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Kiss and Fake Up

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This summer was supposed to be an escape from the city and the demons lurking within it. Too bad the minute I arrive at the beach house I’m sharing with friends, the guy I swore I’d never talk to again in my life walks through the door.

Now I’m not only stuck hiding out from an ex who won’t leave me alone, but with someone who screwed me over before he could even be considered an ex.

That’s right, two years ago Campbell Whitlock double booked me on our fourth date. As in, had a girl show up to the table where he was feeding me off his own fork and barely disguising it as foreplay. Meanwhile, my head and heart had been completely on board to make our relationship more serious.

But a leggy blonde foiled that plan, and I’ve hated him on sight since. The ex-Marine turned millionaire restauranteur didn’t even have the decency to follow me with an apology as I ran out of his own establishment.

It's just my luck that I’m forced to room right next door to my nemesis, who couldn’t be acting more like a saint if he tried. And then the impossible happens; my ex hunts me down to deliver loaded threats and the fear I thought I’d left behind in Manhattan. Who is the only person to witness it? Campbell, of course.

His apology tour apparently extends to offering himself up as my fake boyfriend to scare off my stalker. While the plan is moronic and means having to spend more time with him, the danger I feel is real. Having a hulking, intimidating boyfriend, fake or not, might be exactly what I need.

With every passing day, pretend date, emotional gaze and midnight run-in, our relationship starts to feel less like a deal and more like something very similar to the connection I thought we had years ago. Even though I promised myself I’d never give him a second chance.

But what happens when the person protecting me starts to feel like the one I want to trust forever?
And how will I recover if his favor was done only to gain forgiveness, instead of a chance at falling in love?

266 pages, Paperback

Published May 5, 2022

282 people are currently reading
891 people want to read

About the author

Carrie Aarons

63 books2,989 followers
Author of romance novels such as Fleeting and Love at First Fight, Carrie Aarons writes books that are just as swoon-worthy as they are sarcastic. Her stories are fueled by vanilla lattes, meloncholy music, and copious amounts of candles.

When she isn't writing, Carrie is busy binging reality TV, having a love/hate relationship with cardio, and trying not to burn dinner. She lives in farm country with her husband, two children and ninety-pound rescue pup.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 198 reviews
Profile Image for Lina.
698 reviews24 followers
May 7, 2022
Well, what can I say... Carrie Aarons did it again with writing this beautiful book. To be honest, since I started reading her books, there isn't one that I didn't enjoy.

Campbell hurt Heather two years ago by double booking her when they were on a date. But of course this is not the whole story.

I am glad that both characters gave each other a second chance after everything was revealed what happened when Heather left Campbell at the restaurant. For me they were the perfect couple and the sparks and heat between them was on a high level. Like I said earlier, I enjoy reading Carrie Aarons books and I will continue doing so in the future ❤️.

***ARC was provided by the author and Grey's Promotion for my honest review.***
Profile Image for Katsbookshelf.
991 reviews36 followers
May 1, 2022
Kiss and Fake Up by Carrie Aarons is Heather and Campbell‘s story and it’s set in the same world as Love at First Fight. This is Heather and Campbell‘s story.

Heather has quite the bad luck with relationships and all of them turned out to be quite the disaster. This made me feel sympathetic for her as I just wanted her to have a better experience with love.

Campbell is a very versatile person who is an ex-Marine and now a billionaire restauranteur. At the same time he is quite the ladies-man and that’s what burned Heather in the past.

The two have a history and dated in the past, but it ended badly. Now when they meet again in the summer house Campbell would like to have a second chance, while Heather is not ecstatic about it. However, this forced proximity situation brings them closer. When Campbell learns of someone stalking Heather, he gets very protective and becomes her fake boyfriend. That was rather sweet and what made me love Campbell. I personally don’t like stalker plot lines and that didn’t change with this book and sometimes it took away from the romance and that made me enjoy this story less.

Overall, Kiss and Fake Up is a good story that gives fun some summer vibes while also having depth to it. 3,5 stars.

(ARC kindly provided in exchange for a review.)
Profile Image for Snow.
2,323 reviews727 followers
May 9, 2022
I have mixed feelings about this one... :/
It was kinda weird and awkward...and then there were parts that were ok, but as a whole, it was just clumsy, I guess...
Profile Image for Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog).
5,888 reviews213 followers
May 6, 2022


Amazon

2 years ago, Campbell double booked Heather on their 4th (and final) date. Now she's apparently stuck in the same house for the summer with him, thanks to their friends. Will Heather give him a chance to apologize and redeem himself? Is there enough groveling in the world that could make her give him a second chance at her heart?



I have to admit that I was fully prepared to hate Campbell. I did definitely have strong feelings of dislike at first, but he quickly redeemed himself when he showed Heather his true self, when he grew, when he realized how strongly he felt for her. Second chance romances are some of my favorites, especially when they're written like Kiss and Fake Up, with likable characters, intense chemistry, and with lots of groveling. When Campbell groveled, damn he did it right and cemented my love for him and his love story with the equally awesome Heather.



ARC provided by Grey's Promotions for an honest review.

Review / Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.

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Profile Image for Karen.
5,385 reviews74 followers
May 7, 2022
I normally love this author but this story went all over and back. Campbell was ok but Heather was pretty stubborn on forgiveness even though Campbell was pretty tied to their tight knit friends. Two years of bitchy snide remarks?!!! Yikes.

It was tough to get through as I couldn't see them together.

The cover photo of "Campbell" is 😲!!!
Profile Image for Leilaniiii.
342 reviews171 followers
August 20, 2022
3.7 stars

RTC.

Somewhat enemies to lovers & fake dating trope >>
Profile Image for Tanja OMGReads.
2,495 reviews56 followers
April 29, 2022
I was excited to start this book and boy did it deliver. I'm a huge sucker for second chances and this one was perfect in every way, from the way their entail relationship employed to the way they got together.

At the beginning I wasn't a fan of Campbell. I mean come on – he double booked Heather and when she walked away, he got upset. But the good thing is he came to see just how special she really is and when he learned what was going on in her life, he wanted nothing more than to be able to make her feel safe. And what better way than in his arms.
I loved Heather. She really doesn't have great luck when relationships are in question. Her last boyfriends are turning out to be quite a problem. When Campbell suggests that they pretend to be together she is not sold on the idea. But the more time they spend together the more real Campbell appears and she soon realizes that he just might be the one.

I was hooked from the first page to the very last and was rooting hard for Campbell to show her just how much she means to him and the future they could build together.
When everything was settled and done, we're left with a couple which HEA was way overdue.
Profile Image for Arzum.
692 reviews155 followers
October 2, 2022
Started off so good I was actually convinced it was a minimum 4 ⭐️ read!

But around the middle they both started acting like teenagers, like you are a man who is 30+ and you don’t even know how to stand up for your girlfriend?! some dude makes fun of her and he brushes it off saying he is a player? Boy shut the fuck up lol. and Heather?! I am glad she stood up for herself later even tho she was really annoying at first

Idk I really wanted to like this book

2.5 ⭐️ I think I am not sure
Profile Image for Liz.
3,719 reviews64 followers
May 7, 2022
Kiss and Fake Up by Carrie Aarons is a second chance fake dating romance with so many feels. Years ago, Campbell hurt Heather and she walked away. She never wanted to see him again and now she is rooming with him for the summer with friends. All she wanted was some peace after getting out of a bad relationship. Now her ex has tracked her down and Campbell steps in as her fake boyfriend. They are spending time together and blurring all the lines. I loved Campbell. He was protective and determined. Heather was caring and independent. They were so good together and had some steamy chemistry. Their journey was not an easy one, but it was delightful to experience to read.

Happy reading!
Profile Image for Tania's Book Blog.
1,721 reviews23 followers
May 7, 2022
It took a bit for me to warm up to Heather. I liked her and then I didn’t but then when I got more of her I liked her again and felt bad for what she was going thru in silence. Campbell was simply awesome. Yes he screwed up at first but he was the bigger person of the two. When he found out what was happening with Heather he didn’t think twice about stepping in. He had his own issues with his family that just breaks your heart but he didn’t care much because he had Heather. It took a fake relationship to bring these two together and for Heather to see how different Campbell was and how far he would go to protect her. Their friends were great and it’s good to see how supportive they are of each other in the good and bad times.
Profile Image for Well Read Nurse.
593 reviews237 followers
April 28, 2022
Campbell and Heather are perfect for each other even if it takes them a try or 2 to get it right.


Campbell is used to fly by the night women who are OK with just being "flavor of the week" armcandy being armed candy Heather is not that type of woman and Campbell f**** it up



But when Heather's ex makes existing unbearable Campbell the one that comes to her rescue.


I really love this story for the simple and little details like what it's like to be a food critic or what it's like with life after the military and the military family.


The tension is great and when Campbell and Heather finally gets to the nitty gritty they are truly a match made in f****** heaven (pun intended)
Profile Image for Vivien Parry.
1,057 reviews1 follower
May 21, 2022
Second chance at love!

When Heather accepts her friend Molly's invite to spend the summer in the Hampton's eh doesn't expect to be spending it with Campbell Whitlock, a man she had dates with years ago I told it ended badly. Campbell sees this summer as a way to exorcise the past and get Heather to forgive his mistake. When Campbell finds out Heather is being stalked, he suggests being her fake boyfriend to try and get her stalker to back off. Whatsapped when they spend more time together? Will they become friends or will the past mistakes rear their head and make them enemies? This was yet another great read by Carrie. The characters pull you in and you want to spend time in their world. Can't wait for the next book from Carrie!
Profile Image for Rosie.
824 reviews32 followers
June 23, 2022
Ever since I finished Love at First Fight, I had been waiting to return to this group of friends and the Hamptons beach house setting, and Kiss and Fake Up did not disappoint. Carrie is, and always will be a go to author for me, and this book only solidified that.

Two years ago, Heather and Campbell were dating, until it all goes wrong, and they’re left enemies. This summer, their respective best friends (Smith and Molly from LAFF) invite them to the beach house for the summer, and when both arrive, everyone knows their time there is going one of two ways. Campbell tries to call a truce, but Heather isn’t having any of it. However, both are going through their own things, and need this summer as an escape from real life, one that Heather especially needs. But Campbell has always had a soft spot for her, and hates how things ended, and decides this is the summer he will make it up to her. But Heather may need him more than she thinks, and it may bring them closer than either expected, but will one long hot summer change it all??

Heather was such a great heroine; she was head strong and independent but also had this vulnerable side that I am sure most readers can relate to. She was desperate to face her problems on her own, and prove that she didn’t need anyone else, and while she was definitely strong enough to do that, having someone to lean on during hard times always helps. She admits when she’s been wrong, and knows that her stubbornness can be her downfall, but she can stand up for herself and defend the ones she loves when she needs to.

Campbell was flawed, and he would be the first to admit that which I adored. He knew when he had made a mistake and fully admitted to it, but he also knew when to fight back, and tell Heather what he really thought. I liked his determination to win her over, but not in a creepy way, if Heather had told him to back off, he would’ve but he saw through the shield she put up and knew underneath she needed him as much as he needed her. I liked his tenderness, and his ability to just be there for the ones he loved, through whatever situation, as a wall to lean on and offer support.

I’m hoping this won’t be the last we see of this group of friends, it was so nice to see the continuation of Molly and Smith’s story and once again, I wished I was at the beach house with them all. Highly recommend this book, it’s the perfect summer read!
Profile Image for Alyssa Childers.
71 reviews4 followers
May 12, 2022
“We may have started out as fake, but the feelings were always real."

And then they were roommates…well sort of?

“Kiss and Fake Up” by Carrie Aarons is a second chance, dual POV romance, following two people who could not possibly hate each other more after their first attempt at dating, but a summer away blurs the lines of what they truly mean to one another.

Once her relationship goes south, the heroine, Heather, escapes to paradise only to end up rooming next door to none other than Campbell Whitlock, the unfairly attractive playboy who once upon a two years ago double-booked her on their fourth date together. The last thing she expected was for her ex to track her down, forcing Campbell to jump into the fake boyfriend role before she could recover from the fiery kiss he just laid on her. The two eventually compromise and continue their charade as a couple in an attempt to intimidate her stalker. Before they know it, Campbell and Heather exchange nemesis status for friends, but will the label of "fake" be enough to deny their attraction?

Troupes:
Second Chance
Fake Dating
Forced Proximity
Roommates-to-Lovers
Enemies-to-Lovers

This book was absolutely adorable and focused a great deal on the aftermath of getting out of an abusive relationship as well as coping when it got out of hand. Campbell and Heather were SO cute! Their work drive and Campbell's hidden introverted side were points I could not help but connect with. This is my third or fourth Carrie Aaron's second chance romance, and while some of the modern-day references put me off, the communication of characters and setting of the story did not fail to touch my heart. It is definitely safe to say I was hooked on this beautiful story from the first page.

Thank you to GreysPromo and Carrie Aaron for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Profile Image for Tammy - .
1,110 reviews142 followers
May 1, 2022
Second chance romance is one of my favorite tropes and Carrie Aarons is one of my favorite authors, so I was excited to read Kiss and Fake Up. I definitely wasn't disappointed.

Campbell hurt Heather two years ago and she's held a grudge ever since. Their best friends are married though, so they can't avoid each other forever. When they end up spending the summer with their friend group at a house in the Hamptons, they decide that they need to play nice with each other, but then Heather's ex shows up and Campbell comes up with a plan to get rid of him that may blur the lines of friendship.

One thing that I loved about this story is that Heather made Campbell work for her forgiveness a bit, and Campbell was more than ready to grovel and earn back her trust. Although this isn't an overly angsty book, it does have a touch of suspense to keep the story interesting. It's also a bit of a slow burn (like I said, she makes him work for it!)

Kiss and Fake Up is a fairly quick, entertaining read, and if you're a fan of second chances like I am, then you'll want to pick this one up.
Profile Image for Molly.
234 reviews151 followers
January 6, 2023
ALL THE STARS FOR THIS BOOK. I’ve been waiting for Heather and Campbell’s book since I met them in Love At First Fight. And they did not disappoint. Dare I say that I might love Campbell more then I love Smith??!

Read this is you love:
✨ enemies to lovers
✨ forced proximity
✨ second chance love
✨ a very grumpy but swoonworthy hero

My thoughts: I loved that Heather and Campbell’s relationship started out with an epic fail of a date a few years before they share the summer house together. I loved that they fell in love in the Hamptons just like Smith and Molly. I loved how protective Campbell was over Heather. I loved the stolen moments together when he stayed back with her instead of going back to the city.

Basically I just loved the book. I highly recommend reading Love At First Fight first and then moving straight on to this one. You will not be disappointed.

Thank you so much to @greyspromo and @authorcarriea for an ARC in exchange for my review.
Profile Image for Louise Roach.
999 reviews42 followers
May 8, 2022
I absolutely adored this fake romance story from Carrie Aarons. From the get go I could tell this book was going to wrap me up and pull me into the pages.

Campbell and Heather attempted a few dates a few years ago however with Campbells playboy immature ways, he ended up double booking his “dates” that night!! Now a few years later Heather and Campbell are staying at their friends beach house for the Summer! With Heathers hatred and disappointment of the way she was treated in the past she is not looking forward to it and things start of icy between them to say the least!

However when Heather is threatened by her latest ex, Campbell steps up and makes a suggestion that may just suit them both.

These two gave me all the feels, provided lots of swoony moments and a few laughs along the way. I loved how the relationship of these two blossomed along the way. I loved their connection. Thoroughly enjoyed this story!

4.5 stars
Profile Image for Rachel.
24 reviews4 followers
May 1, 2022
Thank you Greys promotions and Carrie Aaron’s for this ARC!

Ok so, I’m still obsessed with Carrie Aaron’s books! This is my 7th book of hers and I first read love at first fight featuring Molly and Smith back in September so it was great seeing them again in this one!!!

This book is a fast paced contemporary romance featuring Heather (mollys best friend) and Campbell (smiths best friend) set 2 years after a disastrous date!(he double booked her like a dumbass) There is a lotttt of grovelling as Campbell needs to make it up to her!

I was so excited when she announced this sequel and it did not disappoint! Carrie Aaron writes amazingggg HEA’s and I’m excited to see what’s next! If you love contemporary romances with lots of grovelling, this is for you!! Definitely check out Carrie Aaron’s for great romances with HEA!
Profile Image for Christina Rybka.
1,129 reviews17 followers
April 4, 2022
Heather hates Campbell because he double booked there last date. Two years later she’s been through a lot a goes to the Hampton with her friends but guess who’s there Campbell. He’s tried to apologize but no luck. One night Heather decides to forgive him and then her ex boyfriend is there and Campbell kisses her. They become friends and start fake dating to throw her ex boyfriend off. They are both extremely attracted to each other but Heather won’t give him a second chance. The fake dating starts to feel to real. Great characters and storyline Highly recommended Amazing Book. This book has all the feels.
Profile Image for Stital.
1,014 reviews28 followers
April 28, 2022
Sweet and fun with a suspenseful twist, Kiss and Fake Up is a great summer read, that's also perfect year round.

With great characters and an engaging plot line, the magical summer house does it again in this slow burn of a second chance romance. With great balance of drama and heart, combined with friendship, growth and self love, this book is bound to charm any reader.

5 stars and a second chance summer
Profile Image for Jan Cassi.
623 reviews125 followers
May 14, 2022
Enemies to lovers + Second chance? SIGN ME UP!!!! I loved this book so much!!!! So when i went into this book, I hadn’t read the blurb, and omg best decision ever!!!

Heather does not like Campbell AT ALL, these two try and stay clear from each other but being in the same friends circle doesn’t help. I love how much growth Heather has, he was the queen of the book.

The chemistry was OFF THE CHARTS! I couldn’t put this book down for even a second!!! 5 stars!!!
Profile Image for Karin.
2,178 reviews
May 8, 2022
Heather and Campbells story was cute from the beginning and how nonchalant he was about being a disastrous date fast forward a few years and Campbell is about to help Heather out of sticky situation against her better judgement lol. Super cute story
Profile Image for Leigh.
Author 5 books108 followers
June 10, 2022
Classy enemies to lovers romance. I enjoyed it!
Profile Image for The Book Lover.
2,070 reviews32 followers
May 10, 2022
I read this book in like 3 hours because I couldn't stop, I adored this couple and I was rooting for them since page 1! Miss Aarons killed it with this story.
Profile Image for Kaya.
626 reviews
May 6, 2022
Heather and Campbell's enemies-to-lovers story is one wild emotional roller coaster

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
STEAM: 🔥🔥🔥



✅ Enemies-to-lovers
✅ Second chance
✅ Spicy chemistry

If you are looking for these, look no further. Carrie Aarons delivers on these and more with Kiss and Fake Up.

Heather hates Campbell with the fire of a thousand suns. After he double-books her with another woman during their last date, she walks away from him, vowing to hold the worst of grudges. Unfortunately for both of them, they have common friends that love to get together, making the distance between them a challenge. This time, they are all gathering at a beach house in the Hamptons.

Heather plans to stay there for the summer, remotely working while running away from a secret. When Campbell finds out about the secret, he volunteers to help Heather, rendering her efforts for distance and grudges moot at the moment. Will this be his second chance at gaining Heather's trust and affection?

This was a fantastic read that draws you in right away to Heather and Campbell's story. Their chemistry from the get-go, even when at odds, is hot and only gets hotter as they get closer. Though our initial impression of Campbell is this insensitive lothario, he redeems himself as we get to know him better. There is more to Campbell than meets the eye, and it turns out to be the gentle, protective touch that Heather needed.

Heather also goes through remarkable character development. She finally realizes how her anger toward Campbell has made things awkward for their mutual friends. We also quickly learn that she cares deeply for her friends; she is happy for their fortunes and doesn't want to burden them with her problems.

Carrie Aarons reads always draw you in, making you invested emotionally in her characters so that you feel their pain and joy. This book is no different. I found myself cheering for them to get together and stay together. As we get to know more about the two, we realize that they are indeed perfect for each other. It just took the right time and the right circumstances.

** I am voluntarily reviewing an advance copy of this book. Thank you to Carrie Aarons and Greys Promotions for providing an ARC. **
Profile Image for Chessa Andersen.
Author 11 books17 followers
May 20, 2022
HEATHER: I have every right to be mad at Campbell for double booking a date, right? Of course I do! We're on our fourth date, and I really like the guy, and I think he really likes me. But then some woman stops by our table and says, "Hey, you said to drop by and I thought tonight would be a good night." BTW, Campbell is former military and now owns restaurants.

I can't avoid Campbell because we kinda run in the same circle of friends. So over the past few years, he has tried to apologize to me and explain what happened, but I refuse to give him the time of day because he kinda broke my heart. I really liked him. We could have had something special. Ugh.

So, I join my best friend and her husband at their gigantic beach house and guess who's there! Campbell. I am so mad at him even when I have a crazy psycho ex-boyfriend that I should probably be more concerned about. My best friend tells me to grow up and call a truce because apparently it has been a few years since the incident. But I really liked him.

Making matters worse, my ex sees me hanging out with Campbell and kinda assumes we're together. So Campbell comes up with a great idea to fake date, thinking the ex will leave me alone if he sees me with another guy. Sounds like a good plan, I guess. But my ex won't take the hint. Campbell says we should probably call the police and tell our friends who are also at the beach house, but I say no. I beg him not to call the police and not tell our friends, which by the way, my best friend is also pregnant. I don't want everyone to think I can't handle myself. I'm an adult. I can handle this.
349 reviews12 followers
May 5, 2022
Engaging read

I am definitely a fan of second chance romances,  enemies to lovers or even the fake boyfriend trope and if you are as well, I think you will enjoy the latest by Carrie Aarons. 


2 years ago Heather and Campbell had matched up for a few dates.  While Heather was invested, apparently Campbell was not, and he made the fatal error of double booking their date and getting totally busted. 


Cue a summer in the Hamptons with her best friend and Heather is left facing her nemesis. Two years and a lot of hate after that fateful fourth date, Heather is determined to not let Campbell ruin her summer. 


A run in with her unstable and emotionally abusive ex has placed Heather in a horrible position and Campbell just happens to be a witness. One fake boyfriend offer later and their summer is off to a tenuous start.


As always, Aarons provides a wonderfully dramatic storyline with an engaging cast of characters.  A little posh for my non-sofisticated self, it is truly enjoyable to immerse yourself in the plot line and enjoy a different world. This was an engaging read. 


I would also recommend Love at First Fight which features Molly and Smith (another couple from this book). Technically that book came first though, it is not necessary to read it first or even at all.  I just find it fun to have all of the pieces of the puzzle.  

Profile Image for Jennifer Brewster .
1,548 reviews19 followers
July 6, 2022
Might have been fake but the feelings were always real!

I absolutely loved Love at First Fight and when I saw another couple from that group were getting their chance I might have squealed in excitement.

Campbell and Heather are everything you love about a slow burn second chance with a slight enemies to lovers. Heather is this sassy, free spirited and independent woman who knows what she wants out of life. Campbell is the epitome of the Manhattan playboy who double books dates.

2 years after their disaster date that ended everything, they find themselves roomies in Smith’s Hampton house for the summer. What starts out as a fake relationship to get her ex to leave her alone, turns into the greatest love she ever thought she would find.

I love how Campbell was her rock and support system even when she thought she didn’t need it. They built this friendship and foundation of a relationship during the quiet days at the Hampton house. Heather is funny and keeps you on your toes. You never know what she is gonna say.

The story was so well written and the cast of characters were wonderful. It was a slow burn till they finally combusted into flames. Chefs kiss to Carrie for a wonderful story!
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