Faking Summer
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👀 Dual POV ⚾ Baseball Player MMC 🤸 Cheerleader Coach FMC
💍 Fake Dating 🤬 Enemies to Lovers 🏡 Small Town Romance
Synopsis
Reese Carrington is the star pitcher and smooth talker of Bayside, though Caroline Matthews isn’t falling for his charm. She’s the only one that seems to be immune to his charisma, until he makes an offer she just can’t refuse. Caroline needs a date to her sister’s wedding, and Reese will do anything to help his younger sister make the cheerleading squad. Obviously there’s an expiration to their fake dating scheme, but she’s a challenge he isn’t willing to give up, and he just might be different from the guy she remembered from high school.
“You’re not just the kind of beautiful that turns heads. You’re the kind that lingers - the kind that gets under my skin, stays in my thoughts, and makes forgetting it impossible.”
Favorites
Reese… If you know you know. This man is the perfect DEPICTION of a deliciously hot baseball player. He’s the one that you shave your legs for when going to a game even though you’re sitting in the nose bleeds, just for the off-chance that you might run into him and fall in love. On top of his good looks, he radiates charm and confidence, absolutely taking over every room he steps into. I don’t know how Caroline denied him for so long, because I would have climbed him the SECOND he even looked at me.
One of my favorite things about Reese is his relationship with his sister, Lo. He’s so protective of her and treats her with so much kindness and care. Their relationship is so special and I truly envy what they have. I lost my older brother when he was just 21 years old and I can imagine him being the same way Reese is.
The pacing and plot were really well done! I felt that things progressed and flowed smoothly, though I do wish Caroline hadn’t been aggressive for as long as she was. With the variety of conflicts that were presented in this novel, it could have easily become overwhelming or rushed. In my opinion, it was quite the opposite, with each of the plot resolutions being spread out evenly throughout the second half.
Lastly, I neeeeeed to touch on the spice because let me tell you, my jaw was CEMENTED to the floor. This man is good with his mouth, his hands, and everything else. Without spoilers, the POOL?!?!?! The pool scene literally altered my brain chemistry. And the locker room? This book wasn't loaded with spice, but let me assure you what is there, is phenomenal.
“You want to know why I’d never tell Caroline how to dress? ... Because I’m not afraid to fight anyone who has something to say about it.”
ICKS
I originally had a love/hate relationship with Caroline, though as I got more of her story, she definitely grew on me. By the third quarter or so, I was really enjoying her quick wit and attitude. I think it definitely came on a bit strong at the beginning, especially since the reader knew what Reese didn’t.
I also didn’t enjoy Wells character at all. I felt like he was a very small piece that was turned into something larger to force Reese and Caroline together. In my opinion, I found each scenario with him so cringe and unnecessary.
“I think what you really crave is a man who adores you... but f**ks you like he doesn’t it.”
Final Thoughts
While this book took me a minute to get into, I really enjoyed the plot and writing style! Once Caroline grew on me, I loved her relationship with Reese and how their connection progressed. This one is definitely for my sports romance and fake dating fans!! Thank you so much to Jess Byron for the opportunity to review this advanced release copy!
