Failing a Bluff Check

Single Gamers Society #1

by C.D. Rachels

My best friend’s brother has to pretend to be my boyfriend—how could this possibly backfire? When I need a date for my cousin Omar’s wedding, I don’t even think of asking my best friend’s brother. Johnny Shiba—my hot as sin, teenage gay awakening—has been gone for years. But now he’s moved back in with his brother and me, and, no, he hasn’t gotten less hot. Being in close quarters with him, my decade-long crush only burns brighter. We can’t cross that line because I could never betray my bestie—not that Johnny has any interest in me. When he agrees to be my fake boyfriend for a weekend, it’s just a friend thing, right? And when we meet my career idol and he adores our fake relationship, Johnny helps me cement the charade. Kissing, holding each other, and telling me how attractive he finds me are all parts of the bluff. Our heated moments and intimate touches could never mean anything. And if we roll in the sheets for fun, surely that’s all part of the lying game. I can hold my real feelings at bay, keep my best friend happy, and prevent career humiliation—I have to. Strategy and card games have always been easy for me. But this might be one bluff check I won’t be able to pass for long. “Failing a Bluff Check” is a male/male adult romantic-comedy featuring beach life, drum kits, slow dances, drinking on boats, and yes, fake dating between rounds of board games. Roll the dice with book 1 of the Single Gamer’s Society. These queer nerds are looking for love, and bluff or fold, they play to win.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, LGBT, Gay, Fake Dating

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 12, 2024

About the author

CD Rachels has been coming up with stories since he was little. At first it was all about superheroes and pocket monsters, but his genre of choice has expanded since puberty.

He’s been consuming young adult gay fiction since he was a teen, but within the past five years moved up to the big leagues of gay adult romance. In 2020 during quarantine, he burned through more male/male romance books than he ever had in the previous 29 years combined.

He lives in New York City with the love of his life and is a nurse by trade. When he’s not reading and writing, he’s playing board games and practicing music. He is honored to become a self-published author, and if you’re reading this, your support means so much to him that it’s giving him a tingly feeling (in a good way).

Reviews

[Lilly [Hiatus due to School] · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Thank you. For loving this board game geek.”

“You made it too easy, Rossy Baby. I was powerless to resist you.”

Failing a Bluff Check is the first book in the Single Gamers Society series. We get a sweet fake dating story mixed in with a best friend's brother romance between Firass, a nerdy board game developer and bad boy musician Johnny.

Firass has always had a crush on his best friend's brother. He admired him and felt that he was way out of his league. Johnny has always wanted to leave his hometown and travel as a musician, but years later he decides to return home. It's a bit of an adjustment for him, especially with his younger brother Natie carrying some resentment and abandonment issues towards him. Johnny and Firass get a chance to reconnect and deepen their relationship when a wedding happens in which Firass needs a fake boyfriend to keep his nosey aunties at bay.

I enjoyed this story, I loved seeing Firass and Johnny getting to know one another as adults, becoming close as friends before shifting to lovers. The attraction and chemistry between them is strong but it takes time for them to get on the same page emotionally (Despite both of them having deep feelings for one another).

I find myself thinking about him a lot. He’s not just my little brother’s bestie anymore. He’s more than my friend-with-benefits; he’s someone whose company I’ve grown to enjoy. I don’t only love his body when we have sex, but I also love his laugh, his chats when we eat, and simply being near me when we watch TV. I love the way he talks and how supportive he is to me and his friends. Come to think of it, I love everything about Firass.

Firass has valid concerns about Johnny leaving one day to go back on the road as a musician, so he's hesitant about confessing the depths of his feelings to him. Not to mention dealing with his best friend, who still seems to be super hostile towards his own brother, which is another layer of complications.

I loved the representation we get in Failing a Bluff Check. Firass is Bengali, and Johnny is Japanese! It was really nice to see both leading characters being men of colour, Asian specifically. The Muslim representation was also lovely. Every Muslim is different, and it's nice to see Muslim characters just existing like any other in gay romances.

Overall, I really enjoyed Failing a Bluff Check! I'm looking forward to the next book in the series, I need Natie to get his happy ever after.

[L Ann]

As much as I love the representation in this story, I just can't get into it. There's something off about the dialogue, and the plot so far has been a bore. My ability to push through stories like this no longer exists, so I'm calling it quits early. Dnf pg 40/224

*The narrator for the audiobook did an impressive job, considering what he had to work with. If you're considering this story, I'd recommend listening while reading. Hopefully, you will enjoy it more than I did. 🩵

[⭐Toonasa⭐ •Romance Book Lovers' Haven• · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet & geeky MM romance with Best-friend's Brother, Fake Boyfriends to real love, & they're roommates... A crush & a forbidden, secret romance.
I loved my #ARC. Firass & Johnny, friends & fam are great here.

Firass is a board game geek, he's genuine, shy, a little insecure with a secret hot assertive side. He has a crush on his bestie Natie's older brother for so long!
Johnny is an ex-drummer, who is now back home for a new start. Rooming with Natie & Firass! Natie dislikes J tho, so J gotta win him back. J's charismatic, fairly confident.

F's aunties are #relatable 🤣. F+D start by a fake date in a marriage, but ignites into more! The way to relationship felt like a slowburn, they want but can't be–due to Natie! I also liked the subplot of F achieving his dream & J finding a new dream. J+F are hot & sweet!

I read the book slowly in buses while travelling to-&-fro college till 60%! Last 2/3rds I read in few hrs 🙌. Better late than never 🙈. It was fun. Excited for next book!

Story Ratings:

POV: 1st person, Dual POV
1) Overall Enjoyment—> 5/5
2) The Characters: 5/5
3) Top feels: 🤭😆🥺😏🤫😳🥳😔😁☺️😤😍🥰🥁
4) Steamy scenes: 3/5
5) Levels: Cute+Swoon: 4.25/5
Angst: 3/5
Dark: 1/5
6) Creativity + world: 4.5/5
7) Plot arc: (Fake to real, Dreams & Love) 4.5/5
8) Writing style + pace: 4.5/5

[Frank Chillura (OhYouRead) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why did none of my best friend’s in high school have hot older brothers? Like is that something I should have been looking for? After reading Failing a Bluff Check, my main thought is why wasn’t my gay awakening a kiss from the guy who saves me from being bullied… and also my bestie’s brother? Whyyyyyyyyyy?

Firass and his best friend Natie are roommates. So when Natie’s older brother Johnny needs somewhere to stay after being rudely kicked out of his band, of course he has a place with them.

When Firass needs a date to a wedding, he luckily has someone there who’s free… and single… and willing to pretend to be boyfriends with him. He and Johnny are a match made in heaven. They just seem to work perfectly. But like all fake dating situations, the fake morphs into feelings, which in turn becomes sexual tension and then BOOM! Brown chicken brown cow! <—- that’s smexy time, in case you didn’t get it. 😅😜

They obviously don’t want to hurt Natie or make anything awkward, so instead, they start to sneak around. Which must be awkward when you’re the only person in a house who doesn’t know they’re hooking up. 😎 But the sex is 🔥!!! So that’s a plus!

I love the whole nerdy gamer guy x sexy drummer thing they have going on. So not only do we get the forbidden love of brother’s best friend, but we also have the fake dating and what seemingly could have been a second chance romance, if they had made it past that first kiss.

I do love their dynamic and I’m happy that there is an HEA at the ending, because I would have revolted if there wasn’t!! There was a message from the author afterwards that said that there were cameos in the book as well… I did not know that, but maybe I’ll be able to go and read their other books and find out who I’m missing.

Thank you so much to CD Rachels for an ARC to review.

4.5⭐️

[Crisana · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5* I enjoyed this but it lost it a bit for me in the middle. It was great to see board games being at the centre of the story though. Looking forward to the next book.

[Janette · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first book in this new series from C.D. Rachels was my very first read of 2024, and I’m definitely not mad about it. It’s a cute, entertaining story that checks a lot of boxes:

- Nerdy Gamer x Indie Rocker
- Best Friend’s Brother
- Secret Crush
- Fake Dating
- Forbidden Love
- Forced Proximity

Seriously, Firass and Johnny’s story is sweet and hot, with a lot of humor mixed in. I didn’t find it to be over the top as far as rom-coms go; I enjoyed many of the more comical situations Firass and Johnny find themselves in, as well as the banter among the Single Gamers Society. These friends have a great found family vibe, and you get the sense that they always look out for one another.

If you enjoy fake dating, definitely don’t miss this book. It’s a classic wedding date scenario — Johnny has no idea what he’s about to set in motion when he offers to be Firass’s plus-one for his cousin’s wedding. It’s a situation that spirals out of control as circumstances force them to keep up the charade far longer than either of them planned. But are they mad about it? From the growing connection between them, I definitely think not.

Communication plays a huge role in this story, and I’ll admit at times I was a little frustrated. I wouldn’t say there was miscommunication as much as just a lack of communication, and I didn’t fully understand why some secrets were being kept, particularly between Johnny and his brother, Natie. I didn’t really connect with Natie’s character in general, so I found it difficult to relate to their sibling dynamic. I was a little put off by how Natie treats Johnny from the moment he returns home, and their relationship only grows more complicated as things heat up between Johnny and Firass.

Overall, I’m excited about this new series and looking forward to what’s next. C.D. Rachels has created a great group of characters and begun the setup for what I hope is an epic roommates-to-lovers, sexual awakening story. I really need to know how that’s going to play out, hopefully soon!

*I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book*

[Rachel Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy new release to @cdrachels! If you’re a fan of:
‌
- Best friend’s brother
- Fake dating
- Asian representation!
- Geeky gamers
- Opposites attract
- Low angst
‌
Then you should check out this new series! I love the camaraderie between Firass and his friend group, the Single Gamers Society (me thinks they won’t be single by the end of this series LOL) and I loved Johnny - golden retriever energy and sweetness.

This is a low angst romcom feel read. I enjoyed the group character interactions a lot! I also loved how it revolved around gaming and the different games, and Firass developing his own game. I feel like that's not something you see often!

I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Jay Marcos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable and Amazing

You know when it’s a cool winters evening and then you drink a nice cup of hot cocoa. That’s what this book makes you feel like. I absolutely loved Firass and Johnny right away. The rest of the cast of characters also are so lovable!
The quotes in this book when they have their moments together had me gushing with excitement!
I absolutely recommend this book if you want a nice, happy, low angst read with perfect spice and characters you can’t help but fall in love with!

[MikeLikesBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking for a romance? MM Romance with biopic characters? This is a cozy read about forbidden love with your brother’s best friend and fake dating.

I met this author on BookTok and decided to give his book a try. It’s spicy and deals with family dynamics too. Would you date your brother’s best friend?

[Jozey · Rating 4 out of 5]

BBF, fake date for a wedding, roomates, ex band member, falling in love.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

[Corey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just okay. Not the worst thing I've read (not even close honestly) but also not that good. Dialogue was a little cringy, the way Firass was nerdy felt a little over the top at times, and the alternating perspectives didn't always feel like they were the thoughts of two different people, which isn't uncommon as that's difficult to do well.

[amalia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Synopsis:

The first installment in Rachels’ new series, Single Gamer’s Society starts with Firass (Fee-ross) and Johnny. Johnny has been Firass’ forever crush but he’s convinced Johnny is miles out of his league. Afterall he’s just a nerdy gamer. That’s board gamer, by the way.
Johnny left Newatlantic as soon as he could but now he’s back after a debacle with his former band. He’s a little lost and unsure of what to do while also trying to navigate his somewhat hostile brother who is convinced Johnny will up and leave again as soon as he can. Little does he know that his best friend will become the anchor that keeps Johnny home.
Firass finds himself in a pickle when he doesn’t have a plus one for his cousin’s wedding. He rsvp’d before he and his ex-boyfriend broke up but he can’t stomach facing his aunties single. Johnny offers to go and be his fake boyfriend. They put on such a good show no one questions it.
When Firass and Johnny have to keep up the charade for a bit longer, after swearing to stay away from each other, it becomes even harder to keep to that and to remember it is all fake. Or is it?

Review:

CD Rachels has a writing style that’s really easy to read and really easy to follow. Therefore, it’s very easy to enjoy his books. I am never confused as to whose point of view it is or what’s going on. This is the third book I’ve read of his and I found this in all of them.
I liked how complex Johnny was, he seemed sort of like a flighty douche on the outside but he was actually very sensitive and willing to open up to someone who bothered to wonder (aka Firass). I am always a sucker for the sort of black sheep character. Though Johnny is well liked and charismatic, his family thinks he’s just one sneeze away from upping and leaving immediately again. It’s very clear that there’s a lot of baggage on why he ended up back in Newatlantic after being gone for so long.
Firass was loveable and sweet though there were a few times I wanted to give him a swift kick in the butt for not speaking up when he should have but his insecurities were understandable given the relentless bullying he experienced growing up. He eventually did find the words he needed to say too. If he hadn’t, we would’ve had words out back.
Overall this was an enjoyable book packed with sweet friend moments, spicy moments between the boys, and nerdy board game moments. This book really gets you immersed in the little community/world that Rachels has created. You want to see more and read more and hear more about these silly boys and their board games.

[Larry H · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was looking for a fun romance and when I saw CD Rachels’ author blurb, I knew I’d found it: “In 2020 during quarantine, he read more romances than he ever had in the previous 29 years combined. But, he noticed a distinct lack of BIPOC voices, and now he’s on a mission to change that.”

When they were in high school, Firass had a huge crush on his best friend Nate’s older brother. Johnny Shiba was sexy, confident, and the object of everyone’s desire. But after he graduated, he left their Connecticut town for college and rarely returned.

Fifteen years later, Firass and Nate live together, and Firass is more a part of the Shiba family than Johnny. But when Johnny returns, the old feelings for Johnny return for Firass. He can’t help but stammer and flush anytime he’s in Johnny’s proximity, and he’s even moved into their house!

When Firass needs a date for his cousin Omar’s wedding, he wants someone that he can pass off as his boyfriend, which rules out his close friends. Johnny volunteers, and although Firass can’t believe he’d be willing, he takes him up on his offer. Right away, the chemistry between them is intense. No one has cared about Johnny the way Firass does. But although Nate has made it clear that the two must remain platonic friends since he and Firass are close like brothers, what happens on the road doesn’t count, right?

As Firass gets a chance at his dream job, he wishes he could be open about his feelings for Johnny. But Johnny has said before how much he hates their small town, so should Firass risk his heart?

This is the start to a series and I’m absolutely going to keep reading. The characters are much more complex than I first thought, the steam is quite hot, and the relationships made my heart melt.

See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.

Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/getbookedwithlarry/.

Check out my best reads of 2023 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2024/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2023.html.

[isthisakink · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was definitely a great book to start the reading year off with!

I love this author so much. The joy he has for storytelling always comes through in his work, and it lends so much heart and light to each book. There’s zero pandering to trends, he writes amazing OV characters every time, and the angst is mild and doesn’t feel gratuitous. It always makes me happy to pick up one of his books. The inclusion and diversity also make me happy.

As a nerd/geek/whatever, this one made me extra excited. I am proud of my Risk win/loss ratio. Settlers, too. I am more of a TTRPG gal, but board games and card games will always be fun (RIP to my MTG decks that I lost when I moved from Hawaii back to the continental states). I love stories where folx like me get their HEA. The characters felt like real people and that just adds to my happiness.

The mechanics were solid, with minimal mistakes here and there, which is pretty awesome considering it’s an ARC. I loved the story, the characters are definitely going to be some of my forever favs, and the love was fluffy and perfect. The spice was also nice, like a happy little bonus treat.

4.5/5! I can’t wait for book two! I love all the cameos from the previous series in this world and can’t wait to see how it continues to develop and grow. We’re gonna need a novella where there’s a massive reunion and shenanigans ensue.

[*I received an ARC from the author. All opinions are my own.*]

[Canadian Girl Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

"𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙚 𝙄 𝙙𝙤𝙣'𝙩 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙖𝙧. 𝙈𝙮 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙞𝙣 𝙞𝙩, 𝙨𝙤 𝙮𝙚𝙖𝙝."

Firass has had a crush on his best friend's brother since before he knew what a crush was and when Johnny moves back home, into the same house, and agrees to be Friass' fake boyfriend, things are bound to get complicated.

Firass and Johnny fit together so well and captured my heart right from the beginning when Johnny showed who he truly was. I love how at first Firass is so nervous and becomes all rambly around Johnny and how that quickly changes once Johnny puts Firass at ease.

If I had to pick out anything I did not overly enjoy, it was the lack of communication between Firass and Johnny whenever anything important arose. I am still on the fence about Natie and hope that future books can change my mind about him.

All in all, I enjoyed the introduction to this new series and I am looking forward to seeing what happens to all the single gamers, especially Hamadi.

Get ready for... mm, best friend's brother, fake dating, interracial, rockstar, nerd, roommates, friends with benefits, secret relationship, found family, and first-person point of view.

4 Maple Leafs

*A copy of this book was kindly provided to Canadian Girl Reads*

❤️🖤

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[Sheena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first of a new series, with an all-new cast of characters whose stories I am really looking forward to reading. This is Firass and Johnny's story, and it's a tale of a first crush and kiss, best friend's brother, with a touch of jock/nerd too. The whole thing is delightful and sweet and more than a little hot in places too.

When Johnny saves Firass from bullies in school, Firass' crush on Johnny intensifies and they share Firass' first kiss. Cut to a few years later and Johnny is back in town after his music career didn't pan out the way he'd hoped, he's back living with his brother and Firass, and they reconnect. What follows is just too sweet. These two together are everything good, but more than once I wanted them to just talk to each other and sort it out. The fake dating turns very real for these two who do truly belong together, and it was fun (if a little frustrating at times) to share their story. I liked both men, and I really liked the cast of surrounding characters from Firass' Aunts, to the Single Gamers Society, to Johnny's parents who have half adopted Firass already.

I really enjoyed this, it's low angst and sweet and I really look forward to the other Single Gamers getting their own story too.

[InsatiableSuccubooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and fun rom com

This was such a fun and satisfying read! I loved the gamer geek representation, and even more than that, the diversity in the cast of characters. It wasn't made a big deal of, which makes it even better, because our real life society is diverse and books should reflect that.

Johnny is such a swoon worthy character and Firass is sweet and adorkable in the best ways. Together they're a perfect pair.

There were a few bits of dialogue that read as written more than spoken (aka too stiff and formal), and definitely have to suspend your disbelief with the school job offer, but the story and characters are fun enough to carry it through the few weak points.

Natie was the only character I didn't love and his attitude toward his bestie and brother were off putting. I did think the resolution between the brothers was a little too quick after so much build up, but I'm glad the author had Nattie own up to and apologize for his part of their issues.

Overall, this was a really fun and sweet story that I definitely recommend, especially for lovers of adorkable geeks and protective hunks. If you're not into board games, you might just be after this book!

I can't wait to see what the author does with this little group next!

[Fay MMBookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars for a gorgeous book.
A great start as Johnny saves Firass from being bullied in his early school years.
Johnny at 18 moves away from home for collage in studying music. But before he leaves has to intervene when his kid brother’s friend gets bullied and they end up sharing a brief kiss.
Firass 16 was bestfriends with Natie, both in junior school.
Fast forward and Johnny 32 is returning back home to share a house with his brother and Firass. Johnny ready needs to reconnect and heal their relationship with his brother after all the time away.

Firass gets himself into a situation and needs a fake date for his cousin's wedding.
This is a great book for a forbidden theme as Johnny is treated as family and a brother to Natie. Incudes hot 🔥🔥 sexy scenes between them even with them in secret, sneaking around.
I loved Firass’s aim to be a gamer with his own creation in scenes which Johnny has a had in. But Firass plays it forward in helping Johnny as well.
A gorgeous ending to the story as they get their HEA finish to the book.

I read this as a standalone to the series.

An advanced reader copy, and this is my honest thoughts of the book.

[Jae · Rating 5 out of 5]

CD Rachels is a new to me author but oh am I glad I picked up this book! He had me at "board games nerds" but when I saw this one was a brother's best friend & fake dating I just knew I'd love it! And I did!

From the prologue through to the super sweet epilogue this book had me captures. I love Johnny and Firass so much, their friendship and love story was a joy to experience. I absolutely adored watching these two find each other after so long apart, the love and support they gave each other, the undying loyalty was incredible. When they 'finally' hook up it was so dang sweet and spicy I had to fan myself. Everything about this book was amazing.

As someone who has a gaming cafe in their hometown that sounds very similar to the one in the books I swear I could picture Firass and his friends at a table in my local cafe playing a game, joking around with the chef, and just having a great time. Meeting Hamadi, Dylan, and Natie and knowing they're each going to find their own HEAs down the line was great. Cannot wait to continue this series!

[Isaiah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won a copy of this, so I was really excited to give it a shot. The author seems like a total sweetheart in the few interactions we have had which is always a bonus.

This was just ok. Part of that is on me. I am super critcal of books with alternating perspectives. I need those voices to be distinct. They were not distinct here. If this was done well, I have no doubt I would rate it higher. That is a huge issue for me. This required a bit more suspension of disbelief for me, others might not see the issues I did. Problems of knowing weird information.

I really liked that this was BIPOC led and clearly written by a gay man. It is amazing to see that the author actually knows how dicks work, that seems so rare in m/m romance. There is something to be said for ownvoices.

I might continue on in this series. The author being as sweet as they are and me enjoying so many elements make me think that the first book just didn't click for me, but there is something here. We will find out!

[Nicole Kincaid · Rating 4 out of 5]

🎲 𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘙𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 🥁

Failing a Bluff Check by CD Rachels

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️🌶️

✅ MM Romance
✅ Gay Awakening
✅ Best Friend’s Brother
✅ Fake Dating
✅ Forced Proximity
✅ Lots of LGBTQ Rep

Firass Odom has always been the skinny nerd, factor in that he’s also gay and in highschool and you’ve got a recipe for bullying. Who better to help him than his best friend’s hunky older brother. When Johnny Shiba comes to his rescue, making his homosexuality okay and later giving him his first kiss, his whole world changes. A few years later, Johnny comes back to their hometown and Firass finds himself in need of a fake boyfriend. 𝘏𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘑𝘰𝘩𝘯𝘯𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘤𝘶𝘦! How long can things really remain fake between these two?

I really enjoyed this book! The relationship between Firass and Johnny is so sweet! Their opposing personalities mix so well and their love is infectious! I loved the plot and the other underlying stories! Thank you, CD Rachels, for an ARC of this book. My review is mine and freely given!

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved!

Fantastic start to a new series. I love that this series centers around a group of game loving friends. To start the series we get a best friends brother story featuring a nerdy game designer in the making and the sexy drummer responsible for his gay awakening. I loved Firass and his determination and drive to create his own board game. He is sweet and nerdy and has a fun group of friends. I liked their group chat thread. Johnny is a few years older than his brother and Firass. He couldn't wait to leave their small town after high school and has pretty much kept his life a secret from his family. After 12 years or so he returns home without a clue on what to do with his life. He wasn't expecting to fall for Firass while pretending to be his boyfriend. These two were so hot and so sweet together. I'm still swooning over some of the beautiful lines created by CD Rachels. I'm excited for the next book to come out.

[RS Aris · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, let me say that this was an ARC and my first book by the author. I have read other MM stories, so I was pleasantly surprised that this book didn’t have many of the familiar plot holes and typical content you find within the space.

The story is enjoyable, the characters are relatable (and likable) without trying too hard, and it brings freshness to MM characters/storylines. It is nice to see another side of the MM writing world and one that I would happily delve into again in future stories/series.

I also love the undertones of gaming (regardless of platform/avenue) as it is not something widely represented within the community, nor is the sugar and 🌶️ love story. This one felt warm and inviting with just the right amount of intrigue.

I am interested to see where things go in book two.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Failing a Bluff Check by C.D. Rachels is an incredible read it was completely unputdownable!
The connection began when Johnny rescued Firass from being taunted and teased.
A kiss that Firass had never forgotten.
A passion that Firass would enjoy with Johnny.
When Johnny arrives back in his hometown everything changes for himself and his family.
Firass needs a date that may be the one he has been crushing on.
How Johnny puts Firass at ease is wonderful to see, the assertiveness of Firass was shocked by Johnny but so very well received.
A beautiful story of a forbidden romance, not wanting to hurt others' feelings
In the end, what mattered was the love and commitment between Firass and Johnny.

[Charleys Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Failing a Bluff Check by C.D. Rachels is the first book in Single Gamer's Society. I am already obsessed with C.D. Rachels books, but I loved every second of this book. This is a fast-paced queer story with a second-chance romance where the best friend's brother pretends to be the boyfriend!

Firass and Johnny fit together so easily, and I was giddy reading about them finding their way to one another. You All already know I am all about fake dating and the angst it creates between characters, especially ones that have had crushes on the other for years! I read this book in a day because it was so heartwarming and gave me all of the warm and fuzzy feelings!

You can not go wrong with any book C.D. Rachels, but I loved the nerdy/geek gaming parts of this story and the genuine feelings they shared even while "faking" their relationship. I love the diversity that C.D. Rachels always includes in his books. I am excited to see where the rest of the series goes, and I would highly recommend reading Failing a Bluff Check.

*ARC review

[Lindsey Middlemiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet and fun MM rom-com with a diverse cast of characters. Plus cute gamer geeks!

Johnny being Firass's teen crush (and first kiss) and then becoming roommates after Johnny's life fell apart, was a sweet plot point. The nicknaming that carried forward from the teen years was also really cute.

This was not my favourite CD Rachels book, but I enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to seeing where this series goes.

In this you'll find:
✨MM contemporary romance
✨Fake dating
✨Brother's best friend
✨️Teen crush
✨Friends to lovers
✨️Forced proximity
✨Bangladeshi American Gamer geek
✨Japanese American former rock musician
✨Dubious sexual relationship with an older agent
✨️Living in a car
✨Found family
✨A HEA

[Kat Moreid · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore an awkward nerd. Firass is so cute with his stuttering and panicked lying that keeps getting him in trouble. Johnny's life is a mess when he comes back home. He jumps at the chance to pretend to be Firass's boyfriend. What I love is they make each other better. They support each other. When Firass is insecure, Johnny is there to boost him up. When Johnny needs direction, Firass is there to give him guidance. I loved getting to see them go from friends to more. I can't wait to continue the series!

CD Rachels sneaking in multiple references of Boyce Avenue songs in this book? Bonus points!

[Mandy Beyers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This cute story follows a gamer/game designer and a former indie rockstar as they fall in love. The two knew each other long ago because the gamer is the drummer's brother's best friend. But now, forced proximity and a fake date to a wedding allows them to see what was there all along.

Both men are adorable in their insecurities, and when they finally face up to their true feelings, it is incredibly sweet. I also really like their friend group and look forward to stories centered around the rest of them.

Thank you to the author for my eARC.

[Heather MMRomanceReviewed]

CD Rachels has come into his own in this new series! This book feels like it was a passion project and the characters really come to life! I loved how both Firass and Johnny's emotions and state of mind mirror each other, and how they self-sabotage the relationship... until they don't,,,

I loved the book from beginning to end - the second chance, best friend's brother, fake dating trope was definitely well executed. This book felt real and reading it felt like a glimpse into their world. I am truly looking forward to the next installment of the Single Gamers Society!