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Saxon James
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Fake Friends (Never Just Friends Book 2) Kindle Edition

by Saxon James (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 2,590 ratings
Rowan

Five years ago, I ruined the best thing I had in my life and ran.

Now, I’m finally back to make things right.

I need Circus’s forgiveness, and then I can finally move on.

I’ll leave Sunbury for good this time and never look back. Maybe then I can finally live life as an out gay man—without my family ever finding out.

But earning his forgiveness isn’t as simple as I hoped it would be.

He’s going to make me fight for it.

And I don’t blame him at all.


Circus

I never wanted or expected to see Rowan Harvey again.

When he shows up in Sunbury, begging for forgiveness, I’m tempted to give it to him just so he’ll disappear.

Instead, we make a deal.

I need an extra model for a swimwear shoot, and none of my friends are available or fit the brief.

I’ll forgive him, if he helps me. Then he has to leave. For good.

Because his request for anonymity during the shoot proves he’s still living in his dark closet.

I’m not going to make the same mistakes I did when I was a teenager.

I won’t let myself fall for him again.

Because after how things ended between us, he doesn’t deserve a second chance.

Fake Friends is a low angst, ex-friends-to-lovers romance with fake boyfriends, second chances, and an all-knowing Magic 8-Ball.

All books in the Never Just Friends series are stand alones. Series number refers to recommended reading order.
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  1. Book 2 of 4
    Never Just Friends
  2. Print length
    347 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    December 28, 2020
  6. File size
    5.0 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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There are 4 books in this series.

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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08PVGYR1R
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ May Books
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 28, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 5.0 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 347 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 2 of 4 ‏ : ‎ Never Just Friends
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 2,590 ratings

About the author

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Saxon James

Saxon James

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Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
2,590 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book well-written and emotionally engaging, with a beautiful story that hits the emotions without being overly angst-driven. The characters are delightful, and customers particularly enjoy Rowan and Circus's relationship. The book touches on heavy topics while maintaining a sweet romance, and customers appreciate its realistic portrayal of life struggles.

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ReadabilityStory qualityEmotional contentCharacter developmentLove for circusMessageRealisticRomance
23 customers mention "Readability"23 positive0 negative

Customers find the book very well written and a wonderful read.

"...Even though it is book two in a series, it can be read as a stand-alone. The characters are the only thing that overlaps, thus far. ***..." Read more

"...It was a fun story to read and can’t wait to start the next one." Read more

"...A great book to read when you want all the feels but not be broken for long!" Read more

"This book was going well but disappointment started at about 90%. I skimmed to the end because I could not believe the decisions Circus was making...." Read more

18 customers mention "Story quality"18 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story quality of the book, describing it as beautiful, endearing, and heartbreakingly beautiful, with one customer noting its chock-full of drama.

"...Overall, this is a well written and wonderfully crafted story with delightful characters. It does include some angst (low to medium)...." Read more

"...Circus is sweet and charming, and I feel for his loss and subsequent need for validation—his confusing likes on social media with acceptance, even a..." Read more

"...they both went through so much to find their HEA makes their story all the more moving...." Read more

"...It reminded me of some of my own struggles and made me feel so seen and happy reading it...." Read more

13 customers mention "Emotional content"10 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the emotional content of the book, noting that it hits the emotions without being overly angsty, and one customer mentions feeling deeply moved by the story.

"...It was a great balance that hit the emotions without being overly angst. A great book to read when you want all the feels but not be broken for long!" Read more

"This is the type of book that tears your heart out and then immediately puts it all back together. I love Rowan and Circus together...." Read more

"...I cried like a baby during some parts and my heart felt so full after reading. This book is wonderful for anybody struggling with who they are...." Read more

"...First one was good, but this one hits a lot harder. Emotional, but still an easy read...." Read more

8 customers mention "Character development"8 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one customer noting the author's sensitive portrayal of flawed characters with real problems, while another enjoys Saxon's wit and charm.

"...Circus and Rowan are two very flawed characters, but they are also likable and easy to root for. They had things to work on, but don’t we all?..." Read more

"...Saxon always writes the most likable characters. Rowan and Circus are great. What Rowan did as a teen was terrible. He knows it too...." Read more

"...Well written, loveable characters and great story development. The whole series is fantastic. Would recommend!" Read more

"Really adored Circus and Rowan. Loved how the author sensitively and realistically detailed Rowan's internalized homophobia from his family and..." Read more

8 customers mention "Love for circus"8 positive0 negative

Customers love Rowan and Circus together in the book.

"...I needed a minute. I loved book one and enjoyed meeting Circus in that book...." Read more

"...Saxon always writes the most likable characters. Rowan and Circus are great. What Rowan did as a teen was terrible. He knows it too...." Read more

"...I love Rowan and Circus together. Knowing they both went through so much to find their HEA makes their story all the more moving...." Read more

"...He was a great friend to Circus and then became a good support for Rowan as well...." Read more

8 customers mention "Message"8 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's message, with one customer highlighting its conversations about mental health and another noting how the internal struggles feel authentic.

"...This book touched my heart in more ways than I expected it to, and I wasn’t really prepared for that. I needed a minute...." Read more

"...His struggles feel so real and rooted in reality that it almost feels too fast and easy for him to change in the time of the story...." Read more

"...This book is wonderful for anybody struggling with who they are. It gives me a little hope 💕..." Read more

"...a support system to feel safe to be themselves, and I loved the message this book portrayed." Read more

5 customers mention "Realistic"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the realistic portrayal of the book, with one noting how the dynamics are brilliantly conveyed.

"...His struggles feel so real and rooted in reality that it almost feels too fast and easy for him to change in the time of the story...." Read more

"...what he did to Circus on prom night, and from there the dynamics are brilliantly conveyed by author Saxon James, and the characters of these two men..." Read more

"A very realistic approach about respecting ourselves and love ourselves. A beautiful second chance story...." Read more

"...The book completely exceeded my expectation. There's just something so real and relatable about the way Rowan struggled and how crazy willing he was..." Read more

5 customers mention "Romance"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in the book, describing it as sweet, with one customer noting that true love never fades.

"...Overall this is a lovely story of forgiveness, acceptance, and love. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series." Read more

"I love me a good second chance romance. Rowan returns after running away from his past and to seek forgiveness from Circus...." Read more

"...Love is love and it has many different forms of expression." Read more

"A sweet and sexy romance with compelling characters and an premise set in a picturesque community. A great addition to this series." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • OldLadyStauffer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful, delightful, and everything I love...rolled into one book
    Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Have you ever read a book that left you speechless, but in a good way? This book touched my heart in more ways than I expected it to, and I wasn’t really prepared for that. I needed a minute. I loved book one and enjoyed meeting Circus in that book. I was thrilled he was getting the next book, and my mind hasn’t changed since I’ve finished it. This book touched on some heavy topics, but did so in a way that it didn’t weigh the book down. I found myself grinning throughout the book.

    Before I get into the meat of my review, I want to address something that’s been brought up in reviews. I understand differing views and how subjective things are when it comes to books. Not every book is going to be everyone’s cup of tea. However, unless we’ve walked a mile in the shoes of a gay man (or anyone in the LGBTQIA+ community) who was brought up by a homophobic family, and is currently living with and working for them, we cannot just dismiss this journey as unrealistic. For one, how would we know...unless we have? Also, add mental illness into that mixture, and your mind is a battlefield of fear, self-loathing, and many more things I wouldn’t wish on anyone. It is very possible to become trapped in a toxic environment. Thank God some people finally get out; not everyone does. 

    As for my opinion of this book: I loved it. Circus and Rowan are two very flawed characters, but they are also likable and easy to root for. They had things to work on, but don’t we all? I enjoy imperfections, and stories showing us the characters’ journey of personal growth between the beginning and end of the book. On top of that, we get to enjoy Saxon’s wit and charm. We get to spend more time with Tanner and Roo, and Leon as well. I even think there was a hint of what’s coming next, towards the end of the book. If I’m right, I’m really going to enjoy book three. Heck, I’m going to enjoy it, even if I’m wrong. 

    Overall, this is a well written and wonderfully crafted story with delightful characters. It does include some angst (low to medium). Even though it is book two in a series, it can be read as a stand-alone. The characters are the only thing that overlaps, thus far. 

    ***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement. ***
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Amanda Brooks
    4.0 out of 5 stars Sweet second chance
    Reviewed in the United States on May 5, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    When they were in high school, Rowan and Circus were friends skirting around their attraction to each other, until one night when they finally acted on their feelings. But then Rowan betrayed Circus and fled town, using college as an excuse to stay away. Five years later he returns seeking forgiveness.

    Saxon always writes the most likable characters. Rowan and Circus are great.
    What Rowan did as a teen was terrible. He knows it too. It’s why he comes back. Even though Circus doesn’t owe him forgiveness, the struggles that both lead to Rowan’s betrayal and then brought him back to try to make amends make him a sympathetic character. His struggles feel so real and rooted in reality that it almost feels too fast and easy for him to change in the time of the story. But Saxon makes it clear that Rowan has been grappling with his feelings and desires for a long time, coming to slowly accept himself even before his arrival. His self-acceptance isn’t perfect yet, but it at least lays the groundwork for what happens in the story.

    Circus is sweet and charming, and I feel for his loss and subsequent need for validation—his confusing likes on social media with acceptance, even a type of friendship. As if the more people who like him on SM the less alone he is. His dream of having a large family someday is so endearing. I do wish there had been more done with his character so that his lessening need for social validation wasn’t tied so directly to Rowan loving him. Even he thinks that without Rowan, he’d still need/want that constant interaction with his audience. I’m glad there is at least a brief mention of him going to therapy at the end.

    Overall this is a lovely story of forgiveness, acceptance, and love. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
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  • Bo
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Trope That Works
    Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I have stated before that I am not a big fan of the enemies-to-lovers trope but this one caught me by the heart at the start and refused to let me go.

    White i like the opening book of the series where Tanner and Roo came together, I was not prepared for the difference that Circus and Rowan (on the cover) brought to the village of Sudbury, Oregon, and the concept of high school friends getting together to live new lives and keep in touch.

    In this case, Rowan is coming back steeped in guilt after what he did to Circus on prom night, and from there the dynamics are brilliantly conveyed by author Saxon James, and the characters of these two men are deeply explored and presented to us without apology.

    That Circus is suffering from unspoken guilt about his parents' deaths, and Rowan cannot get his brain or heart to confront the homophobic family which is the root of this story could not have been handled any better. That both of those issues are dealt with in surprising manners helps bring the whole mess together in a delicious way.

    The next book is slightly previewed in a short encounter near the end of this one, but this one will be hard to top.
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  • Diana Rosado
    4.0 out of 5 stars Awe 🥰
    Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I love me a good second chance romance. Rowan returns after running away from his past and to seek forgiveness from Circus. It was great to see he grew from his past mistakes and trying to do better. Also able to heal from the baggage his family saddled him with. That’s not to say he’s all healed and such, that journey isn’t linear and there will always be bumps along the way but seeing Circus help Rowan be more comfortable with his truth, it was nice to see. And seeing their relationship grow from where they last left off was a nice full circle moment. It was a fun story to read and can’t wait to start the next one.
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  • GnomePatronus
    5.0 out of 5 stars 2 imperfect perfections
    Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Loved getting to see two totally different struggles from very different perspectives. I love that this gave me all the romcom moments but the underlying issue to overcome was deep on both sides. It was a great balance that hit the emotions without being overly angst. A great book to read when you want all the feels but not be broken for long!
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Ravali
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good
    Reviewed in India on June 18, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    The last chapter's went too fast and it is not really satisfiying, but howeve it's okay and i really loved circus
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  • Aryea Hunt
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good read and interesting aspect
    Reviewed in Canada on March 16, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I enjoyed this book because the characters had emotional baggage and it was interesting to watch them go through to the other side of it. I also appreciated how the Author portrayed Rowan's struggle between his family, his faith and his love Very good read!
    Report
  • Kerry Fletcher
    5.0 out of 5 stars Frenemies to lovers!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 7, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Secong book in the series and i'm falling hard! I can't stop!

    Rowan made a mistake years ago. He ran away with his tail between his legs and never forgave himself. He decides now is the time to make things right and dare to ask for forgiveness.

    Circus is a bit of a loner. An eternal bachelor never even looking for love. The reason? His ex best friend.

    Man i loved the dynamic with these two. I loved how forgiving Circus was. He wanted to forgive Rowan for himself as much as anything. His growth was amazing to read from his loneliness to being completed when his missing piece returns.

    Poor Rowan broke my heart a bit. To live hating himself made me want to hold on to him.

    Such a great storyline and something different but oh sooo sweet!

    It kept me gripped and filled my heart. I love this authors writing because its so easy to read it makes you comfortable and time just flies by!

    Love this little town more and more! Can't wait to get my hands on book 3!
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  • book.lover.so_fantastic
    5.0 out of 5 stars Sweet, heartbreaking - just love it so much
    Reviewed in France on July 13, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Sweet, heartbreaking- such a display of raw emotions, I fell in love with this book - the more I was reading the more my poor heart was hurting for those characters ❤️

    Rowan left five years ago after the debacle with Circus, he thought the distance would help him forget him and feel “like a normal straight guy”. But now he’s back, he wants closure but it still seems nearly impossible to stay away from him. Circus doesn’t want to forgive him, his actions have consequences and his departure broke him, but now he’s faced with a dilemma and needs him for a swimwear shoot and they’re down !!

    Rowan is so complex, all his life he adds to repel who he really is, he hates himself and doesn’t know how to accept himself as his family will have enormous issues with him being gay. Circus is also more complex than he let people know, despite everything he still feels for Rowan and his situation. Working together is gonna be difficult but rewarding in many ways and Que sera sera 🔥

    That story was really deep, seeing Rowan struggle with his sexuality was truly heartbreaking and it’s even worse when we know that it’s a situation still happening. However, the way Circus accept this and helps him go through it without putting any pressure on him, it’s just beautiful. Seeing them interact, it’s a wonderful vision of love and I think this book will definitely go with my favourites.
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  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 24, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I enjoyed the characters and the way they built up their relationships despite their issues, and others, with loss and homophobia. It was an interesting addition to the series.
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