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The Boston Tomcats #3
Duke: Faking the Play
#4 Callum Duquette. Placekicker for the Boston Tomcats. Former underwear model. NICKNAME: Duke.
I thought the most annoying thing about being a single dad was that my friends were always trying to find me a date. Until a sassy British ray of sunshine bumps into me at a bookstore. One accidental butt grab, a viral photo, and a lot of misunderstandings later, I find myself in a fake relationship with a movie star.
Now I’ve got my friends off my back, but the cheeky Brit has complicated my life even more.
She calls me the Duke of Grumpville.
I call her movies the end of civilization as we know it.
She calls my job “the wrong kind of football.”
I call her the one thing on Earth that can make me lose focus and control.
It’s getting harder to pretend I still want this to end after my team’s game in London.
I thought we were only faking it.
But getting to know the real Millie Darden changed everything.
I thought the most annoying thing about being a single dad was that my friends were always trying to find me a date. Until a sassy British ray of sunshine bumps into me at a bookstore. One accidental butt grab, a viral photo, and a lot of misunderstandings later, I find myself in a fake relationship with a movie star.
Now I’ve got my friends off my back, but the cheeky Brit has complicated my life even more.
She calls me the Duke of Grumpville.
I call her movies the end of civilization as we know it.
She calls my job “the wrong kind of football.”
I call her the one thing on Earth that can make me lose focus and control.
It’s getting harder to pretend I still want this to end after my team’s game in London.
I thought we were only faking it.
But getting to know the real Millie Darden changed everything.
338 pages, ebook
First published March 30, 2023
254 people are currently reading
685 people want to read
About the author
Kayley Loring
44 books1,692 followersAmazon Top 25 and USA Today bestselling author Kayley Loring spent many years as a screenwriter (under a different name) in Los Angeles before moving to the Pacific Northwest to live out her childhood dream of being a Disney heroine who talks and sings to woodland creatures. When not trying to keep animals alive, she’s writing steamy romantic comedy novels, obviously. She’s breathing cleaner air, writing dirtier words, and staring at her computer screen until her eyeballs dry out instead of prancing around Southern California in miniskirts and going to the hair salon. Still waiting for the woodland creatures to clean her house, though.
Read or listen to Kayley’s books when you want humor, heat, and heart. You’ll enjoy top-notch banter, strong heroines, lovable characters you’d want to know in real life and you’ll swoon over perfectly imperfect book boyfriends. All Kayley Loring books are steamy open door romance. Be sure to check out her next-level audiobooks!
Learn more at www.kayleyloring.com
Come join Kayley in her Facebook reader group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/kayle...
Follow Kayley on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayleyloring/
Listen to Kayley talk to the wildly talented narrators who narrate her audiobooks on the Multiple Eargasms with Kayley Loring podcast!
Read or listen to Kayley’s books when you want humor, heat, and heart. You’ll enjoy top-notch banter, strong heroines, lovable characters you’d want to know in real life and you’ll swoon over perfectly imperfect book boyfriends. All Kayley Loring books are steamy open door romance. Be sure to check out her next-level audiobooks!
Learn more at www.kayleyloring.com
Come join Kayley in her Facebook reader group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/kayle...
Follow Kayley on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayleyloring/
Listen to Kayley talk to the wildly talented narrators who narrate her audiobooks on the Multiple Eargasms with Kayley Loring podcast!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
March 22, 2023
"If you meet the crazy that fate throws at you halfway, then maybe, just maybe, you can win it all."
I'm probably the weirdest rom-com reader you'll ever find. I mostly lack a sense of humor (or so people tell me!) I'm not looking for puns or easy laughs.
For me, it's not about the jokes and giggles. Sometimes it's not even about what's written on the page.
With Kayley, and now in this partnership with Connor, it's the emotion of what is NOT said that gets to me.
Duke is the rom-com-y kick in the feels that I saw coming but still wasn't expecting.
"The most beautiful woman I had ever laid eyes on, the most alive, the most infuriating, the sexiest, and the most fun—broke my control like only she could."
Millie is my spirit animal. I mean, she's watched Gone With The Wind so many times she's memorized the words, and so have I. OK, she's an actress, so she's more experienced at it, but still… She also doesn’t take any bullshit, and she doesn’t need a man to make her feel alive. But she is looking for someone who truly wants her.
"Duke sighed again. He was a man of a million sighs. One frown and so many different kinds of sighs."
Duke is the grumpy single dad. He reads books. He keeps to himself. He has his daughter, and that's more than enough. There's nothing he wouldn't do for her. But what about him? After being on his own for so long, who's in his corner?
"All that was before Millie Darden fell and butt-grabbed her way into my life."
They meet at a bookstore. Millie, the British movie star, is trying to hide her famous persona from a paparazzo, and Duke is just… there. They're both famous in their own way. Some attraction and a few autographs later, she loses her balance… and steadies herself by grabbing his butt.
I mean, that's pretty much up there with the best meet-cutes.
"I didn’t usually want to lick people that I hadn’t been introduced to yet, but I would have very much liked to stand on my tiptoes and lick his handsome, stubbly, frowny face all over."
They give each other a hard time. He plays the wrong kind of football, she starred in an adaptation of his favorite books, and he hated the movies (I mean, we've all been there!)
There's banter and annoyance. There's British-isms. And there's attraction, and a lot of it.
"There was an electricity in our gaze that I couldn’t explain. I looked in that instant like I wanted her, and the rest of the world might as well not have existed."
When an ass-grabbing, close-proximity photo of them goes viral, they have two choices: roll with it, or come clean about how seemingly innocent it all had been. So they play along: the kicker falling in love with the actress. It's the stuff of romantic dreams for their fans.
"You were way less annoying than I thought you'd be.”
“You were exactly as grumpy but way more interesting than I thought you’d be.”
They had it all settled. There was a plan. It was supposed to be easy. No one was supposed to catch feelings, and no one was certainly supposed to have mind-blowing sex.
Right? Oh wait.
Bugger.
"I didn’t know what to do with all these feelings.” “Give them to me, Duke.” I cupped his face and kissed him so hard. “Give everything to me.”
It's hard to come to terms with their feelings, but when fake turns to as real as it gets, when they're both too deep, there's real life knocking on their door, and their two very different realities colliding.
"I want to go through everything with you."
I suppose we all need to learn what's important. Maybe it's the role of a lifetime, being taken seriously as an actor, or that feeling of control you crave that leads to the perfect kick that wins you the game.
Or maybe none of that matters without the right person to come home to.
Peas and carrots. Just peas and carrots.
"I knew I’d always remember how much we loved each other, even if there comes a time when we forget to say or show it."
This line killed me. I have tears in my eyes just reading it now. Because this is it, right? This is the endgame. The Oscar. The Super Bowl ring.
It's the person who will be there when it all fades away, welcoming you home.
Thank you, Kayley and Connor, for giving me all these feels. I hate you both. So much.
I'm probably the weirdest rom-com reader you'll ever find. I mostly lack a sense of humor (or so people tell me!) I'm not looking for puns or easy laughs.
For me, it's not about the jokes and giggles. Sometimes it's not even about what's written on the page.
With Kayley, and now in this partnership with Connor, it's the emotion of what is NOT said that gets to me.
Duke is the rom-com-y kick in the feels that I saw coming but still wasn't expecting.
"The most beautiful woman I had ever laid eyes on, the most alive, the most infuriating, the sexiest, and the most fun—broke my control like only she could."
Millie is my spirit animal. I mean, she's watched Gone With The Wind so many times she's memorized the words, and so have I. OK, she's an actress, so she's more experienced at it, but still… She also doesn’t take any bullshit, and she doesn’t need a man to make her feel alive. But she is looking for someone who truly wants her.
"Duke sighed again. He was a man of a million sighs. One frown and so many different kinds of sighs."
Duke is the grumpy single dad. He reads books. He keeps to himself. He has his daughter, and that's more than enough. There's nothing he wouldn't do for her. But what about him? After being on his own for so long, who's in his corner?
"All that was before Millie Darden fell and butt-grabbed her way into my life."
They meet at a bookstore. Millie, the British movie star, is trying to hide her famous persona from a paparazzo, and Duke is just… there. They're both famous in their own way. Some attraction and a few autographs later, she loses her balance… and steadies herself by grabbing his butt.
I mean, that's pretty much up there with the best meet-cutes.
"I didn’t usually want to lick people that I hadn’t been introduced to yet, but I would have very much liked to stand on my tiptoes and lick his handsome, stubbly, frowny face all over."
They give each other a hard time. He plays the wrong kind of football, she starred in an adaptation of his favorite books, and he hated the movies (I mean, we've all been there!)
There's banter and annoyance. There's British-isms. And there's attraction, and a lot of it.
"There was an electricity in our gaze that I couldn’t explain. I looked in that instant like I wanted her, and the rest of the world might as well not have existed."
When an ass-grabbing, close-proximity photo of them goes viral, they have two choices: roll with it, or come clean about how seemingly innocent it all had been. So they play along: the kicker falling in love with the actress. It's the stuff of romantic dreams for their fans.
"You were way less annoying than I thought you'd be.”
“You were exactly as grumpy but way more interesting than I thought you’d be.”
They had it all settled. There was a plan. It was supposed to be easy. No one was supposed to catch feelings, and no one was certainly supposed to have mind-blowing sex.
Right? Oh wait.
Bugger.
"I didn’t know what to do with all these feelings.” “Give them to me, Duke.” I cupped his face and kissed him so hard. “Give everything to me.”
It's hard to come to terms with their feelings, but when fake turns to as real as it gets, when they're both too deep, there's real life knocking on their door, and their two very different realities colliding.
"I want to go through everything with you."
I suppose we all need to learn what's important. Maybe it's the role of a lifetime, being taken seriously as an actor, or that feeling of control you crave that leads to the perfect kick that wins you the game.
Or maybe none of that matters without the right person to come home to.
Peas and carrots. Just peas and carrots.
"I knew I’d always remember how much we loved each other, even if there comes a time when we forget to say or show it."
This line killed me. I have tears in my eyes just reading it now. Because this is it, right? This is the endgame. The Oscar. The Super Bowl ring.
It's the person who will be there when it all fades away, welcoming you home.
Thank you, Kayley and Connor, for giving me all these feels. I hate you both. So much.
April 2, 2023
Now Available!!
Hands down, Chloe wins! Duke: Faking the Play by Kayley Loring and Connor Crais was a single dad, fake dating football romance that had my heart dancing from start to finish! This is book 3 in Kayley and Connor’s Boston Tomcats series, and I absolutely devoured it in one sitting. I couldn’t get enough! Who knew one “Notting Hillish butt-grabbing bookstore meet-cute” would forever change the lives of NFL placekicker, Callum “Duke” Duquette, and movie starlet, Millie Darden?! I loved Millie’s confidence, quick wit, and sass as she made the best of a “fake” dating situation, and finally fell head over heels in love with Duke, and his adorable daughter, Chloe. Duke’s broody and grumpy exterior was slowly peeled back as he discovered his true feelings for Millie. (Swoon!) His love and dedication to his daughter showed he was just one big gooey cinnamon roll on the inside. Plus, Duke and Millie’s magnetic chemistry was anything but fake, and absolutely burned up the pages!
Overall, I LOVED this book! If you are a fan of a single dad football romance with a hot hunky placekicker, a bold brazen British movie star, meet-cutes in a Boston bookstore, paparazzi pics, enticing underwear commercials, fake wedding dates, Quizzlemore movie marathons, confidence-boosted eleven-year-old daughter, interviews on Millieville, The Boston Chronicle, an NFL game in London, hilarious group text exchanges, all the steamy times, “usies”, and a HEA that will kick a winning field goal in your heart, then you will love Duke and Millie’s story. I always look forward to more from Kayley Loring and Connor Crais.
**Audio Review **
Reading Duke: Faking the Play was a definite joy but listening to this audiobook performed in duet narration with Connor Crais and Desiree Ketchum with Mackenzie Cartwright and Evan Parker was simply pure audio bliss! Connor portrayed Duke just as I imagined him with the perfect amount of grump, charm, and swoon! Plus, all the various side characters he performed had me smiling the entire time. Desiree's melodic British accent was music to my ears, and made me love Millie's passionate and spitfire persona even more! (Yes, lady!) Mackenzie and Evan added to the whole audio experience by voicing all the supporting characters I have come to love and adore throughout this entire Tomcats series. Congrats on another amazing audiobook!
Hands down, Chloe wins! Duke: Faking the Play by Kayley Loring and Connor Crais was a single dad, fake dating football romance that had my heart dancing from start to finish! This is book 3 in Kayley and Connor’s Boston Tomcats series, and I absolutely devoured it in one sitting. I couldn’t get enough! Who knew one “Notting Hillish butt-grabbing bookstore meet-cute” would forever change the lives of NFL placekicker, Callum “Duke” Duquette, and movie starlet, Millie Darden?! I loved Millie’s confidence, quick wit, and sass as she made the best of a “fake” dating situation, and finally fell head over heels in love with Duke, and his adorable daughter, Chloe. Duke’s broody and grumpy exterior was slowly peeled back as he discovered his true feelings for Millie. (Swoon!) His love and dedication to his daughter showed he was just one big gooey cinnamon roll on the inside. Plus, Duke and Millie’s magnetic chemistry was anything but fake, and absolutely burned up the pages!
Overall, I LOVED this book! If you are a fan of a single dad football romance with a hot hunky placekicker, a bold brazen British movie star, meet-cutes in a Boston bookstore, paparazzi pics, enticing underwear commercials, fake wedding dates, Quizzlemore movie marathons, confidence-boosted eleven-year-old daughter, interviews on Millieville, The Boston Chronicle, an NFL game in London, hilarious group text exchanges, all the steamy times, “usies”, and a HEA that will kick a winning field goal in your heart, then you will love Duke and Millie’s story. I always look forward to more from Kayley Loring and Connor Crais.
**Audio Review **
Reading Duke: Faking the Play was a definite joy but listening to this audiobook performed in duet narration with Connor Crais and Desiree Ketchum with Mackenzie Cartwright and Evan Parker was simply pure audio bliss! Connor portrayed Duke just as I imagined him with the perfect amount of grump, charm, and swoon! Plus, all the various side characters he performed had me smiling the entire time. Desiree's melodic British accent was music to my ears, and made me love Millie's passionate and spitfire persona even more! (Yes, lady!) Mackenzie and Evan added to the whole audio experience by voicing all the supporting characters I have come to love and adore throughout this entire Tomcats series. Congrats on another amazing audiobook!
March 18, 2023
Duke: Faking the Play is book 3 of the Tomcats series, written by Kayley Loring and Connor Crais. It is a standalone rom-com told in 1st person from both POV with a HEA.
Tropes:
✔️ sports
✔️ fake dating
✔️ single father
✔️ grumpy/sunshine
✔️ if you liked Notting Hill, you’ll love this book
NFL placekicker Callum “Duke” Duquette and movie star Millie Darden wanted to disappear into some books. They wanted to avoid the limelight. The chances of them ducking into the same small bookstore and running into each other were slim.
They did meet, she did fall into him his arms, and after that picture went viral it was obvious they had to fake it, at least after his teammate’s wedding and her brother’s wedding. That way, they wouldn’t be harassed by their friends and family wanting to meddle in their love life.
But then Sir Kicky McFrownypants and Millie get to know each other and fall in love. Can they get past obstacles standing it their way?
OMG this book! Chloe wins!! I knew I was going to love it and Kayley and Connor did not disappoint. It scored big in the right kind of feel good way that made me want to read it again and continue reading the rest of these authors books.
This dynamic writing duo have an extraordinary ability to draw you into a story you can’t help but devour with wonderful characters, full of laughs, delicious tension, swoon and heart.
Millie’s confidence and sunny disposition is such that you can’t help but love her. It’s the perfect counterpoint to Duke’s broody façade that hides the sweet interior that loves his daughter and would do anything for her.
I also laughed so hard with Millie’s family and Duke’s teammates group texts and loved the movie marathons, fries up their noses “usie,” fake wedding dates that didn’t feel fake, sizzling chemistry and the swoon worthy ending that had me wanting more.
★ I received an ARC of this title from the author. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title.
★See all my book edits on Instagram
Tropes:
✔️ sports
✔️ fake dating
✔️ single father
✔️ grumpy/sunshine
✔️ if you liked Notting Hill, you’ll love this book
NFL placekicker Callum “Duke” Duquette and movie star Millie Darden wanted to disappear into some books. They wanted to avoid the limelight. The chances of them ducking into the same small bookstore and running into each other were slim.
They did meet, she did fall into him his arms, and after that picture went viral it was obvious they had to fake it, at least after his teammate’s wedding and her brother’s wedding. That way, they wouldn’t be harassed by their friends and family wanting to meddle in their love life.
But then Sir Kicky McFrownypants and Millie get to know each other and fall in love. Can they get past obstacles standing it their way?
OMG this book! Chloe wins!! I knew I was going to love it and Kayley and Connor did not disappoint. It scored big in the right kind of feel good way that made me want to read it again and continue reading the rest of these authors books.
This dynamic writing duo have an extraordinary ability to draw you into a story you can’t help but devour with wonderful characters, full of laughs, delicious tension, swoon and heart.
Millie’s confidence and sunny disposition is such that you can’t help but love her. It’s the perfect counterpoint to Duke’s broody façade that hides the sweet interior that loves his daughter and would do anything for her.
I also laughed so hard with Millie’s family and Duke’s teammates group texts and loved the movie marathons, fries up their noses “usie,” fake wedding dates that didn’t feel fake, sizzling chemistry and the swoon worthy ending that had me wanting more.
★ I received an ARC of this title from the author. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title.
★See all my book edits on Instagram
April 1, 2023
AVAILABLE NOW!!!
Duke Faking the Play was delicious!
Duke and Millie’s story was so fun and sweet. Millie’s sass is matched only by Dukes Grumpypants. I adore a hot Dad, who is dedicated to his kid. Millie is so goofy and genuine and I love how unapologetic she is about her goofiness! Not enough adult people put French fries in their nose for a laugh if you ask me! This book has some seriously unexpected heat and a heartwarming ending that made me so hungry.
Kayley and Connor made me laugh and cry, AGAIN!
Duke Faking the Play was delicious!
Duke and Millie’s story was so fun and sweet. Millie’s sass is matched only by Dukes Grumpypants. I adore a hot Dad, who is dedicated to his kid. Millie is so goofy and genuine and I love how unapologetic she is about her goofiness! Not enough adult people put French fries in their nose for a laugh if you ask me! This book has some seriously unexpected heat and a heartwarming ending that made me so hungry.
Kayley and Connor made me laugh and cry, AGAIN!
March 30, 2023
NOW AVAILABLE!!
Phrases like “peas and carrots” and “Chloe wins” might not mean a thing to you. But they will give you ALL THE FEELS and be EVERYTHING once you’ve read this book.
This swoon worthy, sassy British heroine, grumpy single dad romantic comedy book.
Oh, and let’s not forget steamy!
Or embarrassing families and team mates.
Text exchanges for the win!
Wet Duke for an even bigger win.
Just pick up this book, you won’t regret it.
Phrases like “peas and carrots” and “Chloe wins” might not mean a thing to you. But they will give you ALL THE FEELS and be EVERYTHING once you’ve read this book.
This swoon worthy, sassy British heroine, grumpy single dad romantic comedy book.
Oh, and let’s not forget steamy!
Or embarrassing families and team mates.
Text exchanges for the win!
Wet Duke for an even bigger win.
Just pick up this book, you won’t regret it.
April 1, 2023
AVAILABLE NOW IN ALL FORMATS
Callum 'Duke' Duquette likes things a certain way - his way. And things haven't been going his way lately. His 11-year-ol daughter suddenly thinks he lives to embarrass her and his lovesick teammates (and his boss!) keep trying their horribly incompetent matchmaking skills on him. He's the best placekicker in the NFL, dammit, and (according to Mo's wife no less) the most attractive player. So why don't people just leave him alone? Oh, but the Universe is out to get him! In the most NoraEphron/NottingHill fresh hell kinda way, he's thrown in the middle of a rom com fake dating nightmare. Why do you ask? He's accidentally "but grabbed" (and obviously paparazzied in the process) by none other than British movie star Millie Darden in a bookstore and now he's suddenly cool again to his kid and his teammates are off his back. Huh?!... Maybe this can work to his advantage...
Millie's in Boston for a movie shoot and accidentally bumping into this guy and suddenly being tossed into the spotlight as his "date" was the meet-cute she definitely was not expecting. 1) He plays the "wrong kind of football" 2) He's Dookie Frownser 3) He hates her movies! The nerve! 4)Why is he so handsome, dammit? But her publicist thinks this is the best thing that could happen to her image, so why not give this a try? Plus he had her at how sweet he is to his daughter.
Fake dates, a planned break-up... perfect. Until the actress is no longer acting and the athlete with the nerves of steel is shaking with, oh man, feelings.
There is a special kind of magic that happens for a rom com to work for me. The fine line between having me eyerolling and me grinning like a fool in a puddle of swoon is very thin and they tend to stay on the eyerolling side of things. So what is this sorcery that Kayley/Connor use on me? The superb writing. The right amount of shenanigans to make it funny, the perfect dose of steam to make it hot and the absolutely masterful way to make me SWOON.
Did I laugh? I freaking cackled. But what ALWAYS gets me is their ability to hit me in the feels.
This book was especially my favorite of the Tomcats: single dad catnip, sassy British heroine, a lovable kid, the text convos, the internal monologues... Perfection.
I want Millie to be my best friend and Duke is mine. And thanks, Connor, for, in a roundabout way, admitting which one is the "real football". It had to be said.
(No acronyms were used in this review and I'm proud of my restraint!)
Callum 'Duke' Duquette likes things a certain way - his way. And things haven't been going his way lately. His 11-year-ol daughter suddenly thinks he lives to embarrass her and his lovesick teammates (and his boss!) keep trying their horribly incompetent matchmaking skills on him. He's the best placekicker in the NFL, dammit, and (according to Mo's wife no less) the most attractive player. So why don't people just leave him alone? Oh, but the Universe is out to get him! In the most NoraEphron/NottingHill fresh hell kinda way, he's thrown in the middle of a rom com fake dating nightmare. Why do you ask? He's accidentally "but grabbed" (and obviously paparazzied in the process) by none other than British movie star Millie Darden in a bookstore and now he's suddenly cool again to his kid and his teammates are off his back. Huh?!... Maybe this can work to his advantage...
Millie's in Boston for a movie shoot and accidentally bumping into this guy and suddenly being tossed into the spotlight as his "date" was the meet-cute she definitely was not expecting. 1) He plays the "wrong kind of football" 2) He's Dookie Frownser 3) He hates her movies! The nerve! 4)Why is he so handsome, dammit? But her publicist thinks this is the best thing that could happen to her image, so why not give this a try? Plus he had her at how sweet he is to his daughter.
Fake dates, a planned break-up... perfect. Until the actress is no longer acting and the athlete with the nerves of steel is shaking with, oh man, feelings.
There is a special kind of magic that happens for a rom com to work for me. The fine line between having me eyerolling and me grinning like a fool in a puddle of swoon is very thin and they tend to stay on the eyerolling side of things. So what is this sorcery that Kayley/Connor use on me? The superb writing. The right amount of shenanigans to make it funny, the perfect dose of steam to make it hot and the absolutely masterful way to make me SWOON.
Did I laugh? I freaking cackled. But what ALWAYS gets me is their ability to hit me in the feels.
This book was especially my favorite of the Tomcats: single dad catnip, sassy British heroine, a lovable kid, the text convos, the internal monologues... Perfection.
I want Millie to be my best friend and Duke is mine. And thanks, Connor, for, in a roundabout way, admitting which one is the "real football". It had to be said.
(No acronyms were used in this review and I'm proud of my restraint!)
March 30, 2023
Duke: Faking the Play is the third book in the Boston Tomcats series and can be read as a stand-alone.
Millie is an English actress filming a movie based on a Shakespeare play in Boston. She’s mostly known for being in movies based on books, as a child. Callum Duquette (Duke) is the placekicker for the Boston Tomcats. They don’t really get along, at first. He plays the “wrong” kind of football. He also hates film adaptations of books.
Both have friends and family pushing them to date, so when the paparazzi catch them in a compromising position at a chance encounter in a bookstore, it creates an opportunity. Millie proposes they fake a relationship. Although Duke hates being in the spot light, he also doesn’t want to disappoint his daughter, Chloe, who is a fan of Millie’s, so he decides to go along with it.
Grumpy/sunshine books are my catnip and this one did not disappoint. Millie is the sunshiny one, but she’s sassy, sarcastic, and loves to rile Duke up and it’s so fun. I loved the banter!
Duke is very loyal. He just wants to do right by everyone and not let anyone down. You gotta love a man who puts his family first, but I also love that Chloe held her own.
I love when Kayley and Connor write together. I think they both bring out the best in each other and I love me a sports romance that’s funny, sexy, and swoony. I thought this was a fitting end to the series with how the football aspect was handled. Also, as a Tottenham Hotspur supporter, it was fun to see the stadium mention. I appreciated that little touch.
Thank you to Kayley Loring and Connor Crais. I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
4.5 Stars
Millie is an English actress filming a movie based on a Shakespeare play in Boston. She’s mostly known for being in movies based on books, as a child. Callum Duquette (Duke) is the placekicker for the Boston Tomcats. They don’t really get along, at first. He plays the “wrong” kind of football. He also hates film adaptations of books.
Both have friends and family pushing them to date, so when the paparazzi catch them in a compromising position at a chance encounter in a bookstore, it creates an opportunity. Millie proposes they fake a relationship. Although Duke hates being in the spot light, he also doesn’t want to disappoint his daughter, Chloe, who is a fan of Millie’s, so he decides to go along with it.
Grumpy/sunshine books are my catnip and this one did not disappoint. Millie is the sunshiny one, but she’s sassy, sarcastic, and loves to rile Duke up and it’s so fun. I loved the banter!
Duke is very loyal. He just wants to do right by everyone and not let anyone down. You gotta love a man who puts his family first, but I also love that Chloe held her own.
I love when Kayley and Connor write together. I think they both bring out the best in each other and I love me a sports romance that’s funny, sexy, and swoony. I thought this was a fitting end to the series with how the football aspect was handled. Also, as a Tottenham Hotspur supporter, it was fun to see the stadium mention. I appreciated that little touch.
Thank you to Kayley Loring and Connor Crais. I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
4.5 Stars
March 30, 2023
There were definitely no doinks with Kayley Loring and Connor Crais’ new book!
This was a solid, well-written, entertaining and sexy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ book!
Duke is the ultimate team player, always sacrificing his needs for others, whether it’s team or his daughter. No sacrifice, even the woman he loves, is too much. And, hello, when did grumpy become so hot?
Millie, the down-to-earth hollywood actress, never expected to fall for Mr. Grumpypants. But when she did, she fell hard!
This was a solid, well-written, entertaining and sexy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ book!
Duke is the ultimate team player, always sacrificing his needs for others, whether it’s team or his daughter. No sacrifice, even the woman he loves, is too much. And, hello, when did grumpy become so hot?
Millie, the down-to-earth hollywood actress, never expected to fall for Mr. Grumpypants. But when she did, she fell hard!
March 20, 2023
Kayley Loring is one of my favorite authors. Add Connor Crais and more magic happens. I don’t know how she manages it, but every book is fresh and new. Her characters are lovable and redeemable. Millie made me giggle like crazy with her made up words and ridiculousness. Duke was broody but the capacity for great love was always there. As always, Kayley’s side characters make the book just as wonderful as the main characters do. They never seem out of place and always bring what the story needs to become richer and entertaining. There wasn’t as much football in this book, as there was in the previous ones, but that was actually OK. We got to see more of Millie and Duke together and that made their story more believable. I really enjoyed this book and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to read it. I can’t wait to listen to the audiobook!
I received an arc copy for an honest review, but as always happens with Kayley’s books, I’ve pre-ordered it and can’t wait to purchase the audiobook as well.
I received an arc copy for an honest review, but as always happens with Kayley’s books, I’ve pre-ordered it and can’t wait to purchase the audiobook as well.
April 1, 2023
⭐️ AVAILABLE NOW ⭐️
4.5 STARS
As always, Kayley Loring and Connor Crais have brought all THE LAUGHS!! When you are reading a book by these two, you automatically know that you are going to be laughing the entire time you are reading this book.
Duke is a single dad to his eleven year old daughter Chloe. Him and his ex-wife ended their marriage on good terms and now Duke's sole focuses are his daughter and his NFL career with the Tommy's.
Millie has been an actress since she was a child and is still always seen that way. Lately she has been wanting to venture into different roles where he is taken more seriously.
One day Duke and Millie have an unexpected encounter in a bookstore and the paparazzi captures a photo that catches them in a precarious position. And of course the photo goes viral immediately because both of them are celebrities. They come to an agreement to pretend to date to get both of their families off of their backs and it will help Duke's daughter Chloe gain friendships that she was hurting for before. I mean, what can go wrong?
Over the course of the book, we see and read both characters falling deeper and deeper for each other. Until one night their secret is exposed and everything seems to fall apart. Will they be able to weather the storm?
I really enjoyed both of these characters. Duke is definitely the grumpy to Millie's sunshine. I love how they slowly, but surely, were falling in love with each other and how they finally express their feelings. But UGH, the third act breakup killed me. The character who does the breaking up - ugh you just want to throw your book at them. But in the end, I was glad to see that they got their HEA and Chloe wins (IYKYK).
4.5 STARS
As always, Kayley Loring and Connor Crais have brought all THE LAUGHS!! When you are reading a book by these two, you automatically know that you are going to be laughing the entire time you are reading this book.
Duke is a single dad to his eleven year old daughter Chloe. Him and his ex-wife ended their marriage on good terms and now Duke's sole focuses are his daughter and his NFL career with the Tommy's.
Millie has been an actress since she was a child and is still always seen that way. Lately she has been wanting to venture into different roles where he is taken more seriously.
One day Duke and Millie have an unexpected encounter in a bookstore and the paparazzi captures a photo that catches them in a precarious position. And of course the photo goes viral immediately because both of them are celebrities. They come to an agreement to pretend to date to get both of their families off of their backs and it will help Duke's daughter Chloe gain friendships that she was hurting for before. I mean, what can go wrong?
Over the course of the book, we see and read both characters falling deeper and deeper for each other. Until one night their secret is exposed and everything seems to fall apart. Will they be able to weather the storm?
I really enjoyed both of these characters. Duke is definitely the grumpy to Millie's sunshine. I love how they slowly, but surely, were falling in love with each other and how they finally express their feelings. But UGH, the third act breakup killed me. The character who does the breaking up - ugh you just want to throw your book at them. But in the end, I was glad to see that they got their HEA and Chloe wins (IYKYK).
April 7, 2023
*NOW AVAILABLE!!*
I love a good sports Romance, and with this one I was totally spoiled! Not only was it an amazing sports romance, but it also combined grumpy/sunshine, single dad, AND fake dating- What else could you ask for?! With all the Notting Hill vibes, the best butt-grab meet cute, and tons of steam, this one is definitely my favorite in The Boston Tomcats series!
Callum "Duke" Duquette is the grumpiest of the grumps, a single dad to 11 year old Chloe, and Placekicker for The Boston Tomcats. He's tired of his friends trying to find him a date, so when a
paparazzi steals a picture of a woman grabbing his butt in a bookstore, he sees a way to get his friends off his back, and possibly bring some happiness to his daughter. 11 year old Chloe is obsessed with actress Millie Darden,(Best known as Arabella Peacock-Wizardess) and she just happens to be the woman who lost her balance in the bookstore. What begins as a mutually beneficial fake relationship, soon starts feeling a little more real. Both Duke and Millie start developing feelings, but they made an agreement. There is an expiration date, a fake break-up to plan. When the time comes, will they go through with it? Or will they realize that they may be exactly what the other was missing?
I love all of Kayleys books, and Kayley and Connor together make an amazing team! There is so much I loved about this book, the humor, the steam, the swoony moments, I can't wait for more!
I love a good sports Romance, and with this one I was totally spoiled! Not only was it an amazing sports romance, but it also combined grumpy/sunshine, single dad, AND fake dating- What else could you ask for?! With all the Notting Hill vibes, the best butt-grab meet cute, and tons of steam, this one is definitely my favorite in The Boston Tomcats series!
Callum "Duke" Duquette is the grumpiest of the grumps, a single dad to 11 year old Chloe, and Placekicker for The Boston Tomcats. He's tired of his friends trying to find him a date, so when a
paparazzi steals a picture of a woman grabbing his butt in a bookstore, he sees a way to get his friends off his back, and possibly bring some happiness to his daughter. 11 year old Chloe is obsessed with actress Millie Darden,(Best known as Arabella Peacock-Wizardess) and she just happens to be the woman who lost her balance in the bookstore. What begins as a mutually beneficial fake relationship, soon starts feeling a little more real. Both Duke and Millie start developing feelings, but they made an agreement. There is an expiration date, a fake break-up to plan. When the time comes, will they go through with it? Or will they realize that they may be exactly what the other was missing?
I love all of Kayleys books, and Kayley and Connor together make an amazing team! There is so much I loved about this book, the humor, the steam, the swoony moments, I can't wait for more!
March 13, 2023
Millie and Duke are so hilarious together. At the beginning, most of the humor comes from Millie because Duke brings out her snarky side. But Duke eases up on the grumpiness while he is with Millie, and he is very funny too. They have the most terrific chemistry together. This is also a terrific way to end the series, and I happy cried through the epilogue.
March 14, 2023
Adorable, funny, and wittily written, Duke is a gem of sports romantic comedy.
There is magic sprinkled in between the pages when Kayley and Connor write together and I always look forward to reading whatever they write as their books just get better and better.
Callum "Duke" Duquette is not your ordinary grump. He’s a stoic grump, almost unbreakable for even producing a smirk. It took more than a sunshine, sweetheart heroine to break such a smile on Duke's face, in fact, it took one cheeky Brit who knew just how to work her way under his grumpy skin to break through his stoicness. Millie Darden just so happens to be one of my favorite heroines in this world and a lot of happens to be because of her sarcastic wit and constant need to make Grumpy McGrumplestein tilt his mouth up even the slightest bit.
Millie is fantastically adorable. Her charm is easy to love and she is the perfect offset to the grouchy kicker. Their story is quite believable within the romcom realm, which makes the comedy that much funnier while reading it.
Lastly, think what makes this series extra special, I love the tidbits of sports knowledge that I can share with my spouse and for once he turns off his, "I'm not listening" filter because I'm actually talking about sports. 😂 I guess, what I'm saying is, it's written in a way, that even I can carry on a conversation with a sports fanatic and I don't get tuned out. So thank you for writing a wonderful book.❤️
There is magic sprinkled in between the pages when Kayley and Connor write together and I always look forward to reading whatever they write as their books just get better and better.
Callum "Duke" Duquette is not your ordinary grump. He’s a stoic grump, almost unbreakable for even producing a smirk. It took more than a sunshine, sweetheart heroine to break such a smile on Duke's face, in fact, it took one cheeky Brit who knew just how to work her way under his grumpy skin to break through his stoicness. Millie Darden just so happens to be one of my favorite heroines in this world and a lot of happens to be because of her sarcastic wit and constant need to make Grumpy McGrumplestein tilt his mouth up even the slightest bit.
Millie is fantastically adorable. Her charm is easy to love and she is the perfect offset to the grouchy kicker. Their story is quite believable within the romcom realm, which makes the comedy that much funnier while reading it.
Lastly, think what makes this series extra special, I love the tidbits of sports knowledge that I can share with my spouse and for once he turns off his, "I'm not listening" filter because I'm actually talking about sports. 😂 I guess, what I'm saying is, it's written in a way, that even I can carry on a conversation with a sports fanatic and I don't get tuned out. So thank you for writing a wonderful book.❤️
March 20, 2023
I am so in love with Millie and her love of life and just general awesomeness.
This book gave me the biggest book hangover. I couldn’t even finish my review. I only got that first sentence down and then just had to let it all soak in even more.
I just loved Duke and Millie’s story. I’ll have to come back to do a better review. But right now, still… all I can think is heart eyes, and heart swirls, and happy faces, and kissy faces.
~I was given this book and made no commitments to leave my opinions, favorable or otherwise~
This book gave me the biggest book hangover. I couldn’t even finish my review. I only got that first sentence down and then just had to let it all soak in even more.
I just loved Duke and Millie’s story. I’ll have to come back to do a better review. But right now, still… all I can think is heart eyes, and heart swirls, and happy faces, and kissy faces.
~I was given this book and made no commitments to leave my opinions, favorable or otherwise~
March 19, 2023
There is a lot to LOVE about this book! It is filled with humorous moments as well as some serious times. I struggled to put this down because I was having such a good time whole reading. I highlighted many passages to enjoy and remember for later. I did love the meet-cute as it is unique and I did not think anything would come of it….but I was wrong.
The characters are adorable! Duke (not a real Duke) is a sexy single dad who happens to be the place kicker for the Tomcats. He has a….lets say grumpy attitude. When he meets Millie…he is not impressed with her at all…he doesn't understand why she is a big deal. Millie is a breath of fresh air! The different names she comes up with to call Duke (in her head) and that fries thing…ew gross!
Overall this is highly enjoyable. The writing team of Kayley and Connor come up with different and fun scenarios for the reader to enjoy. I am not going to lie..I read this with Connor’s voice in my head and I can not wait for the audio as I get to appreciate this on the next level.
The characters are adorable! Duke (not a real Duke) is a sexy single dad who happens to be the place kicker for the Tomcats. He has a….lets say grumpy attitude. When he meets Millie…he is not impressed with her at all…he doesn't understand why she is a big deal. Millie is a breath of fresh air! The different names she comes up with to call Duke (in her head) and that fries thing…ew gross!
Overall this is highly enjoyable. The writing team of Kayley and Connor come up with different and fun scenarios for the reader to enjoy. I am not going to lie..I read this with Connor’s voice in my head and I can not wait for the audio as I get to appreciate this on the next level.
March 13, 2023
There is nothing fake about how much I loved Duke and Millie. “Duke: Faking the Play” is a steamy, sweet and literal laugh out loud single dad romance with a dash of grumpy/sunshine that was the winning extra point of all the tropes I love.
Callum “Duke” Duquette has two focuses in his life. Being the placekicker for the Boston Tomcats and always being there for his preteen daughter, Chloe. But when a sunshine British actress, Millie Darden, accidentally grabs onto Duke, the two are thrown into the spotlight together. But they quickly realize that a fake relationship is a way to dim the spotlight but both start developing feelings for each other.
A grumpy single dad is my Tom-Catnip and Duke was everything. He’s caring, smart and broody but with the help of a little British sunshine, we get to see all of the amazing qualities of Duke. From the very first meet, I loved Millie so much. She’s fun, vibrant and so genuine, I was magically under her spell like Duke. I loved their meet-cute and everything that happened after. Their chemistry was coming off the pages. I could feel it as I read and I loved how their relationship developed from a fake relationship and into something more. I could not stop reading this book and finished in just a couple hours. Kayley Loring and Connor Crais have become a rom-com duo that are amazing together and I love that they are working together.
Callum “Duke” Duquette has two focuses in his life. Being the placekicker for the Boston Tomcats and always being there for his preteen daughter, Chloe. But when a sunshine British actress, Millie Darden, accidentally grabs onto Duke, the two are thrown into the spotlight together. But they quickly realize that a fake relationship is a way to dim the spotlight but both start developing feelings for each other.
A grumpy single dad is my Tom-Catnip and Duke was everything. He’s caring, smart and broody but with the help of a little British sunshine, we get to see all of the amazing qualities of Duke. From the very first meet, I loved Millie so much. She’s fun, vibrant and so genuine, I was magically under her spell like Duke. I loved their meet-cute and everything that happened after. Their chemistry was coming off the pages. I could feel it as I read and I loved how their relationship developed from a fake relationship and into something more. I could not stop reading this book and finished in just a couple hours. Kayley Loring and Connor Crais have become a rom-com duo that are amazing together and I love that they are working together.
March 14, 2023
I really enjoyed this book, often you read a story where one person is famous but this was a fun take where they both are but in different ways. A football player and a movie star.
The addition of her being from England made lots of fun wordplay as well. The ode to Notting Hill was a great scene.
I liked that the hero wasn’t the typical QB or WR but the kicker - the kickers don’t get enough love.
Millie and Duke were a great couple but Chloe was the best. I’m glad Chloe Wins
The addition of her being from England made lots of fun wordplay as well. The ode to Notting Hill was a great scene.
I liked that the hero wasn’t the typical QB or WR but the kicker - the kickers don’t get enough love.
Millie and Duke were a great couple but Chloe was the best. I’m glad Chloe Wins
April 2, 2023
Available now!
I always enjoy Kayley Loring books, and that hasn't changed since teaming up with Connor. I loved this addition to the Tomcat series because I dig placekickers. They always seem to get the shaft. But seriously, as with the previous books in the series, I love the dialogue between the characters. It seems so real, as if it's a genuine conversation anyone could be having, with a ton of humor. This story has a little bit more depth to it as it involves a single father and the issues that can raise. I enjoy the character development in Duke and Millie is just enjoyable all the time. I love how her inner monologue has her asking herself why she's needling this guy but she just can't help herself. An excellent, steamy addition to the Tomcat series.
I always enjoy Kayley Loring books, and that hasn't changed since teaming up with Connor. I loved this addition to the Tomcat series because I dig placekickers. They always seem to get the shaft. But seriously, as with the previous books in the series, I love the dialogue between the characters. It seems so real, as if it's a genuine conversation anyone could be having, with a ton of humor. This story has a little bit more depth to it as it involves a single father and the issues that can raise. I enjoy the character development in Duke and Millie is just enjoyable all the time. I love how her inner monologue has her asking herself why she's needling this guy but she just can't help herself. An excellent, steamy addition to the Tomcat series.
April 1, 2023
NOW AVAILABLE! So happy to be back in Boston cheering on the Tomcats. This series continues with the kicker, single dad, Callum “Duke” Duquette. He is gloriously grumpy, and satisfied with the way his life is. It works. Enter Millie Darden, the actress he didn’t see coming. One trip, fall, and paparazzi photo later, their lives have intertwined.
The moment two characters realize they could both benefit from a fake relationship, ah, I live for that moment. These two both have reasons to fake things, so a deal is quickly made. What Duke didn’t know is the levels Millie will go to push his buttons. It is so good.
Both lead characters had a great internal monologue, but Millie cracked me up! Even better when I imagined the British accent. She was silly and a bit off the wall, and so stinking endearing she was easy to fall for. I love a grumpy male lead, but Duke may be on another level. He’s not rude, rather stoic. Every crack in his armor, smile, sweet word, small confession feels like a reward.
These two were grumpy meets sunshine RomCom goodness. It hit exactly the way a Kayley Loring and Connor Crais novel should, and I loved it!
The moment two characters realize they could both benefit from a fake relationship, ah, I live for that moment. These two both have reasons to fake things, so a deal is quickly made. What Duke didn’t know is the levels Millie will go to push his buttons. It is so good.
Both lead characters had a great internal monologue, but Millie cracked me up! Even better when I imagined the British accent. She was silly and a bit off the wall, and so stinking endearing she was easy to fall for. I love a grumpy male lead, but Duke may be on another level. He’s not rude, rather stoic. Every crack in his armor, smile, sweet word, small confession feels like a reward.
These two were grumpy meets sunshine RomCom goodness. It hit exactly the way a Kayley Loring and Connor Crais novel should, and I loved it!
April 1, 2023
***Available Now ***
Cheese and rice (or should it be peas and carrots?), I don't know where to start the review for this amazing book.
I love Duke, I love how much he loves his daughter, how much he loves his Tomcat brothers and how much he loves reading!
BUT I absolutely adore Millie. She is unassuming despite her fame and is thoroughly eccentric in her bid to not take herself too seriously.
There are so many different parts of this book where you'll not just chuckle, you'll guffaw at the antics of these two.
Kayley Loring and Connor Crais prove time and time again that they can deliver the most amazing couples with the funniest dialogue and the most outrageous paths to the HEAs.
There is romcom and then there is DFTP! Absolutely everyone needs to put this right at the top of their tbr list.
Cheese and rice (or should it be peas and carrots?), I don't know where to start the review for this amazing book.
I love Duke, I love how much he loves his daughter, how much he loves his Tomcat brothers and how much he loves reading!
BUT I absolutely adore Millie. She is unassuming despite her fame and is thoroughly eccentric in her bid to not take herself too seriously.
There are so many different parts of this book where you'll not just chuckle, you'll guffaw at the antics of these two.
Kayley Loring and Connor Crais prove time and time again that they can deliver the most amazing couples with the funniest dialogue and the most outrageous paths to the HEAs.
There is romcom and then there is DFTP! Absolutely everyone needs to put this right at the top of their tbr list.
January 18, 2023
So excited 👏✨ can’t wait for the audiobook. Arhhhhh 😝😄😛😘
January 6, 2026
Celebrity Shenanigans + Single Dad Softness
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙💜💚❤️🩷
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏
Character development: 😋😀😛😘
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Duet Narration - Multicast
🎧 Audiobook Review: Duke: Faking the Play (The Boston Tomcats, #3)
Author: Kayley Loring and Connor Crais
Genre: Sports romance
Narrators: Connor Crais, Desireé Ketchum, Mackenzie Cartwright and Evan Parker
🦸🏻♂️ The Hero: Callum “Duke” Duquette
Duke is a single dad to Chloe and the long-suffering kicker for the Boston Tomcats. Lately, he’s been enduring the team group chat’s newest obsession: finding him a date for Dash Taylor’s wedding. The wives and girlfriends have joined the mission, and suddenly everyone has an opinion about Duke’s love life.
On top of that, he’s nursing a quiet heartbreak — Chloe has officially entered the “Dad is uncool” phase and now prefers the company of a puppy at her grandparents’ house. With his weekend unexpectedly free, Duke wanders to his comfort place: Rebel Books, a cozy indie shop specializing in British authors.
🦸🏼♀️ The Heroine: Millie Darden
Millie is a world-famous actress best known for playing Arabella Peacock in the beloved Quizzlemoor Academy films — a role she’s held since childhood. Hoping for one blissful day of anonymity on Newbury Street, she dons a questionable disguise and an even more questionable Southern accent (not ideal when you’re very much British). She just wants a coffee, a stroll, and a few hours where no one recognizes her.
📚 The Plot
Duke spots Millie outside the bookstore and is instantly intrigued — not just by her beauty, but by the way she seems to be hiding from the world just as much as he is. Millie notices him too, and when a photographer appears, she ducks into the bookstore after him, clutching a giant book to shield her face.
A pair of young fans quickly recognize her, and Duke realizes why she seemed familiar: Chloe has had Arabella Peacock posters on her wall for years. He watches Millie charm the girls with genuine warmth… until one mentions a movie scene that strayed from the books, prompting Duke to mutter about Hollywood ruining “the good magic.”
Then the paparazzo bursts in. Millie thinks he’s after her; Duke thinks he’s after him. In the scramble to hide, Millie trips and grabs Duke’s backside at the exact moment the photographer snaps a picture — and suddenly, they’re the internet’s newest “caught in the act” couple.
🌟 Strengths
• Kayley Loring and Connor Crais continue to be an unbeatable duo. Their writing is sharp, funny, and emotionally grounded, and their collaborative rhythm shines in this series. Add in Connor’s narration — already one of my favorites — and it’s an instant-buy situation.
• The fake-dating setup is executed with charm. It gives Duke and Millie the perfect excuse to peel back their public personas and discover the real connection simmering underneath.
💔 Limitations
• Millie’s early characterization didn’t land for me. She comes across more posh and rigid than the “sunshine and rainbows” as promised in the blurb, making it harder to warm up to her until later in the story.
• The emoji gag overstays its welcome. I usually love text-message banter, but the running joke about using emojis like a tween felt forced and repetitive.
🎙️ Narration
The duet-style, full-cast performance is a standout.
• Connor Crais delivers with that deep, magnetic voice that could make a grocery list sound seductive.
• Desireé Ketchum brings a pleasant tone and a serviceable British accent.
• Mackenzie Cartwright and Evan Parker round out the cast with strong supporting performances.
The production is polished, immersive, and elevates the story — exactly what you want from a romance audiobook.
💬 Final Assessment
This audiobook delivers a fun, chemistry-filled romance with standout narration and a premise that plays beautifully into the fake-dating trope. While Millie’s early stiffness and the overused emoji humor kept it from being a perfect hit, the charm of Duke, the warmth of the supporting cast, and the stellar audio production make it a thoroughly enjoyable listen. Fans of celebrity-meets-normal-guy romances — especially those who love a grumpy/sunshine dynamic with a twist — will find plenty to love here.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙💜💚❤️🩷
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏
Character development: 😋😀😛😘
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Duet Narration - Multicast
🎧 Audiobook Review: Duke: Faking the Play (The Boston Tomcats, #3)
Author: Kayley Loring and Connor Crais
Genre: Sports romance
Narrators: Connor Crais, Desireé Ketchum, Mackenzie Cartwright and Evan Parker
🦸🏻♂️ The Hero: Callum “Duke” Duquette
Duke is a single dad to Chloe and the long-suffering kicker for the Boston Tomcats. Lately, he’s been enduring the team group chat’s newest obsession: finding him a date for Dash Taylor’s wedding. The wives and girlfriends have joined the mission, and suddenly everyone has an opinion about Duke’s love life.
On top of that, he’s nursing a quiet heartbreak — Chloe has officially entered the “Dad is uncool” phase and now prefers the company of a puppy at her grandparents’ house. With his weekend unexpectedly free, Duke wanders to his comfort place: Rebel Books, a cozy indie shop specializing in British authors.
🦸🏼♀️ The Heroine: Millie Darden
Millie is a world-famous actress best known for playing Arabella Peacock in the beloved Quizzlemoor Academy films — a role she’s held since childhood. Hoping for one blissful day of anonymity on Newbury Street, she dons a questionable disguise and an even more questionable Southern accent (not ideal when you’re very much British). She just wants a coffee, a stroll, and a few hours where no one recognizes her.
📚 The Plot
Duke spots Millie outside the bookstore and is instantly intrigued — not just by her beauty, but by the way she seems to be hiding from the world just as much as he is. Millie notices him too, and when a photographer appears, she ducks into the bookstore after him, clutching a giant book to shield her face.
A pair of young fans quickly recognize her, and Duke realizes why she seemed familiar: Chloe has had Arabella Peacock posters on her wall for years. He watches Millie charm the girls with genuine warmth… until one mentions a movie scene that strayed from the books, prompting Duke to mutter about Hollywood ruining “the good magic.”
Then the paparazzo bursts in. Millie thinks he’s after her; Duke thinks he’s after him. In the scramble to hide, Millie trips and grabs Duke’s backside at the exact moment the photographer snaps a picture — and suddenly, they’re the internet’s newest “caught in the act” couple.
🌟 Strengths
• Kayley Loring and Connor Crais continue to be an unbeatable duo. Their writing is sharp, funny, and emotionally grounded, and their collaborative rhythm shines in this series. Add in Connor’s narration — already one of my favorites — and it’s an instant-buy situation.
• The fake-dating setup is executed with charm. It gives Duke and Millie the perfect excuse to peel back their public personas and discover the real connection simmering underneath.
💔 Limitations
• Millie’s early characterization didn’t land for me. She comes across more posh and rigid than the “sunshine and rainbows” as promised in the blurb, making it harder to warm up to her until later in the story.
• The emoji gag overstays its welcome. I usually love text-message banter, but the running joke about using emojis like a tween felt forced and repetitive.
🎙️ Narration
The duet-style, full-cast performance is a standout.
• Connor Crais delivers with that deep, magnetic voice that could make a grocery list sound seductive.
• Desireé Ketchum brings a pleasant tone and a serviceable British accent.
• Mackenzie Cartwright and Evan Parker round out the cast with strong supporting performances.
The production is polished, immersive, and elevates the story — exactly what you want from a romance audiobook.
💬 Final Assessment
This audiobook delivers a fun, chemistry-filled romance with standout narration and a premise that plays beautifully into the fake-dating trope. While Millie’s early stiffness and the overused emoji humor kept it from being a perfect hit, the charm of Duke, the warmth of the supporting cast, and the stellar audio production make it a thoroughly enjoyable listen. Fans of celebrity-meets-normal-guy romances — especially those who love a grumpy/sunshine dynamic with a twist — will find plenty to love here.
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March 22, 2023
4.5 stars!
Oh, I loved this book! An opposites attract, celebrity/sports fake romance that is funny and sexy, with epic banter and chemistry, and a gorgeously heartfelt romance. It’s lots of fun and such an entertaining read.
Callum ‘Duke’ Duquette is a kicker for the Boston Tomcats NFL team. He’s a single father to an “ eleven going on Dad-you’re-a-constant-humiliation-risk ” year old, he’s known to be a bit of a grump, and he’s constantly avoiding his friends’ well-intentioned romantic set-ups. His life takes a dramatic twist when he runs in a gorgeous girl in a bookshop, and an almost-fall turns into a viral paparazzi shot, and suddenly the whole world thinks he’s in a relationship with a hot, young British actress.
Millie found fame in a Harry Potter-esque movie series, and is now shooting a new film in Boston. She’s also madly avoiding her meddling family’s plans to set her up for her brother’s upcoming wedding. Her run in with a sexy stranger in a bookstore puts her in an awkward spot when she learns that he’s a local sports star, and their awkward clinch looked like a whole lot more than it was. And as much as she enjoyed being wrapped up in his arms, she’s keen to deal with it as quickly as possible.
The attraction is there, and when they realise that they could use the situation to get their friends and family off their backs, they decide to help each other out, going along with the story already in the media, and fake being in a relationship and attend some important social functions together. Side bonus – they get to spend more time together, which is good news, but it’s something that neither of them want to assess too closely, because they have plans to end things amicably a few months down the line. Hehehe.
From there, it’s a fun, playful ride of sarcastic banter, teasing, flirting and all-too-real PDA. Their wild attraction makes it all the more flirtatious and exciting, and things get even more complicated because Duke’s young daughter is a mad fan of Millie, which means their relationship moves from public photo ops to including quiet family nights in. Millie brings a spark of life into Duke’s boring world, she makes him happy, makes him laugh, and he soon realises just what he’s been missing in his life. Millie is falling just as hard, and it’s a gorgeous watching everything change for them.
They laugh together, they talk openly and honestly, and the chemistry absolutely sizzles! And when they inevitably cross the line, the sexy time is hot, steamy, nicely emotional, and a reflection of everything that’s growing between them. They have some issues to face, but the feelings are there, and they are strong, and nothing is going to stand in the way of these two getting their HEA.
This is such a gorgeous love story that made me laugh and swoon. I fell in love with these characters, and loved watching grumpy Duke’s world get turned upside down by bright and perky Millie. The characters from previous books do make an appearance, but you can easily read this book as a standalone – just don’t miss out on the rest of the series, because each book is such a fantastic read!
I loved it – 4.5 stars!
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the authors in exchange for an honest review.
Oh, I loved this book! An opposites attract, celebrity/sports fake romance that is funny and sexy, with epic banter and chemistry, and a gorgeously heartfelt romance. It’s lots of fun and such an entertaining read.
Callum ‘Duke’ Duquette is a kicker for the Boston Tomcats NFL team. He’s a single father to an “ eleven going on Dad-you’re-a-constant-humiliation-risk ” year old, he’s known to be a bit of a grump, and he’s constantly avoiding his friends’ well-intentioned romantic set-ups. His life takes a dramatic twist when he runs in a gorgeous girl in a bookshop, and an almost-fall turns into a viral paparazzi shot, and suddenly the whole world thinks he’s in a relationship with a hot, young British actress.
Millie found fame in a Harry Potter-esque movie series, and is now shooting a new film in Boston. She’s also madly avoiding her meddling family’s plans to set her up for her brother’s upcoming wedding. Her run in with a sexy stranger in a bookstore puts her in an awkward spot when she learns that he’s a local sports star, and their awkward clinch looked like a whole lot more than it was. And as much as she enjoyed being wrapped up in his arms, she’s keen to deal with it as quickly as possible.
“If you’d like to have your people post an explanation of our unfortunate, very impersonal, non-canoodle incident on your official IG account, I’d be happy to use mine to clear up any misconceptions as to why I was clinging to your gluteus maximus.”
“And trying to rip off my shirt.”
“Yes, well, perhaps your publicist can articulate exactly why it looked like you wanted to make sweet love to my face.”
He smirked. “Right back atcha.”
The attraction is there, and when they realise that they could use the situation to get their friends and family off their backs, they decide to help each other out, going along with the story already in the media, and fake being in a relationship and attend some important social functions together. Side bonus – they get to spend more time together, which is good news, but it’s something that neither of them want to assess too closely, because they have plans to end things amicably a few months down the line. Hehehe.
“I’ve only starred in one of them so far, but I’ve watched enough romantic comedies to know that you are in grave danger of falling madly in love with me.” I placed my hand on his muscley, tatted-up arm. “But you must resist. Do not fall for my abundant charms.”
The tosser didn’t even blink. “‘Kay. Let’s exchange numbers and I’ll be on my way.”
From there, it’s a fun, playful ride of sarcastic banter, teasing, flirting and all-too-real PDA. Their wild attraction makes it all the more flirtatious and exciting, and things get even more complicated because Duke’s young daughter is a mad fan of Millie, which means their relationship moves from public photo ops to including quiet family nights in. Millie brings a spark of life into Duke’s boring world, she makes him happy, makes him laugh, and he soon realises just what he’s been missing in his life. Millie is falling just as hard, and it’s a gorgeous watching everything change for them.
“I want to stop pretending that this was just a fake relationship or a fun fling that isn’t meant to last. It may have started that way, but that’s not how I want it to stay, and I certainly don’t want it to end.”
They laugh together, they talk openly and honestly, and the chemistry absolutely sizzles! And when they inevitably cross the line, the sexy time is hot, steamy, nicely emotional, and a reflection of everything that’s growing between them. They have some issues to face, but the feelings are there, and they are strong, and nothing is going to stand in the way of these two getting their HEA.
“I want to be with you, and I want to think about you without thinking about when this will end, and I want to love you without limits … I don’t want to stop falling in love with you. I don’t want to pretend anymore.”
This is such a gorgeous love story that made me laugh and swoon. I fell in love with these characters, and loved watching grumpy Duke’s world get turned upside down by bright and perky Millie. The characters from previous books do make an appearance, but you can easily read this book as a standalone – just don’t miss out on the rest of the series, because each book is such a fantastic read!
I loved it – 4.5 stars!
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the authors in exchange for an honest review.
March 23, 2023
This is book three in the Boston Tomcat series and is about the team's placekicker, Callum "Duke" Duquette, and British actress, Millie Darden. Duke is a single father to eleven-year-old Chloe and is all about doing what is best for the team and his daughter. He has a meet cute with Millie in a Boston bookstore that gets caught by the paparazzi. Instead of putting a stop to it, they agree to a fake relationship. It will keep his teammates and their wives/girlfriends from constantly trying to set him up and she will have a date to her brother's wedding.
Millie is a breath of fresh air to Duke's grumpy and broody attitude. I loved that he always sighed around her, though. She seemed to like it, too. They start to spend time together and with his daughter while she is in Boston. Soon, their feelings venture into the real territory. But, what happens if their secret gets out?
I enjoyed this book and had a few good laughs. Chloe was super sweet and adorable. I can't wait to listen to the audiobook.
Thank you to the authors for an advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Millie is a breath of fresh air to Duke's grumpy and broody attitude. I loved that he always sighed around her, though. She seemed to like it, too. They start to spend time together and with his daughter while she is in Boston. Soon, their feelings venture into the real territory. But, what happens if their secret gets out?
I enjoyed this book and had a few good laughs. Chloe was super sweet and adorable. I can't wait to listen to the audiobook.
Thank you to the authors for an advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 5, 2023
Honestly, I’m sorry but I’ve had to dnf this book. I might try again and read it rather then audible because although I adore Connor Crais as a narrator, I couldn’t get past the female narrators pronunciation of British words - mum said ma’am like she was addressing the queen. Outlandish words like twatwaffle, gob job and poopyhead by a supposed London raised English actress whilst using a hoity toity English accent. Honestly, I don’t know what people think Londoners talk like, but I can categorically say it is not this. I’ve never heard anyone use any of those terms, nor do I use them myself as a born and bred Londoner. I know it is a rom com, and supposed to be funny - but honestly it had me cringing so hard I couldn’t go on. And that’s painful to say because I usually love all both Kayley Loring and Connor Crais’s offerings.
May 9, 2023
I did not like this as much as I wanted to..
I felt like Duke's daughter was a bit more spoiled. That's probably the wrong word.
But she doesn't have an eye for her dad or time, but when the h comes along she suddenly want to spent time but with them 3.. It felt wrong, I know she is eleven so it's a bit of puberty but still..
It was fun, but not memorable..
I felt like Duke's daughter was a bit more spoiled. That's probably the wrong word.
But she doesn't have an eye for her dad or time, but when the h comes along she suddenly want to spent time but with them 3.. It felt wrong, I know she is eleven so it's a bit of puberty but still..
It was fun, but not memorable..
April 30, 2023
4.7 stars.
Oh my gosh.
I am absolutely in love with this author’s sense of humor.
These two characters were absolutely hilarious together.
The push and pull.
The tension.
The fake dating.
It was everything I wanted it be and more.
I also really love that this author always has some type of mixed media in her books. It just makes it that much more engaging. In this one we got texts between a few characters(even some from past books), some interview transcripts, and some blog posts. Plus we got some fantastic real world references to movies and I think music too, definitely books, which was so fun.
I just really loved it.
And I loved how Duke was all in at the end to get his girl…I mean he had to mess up first, then get his head out of ass, but I really think it was worth it.
I can’t wait to see who on the team is next.
I really love this series.
Oh my gosh.
I am absolutely in love with this author’s sense of humor.
These two characters were absolutely hilarious together.
The push and pull.
The tension.
The fake dating.
It was everything I wanted it be and more.
I also really love that this author always has some type of mixed media in her books. It just makes it that much more engaging. In this one we got texts between a few characters(even some from past books), some interview transcripts, and some blog posts. Plus we got some fantastic real world references to movies and I think music too, definitely books, which was so fun.
I just really loved it.
And I loved how Duke was all in at the end to get his girl…I mean he had to mess up first, then get his head out of ass, but I really think it was worth it.
I can’t wait to see who on the team is next.
I really love this series.
April 1, 2023
When you read a really good book, you usually go through many strong emotions, and that’s what happened with this one. I got some laughs, a lot of ‘awwww’ moments, a slight touch of arousal, and even some almost sadness.
Two very different people–a mostly local sports celebrity and an international movie star, a serious grumpy dad and a frivolous unattached lady–meet, are caught on camera, and for trivial reasons decide to fake a relationship. They also decide to act on their attraction for each other, and that’s of course when feelings appear.
Duke was a serious contender for the Best Book Boyfriend award. Saving his words for when they count, and then waxing lyrical about his feelings: extra swoon. The way he thinks of his daughter first: bonus points. He had a couple of great interactions with his teammates that helped defining his character. And the grand gesture? Perfection.
As for Millie, she was the fun in the relationship. A little bit crazy and spontaneous, but with a full heart and lots of love to give, she was delightful.
There wasn’t a definite theme throughout the story, but there were several topics that kept coming back. Like the dynamics inside a family–between brothers and sisters, or between parents and children. In a similar way, the dynamics inside a team. There was also some background noise about celebrity and living in the spotlight, or not, and how it affects one’s life.
Also, popular culture had a huge role in this book, and you could see the echos in the characters, and in Millie and Duke’s relationship. You’ll love spotting the references.
There couldn’t be a better collaboration between authors than between those two. They offer distinctive voices to their characters while having compatible styles and humor, making their books consistent but unique in the genre.
Quickie
- Series: The Boston Tomcats #3 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #sports romance #football #celebrities #fake relationship #single dad #opposites attract
- Triggers: N/A
- Main couple: Millie Darden & Callum Duquette
- Hotness: 5/5
- Romance: 5/5
- + Duke, both the grumpiest and the most romantic man ever
- – they both seemed smart, why do they keep making stupid decisions?
Two very different people–a mostly local sports celebrity and an international movie star, a serious grumpy dad and a frivolous unattached lady–meet, are caught on camera, and for trivial reasons decide to fake a relationship. They also decide to act on their attraction for each other, and that’s of course when feelings appear.
Duke was a serious contender for the Best Book Boyfriend award. Saving his words for when they count, and then waxing lyrical about his feelings: extra swoon. The way he thinks of his daughter first: bonus points. He had a couple of great interactions with his teammates that helped defining his character. And the grand gesture? Perfection.
As for Millie, she was the fun in the relationship. A little bit crazy and spontaneous, but with a full heart and lots of love to give, she was delightful.
There wasn’t a definite theme throughout the story, but there were several topics that kept coming back. Like the dynamics inside a family–between brothers and sisters, or between parents and children. In a similar way, the dynamics inside a team. There was also some background noise about celebrity and living in the spotlight, or not, and how it affects one’s life.
Also, popular culture had a huge role in this book, and you could see the echos in the characters, and in Millie and Duke’s relationship. You’ll love spotting the references.
There couldn’t be a better collaboration between authors than between those two. They offer distinctive voices to their characters while having compatible styles and humor, making their books consistent but unique in the genre.
Quickie
- Series: The Boston Tomcats #3 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #sports romance #football #celebrities #fake relationship #single dad #opposites attract
- Triggers: N/A
- Main couple: Millie Darden & Callum Duquette
- Hotness: 5/5
- Romance: 5/5
- + Duke, both the grumpiest and the most romantic man ever
- – they both seemed smart, why do they keep making stupid decisions?
March 22, 2023
Highly recommended
Book 3 in the Tomcats series.
I think Kayley Loring & Connor Crais saved the best for last with this book, I am a fan of their work. I enjoyed this story so much, laugh out loud from chapter one. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down, it had everything I love in a story.
This can be read as a standalone, but there is character crossover from other books, so you should just read them all!
I cannot wait for the audiobook.
Book 3 in the Tomcats series.
I think Kayley Loring & Connor Crais saved the best for last with this book, I am a fan of their work. I enjoyed this story so much, laugh out loud from chapter one. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down, it had everything I love in a story.
This can be read as a standalone, but there is character crossover from other books, so you should just read them all!
I cannot wait for the audiobook.
March 30, 2023
Easy, sexy, funny - this is the kind of rom com you can binge like popcorn. I feel like single dad romances are everywhere recently, and I'm not complaining. I loved Duke's sweetness with his daughter, and there were some fun family moments. I also liked the meet cute, with an unexpected fake relationship sparking between near-strangers. There's also plenty of Loring's signature humor, which made this such an easygoing read. It was a little too much of a lust-focused relationship for my personal tastes, which did leave me feeling disconnected. These two are all kinds of hot for each other, which upped the spice factor but left me feeling cold in other ways. That being said, it was a solid addition to the series, and definitely one of the better co-writes for these two authors.
The story follows Duke, a pro football player whose life revolves around his daughter and his job. When Duke gets photographed with a British actress, it sparks dating rumors between the two. Though Duke and Millie are actually strangers (and they live on different continents), they decide to roll with it. They'd both appreciate a break from people bugging them about their love lives, so faking a relationship is beneficial to them both. Neither one anticipates it going any further than that, but Millie soon realizes that single dads are pretty sexy, and she wouldn't mind spending some time in the sheets with this one. But the more time Duke and Millie spend together, the less their relationship feels fake... and that's a problem, because their lives are going in different directions.
I always look forward to Loring's lighthearted rom coms, knowing that I'm in for a light and hysterical read with plenty of spice. I haven't been as sold on these co-writes, but this was one of the stronger ones. It was easy to binge, and I liked both characters. I'm also a fan of strangers to lovers, and the Hollywood meets sports romance combo was fun. Do I wish that Duke and Millie spent more time emotionally connecting and less time banging? 100%. There's a lot of time spent on the humor and some ridiculous moments, which is not a problem unless it overwhelms the romance. And I think it did here. So I wasn't as emotionally connected to this couple as I would hope, but I still had a lot of fun with the reading experience. It's short enough to devour in a single day, and you're sure to have a smile on your face while doing so.
The story follows Duke, a pro football player whose life revolves around his daughter and his job. When Duke gets photographed with a British actress, it sparks dating rumors between the two. Though Duke and Millie are actually strangers (and they live on different continents), they decide to roll with it. They'd both appreciate a break from people bugging them about their love lives, so faking a relationship is beneficial to them both. Neither one anticipates it going any further than that, but Millie soon realizes that single dads are pretty sexy, and she wouldn't mind spending some time in the sheets with this one. But the more time Duke and Millie spend together, the less their relationship feels fake... and that's a problem, because their lives are going in different directions.
I always look forward to Loring's lighthearted rom coms, knowing that I'm in for a light and hysterical read with plenty of spice. I haven't been as sold on these co-writes, but this was one of the stronger ones. It was easy to binge, and I liked both characters. I'm also a fan of strangers to lovers, and the Hollywood meets sports romance combo was fun. Do I wish that Duke and Millie spent more time emotionally connecting and less time banging? 100%. There's a lot of time spent on the humor and some ridiculous moments, which is not a problem unless it overwhelms the romance. And I think it did here. So I wasn't as emotionally connected to this couple as I would hope, but I still had a lot of fun with the reading experience. It's short enough to devour in a single day, and you're sure to have a smile on your face while doing so.
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