The fake out flex by Ash Kelly

Let me start by saying thank you to @netgalley and @ashkelly for this ARC 🥰

‼️This is a voluntary review of a complimentary copy I received from the author.

My review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Without giving any spoilers, I want to say that *The Fake Out Flex* is a hockey romance that follows Fraser and Evelyn Freeman, also known as Evie. They have known each other since high school, and Fraser, Evie’s brother’s best friend, suggests they go to Evie’s ex’s wedding together. This book is a cute, cheesy, funny, feel-good romance.

I fell in love with the characters and their banter. I also appreciated how much they valued themselves (if that makes sense). Surprisingly, I appreciated the “closed-door” romance aspect the author chose. I’m usually someone who loves spice—as I often say, “the darker, the better”—but with this book, it was actually a cozy romance read. I gave it that rating because I was expecting to see more "fake dating" scenes. I can't wait to read Culver and Hannah's book; I bet it will be good too!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is book 1 in a new hockey romance series by Ash Kelly. Evie and Fraser are friends from childhood, he's also her brothers best friend. Evie is cursed - all of her relationships end around the 1 year mark and her last break up was on live television. Now her ex is getting married and she's determined to go to his wedding. Her brother has insisted that she bring Fraser as her date. Word gets out about their relationship since Fraser is in the NHL and in need of some good press, so they begin fake dating. The only issue is Fraser has been in love with Evie since they were in high school.

This was such a sweet fun romance. The relationship between Evie and Fraser was perfect and I can't wait to read the rest of the series.

Note: This is a kissing only romance, both main characters are saving themselves for marriage.

this was such a cute read ! I am a huge hockey fan and I love brothers best friend.

Such great characters development and a good pace with the story

A sweet and swoony romance full of secret pining and hockey.

Pros:
- Swoon worthy cinnamon roll MMC with a heart of gold
- Brother's best friend trope is done really well
- Small town setting is realistic and quaint
- MMC's backstory is unique and interesting.
- I love that the FMC knows hockey so well and isn't afraid to share her opinions on technique!
- Unapologetically clean romance with positive dialogue and representation of those who choose to wait for physical intimacy.
- Neurodivergent representation and advocacy for disabled children in sports is treated authentically and with care.


Opportunities:
- The FMC gives off "not like other girls" vibes.
- While I like when the FMC is normal and eats normal food, it's honestly worrying how many burgers and fries Evie eats. I think it's supposed to come across as quirky and cute - but the scene in the fancy restaurant was pretty rude to the server and the chef.
- At times the dialogue was a bit stilted and didn't feel authentic - specifically in the more heartfelt scenes - it was just a bit too perfect to feel real.

Overall, it's a cute and sweet romance with some angst and pining but a great payoff in the end.

The Fake out Flex by Ash Kelly
⭐️4/5⁣⁣⁣
🥰Brothers Bestfriend
🥰Fake Dating
🥰Hockey
🥰closed-door romance

Evie and Fraser have known each other for years. They had been neighbors and secret friends. Fraser was best friends with Evie’s older brother and she was just the younger sister. Until Fraser climber through her window one night to hide out for a little while.

Fraser is a very private person. He is close with his family. However, he has not always been a fan of how he grew up. His family had a reality TV show. They were always being filmed. Now that he’s playing hockey for a pro hockey team he still keeps to himself. With his life always being filmed for TV, he wasn’t able to keep many secrets about himself. The biggest secret that he was able to keep about himself is that he’s been wanting his best friend’s sister for years.

Evie has had no luck in the guy department. The only guy who has ever made her feel anything is her brother’s best friend. However, he doesn’t even know she could be the girl of his dreams. Evie has been dumped on live TV, and she’s now invited to his wedding and plans on going. When it comes to her date, her older brother found her the perfect one.

I loved the friend groups and sibling relationships in this book. They all had me laughing and connecting with them as well.
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I would highly recommend this as your next read!

I can’t deny I’m in my sports romance era. Half the things I read are sports romances, and I’m totally open about my not-so-guilty pleasure. I’m always on the lookout for a new romance, particularly hockey, to dive into (sports pun!), and I was excited for the chance to read this one. There’s just something about the promise of a happily ever after that I can’t resist.

This one has all the romance tropes I love; fake dating, small town, high school crush, and with tons of banter between the leads. In fact, this was some of the best banter that I had read in a while, and I was here for it. I loved how much of a smart aleck that Evie was, and seeing Fraser keep up with her was great. The two had so much chemistry that it was fire; their affection for each other was evident from the start. The romance was also so sweet and tender. It’s a closed door romance, which was refreshing to read. It felt organic and true, and I enjoyed it a ton. Romance comes in all ways, clean, spicy, and anything in between, and this one was very well done regardless of your preferences. This is the first in a new series and I will be looking for the next book soon.


🏒 Hockey Romance
🥸 Fake Dating
🍟 French Fry Obsession
🏘️ Small Town
🚪 Closed Door
💙 Disability Rep

I was lucky enough to receive as an ARC 🥰

Get ready to be charmed by Ash Kelly's delightful romance, The Fake Out Flex, a story that perfectly blends the excitement of pro hockey with the warmth of a second-chance love story.

Fraser, a guarded professional hockey player and best friend to the protagonist’s brother, is roped into being a fake date to his friend’s sister's ex’s wedding. What starts as a simple favour quickly evolves into a journey of rediscovery and genuine connection.

After becoming the viral sensation known as "Breakup Sneeze Girl," the protagonist needs a date to her ex’s wedding to save face. Her meddling brother’s solution? His best friend Fraser, her high school crush who vanished without a word seven years ago. Despite their history, she reluctantly agrees to the arrangement.

Kelly masterfully crafts a narrative filled with humour, chemistry, and the nuances of rekindling an old flame. The protagonist’s initial apprehension gives way to rekindled feelings as she spends more time with Fraser. His gruff exterior hides a kind and protective nature, and their chemistry is palpable, reigniting her high school crush with a vengeance.

The romance between Fraser and the protagonist is beautifully developed, moving from fake dating to something undeniably real. Kelly's portrayal of their evolving relationship is heartwarming, with each gesture and moment deepening their bond. Fraser's grand gestures and attentive nature reveal a depth of feeling that transcends their initial arrangement.

The story is enriched by its cozy small-town setting, chosen family dynamics, and the protagonist’s fast-talking friends who add layers of warmth and humour. The closed-door romance keeps the focus on emotional connection, making the love story both sweet and compelling.

The Fake Out Flex is a heartwarming and charming romance that will leave readers swooning. Ash Kelly delivers a perfect blend of humour, heartfelt moments, and genuine love in this delightful tale of second chances and unexpected connections.

This is the story between Evie and Fraser, the classic brother's best friend, love forever, pinning, miscommunication, and mixed in some fake dating and this is the story. If you like any of these tropes, then check this read out.

I love hockey stories, and the banter was done really well but I honestly didn't connect with the characters and put this down a couple times having to come back to finish it.

Evie, aka "Breakup Sneeze Girl," needs a date for her ex's wedding after her breakup goes viral. Enter Fraser, her brother's best friend and her high school crush who vanished seven years ago. Though initially hesitant, their fake date turns into a fake relationship, rekindling old feelings. Fraser, a guarded pro hockey player, shows a tender, protective side that makes Evie fall for him all over again. His thoughtful gestures and intense blue eyes are impossible to resist. The story beautifully blends banter, heartfelt moments, and a heartwarming happily-ever-after. This book is a delightful closed-door romance, perfect for fans of pro hockey, fake dating, and second chances. I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet, emotional read.

Title: The Fake Out Flex
Author: Ash Kelly
Genre: Romance
Media: ebook
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Favorite quote: "The majority of people are good, Fraser. We can't let our lives be dictated by the tiny percentage who aren't. If people are truly so messed up that they'd make fun of a kid with an intellectual disability, that says everything we need to know about them."
Sum of this book in 5 words or less: Tell each other!!
KU: Yes

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Themes: brothers best friend, pro hockey player, fake dating

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Thoughts:

Short summary - Evie needs a date to her ex’s wedding, and that’s where Fraser steps in. Fraser and Evie go on to be fake boyfriend/girlfriend.

These two were so cute! I love that it’s revealed that Evie’s brother set it up so that they could finally reveal that they’ve loved each other since high school.

I liked this book and it was a simple short sweet romance that’s totally worth it! It's a closed door spice level - they’re both virgins waiting for marriage.

If you like fake dating , brothers best friends and sports romances you will enjoy this. Fraser is a hockey player and Evie is a news reporter. Evie is broken up with on live tv her brother insist that she takes a date to her exs wedding. This book is an enjoyable read and enjoyable banter throughout. Thank you to the author , publisher and Net Galley for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review.

This will be an odd review, because I can see how good the book is, but it’s like just not for me personally. This book feels like someone I’d meet, could be nice to, but could never become strong friends with, that’s how little I connected with these characters.

On the other hand, I have nothing bad to say about this book at all, like zero complaints. This isn’t something I come across often, and I hope people still try this book! The writing is entertaining, the story is paced well, and the characters have great development! A sweet hockey romance is always fun, and overall enjoyable. I hope this book does well!

Big thanks to the author/Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing this eARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own and freely given.

I was hooked by the intriguing setup of this story! Evie, our leading lady, finds herself in a pickle when she needs a date to her ex's wedding. Cue her (meddling) brother's best friend, Fraser, swooping in to save the day. - as a 'fake' date. But here's the kicker—they share a complicated history and sparks fly as they navigate this fake relationship turning real.

First off, let's talk tropes! This book is a goldmine for romance lovers, with fake dating, hockey romance, and that irresistible brother's best friend dynamic. The banter between Evie and Fraser had me grinning from ear to ear, and their chemistry is off the charts. Additionally, it's worth noting that this is a clean sports romance, free from steamy scenes (kissing only - both MCs are virgins waiting fro marriage).

While I was totally invested in the witty banter and fiery chemistry between our main characters, I have to admit I hit a bump in the road with the time jumps in the second half. It felt like we missed out on some of the juicy fake dating moments that I was eagerly anticipating. Nevertheless, the quirky friend group and laugh-out-loud banter kept me engaged until the end.

On a more serious note - while I appreciated the inclusivity, I couldn't help but feel that the portrayal of Down Syndrome was not entirely accurate. It's crucial for authors to do thorough research and ensure that characters with disabilities are authentically represented. I grew up with a family member with DS and this is something I hold very close to my heart.

Overall, "The Fake Out Flex" delivers on the promise of a heartwarming sports romance with plenty of banter and feels. Despite a few hiccups, it's a fun and charming read that's perfect for cozying up with on a lazy afternoon. If you're a sucker for fake dating and hockey romance, this one's a must-read!

Overall Rating: 3.5 stars, 0 chili peppers (no spice except kissing)

***ARC Review***
This was a cute hockey romance but I caught myself wanting more. I didn’t hate it but I didn’t love it either. I was really invested in the first half of the book. I really enjoyed the banter between Evie and Fraser. I caught myself laughing, but then I started to get bored in the second half. My biggest complaint is the time jumps. I felt like this caused us not to see much of the fake dating. I’m also not a huge fan of flashbacks but it made sense why this book had them. Overall I still enjoyed this book and this was a great debut novel. I can see potential for the rest of the series.
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for letting me read this ARC!

I read this ARC on NetGalley
This story is the perfect mix of romcom, friends to lovers and hockeymance! I loved how the characters evolved by breaking down each others walls and looking past each others imperfections. The wonderful group of friends and a meddling brother were great additions. All wrapped up with a couple of grand gestures. I will definitely recommend this and am looking forward to whatever book 2 has in store.

ARC Review- I absolutely adored this book! Hockey Romance, Brothers Bestfriend, Boy Next Door, Childhood Crush, Second Chance Romance.
The story was sooo cute! I loved the banter, the plot, the characters! I was laughing and smiling so much while reading this story! Enjoyed it and will be thinking about these characters for awhile!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

I overall thought this was such a cute fun read. I LOVE hockey romances and this checked all my boxes in that regard. I found myself genuinely giggling throughout this book and found the comedy in it to be actually funny. The banter and comedic timing was there every time and it made me love the characters even more! I always appreciate a closed-door romance and this was definitely it. While the emphasis on the virginity trope wasn't my favorite, as at times it felt over the top, I do appreciate romances that are willing to include that. This was such a great debut read, and one that I will have to absolutely add to my shelf!

This book has all of the tropes that us romance lovers absolutely adore indulging in. Fake dating, hockey romance, protective MMC, fiery banter - everything was here!
The relationship between our FMC and MMC is great from the get go. This is a clean sports romance book with no spice. Normally I’d find a book bland that has no spice (personal preference), but the tension between the two characters is so sexually charged that I found I didn’t really miss the spice at all!
I loved the development of the relationship between the two characters, along with the flashbacks to childhood which really help us to fall in love with their relationship. I also love how thoughtful and kind the MMC is - the little things he does throughout the book and his final big grand gesture are all so so sweet! I was rooting for these two throughout the whole book.
I honestly really enjoyed this book but just felt there was a tiny something missing - I can’t place it (and maybe it was the spice!) but I just don’t feel I can give it 5 stars for that reason.
Thank you to Netgalley, Victory Editing Netgalley Co-op and Ash Kelly for this ARC.
Publishing date: 15/05/24

I really enjoyed this book. There are so many tropes that I absolutely love, hockey romance, brother's best friend, celebrity, fake dating. All of the tropes were amazing. I also loved that it was closed door. I wish more hockey romances were closed door.

It's been a long time since I read a close-door romance so full of chemistry. I turned the pages one after the other until the end, all without stopping smiling.
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Evie is a reporter on a local news station and in her segments she provides a bit of optimism but in reality she is still trapped in the meme of the most humiliating situation of her life, when her ex-boyfriend breaks up the relationship on air.
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After such humiliation everyone expects her to never want to see him again but when the invitation to his wedding arrives a few months later she is determined to go and prove that she is perfectly fine.
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but of course her brother doesn't believe her and decides to interfere by getting her a fake date and no one better than her best friend Fraser Redmacher, hockey player and golden son of their hometown, her old high school crush
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I didn't give much importance to the background, the chemistry between them was so good, and their dialogues complemented each other so well that I just wanted to continue reading them.
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It's been a long time since I read a close door that deals with the representation of virgins who want to wait for marriage out of their own conviction and I thought it was well done. I love how things are going, how they both get to know each other and become something more. It was really good
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Thanks to Ash Kelly and her team for give me a copy of this beautiful book in exchange for my honest and voluntary opinion
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