Faking it With The Player Next Door

by Gina Cooper

Getting over a broken engagement is hard enough.

Getting over him—Van Willis—is impossible.

Van is my brother’s best friend and off-limits.

But rules don’t seem to apply when we’re this close.

The last thing I expected this summer was to fall for Van.

But when we’re caught in a compromising moment, he does the one thing I never saw coming—he claims I’m his.

We’re now in a fake relationship, and the lines between real and pretend are blurring.

I can’t tell if Van’s protecting my reputation or if he’s finally seeing me the way I’ve always seen him.

And just when I start believing in us, Van’s past crashes into the picture and my ex shows up.

This was never supposed to be real.

But maybe—just maybe—it could be.


Faking it with the Player Next Door is a Brother’s best friend Baseball Romance for lovers of small-town and sports romance. It has all the sizzling chemistry you love, with no explicit scenes. Sweet kisses only.

Genres: Sports

242 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 27, 2024

Reviews

[Hope]

STOP GETTING A HARD ON FOR YOUR EX YOU FUCKING ASSHOLE. NO IT'S NOT JUST BEING A 'MAN' 🤬🤬🤬

Sadly, being a man, my body reacted to her tempting sexual expertise

[Meg Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️

[Lindsey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 🌶️

So much packed into less than 250 pages. This story contains swoon worthy moments, sweet romance, sizzling kisses, tension building, and two hearts finally giving into the other. Gina never fails to deliver a great, quick read that guarantees blush inducing moments and happy ever afters.

They shared a kiss as teenagers, but never took it further. He was her brother’s best friend, she was off limits. But that didn’t stop their feelings from lying just below the surface. When those feelings are finally given the opportunity to bubble over, Taylor and Van have to decide if they are ready to be truthful with each other or continue acting as if they don’t care for the other.

Taylor has returned home, calling her engagement off. Donovan (Van) is on the injury list for his baseball team due to his elbow. When Taylor agrees to help with his physical therapy, her older brother and his best friend find them in a compromising situation. Thinking fast, maybe too fast, Van blurts out a lie, which leads to them fake dating.

As fake dating begins to lead to real feelings bubbling over, Taylor and Van don’t know exactly how to navigate their journey. They don’t want to hurt each other or others for that matter, but what they are beginning to feel may be something worth fighting for. A story full of ups and downs, Gina writes a heart pounding love story years in the making for these two. I loved watching these two develop throughout the book, loved seeing their hearts heal, and loved the interactions between all the characters.

As always, review any author notes before reading.

Tropes:
⚾Forbidden Love
🔥Fake Dating
⚾Brother’s Best Friend
🔥Baseball Playing MMC
⚾Small Town
🔥HEA

[Mitzi Neiderhiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faking it with the Player Next Door is a quick read standalone best friend little sister story. In this story the reader meets Donovan Willis (aka Van) and Taylor Miller. Van and Taylor's brother, Hunter, have been friends since childhood including Taylor in their adventures. Van and Taylor share a teenage kiss but never go any further. Fast forward years later, Taylor is returning home from a broken engagement and Van is recovering from an elbow injury. Taylor offers to help with Van's physical therapy, only to be caught in an embarrassing moment by Hunter. Van thinks fast and tries to cover it up with a lie, though misplaced. This leads to misunderstands, hurt feelings and stressed out individuals. Enjoy the many ups and downs as you follow the story to Van and Taylor's happily ever after (with a touch of hint to the next book, hopefully).

I definitely recommend this book. A shorter read that will keep your interest and keep you wondering what will happen next.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ineta · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 5th book of Gina Cooper and so far this is my favorite. Perfect story and amazing characters.
Taylor is back home to recover from broken engagement and drug addict fiance.
While Van is back for rehab after injury during the off season. And that was life changing injury for him.
They both have been each other's secret crush since they remember. Their attraction is hard to deny. ANd decision to pretendent being in relationship soon enough seems wasn't a good idea. Since emotional rollercoaster just picks up the pace. And their exes do their bold entrance in the picture. How to manage all this?
Great story to read in one go - nice storyline, great characters, unspoken love, shadows of the past. Large scale of different emotions main characters are going through (especially Taylor) and Hunter with his support and encouragement for both of them to stop hiding their true feelings.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ruth R · Rating 5 out of 5]

After Taylor broke up with her ex fiancé,she went back to her hometown Coleman where her brother is still living.
She went to her grandmother place where she grew up .when she went outside she saw her ex crush her brother’s best friend Van.
He was a baseball pitcher,he had an injury on his arm and he was in rehab, he was doing some exercise in front of his house when he noticed Taylor.
When she went to talk to him she still felt the attraction,
she was making some massage to his arm in an instant she lost her balance and she was going to fell ,he went to catch her so she didn’t get hurt when she fell on him they were going to kiss when her brother showed with the pastor.
Hunter was furious and they lied that they were being in a relationship.
Will the relationship become real?

A lovely story that I really enjoyed reading.

[Terry T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is a sweet small town, brother's best friend, baseball romance with no cliffhanger.
Some of the lines I really like ---- “You smell like spring, And you look like you’ve been stealing all the sunshine.” ---- don’t let fear stop you from something real.” ---- love is always a risk. But you’ll never know what might happen if you don’t give it a chance.--- ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither are MLB pitchers.’ ---- It wasn’t just about baseball anymore, but about showing these kids that no dream was too big. ----
Who's the woman kissing and clinging to Van? What's Travis up to? These and other questions will all be answered.
I loved Taylor and Van's story and I'm sure you will too. I've loved everyone of her books that I've read and can't wait to read her next book.

[MK · Rating 4 out of 5]

First time reading this author. I liked Taylor. She made a hard decision to call off her wedding, and went back to her hometown. She didn’t tell her brother about what happened between her and Travis. But when Van came into the picture the man who had a crush on since high school fakes a relationship with her she’s stunned to say the least.
A later scene makes Taylor see something that hurts her, and doesn’t know what to do. However her ex-fiancé comes to see her, and wants her back. She is overwhelmed. She needs time to think.

I was so moved at the end with this book.
I would recommend for sure.

[Lou Li Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahhh the boy next door trope, coupled along with one of my favorites - fake dating!
Taylor has had a crush on her brothers best friend Van since forever, Van has felt the same and neither ever did anything about their feelings. Taylor is home after some major life changes to reset and Van is back to recoup after an injury. An engaging story of fake some real feelings, avoiding ex’s and figuring out life!
Another enjoyable read from Gina.

I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unless you’re new to reading romances, you know that fake courtships/relationships/engagements/marriages never work. Feelings tend to get involved and things get complicated. Growing up I always wanted an older brother so I could date his friends, who knew that that was a no no? I guess big brothers are more protective than I knew. This is a fun story with a protective big brother, a psycho ex, actually each of them have one, adoring fans and reputations to protect. I don’t think it is a spoiler to let you know that things do work out. I enjoyed the book.

[Lindsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was shorter than I was expecting. It definitely needed more.
I liked Van but Taylor was a bit irritating and just ran away at the slightest problem. It took her talking to her brother and old friend to finally listen to Van. Plus I felt that Amelia offering her a whole week at her resort even though they didn’t really stay in touch was a bit much. Too much running and too much driving in my opinion.
Also I was expecting to see more about Hunter and Amelia but the next book is not about them unfortunately.

[Keisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first Gina Cooper book, but it won’t be my last! I highly enjoyed the coming back home, small-town love vibe. I enjoyed Van and Taylor’s characters, and there were moments I wanted to throw my Kindle and say, “What are you doing?!” There is another story that could be told, and I hope to read it in the future!

If you’re looking for a quick and sweet romance, I highly recommend it!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cindy Caron · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet read from this "new to me" author! This well written story about two people who've never been able to express their true feelings for each other, especially when life happens, finally get their chance. But, as it usually does, nothing seems to go right when the time is right. Will Taylor and Van finally make it through the hoops to their happy ever after?
It was a pleasure to read this sweet, clean love story!
I was gifted a copy of this book and am giving my honest opinion

[Sanvi Speaks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Faking it with the Player Next Door is a Brother’s best friend Baseball Romance for lovers of small-town and sports romance. It has all the sizzling chemistry you love, with no explicit scenes.

This book is fun to read, Although I liked Van a lot I was annoyed by FMC. She is so fugitive and I didn't like how she always hides from the problems. She is too quick to judge and she is too stubborn to listen to his side. Apart from that it's a good read ✨✨

[Shannon Binegar-Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

She is on the heals of a bad breakup. He is still recovering from injury. Will what starts as a joke turn into something more? Will they ever admit their true feelings for each other.

This love story was so incredibly good. Loved the character dynamics. I hope we get to see Hunter and Amelia’s story soon.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[ABurch74 · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy a brother’s best friend romance, you will like this story. The relationship between the main characters is well-developed, and the story is delightful.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[AmandaJR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gina Cooper’s story are always a delight. They are all so sweet, keeps you interested, and are quick reads. This was no exception. I thoroughly enjoyed Taylor and Van!

~I was given this book and made no commitments to leave my opinions, favorable or otherwise~

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her life has been turned upside down and things will change again soon. She has been in loved with him for a long time and she will soon be in a fake engagement with them. Problems will arrive when her ex turns up and life is about to be become confusing for them all

[Kandiemarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story with likable characters and an enjoyable storyline. I was hooked from the start and couldn't put it down. Highly recommend reading. Definitely want to read more from Cooper.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[agus ᯓ★ · Rating 2 out of 5]

lo lei porque tuve esperanzas de que iba a mejorar PERO NO, el fake dating ni estuvo, la comunicación entre ellos es horrible, la escritura ni hablar. Hasta me emocione mas con la interacción de la amiga y el hermano

[Lilly Guirguis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Gina, for this copy of your debut novel!

I loved it!

Reminded me of A Star is Born meets baseball

[Stephanie Ledin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun brother's best friend to lovers. I really enjoyed the dynamic between the main characters and the support team working to get them together. Great read.

[Laura Usher-Matson · Rating 3 out of 5]

something about the back and forth was a bit meh... but ok