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Oleander Springs #3
The Fake Zone
A romance that will have you on the edge of your seat by USA Today Bestselling Author Mariah Dietz.
Greyson Meyers can’t afford the distraction of a relationship. His focus is football and earning his degree to ensure his mom never has to work another day.
Mila Atwool has it all together—at least, that’s what everyone thinks. But after an incident fractured her safety and trust last year, Mila’s been struggling to maintain appearances.
The two strike a deal: Mila will pose as his girlfriend to make his life appear better balanced so he can earn a sponsorship, and in turn, Grey will train her in self-defense to help her rebuild a sense of security.
Two and a half years of friendship ensured their fake relationship would be a safe bet—or so they thought. But what was a simmering tension quickly boils over, and both are terrified of getting burned.
They realize this new zone may be impossible to escape unscathed.
Greyson Meyers can’t afford the distraction of a relationship. His focus is football and earning his degree to ensure his mom never has to work another day.
Mila Atwool has it all together—at least, that’s what everyone thinks. But after an incident fractured her safety and trust last year, Mila’s been struggling to maintain appearances.
The two strike a deal: Mila will pose as his girlfriend to make his life appear better balanced so he can earn a sponsorship, and in turn, Grey will train her in self-defense to help her rebuild a sense of security.
Two and a half years of friendship ensured their fake relationship would be a safe bet—or so they thought. But what was a simmering tension quickly boils over, and both are terrified of getting burned.
They realize this new zone may be impossible to escape unscathed.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 23, 2023
504 people are currently reading
1399 people want to read
About the author
Mariah Dietz
33 books1,854 followersThe One-Night Scrimmage, A New Forbidden/Secret Sports Romance is Coming May 20th!
Mariah Dietz is a USA Today Bestselling Author and self-proclaimed nerd. She lives with her husband and sons in North Carolina.
Mariah grew up in a tiny town outside of Portland, Oregon where she spent most of her time immersed in the pages of books that she both read and created.
She has a love for all things that include her family, good coffee, books, traveling, and dark chocolate. She's also been known to laugh at her own jokes.
Learn More:
→ www.mariahdietz.com
→ Sign-Up to Receive my Newsletter
→ Join My Reader Group on FB
→ Follow me on FB
Mariah Dietz is a USA Today Bestselling Author and self-proclaimed nerd. She lives with her husband and sons in North Carolina.
Mariah grew up in a tiny town outside of Portland, Oregon where she spent most of her time immersed in the pages of books that she both read and created.
She has a love for all things that include her family, good coffee, books, traveling, and dark chocolate. She's also been known to laugh at her own jokes.
Learn More:
→ www.mariahdietz.com
→ Sign-Up to Receive my Newsletter
→ Join My Reader Group on FB
→ Follow me on FB
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
May 24, 2023
Read this in a day! Not only is the frenemies to lovers/ fake dating so good, but I couldn't put this down because of the added suspense aspect. Absolutely loved this and I look forward to reading more form this series!
May 19, 2023
Enemies to lovers, Guy falls first, dual POV, Football romance, fake dating, trauma.
Ok so I wanted to like this but I feel like this book was rushed or something. For one, there's a lot of formatting errors and I can over look those but there's a few times in this book where the same sentence is repeated twice in a row with slight changes as if the author was working through it and forgot to delete the part they didn't like.
Ignoring that, this book has pacing problems in the beginning. Scenes and locations jump and I found myself reading back a few pages to find where I got lost and sometimes it was just an awkward transition. Also there's too many damn characters. I get it, this is a series and the other characters will get their own books but we have her parents, his mom, his four best friends from the wrong side of the tracks, her five girl friends (one of which was mentioned at the 93% mark and I literally was like, who the fuck is this chick? Might have been the only time she was named), and then all his football teammates plus the rival girl, the bad guy, and the two coaches and multiple booster members. In the beginning I was so lost over who was who.
The first kiss didn't really make sense to me how it happened, seemed kinda like they kissed just so they could kiss. And the smutty parts I really couldn't get all that into because multiple times it was right after they got home from a workout and I get the whole, he doesn't care, he's so romantic, etc etc but like, no. Yah girl ran 2+ miles or spent 3 hours boxing, let her freaking shower first.
The best part of the book was Mila tho honestly. Grey was nice, but two thirds of the book was Mila's POV and only a third was Greys (which honestly I felt might as well just make it all Mila then) and she was a great example of someone who was trying to work on her trauma and be better but also that it's hard. I loved Mila, she's 100% why I pushed through with this book. Her subplot was really well done too. I almost kinda preferred it to the romance.
This is the newest book that is out but I'm a little bummed cause Abe grew on me. I don't think I'll remember to come back to this series whenever its his turn for a book, but I hope he gets his HEA
Ok so I wanted to like this but I feel like this book was rushed or something. For one, there's a lot of formatting errors and I can over look those but there's a few times in this book where the same sentence is repeated twice in a row with slight changes as if the author was working through it and forgot to delete the part they didn't like.
Ignoring that, this book has pacing problems in the beginning. Scenes and locations jump and I found myself reading back a few pages to find where I got lost and sometimes it was just an awkward transition. Also there's too many damn characters. I get it, this is a series and the other characters will get their own books but we have her parents, his mom, his four best friends from the wrong side of the tracks, her five girl friends (one of which was mentioned at the 93% mark and I literally was like, who the fuck is this chick? Might have been the only time she was named), and then all his football teammates plus the rival girl, the bad guy, and the two coaches and multiple booster members. In the beginning I was so lost over who was who.
The first kiss didn't really make sense to me how it happened, seemed kinda like they kissed just so they could kiss. And the smutty parts I really couldn't get all that into because multiple times it was right after they got home from a workout and I get the whole, he doesn't care, he's so romantic, etc etc but like, no. Yah girl ran 2+ miles or spent 3 hours boxing, let her freaking shower first.
The best part of the book was Mila tho honestly. Grey was nice, but two thirds of the book was Mila's POV and only a third was Greys (which honestly I felt might as well just make it all Mila then) and she was a great example of someone who was trying to work on her trauma and be better but also that it's hard. I loved Mila, she's 100% why I pushed through with this book. Her subplot was really well done too. I almost kinda preferred it to the romance.
This is the newest book that is out but I'm a little bummed cause Abe grew on me. I don't think I'll remember to come back to this series whenever its his turn for a book, but I hope he gets his HEA
July 8, 2025
This was surprisingly deep and actually a really level story. The stalker/suspense plots can be unrealistic, but I thought this was believable and well executed. At first I felt no chemistry between the MMC/FMC but as their relationship evolved and their different and mutual friendships grew I really liked how they came together and understood why it took so long.
April 25, 2023
I loved everything about this book. It had family, suspense, friendship, love and a whole lot of amazing characters that felt more like family. It was beautiful. The last part had my heart pumping so hard with the suspense though. Shit, I was so worried how it was gonna go.
Mila and Grey were everything!!
Gah! I’m so damn happy.
One of my many favorite quotes…
“Tell me you want me, and I will give you the goddamn world.” -Greyson Fucking Meyers *swoon*
*review to come*
Mila and Grey were everything!!
Gah! I’m so damn happy.
One of my many favorite quotes…
“Tell me you want me, and I will give you the goddamn world.” -Greyson Fucking Meyers *swoon*
*review to come*
September 8, 2023
LOVE GREY!! My new book boyfriend!
Loved the series, but Grey's book was my favorite!
I hope there are more books to come. ... Hannah?
Grey/Hudson has some more close friends that need books.
Corey, Palmer.. Abe, Cole... and Mackey?
Loved the series, but Grey's book was my favorite!
I hope there are more books to come. ... Hannah?
Grey/Hudson has some more close friends that need books.
Corey, Palmer.. Abe, Cole... and Mackey?
April 14, 2023
“You’ve caught feelings for her,“ Cole says. “We’re friends.“ “How long have you been telling yourself that line?“ Too long. Cole winces like he hears my thought.
[…]
“Sixteen […] years.” I lower my brow. “It took sixteen fucking years to find your weakness.”
Do you know that feeling after finishing a book you really loved, and you just cannot bring yourself to start a new one, because you want to stay with the previous characters? That‘s what “The fake zone“ by Mariah Dietz did to me. I have such a major book-hangover, I don‘t know how to start reading something else.
I LOVE the group from Oleander springs, so I‘m so glad all of them appear in Mila‘s and Grey‘s story as well. And OMG, how great are they together?! I just want to be a part of this friendship and their care for each other, their solidarity. It’s everything. 🫶🏻
Besides loving their friendship, I have to say I really liked Mila and Grey. Mila has so much she deals with, so much to withstand, it‘s great to see her character develop through the story and push through so many issues. You can simply admire her and her strength. And Grey, what should I say?! He‘s so perfect to her. He supports her, respects her, her feelings and her timing without any complaints. He just wants her happiness, and that‘s so lovely. I had so many moments where I just sat there and swooned because of him. 😍🥰
“It won’t change the way I see you.” “It will.” Tears flow thicker. Grey shakes his head. “I’ve spent the past two and a half years trying to change the way I see you. You could tell me you were from another planet, and it wouldn’t change what I feel for you.”
I highly recommend this book to everyone! You can read it as a standalone, but pssst- don‘t miss out on the other stories. Mariah Dietz never disappoints! She‘s one of my favorite authors and I‘ve never read a book written by her I didn‘t like. I‘m so glad to be a part of her review team! 🥰
*** I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. ***
[…]
“Sixteen […] years.” I lower my brow. “It took sixteen fucking years to find your weakness.”
Do you know that feeling after finishing a book you really loved, and you just cannot bring yourself to start a new one, because you want to stay with the previous characters? That‘s what “The fake zone“ by Mariah Dietz did to me. I have such a major book-hangover, I don‘t know how to start reading something else.
I LOVE the group from Oleander springs, so I‘m so glad all of them appear in Mila‘s and Grey‘s story as well. And OMG, how great are they together?! I just want to be a part of this friendship and their care for each other, their solidarity. It’s everything. 🫶🏻
Besides loving their friendship, I have to say I really liked Mila and Grey. Mila has so much she deals with, so much to withstand, it‘s great to see her character develop through the story and push through so many issues. You can simply admire her and her strength. And Grey, what should I say?! He‘s so perfect to her. He supports her, respects her, her feelings and her timing without any complaints. He just wants her happiness, and that‘s so lovely. I had so many moments where I just sat there and swooned because of him. 😍🥰
“It won’t change the way I see you.” “It will.” Tears flow thicker. Grey shakes his head. “I’ve spent the past two and a half years trying to change the way I see you. You could tell me you were from another planet, and it wouldn’t change what I feel for you.”
I highly recommend this book to everyone! You can read it as a standalone, but pssst- don‘t miss out on the other stories. Mariah Dietz never disappoints! She‘s one of my favorite authors and I‘ve never read a book written by her I didn‘t like. I‘m so glad to be a part of her review team! 🥰
*** I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. ***
June 22, 2024
4.25/5☆
grey and mila AHHH!! i loved them sm they were so cute and i loved how well they balanced each other out. mila’s angst was a lot especially with the whole stalker situation and the hint of thriller in this book fit so well with the plot hehe. i also LOVED all the side characters in this one especially grey’s friends (i want a book with cole so bad akdjjfja) and the found family is so good ahh overall such a fun read
grey and mila AHHH!! i loved them sm they were so cute and i loved how well they balanced each other out. mila’s angst was a lot especially with the whole stalker situation and the hint of thriller in this book fit so well with the plot hehe. i also LOVED all the side characters in this one especially grey’s friends (i want a book with cole so bad akdjjfja) and the found family is so good ahh overall such a fun read
June 28, 2023
Fake dating, slow burn, enemies to lovers, he felt first with romantic suspense.
Ahhh I loved this book, Grey and Mila were meant for each other! I loved how he did everything to make her feel safe and the chemistry between them was off the charts.
Ahhh I loved this book, Grey and Mila were meant for each other! I loved how he did everything to make her feel safe and the chemistry between them was off the charts.
August 31, 2023
– the fake zone review 🏈❤️🩹🔐🪞📕💫
first of all thank you so much to the lovely @mariahdietz for sending me a copy of this beautiful book.
starting this one I never would have expected everything that ended up happening but I was completely invested. the suspense aspect seriously had me on the edge of my seat towards the end of the book.
I could really relate to Mila and some things that she’s been through and been dealing with, I haven’t seen this in other books very often. I really appreciated the mental health/therapy representation, this book really does show that it’s a journey with ups and downs but that’s it’s so important to take care of yourself. I genuinely admire Mila’s resilience and strength after everything she’s been through. she never gives up and is literally willing to fight for herself and the people she cares about.
grey & mila are one of my new favourite couples and grey definitely made it high on the book bf list. the way their relationship progressed was perfect 🥺 but honestly, this whole friend group has my heart and I really wish I could be a part of it & join the girls’ book club 🤭 the way they all take care of each other is so beautiful. I also adored Mila’s parents & Grey’s mom so much. I basically loved everything about this book even if it had me a bit frustrated at times. it’s such an unique story and I definitely recommend this book or this series!
✧.* read this if you like:
dual POV, guy falls first, sport romance (football + MMA), fake dating, text messages, forced proximity
first of all thank you so much to the lovely @mariahdietz for sending me a copy of this beautiful book.
starting this one I never would have expected everything that ended up happening but I was completely invested. the suspense aspect seriously had me on the edge of my seat towards the end of the book.
I could really relate to Mila and some things that she’s been through and been dealing with, I haven’t seen this in other books very often. I really appreciated the mental health/therapy representation, this book really does show that it’s a journey with ups and downs but that’s it’s so important to take care of yourself. I genuinely admire Mila’s resilience and strength after everything she’s been through. she never gives up and is literally willing to fight for herself and the people she cares about.
grey & mila are one of my new favourite couples and grey definitely made it high on the book bf list. the way their relationship progressed was perfect 🥺 but honestly, this whole friend group has my heart and I really wish I could be a part of it & join the girls’ book club 🤭 the way they all take care of each other is so beautiful. I also adored Mila’s parents & Grey’s mom so much. I basically loved everything about this book even if it had me a bit frustrated at times. it’s such an unique story and I definitely recommend this book or this series!
✧.* read this if you like:
dual POV, guy falls first, sport romance (football + MMA), fake dating, text messages, forced proximity
September 10, 2024
THIS IS MY FAVORITE OF THE OLEANDER SPRINGS SERIES!!! 🥰
Never in my life have I related to an FMC as well as I did with Mila!
Mila had a traumatic childhood, and due to it, she developed some serious trust issues among the people in her life who tried to get close to her. Therefore, she pushed them away so they couldn’t get close and possibly hurt her. Holding everyone at arms length can become exhausting though, especially when you’re trying to keep the one person away who makes you feel the safest and happiest. Can she afford to let her guard down to let that one person in?
Greyson is determined to give his mom the world after she gave him everything she could as a young single mom. So he throws his focus into football with the hope of getting a sponsorship and being drafted one day. However, he finds himself in a sticky situation with a possible sponsor which forces him to beg the one woman he tries to hate to pretend to be his girlfriend for one evening… but that one evening turns into more as he tries to seek a sponsorship.
Can they successfully continue this fake dating act or will it cause them to drop their guard and realize there may be something more there?
This book is filled with suspense, heartbreak, turmoil, breakthroughs, romance, and much more!
Please read the content warnings before diving into this book. As it is not a dark romance, it does have themes surrounding mental health and childhood trauma. (neglect, death, foster/adoption)
Never in my life have I related to an FMC as well as I did with Mila!
Mila had a traumatic childhood, and due to it, she developed some serious trust issues among the people in her life who tried to get close to her. Therefore, she pushed them away so they couldn’t get close and possibly hurt her. Holding everyone at arms length can become exhausting though, especially when you’re trying to keep the one person away who makes you feel the safest and happiest. Can she afford to let her guard down to let that one person in?
Greyson is determined to give his mom the world after she gave him everything she could as a young single mom. So he throws his focus into football with the hope of getting a sponsorship and being drafted one day. However, he finds himself in a sticky situation with a possible sponsor which forces him to beg the one woman he tries to hate to pretend to be his girlfriend for one evening… but that one evening turns into more as he tries to seek a sponsorship.
Can they successfully continue this fake dating act or will it cause them to drop their guard and realize there may be something more there?
This book is filled with suspense, heartbreak, turmoil, breakthroughs, romance, and much more!
Please read the content warnings before diving into this book. As it is not a dark romance, it does have themes surrounding mental health and childhood trauma. (neglect, death, foster/adoption)
June 4, 2023
3.5/5 ⭐️ this was a little bit slow first of all but once I got into it I enjoyed it!
I liked mila and how well developed her character was. I really liked how we got a lot of insight into her past and her struggles and it made it easier to empathise and connect with her as a character. I liked grey but definitely didn’t feel much attachment to him. I did, however, enjoy his relationship with mila and how well he understood her, especially as their relationship developed.
The second half of the book was better in my opinion and I also enjoyed the ‘stalker’ storyline and how it all came together in the end with all of grey and mila’s friends becoming involved.
Overall I’d recommend and I’m looking forward to reading the other books in the series as I loved all the side characters! <3
I liked mila and how well developed her character was. I really liked how we got a lot of insight into her past and her struggles and it made it easier to empathise and connect with her as a character. I liked grey but definitely didn’t feel much attachment to him. I did, however, enjoy his relationship with mila and how well he understood her, especially as their relationship developed.
The second half of the book was better in my opinion and I also enjoyed the ‘stalker’ storyline and how it all came together in the end with all of grey and mila’s friends becoming involved.
Overall I’d recommend and I’m looking forward to reading the other books in the series as I loved all the side characters! <3
June 16, 2023
Football + MMA team up to protect Grey’s girl. Little bit of suspense, friendship, sports, and a heck of a lot of romance.
April 20, 2023
The characters are very well-written and the story is engaging. I also love that it's a slow-burn romance, so you really get to know the characters before they fall in love. It's definitely one of my favorite fake dating stories.
I'm also a big fan of Mariah Dietz's other books, so if you enjoyed The Fake Zone, I would definitely recommend checking out her other work. She has a knack for writing characters that are relatable and likable, and her stories always have a happy ending.
I'm also a big fan of Mariah Dietz's other books, so if you enjoyed The Fake Zone, I would definitely recommend checking out her other work. She has a knack for writing characters that are relatable and likable, and her stories always have a happy ending.
April 23, 2023
Slow burn/ very long
It was a decent story but just overly detailed. The underlying message was good and I like the friendships I just felt like it took forever for them to get together. I’m also not a huge fan of both POV stories. Overall decent book just not my preference.
It was a decent story but just overly detailed. The underlying message was good and I like the friendships I just felt like it took forever for them to get together. I’m also not a huge fan of both POV stories. Overall decent book just not my preference.
May 4, 2024
4.25⭐️/ 3🌶️
I gotta say, with each story I read within this interconnected series, I’m enjoying it more. Mila and Grey were two characters who caught my eye since the first book so, with this being their story I was intrigued to say the least. Mila was sassy, sarcastic, and an amazing friend, but with her past experience of something happening to her, trust wasn’t something she easily accepted. Grey was always the broody, serious, kept to himself type of guy, but when it came to his close family and friends, he was loyal and trustworthy. Mila and Grey had always been around one another since they were in the same friend group, but never exactly close. When Grey needed help scoring a paid scholarship, he found himself needing a fake girlfriend…ta-da! Mila became that fake girlfriend! This story had fake dating, found family, lighthearted fun, but also a touch of suspense combined with Mila overcoming part of her past.
Compared to the other books, this was probably my favorite out of the series so far. I’ve always liked Mila, and found her to be a loyal and supportive friend. Even Grey was a character who I liked despite not knowing much about him. Seeing how both Grey and Mila were when it came to their friends and family made them not only likable, but also showed how much they cared. In a way, both Grey and Mila had things they needed to overcome. For Grey, it was his determination to make his future in the NFL possible by ensuring he got a scholarship to help him in school, and hoping one day his dream could also help his mom. For Mila, she still dealt with the fear and trauma of what happened when someone broke into her old apartment, and it left her feeling untrusting of others. Even from the beginning, I was able to grasp that this story wasn’t going to be just a lighthearted fake dating romance, but also how both Mila and Grey had things they needed to overcome.
My favorite thing about the fake dating trope is when the main couple pretend to obviously date, but gradually realize they want THE REAL DEAL WITH EACH OTHER! Grey and Mila knew on to put on a show in front of others, but they knew deep down they wanted to rip each other’s clothes off as well as potentially hope for more. Grey and Mila had known each other for a few years so, and going from acquaintances to friends to more quickly changed the dynamics between them. I honestly really enjoyed seeing Grey and Mila spending time together from Grey training Mila to be in good shape to teach her self defense to Mila becoming Grey’s biggest supporter when it came to getting sponsors and hyping him up to others. Plus, with Grey’s level of deep protection over Mila kicking into high gear, it was all so utterly satisfying to see those two fall head over heels in love!
With all that Mila had to deal when it came to being followed and feeling unsafe, with Grey and her friends, she had all the support she needed. If there’s one thing to take away aside from the enjoyment of reading this book and series, it’s the FOUND FAMILY! With the added bit of suspense, it definitely had me on edge a couple of times, but it also showed how loyal and caring everyone was when it came to protecting and helping Mila out. No questions were asked, everyone was just there when Mila needed protection and were in some sense cutthroat about wanting to ensure her safety. To be honest, there were times I found myself getting a bit emotional because it really moved me to see how far everyone was willing to go in order to have Mika’s back. The found family has been my favorite part of this series so far, and seeing it grow even more in this story was heartwarming.
Like I said, Mila had a lot to deal with, but she still managed to find time to have with Grey! Mila and Grey were something of a mystery to me over the course of the series so, to see them together as more than acquaintances was nice, but even better once they got intimately close. Grey was usually the type of guy who kept to himself, but getting to see just how long he’s had feelings for Mila made the romance even better! Mila and Grey were great together, and in the moments they had together were deep, loving, and raw. Mila wasn’t use to opening up to others easily, but Grey proved he was always going to be there for her no matter what. Plus, seeing the cute, thoughtful things Grey did for Mila was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! That Valentine’s Day surprise was really cute! AWWW! I LOVED GREY!
Overall, I REALLY ENJOYED THIS STORY! With each book in the series, I’ve enjoyed it for certain reasons, and Mila and Grey definitely added to me falling in love with these books. I liked the element of suspense to the story as it gave it bit more conflict to the story as well as gave more backstory to Mila’s past. The found family once again knocked it out of the park! Get yourself some friends like the people in these books! People who not care deeply about you, but will also have your back! The romance was equally satisfying and OMG I ADORED IT! Grey and Mila were a long time coming, but it was well worth the wait as those two were meant for each other. There were some iconic quotes that come to mind when I think about this book, and again, I REALLY ENJOYED MILA AND GREY’S STORY! With all the ups and downs, Mila overcoming her past, and dealing with her trauma, in the end she and Grey got their happy ending, and it was well deserved. I would highly recommend this book and series if you’re looking for a sports romance with different tropes ranging from suspense, spice, friends to lovers, slow burn, roommates/forced proximity, found family, and more! Without a doubt, this book and series has been a gem I’m glad I got the chance to read!
I gotta say, with each story I read within this interconnected series, I’m enjoying it more. Mila and Grey were two characters who caught my eye since the first book so, with this being their story I was intrigued to say the least. Mila was sassy, sarcastic, and an amazing friend, but with her past experience of something happening to her, trust wasn’t something she easily accepted. Grey was always the broody, serious, kept to himself type of guy, but when it came to his close family and friends, he was loyal and trustworthy. Mila and Grey had always been around one another since they were in the same friend group, but never exactly close. When Grey needed help scoring a paid scholarship, he found himself needing a fake girlfriend…ta-da! Mila became that fake girlfriend! This story had fake dating, found family, lighthearted fun, but also a touch of suspense combined with Mila overcoming part of her past.
Compared to the other books, this was probably my favorite out of the series so far. I’ve always liked Mila, and found her to be a loyal and supportive friend. Even Grey was a character who I liked despite not knowing much about him. Seeing how both Grey and Mila were when it came to their friends and family made them not only likable, but also showed how much they cared. In a way, both Grey and Mila had things they needed to overcome. For Grey, it was his determination to make his future in the NFL possible by ensuring he got a scholarship to help him in school, and hoping one day his dream could also help his mom. For Mila, she still dealt with the fear and trauma of what happened when someone broke into her old apartment, and it left her feeling untrusting of others. Even from the beginning, I was able to grasp that this story wasn’t going to be just a lighthearted fake dating romance, but also how both Mila and Grey had things they needed to overcome.
My favorite thing about the fake dating trope is when the main couple pretend to obviously date, but gradually realize they want THE REAL DEAL WITH EACH OTHER! Grey and Mila knew on to put on a show in front of others, but they knew deep down they wanted to rip each other’s clothes off as well as potentially hope for more. Grey and Mila had known each other for a few years so, and going from acquaintances to friends to more quickly changed the dynamics between them. I honestly really enjoyed seeing Grey and Mila spending time together from Grey training Mila to be in good shape to teach her self defense to Mila becoming Grey’s biggest supporter when it came to getting sponsors and hyping him up to others. Plus, with Grey’s level of deep protection over Mila kicking into high gear, it was all so utterly satisfying to see those two fall head over heels in love!
With all that Mila had to deal when it came to being followed and feeling unsafe, with Grey and her friends, she had all the support she needed. If there’s one thing to take away aside from the enjoyment of reading this book and series, it’s the FOUND FAMILY! With the added bit of suspense, it definitely had me on edge a couple of times, but it also showed how loyal and caring everyone was when it came to protecting and helping Mila out. No questions were asked, everyone was just there when Mila needed protection and were in some sense cutthroat about wanting to ensure her safety. To be honest, there were times I found myself getting a bit emotional because it really moved me to see how far everyone was willing to go in order to have Mika’s back. The found family has been my favorite part of this series so far, and seeing it grow even more in this story was heartwarming.
Like I said, Mila had a lot to deal with, but she still managed to find time to have with Grey! Mila and Grey were something of a mystery to me over the course of the series so, to see them together as more than acquaintances was nice, but even better once they got intimately close. Grey was usually the type of guy who kept to himself, but getting to see just how long he’s had feelings for Mila made the romance even better! Mila and Grey were great together, and in the moments they had together were deep, loving, and raw. Mila wasn’t use to opening up to others easily, but Grey proved he was always going to be there for her no matter what. Plus, seeing the cute, thoughtful things Grey did for Mila was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! That Valentine’s Day surprise was really cute! AWWW! I LOVED GREY!
Overall, I REALLY ENJOYED THIS STORY! With each book in the series, I’ve enjoyed it for certain reasons, and Mila and Grey definitely added to me falling in love with these books. I liked the element of suspense to the story as it gave it bit more conflict to the story as well as gave more backstory to Mila’s past. The found family once again knocked it out of the park! Get yourself some friends like the people in these books! People who not care deeply about you, but will also have your back! The romance was equally satisfying and OMG I ADORED IT! Grey and Mila were a long time coming, but it was well worth the wait as those two were meant for each other. There were some iconic quotes that come to mind when I think about this book, and again, I REALLY ENJOYED MILA AND GREY’S STORY! With all the ups and downs, Mila overcoming her past, and dealing with her trauma, in the end she and Grey got their happy ending, and it was well deserved. I would highly recommend this book and series if you’re looking for a sports romance with different tropes ranging from suspense, spice, friends to lovers, slow burn, roommates/forced proximity, found family, and more! Without a doubt, this book and series has been a gem I’m glad I got the chance to read!
April 19, 2023
4.5stars—-THE FAKE ZONE is the third instalment in Mariah Dietz’s contemporary, new adult OLEANDER SPRINGS erotic, romance series. This is college football star Greyson Meyers, and twenty-one year old, Mila Atwool’s story line. THE FAKE ZONE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Andy important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Grey and Mila) THE FAKE ZONE follows the building romance and relationship between Greyson Meyers and Mila Atwood. Greyson Meyers is on the fast track to professional football but wants to invest another year in college. The yearly suck up parties for attracting team boosters is in full gear, and Greyson needs a fake girlfriend to keep the vultures at bay. Having lusted after Mila Atwood for over two years, Greyson pleads with our heroine to become his plus one but Mila needs something in return. Mila’s past is mired in loss and heart break but a past that refuses to let go.In exchange for her help, Mila wants Greyson to teach her to fight, just in case the inevitable should ever happen. With his experience in the MMA underground fights, Greyson brings Mila into the fold, where family and friends circle to protect our story line heroine. What ensues is the slow building romance and relationship between Greyson and Mila, and the fall-out as the past returns, demanding vengeance and payment for everything and more.
The relationship between Greyson and Mila is a friends to lovers. Greyson has lusted after Mila since the first time they met but Greyson doesn’t do relationships, preferring to concentrate on school work and his future career. Mila needs help, and Greyson is the man to show her the ropes but Mila believes Greyson is only helping out of duty, not that he is interested in something more. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate and intense.
The colorful secondary and supporting characters include Hudson and Evelyn (The Return Play 1), Nolan and Hadley (The Roommate Route 2), Corey Bishop, Zach Palmer, and MMA fighters Mackey, Abe, Bryant, Cole, Dustin; Grey’s mother Colleen, and Mila’s parents Jon and Alex, and Mila’s therapist Briggs.
THE FAKE ZONE is a story of obsession and madness, betrayal and vengeance, friendships and relationships, family and love. The fast paced, character driven premise is intriguing, captivating and dramatic; the romance is seductive and provocative; the characters are determined, desperate and a little bit broken.
www.thereadingcafe.com
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Grey and Mila) THE FAKE ZONE follows the building romance and relationship between Greyson Meyers and Mila Atwood. Greyson Meyers is on the fast track to professional football but wants to invest another year in college. The yearly suck up parties for attracting team boosters is in full gear, and Greyson needs a fake girlfriend to keep the vultures at bay. Having lusted after Mila Atwood for over two years, Greyson pleads with our heroine to become his plus one but Mila needs something in return. Mila’s past is mired in loss and heart break but a past that refuses to let go.In exchange for her help, Mila wants Greyson to teach her to fight, just in case the inevitable should ever happen. With his experience in the MMA underground fights, Greyson brings Mila into the fold, where family and friends circle to protect our story line heroine. What ensues is the slow building romance and relationship between Greyson and Mila, and the fall-out as the past returns, demanding vengeance and payment for everything and more.
The relationship between Greyson and Mila is a friends to lovers. Greyson has lusted after Mila since the first time they met but Greyson doesn’t do relationships, preferring to concentrate on school work and his future career. Mila needs help, and Greyson is the man to show her the ropes but Mila believes Greyson is only helping out of duty, not that he is interested in something more. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate and intense.
The colorful secondary and supporting characters include Hudson and Evelyn (The Return Play 1), Nolan and Hadley (The Roommate Route 2), Corey Bishop, Zach Palmer, and MMA fighters Mackey, Abe, Bryant, Cole, Dustin; Grey’s mother Colleen, and Mila’s parents Jon and Alex, and Mila’s therapist Briggs.
THE FAKE ZONE is a story of obsession and madness, betrayal and vengeance, friendships and relationships, family and love. The fast paced, character driven premise is intriguing, captivating and dramatic; the romance is seductive and provocative; the characters are determined, desperate and a little bit broken.
www.thereadingcafe.com
November 6, 2025
This was enjoyable but also had too many things that bothered me about it.
As far as the writing goes, there were times when the transitions were very clunky or just plain missing, whether it was mid-scene and people were moving from one room to the next or a transition between scenes and it would seem like a strange space and time jump - like suddenly they are in a cafe with a different group of people and it's Tuesday. This led to a poor reader experience. There were little writing issues scattered about as well (missing words, repeated words).
Another problem I had was the large cast of characters. This is the third book in a series but billed as a standalone. I typically don't mind a large cast if it is relevant and central to the plot, but this wasn't the case with several of the characters. I think they were added just so the author could cameo others from the series - it was not for the reader's benefit. I want to specifically call out the book club group. There were so many people just thrown in a couple different book club interactions that did not add anything. One character was added in the last 10 or 15% of the book, just to mention her name. We needed all the MMC's friends from childhood for the plot plus the FMC's 2 best friend's. Everyone else was gratuitous and distracting.
The MMC was the boy from the wrong side of the tracks trying to better his life using a football scholarship to get an education. The FMC was adopted out of a pretty terrible situation when she was just a young child and had serious baggage. She also had really great (and rich) adoptive parents that supported her and worked proactively to help her heal. The FMCs past comes back to haunt her in a stalker situation that, of course, leads the MCs to acknowledge all the love and squishy feelings they have for each other.
I enjoyed the stalker plotline in the book, it kept a generic college romance from being generic. And I really liked the MMC's childhood friends. I won't be reading more of this series, but I would read a book with Abe and Cole in a heartbeat. They were great characters in this book, just developed enough to be real, but not enough to take away from the MCs (and left me wanting more).
As far as the writing goes, there were times when the transitions were very clunky or just plain missing, whether it was mid-scene and people were moving from one room to the next or a transition between scenes and it would seem like a strange space and time jump - like suddenly they are in a cafe with a different group of people and it's Tuesday. This led to a poor reader experience. There were little writing issues scattered about as well (missing words, repeated words).
Another problem I had was the large cast of characters. This is the third book in a series but billed as a standalone. I typically don't mind a large cast if it is relevant and central to the plot, but this wasn't the case with several of the characters. I think they were added just so the author could cameo others from the series - it was not for the reader's benefit. I want to specifically call out the book club group. There were so many people just thrown in a couple different book club interactions that did not add anything. One character was added in the last 10 or 15% of the book, just to mention her name. We needed all the MMC's friends from childhood for the plot plus the FMC's 2 best friend's. Everyone else was gratuitous and distracting.
The MMC was the boy from the wrong side of the tracks trying to better his life using a football scholarship to get an education. The FMC was adopted out of a pretty terrible situation when she was just a young child and had serious baggage. She also had really great (and rich) adoptive parents that supported her and worked proactively to help her heal. The FMCs past comes back to haunt her in a stalker situation that, of course, leads the MCs to acknowledge all the love and squishy feelings they have for each other.
I enjoyed the stalker plotline in the book, it kept a generic college romance from being generic. And I really liked the MMC's childhood friends. I won't be reading more of this series, but I would read a book with Abe and Cole in a heartbeat. They were great characters in this book, just developed enough to be real, but not enough to take away from the MCs (and left me wanting more).
May 3, 2023
This is book number 3 of the Oleander Springs series and focuses on Greyson and Mila. I can’t adequately put into words how much I have loved this series so far! Each story so far has added so much to the series. If you haven’t read the first 2 books in the series (The Return Play and The Roomate Route) I highly recommend doing so because it definitely enhances the reading experience! This book was all about Grey and Mila and how their relationship goes from just friends to so so so much more. What starts as a fake dating ploy turns into something that neither one of them anticipated. Mila was such an amazing character who had so many layers that she kept away from everyone else. I loved how even with her past and present traumas, Mila was so strong and so brave despite her vulnerabilities and insecurities. Grey was absolute perfection! He is a football player who is devoted to the sport and making it to the pros but he also wants to earn his degree. He is having to rub elbows with boosters to get sponsorships but he doesn’t want to deal with all the extras that come with that world so he asks Mila to be his fake girlfriend. He has wanted Mila for over 2 years so he jumps on the opportunity presented to him to get to know her better. Mila agrees if he is willing to teach her how to defend herself. The more time they spend together the closer they get and it doesn’t take long before they both fall hard for each other. Grey was exactly what Mila needed and then some! The way he loved her, protected her, and helped her blossom was perfection! He gave her the sense of security, both physically and emotionally, that she had been missing. Mila and Grey’s story was the story that I didn’t even know I needed in my life but I most certainly did. I cannot recommend this book and this series enough! This was an excellent story and a perfect addition to the series.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 15, 2023
5 Stars for this slow burn romance!
Grey and Mila are so perfect for each other, I couldn't help but hope they would get together ... for real. Mila's childhood broke my heart at the things she had to endure. I loved Grey for wanting a better life for his mom and doing everything he could to make that happen. As in all of Ms Dietz's books, the banter between the character is so realistic and the situations are things that happen to people every day. The last half of the book took a turn that I never saw coming and had me on the edge of my seat ... I could not put this book down. This is a great addition to the series and I can't wait for the next book!
Everyone thinks that Mila has it together and wants for nothing. Sure her dads are wealthy and have gotten her everything she wants, but no one knows what her life was like before they adopted her at the age of seven ... and she wants to keep it that way. But a year ago when her apartment's super broke into her apartment, her bubble was shattered and she has been struggling ever since. Grey grew up with a single mother who loved him to no end and worked hard, but they still lived on the wrong side of the tracks. Grey is destined for the NFL after college, but he still needs sponsorships to get through another year of college. When a potential sponsor sends his daughter (Emma) to meet Grey because he can't make it, Grey is not happy. Especially when Emma blatantly has her sights set on him. Grey spys Mila sitting by herself at the restaurant, and he comes up with the plan to pretend that Mila is his girlfriend, to get Emma off his back. Mila plays along at the restaurant and after Grey and Mila strike a deal ... Mila will be is fake girlfriend and Grey will teach Mila how to defend herself. The only problem is it doesn't take long for Grey to not want the "fake" part and Mila is having a hard time resisting him.
Grey and Mila are so perfect for each other, I couldn't help but hope they would get together ... for real. Mila's childhood broke my heart at the things she had to endure. I loved Grey for wanting a better life for his mom and doing everything he could to make that happen. As in all of Ms Dietz's books, the banter between the character is so realistic and the situations are things that happen to people every day. The last half of the book took a turn that I never saw coming and had me on the edge of my seat ... I could not put this book down. This is a great addition to the series and I can't wait for the next book!
Everyone thinks that Mila has it together and wants for nothing. Sure her dads are wealthy and have gotten her everything she wants, but no one knows what her life was like before they adopted her at the age of seven ... and she wants to keep it that way. But a year ago when her apartment's super broke into her apartment, her bubble was shattered and she has been struggling ever since. Grey grew up with a single mother who loved him to no end and worked hard, but they still lived on the wrong side of the tracks. Grey is destined for the NFL after college, but he still needs sponsorships to get through another year of college. When a potential sponsor sends his daughter (Emma) to meet Grey because he can't make it, Grey is not happy. Especially when Emma blatantly has her sights set on him. Grey spys Mila sitting by herself at the restaurant, and he comes up with the plan to pretend that Mila is his girlfriend, to get Emma off his back. Mila plays along at the restaurant and after Grey and Mila strike a deal ... Mila will be is fake girlfriend and Grey will teach Mila how to defend herself. The only problem is it doesn't take long for Grey to not want the "fake" part and Mila is having a hard time resisting him.
April 18, 2023
The Fake Zone (part of the “Oleander Springs” Series) is the one I’ve been waiting for. It’s Mila & Grey’s story, and what a story it was! It was unputdownable for me! 😊
Mila has been Evelyn & Hudson’s best friend since childhood. (They have their own story which MUST be read too!😉). Hudson & Grey are football players at Camden University, where Evelyn & Mila also attend. Grey is Hudson’s closest friend on the team, so of course he knows Mila by association. The extent of Mila & Grey’s conversations in public are “snarky” and “sarcastic” at best. Grey is the only football player on the team that does not date, nor does he “Hook Up” with any of the other girls. Mila has had random dates with other guys, but nothing too serious.
When Grey accidentally finds Mila at a restaurant dining alone, while he’s being forced to take a girl to dinner because her father is a Booster for the football team & Grey needs him to sponsor him, he immediately heads Mila’s way & introduces Mila as his girlfriend to her! Mila is so taken aback that she’s practically speechless. She plays along with Grey’s charade, but tells him he owes her for this.
This book is soooooo much more than a fake girlfriend story. It has ALL the feels and is just so well-written. You get to delve deep into both Mila’s And Grey’s childhoods and find out that you really don’t know someone until you learn their whole history.
I’m trying not to give anything away, because this is a book best discovered by reading it yourself. It sucks you in and doesn’t let you go until the last page.
My new favorite by Mariah Dietz! ❤️
Mila has been Evelyn & Hudson’s best friend since childhood. (They have their own story which MUST be read too!😉). Hudson & Grey are football players at Camden University, where Evelyn & Mila also attend. Grey is Hudson’s closest friend on the team, so of course he knows Mila by association. The extent of Mila & Grey’s conversations in public are “snarky” and “sarcastic” at best. Grey is the only football player on the team that does not date, nor does he “Hook Up” with any of the other girls. Mila has had random dates with other guys, but nothing too serious.
When Grey accidentally finds Mila at a restaurant dining alone, while he’s being forced to take a girl to dinner because her father is a Booster for the football team & Grey needs him to sponsor him, he immediately heads Mila’s way & introduces Mila as his girlfriend to her! Mila is so taken aback that she’s practically speechless. She plays along with Grey’s charade, but tells him he owes her for this.
This book is soooooo much more than a fake girlfriend story. It has ALL the feels and is just so well-written. You get to delve deep into both Mila’s And Grey’s childhoods and find out that you really don’t know someone until you learn their whole history.
I’m trying not to give anything away, because this is a book best discovered by reading it yourself. It sucks you in and doesn’t let you go until the last page.
My new favorite by Mariah Dietz! ❤️
April 13, 2023
The Fake Zone is the third book in the Oleander Springs Series by Mariah Dietz.
🏈 Players on College Football team
🏈 Best Friends- friends
🏈 Fake Dating
🏈Small-town
🏈 Slow-burning
🏈 Suspense
Mila Atwood has been best friends with Hudson and Garritt McKinley for years. Hudson and Mila attend Camden University, where Hudson is the star quarterback and has been dating Evelyn Watts, Mila's roommate. Evelyn has been doing a great job getting Mila out of her shell by introducing her to several women also connected to the team; Brielle, Hannah Owens, Katie Payne, Nolan's sister, and Hadley Foster dating Nolan Payne. Mila now has her group of women for the book club!
Greyson Meyers is the wide receiver and Hudson's best male friend and teammate. Mila Atwood has been off-limits to him and the team for those reasons. You might remember other players from The Dating Playbook Series; Lenny, Corey Bishop, Zack Palmer, and Nolan Payne. Greyson was raised by a single mom, Colleen, who works three jobs to make ends meet. Grey has another group of friends from childhood and MMA that he keeps separate. He never thought of bringing them together until Mila asks him to help her throw a punch.
"Everyone thinks everyone is normal, but the secret is no one's normal. No One's better. We're all just trying our best."
Mariah Dietz added a surprise element of suspense to this story, making it much more than a college football love story.
🏈 Players on College Football team
🏈 Best Friends- friends
🏈 Fake Dating
🏈Small-town
🏈 Slow-burning
🏈 Suspense
Mila Atwood has been best friends with Hudson and Garritt McKinley for years. Hudson and Mila attend Camden University, where Hudson is the star quarterback and has been dating Evelyn Watts, Mila's roommate. Evelyn has been doing a great job getting Mila out of her shell by introducing her to several women also connected to the team; Brielle, Hannah Owens, Katie Payne, Nolan's sister, and Hadley Foster dating Nolan Payne. Mila now has her group of women for the book club!
Greyson Meyers is the wide receiver and Hudson's best male friend and teammate. Mila Atwood has been off-limits to him and the team for those reasons. You might remember other players from The Dating Playbook Series; Lenny, Corey Bishop, Zack Palmer, and Nolan Payne. Greyson was raised by a single mom, Colleen, who works three jobs to make ends meet. Grey has another group of friends from childhood and MMA that he keeps separate. He never thought of bringing them together until Mila asks him to help her throw a punch.
"Everyone thinks everyone is normal, but the secret is no one's normal. No One's better. We're all just trying our best."
Mariah Dietz added a surprise element of suspense to this story, making it much more than a college football love story.
April 4, 2025
2.5*
A decent read, but a bit too stretched out. I didn't particularly care for the stalker plotline or the heavy childhood trauma themes - just not what I'm looking forward to reading when I pick up what I think is going to be a light romance read. I liked the female friendships in this a lot though and related to a lot of the FMC's awkwardness and hesitation around new friendships.
Smut was decent, but I didn't particularly care for the MMC - he really was Just A Dude - I could tell you his story, but not any faults or personality traits that made him stand out from other MMC's I've read before. Also, not much football was happening, which I normally wouldn't complain about (can't even begin to explain how much I do not care about the sport), but I do, for whatever reason, thoroughly enjoy reading about it intertwined with whatever romance plot I'm reading, so I was disappointed to only read about one game while the rest of the story unfolds during the team's break.
I feel like I spent most of the book inside the FMC's head while she was dissecting her past traumas rather than reading a romance - which could be enjoyable for some, but it just wasn't what I was looking for.
Still, despite all this and some minor editing mistakes here and there I still had a couple giddy moments with some good lines delivered by the MMC and I can never overlook a point or two for smut that doesn't make me cringe out of my skin.
A decent read, but a bit too stretched out. I didn't particularly care for the stalker plotline or the heavy childhood trauma themes - just not what I'm looking forward to reading when I pick up what I think is going to be a light romance read. I liked the female friendships in this a lot though and related to a lot of the FMC's awkwardness and hesitation around new friendships.
Smut was decent, but I didn't particularly care for the MMC - he really was Just A Dude - I could tell you his story, but not any faults or personality traits that made him stand out from other MMC's I've read before. Also, not much football was happening, which I normally wouldn't complain about (can't even begin to explain how much I do not care about the sport), but I do, for whatever reason, thoroughly enjoy reading about it intertwined with whatever romance plot I'm reading, so I was disappointed to only read about one game while the rest of the story unfolds during the team's break.
I feel like I spent most of the book inside the FMC's head while she was dissecting her past traumas rather than reading a romance - which could be enjoyable for some, but it just wasn't what I was looking for.
Still, despite all this and some minor editing mistakes here and there I still had a couple giddy moments with some good lines delivered by the MMC and I can never overlook a point or two for smut that doesn't make me cringe out of my skin.
April 18, 2023
This story was detailed, deep, and perfect.
Grey is the mystery no woman has been able to crack. Keeping his school life separate from his home life and not letting any women close biding his time for over two years for the one woman who keeps everyone at a distance.
Mila has overcome so much in her life, but with trauma comes scars and walls to protect yourself. Her latest episode being a break in at her apartment that has created paranoia that is paralyzing. Her trust circle is small, and has difficulty letting anyone beyond that circle see anything more than surface level.
After finding out Grey knows how to fight, she asks him to train her to fight to protect herself, sick of letting fear dictate her. But as they train, they both start chipping at their exterior walls letting room for desire and want take its place.
This story is one of overcoming demons, facing fears and letting people in so you can love and let yourself be loved completely. Their love isn’t instant, it’s layered creating a foundation where you discover the whole person, who they are, and what made them that way. That kind of love is rare but when you find it so complete nothing can break it.
“You, are my type.”
Congratulations Mariah Dietz on another stunning story.
Grey is the mystery no woman has been able to crack. Keeping his school life separate from his home life and not letting any women close biding his time for over two years for the one woman who keeps everyone at a distance.
Mila has overcome so much in her life, but with trauma comes scars and walls to protect yourself. Her latest episode being a break in at her apartment that has created paranoia that is paralyzing. Her trust circle is small, and has difficulty letting anyone beyond that circle see anything more than surface level.
After finding out Grey knows how to fight, she asks him to train her to fight to protect herself, sick of letting fear dictate her. But as they train, they both start chipping at their exterior walls letting room for desire and want take its place.
This story is one of overcoming demons, facing fears and letting people in so you can love and let yourself be loved completely. Their love isn’t instant, it’s layered creating a foundation where you discover the whole person, who they are, and what made them that way. That kind of love is rare but when you find it so complete nothing can break it.
“You, are my type.”
Congratulations Mariah Dietz on another stunning story.
April 20, 2023
Greyson has been an enigma in the past few books. He keeps his friend circle small and doesn't date. Why doesn't he date? Well that's answered in this book. And that answer made me swoon. I just love Greyson. He’s an amazing athlete, friend, and son. ANND he is perfect for Mila. He is everything she never knew she needed.
Mila’s story broke my heart. She has a back story you wouldn't believe after meeting her in the past few books. She's strength, determination, and confidence all wrapped up in beautiful paper with a shiny bow tied around it. She is a fighter and I'm so proud of the woman she was by the end of the book. I know she couldn't have gotten there without the help of her friends, new found friends, and especially Grey. All it took was one simple question. A question most would fear asking. But she did and I'm so proud of her.
I will say I did have one unanswered question... my curiosity gets me on the whole Emma thing. I know she's so very insignificant but still I would have loved some closure on that one. It didn't make much sense to me. But in the end it doesn't matter. I'm just happy I got to see these two get the HEA that they so very much deserved.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book for my honest and unbiased*
Mila’s story broke my heart. She has a back story you wouldn't believe after meeting her in the past few books. She's strength, determination, and confidence all wrapped up in beautiful paper with a shiny bow tied around it. She is a fighter and I'm so proud of the woman she was by the end of the book. I know she couldn't have gotten there without the help of her friends, new found friends, and especially Grey. All it took was one simple question. A question most would fear asking. But she did and I'm so proud of her.
I will say I did have one unanswered question... my curiosity gets me on the whole Emma thing. I know she's so very insignificant but still I would have loved some closure on that one. It didn't make much sense to me. But in the end it doesn't matter. I'm just happy I got to see these two get the HEA that they so very much deserved.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book for my honest and unbiased*
April 20, 2023
5 Stars one of my favorite books by this author ever (and that’s saying something as I truly love each of her books that I have read).
I have looked forward to reading Mila and Gray’s story since they were introduced in The Return Play and their story exceeded my expectations!
These characters have so much depth to them that I already miss them and have a bit of a book hangover going on. I didn’t want the story to end but loved the way that it did.
As always the friendships that continue from earlier books and the new ones introduced are off the charts/top tier. Mariah excels at interconnect series’s. Past characters don’t just have a background appearance they are naturally woven throughout the story in such a way that you feel as though your visiting your own friends.
I am pretty sure this story and these characters will not only stay with me forever but I’ll also be revisiting them with rereads.
Two of my favorite lines from the story:
“I don’t want to keep you together. I want to be your safe place to come apart.”
“Everyone thinks everyone else is normal, but the secret is, no one’s normal. No one’s better. We’re all just trying our best.”
I have looked forward to reading Mila and Gray’s story since they were introduced in The Return Play and their story exceeded my expectations!
These characters have so much depth to them that I already miss them and have a bit of a book hangover going on. I didn’t want the story to end but loved the way that it did.
As always the friendships that continue from earlier books and the new ones introduced are off the charts/top tier. Mariah excels at interconnect series’s. Past characters don’t just have a background appearance they are naturally woven throughout the story in such a way that you feel as though your visiting your own friends.
I am pretty sure this story and these characters will not only stay with me forever but I’ll also be revisiting them with rereads.
Two of my favorite lines from the story:
“I don’t want to keep you together. I want to be your safe place to come apart.”
“Everyone thinks everyone else is normal, but the secret is, no one’s normal. No one’s better. We’re all just trying our best.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2023
The Fake Zone by Mariah Dietz.
This book was so emotionally charged for me. It has a lot of subjects that may be very triggering for some so please just be cautious as you go into this book and look up the triggers it may have. With that said I really think everyone should read this book it was beautifully written. Your heart will definitely go out and will break for Mila and her struggles. What she went through and the people who failed her I wanted to just reach through the pages and hold her comfort her. I loved that she found amazing parents. Hates that that POS kept putting her through that fear and made her feel unsafe. I absolutely loved Grey he was perfection. I loved how strong yet he had that bit of insecurity about himself. Loved how fierce he cared for the people he let into his circle. Once they finally got over the fact that they both thought they disliked each other and their walls came down I loved their relationship. I highly recommended this book. I can’t wait for more and hope to get a boo for Abe because I just know his story is going to be so worth it and would live a book on Cole.
This book was so emotionally charged for me. It has a lot of subjects that may be very triggering for some so please just be cautious as you go into this book and look up the triggers it may have. With that said I really think everyone should read this book it was beautifully written. Your heart will definitely go out and will break for Mila and her struggles. What she went through and the people who failed her I wanted to just reach through the pages and hold her comfort her. I loved that she found amazing parents. Hates that that POS kept putting her through that fear and made her feel unsafe. I absolutely loved Grey he was perfection. I loved how strong yet he had that bit of insecurity about himself. Loved how fierce he cared for the people he let into his circle. Once they finally got over the fact that they both thought they disliked each other and their walls came down I loved their relationship. I highly recommended this book. I can’t wait for more and hope to get a boo for Abe because I just know his story is going to be so worth it and would live a book on Cole.
May 6, 2023
This was a good story. I loved the relationship between the friend groups in this story. Even though there were differences between the Camden U and Highgrove friend groups, both were strong and even better when they came together. I liked getting to know both groups and the main characters in the beginning. That being said, this book was a bit slow in the beginning and a little too long. It was a seriously slow burn and the relationship between the main characters and the action didn’t kick in until about the 50% mark. I almost gave up on this one but I was glad that I stuck with it once the relationship between Grey and Mila and suspense ramped up. I wouldn’t call this a true fake dating romance. (There were only 3 fake dates before the relationship changed.) Grey was definitely swoony and it was great to see how 2 imperfect people could be perfect together. I liked the writing style (especially the dual POV) in this one too. I did notice a couple of editing errors but they didn’t affect the enjoyment of the story. The friendship, love and suspense definitely made this an enjoyable read!
April 25, 2023
Mariah Dietz is the queen of creating characters with real problems, feelings, hopes and dreams. The Fake Zone is Mila and Grey’s story and they are no exception, they are just so perfectly real. Their story begins with Mila agreeing to fake date Grey but quickly morphs into so much more.
Mila is strong and loyal. She would do anything for someone she loves. I actually got weepy when, without taking her own safety into consideration, she defended Evelyn. And Grey, he is so protective and loving. The way he steps up to take care of Mila when she needs him most is just swoon worthy. The fact that they each have their own fear of commitment to wade through on their way to each other just made their relationship that much richer.
All of the friends we’ve come to know in the previous two Oleander Springs books were also an integral part of this story. And, the addition of Grey’s group of childhood friends added another level. I can’t wait to read more about these new friends in the future. I could not put this book down, I was riveted.
Mila is strong and loyal. She would do anything for someone she loves. I actually got weepy when, without taking her own safety into consideration, she defended Evelyn. And Grey, he is so protective and loving. The way he steps up to take care of Mila when she needs him most is just swoon worthy. The fact that they each have their own fear of commitment to wade through on their way to each other just made their relationship that much richer.
All of the friends we’ve come to know in the previous two Oleander Springs books were also an integral part of this story. And, the addition of Grey’s group of childhood friends added another level. I can’t wait to read more about these new friends in the future. I could not put this book down, I was riveted.
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