Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Falling for your straight best friend while he pretends to be your boyfriend is something not even Samuel would be foolish enough to do.
And yet...



All Samuel wanted was to not show up to his ex's wedding alone, but his friend Will has a better idea: go as fake boyfriends to make him jealous.

What could possibly go wrong?

Well, for starters, Samuel’s ex knows Will isn’t gay. Of course, Will has a solution for that too.

They’ll just have to convince him. By whatever means necessary.

As the big day approaches—and he and Will keep practicing how to pull off their charade—Samuel’s not sure he’ll make it through the wedding festivities without losing some of his dignity.

And maybe his best friend.

Faker is the final installment in the Forever Family Trilogy but can be enjoyed on its own. It features a 30-something former marine who maybe likes pretending more than he should, a 20-something social worker trying his hardest not to forget none of it’s real, practice dates with more PDA than sense, and the use of praise in very creative ways.

124 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 26, 2023

Loading interface...
Loading interface...

About the author

Kiki Clark

38 books756 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
163 (39%)
4 stars
155 (37%)
3 stars
78 (18%)
2 stars
14 (3%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
Profile Image for Janet (iamltr).
1,188 reviews69 followers
October 1, 2023
My favorite one

In this 100 page or so story we have the following:

*age gap
*best friends
*first time bi
*only one bed
*pretend relationship
*praise kink
*one up on the past relationship guy
*roommates
*former foster kid with issues
*virgin

And much more!

Slight spoilers ahead because like I mentioned, its very short.

So in this one we have Samuel, the foster kid of Declan and Jeremy from book one and Will, the straight dude who was hit on by Simon from book two. They have become best friends and roommates after Will buys Jeremy's house.

Samuel is young and was invited to Brad's wedding and doesn't want to go as he and Brad were hooking up on the down low until the engagement announcement. Will decided he would be Samuel's boyfriend and they go on a fake date and then cuddle on the couch. Will figures out that he wants Samuel and they decide at the wedding to be a couple.

It was really quick and fast with no angst and I loved it.

There is a 5 year jump in the epilogue and its so sweet.

I cannot wait til the audio.
Profile Image for Alex (HEABookNerd).
2,102 reviews
November 15, 2023
FAKER had all the best of Kiki Clark from friends to lovers, praise kink, bisexual awakening, and fake dating -- basically everything I love in a romance! Will and Samuel were great together and I loved the way Will could so easily read Samuel and he wanted nothing more than to make Samuel happy. These two were steamy and sweet together and that epilogue was the absolute cutest I've ever read.

Content Warning: brief references to a parent who struggled with alcoholism
Profile Image for Ashley (Red-Haired Ash Reads).
2,964 reviews168 followers
November 9, 2023
Series: Forever Family Trilogy #3
Rating: 4 stars - It was really good

All Samuel wants to do is not show up at his ex’s wedding alone, but his friend Will has the brilliant idea to go as fake boyfriends to make his ex jealous. Unfortunately everyone already knows Wil isn’t gay, and practicing for this fake relationship makes it harder for Samuel to ignore his feelings for Will.

This was a wonderful friend to lovers, fake relationship, queer awakening story. Samuel has been fighting his feelings for Will since he moved in with him but acting as a couple makes it impossible to ignore. Will has always assumed he was straight because he was never attracted to any men but once the fake relationship starts he realizes how attracted he is to Samuel and how long it's been going on. Samuel and Will had a wonderful relationship that I just couldn’t get enough of.

Unlike in the previous book, we actually see Will struggling a little with the revelation that he is bisexual and how to admit his feelings for Samuel. I like that we see Will taking a little bit of time to come to terms with his feelings before he continues anything with Samuel, even fake dating things. I think it was very smart of him even if it did cause some confusion and hurt feelings for Samuel, it’s better he accepted all the new changes about himself first before continuing.

Overall, this was another wonderful, low angst romance that I couldn’t put down. I really loved this series and am a bit sad that it’s already over.

CW: brief references to a parent who struggled with alcoholism
Profile Image for Mug (on vacay&#x1f338;).
442 reviews44 followers
October 4, 2023
i needed a good friends to lovers palate cleanser but man this was a little cringe, personally, and didn’t work for me☹️ but i’m pretty sure it’s a me problem😅
Profile Image for Amanda.
2,258 reviews94 followers
October 23, 2023
I am still slumpy but Faker totally hit the spot for me. A short, sweet and steamy romance novella between best friends & roommates. Bonus for a fake relationship situation, a bi awakening, just one bed scenario and a praise kink !
Profile Image for Jen.
265 reviews6 followers
September 28, 2023
Faker is a delight of a friends-to-lovers romance, with all the snark, steam, and sweetness 109 pages can hold.

Samuel has feelings for his straight friend/roommate, Will, but he’s handling it. He has rules. It’s not a problem. Until Will discovers the wedding invitation from Samuel’s loser ex and decides that showing up to the wedding with a hot date — him — is the perfect idea. But since Samuel is careful to keep a safe distance, they need to practice their PDA beforehand. Right? It just makes sense. But when Will gets a little more into it than he expects, he realizes his feelings for the sweet Samuel go beyond friendship.

This story has everything I love — friends to lovers, first times, only one bed, and protective main characters; it’s a total swoonfest, and I gobbled it up. Samuel and Will are perfect together, and I loved their story. This is book three in the Forever Family Trilogy, but it can be read as a standalone, though there are great cameos from our favorite characters from the first two books! Definitely recommend this one and the whole series.
Profile Image for GreenwingReads.
142 reviews2 followers
August 20, 2024
This is a review for both the eBook and the audio versions.

Will and Sam finally get their story!

Throughout this series, I was intrigued with Will and Sam both. They were kind of on the fringes of the friend group as Will only moves to town at the end of Favor (book 1) and Sam is much younger than others, having been Declan's foster son (he's 6 years younger than Jeremy, Dec's husband).

Will buys Jeremy's house and invites Sam to live with him. Sam jumps on the chance to move out of his mom's house in exchange for a low rent so he can get some independence and still pay on his student loans. What he fails to consider is just how hard it will be for him to be so close with the object of his crush, the (supposedly) very straight Will.

Will loves having Sam around and they become best friends. When he finds out that Sam's awful ex has invited him to his wedding, Will's protective instincts go into overdrive. He comes up with a plan to pose as Sam's boyfriend at the destination wedding.

Between practice dates and practice cuddles, Sam realizes that he can't handle pretending with Will when he longs for the real thing with his best friend. Just as Sam starts to pull away, WIll realizes that maybe he isn't so straight after all, at least not where Sam is concerned.

Like the other books in the series, the MCs stumble over miscommunications and misunderstandings on their way to their HEA, but it's so sweet and worth the journey when they get there. The steam doesn't hit until near the end of this short story, but when it does... yowza. Sam is inexperienced and Will is only too happy to teach him all the pleasures they can give each other. I adored both Will's protectiveness and earnestness with Sam and Sam's innocence and sweet nature. These guys adored each other and only wanted the best for one another, even if that meant putting their own desires on hold. Lucky for them, it turns out they ultimately want the same thing.

I think this is the end of the series and I'm sad to say goodbye to these guys, but I'll definitely visit for re-listens. As always, I love Liam DiCosimo as a narrator and Kiki's writing never disappoints!
521 reviews2 followers
August 27, 2024
🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Performance: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️️
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is the third volume in the series and finally Will and Samuel get their story. The author has a wonderful writing style, so I was quickly immersed in the story.
Samuel doesn't feel like attending his ex-boyfriend's wedding alone. That's why his best friend Will has the idea that they could pretend to be fake boyfriends. I really loved the close friendship between the two of them and you can feel how close they are. Will is very sweet and very helpful. But what happens when you already have a crush on your roommate and then he offers you a fake relationship?
The story was very entertaining and for me it was a big plus that there was no big drama when the two got together. The happy ending is lovely and romantic.
The audiobook isn't very long, so I listened to it in one go. LiamDiCosimo did a great job narrating the audiobook. He brought the story to life with his performance and matching voices.
Profile Image for KindleMMRomanceReader.
272 reviews29 followers
September 29, 2023
This was a quick and delightful read! I was captivated as Samuel and Will unraveled their spur of the moment fake dating plan to send Samuel’s sort of ex into a rage of jealousy. Brad (the ex) is an idiot and a terrible person. Will is protective, loving, and dominant (yum). Samuel is sweet, kind, and adorably shy. It was great seeing other characters from the Forever Family Trilogy in this story as well. Simon, Jeremy, and Jackson were great advice givers. I loved how Samuel got his wish of a romantic future and life spent together with Will. I loved how little of their affection and feelings for one another was fake. I loved how quickly they realized they were meant to be. I especially loved the underlying praise kink that Samuel exhibited. This story gives you all the good feels of best friends to lovers. The age gap romance makes it that much sweeter for me. You should definitely read it and the other books in the series!
148 reviews2 followers
August 30, 2024
This is the final book in the Forever Family series and although I think the first two can be read as standalone this one really is best read in sequence, as all the found family interlinked relationships finish threading together in this book. The friendship and romance in this is so incredibly sweet, with Samuel hopelessly in love with his older, straight best friend/roommate and Will obliviously in love with Samuel in turn and not realising it until their little bit of play acting goes too far. Fake dating (especially for a wedding) is a top-tier trope for me and it's especially sweet in this one as the ex they're wanting to one-up really deserves it. Thrown in a little praise kink and Samuel's past traumas and you've got a book that tugs on the heart strings even in its hottest moments. It's a short and sweet book and the audiobook is also fab, with Will's deep gruff voice in contrast to Samuel's younger soft one a particular joy to listen to.
Profile Image for caffeinated.crystal .
333 reviews7 followers
September 29, 2023
I love Kiki Clark. I love this series. I loved THIS little novella. So good. So dreamy.

Do you like stories with an age gap? Only one bed? Best friends to lovers? What about fake dating? Found family? Falling for your straight best friend? Praise kink?

This book has everything. Including so much sweetness, you may die. I absolutely recommend it, and I definitely think you should read the first two books too: Favor and Easy. Go do it!

Samuel has a thing for his straight roommate/best friend Will. When Samuel gets a wedding invitation from [redacted], Will concocts the fake dating scheme, and the story starts.

This series has great characters, and I loved getting to see them again. Samuel was a sweetheart, and I'm so glad that he got his man in the end.

Will is a dreamboat. They're perfect together.

I so enjoyed this book! 💕💕💕
Profile Image for Heather Duff.
1,337 reviews26 followers
August 23, 2024
Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

Love this novella. Samuel is downright tortured by his desire for his best friend and roommate. And oh man, if he thought it was bad before Will offered to be his fake boyfriend with fake dates and practice touching…

Will is adorable in the way he throws himself into the task. Even when Samuel seems unsure of the whole idea. They both may be a little oblivious, but they are super cute and get a lovely romantic happy ending, so really we all win.

And if you’re a fan of audiobooks, which is out now, Liam DiCosimo always delivers a wonderful experience.
Profile Image for Sam&Dean.
727 reviews10 followers
March 4, 2024
This was my favorite in this 3 book series. I liked getting see and learn a little more about the characters in this friend group as the series progressed. The books also got better as it went on, and I even shared a tiny happy tear near the end of this one🤫😢🥰

I’m not usually a fan of the fake relationship trope but it worked well in this book, mostly because it was a quick read and didn’t drag out. The whole basically takes place over a 1 week period and the fake relationship was only for 1 days while attending a wedding. These 2 knew they were going to be together for a long time the very second their lips met, so there wasn’t any drama, which is what I love most about Kiki’s books😍❤️🥰
Profile Image for Alyssa.
840 reviews4 followers
September 27, 2023
This was cute! I was wondering what would happen to Samuel now that he's all grown up. Will seems to be good for him. I sort of wish this was more of a full-length series. There were a lot of moments that I felt could have been extended a bit more, such as the conflict with Brad, which seemed to only act as a catalyst for this date to his wedding. And Will just immediately jumping into sex with Samuel just days after discovering his own sexuality and having never been with a man before seemed kind of far fetched even for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Traci S.
1,296 reviews9 followers
August 27, 2024
This was a fun listen. I loved how dedicated the friendship between Samuel and Will is, these two are very close which raises the stakes a bit on starting a relationship. The author is able to successfully pull together so many fun tropes, with best friends to lovers, roommates to lovers, fake dating, only one be, and bi-awakening all in the mix. Will and Samuel’s story was crazy entertaining, had a really engaging performance by the narrator, and just the right blend of sweet and steam.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this audiobook.
Profile Image for Maureen.
2,918 reviews34 followers
September 27, 2023
First off this is part three of a series which I didn't realize at first, I looked them up and see I'd read the first one, but over two years ago, there's a lot of other stories in between so I don't recall. All that aside this is a sweet 'fake boyfriend' tale, Will, the not gay, and Samuel, the gay, are a joy to read, except Samuel is often confused, nervous, shy, or all three, and his default is to run away, which can get tiresome, but he's still a total sweetheart, I totally loved it story.
Profile Image for Valerie.
Author 20 books173 followers
October 4, 2023
Will and Samuel are roommates and have been best friends for years. When Will discovers a wedding invitation from Samuel's ex-boyfriend, he's outraged on his behalf and comes up with an idea that Samuel should go to the wedding with Will as his date. Samuel is taken aback by Will's suggestion, especially since he's straight. I enjoyed the development between Will and Samuel, and Will's realization he's had feelings for his best friend and roommate. A great read!
Profile Image for Katey Guillot.
811 reviews15 followers
February 12, 2024
Precious🥲

Aside from the wonky bits, this was another adorable short read. Except for the whole “shut up” thing, but that’s a me thing. I don’t use that phrase and I absolutely loathe it.

4.25/5. This trilogy was quick to read through and super sweet and fun. I loved the characters (except Jeremy, who we just like *some* I GUESS😒) and the stories were super cute and just the right amount of spicy.
Profile Image for K-Me.
2,024 reviews
August 18, 2024
Audible review! I really enjoyed this narrated version by Liam DiCosimo! I loved how easily Will was able to jump in and be a fake boyfriend for his best friend Samuel. Poor Samuel had not been treated right by his ex and Samuel wants to move past it. Will treated Samuel good and even though he did have a realistic bit of a time figuring out his newfound attraction to his friend everything stayed sweet and angst free between. Quick and easy listen.
Profile Image for Lindsey.
334 reviews18 followers
August 25, 2024
I really enjoyed the fact that these two got together pretty quick and there wasn’t a whole lot of drama in doing so.
I loved their pumpkin patch and movie dates and how they kept the tradition alive years later as well.

Not gonna lie, the ending absolutely made me cry! I wish we’d gotten a chance to see Rune feel more comfortable there, with them and their snack cabinet but I loved it so much!!
185 reviews1 follower
September 26, 2023
Recommend

I am devastated that this is the last book in the series. I’ve loved all the books but was eagerly awaiting Samuel & Wills book and it didn’t disappoint. The shy Samuel and curious Will were worth the wait, although I wouldn’t of minded it being twice as long 🤭Can’t wait to see what Kiki gives us next.
Profile Image for Becky B.
1,746 reviews
November 14, 2023
"Faker" received FOUR stars.

The novel gained *stars* for these items:

* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."

* gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."

* gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."

* gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"

The novel failed to gain stars for this item:

NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything she/he/they writes."

945 reviews2 followers
December 3, 2023
Samuel & Will

A bi-awakening for Will and Samuels dream come true. Will realizes the feelings he has for his best friend are more than best friend vibes. Samuel is trying to. It reveal his feelings for his best friend but it’s getting harder when Will decides they need to fake date to shove it in Samuels ex’s face. Good story, liked these two together.
Profile Image for K.R. Phoenix.
608 reviews25 followers
August 23, 2024
Sweet conclusion to the trilogy!

I loved Samuel and Will's story and the fast paced ebb and flow. The found family is great and their intertwined lives mean we can revisit them with each new story. I would have liked more and maybe a serious talk about Will's intentions to Samuel from Dec but alas it was not meant to be.
This was a sweet feel good read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.