I've read this book/(most of the) series multiple times and it is still a solid 5! I'm currently reading the final installment and wanted to take the journey back and relive why I enjoyed these characters so much. ( )

A funny read with a touching romantic story to boot. Both Maddox, the marketing exec from a small town near New York, and Damon, the law student and beginner sports agent, and former baseball star, are brought together by Damon's sister, Stacy, who is Maddox's best friend. Maddox is a magnetic character, and Damon is also loveable.

The cover gives no hint of the humour - odd that. These MM novel covers almost always portray a shirtless hunk and not the wonderful simpatico between two guys which would beg a closeup of their faces, or at least eyes or mouths.

Alexander Cendese narrates and he gives it plenty of energy. However, I didn't always know whether it was Damon or Maddox speaking. It's surprising how rarely that happens in audiobooks, but it is annoying when it does. At the same time, I should say how brilliant most narrators are at achieving aurally distinct characters.

I agree with Stacie-C that it doesn't start brilliantly but because so many people had praised this book, about an hour in I started listening again from the beginning, and gave it a bit more of my attention, which paid off. ( )

Absolutely a great read. The characters were totally believable and fun. Low on angst and high on feels. I loved the relationship between Maddox and Stacy. ( )

I adore Finley's CU Hockey series so I was looking forward to reading Damon's story and it definitely delivered. I loved Maddox and Damon and Stacy and all the rest. The banter was witty and snarky which is always my favourite type. I've only come across this specific trope once before (Fake It Til You Make Out by Isla Olsen and it was freaking hysterical) but it's a trope I'm definitely coming to adore. Mainly because it's hilarious.

I liked Damon and his dedication to becoming a sports agent who would step up for his clients. I didn't love the whole storyline with him and Eric - the family friend who's in denial about being gay and freaked out when he kissed Damon - but it wasn't too bad. I did like his group of friends and the fact that he was willing to bring Maddox into the group to help give him a support network - it reminded me of the NHL Queer Collective from the Puckboys books.

Maddox was a total sweetheart for all he's referred to as an asshole. I mean yeah, he tells his high school girlfriend he's gay to break up with her, but he doesn't do it maliciously. And perhaps more endearingly, he refuses to back down for any of the homophobes in town. I loved his friendship with Stacy and I mostly liked Stacy - although the prank at the end was pretty dumb. Especially after what happened when she organised dinner.

The relationship between Maddox and Damon had a bit of angst but for the most part it was swoon worthy with lots of steam. The book itself was well written, humorous and very engaging. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series. 4 stars. ( )

Four stars on my first reads, four stars on my second, two stars on my third read, what the fuck?

Fake Out remains my favorite in this series, even though it isn't without its faults. This is my favorite trope so I'm bound to like it, and the first 80% of the book were great for me. The conflict leading to the happy ending is so unnecessary and forced that it diminished my enjoyment, but other than that it was fine.

On my second read, I actually listened to this on audio, and that really tends to underline the potholes in the writing. However, I read this 100% for escapism and to disappear into cute romance, so I'm inclined to forgive some corny writing and the like. ( )