Faking it with my Frenemy

Faking It

by Melissa Schroeder

Dealing with Theo Darling is possibly the worse job I've ever had in my life.

I get it. He's a genius in the kitchen--and out of it from what I hear. The problem is, he knows it. He knows that he is an amazing chef. He knows that while I am the food and beverage manager, his family owns the resort. He has an ego bigger than any man I have ever met, and that includes my four older brothers. We're opposites in every way.

I need order and he lives in chaos. I like to adhere to a strict schedule. Theo...does not. In any way. It's amazing that we haven't killed each other yet.

Except when those annoying brothers I mentioned blow into town with a friend they want me to date and Theo rescues me. Sure, we can pretend to be attached for just a couple days. And sure, pretending to kiss him feels a whole lot like real kisses.

And when he whispers my name against my skin...let's just not go there.

Because, while my brothers will be out of my hair soon enough, I'm not sure I will never forget what it felt like pretending to be Theo's, even for just a few days.

Author Note: This tough as nails military brat heroine is about to have her world turned upside down. There's inappropriate behavior at work, a chef who knows how to use his hands, bickering, and four older brothers who will irritate our heroine to no end. As always, there is a happily ever after for our hero and heroine. I just make them suffer a little to get it ;)

Genres: Enemies To Lovers, Fake Dating, Contemporary Romance

110 pages, Unknown Binding

Published July 22, 2021

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Melissa Schroeder has had almost 90 short stories, novellas, and novels published in the last 15 years.

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Reviews

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Faking it with my Frenemy is a sweet story of enemies to lovers. Food & Drink manager - Allegra and Head Chef - Theo have an explosive working relationship. They both seem to rub each other up the wrong way. Only Theo steps up to become her fake boyfriend when her 4 brothers come for a visit. Plenty of laughs, fun, steam and witty banter. I really liked the back and forth between Allegra and Theo. You couldnt help but want them to get together. It was a good read

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faking It With My Frenemy is cranky Chef Theo Darling’s story. Theo is the king of the Darling resort kitchen with an ego to match and goal to make food and beverage manager Allegra Sullivan squirm. The two of them have been at each other’s throats since Allegra started at the resort. They appear to be be opposites but are really just different and succeed to drive each other nuts! One of Allegra’s brother is in town and wants to set her up. She has moved from CO to VA and her four Former Marine brothers want her back home. This is the last thing she needs with a huge wedding coming up, sensing her discomfort, Theo jumps in and says they are dating. The two of them have been fighting the attraction for months and what starts as a fake relationship quickly spirals. We meet all of Allegra’s brothers, what a crew then throw in the bitchy bride of the week and you get one great book!. As the relationship develops it appears that the real Theo is nothing like the persona he shows. Let the fun begin!

[Gabrielle Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Theo and Allegra’s story is a sexy and sweet read. The two are constantly at odds until the day her brother comes to visit claiming to have brought a man for Allegra. Theo does not think twice about coming to her aid which throws both him and Allegra for a loop. Soon emotions are coming to the forefront and Theo must make a choice between love or letting Allegra slip through his fingers.

I enjoyed seeing Allegra and Theo’s relationship grow as they figured out just where they fit. Along with seeing their relationship take shape we also get to see the interaction of Allegra’s family. It was fun seeing the way she and her brothers acted with each other. Theo and Allegra make a good couple. Allegra is a strong woman who can hold her own and Theo shows a side of himself that he keeps to himself. Their story is a fast paced and engaging read with lots of emotion added to it.

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

[Karen Roma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Faking it with My Frenemy is the third addition to Melissa Schroeder’s fun and humorous instalove collection and a thoroughly entertaining and captivating read. Ms Schroeder has always had a knack for writing stories with an easy ebb and flow and characters that capture your heart and make you laugh at their awkward and frustrating moments too! But when chaos and order collide, there will definitely be fireworks and they won’t all be the hot and sexy kind. So, if you’re looking for something to help you escape the rigors of everyday life plus make you curse and laugh at the antics of this warring couple, then definitely check out this series, as it has it all!

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

[Anima · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the third book in the Darling series we’ve heard about the love/hate relationship between the chef and food and beverage manager for the family resort. Theo has a reputation for being a ladies man without a desire to settle down. Allegra has four older Marine brothers so she’s learned to deal with the BS Theo dishes. Just like oil and vinegar these two don’t mix, except when you stir them up. Their story is a quick read with smart characters and sassy banter. If you enjoy her brothers look for their new series. Each book can read alone but familiar characters and inside jokes are common, plus it makes for a better story when you read them in order. I received my copy early and wrote this review voluntarily.

[JigsawGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun, entertaining, quick read. It was definitely an instalove story between Theo and Allegra. It was kind of sweet they way they realized and accepted, that not only they lusted after one another, but they were in love.

Of course their story ended in an HEA. Another bonus to the book was the introduction of Allegra brothers. They were an interesting bunch.

The BFH and GFH got just what they deserved. The main characters fell in love. The brothers piqued my interest, and I got an epilogue which was just the cherry on top.

I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book received via Booksprout.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new series for me and I have enjoyed reading this book. I felt a connection to the characters and believed in their connection and chemistry; I've really liked seeing them and their relationship develop and grow. I fell for the Sullivan family and I hope to read more featuring them in the future. The story was written well, flowed well and I loved the ending; I just wish the story had been a bit longer as I wanted to see more for Allegra and Theo together.

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

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun ,entertaining insta love with strong characters in Theo and Allegra. The author does a fantastic job developing their relationship and painting her scenes perfectly. They have a love/hate relationship and are on each other constantly. It's a page turning rom com,is well written and is a great read. Loved and highly recommend.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Darcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Schroeder has written another fun romance with Faking It With My Frenemy. Allegra and Theo have a love/hate relationship as they both want control in the restaurant. When Allegra's over protective brothers try to fix her up, Theo steps up to help her out and their personal relationship becomes more. The characters, especially the Sullivan brothers, provide plenty of laugh out loud moments in this quick frenemy to instalove story. Perfect book for a summer beach read.

[Ann Bloomfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theo is the head chef at the family's hotel resort and Allegra is the food and beverage manager. These two have been at loggerheads for the past six months until Allegra's brother turns up and mentions a friend he'd like her to go out with. Theo sees red at that suggestion and says they are dating and Allegra doesn't contradict him. The next day her rest of her brothers turn up to try their usual over protective intimidation tactics. Over the weekend though Theo and Allegra realise that the fake relationship is turning very very real and the last few months have been leading up to this realisation.

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

[Phuong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faking It with my Frenemy was such a fun, sexy insta-love story that I could not get enough of. Author Melissa Schroeder is amazing with how she can develop characters and a great story in such a short period of time. I loved Theo and Allegra together and their love/hate relationship just masked their true feelings for one another. This story had me chuckling and smiling the whole time especially with the arrival of her brothers who kept showing up at the most impromptu of times. I loved Allegra’s sassiness and how she could dish out as good as she got. What a great way to end this series!

[Reanna Hanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theo and Allegra are amazing! The chemistry from the beginning was off the charts. Definitely a love hate relationship. I enjoyed the fireworks whenever they were together. A short read that I couldn’t put down!

So I know this can is a stand alone but I loved meeting them in the other Faking out books. I would definitely recommend them.

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

[Zsa Zsa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Theo Darling skilled chef, walking sex appeal, with his less than darling behaviour has Allegra at her wits end. Allegra smart, self assured, beautiful, infuriating, technically Theo's boss and not afraid to keep him in line. An unexpected impulse changes the way these two strong personalities interact. I enjoyed the fast paced story, cheering and laughing as Allegra and Theo found their way to happily ever after.

[Laura Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another short instalove book from the amazing Melissa Schroeder. This series is perfect for whisking you away to a HEA, minimum drama and angst and just good old fashioned love. Theo and Allegra are moving into my favourite couple category and even better they have introduced us to the Sullivan brothers! Love their nicknames that their mum gave to them. Great series!

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

[Shannon Cameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a riot! It’s filled with not just great MC’s but also a bunch of crazy brothers. It’s so laugh-out-loud funny. It’s also the perfect introduction to the series following those crazy brothers. I’m looking forward to reading those too.

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

[Magali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good simple romantic comedy
It's a good romance, well written, short, a little hot and simple, with a few touches of humor related to the relationship of Theo and Alegra (I hate you but I don't want you to leave), and the brothers of Alegra who are all finesse like "a little intrusive cavemen"
It's a good short romantic comedy
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

What better way to express your feeling than arguing like first graders. Theo, head Chef, all around A** worse than Gordon Ramsey, hates that he is being bossed around by a militant woman. But what he doesn't realize is that his feeling are much deeper than his lack of control. Being a military BRAT, you gest of five and only girl, Allegra can handle the moody Chef, but can she handle her growing attraction to him. This is an awesome read, I laughed out loud and melted when they finally figured things out. So can't wait to see how the not so subtle brother find their matches.

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

[D.K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is part of an instalove series featuring Allegra and Theo. Allegra is a food and beverage manager at a resort owned by the Darling family. Theo Darling is the head chef. Both are attracted to each other and it causes friction at the job. When Allegra's brother shows up trying to fix her with an friend. Theo steps in as her fake boyfriend. What starts out as fake becomes real. This was a fast and enjoyable read. This book introduces the Sullivan brother's who will be featured in another upcoming series. I cannot wait for the next installment.

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

[Joann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow hunks galore! I love how Allegra is so strong, not going to take it from anyone and Theo always in denial yet does some strange things for him. Great fake to read!!

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

[Debra Soehner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theo is a Michelin star chef at his family’s resort and Allegra is the Food and Beverage Manager. They are always at odds which is mostly due to a mutual attraction, when Theo finds out her brothers are setting her up with another guy, he says they are dating to prevent the date. Things happen fast along with the bride terror and other numerous antics. Loved this series and author. Could be read independently but great as a collection.

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

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Theo and Allegra are very well developed characters that have amazing chemistry. This is a short, insta-love romance with a love-hate dynamic. The pace is fast and enjoyable.

[Coco.V]

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[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. Loved Allegra and her in charge attitude. Theo wanted to save her from a setup from her brother so a fake relationship was born. Fake to real is one of my favorite tropes. Loved watching this one play out. Also, the BFH was a great new acronym!

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

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theo and Allegra bookend a fun and flirty series. Schroeder has turned short, sweet and tempting into an addictive obsession. Am more than a little sad to say goodbye to the installer series. Faking it with my Frenemy brings a deliciously naughty end to three unforgettable love stories.

[Dar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved this story! Something about a reformed manwh*re who doesn’t even realize he’s fallen for his arch enemy, until one day *boing* it all becomes clear! These two had chemistry, they had fire, they had a familiarity in interacting, though, that was all fire in one way or another 😉 p.s. don’t read on an empty stomach, the food mentioned will tempt you too much!

[Rachel Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my Instaloving heart! “So great”, is an understatement for sure!! Theo & Allegra will rock your socks off! This novella is definitely a sit down and read it all at one time, just because you don’t want to put it down. Loved it!

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

[T.I. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really loved this book. Had some romance with some spunkiness and good laughs. Theo and Allegra have a really good story here. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an adorable romantic comedy.. I liked it a lot! It is cute and a bit steamy, with sass and smiles..

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

[Ritu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theo and Allegra are like oil and water, but work well together while dealing with Bridezilla. Theo also comes through for Allegra on a personal level. Really good short story!

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

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

She makes him irrationally angry and wanting to spank her

Faking it with my Frenemy is the third book in the Faking It series. These books are tied together by characters and story details which cross over, but they can be read as standalone books also. This story is about Allegra Sullivan and Theodore "Theo" Darling. Allegra is the youngest of five Marine BRAT's, with the other four all being boys and Marines. She had just turned twenty-five and six months ago was hired as the Food and Beverage Manager at one of the Darling family resorts. She is good at her job, knowing how to stand her ground, be firm but fair and handle BFH's (Bride from He!!). The other thing she has to contend with is a very temperamental chef, Theo Darling. Theo is a brilliant head chef at one of the family resorts. Theo has always loved to cook since he was young, so becoming a chef was always to be. Theo is also the family playboy and he is in the gossip pages all the time pictured with a different model or woman for the night. He is temperamental, annoying, pig headed, determined and did I mention drop dead handsome with the addition of being Allegra's nemesis. These two have had an explosive relationship ever since Allegra was hired. She is technically Theo's boss but he does not like to be told what to do, and she has had him doing some things he dislikes. But this weekend is going to be like no other for Allegra and Theo, along with the resort and all the staff. For Rachel Burton has finally found herself a rich man to marry and she weaseled her way into having it at the resort. Rachel is the ultimate BFH who sets off a chain reaction between Allegra and Theo which was a long time coming.....and ends up white hot sexy and passionate. But can they turn all that animosity into something between them? Or was it always love from the beginning and they did not know how to deal with that feeling?

This is a fun filled wild ride of a story. There is a lot happening but it all comes together into a sweet and romantic HEA. The book is well written with a story-line that is quirky, witty and funny. Theo and Allegra are both great characters, even if you want to smuck Theo a few times, and all the supporting characters are perfect. I really enjoyed this last book about the Darling siblings.