Stephanie  Archer

The Fake Out

Sophia

“We’re supposed to be a couple,” she says, not looking at me. “And I don’t want to fall.”

Our eyes meet and warmth pulses between my legs at the glazed look in his eyes. We both look away again. 

“You look really nice,” he says, still not looking at me.

“Thanks.” I’m studying a spot on the other side of the room.

There’s a beat where we glance at each other again before looking away. He’s flushing, I think.

I hate how he does this—makes it sound like letting anything but hockey into our lives makes us weak. I want Hazel in my head. I like her there, taking up space, watching with that approving little smile. Hazel stepped into my mind, and good things started happening in my life.

“Why?” I ask, blinking away the sting in my eyes. He steps behind me, looping his arm around my waist and pressing a warm kiss to the side of my neck. “Because you wanted it, Hartley.” If my heart is a house, Rory now lives there.

Kaila Nesbitt

“I’m so proud of you,” she says, and I memorize this moment to keep with me forever, this quiet stillness with someone I never thought I’d have.

 “It’s like we’re in a snow globe,” I whisper, and she smiles as I lean down to kiss her.

“If my heart is a house, Rory now lives there.”

tinica

" “You like hearing that?” His voice is a low tease in my ear, watching my reflection. “You like hearing that you were exactly what my life was missing and that every moment is better with you?” "

"“I always want you to know you’re loved.” 

Christ, my heart. My sweet, terrified Hazel is handing me her fragile trust to hold in the palm of my hand. I’ll do anything to protect it. 

“I do.” Emotion surges through me, so strong it hurts. “I’ve known for a long time.” 

I nod. My hand slips to her cheek, and her skin is cold under my touch. “I was waiting until you were ready.” 

She holds my eyes, swallowing. “You’re so patient.” 

"“I need to tell you something,” she whispers, and her eyes flash with worry and nerves. 

When I take her hands, they’re shaking. 

“I love you,” she says quietly, searching my gaze. 

All I can hear is my pulse beating in my ears; all I can see is Hazel."

"Her eyes widen, and the moment before she speaks lasts an eternity. “I’m falling for you, too.” She’s so quiet, barely above a whisper as her eyes search mine. “I’m scared.” 

“I know.” I trail my fingers over her forehead, pushing a lock of her hair back. “I think it’s supposed to be scary, and I’ll be right here with you the whole time.” Our eyes meet. “Okay?” 

She loves me, and one day? I’m going to marry Hazel Hartley."

"If my heart is a house, Rory now lives there."

"Keep Hazel warm, keep Hazel fed, keep Hazel happy. I’m in protector mode, and I love it. Taking care of her feels right and natural."

"“Hi,” I whisper, because it feels like we’ve climbed a level in whatever this is between us, and I’m not sure what else to say. 

“Hi, Hazel.” He gives me his Hazel is cute smile."

"When Rory Miller kisses me, I forget what it’s like to have my heart broken."

"Her mouth eases into a smile of relief, and I want to kiss her again. Once tonight wasn’t enough. I don’t know if ten times would be enough. No matter how much I touch her, how much time we spend together, it’s never enough."

"While I sit on the plane the next day, waiting for the rest of the players to board, I study the photo I posted to my social media. It’s the one of me and Hazel at Streicher and Pippa’s engagement party—my hand around Hazel’s waist, her mouth stretching into a pretty smile from something I said that made her actually laugh, and my eyes are on her. 

My feelings for her are so fucking obvious it’s not even funny."

" “What’s that smile? Are you trying to seduce me?” 

"Without a word, Pippa’s gaze goes to my jersey, and her eyebrows lift. 

It was sitting on my desk this afternoon inside a gift box. Despite my aversion to wearing a jock’s name on me like I’m his property, Rory’s right. I have to wear his jersey if we want to sell this. 

She’s still staring. “You’re wearing a jersey.” 

I take a huge bite of my pretzel, choosing my words. It’s going to sound so stupid out loud. 

“Hazel.” Now she’s really curious. “Lean forward.” 

I swallow my bite. “When do you start working on the next album?” 

God, I’m such a chicken. Miller’s name is practically burning on my back. 

“Hazel. Whose name is on your back?” 

My mouth is dry, and this pretzel tastes like glue. What, am I just going to sit here in this spot until she leaves the stadium? 

I move so she can read it. “It’s not what it looks like.” "

"She’s so pretty and mean and perfect, and this is going to fucking ruin me."

“I don’t date hockey players, and I’m pretty sure you don’t even know my first name.” 

His gaze sharpens, his smile turning flirty. “You want me to say your name more, Hazel?” "

" My chest expands with a tight, excited feeling. No one talks to me like Hartley does. I’ve always liked that about her. "

lex 📖

When I’m a hundred years old and thinking back on my life, I’ll think about being in love with Rory Miller.

He’s wild, and he makes me wild, and I can’t imagine the trajectory of my life if we hadn’t gotten together. Life would be so dull without him.

I am SO glad I picked up this book! I liked Behind The Net but I wasn't really convinced about the author because the book didn't catch me like I hoped it would. The second now tho was amazing! It was so good I loved every minute of it.

He was such an interesting and loveable character and I loved Hartley's personality. Even the family dynamics were interesting even tho I wish we saw even more. The teasing of Owens and Darcy was so interesting as well and I can't wait to start their book!

The constant communication to avoid misunderstandings was so good and not boring at all. It was such a fun read I didn't need fights, stupid break ups for no reason or tension were it doesn't belong. I was fully entertained even if they acted like responsible adults.

It was by far my favorite sports romance of the year. I know it's only April so I'm excited to see if maybe the third book will top it for me because I can smell the drama brewing but I honestly don't think any book of hers will top this one for me. It was perfect.

I am SO glad I picked up this book! I liked Behind The Net but I wasn't really convinced about the author because the book didn't catch me like I hoped it would. The second now tho was amazing! It was so good I loved every minute of it.

He was such an interesting and loveable character and I loved Hartley's personality. Even the family dynamics were interesting even tho I wish we saw even more. The teasing of Owens and Darcy was so interesting as well and I can't wait to start their book!

The constant communication to avoid misunderstandings was so good and not boring at all. It was such a fun read I didn't need fights, stupid break ups for no reason or tension were it doesn't belong. I was fully entertained even if they acted like responsible adults.

It was by far my favorite sports romance of the year. I know it's only April so I'm excited to see if maybe the third book will top it for me because I can smell the drama brewing but I honestly don't think any book of hers will top this one for me. It was perfect.

Poojitha Uppalapati

millena

4,5 ⭐️

this was so cute, i was just giggling and kicking my feet all the time

kels

Valeria 

Minahil Fatima 

you know what? this was a nice read and man oh man rory miller was fun to read.

not a big BIG fan of their character but i love how their dynamics is created and built i really enjoy reading about them

Greer Andersson

4 ⭐️
First, thank you to Stephanie Archer’s team for sending me the ARC for this book! This is my honest review. 

Themes and tropes:
- fake dating
- he falls first and harder
- hockey romance
- high school past

First of all. Rory Miller. God he’s so perfect. He is THE romance book boyfriend, don’t think I’ve read any others that compare. I appreciate that the conflict that both characters were feeling felt realistic and their reactions to it for the most part at least were justified.

Hazel’s relationship with her mum was very relatable and I appreciated the inclusion of that discourse. I think Rory and Hazel’s banter and flirting was what made this book, it was just so fun and enjoyable.

In my personal opinion, I do think the plot got away a **little** at the end but I didn’t mind too much. I could’ve done without a couple of the steamier scenes but that’s honestly just personal preference.

A perfectly funny, enjoyable, and emotional hockey romance that you should definitely pick up!

Selin Igten

this was so raunchy but was a delish hockey book

anna haskins 

he's head over heels in love and we spend enough time in his head seeing him swoon and fall for her all over again. that was enough for me.

violeta

Isabella 

had me giggling and kicking my feet like... i love rory and hazel's banters and relationship and rory the man u are!! generally, not a fan of spicy content so i had to skip a lot but putting that aside i really loved this!!

Brizah

Kierce

this series is to me what a hallmark movie is to some

ARPITA ♡

OH MY GOD, THE CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT IS SOOOOOO GOOD. 

Their chemistry was off the charts in book 1, but in this book? Dear God, thank you for letting me stumble on this series 😭

Keira 💫

I LOVE RORY AND HAZEL. 

OH MY GOD, THE CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT IS SOOOOOO GOOD. 

THE CHARACTERS ARE SOOOO GOOD. 

I FUCKING LOVE THEM SO MUCH 😭

Their chemistry was off the charts in book 1, but in this book? Dear God, thank you for letting me stumble on this series 😭

Nisham loksamba limbu

Good pace, didn’t have a third act break up (thank god), only wish they would’ve gone a little more in depth on the ex bfs punishment that felt a little rushed and glossed over but other than that I LOVE RORY AND HAZEL SO MUCH!!!

The Fake Out

Reviews

Highlights