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The Fab Forties #3
Joined at the Hip
After all is wed and done, can a fake marriage turn into true love?
September With the prized assistant editor position up for grabs, I’m ready to do whatever it takes to get a promotion. That includes writing the best article ever—a how-to piece on renewing wedding vows on a budget. My only problem? I’m missing the husband my boss wants me to bring along for research. Tristan I swore off all romantic relationships years ago, a fact that should have stopped me from volunteering to help September. There’s no rhyme or reason why I should care about her success—especially when we’re hardly friends—except that I can’t seem to get her off my mind.
September I’m shocked but relieved when my annoyingly handsome coworker offers to be my fake husband. Tristan’s attitude is as pleasant as the stomach flu, but at least I don’t have to guess where he stands, unlike my long distance boyfriend’s commitment level. This ruse might not be so hard to pull off, assuming we don’t drive each other crazy first. Tristan Pretending to be married for a week should be a piece of cake, but nothing about this arrangement is as sweet or as simple, especially when it involves feeding each other cake. Between my fake wife’s annoyingly cheery personality and the intimate demands of this assignment, I’ve got a bad case of cold feet. But when the sparks between us become a little too real, it’s time for me to do I bail or let her in? For better or worse, my heart may never be the same again.
The Fab Forties series was written by an over-40 author with readers of all ages in mind. This rom-com is guaranteed to tickle your funny bone and help you escape reality. So, sit back, relax, and be prepared to laugh!
*This story first appeared in Save the Date, a wedding anthology that hit the USA Today bestsellers list in October 2021. It has since been expanded with four brand new chapters for your reading pleasure.
September With the prized assistant editor position up for grabs, I’m ready to do whatever it takes to get a promotion. That includes writing the best article ever—a how-to piece on renewing wedding vows on a budget. My only problem? I’m missing the husband my boss wants me to bring along for research. Tristan I swore off all romantic relationships years ago, a fact that should have stopped me from volunteering to help September. There’s no rhyme or reason why I should care about her success—especially when we’re hardly friends—except that I can’t seem to get her off my mind.
September I’m shocked but relieved when my annoyingly handsome coworker offers to be my fake husband. Tristan’s attitude is as pleasant as the stomach flu, but at least I don’t have to guess where he stands, unlike my long distance boyfriend’s commitment level. This ruse might not be so hard to pull off, assuming we don’t drive each other crazy first. Tristan Pretending to be married for a week should be a piece of cake, but nothing about this arrangement is as sweet or as simple, especially when it involves feeding each other cake. Between my fake wife’s annoyingly cheery personality and the intimate demands of this assignment, I’ve got a bad case of cold feet. But when the sparks between us become a little too real, it’s time for me to do I bail or let her in? For better or worse, my heart may never be the same again.
The Fab Forties series was written by an over-40 author with readers of all ages in mind. This rom-com is guaranteed to tickle your funny bone and help you escape reality. So, sit back, relax, and be prepared to laugh!
*This story first appeared in Save the Date, a wedding anthology that hit the USA Today bestsellers list in October 2021. It has since been expanded with four brand new chapters for your reading pleasure.
140 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2023
19 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
Liwen Y. Ho
96 books334 followersUSA Today bestselling author Liwen Y. Ho works as a chauffeur and chef by day (AKA a stay at home mom) and a writer by night. Her strength is in creating character-driven, deep POV romance infused with faith, humor, and happy ever afters.
In her pre-author life, she received a Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Western Seminary. She loves makeovers of all kinds, especially those of the heart and mind. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her techie husband and their two children (AKA munchkins).
Sign up for Liwen's newsletter for news about her upcoming releases, book giveaways and more at http://liwenho.com/free-book!
In her pre-author life, she received a Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Western Seminary. She loves makeovers of all kinds, especially those of the heart and mind. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her techie husband and their two children (AKA munchkins).
Sign up for Liwen's newsletter for news about her upcoming releases, book giveaways and more at http://liwenho.com/free-book!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
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July 24, 2024Sweet Romance ♡
Joined at the Hip: An Over-Forty Christian Rom-Com (The Fab Forties Book 3)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Well this one was a nice suprise! This was my first read by Liwen Y. Ho & I will be checking out more books by her.
If you enjoy...
◇Faith
◇30+ Age Charcters
◇Fake Realtionship
◇Christian Romance
◇Clean /Closed Door Romance
I recommend checking this one out!
Book Synopsis:
After all is wed and done, can a fake marriage turn into true love?
September
With the prized assistant editor position up for grabs, I’m ready to do whatever it takes to get a promotion. That includes writing the best article ever—a how-to piece on renewing wedding vows on a budget. My only problem? I’m missing the husband my boss wants me to bring along for research.
Tristan
I swore off all romantic relationships years ago, a fact that should have stopped me from volunteering to help September. There’s no rhyme or reason why I should care about her success—especially when we’re hardly friends—except that I can’t seem to get her off my mind.
Joined at the Hip: An Over-Forty Christian Rom-Com (The Fab Forties Book 3)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Well this one was a nice suprise! This was my first read by Liwen Y. Ho & I will be checking out more books by her.
If you enjoy...
◇Faith
◇30+ Age Charcters
◇Fake Realtionship
◇Christian Romance
◇Clean /Closed Door Romance
I recommend checking this one out!
Book Synopsis:
After all is wed and done, can a fake marriage turn into true love?
September
With the prized assistant editor position up for grabs, I’m ready to do whatever it takes to get a promotion. That includes writing the best article ever—a how-to piece on renewing wedding vows on a budget. My only problem? I’m missing the husband my boss wants me to bring along for research.
Tristan
I swore off all romantic relationships years ago, a fact that should have stopped me from volunteering to help September. There’s no rhyme or reason why I should care about her success—especially when we’re hardly friends—except that I can’t seem to get her off my mind.
March 10, 2022
This was a fun book. I liked how the main characters romance started out as a fake relationship but as they spent time together they realized that they are great for each other. I also liked the mothers and how we get a glimpse into Chinese American culture. I also liked that the characters were older because there was a maturity there that you don’t see as much with younger characters. Overall, I thought it was a good book.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
February 3, 2024
Fun read
This was a cute, hilarious story. The two main characters are coworkers. For an article about wedding renewals and budgeting they have to pretend they are getting married. Join in the fun as September and Tristan do it all, from tasting wedding cakes to September trying on wedding dresses and more.
I enjoyed how September and Tristan's relationship progress throughout the story. Let's not forget the static electricity and their moms not getting along with each other. Such a fun read.
This was a cute, hilarious story. The two main characters are coworkers. For an article about wedding renewals and budgeting they have to pretend they are getting married. Join in the fun as September and Tristan do it all, from tasting wedding cakes to September trying on wedding dresses and more.
I enjoyed how September and Tristan's relationship progress throughout the story. Let's not forget the static electricity and their moms not getting along with each other. Such a fun read.
February 23, 2022
Reader’s Notes:
– this is book 3 of a series
– this is told from September and Tristan’s points of view
– this story was originally in the limited release wedding anthology (Save the Date) but has been expanded for this release
Review:
🥺 Liwen did it again! She made such a sweet and funny romance that can be entertaining and relatable to anyone 😍. I loved the sunshine/grumpy dynamic between September and Tristan. Plus their punny comebacks as they grew more comfortable with one another 😂. And I can’t forget the thing with their mothers 🤭 (but that’d be revealing too much, suffice to say it adds to the entertainment).
When September hears of an opening for the assistant editor position, she is determined to do good and standout amongst her coworkers. But when she gets her next article assignment, she has a bit of a problem. It’s about renewing wedding vows on a budget and while she has the budgeting skills, she lacks the husband.
Luckily, Tristan (her only guy coworker) steps up and tells September he’d be willing to help her go get information. After all, the best way to truly show how to plan on a budget, means you should pretend that’s really what you’re going to do. And each place is expecting a couple in love, so they need to act like they’re in love.
Now they both just need to remember that it’s all fake, both the renewing of vows and the love they are portraying. Shouldn’t be too hard, right?
– this is book 3 of a series
– this is told from September and Tristan’s points of view
– this story was originally in the limited release wedding anthology (Save the Date) but has been expanded for this release
Review:
🥺 Liwen did it again! She made such a sweet and funny romance that can be entertaining and relatable to anyone 😍. I loved the sunshine/grumpy dynamic between September and Tristan. Plus their punny comebacks as they grew more comfortable with one another 😂. And I can’t forget the thing with their mothers 🤭 (but that’d be revealing too much, suffice to say it adds to the entertainment).
When September hears of an opening for the assistant editor position, she is determined to do good and standout amongst her coworkers. But when she gets her next article assignment, she has a bit of a problem. It’s about renewing wedding vows on a budget and while she has the budgeting skills, she lacks the husband.
Luckily, Tristan (her only guy coworker) steps up and tells September he’d be willing to help her go get information. After all, the best way to truly show how to plan on a budget, means you should pretend that’s really what you’re going to do. And each place is expecting a couple in love, so they need to act like they’re in love.
Now they both just need to remember that it’s all fake, both the renewing of vows and the love they are portraying. Shouldn’t be too hard, right?
March 2, 2022
A Spark-ling Sweet RomCom!
"Joined at the Hip" is an extended edition of “One Vow for September”, which appeared in the "Save the Date" anthology in 2021. I enjoyed that story so much, I couldn’t imagine how it could be improved—but Liwen did it! (see #s 2 & 4 below).
Five reasons why I loved this book:
1) The Protagonists: September is sunshine; Tristan is clouds and rain—but puns and sparks fly when they work together to do research for a magazine article. I appreciated how they encouraged each other and helped each other to grow.
2) The supporting cast: I especially enjoyed Hal the baker, as well as the protagonists’ moms (who were added in this edition.)
3) A taste of Liwen’s “Asian Roots”: It’s always fun to learn more about a culture from an expert!
4) The Humor: Many smiles, chuckles, and outright guffaws from both the action and the wordplay. The addition of quotes at the beginning of each chapter added to the fun!
5) Dryer Sheets: Who knew they could be so helpful??
I received a complimentary copy of this book; the above are my own honest opinions.
"Joined at the Hip" is an extended edition of “One Vow for September”, which appeared in the "Save the Date" anthology in 2021. I enjoyed that story so much, I couldn’t imagine how it could be improved—but Liwen did it! (see #s 2 & 4 below).
Five reasons why I loved this book:
1) The Protagonists: September is sunshine; Tristan is clouds and rain—but puns and sparks fly when they work together to do research for a magazine article. I appreciated how they encouraged each other and helped each other to grow.
2) The supporting cast: I especially enjoyed Hal the baker, as well as the protagonists’ moms (who were added in this edition.)
3) A taste of Liwen’s “Asian Roots”: It’s always fun to learn more about a culture from an expert!
4) The Humor: Many smiles, chuckles, and outright guffaws from both the action and the wordplay. The addition of quotes at the beginning of each chapter added to the fun!
5) Dryer Sheets: Who knew they could be so helpful??
I received a complimentary copy of this book; the above are my own honest opinions.
June 9, 2022
I first read a version of this story in a collection of books, and I really enjoyed it. However, what the author has added to it by creating a longer version has truly enhanced the whole story. I didn’t feel like I was reading the same book. There were a few times I remembered scenes, but mostly it was a refreshingly new story.
Can I just say that I LOVED the whole “mothers” scenes?! I laughed so hard! I also enjoyed all their texting and crazy puns! It truly was electrifying!! HeHe! (Read the book! Pun intended!)
Liwen Y. Ho has become a fun author for me to read. When I want a light, fun, sometimes crazy book that I can read, I will always pick one of hers!
Her writing is smooth and the story flows with wonderful characters and dialogue. I had a problem not wanting to put this book down. It truly was enjoyable! I was truly caught up in the story and didn’t want it to end. I loved how she also wrapped the whole series up with all the characters from the other books. What fun! You can truly feel like they are a big, wonderful family!
This is a delightful book to read, I highly recommend you pick it and the whole series up and start reading now!
Can I just say that I LOVED the whole “mothers” scenes?! I laughed so hard! I also enjoyed all their texting and crazy puns! It truly was electrifying!! HeHe! (Read the book! Pun intended!)
Liwen Y. Ho has become a fun author for me to read. When I want a light, fun, sometimes crazy book that I can read, I will always pick one of hers!
Her writing is smooth and the story flows with wonderful characters and dialogue. I had a problem not wanting to put this book down. It truly was enjoyable! I was truly caught up in the story and didn’t want it to end. I loved how she also wrapped the whole series up with all the characters from the other books. What fun! You can truly feel like they are a big, wonderful family!
This is a delightful book to read, I highly recommend you pick it and the whole series up and start reading now!
February 22, 2022
This book first came out as a novella called One Vow for September as part of the Save the Date box set back in October 2021. Now Ho has added chapters and extended it into a longer, more complete story. It is the third book in Ho’s Fab Forties series, coming after Retying the Knot (#1) and Head Over Stilettos (#2).
I enjoyed the original shorter version, but I enjoyed this one even more. The humor is done just right, and kept me chuckling. The characters are fun to get to know, and to watch as they grow and develop while getting to know each other. I appreciate that the emphasis in their relationship is on character qualities, not good looks or superficial things. The two Asian mothers are hilarious!
I enjoyed the original shorter version, but I enjoyed this one even more. The humor is done just right, and kept me chuckling. The characters are fun to get to know, and to watch as they grow and develop while getting to know each other. I appreciate that the emphasis in their relationship is on character qualities, not good looks or superficial things. The two Asian mothers are hilarious!
February 25, 2022
I loved Tristan and September's story! The banter between the two of them is hysterical at times! I loved the mention of mahjong in the book, as I play it every day on my computer! Tristan and September have worked together for five years, but when they are forced to work together after a meeting, sparks start flying!! The only problem is, they're relationship is supposed to be pretend, and September's been thinking that her boyfriend is going to finally propose. Who will September chose, the one that's been putting her off for years, or the one that has started the sparks flying? I do love that both Trist and September are older!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
March 1, 2022
Joined At The Hip is an absolutely delightful book. Two co-workers, who really don't get along all that well are paired together for an assignment that requires them to pose as husband and wife and then they find out that their mothers not only know each other but are very antagonistic toward each other. Things get very interesting when the ex-boyfriend and ex-girlfriend enter the story. Meanwhile the pretend situation is seeming more and more real, as Tristan and September spend more time together. I highly recommend this great book. I did receive a copy from the author to read and review. The opinion is strictly my own.
February 23, 2022
This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from the author.
Great characters in a great story!
This is definitely a Christian story with Bible quoting mentions of living out their faith.
It's also a funny and witty story. The main characters are punsters and through forced interaction develop inside jokes that frequently come up. Some situations are also funny to read about. (I'd be mortified to live them out!)
One of the things I appreciated about these older characters is that they don't play games. They talk about serious stuff and support each other.
Great characters in a great story!
This is definitely a Christian story with Bible quoting mentions of living out their faith.
It's also a funny and witty story. The main characters are punsters and through forced interaction develop inside jokes that frequently come up. Some situations are also funny to read about. (I'd be mortified to live them out!)
One of the things I appreciated about these older characters is that they don't play games. They talk about serious stuff and support each other.
March 1, 2022
What a delightful love story! Tristan and September were so much fun to read about. I loved their conversations with each other. You could immediately feel the romantic tension between the two of them. Tristan had trust issues with women in general and September was looking for something she didn’t have. I also enjoyed the competitive nature of their mothers. Their ribbing of each other caused me to literally laugh out loud! This was clean, inspirational romance. I highly recommend this book to inspirational romance fans!
March 1, 2022
This book is about an opposite attract relationship between two people when their life has collided into one another, yeah explosive is the best word to explain the electricity in the air, I was hooked on the first chapter wondering what would follow next and I wasn’t disappointed. The relationships between September and Tristan doesn’t exactly start on a good note, rocky would be more like it. This story will melt your heart, they are strong, stubborn, but their story will keep you coming back for more. I highly recommended it. Thanks to the author for providing me my review copy.
March 1, 2022
This is such a sweet story. Tristan and September are work colleagues. Once they are on an assignment for an article together they really get to know one another. September is hoping her boyfriend will propose soon and Tristan is nursing some hurt from an earlier relationship. One week of laughing and working together has them both opening their eyes to what they really want, as opposed to what they think they want. Love this funny happy story of expectations versus real love.
February 26, 2022
I had an ARC for this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. September and Tristan work together and both want the same promotion, and their mothers play Mar john together and always argue. When they are asked to work together on an article, they find they don’t dislike each other as much as they thought. Liwen Y Ho has written into the plot of this book, humor, as well as trust, and acceptance. I’d recommend reading it!
March 1, 2022
Sam and Tristan work for the same magazine. Sam pitches an idea to renew vows on a budget. Tristan volunteers to be her pretend husband. Loved the joking and by play between them. Liwen Ho writes wonderful Christian romances. Once you start reading you can't put it down. Also loved Mrs. Yu and Mrs. Hi and their relationship. All around great read and a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.
I was given this advanced copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was given this advanced copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 1, 2022
This is the first book that I've read from this author. I'll be adding Liwen Y. Hu to my list of authors I like.
September had a boyfriend, but he was definitely dragging his feet. Plus, it was a long distance thing. One of her co-workers, Tristan, was nursing a broken heart and he was rather grumpy. When he finds himself volunteering to help September with research, the spark of attraction makes itself known. This book was fun to read.
September had a boyfriend, but he was definitely dragging his feet. Plus, it was a long distance thing. One of her co-workers, Tristan, was nursing a broken heart and he was rather grumpy. When he finds himself volunteering to help September with research, the spark of attraction makes itself known. This book was fun to read.
February 23, 2022
Good addition to the series.
Fun characters and storyline!
Summer and Tristan are coworkers and their mothers are frenimes who play mahjong almost daily. Summer is assigned to write and article about vow renewals. Problem her boss wants her to do personal research, Tristan offers to be her pretend husband. What can possibly go wrong?
*I received this book for free for my unbiased review.
Fun characters and storyline!
Summer and Tristan are coworkers and their mothers are frenimes who play mahjong almost daily. Summer is assigned to write and article about vow renewals. Problem her boss wants her to do personal research, Tristan offers to be her pretend husband. What can possibly go wrong?
*I received this book for free for my unbiased review.
March 2, 2022
Their moms are a hoot. She is writing a story on couples renewing their wedding vows and he volunteers to be her fake husband. This story was so funny and romantic at the same time. She has a boyfriend that will not commit and he has an ex that has him jaded on love. Sparks fly literally. Loved the ending.
March 1, 2022
This is a sweet enemies to lovers romance. I enjoyed the back and forth between September and Tristan. I loved seeing Tristan thaw towards her. This fake romance and enemies to lovers romance is sweet and fun, full of puns and bickering mothers. I enjoyed the original version of this story, but loved the extended version.
March 1, 2022
Loved it
I loved Tristan and September’s story. He was left at the alter in the past and she has been in a relationship that's going nowhere for 3 years. They end up working together on an assignment as a fake couple. Can fake turn to real, especially with mother's that don't like each other? It all makes for a captivating read.
I loved Tristan and September’s story. He was left at the alter in the past and she has been in a relationship that's going nowhere for 3 years. They end up working together on an assignment as a fake couple. Can fake turn to real, especially with mother's that don't like each other? It all makes for a captivating read.
March 1, 2022
This is a sweet and entertaining rom com with strong characters in September and Tristan. It's a story of co-workers finding love and happiness together. It's well written with perfectly painted scenes,moves quickly and smoothly and is an enjoyable read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
March 2, 2022
I really enjoyed reading this book. September and Tristan have been work acquaintances for five years. Now Tristan has agreed to help September research her story. This seemingly opposite couple discover how much they have in common. Great characters with a fun storyline.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
March 2, 2022
The two mothers were hilarious and I loved the dialogue between Tristan and September not to mention some very funny and embarrassing scenes. Good clean romance and I highly recommend this if you want a light hearted feel good read. Definitely fine to read as a stand alone even though it is listed as book 3.
March 2, 2022
Joined at the Hip is a captivating, delightful, fake romance. This well written, expanded book has laugh out loud moments, a hilarious trip to a jewelry story, an obsession with fine toilet paper and more, as Tristan helps September with the research for an article on wedding vow renewal. Beware meddling and feuding Chinese mothers! There are just so many great moments in this wonderful book!
March 3, 2022
Two writers meet and fall in love
What they don’t realize is their mothers know each other. And while they don’t immediately fall in love (after all they work in the same office) she has a boyfriend — well sorta! THIS IS SUCH A GOOD LOVE STORY. AND OF COURSE LOTS OF HUMOUR INVOLVED!!! I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
What they don’t realize is their mothers know each other. And while they don’t immediately fall in love (after all they work in the same office) she has a boyfriend — well sorta! THIS IS SUCH A GOOD LOVE STORY. AND OF COURSE LOTS OF HUMOUR INVOLVED!!! I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
March 5, 2022
What a fun and romantic story! The characters are so fun to read about and the story flows along at a nice pace. Co workers who find out that life doesn't work out the way they planned and maybe there is something better than what they could have ever imagined. This definitely can stand alone Just fine.
March 7, 2022
Great Entertainment
That’s exactly what I needed to laugh out loud. Great story! Enjoyed it!
“It’s a dog-eat-dog world when you have a bunch of uncaffeinated people gathered in one place.”
I received an ARC of this book for review. I was not required to write a favorable review. All opinions in this review are my own.
That’s exactly what I needed to laugh out loud. Great story! Enjoyed it!
“It’s a dog-eat-dog world when you have a bunch of uncaffeinated people gathered in one place.”
I received an ARC of this book for review. I was not required to write a favorable review. All opinions in this review are my own.
February 22, 2022
I enjoyed this sweet over 40 romcom! It was perfect for a quick read but still want a full story! Can't wait to see what comes next in this series!
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
February 27, 2022
What a totally fun story! The characters make this story! They are unique and interesting. Their story made me laugh and cry! I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book and this is my honest review.
March 1, 2022
What a fun read! This book was in the Save the Date box set and has been rewritten and expanded. I loved it in the box set and now it's even better. It's a fun Christian story that will make you laugh out loud. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a clean fun read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews