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Bower Boys #5
7 Steps to Seducing Your Fake Fiancé
What’s worse than being fake engaged to a woman who despises you?
Falling head over heels for her.
Larkin Gray hates me with the fire of ten thousand suns.
We haven’t seen each other in twelve years, but she’s still furious with me for breaking a promise to her…and she’s even prettier than I remember.
But there’s no undoing the damage I caused.
Since I can’t make amends, I avoid her lethal glare at all costs. Until I stumble upon her lying about having a fiancé to her ex, and I lose my ever-loving mind. Suddenly, I’m introducing myself as her betrothed and getting us invited to his wedding.
Predictably, Larkin is intent on making my life miserable, except this barbed banter is kind of fun. And the more time we spend together, the more we discover we have in common.
Then she kisses me to prove our relationship status and I damn near lose my heart.
I’m ready to go all in with Larkin, but she’s not the only one I hurt twelve years ago. Her intimidating brother has every reason to hate me too and doesn’t want me touching his sister. But my lips and tongue don’t count as hands. Right?
Trigger warning: Physical and emotional abuse. It’s also recommended that you read book four in the Bower Boys series, 4 HINTS YOU LOVE YOUR BEST FRIEND, before reading this heart-gripping story.
Falling head over heels for her.
Larkin Gray hates me with the fire of ten thousand suns.
We haven’t seen each other in twelve years, but she’s still furious with me for breaking a promise to her…and she’s even prettier than I remember.
But there’s no undoing the damage I caused.
Since I can’t make amends, I avoid her lethal glare at all costs. Until I stumble upon her lying about having a fiancé to her ex, and I lose my ever-loving mind. Suddenly, I’m introducing myself as her betrothed and getting us invited to his wedding.
Predictably, Larkin is intent on making my life miserable, except this barbed banter is kind of fun. And the more time we spend together, the more we discover we have in common.
Then she kisses me to prove our relationship status and I damn near lose my heart.
I’m ready to go all in with Larkin, but she’s not the only one I hurt twelve years ago. Her intimidating brother has every reason to hate me too and doesn’t want me touching his sister. But my lips and tongue don’t count as hands. Right?
Trigger warning: Physical and emotional abuse. It’s also recommended that you read book four in the Bower Boys series, 4 HINTS YOU LOVE YOUR BEST FRIEND, before reading this heart-gripping story.
341 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2023
26 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Siskind
20 books1,384 followersKelly Siskind lives in the wilds of British Columbia. When she’s not out hiking or skiing, you can find her, notepad in hand, scribbling down one of the many plot bunnies bouncing around in her head. She loves singing while driving, looks awful in yellow, and is known for spilling wine at parties. Sign up for Kelly’s newsletter at www.kellysiskind.com and never miss a giveaway, a free bonus scene, or the latest news on her books. And connect with her on Twitter and Instagram (@kellysiskind) or on Facebook and TikTok (@authorkellysiskind).
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Golden Heart® Finalist
Amazon Best Seller
Featured on the Apple Books Best Books of the Month list.
Where to find me:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Kelly-Siskind/...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kelly...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorKellyS...
Join Kelly's Gang on Facebook for exclusive giveaways and laughs: https://www.facebook.com/authorKellyS...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellysiskind/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KellySiskind?lang=en
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ca/kellysiskind/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
November 16, 2023
An unsuspected–at least by Larkin–cinnamon roll, a feisty beauty, a heartbreaking past, some collegial help… What a way to end a series!
Jake helps everyone, especially his brothers and his mother. That’s why his story is the last, I suppose: they all needed to be in a happy and stable relationship for him to finally take care of his own heart.
He had an instant connection with Larkin right before he left for WITSEC–and while still being in a relationship with Jolene–and he avoided her. Unbeknownst to him, it started a chain of events that changed a few lives. And made Larkin hates him. Fast forward, he involves himself with Larkin by lying about their relationship. See above his helpful nature. But the connection is still here. The playful banter is still here. And maybe hate turns into love.
I was quite surprised by Larkin’s past. It was dark for this series–though there have been instances of angst and drama. Here, it’s downright violent and tragic. Not even talking about Larkin’s ex and his machinations.
In the middle of all this darkness, the love story isn’t even a beacon of hope. Because of their shared history, and a few other struggles that I won’t develop here, Jake and Larkin’s story is an eventful one. It takes a lot of time, and a lot of efforts on Jake’s part, for them to start something, and even then they have their doubts. They know what they want, they aren’t sure they can get it.
But family–the real one, the one that’s here when it’s tough too–is the main theme. Jake is permanently secretly making amends to his brothers for when he thinks he let them down. They’re close-knit. On the other hand, Larkin has no contact with her mother, ignores the existence of her father, and supports the half-brother who chose to be in her life and made sacrifices for her. Almost the opposite of each other, except for the fact they despise their respective fathers.
The other is working through the consequences of one’s actions. The plot of this story is like a Jenga tower, or a domino race. Every single action or decision of the characters has consequences that impact their lives even twelve years later. Sometimes, it’s positive, like how Jolene and Larkin bought into the bar after Cal’s mistake in the previous book. Most of the time, it isn’t.
That’s when Larkin’s ex comes in. He’s the villain of the book, and rightly so. I won’t say much about him, but you’ll see right from the start that Drew isn’t a good man. No redeeming quality here.
The author wrote here the perfect enemies to lovers story, where feelings are high and overwhelming, to the point that the difference between hate and attraction is barely noticeable. The banter is like verbal intercourse, and the tiniest physical contact is foreplay. Yet I couldn’t mistake love for lust, as they shared meaningful moments, and secrets. Maybe desire was even a consequence of deeper feelings right from the start.
Quickie
- Series: Bower boys #5 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #small town romance #enemies to lovers #fake relationship
- Triggers: past abusive relationships, violence, murder, mention of drug trafficking and overdose
- Main couple: Larkin Gray & Jake Bower
- Hotness: 4/5
- Romance: 5/5
- + Larkin and Jake’s banter was extra fun
- – not exactly a minus, but this book is way darker than the rest of the series
Jake helps everyone, especially his brothers and his mother. That’s why his story is the last, I suppose: they all needed to be in a happy and stable relationship for him to finally take care of his own heart.
He had an instant connection with Larkin right before he left for WITSEC–and while still being in a relationship with Jolene–and he avoided her. Unbeknownst to him, it started a chain of events that changed a few lives. And made Larkin hates him. Fast forward, he involves himself with Larkin by lying about their relationship. See above his helpful nature. But the connection is still here. The playful banter is still here. And maybe hate turns into love.
I was quite surprised by Larkin’s past. It was dark for this series–though there have been instances of angst and drama. Here, it’s downright violent and tragic. Not even talking about Larkin’s ex and his machinations.
In the middle of all this darkness, the love story isn’t even a beacon of hope. Because of their shared history, and a few other struggles that I won’t develop here, Jake and Larkin’s story is an eventful one. It takes a lot of time, and a lot of efforts on Jake’s part, for them to start something, and even then they have their doubts. They know what they want, they aren’t sure they can get it.
But family–the real one, the one that’s here when it’s tough too–is the main theme. Jake is permanently secretly making amends to his brothers for when he thinks he let them down. They’re close-knit. On the other hand, Larkin has no contact with her mother, ignores the existence of her father, and supports the half-brother who chose to be in her life and made sacrifices for her. Almost the opposite of each other, except for the fact they despise their respective fathers.
The other is working through the consequences of one’s actions. The plot of this story is like a Jenga tower, or a domino race. Every single action or decision of the characters has consequences that impact their lives even twelve years later. Sometimes, it’s positive, like how Jolene and Larkin bought into the bar after Cal’s mistake in the previous book. Most of the time, it isn’t.
That’s when Larkin’s ex comes in. He’s the villain of the book, and rightly so. I won’t say much about him, but you’ll see right from the start that Drew isn’t a good man. No redeeming quality here.
The author wrote here the perfect enemies to lovers story, where feelings are high and overwhelming, to the point that the difference between hate and attraction is barely noticeable. The banter is like verbal intercourse, and the tiniest physical contact is foreplay. Yet I couldn’t mistake love for lust, as they shared meaningful moments, and secrets. Maybe desire was even a consequence of deeper feelings right from the start.
Quickie
- Series: Bower boys #5 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #small town romance #enemies to lovers #fake relationship
- Triggers: past abusive relationships, violence, murder, mention of drug trafficking and overdose
- Main couple: Larkin Gray & Jake Bower
- Hotness: 4/5
- Romance: 5/5
- + Larkin and Jake’s banter was extra fun
- – not exactly a minus, but this book is way darker than the rest of the series
November 15, 2023
My heart is full and tears run down my cheeks as I'm writing my review for the final book. This series. It was so tragically wonderful. And each of these Bower men, boy do they have a story to tell you. Jake and Larkin's story just guts you to the core only to sew up the severed hearts of everyone in the family. The heartache of all heartaches is felt while reading this one. Seriously, have some tissues handy. Not only because of the beautiful words Kelly Siskind shares with us, but also knowing this is the final installment and the stories have now all been told. Absolutely loved every story for every brother.
November 16, 2023
The Bower Boys has to be one of my favourite series around - and it’s not just because author Kelly Siskind is a fellow Canadian and I adore supporting my local authors… nope, not the main reason (a big one, though)! It’s because when this series started, the main concept was that this series was going to be unique and told entirely from the male character’s perspectives! Yes, this did change as the books went on, but we got further into the male mind than other (female romance) authors dared to go.
This, the fifth and final in the series, is of course my favourite trope, and ended up being my fave of the series. All of the Bower brothers appear (they aren’t all in the earlier books), having now all returned home to the small town of Windfall after having to flee a dozen years earlier in Witsec.
Jake had a rough time just before leaving town, when he and his long-time girlfriend were on the rocks and his brother set him up to have rumours started with another girl, Larkin, after a party - just because Cal wanted Jo (Cal’s best friend and Jake’s girlfriend)… this was all revealed at the end of the last book but where this one begins, and goes further into the backstory, and more details about Larkin’s deep hatred of Jake.
So many crazy twists abound in this story, including the pair having to fake an engagement to convince her terrible ex she’s moved on and that he really needs to do her a solid (can’t mention what in here because it’s too critical to those twists I can’t reveal) - and attending his wedding with new fiancé Jake is the only way. As the pair gets cozy to convince literally everyone it’s real, it starts to feel awfully real, too.
I absolutely adored this book just like everything I’ve ever read from Siskind, and while I’m extremely sad this series has come to an end (the original prequel is being updated and re-released in 2 weeks, but it’s not a new story - but I’ll still re-read it!), I’m looking forward to something entirely new, soon! A definite recommendation from me, especially for those of you who enjoy small town, enemies to lovers, fake engagement romances like I do! Just heed the trigger warnings because there are a few potential issues…
I received an early copy from the author, and this is my honest feedback.
This, the fifth and final in the series, is of course my favourite trope, and ended up being my fave of the series. All of the Bower brothers appear (they aren’t all in the earlier books), having now all returned home to the small town of Windfall after having to flee a dozen years earlier in Witsec.
Jake had a rough time just before leaving town, when he and his long-time girlfriend were on the rocks and his brother set him up to have rumours started with another girl, Larkin, after a party - just because Cal wanted Jo (Cal’s best friend and Jake’s girlfriend)… this was all revealed at the end of the last book but where this one begins, and goes further into the backstory, and more details about Larkin’s deep hatred of Jake.
So many crazy twists abound in this story, including the pair having to fake an engagement to convince her terrible ex she’s moved on and that he really needs to do her a solid (can’t mention what in here because it’s too critical to those twists I can’t reveal) - and attending his wedding with new fiancé Jake is the only way. As the pair gets cozy to convince literally everyone it’s real, it starts to feel awfully real, too.
I absolutely adored this book just like everything I’ve ever read from Siskind, and while I’m extremely sad this series has come to an end (the original prequel is being updated and re-released in 2 weeks, but it’s not a new story - but I’ll still re-read it!), I’m looking forward to something entirely new, soon! A definite recommendation from me, especially for those of you who enjoy small town, enemies to lovers, fake engagement romances like I do! Just heed the trigger warnings because there are a few potential issues…
I received an early copy from the author, and this is my honest feedback.
November 13, 2023
Jake, the eldest Bower brother, carries guilt and blames himself for events from the past, but it’s the hurt and pain he caused Larkin that haunts him every time he sees her, especially because he is drawn to her and can’t ever act on it. He knows he shouldn’t have tried to protect Larkin by saying he’s her fiancé in front of Larkin’s a-hole ex, so when she insists they go through with the fake engagement, he’s shocked.
I will admit, I had a lot of emotional anxiety going into 7 Steps to Seducing Your Fake Fiancé. This book has so many things that put me on edge: false accusations, big secrets, someone with unfair power over another, and a promise to never hurt the other again. Both Larkin and Jake have a lot of baggage from their past, and they haven’t each fully dealt with it. Larkin finds it hard to trust after being in a number of abusive relationships. Jake blames himself for everything that went wrong with his father and being put into WIT-SEC. They carry heavy burdens that cloud the sunshine of their mutual love.
Yet the author navigates the turmoil and tough issues without blowing them out of proportion OR going down a well-travelled path. Sure, both characters make mistakes, but not to the point of eye-rolling. What I love is that although Jake and Larkin are damaged, they are willing to communicate and try to trust, so when the bumps do happen, they are softened rather than jagged mountains with the power to destroy. The author pens a beautiful relationship that needed the twelve years of maturing (while separated) in order to work. And I appreciate that Jake and Larking acknowledge more growth is required.
While I felt the resolution of the climatic confrontation went a little too easy, the author actually has her characters acknowledge it and move on, which I liked. Sometimes things do work out how they are supposed to and don’t require additional drama.
In the end, I really enjoyed 7 Steps to Seducing Your Fake Fiancé. Overall, I really liked the Bower Brothers series, and Jake and Larkin put a lovely bow on the final title. There is also a lovely free epilogue novella that made me smile.
Rating: B+
Review copy provided by author
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About.
I will admit, I had a lot of emotional anxiety going into 7 Steps to Seducing Your Fake Fiancé. This book has so many things that put me on edge: false accusations, big secrets, someone with unfair power over another, and a promise to never hurt the other again. Both Larkin and Jake have a lot of baggage from their past, and they haven’t each fully dealt with it. Larkin finds it hard to trust after being in a number of abusive relationships. Jake blames himself for everything that went wrong with his father and being put into WIT-SEC. They carry heavy burdens that cloud the sunshine of their mutual love.
Yet the author navigates the turmoil and tough issues without blowing them out of proportion OR going down a well-travelled path. Sure, both characters make mistakes, but not to the point of eye-rolling. What I love is that although Jake and Larkin are damaged, they are willing to communicate and try to trust, so when the bumps do happen, they are softened rather than jagged mountains with the power to destroy. The author pens a beautiful relationship that needed the twelve years of maturing (while separated) in order to work. And I appreciate that Jake and Larking acknowledge more growth is required.
While I felt the resolution of the climatic confrontation went a little too easy, the author actually has her characters acknowledge it and move on, which I liked. Sometimes things do work out how they are supposed to and don’t require additional drama.
In the end, I really enjoyed 7 Steps to Seducing Your Fake Fiancé. Overall, I really liked the Bower Brothers series, and Jake and Larkin put a lovely bow on the final title. There is also a lovely free epilogue novella that made me smile.
Rating: B+
Review copy provided by author
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About.
November 1, 2023
Siskind has done it again! Each book and Bower brother only got better and better and I'm completely blown away by this final story. Jake Bower may be last, but you know what they say about that spot....it's totally true, 💯 the best!
While Larkin Gray has pictured hundreds of ways to unalive Jake Bower over the past twelve years, Jake has done nothing but swim in the guilt and shame of not helping her when she needed it the most.
It's amazing how one action, or non-action, can radically change the outcome of your entire life. While both Larkin and Jake are members of the horrible parents society, they also share in the outcomes of the above action/non-action scenario. However you roll the dice, good or bad, they both changed from that night and dealt with it well....let's just say it made them into the individuals that they are today.
While living in the past, or living with regret, never helps anyone, Jake and Larkin have both come full circle, seeing as how they now both are living back in their same small town. It's nearly impossible not to run into each other all the time. Even when they both try to avoid each other.
So while Jake Bower and Larkin Gray have a complicated past, one that is best left there, their tangled past can't really be forgotten, especially if they ever plan to move forward, like say when that moment happens of being fake engaged 😉 perfect timing.
I loved, I'm going to say it again, loved how introspective both Jake and Larkin were on how much their past made them into who they both were today. While they also had blind spots, because don't we all, their strength was found in their togetherness and talking through their weaknesses. I mean, be still my heart on having a partner who is as attentive and caring as Jake is and after twelve years of unaliving plans Larkin has a beautiful, loving heart. 😍❤️
Their witty banter, fisticuffs, and verbal sparring was basically the stuff of dreams. Once again, be still my heart on this coupleship. Jake fixes things, listens, pays attention, is witty, and loves to go garage saleing...best book boyfriend ever!!
I seriously didn't want this book to end, not only for their relationship, but also knowing it was the final Bower brother book 😭. Yes, it's ridiculous that I'm so sad to see this family get all of their happy endings, but only because I won't get to revisit the close knit family that has really felt like family. Bower Boys forever. 😍
While Larkin Gray has pictured hundreds of ways to unalive Jake Bower over the past twelve years, Jake has done nothing but swim in the guilt and shame of not helping her when she needed it the most.
It's amazing how one action, or non-action, can radically change the outcome of your entire life. While both Larkin and Jake are members of the horrible parents society, they also share in the outcomes of the above action/non-action scenario. However you roll the dice, good or bad, they both changed from that night and dealt with it well....let's just say it made them into the individuals that they are today.
While living in the past, or living with regret, never helps anyone, Jake and Larkin have both come full circle, seeing as how they now both are living back in their same small town. It's nearly impossible not to run into each other all the time. Even when they both try to avoid each other.
So while Jake Bower and Larkin Gray have a complicated past, one that is best left there, their tangled past can't really be forgotten, especially if they ever plan to move forward, like say when that moment happens of being fake engaged 😉 perfect timing.
I loved, I'm going to say it again, loved how introspective both Jake and Larkin were on how much their past made them into who they both were today. While they also had blind spots, because don't we all, their strength was found in their togetherness and talking through their weaknesses. I mean, be still my heart on having a partner who is as attentive and caring as Jake is and after twelve years of unaliving plans Larkin has a beautiful, loving heart. 😍❤️
Their witty banter, fisticuffs, and verbal sparring was basically the stuff of dreams. Once again, be still my heart on this coupleship. Jake fixes things, listens, pays attention, is witty, and loves to go garage saleing...best book boyfriend ever!!
I seriously didn't want this book to end, not only for their relationship, but also knowing it was the final Bower brother book 😭. Yes, it's ridiculous that I'm so sad to see this family get all of their happy endings, but only because I won't get to revisit the close knit family that has really felt like family. Bower Boys forever. 😍
November 18, 2023
7 Steps to Seducing Your Fake Fiance by Kelly Siskind
Rating: 4.5 stars
Steam: 2 chilis
Pub date: 11/15
This was the perfect ending to an incredible series! Jake, the oldest Bower brother, has always been a bit of a mystery, and I couldn’t wait to get a peek into his life.
The story revolves around Larkin and Jake, two characters burdened with the weight of their past mistakes. Their history is filled with regret and missed opportunities, and yet, when they're thrown together as fake fiancés in the present, sparks fly in the most unexpected way. The tension between them is palpable, and their chemistry is off the charts.
This rollercoaster of emotions had me laughing, swooning, and maybe even shedding a tear or two. Like all the Bower books, it’s the perfect combination of heartwarming moments and witty banter, making it a must-read for anyone in need of a cozy rom-com.
What sets this book apart is the incredible character development. Both Larkin and Jake are flawed, relatable, and self-aware. Watching them grow and confront their past mistakes is deeply satisfying. Their interactions are so genuine that you can't help but root for them.
The Bower family dynamics add another layer of charm to the story, with the brothers’ tight-knit relationship continuing to be front and center. The way these brothers show up for each other is so heartwarming, and the way they roast each other mercilessly makes me cackle every time.
This is the perfect choice if you're in the mood for a feel-good, second-chance romance with a hefty dose of humor. Thank you so much to Kelly Siskind for my advanced copy!
Read if you like:
*enemies-to-lovers
*second chance
*Close-knit family dynamics
*he falls first
*dual POV
Rating: 4.5 stars
Steam: 2 chilis
Pub date: 11/15
This was the perfect ending to an incredible series! Jake, the oldest Bower brother, has always been a bit of a mystery, and I couldn’t wait to get a peek into his life.
The story revolves around Larkin and Jake, two characters burdened with the weight of their past mistakes. Their history is filled with regret and missed opportunities, and yet, when they're thrown together as fake fiancés in the present, sparks fly in the most unexpected way. The tension between them is palpable, and their chemistry is off the charts.
This rollercoaster of emotions had me laughing, swooning, and maybe even shedding a tear or two. Like all the Bower books, it’s the perfect combination of heartwarming moments and witty banter, making it a must-read for anyone in need of a cozy rom-com.
What sets this book apart is the incredible character development. Both Larkin and Jake are flawed, relatable, and self-aware. Watching them grow and confront their past mistakes is deeply satisfying. Their interactions are so genuine that you can't help but root for them.
The Bower family dynamics add another layer of charm to the story, with the brothers’ tight-knit relationship continuing to be front and center. The way these brothers show up for each other is so heartwarming, and the way they roast each other mercilessly makes me cackle every time.
This is the perfect choice if you're in the mood for a feel-good, second-chance romance with a hefty dose of humor. Thank you so much to Kelly Siskind for my advanced copy!
Read if you like:
*enemies-to-lovers
*second chance
*Close-knit family dynamics
*he falls first
*dual POV
November 15, 2023
'7 Steps to Seducing Your Fake Fiancé brings to a close one of the best book series' I've ever read. Hands down. Kelly Siskind absolutely nailed with each Bower boy. Jake rounds things off in his perfectly imperfect style' - The British Bibliophile
Thank you to Kelly Siskind for personally reaching out to me to see if I would like to read an ARC copy of this book. I'm honoured to have been asked directly by such a lovely woman whose series has simply made me enamoured with every character, every story and every happily ever after.
NOTE - This review will be spoiler-free as always, but will make reference to the book's blurb. If you wish to go into this read blind and without knowing a thing about it, please scroll away from my review now :)
7 Steps to Seducing Your Fake Fiancé is the fifth and final book in Kelly Siskind's Bower Boys series. A collection of books--and boys--which details the before and after the lives of the Bower family in WITSEC protection, now back in their hometown from which they were taken so suddenly from.
It's been a truly unforgettable journey right from the first book, 50 Ways to Win back Your Lover till this latest instalment, and for someone who reads a lot in a year and comes across several impactful reads/series'--this book and series included--, to say that this has stood out among the masses means a lot in our world. Kelly has written a series which I have said in all my reviews for it, that is truly shelf-worthy, but I won't stop there. I'd go so far as to say that this is a series worthy of paperback, hardback and even a special edition and I'd do my best to get every single copy of every edition. They. Are. That. Good.
So, I bet you're wondering who goes where? With each Bower boy comes a Bower babe, so here's where you'll find each pair:
• 50 Ways to Win Back Your Lover - 'E' & Delilah
• 10 Signs You Need to Grovel - Des & Sadie
• 6 Clues Your Nemesis Loves You - Lennon & Maggie
• 4 Hints You Love Your Best Friend - Callahan & Jolene
• 7 Steps to Seducing Your Fake Fiancé - Jake & Larkin
Jake's story has been one we've been waiting for the longest, and have been teased with as to his appearance in the other books, but now the wait is over. The last and eldest Bower Boy is here and he's large and very much in-charge. Well, almost. You'll soon find out which area or rather, person, he struggles to find himself resisting being in charge of. Barbed wire couldn't keep him away from involving himself with her. All for a noble and morally justifiable cause, of course.
This story is your classic enemies-to-lovers romance, but without the pitfalls and traps of what is sometimes called an 'over-used' and 'over-hyped' trope. I personally feel that no matter how often a trope is used, if the author telling the story is capable of telling a story so compelling and captivating, they avoid falling into the 'DNR' or unread category. Kelly has done this here with Jake & Larkin's story, I feel. Yes we're getting the enemies-to-lovers trope which quite frankly, is one of my favourites and one I can't resist reading, taking me on the journey with the trope as if I was doing so for the first time all over again. The story has been cleverly and brilliantly spun so that you are less-so focused on the actual trope itself, but the story being told. That is what matters here, and I lived for every word.
Jake, being the eldest of the Bower Boys, has taken on the role of head of the family and soul male-figure caregiver to his siblings and mother for so long, he doesn't know how to operate as anything but. He's a protector through and through. This protective streak which is deeply embedded in his personalty, is kicked into overdrive with Larkin one day at her place of work. For someone who hates him as much as she does--thanks to a broken promise from over a decade previously--, this is hardly a deterrent and despite promising to keep his distance from her since he can't make amends for his actions, he's rooted at her side after stepping in when her ex makes an unexpected appearance. Larkin, as predicted, intends to make his life miserable for this unwanted intervention in the situation suddenly thrust upon her. That said, neither seem to mind the harmless barb-filled banter and the more time they spend together after a decade apart, it seems they're not so different from one another after all.
Then, the pivotal moment happens where everything shifts, aligns and most certainly changes. The first kiss. It may be out to prove to other parties just how much the two of them are in outward appearances, in a relationship, but for Jake it means a whole lot more. Especially to his heart.
Just when things look like they're going to be given the green light between Jake and Larkin for real, the biggest speed bump of them all is set to disrupt them on the road to romance. Larkin wasn't the only person that Jake inadvertently hurt twelve years prior. He also simultaneously hurt her brother. A now imposing and intimidating man, he doesn't want Jake talking to, touching his sister. This is a problem since she's the only one his head, heart and soul collectively agrees is the one. Does Jake adhere to her brother's wishes and put the needs of another before his own as he has always done, or does he rebel and take the risk? There's only one way to find out.
This novel, as was the case with book three onwards, is less-focused on the aspect of villainy for the antagonist/threat in the novel, and keeps things closer to home and within the confines and surroundings of Windfall. Books one and two set the overall premise with the original threat, and the books thereafter were more centralised on the threat to the individual main characters rather than the family as a whole. This by no means is a negative, as this scaled-down element gave us a more in-depth look and focus on the two main characters who are surrounded by a whole hoard of supporting characters. Namely, the Bower clan, their respective partners and those dotted around town. This basically means there are no complexities or anything that could be overwhelming in detail for a reader who might not like that kind of thing. You're getting a non-complicated, non-complex, true-to-the-bone romance story with drama, angst and of course, steam.
Kelly deals with some pretty hard-hitting and true-to-life topics in this novel which other authors might have skirted away from. Namely touching upon aspect of domestic violence/abuse, physical and emotional abuse and a survivor's recalling of events. She deals with these harrowing and traumatic topics with the utmost respect and dignity while still telling the story she wants to put out there, and I highly applaud her decision to do so. Where we might escape romance novels to distract our minds from personal experiences or things going on in society and the world, its equally as important to put certain topics in them--done right--, to bring awareness and attention to these issues. Injecting them into Larkin's past and building her character anew from those experiences was an honour to read and I'd do it all again because the way it was done, quite frankly deserves a round of applause.
Now that the heavy has been discussed, I can get on with talking about how the Bower boys now rank with the final addition of Jake into the mix. As with all my reviews I have done for this series, I've ranked the Bower boy at the time as to which is my current favourite. Lennon was overtaken, just, by Callahan in book four. So, where does Jake stand? Before I tell you, I have to say this. I don't dislike any of Kelly's books in this series, or any of the Bower boys. But we all have a favourite book and book boyfriend in a series, and I do have a top. At joint first, is Jake and Callahan. Both of these men just sung out to me, with Lennon following behind them. Des and E are equal third. Not last, but third. All these men are winners and were written brilliantly but for my tastes, Jake and Callahan are it.
I'm both equal parts proud to have read this series and sad that it has now come to a close, but I wouldn't have traded taking a chance on it for anything. In a book world where authors constantly try and outdo one another, where they try and put out the next best-seller and reading sensation, there are authors like Kelly out there who will put out a story for one purpose and one purpose alone. Her readers. Anything else I assume, is a bonus. Though I didn't know Kelly before picking up the first book in this series, I know of her now and I am deeply honoured and proud to have interacted with her, getting to know her--the person--a bit more. That deeper connection beyond the books alone is what sets authors apart between one another for me, and this series thanks to her entrancing writing, has cemented me as a reader for the long haul.
Next year I will do my best to obtain all of the books in the series so I can proudly put them, and Kelly, firmly on my bookcase where they and she truly belongs. When that day comes, I will be equally as filled with admiration for her as I am now writing this review.
Thank you, Kelly, for writing a series and indeed the characters within it, that I won't ever forget.
Thank you to Kelly Siskind for personally reaching out to me to see if I would like to read an ARC copy of this book. I'm honoured to have been asked directly by such a lovely woman whose series has simply made me enamoured with every character, every story and every happily ever after.
NOTE - This review will be spoiler-free as always, but will make reference to the book's blurb. If you wish to go into this read blind and without knowing a thing about it, please scroll away from my review now :)
7 Steps to Seducing Your Fake Fiancé is the fifth and final book in Kelly Siskind's Bower Boys series. A collection of books--and boys--which details the before and after the lives of the Bower family in WITSEC protection, now back in their hometown from which they were taken so suddenly from.
It's been a truly unforgettable journey right from the first book, 50 Ways to Win back Your Lover till this latest instalment, and for someone who reads a lot in a year and comes across several impactful reads/series'--this book and series included--, to say that this has stood out among the masses means a lot in our world. Kelly has written a series which I have said in all my reviews for it, that is truly shelf-worthy, but I won't stop there. I'd go so far as to say that this is a series worthy of paperback, hardback and even a special edition and I'd do my best to get every single copy of every edition. They. Are. That. Good.
So, I bet you're wondering who goes where? With each Bower boy comes a Bower babe, so here's where you'll find each pair:
• 50 Ways to Win Back Your Lover - 'E' & Delilah
• 10 Signs You Need to Grovel - Des & Sadie
• 6 Clues Your Nemesis Loves You - Lennon & Maggie
• 4 Hints You Love Your Best Friend - Callahan & Jolene
• 7 Steps to Seducing Your Fake Fiancé - Jake & Larkin
Jake's story has been one we've been waiting for the longest, and have been teased with as to his appearance in the other books, but now the wait is over. The last and eldest Bower Boy is here and he's large and very much in-charge. Well, almost. You'll soon find out which area or rather, person, he struggles to find himself resisting being in charge of. Barbed wire couldn't keep him away from involving himself with her. All for a noble and morally justifiable cause, of course.
This story is your classic enemies-to-lovers romance, but without the pitfalls and traps of what is sometimes called an 'over-used' and 'over-hyped' trope. I personally feel that no matter how often a trope is used, if the author telling the story is capable of telling a story so compelling and captivating, they avoid falling into the 'DNR' or unread category. Kelly has done this here with Jake & Larkin's story, I feel. Yes we're getting the enemies-to-lovers trope which quite frankly, is one of my favourites and one I can't resist reading, taking me on the journey with the trope as if I was doing so for the first time all over again. The story has been cleverly and brilliantly spun so that you are less-so focused on the actual trope itself, but the story being told. That is what matters here, and I lived for every word.
Jake, being the eldest of the Bower Boys, has taken on the role of head of the family and soul male-figure caregiver to his siblings and mother for so long, he doesn't know how to operate as anything but. He's a protector through and through. This protective streak which is deeply embedded in his personalty, is kicked into overdrive with Larkin one day at her place of work. For someone who hates him as much as she does--thanks to a broken promise from over a decade previously--, this is hardly a deterrent and despite promising to keep his distance from her since he can't make amends for his actions, he's rooted at her side after stepping in when her ex makes an unexpected appearance. Larkin, as predicted, intends to make his life miserable for this unwanted intervention in the situation suddenly thrust upon her. That said, neither seem to mind the harmless barb-filled banter and the more time they spend together after a decade apart, it seems they're not so different from one another after all.
Then, the pivotal moment happens where everything shifts, aligns and most certainly changes. The first kiss. It may be out to prove to other parties just how much the two of them are in outward appearances, in a relationship, but for Jake it means a whole lot more. Especially to his heart.
Just when things look like they're going to be given the green light between Jake and Larkin for real, the biggest speed bump of them all is set to disrupt them on the road to romance. Larkin wasn't the only person that Jake inadvertently hurt twelve years prior. He also simultaneously hurt her brother. A now imposing and intimidating man, he doesn't want Jake talking to, touching his sister. This is a problem since she's the only one his head, heart and soul collectively agrees is the one. Does Jake adhere to her brother's wishes and put the needs of another before his own as he has always done, or does he rebel and take the risk? There's only one way to find out.
This novel, as was the case with book three onwards, is less-focused on the aspect of villainy for the antagonist/threat in the novel, and keeps things closer to home and within the confines and surroundings of Windfall. Books one and two set the overall premise with the original threat, and the books thereafter were more centralised on the threat to the individual main characters rather than the family as a whole. This by no means is a negative, as this scaled-down element gave us a more in-depth look and focus on the two main characters who are surrounded by a whole hoard of supporting characters. Namely, the Bower clan, their respective partners and those dotted around town. This basically means there are no complexities or anything that could be overwhelming in detail for a reader who might not like that kind of thing. You're getting a non-complicated, non-complex, true-to-the-bone romance story with drama, angst and of course, steam.
Kelly deals with some pretty hard-hitting and true-to-life topics in this novel which other authors might have skirted away from. Namely touching upon aspect of domestic violence/abuse, physical and emotional abuse and a survivor's recalling of events. She deals with these harrowing and traumatic topics with the utmost respect and dignity while still telling the story she wants to put out there, and I highly applaud her decision to do so. Where we might escape romance novels to distract our minds from personal experiences or things going on in society and the world, its equally as important to put certain topics in them--done right--, to bring awareness and attention to these issues. Injecting them into Larkin's past and building her character anew from those experiences was an honour to read and I'd do it all again because the way it was done, quite frankly deserves a round of applause.
Now that the heavy has been discussed, I can get on with talking about how the Bower boys now rank with the final addition of Jake into the mix. As with all my reviews I have done for this series, I've ranked the Bower boy at the time as to which is my current favourite. Lennon was overtaken, just, by Callahan in book four. So, where does Jake stand? Before I tell you, I have to say this. I don't dislike any of Kelly's books in this series, or any of the Bower boys. But we all have a favourite book and book boyfriend in a series, and I do have a top. At joint first, is Jake and Callahan. Both of these men just sung out to me, with Lennon following behind them. Des and E are equal third. Not last, but third. All these men are winners and were written brilliantly but for my tastes, Jake and Callahan are it.
I'm both equal parts proud to have read this series and sad that it has now come to a close, but I wouldn't have traded taking a chance on it for anything. In a book world where authors constantly try and outdo one another, where they try and put out the next best-seller and reading sensation, there are authors like Kelly out there who will put out a story for one purpose and one purpose alone. Her readers. Anything else I assume, is a bonus. Though I didn't know Kelly before picking up the first book in this series, I know of her now and I am deeply honoured and proud to have interacted with her, getting to know her--the person--a bit more. That deeper connection beyond the books alone is what sets authors apart between one another for me, and this series thanks to her entrancing writing, has cemented me as a reader for the long haul.
Next year I will do my best to obtain all of the books in the series so I can proudly put them, and Kelly, firmly on my bookcase where they and she truly belongs. When that day comes, I will be equally as filled with admiration for her as I am now writing this review.
Thank you, Kelly, for writing a series and indeed the characters within it, that I won't ever forget.
November 13, 2023
The author has definitely saved the best for last! I have read all the Bower brother books and have enjoyed them, but this book just topped them all. Jake and Larkin's story is twelve years long and so full of heat and emotion. He has been the mysterious oldest brother throughout this series, and I am so glad to finally get his story.
Larkin has hated Jake for the last twelve years-and rightly so, according to Jake. He dropped the ball when she needed him, and he has never forgiven himself for it. He will take all the hate from her, but at the same time he looks out for her and tries to help her. When she is getting questioned by her ex-boyfriend, he jumps in to "help" her by being her fake fiancé.
Once again, the banter between the brothers is hilarious. Always one of the best parts of the book for me is their brotherly love.
Don't miss out on this wonderful series and make sure to read them in order!
Thank you so much to the author for an advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Larkin has hated Jake for the last twelve years-and rightly so, according to Jake. He dropped the ball when she needed him, and he has never forgiven himself for it. He will take all the hate from her, but at the same time he looks out for her and tries to help her. When she is getting questioned by her ex-boyfriend, he jumps in to "help" her by being her fake fiancé.
Once again, the banter between the brothers is hilarious. Always one of the best parts of the book for me is their brotherly love.
Don't miss out on this wonderful series and make sure to read them in order!
Thank you so much to the author for an advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 21, 2023
This one had me all up in my feels. Larkin is a beautiful person inside and out. She hides her insecurities and vulnerability behind quick wit and snarky comments. She is loyal and protective of those she loves and she has a generous heart. If she lived in my world I would want her as my bestie. Jake is now my favorite Bower. His awkwardness around the beautiful Larkin is adorable and when he focuses his attention to showing Larkin just how special she is he is absolutely swoon worthy- not to mention his Greek god body which is drool worthy. Revelations give pause to misconceptions and makes way for their connection to find solid ground. The witty banter, snark, sweet romance and spicy moments blend together beautifully on a journey of redemption, love and understanding of one’s worth. The rating system only allows for a five but it is a twelve on my personal rating scale.
November 8, 2023
Seven Steps to Seducing Your Fake Fiancé is book 5 in the series. While it's a standalone to better understand everyone's backstory and dynamics you really should read them in order. Plus they are amazing books.
Oh my goodness what an amazing
swoonworthy story. I was left with a book hangover wishing for more, more, more!
Jake and Larkin's story is emotional as they open up their hearts and start healing as they work through past and present hurts and misunderstandings. Especially as we experience their undeniable chemistry that has been simmering under the surface for year as they explore their budding romance and possible future.
Oh ,that's not all you have in store in this captivating story you have the shenanigans between the brothers (hilarious), the family's love, support and commitment to each other. Oh and lets not forget the great and sometimes nosy community of Windfall.
I received a free ARC from the author and I'm voluntarily leaving my review.
5 beautiful written ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Oh my goodness what an amazing
swoonworthy story. I was left with a book hangover wishing for more, more, more!
Jake and Larkin's story is emotional as they open up their hearts and start healing as they work through past and present hurts and misunderstandings. Especially as we experience their undeniable chemistry that has been simmering under the surface for year as they explore their budding romance and possible future.
Oh ,that's not all you have in store in this captivating story you have the shenanigans between the brothers (hilarious), the family's love, support and commitment to each other. Oh and lets not forget the great and sometimes nosy community of Windfall.
I received a free ARC from the author and I'm voluntarily leaving my review.
5 beautiful written ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 15, 2023
This is the 5th book in this amazing series, and in my opinion, Jake and Larkin’s story is the best to date!
Jake and Larkin cross paths for the first time in 12-years, and she is clearly still furious with him, so he makes sure that he avoids her at all costs. When Jake overhears Larkin telling an ex that she is engaged, he step in an introduces himself as her fiancé.
This is a beautifully written story which is in dual POV’s, has tough situations and topics, and is an emotional roller coaster, which has family, friendships, guilt, bickering, conflict, regrets, humor, witty banter, bickering, trauma, romance, and love, which leads to an entertaining, tragic, thought provoking, heartfelt, and steamy small town romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Jake and Larkin cross paths for the first time in 12-years, and she is clearly still furious with him, so he makes sure that he avoids her at all costs. When Jake overhears Larkin telling an ex that she is engaged, he step in an introduces himself as her fiancé.
This is a beautifully written story which is in dual POV’s, has tough situations and topics, and is an emotional roller coaster, which has family, friendships, guilt, bickering, conflict, regrets, humor, witty banter, bickering, trauma, romance, and love, which leads to an entertaining, tragic, thought provoking, heartfelt, and steamy small town romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
October 22, 2023
Oh. My. Bowers. Each book in this series has been my new favorite but Jake and Larkin are without a doubt the cherry on top of this heaping tower of goodness. I knew I was going to love this book but I didn't realize what utter perfection it would be. This was the perfect end to the series with everything that made me fall in love with Kelly Siskind's books when I first read the Showmen series--a kickass, fiercely independent heroine, a cinnamon roll hero, and a hint of intrigue along the way! Now it's time to go reread the entire series because I cannot get enough of the Bower brothers.
November 9, 2023
Guys this book was fantastic. I fell in love with the Bower boys In book one and I’m so sad that their story has come to an end. Each book got better and better. Jake’s story is heartbreaking, since she’s the oldest he always felt like he had to hold everyone together always putting himself last. Before heading into WITSAC he made a judgment call that has haunted him for years. Larkin is a girl from the wrong side of the tracks trying to prove she is not who the town thinks. She Co Owns the Barrel with Jo now, she is making a name for herself. One problem she hates all things that is Jake Bower. That is until she finds herself his fake fiancé. This book will give you all the feels.
November 9, 2023
I've been waiting for Jake's book since reading the first book in this series. Kelly saved the best for last, I absolutely loved it.
Jake and Larkin's banter had me laughing so hard plus the way the Bowers teased each other is the best.
The way Jake took everything about his father's doing and the way he left things with Larkin 12 years ago really weighed him down. I loved how he worked, with the help of his family and Larkin, through it and got his happy ending.
I highly recommend this book and the whole series.
Jake and Larkin's banter had me laughing so hard plus the way the Bowers teased each other is the best.
The way Jake took everything about his father's doing and the way he left things with Larkin 12 years ago really weighed him down. I loved how he worked, with the help of his family and Larkin, through it and got his happy ending.
I highly recommend this book and the whole series.
November 16, 2023
It’s hard to believe that with 7 STEPS TO SEDUCING YOUR FAKE FIANCE we’ve hit the final book in the Bower Boys series!
I have absolutely loved this series from the very first moment we entered Windfall, and it has been so fun getting to see these characters over and over again…and I’ve really loved that we’ve gotten to see the brothers all find love.
I’m a huge fan of companion series, and the sort of small-town setup that Kelly Siskind has created in the Bower Boys series is my kryptonite! I loved that we got to see our favourite characters come back, and I loved seeing the background characters and the town as a whole as it evolved throughout the series! I loved so many of the side characters and Windfall truly feels like a home away from home…and the Bowers feel like family! I’m going to miss them all so much, and you can bet I’ll be revisiting them again!
Jake was quite the mystery for the first chunk of this series since we didn’t see much of him and Cal at first (Cal’s book was the one before this one, 4 HINTS YOU LOVE YOUR BEST FRIEND) , but the more we saw of Jake, the more I wanted to know! I loved how he took care of his family and how we could see that underneath the pillar of strength he presented, there was a bit of darkness and angst that needed to come out! I really loved Larkin’s sass and her banter with Jake was phenomenal--I was constantly laughing, swooning, and smiling at their antics, and it was seriously so fun to see their story unfold…especially after being teased about the drama between them in the last book! I loved that we got a peek into how their story began and how it unfolded so wonderfully…also Jake was such a cinnamon roll and I was 100% here for it! I’ve loved every single one of the Bower brothers…but Jake definitely has a soft spot in my heart and I wanted to give him the biggest of hugs!
This book was packed full of soooo many wonderful tropes--we’ve got our cinnamon roll hero who falls first, a fake engagement, enemies to lovers, all the small-town vibes, and some absolutely hilarious brotherly antics!
Overall, I loved 7 STEPS TO SEDUCING YOUR FAKE FIANCE! Jake and Larkin were wonderful, and along with loving their romance, I really enjoyed the story! It’s been a pleasure getting to know all of the Bowers and their lovely hometown, Windfall! If you haven’t started this series, I highly recommend that you do…especially since Kelly is about to re-release an expanded and re-written version of a prequel novella, THIS CAN’T BE GOODBYE (previously 5 TRICKS TO SEDUCING YOUR ENEMY), in just a couple of weeks! If you’re a fan of sweet, swoony, enticing romances with a nice level of spice, I highly recommend the Bower Boys series…and Kelly’s other books too because she’s absolutely fabulous!
Star Rating: ★★★★★
* I received an egalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I have absolutely loved this series from the very first moment we entered Windfall, and it has been so fun getting to see these characters over and over again…and I’ve really loved that we’ve gotten to see the brothers all find love.
I’m a huge fan of companion series, and the sort of small-town setup that Kelly Siskind has created in the Bower Boys series is my kryptonite! I loved that we got to see our favourite characters come back, and I loved seeing the background characters and the town as a whole as it evolved throughout the series! I loved so many of the side characters and Windfall truly feels like a home away from home…and the Bowers feel like family! I’m going to miss them all so much, and you can bet I’ll be revisiting them again!
Jake was quite the mystery for the first chunk of this series since we didn’t see much of him and Cal at first (Cal’s book was the one before this one, 4 HINTS YOU LOVE YOUR BEST FRIEND) , but the more we saw of Jake, the more I wanted to know! I loved how he took care of his family and how we could see that underneath the pillar of strength he presented, there was a bit of darkness and angst that needed to come out! I really loved Larkin’s sass and her banter with Jake was phenomenal--I was constantly laughing, swooning, and smiling at their antics, and it was seriously so fun to see their story unfold…especially after being teased about the drama between them in the last book! I loved that we got a peek into how their story began and how it unfolded so wonderfully…also Jake was such a cinnamon roll and I was 100% here for it! I’ve loved every single one of the Bower brothers…but Jake definitely has a soft spot in my heart and I wanted to give him the biggest of hugs!
This book was packed full of soooo many wonderful tropes--we’ve got our cinnamon roll hero who falls first, a fake engagement, enemies to lovers, all the small-town vibes, and some absolutely hilarious brotherly antics!
Overall, I loved 7 STEPS TO SEDUCING YOUR FAKE FIANCE! Jake and Larkin were wonderful, and along with loving their romance, I really enjoyed the story! It’s been a pleasure getting to know all of the Bowers and their lovely hometown, Windfall! If you haven’t started this series, I highly recommend that you do…especially since Kelly is about to re-release an expanded and re-written version of a prequel novella, THIS CAN’T BE GOODBYE (previously 5 TRICKS TO SEDUCING YOUR ENEMY), in just a couple of weeks! If you’re a fan of sweet, swoony, enticing romances with a nice level of spice, I highly recommend the Bower Boys series…and Kelly’s other books too because she’s absolutely fabulous!
Star Rating: ★★★★★
* I received an egalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
September 30, 2023
7 STEPS TO SEDUCING YOUR FAKE FIANCÉ was worth the wait! I've had a bit of a crush on Jake Bower since book one in the Bower Boys series and Kelly Siskind did not disappoint. Jake and Larkin are a complicated couple that Siskind deftly brought together for a happy-tears HEA.
Being back in the fictional Windfall always makes me happy, and watching Jake and Larkin fall in love amidst all the nuttiness the town has to offer was wonderful. Even so, their road to happiness is a hard one at times as both Jake and Larkin are carrying some heavy baggage. This is offset by the absolute joy these two bring to the page whenever their together. They're clearly meant for each other; add in their off the charts chemistry and, wow. Just wow.
The Bower family plays a big role in 7 STEPS, as expected, but it's always fun to have everyone together, especially when they're plotting to bring Jake and Larkin together. Two of my favorite secondary characters, Olivia and Sandra, get some page time, and I never stopped smiling when they were around!
5 stars for 7 STEPS TO SEDUCING YOUR FAKE FIANCÉ. It's recommended that this series be read in order.
Being back in the fictional Windfall always makes me happy, and watching Jake and Larkin fall in love amidst all the nuttiness the town has to offer was wonderful. Even so, their road to happiness is a hard one at times as both Jake and Larkin are carrying some heavy baggage. This is offset by the absolute joy these two bring to the page whenever their together. They're clearly meant for each other; add in their off the charts chemistry and, wow. Just wow.
The Bower family plays a big role in 7 STEPS, as expected, but it's always fun to have everyone together, especially when they're plotting to bring Jake and Larkin together. Two of my favorite secondary characters, Olivia and Sandra, get some page time, and I never stopped smiling when they were around!
5 stars for 7 STEPS TO SEDUCING YOUR FAKE FIANCÉ. It's recommended that this series be read in order.
October 28, 2023
Kelly writes stories so that no matter how loud and contrary her characters are to each other, you can hear and feel the passionate whispering of love between two souls destined to be together. I sigh, I laugh, I talk out loud to instruct these individuals to behave and listen to their hearts. It isn’t easy as the antics and dynamics of family take the reader on a journey through some tough situations and topics but each is handled absolutely beautifully. This is the end of a series and I’m truly in a book hangover. I’m not ready to leave this family!
October 30, 2023
I have read and loved every book in this series…but this one is my favorite. I loved Jake and Larkin and how they made each other better. The banter, sass and amazing dialogue had me binge reading this book.
Sad to see the series end but loved every single word, laugh and joy I felt reading this series.
Sad to see the series end but loved every single word, laugh and joy I felt reading this series.
October 25, 2023
I’ve been eagerly awaiting Jake and Larkin’s story and it surpassed my expectations! Everything about their romance made my heart happy. Finally hearing about what actually happened that fateful night when Jake drove Larkin home from a party broke my heart. Seeing the two of them find each other through a fake engagement was the perfect plot for them! I absolutely loved this book!
November 15, 2023
This was the perfect ending to the Bower Boys series. I am sad to see it come to an end! Jake was a somewhat mysterious character throughout all of the other brothers’ books. What makes the protective older brother tick? 7 Steps to Seducing Your Fake Fiancé dove into Jake’s psyche, including his history, his relationships, and his goals. This made him such a realistic and multifaceted character. Larkin, too, was realistic and likable. She works hard, cares about her community, and is also hilarious. These two were a great couple to read about. The use of the dual POV was great in building the conflict and showing the shared history between the two. I wish I could go back and start this whole series over again with fresh eyes!
November 15, 2023
Wow another cracking Bower brothers story.
Jake and Larkin’s story has been a long time coming since their first encounter 12 years previously. This enemies to lovers story does not disappoint. It has all the heart and drama as the other books in this series with sprinkles of angst, humour, spice and family feel good moments.
This series has been amazing and the bonus epilogue to download after with a wedding ends this wonderful series nicely. I wi but this book like I gave the others as this will be re-read !
Highly recommended but start from the beginning of the series if you haven’t read any before.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Jake and Larkin’s story has been a long time coming since their first encounter 12 years previously. This enemies to lovers story does not disappoint. It has all the heart and drama as the other books in this series with sprinkles of angst, humour, spice and family feel good moments.
This series has been amazing and the bonus epilogue to download after with a wedding ends this wonderful series nicely. I wi but this book like I gave the others as this will be re-read !
Highly recommended but start from the beginning of the series if you haven’t read any before.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 15, 2023
Universal
Larkin and Jake had a pivotal moment years ago, and the effects of that night have her despising him to this day. Jake didn't pick up when she needed him most, and because of it, her brother has spent years in prison. Now she's back in their hometown, has opened a bar with his ex Jolene, who happens to be one of her closest friends. But there are things about her past, her lineage, that she hasn't told even Jolene, and it's those things that have her in a situation where she needs Jake to help her by faking an engagement. That's right, a fake engagement with the man she hates. No problem...
Jake has shoved his pain and guilt deep down where no one can see it. But those two emotions guide his behavior, make him put his loved ones' needs far above his own, in an attempt to assuage the guilt. It's one of the reasons why he's stepping in to help out Larkin, the woman who hates him (with good reason). The other reason? His feelings are far from just guilt when it comes to her, but she'll never give him a chance at redemption. Or perhaps she just might when the close proximity of their fake engagement starts affecting both of them. He needs to grab onto this chance now, and never let her go.
I knew Jake's story would be a doozy, but I really underestimated how much it would make me feel for him, and Larkin. They had so much pain and anger between them, that one horrific night that forever changed them. I was hurting for them, rooting them on, hoping they would be able to heal, and when they did? I cheered even as the tears were still drying. I am seriously bummed this series has come to an end, but Kelly definitely saved the best for last with Larkin and Jake. Their chemistry is obvious even through the anger, and that they could get past it and get an HEA made my heart happy. I'm going to miss these Bower boys and the women who have their hearts.
ARC provided by the author for an honest review.
Review: Live Through Books Blog.
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November 12, 2023
Overall ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ [5/5]
Spicy! 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 [4/5]
📌 You’ll dig this if you like:
» Fake relationships
» Enemies to lovers
» Cinnamon Roll hero
» He falls first
» Second chances
Jake really messed up with Larkin twelve years ago when he didn’t answer her desperate call for help. She hates him with a passion and when he assigns himself as her fiancé to help her in front of her ex, she’s furious. Except, there’s a fine line between love and hate and Jake has been dreaming about her for over a decade; he’ll do anything to atone for his actions, and hopefully she will fall in love with him in the process.
I loved everything about this book. The banter between Jake and Larkin was smooth with some bite, and the ‘Kill-Jake’ list was hysterical. His attention to her is the stuff book boyfriends are made of. Solid gold!
Returning to Windfall for the final instalment of the Bower Boys was comforting and I’m sorry it’s come to an end. Each of the brothers have their moment to remind us how much we love their obnoxious dynamic.
What stood out
» Jake will do anything to make Larkin happy, safe, and comfortable any way he can.
» The ‘Magic Mike’ show and the neighbourhood ladies gathering to enjoy it. 😂
Moments/Quotes
» Jake, quoting mama Chelsea Bower: “You can’t grow balls and brains at the same time. That’s why men take longer to mature.”
» I shiver for an altogether different reason and crook my finger, beckoning him closer. "I'd like to inspect those muscles, if you don't mind."
I need to run my tongue over the deep groove between his thick pecs, over those defined abs, feel that smattering of dark chest hair against my cheek, nip those angled hip bones. Honestly, Jake's body should be a World Heritage site.
🚫 Contains abusive familial and romantic relationships (not between MCs), violence, death.
Thank you Kelly Siskind for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review. 7 Steps to Seducing Your Fake Fiancé is book 5 in the Bower Boys series.
Spicy! 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 [4/5]
📌 You’ll dig this if you like:
» Fake relationships
» Enemies to lovers
» Cinnamon Roll hero
» He falls first
» Second chances
Jake really messed up with Larkin twelve years ago when he didn’t answer her desperate call for help. She hates him with a passion and when he assigns himself as her fiancé to help her in front of her ex, she’s furious. Except, there’s a fine line between love and hate and Jake has been dreaming about her for over a decade; he’ll do anything to atone for his actions, and hopefully she will fall in love with him in the process.
I loved everything about this book. The banter between Jake and Larkin was smooth with some bite, and the ‘Kill-Jake’ list was hysterical. His attention to her is the stuff book boyfriends are made of. Solid gold!
Returning to Windfall for the final instalment of the Bower Boys was comforting and I’m sorry it’s come to an end. Each of the brothers have their moment to remind us how much we love their obnoxious dynamic.
What stood out
» Jake will do anything to make Larkin happy, safe, and comfortable any way he can.
» The ‘Magic Mike’ show and the neighbourhood ladies gathering to enjoy it. 😂
Moments/Quotes
» Jake, quoting mama Chelsea Bower: “You can’t grow balls and brains at the same time. That’s why men take longer to mature.”
» I shiver for an altogether different reason and crook my finger, beckoning him closer. "I'd like to inspect those muscles, if you don't mind."
I need to run my tongue over the deep groove between his thick pecs, over those defined abs, feel that smattering of dark chest hair against my cheek, nip those angled hip bones. Honestly, Jake's body should be a World Heritage site.
🚫 Contains abusive familial and romantic relationships (not between MCs), violence, death.
Thank you Kelly Siskind for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review. 7 Steps to Seducing Your Fake Fiancé is book 5 in the Bower Boys series.
November 14, 2023
The final Bower Boy gets his book!
If you've read book 4 in the series ( 4 Hints You Love Your Best Friend , which the author does suggest reading first, as at least one major plot point has to do with something that happened in that one), then you already knew both Jake and Larkin, both from their actions in that book and from the epilogue, AKA major teaser for this one. 7StSYFF picks up at exactly the same spot, explaining why it is that Larkin still absolutely hates Jake's guts twelve years later.
We'll just say...she has reasons.
Which is rather unfortunate, because Larkin's business partner is involved with one of Jake's younger brothers--Callahan, the one he works with.
But then Jake accidentally claims to be Larkin's fiancé during a tense moment, and suddenly they're fake-engaged but real-committed to spending time together, convincing everyone (who's not a Bower or involved with one, because they all know the truth) that their relationship is real. Because a very real consequence hangs in the balance...
This was a cute read! Some of the characters' reactions (Jake's reasons for pulling away/not answering the phone the first time they met, for example) and/or ideas (i.e. Larkin's for how to manipulate her ex) are a bit OTT, but it's hard to argue that theirs isn't a charming romance. Jake especially gave a lot of LOL moments (just about all of my highlighted passages were from his POV) and even when one (or both of them) is making questionable decisions it was pretty much impossible to not be rooting for the two of them to get to their HEA together. Their mutual "blackmail" threats were absolutely adorable, and I liked that despite their years-long antagonistic relationship they didn't throw too much unnecessary denial in the way of their real connection once it was underway.
A link at the end of the book will give you access to a bonus scene (a wedding for two previous series characters!) and I for one wouldn't complain if Larkin's brother got a book sometime in the future... ;)
Rating: 4 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
If you've read book 4 in the series ( 4 Hints You Love Your Best Friend , which the author does suggest reading first, as at least one major plot point has to do with something that happened in that one), then you already knew both Jake and Larkin, both from their actions in that book and from the epilogue, AKA major teaser for this one. 7StSYFF picks up at exactly the same spot, explaining why it is that Larkin still absolutely hates Jake's guts twelve years later.
We'll just say...she has reasons.
Which is rather unfortunate, because Larkin's business partner is involved with one of Jake's younger brothers--Callahan, the one he works with.
But then Jake accidentally claims to be Larkin's fiancé during a tense moment, and suddenly they're fake-engaged but real-committed to spending time together, convincing everyone (who's not a Bower or involved with one, because they all know the truth) that their relationship is real. Because a very real consequence hangs in the balance...
This was a cute read! Some of the characters' reactions (Jake's reasons for pulling away/not answering the phone the first time they met, for example) and/or ideas (i.e. Larkin's for how to manipulate her ex) are a bit OTT, but it's hard to argue that theirs isn't a charming romance. Jake especially gave a lot of LOL moments (just about all of my highlighted passages were from his POV) and even when one (or both of them) is making questionable decisions it was pretty much impossible to not be rooting for the two of them to get to their HEA together. Their mutual "blackmail" threats were absolutely adorable, and I liked that despite their years-long antagonistic relationship they didn't throw too much unnecessary denial in the way of their real connection once it was underway.
A link at the end of the book will give you access to a bonus scene (a wedding for two previous series characters!) and I for one wouldn't complain if Larkin's brother got a book sometime in the future... ;)
Rating: 4 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
April 5, 2024
We've waited so long for Jake's story and after the epilogue in
4 Hints You Love Your Best Friend
, plus Larkin's attitude in the last book, I really wanted to see how things happened between them.
Overall, I will admit that I'm kind of split on the choices here. Like I do get Larkin's anger back then, especially when Jake said he wanted to help and then ignored her and everything. But I feel like Hunter's whole thing of "they'll drag you down too" was a little...there were ways they could have gotten around that. I got a little frustrated that we spent so much time with Jake and Larkin holding onto the past and being stupid about that night (yes, that night was tough all around I won't deny that but still).
Overall, Larkin was decent. She was snarky and sassy and while I got frustrated at certain things, she was still able to hold her own when needed. At the beginning, I didn't like the fact that she unilaterally grouped all the Bower boys into her "must hate them forever" club, especially since a)aside from Callahan none of them really did anything to her and b)it seemed really hypocritical when she spent so much time trying to distance herself from association with her dad's name. I did like at the end when she realized how she felt about Jake and how she told Hunter off.
Jake was great but I got the slightest bit annoyed with how often he blamed himself for everything. I liked the fact that the family finally told he was an idiot although for as insightful as everyone has been through the rest of the series, I was a little surprised it took everyone so long to figure out his guilt over their father. I liked the little ways he tried to help Larkin, even when he tried to do it without her knowing it was him. Then the fact that he continued even after they got together was sweet. The fact that he was an idiot at the end had me rolling my eyes because he'd been all gung-ho to try them out but then Hunter comes in with his big brother act and suddenly Jake realizes they're never going to work and just yeah, eye-roll. I did laugh at the conversation with Olivia and how she was watching out for him (even if it was at Desmond's orders).
Overall, I will admit that I'm kind of split on the choices here. Like I do get Larkin's anger back then, especially when Jake said he wanted to help and then ignored her and everything. But I feel like Hunter's whole thing of "they'll drag you down too" was a little...there were ways they could have gotten around that. I got a little frustrated that we spent so much time with Jake and Larkin holding onto the past and being stupid about that night (yes, that night was tough all around I won't deny that but still).
Overall, Larkin was decent. She was snarky and sassy and while I got frustrated at certain things, she was still able to hold her own when needed. At the beginning, I didn't like the fact that she unilaterally grouped all the Bower boys into her "must hate them forever" club, especially since a)aside from Callahan none of them really did anything to her and b)it seemed really hypocritical when she spent so much time trying to distance herself from association with her dad's name. I did like at the end when she realized how she felt about Jake and how she told Hunter off.
Jake was great but I got the slightest bit annoyed with how often he blamed himself for everything. I liked the fact that the family finally told he was an idiot although for as insightful as everyone has been through the rest of the series, I was a little surprised it took everyone so long to figure out his guilt over their father. I liked the little ways he tried to help Larkin, even when he tried to do it without her knowing it was him. Then the fact that he continued even after they got together was sweet. The fact that he was an idiot at the end had me rolling my eyes because he'd been all gung-ho to try them out but then Hunter comes in with his big brother act and suddenly Jake realizes they're never going to work and just yeah, eye-roll. I did laugh at the conversation with Olivia and how she was watching out for him (even if it was at Desmond's orders).
November 26, 2023
I started reading this one last weekend while I was in Puerto Rico, and I finished it while reading at a beer garden in New Orleans with my booksta bestie. :)
This is book five of five in the Bower Boys series, so you need some basic background info if you’re new to the series: Chelsea Bower and her five sons were in witness protection in Houston for ten years after her husband, the father of the boys, was arrested for a money laundering scheme. Each of the books has focused on one of the boys, and this book is about the oldest son, Jake.
This was a tough read for me, in part because I’m sad it’s the final book in the series. After five books, I have fallen in love with Windfall and, in particular, this family. I think you might be able to read this without having read the series, but I highly recommend starting from the beginning (50 Ways to Win Back Your Lover) which is available on Kindle Unlimited, but if you’re in the Boston area I *might* be willing to lend you my copy to get you hooked on this family.
Things I loved:
*the Bower family - throughout this entire series, these boys have had each others’ backs, even if it hasn’t been so obvious to the others
*he falls first - I am becoming a sucker for this trope and it’s done so well here
*fake dating - no description necessary
*enemies to lovers - starting from enemies, adding in the fake dating… which becomes real to become lovers was just *chefs kiss* perfection
*long term pining - which is where the enemies to lovers via fake dating really begins!
If you aren’t yet sold on this series from this review/description, I can share my reviews for the four previous books to try to convince you. And that in itself is saying something - I am NOT a series reader, but this family of boys (or rather MEN) has been an awesome addition to my reading repertoire for the last 14 months, and I hope you, dear reader, will take my word that it’s worth diving into. Thank you to Kelly for being able to read early copies of all five - and I just downloaded the updated novella which tells more of the preceding story as to how this family ended up in Witness Protection. That one is coming soon on November 29th, but this book is available now on Kindle Unlimited or via Amazon Publishing.
This is book five of five in the Bower Boys series, so you need some basic background info if you’re new to the series: Chelsea Bower and her five sons were in witness protection in Houston for ten years after her husband, the father of the boys, was arrested for a money laundering scheme. Each of the books has focused on one of the boys, and this book is about the oldest son, Jake.
This was a tough read for me, in part because I’m sad it’s the final book in the series. After five books, I have fallen in love with Windfall and, in particular, this family. I think you might be able to read this without having read the series, but I highly recommend starting from the beginning (50 Ways to Win Back Your Lover) which is available on Kindle Unlimited, but if you’re in the Boston area I *might* be willing to lend you my copy to get you hooked on this family.
Things I loved:
*the Bower family - throughout this entire series, these boys have had each others’ backs, even if it hasn’t been so obvious to the others
*he falls first - I am becoming a sucker for this trope and it’s done so well here
*fake dating - no description necessary
*enemies to lovers - starting from enemies, adding in the fake dating… which becomes real to become lovers was just *chefs kiss* perfection
*long term pining - which is where the enemies to lovers via fake dating really begins!
If you aren’t yet sold on this series from this review/description, I can share my reviews for the four previous books to try to convince you. And that in itself is saying something - I am NOT a series reader, but this family of boys (or rather MEN) has been an awesome addition to my reading repertoire for the last 14 months, and I hope you, dear reader, will take my word that it’s worth diving into. Thank you to Kelly for being able to read early copies of all five - and I just downloaded the updated novella which tells more of the preceding story as to how this family ended up in Witness Protection. That one is coming soon on November 29th, but this book is available now on Kindle Unlimited or via Amazon Publishing.
October 26, 2023
Ms. Siskind can certainly write romance, but she has gone above and beyond with the Bower Boys series. Each book has built upon the previous one and each one, if possible, is better than the last. Yes, they are standalones, but do yourself a favor and read them all in order – you won’t be sorry!
What a thought-provoking read – everyone one of us has wondered what would have happened if we had made a different choice at one time or another in our lives and this read really makes you think about all those times and what you would have done in similar circumstances. What an outstanding way to end this series. I have enjoyed and fallen for all these swoony, sweet and kind Bowers and again, I can’t pick a favorite, but oh man, Jake is up there at the top. Jake is admirable, protective, inspiring and an all-around “good” guy. The amusing and entertaining banter between him and Larkin was downright hilarious at times but I think it’s when those boys get together for an intervention or just to give one another a hard time that I enjoy the most. Larkin is much like the other female counterparts to these men in that she is strong-willed, brave and capable and I would love to be a part of their girl club! And the secondary characters – what well-written, well developed personalties, starting with Olivia – that young girl is astonishing to say the least! What a stunning example of the meaning of family, love, understanding and above all, forgiveness.
This series will stick with me for a long time because these characters have touched my heart in so many ways. I’m sure I’ll be re-reading all of these books and enjoying them all over again. Bravo Kelly – I “think” the Bower Boys series is my favorite of all your series! I’m so very grateful to have been given the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.
What a thought-provoking read – everyone one of us has wondered what would have happened if we had made a different choice at one time or another in our lives and this read really makes you think about all those times and what you would have done in similar circumstances. What an outstanding way to end this series. I have enjoyed and fallen for all these swoony, sweet and kind Bowers and again, I can’t pick a favorite, but oh man, Jake is up there at the top. Jake is admirable, protective, inspiring and an all-around “good” guy. The amusing and entertaining banter between him and Larkin was downright hilarious at times but I think it’s when those boys get together for an intervention or just to give one another a hard time that I enjoy the most. Larkin is much like the other female counterparts to these men in that she is strong-willed, brave and capable and I would love to be a part of their girl club! And the secondary characters – what well-written, well developed personalties, starting with Olivia – that young girl is astonishing to say the least! What a stunning example of the meaning of family, love, understanding and above all, forgiveness.
This series will stick with me for a long time because these characters have touched my heart in so many ways. I’m sure I’ll be re-reading all of these books and enjoying them all over again. Bravo Kelly – I “think” the Bower Boys series is my favorite of all your series! I’m so very grateful to have been given the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.
November 15, 2023
Wow! This was a series that I started on a whim, just because I liked that 50 Ways to Win Back Your Lover cover and I must say that I haven't regretted a single moment reading this wonderful series. It is really terrific as it chronicles the five Bower brothers and their quest to recapture the lives they lost when they were thrown into witness protection years ago. They all left people behind, and this story deals with Jake and Larkin.
What starts out as a possible friendship turns ugly when Jake breaks his promise to Larkin, so he has a lot to make up for in this story and Larkin isn't going to make it easy for him! But the more time they spend together, they both find their feelings changing. They share a need to protect which drove this story. I loved the banter between these two! This is a story of falling in love in spite of previous hurts and I loved that about it. It's the best part of romance -- the falling!
Jake also has to make amends to Larkin's brother, who isn't exactly open to any reconciliation. I felt for Jake here because he is not intentionally hurtful. There's alot about dealing with past mistakes in this book and in this series in general, and I liked that theme. Sometimes you just have to move forward, instead of back and that is clear in this romance.
The Bower boys are part of Jake's story as well, and he gets the support he needs from them, which helped to wrap up this series in a very pleasing way. This is one of my favorites this year. Every book is entertaining, and Jake and Larkin are no exception.
What starts out as a possible friendship turns ugly when Jake breaks his promise to Larkin, so he has a lot to make up for in this story and Larkin isn't going to make it easy for him! But the more time they spend together, they both find their feelings changing. They share a need to protect which drove this story. I loved the banter between these two! This is a story of falling in love in spite of previous hurts and I loved that about it. It's the best part of romance -- the falling!
Jake also has to make amends to Larkin's brother, who isn't exactly open to any reconciliation. I felt for Jake here because he is not intentionally hurtful. There's alot about dealing with past mistakes in this book and in this series in general, and I liked that theme. Sometimes you just have to move forward, instead of back and that is clear in this romance.
The Bower boys are part of Jake's story as well, and he gets the support he needs from them, which helped to wrap up this series in a very pleasing way. This is one of my favorites this year. Every book is entertaining, and Jake and Larkin are no exception.
November 15, 2023
Jake is the oldest of the Bower brothers and, as such, he’s always felt responsible for his siblings well-being and happiness. Now that they are back in Windfall and all of them have finally settled into their lives with their loved ones, Jake is finding solace working on his construction projects and helping the community.
Larkin Gray still thinks Jake is the worst human to roam the earth and when he comes to her rescue and introduces himself as the fiancé she just made up, she can only think how to get out of the predicament he’s put her in.
After reading all the other books in the series, I honestly think Jake has to be the more damaged of the brothers. Despite the fact that each one has a different view and coping mechanism to their situation, Jake is carrying the heaviest load from them all and the damage it has inflicted on him is of epic proportions.
Larkin, on the other hand, is the perfect FMC, sexy, sassy, ready to tackle the world and kick its proverbial behind while keeping Jake away until she starts peeling the layers and finding out he’s not the man she believes him to be.
This book is the perfect way to close the series with all the tragedy and drama it carries. Jake and Larkin are a wonderful pairing and their story is worthy of a special place in the series.
As much as I hate to let go of Windfall and the Bower Boys, I loved every minute of it and know they will be soon due for a visit.
5 stars
*ARC review*
Larkin Gray still thinks Jake is the worst human to roam the earth and when he comes to her rescue and introduces himself as the fiancé she just made up, she can only think how to get out of the predicament he’s put her in.
After reading all the other books in the series, I honestly think Jake has to be the more damaged of the brothers. Despite the fact that each one has a different view and coping mechanism to their situation, Jake is carrying the heaviest load from them all and the damage it has inflicted on him is of epic proportions.
Larkin, on the other hand, is the perfect FMC, sexy, sassy, ready to tackle the world and kick its proverbial behind while keeping Jake away until she starts peeling the layers and finding out he’s not the man she believes him to be.
This book is the perfect way to close the series with all the tragedy and drama it carries. Jake and Larkin are a wonderful pairing and their story is worthy of a special place in the series.
As much as I hate to let go of Windfall and the Bower Boys, I loved every minute of it and know they will be soon due for a visit.
5 stars
*ARC review*
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