Real Fake Husband

by Jolie Day

Marrying my childhood bully? Monumental mistake.

He called me “Goody-Goody.”
He called me “Nosy-Josie.”
He called me other things while he pulled my pigtails.

Two decades later, I’m shocked to find my name on his grandmother’s will.
We’re set to inherit a fortune, split 50-50.
The catch?

We have to tie the knot.
We have to live in her tiny NYC apartment (with just one bed).
We have to keep up the fake marriage for one month.

Luckily, I have a strategy:

Ignore his sizzling looks and sinful tattoos.
No accidental lip-locking (the first one was a mistake).
Absolutely no sketching him in his birthday suit—and definitely don’t let him catch me.
Resist his bedroom antics, even if he calls me a “princess.”
Never, ever fall in love.
Survive the month, snag the inheritance, and exit swiftly.

But then, just when I think it’s going smoothly, things go terribly wrong.


From USA Today Bestselling Author, Jolie Day, comes a scorching hot marriage of convenience romance. The sinful bad boy and the sassy good girl are tying the knot. Get ready for the hottest month of their lives. It is a complete standalone. Definitely for adult readers only.

Genres: Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Audiobook, Contemporary, Marriage Of Convenience, Forced Proximity, Contemporary Romance

368 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 31, 2023

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author

Jolie Day is a romance author with a knack for steam. She invites readers to abandon inhibitions and melt into the pages. Alpha men, boyish charms, rugged good looks – her books take you on a thrill ride of suspense and seduction.
Do you want to read about the knight in shining armor willing to do anything to protect his woman? Then her books are for you.

Sign up for updates and free books at:
https://www.subscribepage.com/jolie

Reviews

[Inna]

DNF @23%

Hero is simply too much of a jackass for me.

I’m also sick of the disparity between MCs. Heroine is a poor pathetic waitress and hero is a rich business owner. This wouldn’t bother me as much if they hadn’t grown up together, had the same opportunities, etc. He also bullied her in school which just makes me hate him more. She has good reason to hate him, but is immediately unable to resist his hot bod and checks him out non-stop. Their first night spent together she ends up rubbing on him and having an orgasm in her sleep, he’s ofc awake for it. The next day she’s already treating him like a long lost friend. It’s just too much, too fast.

[asiya · Rating 1 out of 5]

some manuscripts should just never leave your computer babes…

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. It's somewhat trite and predictable but the narrators did a good job. Sometimes it's okay to have something easy even if it's not very smart.

The timelines made no sense. From the contractor and shop build to the art to the surprise pregnancy... none of that could happen in less than a month.

But hey, it's light and fun and very little character growth happens... and the spice is kinda hot.

[Karla Yahaira · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️
This was good but it wasn't great . Didn't love the main characters .

[Bianca 🌵 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ughhh.. The FMC drove me crazy for most of this book and I can’t pinpoint why..

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cal is a first-class jerk. And even though it took a lot of effort, I can forgive him for being such a monumental horse’s hind end because that tough outer shell is protecting a remarkably vulnerable, tender heart. I adored Josie from the moment the book opened, and the only thing I couldn’t agree with her about was some of her resistance to change. Their story is filled with emotion as they transition from purely enemies to the most devoted of partners. I loved watching these two fall in love, and I kind of hate that it’s over already.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.

[Donna reads Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting and steamy enemies to lovers romance!
✅Forced marriage
✅Forced proximity
✅One bed
✅Bad boy MMC
✅Sassy MFC

What happens when your childhood pigtail pulling nemesis’s is thrown back into your life… you marry him!!!
The plan for Cal and Josie was to say I DO and part, but their plan takes on a passionate, amusing and stunning turn when the chemistry between them is undeniable and scorching HOT.

Inheriting Cal’s grandmother money just became much more than money!
So escape into this highly engaging, fascinating and enticing story and lose yourself with Cal and Josie.

Your going to love CAL!! He’s the definition of the book boyfriend we all love.

These characters are delightfully inviting, amusing and entertaining.

Congrats Jolie! Cal and Josie’s story is simply REMARKABLE.

[Ms reads a lot · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars ⭐️

[JNgo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy spicy predictable ending

Has my favorite tropes
Enemies to lovers
Forced proximity — one bed!
Fake marriage

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Frida Sjöberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and predictable. Nice to listen to as audiobook, even tho it sometimes felt a bit too graphic to listen to in public…..iykyk

But overall very wholesome about two people that are somewhat forced together and realizes they’re meant to be


3,5 stars

[April ♥"LOS" ♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

While it’s easy to predict how this story will ultimately end, the journey to get there is still unexpected and entertaining. This is more than just an enemies to lovers or fake to real love story. There is a long history between these characters that adds to their complicated relationship.

[Becky · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF

I loved the premise of this book, but after 39% I couldn't push myself through it anymore. I wish I would've read the reviews first. Had I known there was a surprise pregnancy I never would've attempted it in the first place. The whole thing feels very juvenile. I know the author wanted it to be bullying without the harsh trauma like bullying, but as someone who was bullied, it doesn't have to be malicious or overly mean to stick with you forever. Also, as someone who sometimes bullied others because I was being abused at home, I can understand kids have reasons for doing what they do even if they don't understand it. But as an adult there's zero reason not to recognize that, admit it, and apologize. Which according to many reviews, he doesn't.

The misogyny (internalized and not) and shaming of all sorts feels very juvenile. Even when it seems like it's not trying to be shaming, it still gives me the ick. For a lack of better description lol. For example without copying an exact passage, the fmc will say something her $hitty misogynistic ex said, the mmc will say something against that like how wrong it is, then say a REAL man would never say that. Side eye. Then the next paragraph he does something also misogynistic.

To get 140 pages in and still nothing has really started to change between the FMC and MMC started to feel like a bit of a waste for what should be a run of the mill fake marriage contemporary read. Idk I feel like I can't explain how childish this read felt without sounding like an a$$hole. I also feel like surprise pregnancies are such a lazy cop out to actually solving problems between couples.

Either way take my review with a grain of salt, but if you were looking to immerse yourself into a love to hate style bully to fake marriage love story, this one may keep you fully rooted in reality.

[Proserpine · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The only thing I know for sure that my heart wants is—you.” —Josephine Graham

“Loving you is easy for me, falling for you happened so naturally and effortlessly. I didn’t want to let you go.” —Callum Ashford

giggling choking screaming wheezing throwing up

This book was an utter joyride. It has everything I didn’t know I needed—chaotic tropes, steamy tension, emotional beats, and enough fake-married hijinks to leave me laughing, blushing, wheezing, sobbing, and kicking my feet. I was clutching my pillows and kicking my feet. The banter? Sharp. The spice? Unhinged. The timeline? Absolutely nonsense—but I loved it. I thoroughly enjoyed both reading the book and listening to it on audio (big props to the narrators—they did a fantastic job).

Cal and Josie were pure mayhem in the best way—childhood enemies turned forced spouses, crammed together in a tiny apartment with one bed and a shared inheritance on the line? Childhood enemies forced into fake marriage for thirty days? In a cramped NYC apartment with only one bed? Unhinged. Iconic. Irresistible. Josie sparkled with chaotic sunshine energy—vibrant, stubborn, artistic, and a little messy in all the best ways. Cal? Broody, type-A, lowkey obsessed. The way their friction turned to tenderness was slow-burn perfection. Their dynamic brought such a fun blend of sass and heart: she challenged his order, he anchored her chaos, and together they stumbled into something real. The spice? Off the charts but balanced beautifully by all the soft, vulnerable beats. I adored seeing Josie step into her confidence and Cal finally acknowledge what real happiness could look like. And the grand gesture at the end? I screamed. I ugly cried. I believed in love. The timeline was illogical, really. Indeed, the tropes were used to their fullest extent. However, the story was heartwarming, hilarious, and heartfelt.

Jason Clarke and Samantha Brentmoor—my absolute favorite pairing—devoured this book. Their chemistry, delivery, and emotional range made it feel less like listening and more like being pulled straight into the story. Every flirt, every fight, every swoony pause? Perfection. They brought this messy, magnetic romance to life with so much soul, it felt custom-built for them. Absolutely swooning over this narrator dream team lineup 😭🎧💘

Tore through this series and honestly? What a ride. It’s refreshing to have a workplace romance that doesn’t lean into the usual billionaire trope, but still delivers that moody, broody MMC who’s secretly a total softie for his girl 😏 Each book brings its own flavor—emotional, intense, and packed with sizzling chemistry. Definitely recommending this standalone if you're craving a contemporary romance with firecracker banter and a whole lot of heat 🔥💥

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jolie Day never fails to make me smile with her stories and I loved Cal and Josie's rocky romance.
This a fake marriage/enemies to lovers romance.
Josie and Cal went to school together but Cal was a bully he taunted Josie relentlessly,we learn later on that the bullying was to mask his troubled home life.
Josie was an easy target she totally stood up to Cal and I guess Cal thought that she could take it and so kept teasing her.
Now they are both adults and have different lives when the nice lady Blanchie who Josie used to visit and who used to come to the diner passes away,she is surprised that she has been included in her will.
The trouble is Cal is Blanchie's grandson......and it gets worse in order to claim a substantial inheritance left to them both they have to marry and stay married for a whole month !!
You can only imagine the hell these characters think they are in being married to your enemy...but as the days go by and the dust settles Josie and Cal stop bickering and discover they have amazing chemistry and they are both attracted to eachother.
Not being able to resist the attraction once they inevitably cross that line...and.they are insatiable for one another and being married doesn't seem as bad after all.
Josie works in a diner and is a budding artist but can't get a break she needs the money to pursue her dream.
Cal is already independently wealthy he owns numerous motorcycle showrooms and doesn't need the money but wants to honour his grandmothers wishes as she is the one who raised him.
I really enjoyed this story as it as minimum angst and was such a pleasure to read..both Cal and Josie are so easy to like and I loved the back and forth between them.
The banter was amazing...and the are so HOT together they made me blush..I will never look at drawing nudes the same way again...because one time when Josie is drawing Cal for her portfolio..WOWSERS it gets pretty steamy let me tell you.
I also loved Cal and the way he supported Josie and believed in her when she didn't believe in herself..He falls for her pretty quickly...I was frustrated with Josie for a little bit when she was so stubborn and wouldn't acknowledge her true feelings for Cal..but its all good now she is forgiven.
I mean who could resist a motorcycle riding tattooed sexy hottie like Cal.
There is also a surprise twist at the end that I loved between them,they really are a perfect match.
This is another fun and enthralling story by Jolie Day I love reading her stories they are like comfort reads for me and they always make me feel good after reading them.
Real Fake Husband is a Superb read and I highly recommend it.
Excellent 5 Stars.

[Char (1RadReader59) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Josie was not in the mood, to deal with a drunk and handsy customer. But, for her best friend, Kaylin, she would, if needed. This guy has no clue, Josie had just worked two fourteen-hour shifts, back to back. Her dear friend passed away this month. Now, Josie will try to honor, Blanchie’s will to the letter, per her instructions. Even if it does, kill her, or the man who must honor it with her, “Callum Maximilian Ashford,” her grandson. Yup, all three names for him. They went to school together, and the guy tormented her through most of it. So why, Blanchie wanted this is beyond her. So, if the drunk knows better, it's best to leave, Kaylin alone. No, such luck.

On her way to Blanchie’s apartment, she can't forget the last time they got together there. She was such a kind woman. Why would she make such a request? When she gets there, Cal is already there. They are both stunned into silence because neither of them looks the same. Right away the barbs start. Josie is the aggressor. She has carried a lot of resentment from the past hurts he caused her. Starting as far back as kindergarten. Mrs. Blanche Ashford aka: to her close friends, Blanchie, but to the girls at, The Diner they called her, “the Baroness.” The reason was that she dressed to the nines, and would sit in the evenings in her favorite booth, with a glass of merlot. Although not royalty, Blanchie seems with every inch of her being to be, a royal.

She would always tell them, “Girls, I’m no baroness, there’s not a single drop of blue blood running in my old veins. Only, merlot.” Then they would all laugh. Josie told, Cal that every time the door opened each evening she thought it might be her. Only to relive her loss. They meet with, Vance the lawyer. Only to find out that, not only do they have to move in together, they must get married to each other for one month, can’t sell or change the furniture around, and at the end, they get a huge inheritance. They are both, gobstopped.

This is such a sweet, funny, enlightening story. You get to see two people so scared of their own shadows, for completely different reasons. The book takes you back and forth, through their memories as they recall, the good and the bad times. See how Blanchie teaches them from a world beyond but lets them know she will always be there for them.

[Ves Pringle · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟🎧 Just wrapped up the audio journey of "Real Fake Husband" by Joli Day, and guys, it's an absolute delight! 🎉✨

Joli weaves a narrative that is fresh and entertaining. It’s a rollercoaster of fun, with just the right mix of romance and tension to keep you smiling and swooning throughout. 📚💫

🎙️ Firstly, major shoutout to one of my fave duos of romance audio—Jason Clarke and Samantha Brentmoor— As high school nemesis: Bad boy Callum and sassy Josie, they've turned this enemies-to-lovers, fake marriage romance into an audio deliciousness that'll leave you swooning. This pairing is pure audio magic, and I can't get enough. 🤩


👂 Jason Clarke, the maestro of deep, growly tones, is an absolute auditory delight. His voice is like a warm hug mixed with a dash of danger - it's a combination that'll melt you into a puddle.

🎭 Now, let's talk about Samantha Brentmoor – sultry, sensational, and utterly captivating! Her ability to slip into a male character's persona is mind-blowing. 😱 I legit forget there's a woman behind the mic because her male voice is that phenomenal. Talk about talent!

📚 "Real Fake Husband" is a wild ride through enemies-to-lovers territory, with a side of forced proximity and billionaire romance. Imagine the naughty nemesis from high school becoming the key to a fortune, and you've got a plot that's as juicy as it gets. 🍑💰

💑 Jason and Sam bring these characters to life with a sizzling, scorching chemistry that jumps out of your earbuds! There's only one bed, tons of tension, and a whole lot of heat – this enemies to lovers, fake marriage, billionaire romance will make you laugh, cry, and blush like a schoolgirl with a secret crush.🎶💕

🔊 So, If you're a fan of billionaire romances with a side of delicious tension, this is THE audiobook for you. Trust me, your ears will thank you later! 🙌👂 #RealFakeHusband #AudiobookMagic #JasonAndSamForever #EarbudMeltingMagic #JasonAndSamAreGoals

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cal and Josie have agreed to the stipulations of his grandmother's will to marry for a month and they each get their inheritance. Cal Ashford has been Josie's nemesis since they were kids. He was a bully and made it his mission to be mean to Josie since they were small. They hadn't seen each other since high school and now, have agreed to marry and live together for a month in order to get their inheritance.

When I was reading the memories Josie had of the many mean things Cal did to her when they were young, I wasn't sure I was going to like him. But adult Cal redeemed himself.

Cal saw Josie at his grandmother's apartment where they were married and had to live together for a month. The minute he saw her he was attracted, he saw the stubborn, sassy women she turned out to be and wanted to know her. Josie saw this gorgeous man he became but still was apprehensive because of the previous relationship from childhood. Her memories of him were terrible. As they got to know each other, the attraction grew and they became temporary friends under the circumstances.

The more time Callum spent with Josie, the more he wanted her and started caring for her. She had her walls because she couldn't let go of the memories of him that haunted her.

Adult Callum was different for young Callum who was mean and a bully. This story may have triggers for some, but it has all the feels and their sexy times was hot! I really enjoyed their story. Great job Ms. Day!

I received an advanced copy from Bookfunnel for my honest opinion.

[Jodi - JodiReadsnListens · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Audio Review**
Callum Ashford = redeeming swoony perfection! Real Fake Husband by Jolie Day was a sweet and sexy enemies-to-lovers romance that captured my heart and brought on quite a few blushes from start to finish. Did I also mention, there is only one bed and a fake marriage involved?! Jolie delivers all the witty banter, spice, and emotions in Cal and Josie’s light and swoony fake to forever love story.

Samantha Brentmoor and Jason Clarke perform this audiobook in dual narration. This pairing never lets me down when it comes to bringing Jolie’s words to life! Samantha was spot on portraying Josie’s sassy, spitfire persona as she gave into her desires for Cal and went after her artistic goals. Not to mention, Samantha’s growly tone with Cal, was absolute fire. Also, does anyone perform a better growly grump turned dirty-talking MMC better than Jason Clarke? (Not, likely) He also made Cal’s softer, charismatic, and loyal loving side for Josie utterly irresistible. Both narrators bring the heat with Josie and Cal’s blazing hot, pent-up steamy chemistry.

Overall, I LOVED this book. If you are a fan of an enemies-to-lovers romance with a hot broody motorcycle business owner, a waitress aspiring to be an artist, a grandmother meddling beyond the grave, childhood bullies, New York City, one bed, a fake marriage, diners, advice-giving best friends, naughty lingerie, nude models, spicy sketching times, little surprises, turning dreams into a reality, and a HEA that was meant to be, then you will love Cal and Josie’s story. I always look forward to more from Jolie Day!

[Linda Gross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goes to show that grandmothers do know best! When Grandma Blanche passes away and leaves her estate to her beloved grandson, Callum, and he dearest friend, Josie, she knew what she was doing. To receive their significant inheritance, Cal and Josie must marry each other and live together in the deceased’s small apartment for one month. They cannot change any furniture including the single bed available to them both to share. This grandma knew what she was doing. But did she know the history of the couple? They have hated each other since grade school!

Welcome to the wonderful world of Jolie Day story telling where Cal and Josie learn to coexist in the adult world! Cal is no longer the pimple-faced bully of the playground but a handsome stud of a successful businessman. Josie who dreamed of being an artist had her light dimmed by a renowned art critic and a sad sack ex-boyfriend. She has given up on her art career and is now content to wait tables in the Diner.

But the plan to say I Do, and part gives way to scorching hot attraction and Cal and Josie find themselves falling for their fake spouse.

I needed a lighthearted book like this and was completely and utterly entertained by the antics of the two main characters! What a wonderful HEA!

Jolie Day, keep on writing your stories! You are phenomenal.

[Bookworm Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a fan of Jolie Day I was excited to read her latest novel and I was not disappointed. Josie has worked at a local diner since she left school and she loves it. Her future is that she is likely to take over as owner from the current one whom she loves like a mother. But one of her favourite customers Mrs Blanchie has other ideas. When she dies she sets her up with an inheritance from her will. She goes to her flat for the reading of the will. There is her childhood bully, Cal who happens to be Mrs Blanchie's grandson. The solicitor lays out the rules for their inheritance. To their disbelieve they have to stay together in the flat for a month as husband and wife. The solicitor produces the paperwork, which they reluctantly sign. The other thing is that they are not allowed to change anything in the flat. This is a great enemies to lovers romance with a few differences from other books. It's funny, frustrating, with old feelings getting in the way of new passions. A great read with an HEA.
I received a free copy of this book from the author via BookFunnel and I voluntarily leave this honest review.

[Amy and Rae Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Amy) Ok this is a great read if you need something to get you through that book hangover. This is a standalone story with theromance, spice, giggles, and HEA you need right now.

FMC Josie is a waitress at a diner in NYC and aspiring artist. MMC Cal is a tall drink of delicious delicious water with a side of smug SOB and domination. In a weird twist of fate, Cal and Josie must suffer each other in marriage for one month in Cal's grandmother's small apartment in order to meet the terms of her estate. They do not get along, and never have. Not even when they were kids. But they both have their reasons for following through.

The tension and angst in this one is palpable, and thoguh I didn't always connect with the characters and their actions, the spice in this book is off the charts. I was rooting for them for their chemistry alone!

I did enjoy this story, and it does deliver in all the feels. The story is told by Samantha Brentmoor and Jason Clarke, and they do an incredible job delivering all the chemistry, angst and swoon. The audio is DEFINATELY the way to go. I listened to this beauty on Hoopla.

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of standard tropes, but they didn’t feel tired—enemies to lovers, forced proximity, one bed, marry for an inheritance— Josie and Cal were fresh and engaging characters. Cal is a bad boy who is opening an motorcycle dealership and Josie is an artist who needs to learn to take a chance.

There was a lot of reference to Cal bullying Josie while growing up, and it was probably the less successful part of the story. For Cal, it seemed a little out of character and he really brushed it aside, while Josie remembered incidents very clearly. In the present day parts of the book, Cal was a really nice guy.

The bullying aside, I was rooting for Josie to grow her confidence and restart her art career on the way to HEA, and I’m glad she did.

The book is somewhat steamy, so if you prefer clean stories, this may not be the one for you. Nothing weird or kinky, but they definitely get it on😉.

Recommended for a not too angsty read, looking forward to reading about Kaylin and Theo next, please!

[Vilma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Callum (Cal) Ashford and Josephine (Josie) Graham have history that dates back to school days. While Cal always bullied Josie Josie usually did a decent job of defending herself. Graduation happens and they go their separate ways.

Josie has grown into the woman who take no crap and doesn’t allow other to bully her friends. Cal has grown into a successful businessman. But they are thrown together when his grandmother dies with many stipulations in her will.

While I loved the push and pull of Cal and Josie, poor Josie and her fears and insecurities really kept her from her dreams for far too long. While cal pushes her out of her comfort zone, they also form real feelings during their forced proximity, forced marriage in order to inherit Cal’s grandmothers money and antiques.

There are lots of roadblocks, drama, and mishaps along the way. And while a divorce after the forced marriage date seems imminent, there is a happy ending for the couple and the sub characters as well.

[LHS · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an enemies to lovers romance. Another great read from Jolie Day.

Josie has always hated bully Cal from as far back as she can remember. He constantly picked on her throughout her childhood and teens and she rubbed him up the wrong way by standing up to him.

She never thought she would have to see him again but then fate intervened when one of her regular customers at the restaurant where she was a waitress passed away and left her an inheritance.

Re-enter Cal, said customers grandson. The terms of the inheritance state that they have to get married and live together for 30 days to claim their respective inheritances.

With instant attraction on both sides, neither can believe how the other has changed and sparks start to fly as the chemistry between them heats up.

With old feelings running high, this book as plenty of drama and passion.

I received this as an ARC and am giving my honest opinion.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an amazingly beautiful Enemies to Lovers story with Josie coming face to face with her childhood bully, Callum. When his grandmother passes Josie is upset to lose her friend and surprised to be mentioned in her will. When the details are revealed her and Cal need to follow grandma’s final wishes, living in her tiny 1 bedroom apartment for 30 days, married! Cal was raised by his grandmother who he cherished after his horrible parents are no longer there. He is busy with a business deal, missing her funeral and upon his returns he goes to say his goodbyes. It’s hard for Josie to trust Cal as he never apologizes for his meanness as a kid. When they can get beyond their past they develop a friendship, learn they are different people that quickly becomes more that neither want to see their 30 days ending. When things get to be too much Josie pulls away being stubborn and Cal is left with his heart hanging on with the hope he can Josie to be his Real EVERYTHING!!

[Misty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cal and Josie have known each other since they were kids and he was always mean to her, she thought of him as her childhood bully. When his grandmother dies and leaves them an inheritance with conditions they have no choice but to get married and fulfill her last wishes. Only, he is nothing like she remembers him being, he is tall, tattooed, and actually a good guy. When they start getting to know each other, we learn that he wasn't a bully, it was him protecting himself because of his horrible home life.

I really enjoyed this story, once we get through all of their initial bickering and start getting to know the characters they are a lot of fun. Cal supports Josie in everything she needs/wants to accomplish in her life. I also love the little notes that his grandmother left for them, they are cute and hilarious. This is a fun read and I highly recommend it.

Received ARC in exchange for voluntary honest review from Jolie Day.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Real Fake Husband by Jolie Day is a fun read. It's an enemies to lovers story that involves a fake, but real, marriage, overcoming their past, learning to trust and embracing their future. It's the story of Cal & Josie. They are brought back together by Cal's grandmother - who stated in her will - that if these 2 married, shared her apartment and stayed married for 30 days, they'd share her inheritance.
The month involves a little bit of everything: their underlying attraction to each other, their history, Josie's stubbornness, Cal's OCD neatness, their quirks, one bed, an uncomfortable couch and so much more!
As the time progresses - they become friends, they become lovers and they then must figure out how to admit their true feelings, get rid of their baggage and work together for their very own HEA.

[Rachel (Rrbookreviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

ALC Review.
Review: 4.5/5 ⭐️
Steam: 2.5/5 🔥
Audio: 5/5 🎧

There isn’t a book of Jolie’s that I haven’t loved. This is the perfect mix of chemistry with some sass, along with love, bickering and second chance. These two characters have known each other forever but are ‘forced’ into a marriage. As opposite as they are, they are also both stubborn. Giving into attraction proved that. But the way they were to lean on each other and fight made it even better. If you like forced proximity, arranged ish marriage, second ish chance and some steam, this book is for you.

Not sure how you top the narration of Jason and Samantha. They both bring all the emotions to these characters. The way they make it feel like you’re watching this story play out in front of you is amazing. Absolutely loved the audio! 100% recommend.

[christine.s.library · Rating 5 out of 5]

** Review based on ALC **

Real Fake Husband by Jolie Day is a steamy enemies-to-lovers, marriage of convenience masterpiece!

Josie and Cal are pulled together by Cal’s grandmother’s will. Neither will earn their inheritances until they’ve spent one month as a married couple under the same roof - the woman’s one-bedroom apartment.

Cal bullied Josie when they were kids so learning to cohabitate is contentious at first, but there’s an underlying attraction simmering between them just waiting to ignite. When it does, holy butter cookies, these two will singe your earbuds!

Samantha Brentmoor played Josie’s feisty, yet vulnerable and passionate personality perfectly. Jason Clarke performed Cal’s focused, intense, dominant nature so well. I’m never disappointed with this narrator pairing!

I loved this fun, flirty, steamy story from Jolie and can’t wait for more!