Faking It with Her Crush

A Night to Remember #2

by Cassie Mint

He’s the company heartthrob. The man all the interns swoon over.

And he’s teaching me how to flirt.

Darius and I are good friends. It’s easy to chat to a man I have zero chance with, because let’s face it: I’m not the kinda girl he wants.

I’m bookish and curvy. Serious and shy.

And he breaks hearts with a single smile.

But I’m tired of going to bed lonely every night, so when Darius offers me a fake date for practice, I think: what’s the harm?

I’ll remember it’s all pretend. I won’t get carried away by the moment.

And I definitely won’t put my heart on the line…

Faking It With Her Crush is a short and steamy instalove story, starring a heartbreaker who only has eyes for one girl.

Genres: Romance, Novella, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Fake Dating, Short Stories

58 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 25, 2024

About the author

Cassie writes outrageous, OTT insta-love with tons of sugar and steam. She loves cookie dough, summer barbecues, and her gorgeous cat Missy.

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Reviews

[Lolina ⋆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

THE EPILOGUE WAS SO SWEET🤧.

-=-

So random, but why was Lucy breaking down me 💀☝️:

"Why are the smallest things in life so freaking hard for me sometimes? Because ninety percent of the time, I am Capable Lucy. Reliable Lucy. The girl people bring their myriad problems to, with blind faith that I will come up with a solution. Then, once in a while, it’s like a switch gets flipped in my brain, and I wind up… here.

Hoping and praying that no one catches me in this state. What would they say? What would they think? Anxious tears brim in my eyes, and I blink them away, tugging my pencil skirt straight. No time for that level of meltdown."

[april ♡ is probably reading smut · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5

TROPES:
~fake dating
~coworkers
~friends to lovers

PLOT: One year ago, Lucy and Darius meet at work and become friends. Now, he offers to take her to a company party as his pretend date so she can get some experience with men. At the party they kiss and sparks fly... but it is really fake?

THOUGHTS: Ahh, another Cassie Mint novella and it was so cute. I adore Lucy. She's sweet and shy, but knows to go after what she wants. And that's Darius. Darius is charming and a gentleman and treats her with respect. There's only a tiny bit of spice towards the end, but the cuteness of this novella more than makes up for it.

SAFETY:
Ages: 25h, older H
Virgin/celibate?: virgin heroine, not a manwhore hero
OM/OW?: no
Cheating/sharing?: no
Triggers: none
HEA? yes! <3

[Viv “BookVixen” Gutierrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another swoony win from Cassie Mint!! This was filled with emotional oomph and lots of sizzling yearning that eventually erupts into an amazing passion!

Love this author’s writing style, the way she can convey so much emotion and characterization in such a short format. Fucking genius.

Safe. Hero’s past isn’t mentioned except to say that all the rumors of him with other women are not true. Heroine is a virgin and belongs only to her hero, giving him the honor and gift of claiming ALL of her firsts. No ow/om, no cheating or sharing or abuse. HEA with epilogue.

[Kate Russo ❦ (Rina Kent’s Version) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was cute my only complaint is that I didn’t love Leo in this book ngl

[Brittany (Brit.tea.reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cassie Mint writes some of the sweetest stories, and I just loved this one.

𝕊𝕙𝕠𝕨 𝕞𝕖 𝕙𝕠𝕨 𝕡𝕣𝕖𝕥𝕥𝕪 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕨𝕙𝕖𝕟 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕗𝕒𝕝𝕝 𝕒𝕡𝕒𝕣𝕥.

Lucy has been crushing on Darius for a while now. She doesn't think he will ever go for a shy, curvy girl like her. Their friendship blossoms, and he takes her on a practice date at the company's party. After sharing a kiss, things change between them. 🥰

𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕓𝕖𝕒𝕤𝕥 𝕚𝕟𝕤𝕚𝕕𝕖 𝕞𝕖 𝕡𝕦𝕣𝕣𝕤. 𝕐𝕖𝕤. 𝕃𝕦𝕔𝕪 𝕚𝕤 𝕞𝕚𝕟𝕖. ℂ𝕝𝕒𝕚𝕞𝕖𝕕 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕗𝕚𝕝𝕝𝕖𝕕 𝕦𝕟𝕥𝕚𝕝 𝕤𝕙𝕖 𝕕𝕣𝕚𝕡𝕤. 𝔸𝕓𝕠𝕦𝕥 𝕥𝕚𝕞𝕖.

I can't wait to read Tangling with the Boss next.

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accountant Lucy (h) has been crushing on the company’s music composer, Darius (H), ever since she met him during one of her panic attacks in a supply closet. The pair have become good friends even though Lucy believes Darius to be out of her league. Darius tries to keep his feelings for Lucy in check, as he worries that the tainted view of love he saw from his family means he’ll only hurt her. When a company event comes up, Lucy and Darius find themselves agreeing to a fake date with one another, but as their night together draws on, they both want to be together, and things come to a head between them with their emotions on the line. Hot and steamy instalove, friends to lovers, curvy girl romantic quickie.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Too short.

[atomickitten · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up

Two people pining after one another for over a year and finally making the right move.



It was cute as hell, but it would've been better if it was a bit longer, a novella, not a novelette, I just needed a bit more from them.

And maybe that's just me being weird, but sexing and losing your v card in your boss's's house (he wasn't there) sounds just wrong.

Well, at least to me.

But it was cute, I'll give you that.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

Safety and Spoilers

Safe. No ow/om drama.
Nothing is mentioned about the H’s past and the h is a virgin.
H is a friendly man and likes to smile and wink at people, he’s also very good looking and there are constant rumours about him dating coworkers. h believes a lot of these rumours. They are not true at all.
H had bad childhood and believes he’s incapable of or deserving of love.
No abuse or cheating.

[M A SCAMMELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet …

A charming tale to read in an afternoon and warm the cockles of your heart. Love Lucy’s and Darius’s characters!

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Faking it with her Crush bk 2 [A Night to Remember]
These are short Novella Workplace Romance books..

This book follows Lucy and Darius.. You will find Workplace, Friends to Lovers, Virgin Trope and more

Darius works hard.. He has always had a thing for Lucy for a while that's why he ended up becoming her friend so he can be close to her.. He likes his banter with Lucy because it makes him feel alive and also makes him want a life with her.. He has a close friendship with Leo who is the boss because they have know each other for years and they each look out for each other.. He has a sad past that only Leo knows about.. So he told Lucy lets fake date for the work party but when they get to the party they both know it feels more then fake dating so later that night after Lucy storms off and he runs after her that's when he shows her how he really feels..

Lucy likes her job and able to hang out with her friend when work is not busy.. She likes her banter with her co-worker Darius because they have been friends for a while and also because she really likes him but does not want to tell him because she does not think he would see her the same way so she is happy being his friends because it means she stills has him in her life.. She panic's around people sometimes and has to go in the stock room to relax for a bit.. When Darius asked if she would like to fake date for the office party to help her get used to dating she said yes because she thought it would be fun but when she gets to the party with Darius that's when it started getting real and she ran but once Darius found her that's when everything changed for her..

This book is packed full of:
⦁ Awesome characters
⦁ Workplace Romance
⦁ Fake Dating [Wee bit]
⦁ Friends to lovers
⦁ Virgin Trope
⦁ Both have feelings for each other for a while but did not tell each other how they felt
⦁ No 3rd Act break up
⦁ A wee bit of steam
⦁ A wee bit of caretaking [Hero wanting to be there for her and look after her]
⦁ Forced Proximity
⦁ Protective Hero
⦁ Shy Heroine/Sassy Hero
⦁ Strong Friendships
⦁ Love at first sight
⦁ Fast Read

I enjoyed the relationship between Lucy and Darius.. I am looking forward to reading book 3 that follows Darius's best friend Leo

[LK · Rating 3 out of 5]

b a s i c s :
short n spicy dual pov
would read again

s h e l v e s :
angsty
anxiety
bffs friends to lovers
cameos (Logan & Hazel from the next book)
coworker
curvy heroine
fake date
instalove
marshmallow softie
mutual pining
smitten boi
take care of u
virgin

k i n k s :
no condom

e n d e a r m e n t s :
♥︎ sweetheart

e n d i n g :
HEA w/ a baby on the way!

p l o t :

Darius and Lucy are both goners for each other. Darius thinks he’s not worthy of love, so he doesn’t want to pursue anything with Lucy for fear of messing things up and hurting her. She’s already hurting though, bc she believes her feelings are one sided. Which makes sense to her anyway bc Darius is a famous composer in the company and she’s just a curvy, quiet accountant who blends into the background with cardigans and her tortoise shell glasses. Darius thinks they’re adorable though.

Everything changes when she accidentally reveals to Darius that she’s never been kissed or on a date. He suggests they go to the company party together as a “practice” date. Lucy agrees, even though she’s kind of hurt he didn’t ask her out for real.

Don’t worry, they figure things out eventually the night of the party ;)

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun filled steamy insta-love story of Lucy & Darius.

Darius might have a rep for a ladies man but ever since he set eyes on Lucy there hasn't been anyone or anything else. Lucy is shocked when Darius meets her mid panic attack, offering to take her for coffee.

Its a great meet cute story of these two becoming "friends" when they both feel everything but JUST friends. Lucy is convinced Darius would never go for the nerdy curvy girl stuck in the office.

Darius tries his best to keep his distance, but with Lucy he can't help it. Its so adorable how a year in he admits he loves bringing her treats, and making sure she's ok.

Darius spits out he wants to be a fake date for an office party, knowing he knows nothing of dating and love. Lucy mistakes his demeanour after giving her first kiss as it meant nothing.

After she gives him a chance, he proves she is the axis of his whole world. You might need a cloth to wipe your. brow at the heat as they give in to each other, but it leave you with a fab story!!!

[Anna M_82 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing fake about this couple!

Right from the start I loved Lucy and Darius! Shes adorably awkward with a huge crush on her friend and coworker Darius. He’s dreamy, a musician, and she’s thinks he’s been making his way around the office. What would he ever see in her? The answer? Everything. He sees Lucy for who she truly is and cherishes her for it. He’s just fighting a battle between his head and his heart. His heart that desperately wants Lucy to be his and his head that has experienced what happens when a relationship sours and never wants you to have that happen to him. But hai draw to Lucy will be too strong and one night of “fake dating” to help her “practice” will show him he can never live without her. LOVED these two characters and their ending is beautifully sweet and perfect for their story.

[Ali's In Literature · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utterly adorable

Darius is the company heartthrob. Lucy is the bookish accountant. When they form an unlikely friendship, Lucy is still wary of her best friend's playboy reputation. But she couldn't be more wrong.

It's not often I give 5 stars to a short novella, but this one ticked every box for me. Friends to lovers, fake-dating, and mutual pining. They were SO stinking cute together. Looking forward to Leo and Hazel's story.

Favourite Quote:

“You’d know if I was flirting, Luce.” Another scowl at my shirt collar.
“Would I?”
“Yes. Because it would only ever be aimed at you.”

[nic✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucy and Darius were perfect friends and even perfect fake dates until things go haywire.

The feelings these two felt for each other went past just coworkers but neither thought they were worthy of the other until one kiss changed everything.

I really am amazed how Cassie Mint can make so much happen in such a short amount of pages without it feeling rushed or that details were missing but she does it every time. I am so excited for the next installment of this series because these two were so amazing i can’t wait to see what’s next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Keilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an adorable story. They were friends for a year before things happened between them though and I really wish we’d seen a bit of the time lapse instead of just having the year jump after their first initial meeting. I’d def recommend it especially as it’s part of a series. You don’t have to read all of them as they’re all standalone but the first two have made me super impatient for the last one lol.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faking It with her Crush was another amazing insta love story by Cassie Mint. Darius and Lucy are best friends and completely clueless to the other's feelings. Darius has the money and the looks that have all the ladies at working vying for his attention but he only has eyes for Lucy, one the young accountants. He offers to give Lucy dating advice knowing he can never be the man she deserves. But a kiss at the company anniversary party will change everything. Darius is not letting her go.

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and steamy, Lucy and Darius story take your heart on a short wild ride as the navigate their hearts.

Lucy works in accounting and Darius is a composer who makes it a point to stop by her desk. Over a year they slowly get to know each other, but Lucy knows his reputation. Darius has fallen for Lucy the moment he saw her, but she keeps her distance. When a chance to take her out starts off fake, but how will the night ends.

Great story to get lost in when you need that break.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy read

I have to admit I liked the first book in this series a bit more. I didn’t not like this couple, but I kind of felt they were a little boring.

I did like the trope though. The fake dating is such a silly, but awfully fun trope. The couple did have chemistry and I liked that they built their friendship up. I think what was missing was that even though they has this friendship, they still didn’t bother to know more about each other.

They were cute at the end, I just was sort of meh with them.

[Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been searching for new friends to lovers romance books, and this one was so cute. I liked Darius and Lucy together. They made me want to come into the story and shake them; make them see that they were dancing around the same goal. It’s fun and a little steamy. If you want something fun with low angst this one is for you.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darius has the attention of all the ladies at the company including Lucy but when they met he told her he wanted to be friends. Lucy is shy and does not date, he offers to help her learn how to flirt, he takes her as his date at a company function.

Darius is really convincing and all that is going to happen is that Lucy will be hurt. What she does not know is that Darius has feelings for her that he is fighting.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Harriet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucy is a curvy, innocent and shy accountant with a crush on the office hottie Darius, when he turns his sights to her, she knows they are just friends but it doesn't stop her wanting more. When they fake date, things don't feel fake at all .

This was super sweet and heart warming. Fun and flirty with a lovely HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Oriana Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darius is the office flirt, but in reality he stays away from women like the plague. But that changes when he meets Lucy the sweet but shy accountant at Grapevine. He thinks he can't be good enough for her and tries to just be friends. But after a year he just can't stay away longer and a fake date for the office company is just the right thing 😏 Instalove, short story, office romance , sweet, steamy , fun to read and safe with an awesome HEA😍😍😍😍😍

[Natasha Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucy has had a crush on Darius since they met a year earlier. Darius has feelings for Lucy that he hides for fear of hurting her. They become friends. They find themselves fake dating for a company event but it’s soon anything but fake. Sweet, steamy story with amazing chemistry, a loving, caring hero and a wonderful HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

So cute!

Gotta love a Cassie Mint story. This one isn’t QUITE as good as the last book in this series but it certainly holds its own. I loved Darius and how all the constant gossip about him really wasn’t true. He’d wanted Lucy from the first day he set eyes on her but it took him time, courage, and an accidental run in to finally introduce himself. Then he had to settle for being her friend… for a year. The man had patience, I’ll give him that. A great read.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucy and Darius became friends and coworkers but both secretly want more, when Darius suggests he be her fake date to a work party to get her some practice dating, one kiss is about to ignite far more real between them. well written steamy age gap, coworkers, friends to lovers romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has given us a wonderful friends-to-lovers story that pulls us into the lives of Lucy and Darius. The story keeps us turning the pages with unspoken desire, fears, insecurities, revelations and steam.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Mascara Wand Is Mightier Than The Sword!

Two friends who are unknowingly in love with each other but say nothing because they think they're not worthy of the other? So sweet. And Darius was so gone for Lucy! Definitely he fell first here. Also the couch debauchery had me cackling! The smut was excellent and felt deserved. Can't wait for the next one!

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faking It With Her Crush is Darius and Lucy's HEA. Lucy is the curvy, nerdy accountant and Darius is the office heartthrob. They can be friends though right?? Just friends...
It was a sweet and fun quick read. I enjoyed it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.