment. I just wasn’t sure he was aware he owned it all. My heart, body and soul
In the kiss—the promise of a lifetime together. With his touch—a branded oath. I’ll love him until forever. And even then, it’ll never be enough.
I was sold just by reading the summary and when I never expect it to be good, I was WRONG.
This is a short book, but it gives out everything! The tension, fun, sexy and the romance? Oh, my lord
And the fake dating trope? Perfect. AHHH *dying noises*
And the straight best friend makes the move first? GAH! *more dying noises*
Ugh, this book have pretty much everything I swear.
You know the scene where both of the MCs argue and shouting at each other and then they got frustrated and kiss? This book has it. And I fucking love it!
Anyway short review, Noah’s confusion arc made me laugh. It was too much, but Rook just can’t take no for an answer. Rook wanted him and never even doubt that. I love that. I never thought a friends to lovers trope would be this good especially when they’ve known each other since 12 years old. Love it love it love it.
Favourite lines :
I’d loved him in every way possible from the day I’d claimed him as my best friend. My Noah. It had all led to this moment. I just wasn’t sure he was aware he owned it all. My heart, body and soul
In the kiss—the promise of a lifetime together. With his touch—a branded oath. I’ll love him until forever. And even then, it’ll never be enough.
February 19, 2021
Ugh! I'm getting tired of these books. H1 loves H2, and is a miserable sook the entire book, since he thinks he'll never get his way. When H1 realises H2 wants him, H1 will constantly tell H2 that he's straight and doesn't know what he wants. It makes for a very dull and drawn out book. Why would H2 even like H1? He's a sook and has no personality. Not to mention,if you ignore the body parts, you would think this was a mf book. Just some dangley bits changed.
January 23, 2021
2.5 stars
Super quick and fluffy read, I did skim most of it though.
The characters weren’t fully developed but it was cute for what it was.
Super quick and fluffy read, I did skim most of it though.
The characters weren’t fully developed but it was cute for what it was.
January 24, 2021
Mic drop!! Bam, this was freaking awesome!!! By far one of the best, friends-to-lovers relationships I’ve ever encountered. Super sweet and real and funny!!
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