Member Reviews

Overall, I enjoyed the book. I loved the fake dating trope but thought it could have been capitalized on or explored more in the book. I also liked the main character/narrator and thought it was sweet, relatable, endearing and fun.

I'm happy that I was given the chance to read it. A fun read!

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I absolutely adored the first book "The Boyfriend Project" in this series and was eager to move on and read Taylor's story.

This was a first class story that I completely devoured. We were able to follow Taylor as she not only found love but truly discovered herself. I could identify with her quite a bit in this story. Her vulnerability was portrayed in such a great way.

"twenty-three" Jamar was also a breathe of vulnerable sunshine.

Together they were magic.

If you like the fake dating, forced proximity, slow burn, and high steam then this book is for you!

Thank you Forever Pub and Netgalley for the advanced review copy.

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This book had so much potential yet it was disappointing. I could not get over the character's personality. They clash too much with each other. It truly did not feel like a romance story. Plus, they were too harsh on each other and with each other. I understand that people mess up from time to time but there is no need to be harsh in vulnerable situations. Things happen. It's life. Take it one step at a time. Don't always be so harsh on yourself and for others.

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The Dating Playbook is the second book in The Boyfriend Project series. This one continues the bonding and friendship between the characters of Simiah, Taylor, and London while giving Taylor a taste of unexpected romance. I loved continuing with this group of ladies and getting to know Taylor better.

Taylor is a fitness expert or at least that what she tries to claim. Unfortunately, she keeps running into road blocks due to a lack of college education. Her clients are reluctant to trust her due a lack of credentials. She tries not to get it get her down but without clients she is running out of options financially. That is until Jamar enters her life.

Jamar is a NFL player for the Chicago Bears. Or at least he was until horric knee injury took away his ability to play. Ever since that day he has been fighting to get on the field again. Not only for himself but for all of those who have believed in him or pushed him forward. He wants to finish things on his own terms. This is why he wants to enlist Taylor as his trainer because he thinks she will push him in exactly the right away with no favoritism. Plus, she’s not that bad to look at.

I really liked the dynamic between Taylor and Jamar from the very beginning. They have obvious chemistry which they are trying to ignore. Not only is there chemistry, there is also a connection. Both of these characters have had to fight to get where they are in their life. Nothing was simply handed to them – they both worked for it and honestly don’t know how to stop. Yet when they are together they are able to provide support for each other because they understand. Also, they have a pseudo dating relationship to protect each other and it is oh so good!

The Dating Playbook is such a good continuation of the friendship that has developed between Taylor, Simiah, and London. I love their standard girls nights and the way that they look out for each other and defend each other. It is so good and I’m excited that I get to continue with it in the next book which will be London’s journey. Based on what I know about London so far something tells me her dating story will be my favorite

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Solid romance! Taylor is a great character -- messed up, stubborn, complicated. I'm not a sports fan but I dug this story.

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Taylor Powell is an excellent personal trainer, just ask anyone. Life is also expensive, and without more clients, and better clients, Taylor's going to have a difficult time keeping all the financial threads of her life from unraveling. That's when Taylor stumbles into an opportunity to take on former NFL player Jamar Dixon as her client, and the only catch is that nobody can know that he's hers, not even her close friends London and Samiah. Taylor knows she can't pass this up, and training begins with excitement and rigor. Yet, when training heats up, and so does the tension, the world finds out about Taylor and Jamar. Is her opportunity blown, or is Taylor on her way to a romantic touchdown?

I loved this one, and couldn't put it down. Farrah Rochon's stories are always great! I loved the friendship between Taylor, Samiah, and London. These women are strong female characters, and experiencing the stories of strong women is important to me. Taylor is an incredibly strong and determined individual who will not back down, and does what it takes to achieve her dreams and goals. I appreciated the discussion about neurobehavorial disorders, and how grief was portrayed in the story. Family love, forgiveness, and being able to change goals when presented with unchangeable circumstances are also important themes. Jamar and Taylor have many amusing and touching moments together, without a doubt. The Dating Playbook is an inspiring story of two people who come together for business, and find that sometimes life can be very surprising. Recommended for readers who enjoy stories with strong characters who aren't afraid to fight for every victory.

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Hot Damn!!! Farrah Rochon is without a doubt one to look out for. There were so many different layers to this rom com. Girl Squad, athletes, fake dating, heartbreaking loss, debt, and complicated families to name a few. Farrah definitely brought the humour and sexiness with this book. Jamar and Taylor’s fake dating turned real attraction was palpable. I’ll be reading more from Farrah, I’m sure! If you’re a fan of Alexa Martin, this book is for you!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a digital arc, all opinions are my own.

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The Dating Playbook is book 2 in the Boyfriend Project series. Taylor is struggling to make it as a personal trainer when she takes on a new client, former NFL star Jamar Dixon. Jamar doesn't want anyone to know he is returning to football so they engage in a little FAKE DATING, which we always love to see.

This was a cute story. I love the friendship between Taylor, Samiah, and London. Jamar and Taylor had good chemistry and the sports aspect was interesting. TW for some comments about weight and body image.

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This was a fun romance full of football and fitness. I have enjoyed both books in this series so far and looking forward to the third one.

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This was such a cute fake dating romance! I do think it went on a bit too long, which is why I dropped it a star, but I liked this one a lot better than the first book in the series! The first thing I loved was how Taylor was a personal trainer and she ends up training Jamar so that he can get back into the NFL after a knee injury. He doesn't want anyone knowing, though, so they say they're fake dating to explain why they're spending time together. I love sports romances, but I especially love when both of the love interests are athletic. I also felt so much for Taylor because she was trying to understand why she hates school so much and if she actually had a learning disability. This was important because Taylor feels like she needs a degree in order to be successful in her field. Both Taylor and Jamar had everything riding on them working together, which added another level of stress to their relationship. The fake dating was adorable and I completely understood Taylor's hesitance because she wanted to be taken seriously as a female in the athletic/training industry. This was just so cute and I would definitely recommend it!

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I just did not get around to this in time. Farrah Rochon writes friendships that are as enticing as any romance, and her worldbuilding in contemporary spaces is unparalleled.

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One of my favs Farrah Rochon is bringing us book #2 in The Boyfriend Project Series, The Dating Playbook.

Readers of The Boyfriend Project will remember that fate (or, er, a f-boy dating three women at once and a viral video) brought unlikely friends Samiah, London, and Taylor together.

And, before folks balk in disbelief, there’s a real story about a dudebro in DC lining up six dates in one night! The women found out and ended up grabbing drinks together and later brunch.

You don’t have to read the first book to enjoy this story, but I always love series with interconnected characters. In TBP, we followed STEM goddess Samiah as she navigates romance and racism in the workplace.

With The Dating Playbook, we meet Taylor Powell as she aims to take her personal training business (and the fake dating trope) to the next level by helping Jamar Dixon recover from injury and return to the NFL.

Taylor knows that sexism and racism make it that much harder to prove herself as a professional in a competitive male-dominated field, but when her red-hot chemistry with Jamar can’t be denied, she has to figure out how to follow her heart and her dreams.
🏋🏻‍♀️🏈👟

I love how Rochon balances romance with the essential role of female friendships in her books. I can’t wait for London’s story.
🏋🏻‍♀️🏈👟

Many thanks to partners @readforeverpub @netgalley for sharing this gem with me.

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I really enjoyed Taylor and Jemar's story as much as the first one. This is Taylor's story who you first meet in the Boyfriend project. Taylor is a fitness instructor, but because of her past, never went to college (although she is very knowledgeable) After struggling to make ends meet, Jemar takes one of her pop up workout classes and hires her to help get him back in condition to rejoin the NFL.

After an injury derailed his promising career in the NFL, Jemar has a personal reason for returning. After a reporter see's them together, instead of the real reason they are around each other, Taylor blurts out that they're dating. In order to keep Jemar's secret, the two discuss a playbook centered around them dating. But can they keep the charade going.

Although I'm not a big fan of sport type romances, this one was very good and not so oversaturated with sports lingo. Also the author handles a couple of issues with each character with compassion and grace. I especially loved several of the conversational moments between Taylor and a couple of her family members. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next book in the series

I received a copy of the book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review

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So good! Farrah never disappoints! She literally makes me fall in love with her characters. So looking forward to London’s story next year!!

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The Dating Playbook is Farrah Rochon's companion novel to The Boyfriend Project. This series follows three women after they go viral for telling off the man they all unknowingly dated. This installment follows Taylor, a personal trainer, and Jamar, an ex-football player hoping to return to the field.

The Dating Playbook follows Taylor and Jamar as they train together, ultimately navigating fake dating and their own hardships. I really enjoyed The Boyfriend Project, so I had high hopes for its sequel. .Unfortunately, The Dating Playbook really misses the mark. I found myself super disinterested in the romance and its subplots. The story attempts to tackle too many topics and does not focus enough on the romance. While I appreciate Taylor and Jamar having conversations about themselves and their struggles, their individual stories did not feel compelling nor did it add value to their romance. These conversations feel extremely shallow and should have been expanded upon. Instead, these elements feel like an after thought that slow down their romance. Because of this, I also struggle to see why Taylor and Jamar make a good pair. There is no real reason shown for why the two should be together, it is only said that they should be together.

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fun flirty and a good time. The couple had a healthy relationship and the conversation on exercise was more focused on how it makes you feel good rather than weight loss. i love the sense of comradery between the two and how whilst there is tensions and chemistry they still manage to keep things professional. I love how eveyrthing mainc haracter did she did for herself. That selfishness to ones own happiness was so refreshing to see and something I adore in romance novels. 10/10. a good time if not a perfect book

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The book is about Taylor and Jamar. Taylor agrees to get Jamar into shape, so he can try for the NFL again. After they are seen out together, they must act like they are in a relationship to keep Jamar’s intentions for the NFL a secret. Although, there seems to be a lot more than working out when they are together…
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I love the fake relationship trope! This was such a great follow up to the last book and I read it in one day! I’m so excited for the next book!

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This series is on fire! I loved the sweet-sexy banter between Taylor and Jamar and how they took care of each other and encouraged each other to face their demons and come out better on the other side. The sex scenes were quite steamy, which I like btw. I really fell in love with these two characters and this story. I can’t wait for London’s story.

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Farrah Rochon has done it again with The Dating Playbook. I LOVED the first book in this series and was excited when i saw that this book was going to be Taylor's story. So first things first, Taylor and Jamar are HOT!!! This is a fake dating romance and apparently I'm really into these stories as this is about my third one this month. However, Farrah's was my favorite of the three. This story was cute, sweet, and spicy! Can't wait for the third one.

There are some trigger warnings to be aware of! I'd suggest looking into them before reading.

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I LOVED this book. Everything I hoped of this pairing was delivered here. Review linked below. I cannot wait for what is next from this author.

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