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lmrivas54's review against another edition
4.0
Super cute story with two wonderful characters and one precocious pre-teenager! Callum Duquette, nickname Duke, kicker for the Boston Tomcats football team, is being harassed by his teammates wives, trying to find him a plus one for Dash’s wedding in a month. The offers were turning ridiculous. Enter Millie Darden, British actress currently in Boston filming a movie, a chance encounter in a bookstore, a bum-grab moment in a tripping accident and a paparazzo outside the store, getting the prize shot. And a solution for their woes is found: fake relation!
Millie’s brother is getting married in five months and she was also getting razzed by her family, so it was a heaven-sent solution for her too. Millie was charming and brilliant, so beautiful that Duke didn’t think he deserved such good luck. On top of that, she’s kind and nice to be around with, so who could help falling in love?
By contrast, I wasn’t so sure about Duke. He glowered, brooded, sighed frequently, mostly for lack of patience, strict and grumpy. He wasn’t the brightest fake boyfriend but for some reason, Millie liked him just fine. Her goals were to make him smile, since he was very sparse in gifting his smiles. His one love was for his daughter and second his football, not much room for more.
The story was cute but not riveting. I loved Millie and found Chloe cute. Duke was a good sort, but he was living a strict no fuss life, just work and his daughter. I didn’t find him very sexy or fun, except for a few instances where he let go a little.
Millie’s brother is getting married in five months and she was also getting razzed by her family, so it was a heaven-sent solution for her too. Millie was charming and brilliant, so beautiful that Duke didn’t think he deserved such good luck. On top of that, she’s kind and nice to be around with, so who could help falling in love?
By contrast, I wasn’t so sure about Duke. He glowered, brooded, sighed frequently, mostly for lack of patience, strict and grumpy. He wasn’t the brightest fake boyfriend but for some reason, Millie liked him just fine. Her goals were to make him smile, since he was very sparse in gifting his smiles. His one love was for his daughter and second his football, not much room for more.
The story was cute but not riveting. I loved Millie and found Chloe cute. Duke was a good sort, but he was living a strict no fuss life, just work and his daughter. I didn’t find him very sexy or fun, except for a few instances where he let go a little.
javalenciaph's review
5.0
How could we have reached the last book of this trilogy already?! The bittersweet feels are hitting me once again as I write this review. I've grown quite attached to these Tomcats and the women who became their game changers. Closing the series out with the story of the team's grumpy placekicker who also happens to be a single father to a preteen that enters into a fake relationship with a British actress from a highly successful movie franchise based on books he loves but then refuses to watch any of the film adaptations much to the disappointment of his daughter who's a fan has turned out to be a stroke of genius from Kayley Loring and Connor Crais. I loved, loved, LOVED Duke and Millie, and Chloe was such an irrepressible--and unapologetic, I'm sure--scene-stealer. Seeing the two main characters go from an accidental "it" couple to figuring out how to be the real deal AND a family had me laughing out loud at times and making my heart clench in empathy in my chest at certain points. Having the rest of the usual suspects make their presence known was an absolute bonus, especially with this being the last book. This book--and this series--has brought such joy to my heart, and while I'm going to miss this cast of characters, I take solace in knowing I can revisit their stories at any time. Duke: Faking the Play gets five stars, and I hope this is not the last from Loring and Crais.
jdemaere's review
5.0
Duke.. football player.. former underwear model.. single dad, who finds himself in a fake relationship with a British movie star. One who calls him grumpy. Millie is so down to earth, and full of life, sassy.. and also movie star… so can she and grumpy actually make it work?
When they meet, in a bookstore.. the circumstances of their meeting are so cute.. and make you want more of it and more of them.
Kayley Loring is a favorite to read for me, and add Connor Crais to it and it’s just so much fun to read. I love when.a book makes me laugh, and I laughed out loud a lot when I was reading these books. So often.. that people looked at me funny when they heard me. I could blame this on the authors… but it’s because I get so engrossed in the story that I put myself in it and tune out all around me.. so if I laugh.. well.. so what!!
I recommend this book, and all of the other books from Kayley and Connor have written together, and the books from just Kayley. 5 stars from me.
When they meet, in a bookstore.. the circumstances of their meeting are so cute.. and make you want more of it and more of them.
Kayley Loring is a favorite to read for me, and add Connor Crais to it and it’s just so much fun to read. I love when.a book makes me laugh, and I laughed out loud a lot when I was reading these books. So often.. that people looked at me funny when they heard me. I could blame this on the authors… but it’s because I get so engrossed in the story that I put myself in it and tune out all around me.. so if I laugh.. well.. so what!!
I recommend this book, and all of the other books from Kayley and Connor have written together, and the books from just Kayley. 5 stars from me.
kaydanielsromance's review
5.0
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.
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.
pattyfgd's review
5.0
Duke: Faking the Play
The Boston Tomcats, Book 3
By: Kayley Loring, Connor Crais
Narrated by: Connor Crais, Desireé Ketchum, Mackenzie Cartwright, Evan Parker
Yes, I am all about Chloe and her amazing wit, her real look at teenage life and ability to use social media to get where she wants to be in her young life. But she is only one piece of this amazing team for this fun, romance comedy! Duke is the field kicker for the Boston Tomcats. Single dad to Chloe, he has his focus on his daughter and the team. That is until Millie literally falls into his lap. Famous actress, she and Duke are quickly photographed and now the two make a decision to go with the fake relationship angle, at least for a while. No strings attached fun. But is it really? Kayley Loring and Connor Crais craft the most fun, hilarious story around these two, adding all the swoony feels and hysterical antics only these two can put together. I was laughing out loud, enjoying the banter, the social media bursts and craziness of teens. Its a book that is perfect anytime, anywhere and will definitely be putting that smile that everyone wants to know what you are listening to on your face. Grab this one, enjoy the gift of this book, the family feel the players and wags we know bring in and get best of all, laugh.
This had to be one of the best narration teams I have heard in a long time. Connor Crais and Desiree Ketchum our the leads, with duet narration and a fantastic feel for this couple. Crais brings in the grumpy, yet swoony Duke. I love the protective over his daughter voice! Ketchum easily falls into the British accent, bringing Millie alive. She gives her that maturity she has gained from her profession, yet gives her that vulnerable, easy to love feel. Add in Evan Parker and Mackenzie Cartwright, both sporting a variety of voices and accents and we have an amazing group of characters to love and enjoy! This is a book that needs to listened to!
The Boston Tomcats, Book 3
By: Kayley Loring, Connor Crais
Narrated by: Connor Crais, Desireé Ketchum, Mackenzie Cartwright, Evan Parker
Yes, I am all about Chloe and her amazing wit, her real look at teenage life and ability to use social media to get where she wants to be in her young life. But she is only one piece of this amazing team for this fun, romance comedy! Duke is the field kicker for the Boston Tomcats. Single dad to Chloe, he has his focus on his daughter and the team. That is until Millie literally falls into his lap. Famous actress, she and Duke are quickly photographed and now the two make a decision to go with the fake relationship angle, at least for a while. No strings attached fun. But is it really? Kayley Loring and Connor Crais craft the most fun, hilarious story around these two, adding all the swoony feels and hysterical antics only these two can put together. I was laughing out loud, enjoying the banter, the social media bursts and craziness of teens. Its a book that is perfect anytime, anywhere and will definitely be putting that smile that everyone wants to know what you are listening to on your face. Grab this one, enjoy the gift of this book, the family feel the players and wags we know bring in and get best of all, laugh.
This had to be one of the best narration teams I have heard in a long time. Connor Crais and Desiree Ketchum our the leads, with duet narration and a fantastic feel for this couple. Crais brings in the grumpy, yet swoony Duke. I love the protective over his daughter voice! Ketchum easily falls into the British accent, bringing Millie alive. She gives her that maturity she has gained from her profession, yet gives her that vulnerable, easy to love feel. Add in Evan Parker and Mackenzie Cartwright, both sporting a variety of voices and accents and we have an amazing group of characters to love and enjoy! This is a book that needs to listened to!
readingwithstrangers62's review against another edition
4.0
I love reading Kayley Loring books because they are always lighthearted and easy reads. Always walk away enjoying all of the main characters and side characters. Duke: Faking the Play was no different.
Duke was the perfect grumpy NFL player, happy with his life, dedicating his time to his daughter and his football career. He was convinced he didn’t need anything or anyone else in his life. Therefore when British actress, Millie literally trips and falls into him and the publicity runs rampant he is not prepared.
Millie is all sunshine, like her middle name, and although Duke’s grumpy personality is not what she expected, it certainly turns out to be what she wants in life. The two start their fake relationship with a clear end date, that way they won’t have any confusion. But obviously as time goes on feelings change. They were lovely together! Hopefully we will get to see more Tomcats fall.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Duke was the perfect grumpy NFL player, happy with his life, dedicating his time to his daughter and his football career. He was convinced he didn’t need anything or anyone else in his life. Therefore when British actress, Millie literally trips and falls into him and the publicity runs rampant he is not prepared.
Millie is all sunshine, like her middle name, and although Duke’s grumpy personality is not what she expected, it certainly turns out to be what she wants in life. The two start their fake relationship with a clear end date, that way they won’t have any confusion. But obviously as time goes on feelings change. They were lovely together! Hopefully we will get to see more Tomcats fall.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
mickeyme88's review against another edition
5.0
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!
smalltownbookmom's review against another edition
4.0
Maybe my favorite book in the series!! This single dad, NFL player x British movie star, grumpy/sunshine, dual POV, fake dating romance was EXCELLENT! The banter, the SPICE, the secondary characters, the Notting Hill movie references - oh my, they just all really worked for me.
Plus the full cast duet narration by co-author, Connor Crais and Mackenzie Cartwright (among others) was top notch. If you haven't read any of the Boston Tomcats series yet you are missing out! Perfect for fans of other NFL player sports romances like the Strangers in love series by Ilsa Madden-Mills or The Kingsman football stars series by Piper Rayne.
Plus the full cast duet narration by co-author, Connor Crais and Mackenzie Cartwright (among others) was top notch. If you haven't read any of the Boston Tomcats series yet you are missing out! Perfect for fans of other NFL player sports romances like the Strangers in love series by Ilsa Madden-Mills or The Kingsman football stars series by Piper Rayne.