Popular

Private

by Xavier Neal

From USA TODAY BESTSELLING author Xavier Neal comes a fake dating, beach based rom com that's PERFECT for the summer!

This beauty brings out his beast.

Millionaire Justus "J.T." Reese is charming.

Charismatic.

Captivating.

And he's also the perfect candidate to play pretend boyfriend to the celebrity dancer Janae Boucher while they're both away on a tropical vacation...


Fake Dating
Small Town Romance
Alpha Male
Vacation Romance
Forced Proximity

*This is a STANDALONE NOVELLA in a FINISHED Series featuring a side character found in the main portion of The Private Series

112 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 31, 2025

About the author

I'm USA TODAY Bestselling Romance Author who has published over ninety works to date.

The Tendy (Dalvegan Dragons #4) is NOW LIVE!
mybook.to/A0Fz3

Join me on Patreon! (Include a FREE OPTION)
https://www.patreon.com/AuthorXavierNeal


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LIST OF BOOKS!


Standalones


Cinderfella (YA Contemporary) - https://amzn.to/2pBHZff

The Gamble (Romantic Comedy) - https://amzn.to/2uf4ZFw

Part of The List (Contemporary Romance) - https://amzn.to/2udYwuz

Walking Away (Contemporary Ménage Romance) - https://amzn.to/2pAOEGf

Can’t Match This (Romantic Comedy) - https://amzn.to/2XapsVw

Hike, Hike Baby (Romantic Comedy) - https://amzn.to/32QqyJJ

Baewatch (Romantic Comedy) -https://amzn.to/2IHjMAl

Sleigh Bride (Holiday Romantic Comedy)- https://amzn.to/3nOfJ4L

Aleatory (Contemporary Age-Gap Romance) - https://amzn.to/2Pqt07F

Picnic Perfect (Romantic Comedy) -
https://amzn.to/3DKKrE2

Eden (Dark, Taboo Romance)-
https://amzn.to/3gfgQsj

Baby Got Pack (Romantic Comedy) -
https://amzn.to/3KZt0U0

Waiting (Contemporary Age- Gap Romance)
https://amzn.to/3BnItLc

SERIES

(COMPLETED)
Senses Series
https://amzn.to/31fG013
Duched Series
https://amzn.to/2EXUF7B
The Bro Series
https://amzn.to/2IsPDRo
Private Series
https://amzn.to/2MzZURd
The Bennett Duet
https://amzn.to/36tEi0h
The Love Duet
https://amzn.to/3wLOFJp
The Compassion Series:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BL3WL1Y4
The Free:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C5S4SR5W

(OPEN)
Dalvegan Dragons-
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BS48MFW9
The Hockey Gods Series- https://amzn.to/31KBuXo
Adrenaline Series - https://amzn.to/2MAo669
Prince of Tease Series- https://amzn.to/2Iu3ZkA
The Just Series - https://amzn.to/2MBGDPi
Must Love Series- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074HX1VK2
Hollywood Exchange Series- https://amzn.to/2WqmfFo
The Culture Blind Series- https://amzn.to/2K5hDOv
Camelot Misfits Series - https://amzn.to/2XfW5pn
Synful Syndicate Series- https://amzn.to/2K311Xw
Haworth Enterprises Series-
https://amzn.to/3foSuwl
Draak Legacy Series -
https://amzn.to/3xm9Wta

(My links listed here, my website, and on my social media are Amazon affiliate links.)

Reviews

[Cheryl Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wes and Brynn's best friend J.T. (Justus) Reese's turn to find everlasting love. He manages to meet another nerd while on holiday.

Janae Boucher, twin sister to Jericho, a famous basketball player needs a pretend boyfriend while her ex is trying to get back with her and chooses J.T.

So a fake relationship on a tropical holiday for nerds is the obvious trope that Xavier Neal opts for. And why not? With her uber nerdy writing style it fits perfectly.

I enjoyed this novella which sported terms such as "Spock level of logical" and "The Data level truth". This is a great edition to the Private series.

[Andrea Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved being back in the Private World! We all love Bryn and Wes bestie J.T. And, now we finally get to see him get the girl! J.T and Bryn goto this nerdy convention for a week, and this beautiful bombshell Nea takes him by surprise. These two were meant for each other, and I swear it gave me that teenage lust vibes, like when you first meet someone and get the butterflies in your stomach, playful banter, constantly turned on without actually getting turned on, and wanting to constantly be around each other. This little Novella was a fun quirky read that had me turning the pages!

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this on Thursday when it was released and I wasn't sure how I wanted my review. I've read all the books in the Private series, and loved J.T. throughout. His presence and friendships in that series was perfect. We all would be so lucky to have a friend like him.

I was simultaneously excited for this and nervous. I knew this was J.Ts story and I worried how well he'd do as a main instead of a side character..... I should have known with Xavier that she would show him as real. He was an amazing main character. I loved seeing this whole other side. He was mostly business, with hints of his personality showing throughout the Private series.

I loved how Xavier took well known troupes and made them her own. Fake dating and forced proximity are favorites for me and this didn't disappoint.

Janae is the perfect person for JT. The way these two played off each other and just played in general was so fun. Having Bryn in this was also fun and I loved that there was only positivity between the female characters.

If this book is the only one you pick up, you will not, or shouldn't, feel like you're missing something. But I'd absolutely recommend reading the whole series to see how JT is different here.

[Melinda Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

J.T. finds himself in a precarious position. The fake boyfriend of Janae, the woman that just obliterated his senses and his heart. He finds that he wants fantasy to be reality. This woman is beyond intriguing. She just gets him. And it seems she might be feeling the same way. And the physical connection can’t be denied either. Janae finds herself not just enthralled but invested in J.T. He’s given her everything she’s never gotten but needed in a relationship.

Can a chance meeting turn into a HEA?

I loved having Bryn rake J.T. over the coals as usual. But it made my heart happy for him to find his mate.

[Marni Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Popular ( A Fake Dating Beach Vacation Romance) A Private Series Novella ) what a fun , sweet and steamy read !! I’m not someone who typically enjoys reading Novellas by any means, that being said!! I could not get enough of J.T and Janae .Two people who are completely opposite brought together in the most unexpected of ways . And phew is the chemistry between them insane . Add into that the angst and the humor and the witty banter - I could not stop myself from smiling, laughing, crying and cheering so freaking hard .

[amberebooksandmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

the connection

The connection is the perfect way to describe this book. The connection between these two started instantly and burned bright the entire book. While I am not a startrek fan nor have I watched anything in the relation the jokes and comments only added another layer rather than adding confusion, or taking you out of the story. It made these two who they are as individual characters. They were amazing and the perfect match. They went from fake to real in the best way, as they became family and realized their true dreams.

[Cody Smith-Candelaria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have adored JT so getting this glimpse of just him, not as a supporting cast member but as the leading man, is the most wonderful thing I could ask for. Add in that this made me constantly laugh, at the jokes, the puns, the nerd realness and well, this might be my most favorite novella ever. We know these characters but we were missing so much of the story and not even realizing it, this book gives us that backstory, that little bit that makes them seem even more whole. Love love love it!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had read the Private series a year ago, and absolutely loved it. The only thing that could have made it better was for JT to get his own story. Well that time has come, and Xavier wrote Popular!

This little novella gave me everything I wanted. Getting to see JT have his happily ever after with a strong independent woman was so good. These two balanced each other perfectly. And since I'm a Star Trek loving person, all the Trekkie moments had me smiling.

[Isabel Debono · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved coming back into the Private world and it was nice to see JT finally get his girl.
JT and Jenae get into a fake relationship to help keep her ex away on a holiday retreat for nerds.
(loved all the Star Trek references).
Their connection is undeniably hot.
The banter between the two is next level. Love it!
These two are perfect for each other but can they turn the fantasy into reality?
A must read.

I was given a complimentary copy but voluntarily chose to review.

[liz_loves_reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an absolute hoot from beginning to end - LOL.
I'd always been intrigued by J.T. and was so happy that Justus got his story.

J.T. and Bryn attend a nerdy 'Trekkie' convention. Whilst there J.T. bumps into Janae/Nae who is trying to avoid her stalker ex.
They decide to fake date - and the fun times that ensued were perfection.

[Jamie Stahl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Trekkie convention, a beach vacation, and fake dating all in one? Sign me up! Nerds, but make them smoking hot. Celebrities, but make them hate the fame. Sold!

You don't have to have read the Private series to enjoy this novella (but it is better if you have). It is a fun and sexy read perfect for your end of summer vacation (even if it is only in your own backyard).

[Jennifer Swift · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this novella. It is perfect for Star Trek lovers and was well thought out and written very well. I was happy to get to read J.T. 's story and that he gets his Happily Ever After. This book it a quick read and has you laughing a lot throughout the novella.

I highly recommend this novella and would read it again several times.

[Stephanie Jynelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cheering for JT

What a fantastic way to give Wes and Bryns bestie his Kirk wings. I love how Janae and J.T. start off. The playfulness and courage it took for each of them to be open with each other that they never were with others.
They are refreshing and fun. Well done, Xavier Neal!

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been wanting J.T.'s story ever since I read the Private series and the wait was worth it. J.T. and Janae's quickly paced romance was adorable and potent. Humor, cuteness, heart, sweetness, spice and emotions are blended with plenty of nerd and geek elements and jokes to create a delightful tale that melted my heart and made me laugh.

[Amber Pickerill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Janae may have needed a fake boyfriend but she never anticipated real feelings. Justus (J.T.) is a workaholic who's finally found someone who can make him see there is more to life. It was a fake vacation romance that just means more.
This novella was the perfect ending to the series.

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Xavier Neal has done it once again. What a wonderfully written story. I really enjoyed the characters. J.T., Bryn and Janae are a hoot. The author did a fantastic job writing not only the story's plot, but the characters, as well. I highly recommend this book. Earning five stars from me!

[Ashton Mcqueen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this novella, I enjoyed JT as a best friend to both Brynn and Wes. But I really enjoyed him getting his happy ending. JT and Janae were such a good match together and I liked that we got their story from the beginning of how it started. This was a great addition to the private series!!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always love revisiting a world Xavier Neal creates. We get JT and Janae in this short novella. If you're looking for an escape, this is the book that will take you away. Take the time to treat yourself, you won't regret it!

[Brandy Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

JT and Jenae story is wonderful. It has humor, spice, emotions and plenty of banter. Their story is fun, playful, and quirky. Their connection was beautiful and HOT!! I really enjoyed this novella!!

[Teresa Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

love this series
love this family
loved Jt and Naes heartstopping broken beautiful insta love story
need more

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A FUN AND SWEET READ!

This is a novella that is part of the Private Series. I, hands down, had such a great time reading! J.T. and Janae are delightful. Love the writing and story.

[Tovah Levine · Rating 5 out of 5]

You really know how to put words on paper! I would love to be a fly on the wall in your stories, it kinda feels like that when I read them.

[JoAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

J.T. and Janae, a fun romantic novella. This opposities can attract tale includes banter, humor, chemistry, romance, angst, emotions, and situations. Intriguing characters and storyline.

[lakiesha brissett · Rating 5 out of 5]

short and sweet

Omg I love JT story. I’m happy his story was told and it is simply beautiful and crazy funny. I love everything about it.

[Kayla Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Queen of banter!

It's a funny, cute fake dating novella full of Star Trek and sports puns and smexy times this little read did not disappoint!

[Lori Hammons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Janae attaches herself to fake boyfriend JT at a Star Trek convention in an effort to ward off her persistent ex. Fun ensues, and they both catch feelings. I enjoyed their story.

[Lisa Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it, it was such a fun story that he finally got his happiness. J.T and Janae were perfect and had such a great connection and I loved all the Trekkie moments. It was perfect.