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Happy Fake Wife, Happy Fake Life
An enemies to lovers, fake dating romance about a surly hockey star and the feisty woman he refuses to let disappear again.
“Anytime you combine enemies to lovers trope, a small town, a hottie ex-athlete and some spice, it’s going to be a 10/10 book! A quick read, be prepared to be sucked in til the very end!” Amazon Review
Nix
Seven hours. That’s how long I knew her in college. But that hasn’t stopped me from thinking about her every day since.
That’s why I recognize her the second she walks into my bar. The silky, honey-colored hair. The impossibly long legs that flow into her perfectly rounded butt. And that quick, sweet smile that has been burned into my brain for the better part of four years.
She glances over, but it’s obvious she doesn’t recognize me. And why would she? I think she only looked at my face once that night. Most of the time, she had her head buried in my chest wailing about her idiot boyfriend.
You’d think those few short hours would fade from my memory by the time I woke up the next morning, but no such luck. Even after having women almost literally hanging off me day and night during my hockey career, I haven’t been able to get her out of my mind.
Now she’s ten feet from me, and I have keep her here—at least long enough to find out why she disappeared all those years ago.
Emory
Have you ever been kissed so hard that you almost lost consciousness?
I have. Only once. And it just happened.
That can be the only explanation as to why I’m apparently headed to my friend’s wedding with a fake husband in tow.
Let me back up. I stopped at a bar to down a few shots so I could face my upcoming weekend from hell. Suddenly, I’m surrounded by a gang of ex-friends who I gleefully haven’t seen since I fled from college.
They immediately started in about how my ex-boyfriend would be at the wedding with his perfect fiancée. As their pitiful eyes almost bore a hole into my head, I felt a hand on my shoulder. I looked up to see the bearded, hulk of a man who’d been staring at me since I walked into the bar.
Without any hesitation, he pulled my face up to his and almost inhaled me with his mouth. It was so unbelievably hot that I think my brain melted right out of my body. I’m guessing it was puddled somewhere around my feet when he announced to my frenemies that I was his wife. Maybe that’s why I couldn’t seem to form a single word to refute it.
Then when he wrapped his sculpted arms around me and pulled me against his stupidly muscular chest, it felt so comfortably familiar that I actually heard myself confirming his brazen lie.
So that’s where I am—standing in a bar watching the mean girls’ faces flood with jealousy as they slowly scan my fake husband’s beautiful body. For the first time in years, I feel like I have the upper hand on them, and it’s absolutely intoxicating.
So with my brain still pooled on the floor, I’ve decided to just roll it. I mean, it’s only for three days. What could possibly go wrong?
“The perfect combination of a fun rom com with a little spice, and a little action, with lovable and funny characters. I laughed out loud so many times and had all the feels!” Amazon Review
“I will rave about Donna Schwartze’s books to anyone who will listen—they are quick and easy reads, filled with a rollercoaster of emotions, and every one of her books makes you feel like you know each character persona
“Anytime you combine enemies to lovers trope, a small town, a hottie ex-athlete and some spice, it’s going to be a 10/10 book! A quick read, be prepared to be sucked in til the very end!” Amazon Review
Nix
Seven hours. That’s how long I knew her in college. But that hasn’t stopped me from thinking about her every day since.
That’s why I recognize her the second she walks into my bar. The silky, honey-colored hair. The impossibly long legs that flow into her perfectly rounded butt. And that quick, sweet smile that has been burned into my brain for the better part of four years.
She glances over, but it’s obvious she doesn’t recognize me. And why would she? I think she only looked at my face once that night. Most of the time, she had her head buried in my chest wailing about her idiot boyfriend.
You’d think those few short hours would fade from my memory by the time I woke up the next morning, but no such luck. Even after having women almost literally hanging off me day and night during my hockey career, I haven’t been able to get her out of my mind.
Now she’s ten feet from me, and I have keep her here—at least long enough to find out why she disappeared all those years ago.
Emory
Have you ever been kissed so hard that you almost lost consciousness?
I have. Only once. And it just happened.
That can be the only explanation as to why I’m apparently headed to my friend’s wedding with a fake husband in tow.
Let me back up. I stopped at a bar to down a few shots so I could face my upcoming weekend from hell. Suddenly, I’m surrounded by a gang of ex-friends who I gleefully haven’t seen since I fled from college.
They immediately started in about how my ex-boyfriend would be at the wedding with his perfect fiancée. As their pitiful eyes almost bore a hole into my head, I felt a hand on my shoulder. I looked up to see the bearded, hulk of a man who’d been staring at me since I walked into the bar.
Without any hesitation, he pulled my face up to his and almost inhaled me with his mouth. It was so unbelievably hot that I think my brain melted right out of my body. I’m guessing it was puddled somewhere around my feet when he announced to my frenemies that I was his wife. Maybe that’s why I couldn’t seem to form a single word to refute it.
Then when he wrapped his sculpted arms around me and pulled me against his stupidly muscular chest, it felt so comfortably familiar that I actually heard myself confirming his brazen lie.
So that’s where I am—standing in a bar watching the mean girls’ faces flood with jealousy as they slowly scan my fake husband’s beautiful body. For the first time in years, I feel like I have the upper hand on them, and it’s absolutely intoxicating.
So with my brain still pooled on the floor, I’ve decided to just roll it. I mean, it’s only for three days. What could possibly go wrong?
“The perfect combination of a fun rom com with a little spice, and a little action, with lovable and funny characters. I laughed out loud so many times and had all the feels!” Amazon Review
“I will rave about Donna Schwartze’s books to anyone who will listen—they are quick and easy reads, filled with a rollercoaster of emotions, and every one of her books makes you feel like you know each character persona
286 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 2, 2023
286 people are currently reading
658 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
August 30, 2023
Oh. My. God. I am still drying my eyes. This was absolute perfection and hands down my favorite book by Donna.
✨️Alpha Ex Hockey Player
✨️Smalltown
✨️Second Chance
✨️Enemies to Lovers
✨️Fake Marriage
✨️Dual POV
I'm college Nix witnesses Emory and her boyfriend in a heated discussion. When the boyfriend shoves her to the ground, he cuts in and ends up walking Emory home. They spend the night talking, but Nix has practice and has to leave. When he returns the next day, he's told she withdrew from school and left.
Five years later, she walks into his bar in small town Champion Cove, NC. He immediately recognizes her, but she doesn't recognize him. Her college "friends" show up and are teasing her for being single and living with her parents when Nix jumps in to save her with a passionate kiss and announcing he's her husband.
This book literally has everything. The plot immediately sucked me in. I wanted to know what happened to Emory and why she left school, and I love that we didn't have to wait to the end to find out.
The side characters are absolutely loveable, and I honestly struggle to pick a top 3. I love that we get cameos from characters in Donna's other books. They are weaved into the story so seamlessly. Nix is the perfect protective, possessive alpha but an absolute sweetheart. I was laughing out loud, crying, sitting on the edge or my seat and swooning throughout the entire book. I can't wait for the next book, and I hope we get more from the side characters!
✨️Alpha Ex Hockey Player
✨️Smalltown
✨️Second Chance
✨️Enemies to Lovers
✨️Fake Marriage
✨️Dual POV
I'm college Nix witnesses Emory and her boyfriend in a heated discussion. When the boyfriend shoves her to the ground, he cuts in and ends up walking Emory home. They spend the night talking, but Nix has practice and has to leave. When he returns the next day, he's told she withdrew from school and left.
Five years later, she walks into his bar in small town Champion Cove, NC. He immediately recognizes her, but she doesn't recognize him. Her college "friends" show up and are teasing her for being single and living with her parents when Nix jumps in to save her with a passionate kiss and announcing he's her husband.
This book literally has everything. The plot immediately sucked me in. I wanted to know what happened to Emory and why she left school, and I love that we didn't have to wait to the end to find out.
The side characters are absolutely loveable, and I honestly struggle to pick a top 3. I love that we get cameos from characters in Donna's other books. They are weaved into the story so seamlessly. Nix is the perfect protective, possessive alpha but an absolute sweetheart. I was laughing out loud, crying, sitting on the edge or my seat and swooning throughout the entire book. I can't wait for the next book, and I hope we get more from the side characters!
August 30, 2023
Oh how I loved Emory and Nix's story! This was such a good second chance romance with a side of suspense and an adorable dog and five year old boy! Emory is an amazing mom and a great person. She's attentive, sweet and protective. Nix is protective and is stubborn about it as well. They had great chemistry together and were so fun to read! I was ready to jump through the book several times during all the suspense scenes! Such a wild ride of a book! Highly recommend!
August 30, 2023
So many stars for Happy Fake Wife, Happy Life! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is one of those books you can’t put down until the last page, making it the perfect binge-read. Happy Fake Wife, Happy Life is a new series--but if you even remotely enjoyed the Blitzen Bay crew, you will easily become obsessed with Champion Cove. This book can be read as a standalone, but prepare to add her other books to your TBR.
Nix and Emory perfectly blend stubborn, comedic, heartwarming romance. Nix will melt your heart from the start and leave you feeling swaddled in bliss with a smile. Emory is a courageous heroine, exuding strength, resilience, and a fierce love for her family.
I loved purposely going into this book without expectations or knowledge about the plot because it made every twist and turn even more exciting!
Dual POV
Enemies to lovers
Second chance romance
Small town perfection
Ex-hockey player
Charming secondary characters
Underlying drama with a dash of mystery
A little bit of spice and a lot of everything nice
I think this is my new favorite DS book, but I will never definitively choose one because I love each story so much 🤗.
I cannot wait for the next book in this series! And I want Hawk’s HEA now more than ever! 🥰🥰🥰
This is one of those books you can’t put down until the last page, making it the perfect binge-read. Happy Fake Wife, Happy Life is a new series--but if you even remotely enjoyed the Blitzen Bay crew, you will easily become obsessed with Champion Cove. This book can be read as a standalone, but prepare to add her other books to your TBR.
Nix and Emory perfectly blend stubborn, comedic, heartwarming romance. Nix will melt your heart from the start and leave you feeling swaddled in bliss with a smile. Emory is a courageous heroine, exuding strength, resilience, and a fierce love for her family.
I loved purposely going into this book without expectations or knowledge about the plot because it made every twist and turn even more exciting!
Dual POV
Enemies to lovers
Second chance romance
Small town perfection
Ex-hockey player
Charming secondary characters
Underlying drama with a dash of mystery
A little bit of spice and a lot of everything nice
I think this is my new favorite DS book, but I will never definitively choose one because I love each story so much 🤗.
I cannot wait for the next book in this series! And I want Hawk’s HEA now more than ever! 🥰🥰🥰
August 18, 2023
Convincing you to read 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 (𝐅𝐚𝐤𝐞) 𝐖𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 (𝐅𝐚𝐤𝐞) 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞
Alpha Ex Hockey Player
Disappearing Stubborn Heroine
Small Town
Second Chances
Fake Marriage
Witty Banter
Toe-Tingling Spice
Binge Read
In college they spent one night together talking after he witnessed her and her boyfriend arguing and him shoving her to the ground. He leaves the next morning before she wakes and later finds out she withdrew from the college and disappeared.
Five years later she walks into his bar for a college friends wedding. When the mean girls show up teasing her about still being single he can't sit by so he decides to walk right up to her and give her the most breath taking, toe curling kiss and then proceeds to call her "my wife" .... 😍
Her books are so much fun! Most include military or sports characters. She writes the best banter and has created the most snuggly scenes and dreamy locations. All of her books are available on Kindle Unlimited!
Chronological Timeline: (all of her books)
Eight Years
The Only Reason
Wild Card
Truth or Tequila
The Runaway Bride of Blitzen Bay
Raine Out
No One Wants That
Leave It On The Field
Pretty Close To Perfect
Note: The books follow a chronological timeline, but if you don’t read them exactly in that order, you’ll still be fine.
Alpha Ex Hockey Player
Disappearing Stubborn Heroine
Small Town
Second Chances
Fake Marriage
Witty Banter
Toe-Tingling Spice
Binge Read
In college they spent one night together talking after he witnessed her and her boyfriend arguing and him shoving her to the ground. He leaves the next morning before she wakes and later finds out she withdrew from the college and disappeared.
Five years later she walks into his bar for a college friends wedding. When the mean girls show up teasing her about still being single he can't sit by so he decides to walk right up to her and give her the most breath taking, toe curling kiss and then proceeds to call her "my wife" .... 😍
Her books are so much fun! Most include military or sports characters. She writes the best banter and has created the most snuggly scenes and dreamy locations. All of her books are available on Kindle Unlimited!
Chronological Timeline: (all of her books)
Eight Years
The Only Reason
Wild Card
Truth or Tequila
The Runaway Bride of Blitzen Bay
Raine Out
No One Wants That
Leave It On The Field
Pretty Close To Perfect
Note: The books follow a chronological timeline, but if you don’t read them exactly in that order, you’ll still be fine.
August 26, 2023
Oh. My. Gosh. I’ll admit, I was sad when Donna said she was introducing new characters and was leaving the characters I knew (from the series I loved immediately upon reading) behind… but oh my gosh, I should have known she would deliver! This was one of my favorite books of hers yet, I devoured it… probably too quickly… but I just couldn’t put it down. I don’t want to give any spoilers but I did squeal in excitement when Nix received some help from his friends. 😜 Seriously, go read this book immediately. You will not regret it!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 17, 2024
When several elements of a book are extreme, it does a disservice to the story. The ex boyfriend's jerk level- extreme, the nastiness of talk by old acquaintances - extreme, the instant camaraderie with people in a place you just walked into... Add these with instalove and a MOC that was barely a plot line in this book, this book was just lackluster.
Emory and Nix had their moments, but that's all they were... Moments. This book lacked in many areas. The drama side of it also was a deterrent, not an added bonus.
Emory and Nix had their moments, but that's all they were... Moments. This book lacked in many areas. The drama side of it also was a deterrent, not an added bonus.
January 18, 2024
One day (night) read.
A super cute small town romance with an ex-hockey player who is super grumpy on the outside but mushy on the inside. Fake marriage for the weekend to save the sassy female main character, Emory, from college “friends”. Super cute HEA with some great banter and side characters (I see you small town community that knows everyone and everything).
A super cute small town romance with an ex-hockey player who is super grumpy on the outside but mushy on the inside. Fake marriage for the weekend to save the sassy female main character, Emory, from college “friends”. Super cute HEA with some great banter and side characters (I see you small town community that knows everyone and everything).
March 31, 2024
Firstly this there was no enemies here at all. Good story line but the writing was so amateur especially for her 10th book
Read
January 24, 2025far too dramatic
September 4, 2025
This book literally made me cackle. The subject matter did get serious. Loved this story.
January 18, 2024
Update: Still a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star read this time around. Nix 😍 he’s definitely one of the good guys. He may be grumpy at times, but he shows how much he loves and cares for this family through his actions. He was so sweet with AJ as well. Can’t wait to read more about the Fuller siblings.
Donna has done it again. Another book…like all her others that I couldn’t put down and read in less than a day. She created another little town (Champion Cove) that I’d love to visit, since it’s sounds adorable and beautiful, along with being filled with great people that keep you on your toes. Emory had to leave college because of an ex, which is how she met Nix briefly back in college. Fast forward 5 years and she finds herself going to a wedding for her college roommate that she doesn’t want to really go to, but guess what she walks into Nix’s bar and he helps her make the best of her weekend away. Even protecting her from her crazy ex from college. Emory and Nix are perfect for each other and their families seem like they are the best as well. Can’t wait to read more in this series and hear more about all the people of Champion Cove.
Donna has done it again. Another book…like all her others that I couldn’t put down and read in less than a day. She created another little town (Champion Cove) that I’d love to visit, since it’s sounds adorable and beautiful, along with being filled with great people that keep you on your toes. Emory had to leave college because of an ex, which is how she met Nix briefly back in college. Fast forward 5 years and she finds herself going to a wedding for her college roommate that she doesn’t want to really go to, but guess what she walks into Nix’s bar and he helps her make the best of her weekend away. Even protecting her from her crazy ex from college. Emory and Nix are perfect for each other and their families seem like they are the best as well. Can’t wait to read more in this series and hear more about all the people of Champion Cove.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2023
Happy Fake Wife Happy Fake Life by Donna Schwartze. I've been counting the days down for this book and brand new series, and was so excited when it finally landed on my kindle. I have read all of Donna's books and it all started with me getting an arc of Truth and Tequila. From there I was obsessed with her books. This read was no different, I was sad to say goodbye to the old crew. But OMG I don't know how Donna does it, but you fall in love with these new characters from page one. I devoured this read like all her books.
"𝙄 𝙣𝙖𝙜 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙨 𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙨 𝙞𝙩 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙩𝙪𝙗𝙗𝙤𝙧𝙣--- 𝙄 𝙢𝙚𝙖𝙣 𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨."
This read is enemies to lovers and second chance romance, which is my favourite genre. We get both of the main character's POVs which I love. Nix and Emory are our new main characters. Emory is wow full of secrets. I loved her character, she is stubborn just like me haha but in a good way, and she deals with more than she lets everyone around her know. I really enjoyed getting to know her as the book went on. There was a character in this that I absolutely despised and once you read it, you will know who I mean. Nix HOLY HOTNESS, I love Seb out of Truth and Tequila but oh man Nix lol these guys are drawing haha. Nix is well an old college guy she meets, but Emory 5 years later walks into his bar but doesn't remember him. Nix he is grouchy when he wants to be but very protective to the ones he loves. Nix is a retired Hockey player, and he is full of secrets too. But Nix and Emory have all these secrets but will it ruin them or bring them closer and stronger than ever.
"𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙗𝙚 𝙖 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙚, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙄'𝙢 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙜𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚."
We do have some of the old characters that return and yes I screamed with excitement lol. This had so many laughable scenes, which I was in stitches. The banter between them all never fails, and it just gets even better when a certain character returns. I was like yep and here he is lol. Amazing as always Donna, cannot wait till the next book, because yes this is gonna be a series and i'm so over the moon about hearing that news. Brilliant romance full of laughs and thrilling reveals that will keep you captivated to the book.
"𝙄 𝙣𝙖𝙜 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙨 𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙨 𝙞𝙩 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙩𝙪𝙗𝙗𝙤𝙧𝙣--- 𝙄 𝙢𝙚𝙖𝙣 𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨."
This read is enemies to lovers and second chance romance, which is my favourite genre. We get both of the main character's POVs which I love. Nix and Emory are our new main characters. Emory is wow full of secrets. I loved her character, she is stubborn just like me haha but in a good way, and she deals with more than she lets everyone around her know. I really enjoyed getting to know her as the book went on. There was a character in this that I absolutely despised and once you read it, you will know who I mean. Nix HOLY HOTNESS, I love Seb out of Truth and Tequila but oh man Nix lol these guys are drawing haha. Nix is well an old college guy she meets, but Emory 5 years later walks into his bar but doesn't remember him. Nix he is grouchy when he wants to be but very protective to the ones he loves. Nix is a retired Hockey player, and he is full of secrets too. But Nix and Emory have all these secrets but will it ruin them or bring them closer and stronger than ever.
"𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙗𝙚 𝙖 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙚, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙄'𝙢 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙜𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚."
We do have some of the old characters that return and yes I screamed with excitement lol. This had so many laughable scenes, which I was in stitches. The banter between them all never fails, and it just gets even better when a certain character returns. I was like yep and here he is lol. Amazing as always Donna, cannot wait till the next book, because yes this is gonna be a series and i'm so over the moon about hearing that news. Brilliant romance full of laughs and thrilling reveals that will keep you captivated to the book.
September 11, 2023
𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒕’𝒔 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒊𝒕. 𝑺𝒄𝒐𝒓𝒄𝒉 𝒉𝒊𝒎, 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒚. 𝑯𝒆’𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒄𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒉𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖. •••• when the MMC has this inner monologue while hearing her argue with her jerk bf…. give me this man!!!
I have honestly not read one book that compares to the funny banter that Donna creates between such a large group of people. It’s addicting and I love every single character (except Connor 🤬). I laughed pretty much this entire book, other than the serious moments that are squeezed in. They give the perfect balance for a quick read and I am so in love with everyone in Champion Cove, NC!
Emory and Nix are both stubborn as hell, with a bit of a sweet tooth🧁, amazing chemistry and they don’t give way to any frustrating miscommunication. 🤌🏻 Nix helps Emory through a hard situation and proved that he will be there no matter how much she fights with her stubborn ways. 😂
“𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐈 𝐜𝐚𝐧’𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥.”
“𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒐—𝒂𝒕 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒃𝒚 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇. 𝑰’𝒎 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰’𝒎 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒈𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆. 𝑻𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒎𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅. 𝑨𝒃𝒔𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝑰’𝒍𝒍 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒊𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒏.” Nix 🥹🫶🏻
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and an extra ⭐️ for including my fave man from previous books.. (Butch) 🫶🏻
ℛℯ𝒶𝒹 𝒾𝒻 𝓎ℴ𝓊 𝓁ℴ𝓋ℯ…
🥸fake relationship
✌🏻second chance
🌄small town
😝hilarious banter
🙅🏻♀️enemies to lovers
💪🏻protective MMC
💁🏻♀️feisty FMC
👯♀️found family
🙋🏻♂️he falls first
🧁lover of sweets
🐕best doggo
🫢some suspense
⚠️may include triggers
I have honestly not read one book that compares to the funny banter that Donna creates between such a large group of people. It’s addicting and I love every single character (except Connor 🤬). I laughed pretty much this entire book, other than the serious moments that are squeezed in. They give the perfect balance for a quick read and I am so in love with everyone in Champion Cove, NC!
Emory and Nix are both stubborn as hell, with a bit of a sweet tooth🧁, amazing chemistry and they don’t give way to any frustrating miscommunication. 🤌🏻 Nix helps Emory through a hard situation and proved that he will be there no matter how much she fights with her stubborn ways. 😂
“𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐈 𝐜𝐚𝐧’𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥.”
“𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒐—𝒂𝒕 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒃𝒚 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇. 𝑰’𝒎 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰’𝒎 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒈𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆. 𝑻𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒎𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅. 𝑨𝒃𝒔𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝑰’𝒍𝒍 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒊𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒏.” Nix 🥹🫶🏻
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and an extra ⭐️ for including my fave man from previous books.. (Butch) 🫶🏻
ℛℯ𝒶𝒹 𝒾𝒻 𝓎ℴ𝓊 𝓁ℴ𝓋ℯ…
🥸fake relationship
✌🏻second chance
🌄small town
😝hilarious banter
🙅🏻♀️enemies to lovers
💪🏻protective MMC
💁🏻♀️feisty FMC
👯♀️found family
🙋🏻♂️he falls first
🧁lover of sweets
🐕best doggo
🫢some suspense
⚠️may include triggers
November 4, 2023
•I personally thought it was terrible. No offense to Donna Schwartze but it was not very good. First the description describes the first few chapters. It was cute at first. Definitely had some good funny banter scenes but no sexual tension or anything. At the bar when Nix first says "she is my wife" was good . I'm a sucker for a good fake dating/marriage. But they fake dated for like 2 hours then Emory told everyone it was a joke. What was the point in the first place?!?! Secondly it was hecka confusing with AJ . Wasn't even announced until 50% in the book. Then out of nowhere Connor( ex- boyfriend , father of AJ) shows up and harasses Emory. Then kidnapped her. At the end btw. Good suspense tho. I thought it was weird how they got engaged but never said "I love you" and at the end Nix was going to adopt AJ. But like I said no I love you. Just thought it was strange.
•Nix - good guy very stubborn which I like . I liked him and his family. But I didn't like he called Emory "baby" bc Connor called her that.
•Emory - I like her but I wish fake dated Nix and didn't tell her friends it wasn't true.
•AJ - cute kid
•I also loved the town/townspeople
•Nix - good guy very stubborn which I like . I liked him and his family. But I didn't like he called Emory "baby" bc Connor called her that.
•Emory - I like her but I wish fake dated Nix and didn't tell her friends it wasn't true.
•AJ - cute kid
•I also loved the town/townspeople
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2023
I was very excited to see a totally new book/new series start from Donna Schwartze with a completely different cast of characters, even though I absolutely LOVED her last 3 interconnected series. The main characters here are Nix and Emory who actually met 5 years ago in college when Nix broke up a fight between Emory & her then boyfriend and they ended up talking all night. 5 years later Nix is a retired pro-hockey player who owns a bar in a funky small town, and Emory is passing thru on her way to the wedding of her college roommate she hasn’t seen since then. He recognizes her right away as the girl he had an immediate connection with; she has no clue who he is. And then everything gets crazy, funny, spicy and fabulous!!! So many interesting characters that we’ll hope to see in future books! Witty dialogue, great writing and characters you are totally invested in, cheering for their happily every after. I fell for Nix and Emory…and I think you will too!
September 4, 2023
Donna Schwartze has done it again. Nix and Emory are the perfect follow up characters to her previous books. Emory is the type of strong female character (with a strong side of sass) that you expect from Donna and Nix is the best kind of cinnamon role. I was excited to get this ARC last weekend and could not put it down once I started it. The relationship between Nix and Emory has all the chemistry (and laughter) you would expect. Donna’s way of weaving both the past and present of these characters tells the story of a couple who met and then life got in the way. While the tale appears to be light and flirty between the main characters Donna always adds a bit of mystery element that keeps you guessing. I was really excited to see a few familiar characters from her previous books and can’t wait to see where this series goes next as there are so many possibilities with the Champion Cove crew.
August 26, 2023
If you have read any of Donna’s other books and loved them then this one will not disappoint at all. Completely different story but same feel good, page turning, hooked from the beginning writing. Binged this in 5ish hours. I will be going back to read again. This book made me feel just such a range of emotions while reading. Of course, I finished with a smile and am excited to read what Donna writes next. I can’t wait to fall more in love with these characters as this series (?) plays out. I will admit that I was a little sad to move in to a new ‘cast’ of characters. But these new ones did not disappoint!! And some familiar friend made it even better! And shout out to Donna for allowing me to be an ARC reader and having the chance to read this book a bit early.
August 29, 2023
I love reading Donna Schwartze's books because she creates communities of characters that the readers are invested in and she creates a community with her readers. This book is the start of a new community and is the perfect book to start reading books by Donna Schwartze.
This book did not disappoint. It contains all of the elements of a Donna Schwartze book; characters that you love and would like to meet one day, villians that make your skin crawl, some steam, and enough suspense that keeps you from wanting to put the book down. I really hated the antagonist of this book and felt the hated deep in my gut. And I am really debating changing my next vacation to Champion Cove, NC so I can pet some fish and stop for some really delicious baked goods.
This book did not disappoint. It contains all of the elements of a Donna Schwartze book; characters that you love and would like to meet one day, villians that make your skin crawl, some steam, and enough suspense that keeps you from wanting to put the book down. I really hated the antagonist of this book and felt the hated deep in my gut. And I am really debating changing my next vacation to Champion Cove, NC so I can pet some fish and stop for some really delicious baked goods.
September 1, 2023
Happy Fake Wife, Happy Fake Life by Donna Schwartze had me hooked from the beginning! Once again, Donna has built an irresistible couple around a crazy meet cute...can you really call it a meet cute?!? Nix falls first and that was 5 years ago! Emory fights it, even when she needs Nix to be her fake husband for the weekend. Soon, she realizes that this guy is something special, but there are still things that are likely to keep them apart.
Like all of Donna's books, Happy Fake Wife, Happy Fake Life makes you want to play hooky and finish it in one sitting. I love the way Donna develops her characters and gives us an amazing read every time!
I highly recommend this book and can't wait for the next story!
Like all of Donna's books, Happy Fake Wife, Happy Fake Life makes you want to play hooky and finish it in one sitting. I love the way Donna develops her characters and gives us an amazing read every time!
I highly recommend this book and can't wait for the next story!
September 6, 2024
insta-everything
The first quarter of the book was good but after that, so many things happened so quickly. I understand that sometimes, people can easily feel safe and comfortable around people they just met, but this happened to everyone who met each other for the first time. Insta-love, insta-friendship, insta-family. In reality, insta-love situations probably end in divorce. Insta-friendship and entrusting your child with them usually ends in sexual abuse. I get that people read romcoms to get away from these bitter realities. I get that this is fiction. Other people may like books like this, but it really isn’t for me. One star for the humor, particularly the dialogue at the bar, one star for AJ and Hulk.
The first quarter of the book was good but after that, so many things happened so quickly. I understand that sometimes, people can easily feel safe and comfortable around people they just met, but this happened to everyone who met each other for the first time. Insta-love, insta-friendship, insta-family. In reality, insta-love situations probably end in divorce. Insta-friendship and entrusting your child with them usually ends in sexual abuse. I get that people read romcoms to get away from these bitter realities. I get that this is fiction. Other people may like books like this, but it really isn’t for me. One star for the humor, particularly the dialogue at the bar, one star for AJ and Hulk.
August 31, 2023
5⭐️
Truth and Tequila has always been my favorite book by Donna but man this one has me second guessing.
Getting the ARC for this book made my whole week and honestly I had a very hard time putting it down so much so that I was EXHAUSTED the next day lol. The chemistry between Emory and Nix was adorable. Hulk and Aj had me crying happiness🥹 I loved the small town vibe and as always Donna is amazing at making you feel apart of the story. Loved that some old faces made an entrance! There is suspense,laughter, love, lust, sadness and happiness, all the things that make a great book! Cannot wait for the next one😊
Truth and Tequila has always been my favorite book by Donna but man this one has me second guessing.
Getting the ARC for this book made my whole week and honestly I had a very hard time putting it down so much so that I was EXHAUSTED the next day lol. The chemistry between Emory and Nix was adorable. Hulk and Aj had me crying happiness🥹 I loved the small town vibe and as always Donna is amazing at making you feel apart of the story. Loved that some old faces made an entrance! There is suspense,laughter, love, lust, sadness and happiness, all the things that make a great book! Cannot wait for the next one😊
September 5, 2023
Donna does it again!! I read this book in one day bc it’s THAT good! Nix and Emory met in college and by chance run into each other 5 years later. The relationship between them is so sweet and Nix is so loving and protective. Emory has some “drama” with her ex so it does get suspenseful near the end AND we even get to see one of our favorite characters from her other series. Definitely read this book! There hasn’t been a book Donna has written that I don’t love, she is automatic on my TBR! If you read this one and love it (which I know you will) read her other eight books, nothing but love for Donna 🥰🥰
September 6, 2023
Sweet, Funny Romance and a Villain
Want a romance with snappy dialogue, lovable side characters, a bit of steam, a hot Alpha, and a woman who gets the happy ending she thinks she can never have? You found it!
Nix is a grump and a softie with a fierce protective side (aka Alpha). Emory is a strong woman who has overcome tough circumstances and decided to face her old college frenemies to attend her sweet roommate’s wedding. Let the sparks fly!
I was privileged to receive an ARC. I have read all of Donna’s books and love the way she develops her main and supporting character relationships.
Want a romance with snappy dialogue, lovable side characters, a bit of steam, a hot Alpha, and a woman who gets the happy ending she thinks she can never have? You found it!
Nix is a grump and a softie with a fierce protective side (aka Alpha). Emory is a strong woman who has overcome tough circumstances and decided to face her old college frenemies to attend her sweet roommate’s wedding. Let the sparks fly!
I was privileged to receive an ARC. I have read all of Donna’s books and love the way she develops her main and supporting character relationships.
September 11, 2023
DONNA DOES IT AGAIN! ANOTHER STEAMY ATHLETE NOVEL!!!
I could not put this book down! I loved starting
the book in Nix’s POV, sets the whole setting and theme of the book!
Be prepared for a lot of comedic relief,
the supporting characters are hilarious! Nix stole
my heart from the very first page. What’s
hotter than a hockey playing softie that ends up opening a bar!
Emory is a breath of fresh air,
a strong independent woman if you will!
Anytime you combine enemies to lovers trope, a small town, a hottie ex-athlete and some spice, it’s going to be a 10/10 book!
A quick real, be prepared to be sucked in til the
very end!
I could not put this book down! I loved starting
the book in Nix’s POV, sets the whole setting and theme of the book!
Be prepared for a lot of comedic relief,
the supporting characters are hilarious! Nix stole
my heart from the very first page. What’s
hotter than a hockey playing softie that ends up opening a bar!
Emory is a breath of fresh air,
a strong independent woman if you will!
Anytime you combine enemies to lovers trope, a small town, a hottie ex-athlete and some spice, it’s going to be a 10/10 book!
A quick real, be prepared to be sucked in til the
very end!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2023
unexpectedly heart wrenching
I thought this was a cute fake dating romcom lol. The first half is, I suppose, but then it gets a bit darker and more action/suspense-y.
I really loved the first half. It was lighthearted and the whole town of Champion Cove was the best! They all had hilarious banter and it was great. I wouldn’t mind more books about the people in that town either!
The second half was also pretty good. I wasn’t fully expecting all of that to go down but I enjoyed the end result. AJ and Hulk were great additions to the second half. I loved them.
Overall, a pretty great book! I’d recommend it:)
I thought this was a cute fake dating romcom lol. The first half is, I suppose, but then it gets a bit darker and more action/suspense-y.
I really loved the first half. It was lighthearted and the whole town of Champion Cove was the best! They all had hilarious banter and it was great. I wouldn’t mind more books about the people in that town either!
The second half was also pretty good. I wasn’t fully expecting all of that to go down but I enjoyed the end result. AJ and Hulk were great additions to the second half. I loved them.
Overall, a pretty great book! I’d recommend it:)
February 21, 2024
2.5 stars. This was a crazy ride. From fake marriage to DV to hidden child to kidnapping. I did not see all that coming when I read the summary of this book lol.
It's also a bit misleading to call it second chance or even enemies to lovers. There was very little of either in this book. They met 1 time 5 years ago, and she didn't even remember him at all. Is it really 2nd chance if there was never a relationship to speak of the first go round?
Pros: Champion Cove (the side characters are fun) / little AJ
Cons: everything to do with Connor / how quickly Nix & Emory jump from you forced a kiss on me to I want to have your babies
It's also a bit misleading to call it second chance or even enemies to lovers. There was very little of either in this book. They met 1 time 5 years ago, and she didn't even remember him at all. Is it really 2nd chance if there was never a relationship to speak of the first go round?
Pros: Champion Cove (the side characters are fun) / little AJ
Cons: everything to do with Connor / how quickly Nix & Emory jump from you forced a kiss on me to I want to have your babies
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2024
Emory and Nix
Emory and Nix met briefly in college but then she up and disappeared while he was playing in hockey championship. While Nix never forgot Emory, she doesn’t remember him when they meet again.
Nix, retired from NHL after a short career, finds himself in Champion Cove where your business is everyone’s business but they take care of their own.
When Emory finds herself in a tough situation with her ex, it’s Nix to the rescue.
Dramatic romantic comedy with great characters and lots of laughs. Quite a bit of ex drama. Lots of chemistry but slow burn. Spicy, sweet and adorable.
Emory and Nix met briefly in college but then she up and disappeared while he was playing in hockey championship. While Nix never forgot Emory, she doesn’t remember him when they meet again.
Nix, retired from NHL after a short career, finds himself in Champion Cove where your business is everyone’s business but they take care of their own.
When Emory finds herself in a tough situation with her ex, it’s Nix to the rescue.
Dramatic romantic comedy with great characters and lots of laughs. Quite a bit of ex drama. Lots of chemistry but slow burn. Spicy, sweet and adorable.
September 11, 2023
A Rom-com that wasn't all that funny to me, "Happy Fake Wife, Happy Fake Life" had what seemed like a lot of mood swings and not too funny parts. That didn't make it a unenjoyable read however, just not what I thought the book would be. I found Nix to be a little stalker-ish, as well as overly possessive. Emory was rude at times and not what I would call friendly. In spite of these opinions, I found myself reading as quickly as possible to find the resolutions. I enjoyed the book, but prefer a story with a little more humor and realistic characters...or do I mean unrealistic???
September 1, 2023
I was a little sad when I found out Donna's new book was going to have different characters from all of her previous books because I love them so much. After reading this book, I now have a new favorite, though. This book has all the feels! I went through a string of emotions and couldn't put it down. I was also excited that some past characters did have a part in this story, too. This is a must-read, and I can't wait to see what happens next!
September 2, 2023
Happy Fake Wife, Happy Fake Life was an EXCELLENT read. One of those books that kept me reading way past my bedtime LOL. I honestly can't say enough good things about this story!
Also introduced me to characters from another one of the author's series (The Trident Trilogy) which I then read. Those 3 books were amazing as well.
Can't wait for the next book by Donna Schwartze!
I received this ARC free from the author. The review is voluntary. The opinions my own
Also introduced me to characters from another one of the author's series (The Trident Trilogy) which I then read. Those 3 books were amazing as well.
Can't wait for the next book by Donna Schwartze!
I received this ARC free from the author. The review is voluntary. The opinions my own
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