3.5 STARS

I enjoy Stacey Lynn so when I saw this title on NetGalley I clicked it right away. Once I saw the blurb I was even more excited since I enjoy a good fake romance. This book was a sweet read, very light on angst (which I appreciate most of the time) and overall enjoyable.

I liked Teagan. She had a heck of a day and then gets presented with the opportunity of a lifetime. I liked her sense of self. I truly felt she was a believable character. Her reactions are genuine-to every situation she deals with in the book, and I loved that.

Corbin was a bit harder for me to connect with initially. I'm not sure what it was but I felt a little distanced from him until about 60% into the book. Then I was all in with him. I think in the beginning I just didn't believe his response to the situation he was dealing with. I just wanted a little more from him overall. He's sexy for sure and the swoon factor is there, but I just wanted...more.

There's chemistry between Teagan and Corbin right from the start. She's a little star struck but I think that's absolutely normal. I liked how their relationship progressed; it felt very realistic. I loved watching them figure out their feelings for one another. The sex was steamy-which is always a bonus.

I think the pacing in this book worked. You know going in what to expect in a sense from the blurb, so it's interesting to see this author's spin on this trope. I loved the supporting characters. I look forward to what this author comes up with next. Overall, I enjoyed this title and would recommend it.

The story between Teagan and Corbin starts with a very cute meet. To say Teagan has had a bad day is a gross understatement but after rear ending Corbin he offers her a paid adventure that intrigues the reader and keeps us turning the pages. I liked the writing, the characters, the humor, the conflict, this book has it all.

What a beautiful story between two people vulnerable with trust issues, finding one another and seeing the best in the other! Corbin was very much a protector and caretaker, of the ones he cares for and instantly of Teagan. At times he was a bit abrasive, but when he explained himself - hot hot hot. Teagan is a sweet, show every emotion she has on her face, immediately attracted to the real Corbin. I loved how they hot to know the real person, looked past the hard exteriors, and made it work. I loved the ending and especially her lightbulb moment. The epilogue is beyond adorable. And the hilarious scenes with their friends Caitlyn and Trey make you only want more.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher through Netgalley.

Fake Wife by Stacey Lynn was a nice surprise! A marriage of convenience is nothing new, but the characters were fun, and the story pulls you in.

Corbin Lane is on a deadline. He has always loved his grandmother, but never wanted her money. All he wants is the house, but in order to get his inheritance, he needs to be married within six months and stay married for a pre-determined timeframe. HIM! The guy who never does the girlfriend thing! Now he needs to find someone he can trust to marry him. All fake of course.

Teagan Monroe has hit rock bottom, literally. After everything else that has gone wrong, she runs into Corbin in the worth way possible. What she never expected was to have him be her knight in shining armor! The chance to make her dreams come through is at the tip of her fingers. It’s simple really. No sex, no feelings and all business. Nothing can go wrong, right?

It all seemed simple from the start. The only person that was only ever truly there for Corbin was his grandmother. When he learns about the condition in the will, he will do anything to ensure his father will not get the home he wants. But what he did not count on was Teagan.

I loved Corbin and Teagan. Their chemistry is almost instant, but it was fun seeing them come together. I loved that both characters were strong. Corbin was a bit bitter at the start, but we get to learn more about him and understand him better. This is a fun, quick read with great characters and a story that pulls you in.

Corbin, one of Portland's sexiest bachelors, is a player. Never taking life too seriously and never committing to just one woman, unless it's his grandma. Corbin's grandma was the only woman in his messed up family to care for him. His dad fooled around and had another family on the side. His mom drowned her misery in alcohol and drugs. His grandma was his "everything", until she passed away. As a stipulation to her will, Corbin has to marry within six months and make a go of it for at least two years before he can claim his inheritance.

Teagan, a college dropout who followed her boyfriend around the country has just had the worst day ever. She is let go from her job at the library due to cutbacks, only to return home early to find her boyfriend of seven years cheating on her. After packing all of her belongings into her car, she pulls out only to crash into Corbin. A crash that has the ability to change her life.

Corbin and Teagan's story was refreshing, captivating, emotional, and funny. A true fairytale ending! I loved the friendship that developed between Corbin and Teagan. Teagan led a somewhat isolated life, but was quickly accepted by Corbin's friends. I can't wait to read their stories! I read a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.

I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.

3.5 stars — This one started off really strong, and then somewhere along the way I started losing my enthrallment with it. It did pull me back in for the ending though. I started this one after midnight and stayed up late needing to read one more chapter, so it was very compelling to begin with. Part of that is that I just really enjoy Fake Relationship tropes…I don’t know what it is about them, but I always love seeing a couple slowly fall in love when forced to act in love I guess. And this one started off good in that direction, but it didn’t completely follow the formula…which can be a good thing, mix it up right? But along with a few things that ended up bugging me, I guess I needed more familiarity in the formula or something.

Both Corbin (and I can’t help but say Korben Dallas every time) and Teagan started off as extremely likable characters. I felt for both of them, when they met they were both struggling with shiznit, kwim? I mean Corbin had just lost his grandma, and was floundering in grief and then the complication of her will stipulations on top of that. And Teagan was dealing with the loss of her job and then her cheating boyfriend. I was really pulled in by both of them, and they were very sympathetic characters. And I loved the way they met, and how their first interaction went. I loved that Teagan was both enthralled by Corbin, but her star-struckedness didn’t make her naive and silly…she was still skeptical of his proposal and relatively safe about it…though I suppose in the end she does still go with him out of the city. But regardless, I appreciated her almost down-to-earth-ness.

But I think it was Corbin’s temper and mood swings (which are fully acknowledged) that started my descent into less enthrallment. I know Teagan called him out for being a dick, and eventually he apologized, but the problem is that I didn’t understand what brought on these mood changes. We typically weren’t in his POV when they happened, and although we get a bit of an impression that he’s concerned about his attraction to her when he’d wanted to keep it business, that just wasn’t enough of an explanation for me. And that kept happening again and again…it got a little frustrating. Add in his family drama that was initially hinted at, and later explained, and I think I just wasn’t always understanding what his motivations were.

And while I know I was reading an ARC, and there very well could be another editing/proofing pass before publication, I found myself stumbling over sentence structure on occasion (meaning I would have to go back to the beginning of the sentence to remember what the sentence was about). And not only that, but sometimes I just didn’t understand what was being said. Maybe I was tired? But as with not getting Corbin’s motivations for his moods, there were other little things that happened in the story that I just didn’t follow…

One final thing, this one had quite a bit of drama that centered on them not talking to each other and making assumptions about the others feelings. While this is to be expected a bit with two strangers, it stretched on WAY longer than I personally like. I just got frustrated with them and wanted to roll my eyes. However, I really appreciated the way the ending played out…there were hurt feelings and overreactions on all sides, but unlike the rest of the book, they didn’t last too long.

OK, back to the good stuff! Teagan was kind of adorable. I loved her ambitions, and would have loved to see more of her interacting with horses since it was her passion. And obviously I loved her love of books… 😛 And she had a bit of sass to her that made me smirk, and I loved the way she was always herself. I also appreciated how she dealt with Drake. And when Corbin wasn’t being a dick, he was kind of adorable too. I loved how passionate he was about his work as well, and I loved his memories of his grandparents.

And their chemistry started off a bit slower for me, but when it heated up, hoo boy did it heat up. Steamy scenes — two thumbs up!

I’m also pretty intrigued by Corbin’s friends, Trey and Caitlin…I sense stories there. I loved how they interacted with Corbin and tried to keep him on a good path.

So yeah. A bit of a mixed bag. Lots of good, but lost a half star in the middle with all the drama drama… If it wasn’t for the strong beginning and end, I probably would have rounded down instead of up.

This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. The story flowed very well and was very enjoyable. This book will keep you reading long into the night and you will not want to put this book down until you finish. This was such a great read and full of surprises. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.

Interesting Marriage of Convenience story

I really love Stacey Lynn's books. A big part is because of her great character and relationship building. Teagan and Corbin have a unique "first meet". It was fun to follow their journey that moved from initial lust to love. I also enjoyed the secondary character Caitlan and Trey. Would love to read their stories.
I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

*****5 Stars
If you were offered $250K to marry someone for two years, who would take care of you in a luxury lifestyle, would you do it? That's the question. Sterling makes the offer and Teagan accepts. What happens after that is an amazing love journey for two people who seem unlikely partners.
I have to say, I loved it. There was just the right amount of sex, the characters were relatable and it wasn't a perfect romance. There was some drama and a setup for a possible next book. The best part of the book was how well Teagan reflected on her broken relationship and how she handled her ex.
Sterling on the other hand does all these mixed up things, like being an ass one moment, and then nice the next because he is so confused about Teagan. I liked how Sterling wanted things to be perfect and then realized it wasn't realistic and just went with it.

I'm giving this a rare 5 of 5 propellers. It was well thought out and written, and touched my heart.

Read the extended review at Wickedcoolflight.net https://wickedcoolflight.net/?p=8412

Heartwarming, sweet and sexy love story

The fake relationship is one of my favorite tropes, and Stacey Lynn does not disappoint in The Fake Wife. Ms Lynn takes the contrived arrangement and brands it her own with her trademark style of storytelling. Expect heartaches, a myriad buffet of emotions, irresistible dialogue and endearing characters.
Corbin Lane needs a wife within six months of his grandmother, Eleanor’s will. She’s bequeathed her beloved house and property on Cannon Bluffs to Corbin, but only if he falls in love and marries. While the public sees him as a playboy with a trust fund and the heir to the Lane Holdings fortune, there is more to Corbin. He keeps his true self hidden and secret, especially from his greedy and ruthless father. He won’t let his father destroy the only home he’s ever known, and the house his grandmother raised him in. But happenstance creates opportunity when his car is rear-ended by Teagan Monroe.
Teagan has just survived one hellacious morning. Fired from a job, catching her cheating boyfriend and now, homeless with all her stuff in the back of her car, Teagan is an emotional wreck when she smashes into Corbin. Seeing this beautiful, distraught woman, Corbin launches into a plan that will benefit both of them; he gets his cherished childhood home and Teagan gets a future she has dreamt about. From this point the story unfolds wonderfully into a whirlwind love story. Teagan and Corbin at first have lots of hurdles, namely trust and a growing attraction. But as they spend time together, they can’t deny the growing attraction between them. There is a delightful buildup and sizzling chemistry. Neither Corbin or Teagan expect to fall hard for each other. But can they be sure what their hearts feel is not pretend, but the real thing?
One of my favorite lines that just made me melt, “I don’t want to take anything from you you’re not willing to give, and this isn’t pretend...Everything I’m feeling for you right now is more real than anything I’ve ever felt.” *sigh*
Fake Wife has the perfect blend of constant push and pull of attraction, and all the feels woven into this fake relationship that blossoms into a true romance. It’s a love story with humor, parts will make you ugly cry, but your heart will leap with such a wonderful ending, and a sigh-worthy epilogue. I highly recommend this story for all romance readers. Wonderful job, Ms Lynn. I received an advance reader copy from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

I couldn’t put it down!!! I’m a fan of the fake relationship trope and this one was one of the best that I’ve read in a while. I loved Corbin and Teagan and how their relationship developed. I particularly enjoyed the fact that is was a slow burn when it could have very easily turned physical early on - it made the whole story more genuine and emotional. Stacey Lynn is swiftly becoming a “must read” author for me! 4 out of 5 wine glasses.

corbin lane needs a wife. so when he is rear-ended by teagan monroe, who happens to be having the worst day of her life, he sees an opportunity to solve both their problems. and while corbin's offer is insane, teagan's in no position to refuse.

so in fake wife, corbin and teagan find themselves committed to something they've agreed won't last. but the more time they spend with each other, the more they realize that the initial spark of attraction can ignite into something more. it can be real and lasting and everything.

corbin is all in pretty early on. he's certainly wary of commitment, but he recognizes that his feelings for teagan are more than just friendly. he wants her to share his life. he wants to make her dreams come true. he thinks she could be his true partner, someone who supports him and gets him through the hard days.

teagan on the other hand is a wreck. her self-esteem is so low, a cheating ex-fiance would do that. and she can't figure out why corbin wants her above all the other society debutantes that would be more than happy to nab him. she's also battling the feeling that she's putting her life on hold for yet another guy if she agrees to corbin's deal. but what she doesn't realize is that corbin has no desire to trap her, he wants to help her fulfill her own dreams. in agreeing to marry him, she saves his beloved grandmother's home from the clutches of his father. and securing his inheritance means everything to him, but so does teagan.

**fake wife will publish on january 9, 2018. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/random house publishing group (loveswept) in exchange for my honest review.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆
M/F Romance
Triggers: Cheating, second family

Teagan is struggling with where her life has gone. She followed the man she loved for several years, putting her own future on hold. When she doesn't think it can get worse, you guessed it – it does. Wandering aimlessly, she finds herself up against Corbin, a very eligible bachelor.

Corbin is reeling from the death of the only parent figure he's known. What he can't wrap his head around is her wishes that he settle down and have a family – especially since she never did. He has always known that he will overtake his father's company, despite having huge reservations about it. When he and Teagan cross, he sees the answer to his prayers. He just doesn't know how much his life will change.

These two give each other courage to go after what they really want. They push each other and complement each other. Trust is a difficult thing for both Corbin and Teagan and it will take all they have in each other and themselves to build that trust that others want to drag down. It was a sweet story, but felt kind of drawn out with a lot of hints at what they want, but not great communication.


Mary Jo – ☆☆☆
I did enjoy this book, but Corbin's family dynamics, his grandmother's will, and Teagan's troubles were a little much for me.

It was a classic storm of emotions on the day that Corbin and Teagan met under difficult circumstances. Given all he has to lose, Corbin chooses Teagan to help solve his problems. Teagan, leaving a long standing relationship, is hesitant to jump in with both feet, but does so anyway.

The romance itself was great, but the outside factors detracted from it.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆
This is an enjoyable read which gives you exactly what you expect, with a few twists thrown in.

What I would have liked more of was character development, rather than everything being in a tearing hurry. The best bits were when the tempo slowed and we got to understand just what Teagan and Corbin were about – for example, when they were in his barn, or in the car. So many things happened, that the speed of the relationship was just another factor, rather than being the key to the whole story. When I had finished and could review the romance in retrospect, I was pleased to have read the book.

​​​​​The marriage of convenience trope is my absolute favorite, so naturally I was drawn to Fake Wife by new to me author Stacey Lynn. It is a terrific story, with well-defined characters and a fast-paced plot. I could not get enough of this engaging romance.

Teagan Monroe is having a bad day. She losses her job, finds her boyfriend of seven years in bed with another woman, and smacks into a Mercedes, all within an hour or two. Luckily, the man driving the Mercedes is not angry. In fact, he finds her quite charming and candid, which leads him to make Teagan an offer she can't refuse.

Corbin Lane comes from wealth, and his sexiness is known throughout the Portland area. He has to get married in a hurry, in order to inherit his late grandma's waterfront home. A fake marriage is what Corbin needs and Teagan seems to fit the bill, since his wealth and place in society is of no interest to her. Teagan wants to use the money from their business arrangement to help others and go back to college. Corbin and Teagan are attracted to each other and overtime, they give in to their developing feelings.

I truly enjoyed this slightly emotional and entertaining book. To begin with, Ms. Stacey opens the story with a very exciting chapter, which sets the tone to this mostly upbeat romance. Teagan and Corbin are really good together, and each new thing they discover about each other helps create a future that neither of them could imagine. Their sexy times are hot, both in and out of the bedroom. The secondary characters are interesting all on their own, and their personalities compliment the present happenings. Don't pass on the opportunity to read Fake Wife.

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

Give me a present day marriage of convenience trope any day of the week! Corbin is a super wealthy, playboy guy who just lost his grandmother. She was important to him, as his father is a horrible man who has a family on the side and his mother is drinking herself to death. His grandmother left him her family estate – but with a condition. He must marry within six months and stay married for at least two years. Corbin knows his grandmother wants him to have someone serious in his life, but he is still pissed that he has to get married, to get his beloved family estate. He knows if his father gets a hold of the property, it will be torn down and turned into a strip mall. So Corbin will do what his grandmother wishes, and find a woman to marry.

Teagan is having the worst day of her life. First, she gets laid off from her job at the library, which she loved. Then she finds her boyfriend of seven years banging a chick in their bed. Devastated, she packs up her car with all of her belongings and starts to drive – and she accidentally drives directly into our hero. She knows who Corbin is, as his picture is flashed on all the gossip magazines. She is horrified. Expecting to be screamed at, instead Corbin invites her to lunch, and then proposes marriage. And $250,000 to stay married for two years. No sex or anything required. Just a business arrangement. Corbin is sick of dating rich girls and takes one look at Teagan and is enchanted with her and her “normalness.”

Teagan is honestly sick of putting her life on hold for men. She quit her job to move to with her cheater ex boyfriend as he went through medical school – and now she would have to put her life on hold again for another two years. I like that this is a concern for her.

“Nothing’s wrong, exactly,” Teagan says, going back to the topic. “I was just thinking today of all the times Drake asked me to put my dreams on hold, all the times he promise I’d get what I wanted once he finished his residency, and now…” Her voice trails off and she shrugs. Looking out the window, she finishes her thought on a whisper. “Now I’m doing it all over again.”

Teagan isn’t forced to have this fake marriage by any means. It’s totally her decision, and she turns out to be a really strong heroine in this book. At first, I wasn’t so sure I was going to like Corbin. A bit cocky, and always talking about women’s looks and how rich women are horrible people etc..and he only wanted to pretend marry a “normal” aka, not rich woman – I don’t know. He rubbed me the wrong way at times

[…] doesn’t get how hard it is for a man like me to find someone who actually likes me. I’ve dated more socialites and daughters of the wealthy than I can count, and all of them typically have one hand on my dick and the other reaching for my black Amex. Rich women are a pain in my ass. They’re more needy than tolerable, and more insecure than an abused dog.

Okay, okay Corbin. Let’s tone down the judgment a little bit sir.

But he turns out to be a good guy. He respects Teagan and treats her well during their fake courtship/engagement. He starts to share real things of his life with her and if he does get out of line, or forgets to be a gentleman, she is there to remind him. She is a really strong character and she made this book for me

It’s also super dirty. Once they move past the fake stuff, into real relationship territory – it gets sexxxy.

It’s a pretty quick book, so things move along fast but it worked for me

Grade: B

Teagan and Corbin’s story grabbed me from the beginning and never lost its grip. I was taken with them from the first page and fell in love with them more and more as their story progressed. I loved their chemistry, the passion, the desire they tried to hide, it was just too powerful to contain.

Teagan sounds exactly like someone I’d be great friends with. She is honest and genuine. There are no games with her. You get exactly who she is to the core, no masks or guessing games as to who she really is. Corbin has always had to wear a mask, to pose for the perfect family pictures, while his family was anything and everything opposite of perfect. Teagan brings out the man he truly is. The one he only shows to his two best friends. Speaking of them, OMG I loved their banter and playfulness. My kind of peeps!

I really hope Caitlin and Trey’s story is next – and that it is with them finding love together, not anyone else.

**I requested and received an advanced copy, provided by NetGalley and the publisher, and I am voluntarily providing an honest review**

Fake Wife by Stacey Lynn is a standalone romance novel. Teagan is a librarian and just had the worst day ever. She was let go from her job, is homeless and boyfriendless too. To top it off she's in a car accident and rear ends Corbin Lane's car.
Corbin Lane buried his grandmother and her will is not exactly in his favor, so he thinks. He needs a wife or his inheritance will go to another heir. What to do?
When a breathtaking woman read ends his Mercedes he has an inkling. Why not make Teagan his fake wife. Teagan is not amused, but somehow he convinces her.
Fake Wife is a sweet romance. The book kept me well entertained and I liked the writing, the characters and the story. I could feel the characters emotions in the words. I give 4 stars and say thank you, Stacey Lynn !

I do like the fake relationship trope so I was intrigued by this blurb. Simply put Corbin Lane needs a wife go fulfill his grandma's will. Teagan Monroe has had rough day and to top it off crashing literally into Corbin. It's the right timing though and they enter into their contract. A wife in name for Corbin and a stepping stone for Teagan to get her dream. Little did they know that attraction will be hard the no strings deal.

Teagan went into it with to start building her own equine therapy farm. She has nothing so she really needed this. She's very not Corbin's type as he says but can't deny she still pretty. With any fake relationship this one had the angst factor with all the denying feelings. The Lane family and social circle will hardest to sell their story to.

Corbin can be hot and cold making discerning what's real and not with them even harder. The way he grew up made him colder and untrusting. The more time they spend together the more his hidden persona shows. He is more than the public image for his family name. He's pretty down to earth and a good guy they are not that different really. Teagan really sees him and they get along better. But the Lane family is not without it's skeletons in the closet that may drive them apart.

It wasn't an easy story for them but I like that pull it was needed for this particular story. Otherwise it would be too easy sure it could have used less whiplash feelings and it was quite a slow burn. It definitely kept up the angst till the end. Still I liked the trope and it was done pretty well. I hope Corbin's friends get a book they were a lighter side to this story.

Good storyline with very likeable characters that made this book a very enjoyable and entertaining read!

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

Teagan is having a really bad day - she gets laid off, finds her boyfriend cheating on her, and then rear-ends Corbin's car, but that is the start of her fake relationship. They both start feeling more than pretend feelings and it is fun to read about their ups and downs to realizing that they have real feelings! It was great when Teagan would stand up to Corbin and not take his nasty mood when when were going to their first party together - love strong women!

I loved that Teagan was able to realize her dreams as well as having a great relationship with Corbin what a great HEA!!