Review: The Fake Out Flex by Ash Kelly

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

About the Book

He's a guarded pro hockey player. My brother's best friend. My high school crush. And now…my fake date to my ex's wedding. What could possibly go wrong?

After my breakup on live TV goes viral—yep, I'm Breakup Sneeze Girl, hi!—I cannot go to my ex's wedding alone.

So my totally non-meddling—cough, yeah right—brother ropes in his best friend as my date.

The only problem is, Fraser and I share a history. He was my high school crush…until he left without even saying goodbye.

But that was seven years ago, and I am completely, one thousand percent, over it.

One fake date with Fraser? No problem. I can handle that.
Until one date turns into me being his fake girlfriend.

The more time we spend together, the more I catch glimpses of the Fraser I knew back in high school. Under his gruff exterior, he's kind. Protective. Encouraging. He's also got the most intense blue eyes and cutest smile I've ever seen.

And yep, okay, my crush is back with a vengeance.

Only this time, it doesn't feel so one-sided. Fraser buys me my favorite flowers. He flies across the country just to check in on me. And when he gazes into my eyes, there's something simmering between us I can't deny.

But will Fraser leave again, or can our fake relationship turn into something real?

The Fake Out Flex is a closed-door pro hockey romance with plenty of banter, fast-talking friends, truth fries, the granddaddy of grand gestures, and a heartwarming happily-ever-after. It's the first book in the Hockeymances series and can be read as a standalone.

My Review

My love for hockey romances began early in the trend, and it still hasn't died out! This is a fun one with a charismatic narration full of banter and mid-level angst. I didn't relate to Evie's desire for vengeance by attending her ex's wedding- who does that? I did enjoy her reconnecting with Fraser and their fake dating turned real. Her meddling brother was funny, and the other side characters really added to the story. It was cool to have Evie be such an expert on hockey and the way Fraser trusted her analysis, even when it was harsh. I appreciated that they both have a goal to save intimacy for marriage, and think that is a wonderful perspective to include in books these days since it's not assumed anymore. I didn't think it needed to be a secret with an awkward reveal though- that made it seem less than normal, rather than destigmatizing the idea. Overall I enjoyed this book and plan to read more from the author!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

I'm looking forward to the upcoming books in the Hockeymances series . . .