Discover new selections
Kindle Unlimited
Unlimited reading. Over 4 million titles. Learn more
Read for Free
OR
$4.99

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Sold by Amazon.com Services LLC.

Audiobook Price: $21.83

Save: $14.34 (66%)

Read with our free app
You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Stephanie Archer
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

The Fake Out: a fake dating hockey romance (Vancouver Storm Book 2) Kindle Edition

by Stephanie Archer (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 33,068 ratings
Best of #BookTok

The best way to get back at my horrible ex? Fake date Rory Miller--my ex's rival, the top scorer in pro hockey, and the arrogant, flirtatious hockey player I tutored in high school.

Faking it is fun and addictive, though, and beneath the bad boy swagger, Rory’s sweet, funny, and protective.

He teaches me to skate and spends way too much money on me.

He sleeps in my bed and convinces me to break my just-one-time hookup rule.

He kisses me like it’s real.

And now I wonder if Rory was ever faking it to begin with.

The Fake Out is a pro hockey fake dating romance. It is the second book in the Vancouver Storm series but can be read as a standalone.

Tropes:

  • Fake dating
  • Ex’s rival
  • Pro hockey
  • Golden retriever hero
  • Boy obsessed
  • Forced proximity
Read more
Previous slide of product details
  1. Book 2 of 4
    Vancouver Storm
  2. Print length
    440 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    December 7, 2023
  5. File size
    3.1 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
Next slide of product details
Unwell Hydration from Alex Cooper
Hydrate & focus with every sip Shop now

Shop this series

 See full series
There are 4 books in this series.
This option includes 3 books.
1 unreleased or unavailable book is excluded.

Customers also bought or read

Page 1 of 1Start overPage 1 of 1
Previous page
  13. The EnforcerBest of #BookTok
    Kindle Edition
    $9.99
  29. So This Is War
    Kindle Edition
    $4.99
Next page
Loading...
Popular Highlights in this book
What are popular highlights?
Previous page
  1. “And even when we’re a hundred years old,” he whispers, “I’ll be flirting with you to get your attention.”
    Highlighted by 12,504 Kindle readers
  2. “If you really were my girlfriend, Hartley,” he whispers, his breath sending electric currents over my skin, “there’s no limit to what I would spend on you, so if we want to sell this? Let me.”
    Highlighted by 8,407 Kindle readers
  3. What’s it like, I wonder, to be everything to someone? To trust someone like that?
    Highlighted by 7,614 Kindle readers
Next page

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CNSGXRN9
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ (December 7, 2023)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 7, 2023
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.1 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 440 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 33,068 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Stephanie Archer

Stephanie Archer

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Stephanie writes spicy rom-coms with sharp banter, lots of laughs, and guaranteed HEAs. She believes in the power of best friends, stubborn women, a fresh haircut, and love. She lives in Vancouver with a man and a dog.

For spicy bonus scenes, news about upcoming books, and book recs, sign up for her newsletter at: https://www.stephaniearcherauthor.com/newsletter

Instagram: @stephaniearcherauthor

Tiktok: @stephaniearcherbooks

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
33,068 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers find this hockey romance book to be an amazing read with perfect fake dating dynamics. They enjoy the banter between the characters, with one customer specifically praising the Hazel and Rory banter, and appreciate the sweet moments and character chemistry. The storyline receives positive feedback for its dynamic between Rory and Hazel, and customers describe it as a loving feel-good book that gives them the right emotions.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more

165 customers mention "Readability"165 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be an amazing and cute read, particularly praising the first two books in the series.

"...The Fake Out is one of the best hockey romance books out there. You can feel the chemistry between the characters coming off the pages. It’s so fun!..." Read more

"...to be with Rory was written in a way that was accessible and believable. The character development was overall much better than the previous book...." Read more

"I loved this book so much. It is my first Stephanie Archer book and I am in love with her work. This book was everything I needed from a book...." Read more

"...I can say about this book except that it was absolutely perfect from start to finish and I already wanna read it again🙂‍↕️..." Read more

128 customers mention "Romance"128 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy this hockey romance book, describing it as a perfect fake dating story.

"...The Fake Out is one of the best hockey romance books out there. You can feel the chemistry between the characters coming off the pages. It’s so fun!..." Read more

"...Y’all. I can’t even. I will say this, the scenes never feel unrealistic or over the top...." Read more

"...This book was everything I needed from a book. There was fake dating and I loved how it was a slow burn but with a little bit of flirting and spice..." Read more

"4.5 stars Another lovely hockey romance! Stephanie Archer really knows how to craft a story. I love Hazel...." Read more

116 customers mention "Humor"116 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor, particularly its banter and emotional content.

"...It’s so fun! Stephanie Archer truly has a gift when creating characters ESPECIALLY when writing witty yet realistic dialogue...." Read more

"...It’s an enjoyable, fun read. It, like all of Stephanie Archers books, are fast paced and easy to read...." Read more

"Another cute story but like the 1st book I felt like this was way too long and ended getting bored by the end because nothing was really happening...." Read more

"...This one had me cackling, kicking my feet, squealing, giggling, and *ahem* feeling like I need to close my bedroom door if you know what I mean🙃🥴..." Read more

105 customers mention "Sweetness"105 positive0 negative

Customers find the book sweet and affectionate, describing it as seriously darling with very sweet moments.

"...He’s just such a sweet person and there’s none of that alpha male BS that plagues some romance novels...." Read more

"...exactly like a fire-breathing dragon -- and at the same time, she loves so deeply...." Read more

"...Rory is so funny and the banter is top tier. Hazel is so sassy and gives it right back to him. His nickname for her?..." Read more

"...The way they were together was seriously darling. I LOVED the fact that there was no third act break up and it was done in way that tasteful...." Read more

72 customers mention "Character development"72 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the characters and their chemistry in the book, particularly appreciating the banter between the main characters and Rory's wonderful personality.

"...It’s so fun! Stephanie Archer truly has a gift when creating characters ESPECIALLY when writing witty yet realistic dialogue...." Read more

"...She was such a well developed character and the Main Problem she had to overcome to be with Rory was written in a way that was accessible and..." Read more

"...ALL of the characters are enjoyable and add something to the story, even if they aren’t meant to be likable...." Read more

"...She has a talent for creating endearing and loveable characters, and her Vancouver Storm world plot features a compelling cast of tropes like MMC..." Read more

64 customers mention "Storyline"60 positive4 negative

Customers love the storyline of the book, particularly the dynamic between Rory and Hazel, with one customer noting it's a wonderful no 3rd act breakup love story.

"...couldn’t have asked for a better outcome and thank god for the no third act break up. Okay let’s get into this summer lol!!!..." Read more

"...She and Rory just make sense together and I adored watching them fall for each other...." Read more

"...I LOVED the fact that there was no third act break up and it was done in way that tasteful...." Read more

"Did I like the story yes, but did I love it, no. It was ok, no 3rd act break up so that was different, but the constant use of primal energy was a..." Read more

46 customers mention "Spice level"42 positive4 negative

Customers enjoy the spice level in the book, finding it nice, with one customer noting it's perfectly balanced between sweet and spicy elements.

"...Was. SPICE. INGGGG. Like OMG it was so delicious I had to keep looking over my shoulder to make sure I was alone🙃..." Read more

"...If you’re looking for an easy, fun, spicy escape you’ve come to the right place!" Read more

"...There’s no third act break up thank God. The spice is pretty good. And the story really cute." Read more

"This is the perfect adorable romanvw. And the spice is four peppers. I loved these two together...." Read more

25 customers mention "Feel good"25 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's emotional content, describing it as a feel-good romance with sweet tension.

"...The banter in this was phenomenal, the sexual tension was ELITE, and of course the Spice. Was. SPICE. INGGGG...." Read more

"...Her philosophy of body positivity, self-acceptance, and love is incredibly motivating and connects with her mother's own struggles with body image...." Read more

"...A loving feel good book." Read more

"...fell in love with them from the first page, there was so much sweet sweet tension from them both and I just couldn’t put it down...." Read more

Love This Couple, Best Of The Series (I'm Guessing)
5 out of 5 stars
Love This Couple, Best Of The Series (I'm Guessing)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5️⃣0️⃣ Cozy romance through and through. I enjoyed the heck out of this one. Much better than book one of this series, Behind The Net. I loved Rory. He was the perfect mmc for this type of romance. I'm usually a dark romance girlie, but I've been in need of some detoxing from the depraved. This is exactly the kind of book I like to unwind with. Strong fmc with soft edges and a reformed bad boy turned golden retriever. It ticked all those boxes. As much as I enjoyed this one, I'm not sure if I'll immediately read the next in this series. Towards the end of each book, the author dangles some carrots about the next couple. Not sure if I'm as interested in Hayden and Darcy. I'll definitely read it. I'm just not chomping at the bit to get right to it, especially after the joy I got from Rory and Hazel. They were the kind of perfection that I don't feel this author can top. I love to be wrong, though!
Hide
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

  • Jean
    5.0 out of 5 stars RORY MILLER IS A DREAM
    Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    If I told you how many times I have gone back to reread this book you would not believe me.

    The Fake Out is one of the best hockey romance books out there. You can feel the chemistry between the characters coming off the pages. It’s so fun! Stephanie Archer truly has a gift when creating characters ESPECIALLY when writing witty yet realistic dialogue.

    I completely fell in love with Rory Miller when the book first released now years later I am still thinking about him.

    Never miss an opportunity to talk about this book and recommend it. Trust me you want to read this one!
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Lily
    4.0 out of 5 stars Another unputdownable installment!
    Reviewed in the United States on December 8, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I honestly loved this book. I blew off many of my responsibilities in lieu of reading this book. It’s an enjoyable, fun read. It, like all of Stephanie Archers books, are fast paced and easy to read. There are certain small things I didn’t care for, like overusing the word “hot”, or the somewhat sentence structure at certain points but overall- loved it. I like it better than the first one by far. I think I just read things more critically when I get an ARC.

    I loved:
    The main characters! Rory is a total cinnamon roll and so completely gone for Hazel it’s ridiculous. He’s just such a sweet person and there’s none of that alpha male BS that plagues some romance novels. Archer does go on about “protective/primal instincts” a few times too many but it doesn’t feel gross.
    Hazel- finally a described “feisty heroine” who is actually feisty! She was such a well developed character and the Main Problem she had to overcome to be with Rory was written in a way that was accessible and believable. The character development was overall much better than the previous book. Because difficult discussions and situations happened on the page, I felt more invested in Rory and Hazels relationship.
    The premise- I usually have to suspend ALL my disbelief for a fake dating trope but I didn’t this time. Well done, Ms. Archer.
    The banter- I just like the way she writes dialogue. It feels like a normal conversation between 2 people, with the exception of the aforementioned use of the word “hot”. I feel like that’s low hanging fruit, especially when you are describing how you feel (in this case, related to how you feel in lingerie). “Good” “comfortable” “sexy” “bold” “daring” etc. Language is your oyster.
    The SPICE. Y’all. I can’t even. I will say this, the scenes never feel unrealistic or over the top. The only thing I didn’t like was there was one scene where they forego protection. It seems to be a trend in romance these days and….I’m not a fan. Call me strange but since oftentimes these “I feel so close to you we don’t need a condom” scenes don’t go hand in hand with a frank discussion of their latest STI testing results, and that sort of bothers me. Not that I’m trying to say romance is a stand in for basic sex ed, it just seems strange to me to include one but not the other. I’ll knock off a star just for that.

    Overall, a very enjoyable read. I flat out DEVOURED this book and I can’t wait for the next one.
    Thanks for letting me read an ARC!
    7 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Ka'Mya Brower
    5.0 out of 5 stars AMAZING
    Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I loved this book so much. It is my first Stephanie Archer book and I am in love with her work. This book was everything I needed from a book. There was fake dating and I loved how it was a slow burn but with a little bit of flirting and spice on the side. When Rory and Hazel finally got together fr it was epic and I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome and thank god for the no third act break up. Okay let’s get into this summer lol!!! Rory and Hazel have known each other since high school and have always had this teasing/ flirting relationship but Hazel doesn’t date hockey players after with happened with the last one she dated. Rory doesn’t take a hint he keeps trying to find ways to be with Hazel. But when Hazel finds out that her ex is coming to play for the Vancouver hockey team and she’s his new physios and her jerk of ex thinks she’s still into him she makes a rash decision and tells I’m she’s taken by Rory. This started what begins as a fake relationship that turns into something that doesn’t feel fake anymore.
    Fav Quotes:
    "You're so beautiful it makes
    my chest hurt."
    My heart pounds.
    "And even when we're a hundred years old," he whispers, "'ll be flirting with you to get your atten-tion."

    “If my heart is a house, Rory now lives there.”

    "It's not fake anymore," I whisper. "Is it?"
    Rory shakes his head. "No, Hartley. It isn't."

    “When I'm a hundred years old and thinking back on my life, I'll think about being in love with Rory Miller.”
    Helpful
     Report
  • Amy
    4.0 out of 5 stars Fiesty & Sweet -- Hazel and Rory Are Goals!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 27, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    4.5 stars

    Another lovely hockey romance! Stephanie Archer really knows how to craft a story.

    I love Hazel. She's so guarded and fierce -- exactly like a fire-breathing dragon -- and at the same time, she loves so deeply. She and Rory just make sense together and I adored watching them fall for each other.

    Seriously, go read this series if you haven't already! I'm slowly working my way through them because I don't want to be finished with the characters. They're worth it.

    I wonder if we'll ever get Ward's story . . .
    Helpful
     Report
  • Dee
    3.0 out of 5 stars 3.5⭐️
    Reviewed in the United States on March 8, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Another cute story but like the 1st book I felt like this was way too long and ended getting bored by the end because nothing was really happening. While both books have been slow burns which I hate I love how there’s no break up.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Lab
    5.0 out of 5 stars The captain ❤
    Reviewed in India on February 20, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I think I can say I have read a good number of sports romance books by now (Windy city series, Agitators series, D.C. Stars series and some more) and this one without a doubt falls under the better written books I have read so far.

    It was an easy and quick read. The chapters were short, yet managed to keep me emotionally connected with the story and the characters. I was simply flying through them. It was fun during their banter. There were so many laugh out loud moments. The scenes with dragons were super cute. The team bonding moments were heartwarming. I was smiling through most of this book. I loved how absolutely possessive and protective Rory was with Hazel. Normally, I am not fond of caveman personalities, but Rory here is also so sweet, understanding, patient, smart and at times vulnerable. So, he was a perfect combination of everything. I loved him so much! And, I liked Hazel's personality as well. My favorite moments with her is when she was all protective of Rory. I loved that because like why should only he show that side of him? Why can't she as well?
    Oh, I can't wait for Hayden and Darcy's book next. That ending, like what happened? I need to know.
    Report
  • Athina Ketting
    5.0 out of 5 stars Live Love Rory & Hazel
    Reviewed in the Netherlands on April 1, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    5⭐️ 2.5🌶️

    I devoured this book within a few hours! It was the perfect cute love story I needed at the moment. Fake dating and boy-obsessed: count me in! The story is cute, spicy and funny. All the teammates are also so much fun and I loved the banter!

    "Hi, Hazel." He gives me his Hazel is cute smile.

    We follow Hazel. She is the sister of Pippa (Book #1) and she works as a physiotherapist for a pro ice hockey team. Rory, one of the team's ice hockey players has had a crush on her for years (they've known each other from back in the day), but she doesn't like him since she swore off hockey players due to a toxic ex.

    There's a trade and a new team member is added to the team: her toxic and cheating ex. Hazel is even assigned to be his physiotherapist. So she says the only thing she can think of at that moment to her ex: "You know Rory and I are together right?". And well that's the beginning of a perfect love story between Rory and Hazel.

    "I always knew you two would get together, Hazel. In high school, Rory would talk nonstop about this tutor of his."

    Oh, and I can't wait for the next book, which I guess is Hayden.
    "Hayden Owens is a golden retriever in human form".
    Report
  • Reviewing
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fave hockey romance - ARC review
    Reviewed in Canada on December 7, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    The Fake Out - ARC review

    Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

    This book is the second in the Vancouver Storm series. I was introduced to Stephanie Archer’s books by reading Behind the Net, and loved it so much I eagerly waited for the sequel.

    I can safely say after reading The Fake Out, that it is by far my favourite hockey romance ever read. Stephanie really hit all the themes I love in one book:

    - Fake dating
    - Grumpy x sunshine
    - Hockey romance
    - He falls first
    - Family relationships
    - Amazing spice

    Rory & Hazel’s story warmed my heart so much and made it ache for something like this in my life 😭 I can’t stop thinking about them. The banter was insanely good I couldn’t stop giggling. Rory was a cocky, smirky, but secretly sweet golden retriever and my new book boyfriend. The way Hazel and Rory both support and encourage each other is literally my gold standard to relationships now.

    I cannot recommend this book enough, thank you to Stephanie Archer for sending me this ARC. What a great sequel to Behind the Net, and I cannot wait to read on the rest of the series! ❤️
    Report
  • Abbi
    5.0 out of 5 stars Sass, spice, and all things nice!
    Reviewed in Australia on January 27, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Once again, Stephanie has done it again!
    Great plot line that included many romance tropes but yet made them very believable and natural.
    Rory, a golden retriever MMC with his own insecurities, and Hazel the sassy, strong MFC who actually is just as scared as the rest of us on the inside. A plan to help get back at Hazel’s *cough* deadbeat *cough* ex, turns these two from bantering workplace and mutual friend-group associates, to intense sexual tension and a whole lot of feelings caught.
    If you enjoy Hockey, sassy banter, steamy sexual chemistry and swoon worthy MMC’s, the Vancouver storm series needs to be on your reads list!
    Report
  • Cliente Kindle
    5.0 out of 5 stars FOR THE LOVERS OF FAKE DATING THROPE ❤️
    Reviewed in Italy on July 21, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    If you love fake dating you must read this book!!!
    The banter between the protagonists Is the BEST part of this book!!
    I'm in love with Rory (what a flirting Golden retriever guy he Is. Moreover he gave the perfect Nickname for her that still live rent free in my head😍) and also Hazel Is Amazing 🥰 (a indipendent strong woman with a big Heart).
    One of my favorite book in 2024 for sure!!
    Report

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report