Thanks to NetGalley & Dreamscape Media for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.


Here I am testing my luck with Talia Hibbert's novels. I hoped for a better aftercome as the previous romantic adventure ended up... without promised sparks. Is another novel from The Midnight Heat Collection better?


-what is it about-

Aria Granger has to heal from a traumatic past which included her stalking ex nearly killing her best friend. Love seems to be out of her reach for now yet the moment she sees Nikolas Christou, she decides to risk it all (again). The sudden deal to make their relationship fake promises them to have a moment to solve the past issues and... find love where they least expect it.


-what I loved?-

-> The focus on both important and fun themes made it possible to appreciate the vibe of this novel. Talia Hibbert managed to make the pace of the novel pretty fast so readers definitely will not have any issues in getting into the storyline!
-> I adore how diverse in themes and representation this book was! Talia Hibbert included a plus-size character, queer themes and additional aspects of mental illnesses (with triggering traumatic events) that truly mattered in the storyline.



-what did I not love?-

→ I couldn't see the chemistry between Aria and Nik! I found their relationship to be kind of insta-love themed which is not my type of favourite romance. I wanted more emotions and communication between characters yet the number of spicy scenes was too much for my taste.
→ The storyline was bland and not well developed at some point (it gave me a reminiscence from The Roommate Risk). I hoped for a better explanation of some situations between the characters yet Talia Hibbert included only simple descriptions of events that were not so fascinating.

rating: 2/5 ✮✮
genre: Romance
themes: queerphobia, mental illness rep, plus-size character rep, traumatic past, fake relationship, love

This novel takes readers into the glamorous world of footballer Nik Christou, who is used to getting everything he desires—until he meets the unshakeable Aria Granger. What starts off as a seemingly typical fake-dating setup quickly evolves into a complex, emotional journey that explores themes of self-worth, trust, and vulnerability, all within the framework of Hibbert’s signature witty style.

At the heart of this novel is the irresistibly fun dynamic between the leads, Nik and Aria, who embody the classic grumpy-sunshine trope. Nik is the embodiment of charm—successful, gorgeous, and used to having the world at his feet. But despite his easygoing demeanor, he’s not your average playboy. Hibbert gives Nik a sense of vulnerability that balances his confidence; behind the playful bravado, Nik craves real emotional connection, which makes him a compelling, multi-dimensional hero.

In contrast, Aria is hardened by life’s challenges. A tattooed, fiercely independent woman with a razor-sharp tongue, she’s learned to protect herself from disappointment. Aria’s distrust of love and disdain for rich men stems from past experiences, and her complex, guarded nature adds emotional depth to the story. Hibbert does a fantastic job of peeling back Aria’s layers, allowing readers to empathize with her journey while rooting for her to lower her defenses and let love in.

The chemistry between Nik and Aria is immediate and electric. Their banter is sharp, humorous, and laden with tension as they constantly push each other’s buttons. What sets this book apart from other fake-dating romances is the way Hibbert balances the playful back-and-forth with genuine emotional stakes. The fake relationship trope serves as a vehicle for both characters to confront their vulnerabilities—Nik’s desire to be seen as more than just a celebrity, and Aria’s struggle to trust again after being hurt. This balance of humor and heartfelt emotion is a hallmark of Hibbert’s writing and shines through brilliantly in this novel.

Set in a luxurious Spanish villa, *The Fake Boyfriend Fiasco* offers a delightful escapist fantasy that makes the reader feel as though they’re on vacation with the characters. The vibrant descriptions of the setting add a layer of charm to the story, making the luxurious backdrop a character in itself. From romantic beaches to intimate dinners, the setting heightens the romantic tension between Nik and Aria, while also allowing them moments of quiet introspection.

The fake-dating plot is a tried-and-true trope in romance, but Hibbert keeps it fresh by infusing it with humor and her unique voice. Nik’s grand plan to win Aria over by whisking her off to Spain under the guise of a fake relationship is both entertaining and touching. What starts as a strategic attempt to get closer to her quickly turns into a genuine desire to make her see the potential for real love between them. The stakes are heightened by the presence of Nik’s nosy teammates, whose meddling adds comic relief throughout the story. Hibbert’s supporting characters are always vivid and full of personality, and this novel is no exception. The team’s banter and camaraderie add layers of humor and warmth, ensuring that the novel never feels too heavy.

While *The Fake Boyfriend Fiasco* is undoubtedly a romantic comedy, it also touches on deeper emotional themes. Both Nik and Aria are grappling with their pasts in ways that affect their ability to open up to each other. Nik’s struggle is more subtle—he’s used to being adored by the public but craves a connection that goes beyond superficial admiration. His determination to break through Aria’s walls comes from a place of sincere affection, not just attraction.

Aria’s journey is more overtly emotional. She’s been burned before and has built a fortress around her heart to avoid being hurt again. The tension between her desire to protect herself and her growing feelings for Nik is palpable throughout the novel. Hibbert handles Aria’s emotional arc with sensitivity, showing her gradual realization that love doesn’t have to mean losing herself.

At its core, *The Fake Boyfriend Fiasco* is about two people learning to trust not just each other, but themselves. Nik’s persistence in proving that he’s not just another shallow celebrity, combined with Aria’s reluctant acceptance of her feelings, makes for a deeply satisfying romantic journey.

The narration by Rooke Kingston and Harvey Fuller is a highlight of the audiobook experience. Both narrators bring the characters to life with distinct voices that match the personalities of Nik and Aria. Kingston’s portrayal of Nik is charming and full of energy, capturing his playful side while also conveying his deeper emotions. Fuller, on the other hand, delivers Aria’s sharp wit and vulnerability with skill, making her transformation over the course of the novel feel authentic and moving. Their performances enhance the tension, humor, and emotional beats of the story, making the audiobook a delightful listen.

It is a perfect blend of humor, romance, and emotional depth. Fans of the fake-dating trope will find plenty to love here, but what makes the novel truly stand out is Hibbert’s talent for creating complex, lovable characters and imbuing her stories with heart. Nik and Aria’s journey from fake to real is filled with laugh-out-loud moments, swoon-worthy romance, and the kind of emotional growth that leaves readers deeply satisfied. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Hibbert or new to her work, *The Fake Boyfriend Fiasco* is a must-read for anyone who loves smart, funny, and heartfelt romance.

What an adventure. Aria is such a unique and beautiful woman inside and out. She loves so hard and so easily. Nik is such a wonderful, sweet kindhearted, gorgeous man, who is utterly taken by Aria. This story was so fun. He falls first, fast and hard. I absolutely love the respect he gives her. Their chemistry is outstanding, the energy and passion is hot. I love the friendships, & the shenanigans.

I couldn't get into the narration and It wasn't for me. I keep putting it down and coming back to it I made it about 20%-30% and just didn't want to go back to it and I keep not listening to what was being said and I can't remember what was going on. This is a sad no for me. I ay go back at some point and read the e or physical book and maybe then I may rate this but since I didn't finish its a DNF for me.

Thank you Netgalley for this Audio-arc in exchange for my honest opinions.

This was a short read that took me by surprise. I've read this author before so I was happy to dive into her writing again and I wasn't disappointed. The writing was sharp, funny, and just a good time. Read this in one sitting. While the story wasn't perfect, I still enjoyed it.

4.25 stars!

Talia Hibbert is one of my favorite authors, and I thoroughly enjoyed "The Fake Boyfriend Fiasco." I particularly enjoyed the dual audiobook narration by Rooke Kingston and Harvey Fuller. They really make this a worthwhile listening experience with their fabulous performances. They bring the characters of Aria and Nik to life with vim and vigor! If you can accept the premise of this story, which is a little wild and out there, then I have a feeling you're going to like this book because it is so entertaining. Aria and Nik have tremendous banter and flirting with one another, and this book is so, so funny. I loved their interactions! I am typically not a fan of insta-love, but Hibbert makes it work for these characters. It's like one giant party the whole book. Super fun to read!

Thank you to NetGalley, Talia Hibbert, and Dreamscape Media for the complimentary ALC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

This book is spicy and steamy in all the best ways! We have. rich footballer named Nikolas who is growing tired of his playboy ways when he sees our main female character Aria. And boy does she give him a run for his money. When they enter into a fake relationship her confidence and sureness in herself is put to the test because the lines start to blur between what is real and what is just for show.

Despite being an insta-love romance this is an infatuation I can get behind. The characters are fun and flirty and you find yourself really rooting for them and believing in them. I loved this Talia Hibbert book (no surprise I love all her books) but I can't wait to go back and read more of her books that I had not heard of. The characters were sweet and spicy and I was giggling and kicking my feet reading some of these scenes.

I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good fake romance book with a plus size heroine. Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book!

It was a good listen, I enjoyed the story and the characters.
There were points that the chemistry between the characters seems stiff but overall they worked well together.
The secondary characters were not of much interest (his friends) and honestly would've liked to skip some of the interactions.
It did have a good variety of characters both in orientation and size. I found that it was quite inclusive.

Talia Hibbert is the QUEEN of romance novels. Every single one I’ve read, I’ve loved. Nick and Aria have a wonderful dynamic that I loved reading.

The audiobook is fantastic and I would definitely recommend and listen to more by the narrators!

Once again another Talia Hibbert book just does the damn thing. This was so much fun. It’s quintessential Hibbert in that we’ve got a lovable hero, absolutely down bad for our heroine who’s a strong, self-assured woman but doesn’t realized just how down bad this man is for her. It’s a formula as old as time and I will continue to eat it up.

This was fun and spicy and steamy and I loved it.

The audiobook was good too!

Sheewwwww this one was steamy! If you are looking for some spice- grab this one! It’s got some cute cultural pieces in it too. Add in some forced proximity and two people who are obviously attracted to each other but fighting it, if you’re into those tropes. Overall, I thought this one was okay. It was a bit much for me in parts which is why I don’t recommend it for everyone.

Did Not Finish.

Hmmmmmm this one disappointed me.

The audio was a new release on May 28, 2024, but I didn’t realize this book had been originally been released years ago. I figured it out when there was a mention of a long dead social media company 😆.

I struggled a bit with the narration. Nik is a Greek character, but his accent was only present during spoken dialogue so it felt jarring.

I didn’t understand the relationship between the Aria and Nik. They had no chemistry, just some basic lust. And once I learned how much of a manwhore Nik was (he had sex with most of his teammates, his best friend, and his best friend’s girlfriend?) I was out.

No thanks.

Thank you to Dreamscape Media for the ALC.

Talia Hibbert is great and I really liked this one a lot, and it was also easy to read and get through.

The Fake Boyfriend Fiasco by Talia Hibbert is another great spicy romance from a romance legend. Talia Hibbert's reputation is well-deserved--I'm so glad she was one of the first authors I discovered on my journey into reading romances.

In The Fake Boyfriend Fiasco, Nik (a famous footballer) falls instantly for Aria, who is the prickly grump to his himbo ray of slutty sunshine. She seems poised to reject him, until he offers a fake-dating scenario with a paycheck she can't refuse. This book, while not my favorite of Hibbert's, was full of her signature snark and steam and an entire suitcase full of sex toys.

The narrators, Rooke Kingston and Harvey Fuller, both deliver great performances and bring the characters to life. Thank you to Dreamscape Media for my advance listening copy.

I still craved more of Talia Hibbert's writing, so The Fake Boyfriend Fiasco* it was!

I found this romance to be the darkest of her books, while also being one of the funniest! I again loved the sass that goes into her writing, as well as the steam – her books are always such a good time! The characters' "flaws" were reasonable, and representative in a way that is unique to Hibbert's writing; I don’t exactly know how she does it, but she does it so seamlessly! Although there was a conflict, it was believable and made sense for the characters. Bonus points for chapter titles!

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: I am in love with Rooke Kingston's sultry voice! Kingston adds a smoky depth to Aria's character just by narration alone! Harvey Fuller narrated Nikolas Christou with a swagger and charm that was both endearing and believable. The "Smutty Bonus Vignette" was a pleasant surprise to find at the end of this audiobook!

One more thing: may we all have friends like Jen!

*The Fake Boyfriend Fiasco was previously published as Sweet on the Greek

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the complimentary audio copy to read and review.

I DNFed this around 25%. Talia Hibbert can be a bit much for me, spice-wise, but I can overlook that if I'm engaged in the story... but alas, I couldn't get into this one. It seemed way too farfetched.

📚 book review 📚 Thank you to Dreamscape audio for the review copy!

. . . . . . . series info . . . . . . . .

While this book is listed on Goodreads as Book 3 of the Midnight Heat collection, Talia Hibbert suggests that you read it first. I haven’t read the other two books, so I’m trusting the process!

. . . . . . . book review . . . . . . . .

This was an absolutely bonkers premise, which is my favorite kind of romcom, honestly. Some people worry about a realistic premise, but not me. A famous soccer player falls in love/lust at first sight and convinces his love interest to pose as his fake girlfriend for 350,000 pounds and whisks her off to a Spanish villa with his friends? Count me IN!

Should Aria have said no based on the prologue where she was in therapy because her last boyfriend stalked and kidnapped her best friend? Again, sure, but that wouldn’t be fun, and this book is all about fun.

Highly recommend if you are looking for a spicy, quick read - the Spanish villa setting gives such summery vibes it’s perfect for this time of year!

🎧 Rooke Kingston & Harvey Fuller were perfect casting for this book, and I enjoyed both of their performances!

Originally read this in 2022 when it was titled Sweet on the Greek (rated it a solid 3.5 stars). Not my favourite Talia Hibbert but it's still Talia Hibbert so I had fun. It was funny, hot and summery. Re-listening to this story via audio made me enjoy this WAY more and that was mainly due to the narration. Rooke Kingston and Harvey Fuller voiced Aria and Nik's POVs which are in third person .

Fuller was alright .I thought it was a little odd that when voicing Nik (A greek man) he would only speak in the accent when there was dialogue but with his internal monologue ,he spoke in a British accent ???? I understand the reasoning behind that (the book was written in 3rd person) but I wasn't particularly fond of that choice. Fuller was fine but Kingston is what really makes this worth the listen. She was PERFORMING.

I've listened to my fair share of straight, dual POV romance audiobooks. If you're unfamiliar, in these books the male narrator does the "woman voice" the female narrator does the "man voice" and it doesn't take me out of the story too much but there are some exceptions (I'm looking at you Aaron Shedlock in Done & Dusted) but Kingston's man voice sprinkled with that sultry accent on top made me feel things...Dude I was BLUSHING. Man-voice aside, Kingston just killed it with how she voiced side characters, she nailed the comedic bits ( she really captured that dry, witty humour Hibbert is known for) as well as the more sombre moments.

Not too much to say about the story itself other than I would LOVE a man to spend thousands of pounds on me just to have ONE shot with me .

thank you Dreamscape Audio for the ALC!!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the audiobook copy!

I have slowly been working my way through Talia Hibbert's books and finally, I'm starting on her backlog. The Fake Boyfriend Fiasco follows Nik and Aria who are fake dating but there is a twist. Nik wants to date Aria seriously but knows that she will reject him again. He decides to proposition her with a fake dating arrangement to get her to see his true feelings. I felt this book was just lacking especially with the characters. I liked Aria but Nik was just a bit too immature. I get he wanted to be with her but maybe go down the route of actually courting someone rather than lying. Outside of that, I think this book was enjoyable if you like smut. Just don't expect the plot to be a bit lacking.

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to read and review this audiobook!

Unsure of what to do in his retirement, Football legend Nik Cristou keeps his time and mind occupied by the many willing romantic partners who filter through his life. He has truly never felt rejection until he shares a passionate kiss with the tattooed goddess that is Aria Granger. Aria has every intention of dismissing the footballing himbo, but when he offers her an obscene amount of money to be his fake girlfriend she sees her dream of opening a tattoo shop inching slightly closer to reality. What Aira doesn’t know? Nik doesn’t want a fake girlfriend, he wants Aria for real, and plans to woo her however he can.

This was short, lusty, with some great banter, and a whole lot of spice! Our male love interest is sweet though a little bland, and falls first (and hard). Aria was a deeper character with a traumatic experience and a lot of trust issues when it comes to dating. What I really didn’t love was the idea that Nik was lying from the start. Aria assumes he doesn’t really want her because he could have anyone, and while she probably would have run if he was honest early on, the deception weighed on me throughout the book.