Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
When Camila Wright hired me to fix a few things around her house I didn’t expect to find myself swindled into a fake relationship with her.

Sure, my company is called Rent-A Husband but that’s not what people actually hire me for.

But when I find her elbow deep in a tub of ice cream with tears running down her face how can I turn down her proposition?

Suddenly a fake relationship becomes a fake marriage that we have to keep up all summer. Which is all fine and good except for the part where we both agreed not to let anything ‘real’ creep into our arrangement.

But then certain parts of me start to crave certain parts of her and things become even more complicated because we both have our own reasons for wanting what we have to remain make-believe only.

324 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2023

80 people are currently reading
391 people want to read

About the author

Everly Ashton

8 books274 followers
USA Today Bestselling Author writing sexy rom coms for Kindle Unlimited under this pen name.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
172 (33%)
4 stars
208 (40%)
3 stars
99 (19%)
2 stars
28 (5%)
1 star
5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
Profile Image for Grecia Robles.
1,696 reviews466 followers
April 6, 2022
Cuando la sinopsis es más interesante que la historia.
Promete un fake dating que da paso un matrimonio falso y esta chica emocionada porque ama este tipo de clichés.

Siento que no es una mala historia, pero si esperaba más, muy rápido se dieron cuenta que se querían que la relación ya no era falsa sino de verdad y eso le quitó emoción, además el drama no me gustó, hizo que la protagonista me cayera mal.

Es un libro entretenido más no me memorable.
Profile Image for Koisty.
446 reviews1,122 followers
July 21, 2024
3.5 Shooting the Shit Stars ⭐️
Spicy Level: 🌶️.5/5

This is the kind of book that is going to give you what you want to get... if that is a light, fluffy romance that you have probably seen or read before but want those vibes again. It’s not going to change your life; it’s not going to change your world, but it’s light and fluffy, and you’re going to enjoy it. It’s a quick little read that has a couple of delicious tropes that will SCRATCH THAT ITCH... if it’s an itch you want to scratch. There is a reason Hallmark makes 30 Christmas movies each year, and yes, they are all pretty much the same, but you still voraciously devour them because they make you happy.

Camila is heartbroken. She has just found out her cheating ex-boyfriend is engaged to the woman he cheated on her with, and on top of that, her bathroom just exploded. So drunk and wet, she phones "Rent a Husband," a repair service run by the Abbott Brothers, that offers after-hours services to people who need it (mostly elderly women who just like to stare at the sexy men fixing their pipes).
Lucas, the eldest, pulls the “short straw” when Cami’s call comes in and grumpily rocks up to fix her "plumbing disaster" because she cannot figure out how to turn her water off. He realizes he’s probably going to have a problem because she’s drop-dead gorgeous. After determining there is extensive damage to her inner walls, he offers to do an after-hours and weekend bathroom overhaul as he needs some extra cash. Cami soon has another problem: she’s invited to a coworker’s wedding, where her ex is going to be, and she doesn’t want to face him alone. So Lucas gets to fix another one of her problems by pretending to be her boyfriend.

Camila is a sweetheart. She’s also pretty intelligent and pretty self-sacrificing. She is emotionally struggling after her breakup, and the emotional trauma it caused has left a lot of scars as her trust has been broken by not one but two men in her life.

Lucas has the difficult job of needing to reestablish that trust. He is stubborn and carries the world on his shoulders. Being the eldest brother of three normally means you have to be the most level-headed and responsible. He has an inherent sense of loyalty to his family that is adorably sweet, especially seeing how he is willing to sacrifice his happiness to make them happy. I loved how much love you could feel in the pages when he interacted with his grandparents and how much he was willing to give back to them after everything they gave him. He is also a very forgiving man because the OMG situations that Cami puts him into and how he handles them like a gentleman with grace (mostly) were super commendable.

My one problem with this is that we never actually see them fall in love. They go on one date, and then we have "time passing" — you know, while he is always at her house fixing her bathroom — and then they are in love. It felt very much like telling me they now love each other versus showing me how they fell in love. This causes part of their connection and chemistry to feel missed because while there is that initial attraction, massive chemistry, and connection they have... it’s almost implied that because they had it, you have to assume it translated into the times we as readers are not shown, and that is why they love each other... I just wanted to see more development before the "love switch."

Tropes in this include:
▶ Strangers to Lovers
▶ Repair man fixing all her problems
▶ Fake Dating & Fake Marriage
▶ Dual POV
▶ One Bed
▶ Primal Play
▶ Third Act Breakup

Micro Tropes:
▷ "View is Amazing" - Looking at her
▷ Rolled Sleeves and Forearm Focus
▷ Chin Lift
▷ Forehead Kisses

Overall, the writing was easy to follow, and the book made me giggle, gasp, and smile, delivering exactly what I wanted. If you’re looking for a low-angst, straightforward story that fulfils its promise, I highly recommend picking this up!

Thank you to Everly Ashton and ValentinePR for my gifted copy!
All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Margarida.
162 reviews13 followers
July 24, 2024
Este livro foi uma surpresa para mim. Inscrevi-me para ser arc reader do livro “Buy a Boyfriend” (livro #2 desta série) e como mencionei que não tinha lido o primeiro e que tinha também interesse nele, enviaram-me uma cópia.

É o primeiro livro que leio da autora e adorei a escrita e a história. Este livro faz parte da série “The Abbott Brothers”, onde cada livro é destinado a um irmão.

É um romance de fake dating onde acompanhamos a história de Lucas e Camila. Lucas tem a empresa “Rent a Husband” com os seus irmãos, na qual trabalham como canalizadores, eletricistas, etc… Numa das chamadas de emergência que Lucas recebe, acaba por conhecer Camila, a sua cliente. A partir desse momento, Lucas vê-se envolvido num relacionamento falso a pedido de Camila, mas com a condição de não se envolverem demasiado. No entanto, já todos sabemos onde isso vai parar…

Uma leitura viciante de uma história leve e divertida que nos faz criar automaticamente ligações com as personagens.

Depois de ver como este livro acabou, só me deu mais vontade ainda de ler o segundo.

//

This book was a surprise for me. I signed up to be an arc reader for the book “Buy a Boyfriend” (book #2 in this series) and as I mentioned that I hadn't read the first one and that I was also interested in it, they sent me a copy.

It's the first book I've read by the author and I loved the writing and the story. This book is part of “The Abbott Brothers” series, where each book is about each brother.

It's a fake dating romance where we follow the story of Lucas and Camila. Lucas runs the company “Rent a Husband” with his brothers, in which they work as plumbers, electricians, etc… In one of the emergency calls that Lucas receives, he ends up meeting Camila, his client. From that moment on, Lucas finds himself involved in a fake relationship at Camila's request, but on the condition that they don't get too involved. However, we all know where this is going…

An addictive read of a light and fun story that makes us automatically create connections with the characters.

After I saw how this book ended, it only made me want to read the second one even more.
Profile Image for Laura Fabian.
640 reviews53 followers
July 6, 2021
Everly Ashton is a new author for me, so I was very surprised when this book made me fully immerse myself in her story and her characters, Cami & Lucas were incredibly fun and charming.

Lucas is the eldest of the Abbott brothers and founder of Rent-A Husbad a repair service aimed at single women, mainly, he’s a responsible and hardworking man whose goal is grow the business he founded with his two brothers. Lucas has an interesting personal story, a loving family that includes his parents, his brothers and grandparents, the latter my favorites, and he’s a man who is willing to help anyone in need.

Camila is a woman in a complicated emotional situation, recently she went through a love disappointment and betrayal that marked her deeply, as if that were not enough, she also has some traumas from the past that make it more It is difficult to face the events of her life, but even with the obstacles that she has had to overcome, she is a successful woman, who loves her job and is on the way to recover her life.

Lucas and Cami meet when she hires the services of Rent-A Husband, however, things between them do not start in the best way, but Lucas soon discover the incredible personalities of Cami and they begin to develop a kind of very cute friendship and mutual trust that leads them to pretend a love relationship, at first it might seem that everything happens very quickly, but in reality I think that Cami & Lucas have a huge chemistry that makes everything happen naturally, they begin to trust each other, to get to know each other a little more, and soon the lines between the real and the fake become less clear and their feelings for the other more real, and when it seems that things are going in the right ways Cami's insecurities turn they relationship upside down. And here I have to say that I felt a bit frustrated with Camila, I understand the reason behind her behavior, but sometimes it seemed too much of her part, and obviously my heart sank every time I read Lucas's head passed the worst reasons for the decisions she made, and although he also makes mistakes, I think that this time the greatest burden of the conflict falls on Cami. Although what I did LOVE was the fact that she alone discovered what was wrong in her life and decided to seek help to fix it.

Definitely, the Abbott brothers were characters that I fell in love with, I can't wait to know what will happen with Travis & Isla, with Josh and also with Mel , because she was a girl that I fell in love with in her short appearances.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review

🇪🇸
Everly Ashton es una autora nueva para mi, por eso me sorprendí much cuando este libro me hizo sumergirme por completo en su historia y sus personajes, Cami & Lucas fueron increíblemente divertidos y encantadoras.

Lucas es el mayor de los hermanos Abbott y fundador de Rent-A Husbad un servicio de reparaciones dirigido a mujeres solteras, principalmente, es un hombre responsable y trabajador que tiene como meta hacer crecer el negocio que fundó junto a sus dos hermanos. Lucas tiene una historia personal interesante, una familia amorosa que incluye a sus padres, hermanos y abuelos, estos últimos mis favoritos, y es un hombre que esta dispuesto a ayudar a quien lo necesite.

Camila es una mujer en una situación emocional complicada, hace poco pasó por un desengaño amoroso y traición que la marco profundamente, por si eso fuera poco también tiene algunos traumas del pasado que hacen que sea más difícil enfrentar los acontecimientos de su vida, pero aún con los obstáculos que ha tenido que librar, es una mujer exitosa, que ama su trabajo y se encuentra en camino de recuperar su vida.

Lucas y Cami se conocen cuando ella contrata los servicios de Rent-A Husband, sin embargo, las cosas entre ellos no inician de la mejor manera, pero Lucas pronto descubre los increíble personalidad de Cami y comienzan a desarrollar una especie de amistad muy linda y confianza mutua que los lleva a fingir una relación amorosa, al principio podría parecer que todo pasa muy rápido, pero en realidad creo que Cami & Lucas tienen una química enorme que hace que todo se de de manera natural, comienzan a confiar en el otro, a conocerse un poco más, y pronto las líneas entre lo real y lo falso se vuelven menos claras y sus sentimientos por el otro más reales, y cuando parece que las cosas van por buena caminos las inseguridades de Cami ponen la relación de cabeza. Y aquí tengo que decir que me sentí un poco frustrada con Camila, entiendo la razón detrás de su comportamiento, pero a veces me parecía demasiado de su parte, y obviamente se me encogía el corazón cada vez que por la cabeza de Lucas pasaban las peores razones para las desiciones que ella tomaba, y aunque él también comete errores, creo que esta vez el mayor peso del conflicto recae en Cami. Aunque lo que sí AMÉ fue el hecho de que ella sola descubriera lo que estaba mal en su vida y decidiera buscar ayuda para solucionarlo.

Definitivamente, los hermanos Abbott fueron personajes que me enamoraron, estoy deseando saber qué va a pasar con Travis & Isla, con Josh y también con Mel, porque fue un chica que me enamoro en sus cortas apariciones.

ARC recibida a cambio de una reseña honesta
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,192 reviews220 followers
July 13, 2021
4.5 star Review Rent-A Husband (The Abbott Brothers #1) by Everly Ashton

Having read a few books by Everly Ashton, I was excited to learn that she had a new series
coming out. This is Camila Wright and Lucas Abbott’s story and it was an entertaining read.
When I first read the blurb for this book, I was intrigued and I was invested in the story that Ms.Ashton wove from the first to the last chapter in this fake relationship story.
I fell hard and fast for Lucas and Camila, both separately and together. The last thing that Lucas expects when he is hired to help around Camila’s house is for her to suggest a fake relationship, followed by a fake marriage. Even more surprising is that Lucas agrees.
However, what happens when a fake relationship moves to a fake marriage and suddenly real feelings become involved. This was an entertaining read that I really enjoyed. There were numerous times that I found myself laughing out loud and my family looked at me as though I was going mad.
The connection between them is intense and I liked the build up as their attraction grows
between them, all the while trying to keep their “fake” relationship from becoming real.
If this book is anything to go by them Ms.Ashton has a winning series on her hands and I am
excited to see what she has in store for the Abbott brothers.
Profile Image for Michele McMullen .
2,510 reviews84 followers
July 10, 2021
4.5 five stars for the Rent-A Husband. What a great start to a new series surrounding the Abbott Brothers. This is Camila and Lucas tale. Luca's Abbott is the oldest of his gang of brothers and decided he saw a market for a business revolving around all things fixing up. Their clientele is mostly women. They come in all shapes, ages and suggestiveness. Most calls are truly a need but some ladies can we say are very forward and the men have heard all the lines in the book.
Camila is a strong independent women that works in the head hunting business. She was recently burned by a cheating boyfriend and yes she is strong but sometimes you need a handy person around the house.
Their first meeting is not meet cute. Lucas thinks that this is a Friday night prank call and Camila is expecting a fifty something man with a tool belt and a beer belly. Well needless to say they are both quite surprised. I loved watching this couple evolve. I am a sucker for wonderful witty smart banter with a couple and they delivered! They were funny, sassy, had great chemistry and were surrounded by quite a cast of characters ! I can't wait to see the rest of the brothers fall!! lol
~~Michele McMullen ~~
Profile Image for Pauline Cassie.
1,211 reviews57 followers
July 3, 2021
As a new-to-me author, I was excited to delve into Rent-A-Husband and explore.

I wasn't disappointed in any way. In this novel, her style is simple and effective, drawing the reader's attention from the very first page.

The story just skips along, hand in hand with the reader making it as enjoyable as a day at the park in the sunshine.

The chemistry between Camilla and Lucas is off the charts but, of course, there is the required misunderstandings and hurt feelings before these successful singles make it to their HEA.

Needless to say, my first experience of Everly Ashton's work will most definitely not be the last!
Profile Image for Hayley Gallant .
835 reviews82 followers
June 24, 2025
4 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟

This was such a cute, spicy, fun read!


There were a lot of good tropes through this read, relatable characters, and all around good people who pulled themselves out of tough situations.

I really enjoyed the relationship the MMC had with his grandparents and brothers. It brought a lot of heart and banter to this one.

You get:
• Contemporary Romance
• Spicy
• Fake Dating
• Forced Proximity
• One Bed
• Small Town
• Toxic Ex


I loved this one. Available on KU, ebook, paperback, and audiobook.
Profile Image for Loz.
1,711 reviews22 followers
July 13, 2021
New to me author. While I love a good fake-dating romance novel, this one didn't hit the spot for me.

Husband-for-hire, aka handyman Lucas is less than thrilled when a late night Friday emergency call comes through. The company he runs with his two brothers is no stranger to women wanting more from the 'husband' they hired than just a little bit of carpentry. But this emergency call was legit, and turns into a bigger job with a complete bathroom reno at a time when Lucas and his brothers could really use some extra cash.

Nine months ago Camila's boyfriend called it quits and admitted to cheating on her for months. Still heartbroken at being rejected not for the first time, Camila gets even more upset when mutual friends of her and her ex's are getting married, and she'll be attending solo. Good thing the husband for hire Lucas was in need of some extra cash... for both redoing her bathroom, and for pretending to date her.

Fairly typical storyline, and I loved blue-collar worker Lucas. Camila however, didn't do it for me. I didn't like her beyond her finally getting herself back on track and beginning to enjoy things again which she'd given up for the ex. Who's a dickhead with an asshole fiancè, both of whom deserve zero of her time or effort. But Camila is a twit, who asks Lucas to pose as her boyfriend, quickly blurts that they're actually married, then starts a real relationship with Lucas all while still totally hung up on proving her worth to her ex. I'm with Lucas, it was annoying AF and she needed to get the hell over it!

I was so over it by the end, she didn't need to come clean to her ex, she owed him nothing. Her selfish behaviour prior to the wedding and that cringing declaration of truth made me not even bother with the epilogue. I didn't care what happened to them *shrug*.

2 stars just for Lucas and his brothers!
Profile Image for Jackie Wright.
6,508 reviews124 followers
May 28, 2024
4.5 Stars for Rent-A Husband ( The Abbott’s Brothers #1)
What a fantastic start to the new Abbott Brothers Series and if this book is anything to go by Everly Ashton will certainly have a hit series on her hands. This is Camilla Wright and Lucas Abbott’s fake relationship to fake marriage to true love story.
When Camilla has a emergency from a burst pipe the last number on her list is The Rent-A Husband Company what she didn’t expect was the seriously hot Lucas Abbott to turn up at her door. What follows is a request to update her bathroom that soon becomes a request for a fake date and than a fake marriage. This was meant to be a summer of fun and real feelings weren’t meant to come into play so will Lucas or Camilla walk away at the end of their agreement……
This is a fun, sweet yet steamy, entertaining read, it has wonderful characters and it certainly left me with one of the biggest smiles of the year. I have fallen hard and fast for the Abbott Brothers and I’m excited for the next book in the series so what are you waiting for, you need to one click now.
Profile Image for Shawna .
549 reviews61 followers
November 1, 2021
This was such a cute read, perfect for a lazy Saturday in the sun!
Profile Image for Laura .
1,008 reviews25 followers
July 12, 2021
Full disclosure, I was about to write off the book because I just wasn't in the mood. I don't know if a slump is coming, or it was just a mental block. I'm glad I didn't because I ended up really enjoying the story, and the characters. Cami is a woman who has been hurt, and she just wants someone to choose her. After her recent break up, she is determined to get back into the things she loves, and has no plans for a relationship. She's smart, she owns her house, and she has friends. A relationship isn't needed. But all of the sudden everyone around her is getting engaged, and her heart is breaking all over again. Lucas isn't the grump that he originally came across as. He loves his family, loves his job, and would do anything he can to help someone in need. The attraction was there right away for both of them, they just tried to fight it. You could see how their friendship (and fake dating) was affecting each of them, and it was changing them for the better. That is until the big dramatic moment happened. At that point, you could really feel the hurt radiating off of Cami. She was devastated. Not that it was much easier on Lucas. Rent-A Husband was such a good story. Very Hallmark-esque, but with steamy scenes. And honestly, I cannot wait for the next two books in the series.

Do I recommend the book? Absolutely! Rating wise I am giving it 4 stars. Loved the fake dating and how that all came into play. If you're a fan of Hallmark movies, then you'll really like this one.
Profile Image for Michele McMullen .
2,510 reviews84 followers
May 29, 2024
What a great start to a new series surrounding the Abbott Brothers. This is Camila and Lucas tale. Luca's Abbott is the oldest of his gang of brothers and decided he saw a market for a business revolving around all things fixing up. Their clientele is mostly women. They come in all shapes, ages and suggestiveness. Most calls are truly a need, but some ladies can we say are very forward and the men have heard all the lines in the book.
Camila is a strong independent woman that works in the head-hunting business. She was recently burned by a cheating boyfriend and yes, she is strong but sometimes you need a handy person around the house.
Their first meeting is not meet cute. Lucas thinks that this is a Friday night prank call and Camila is expecting a fifty something man with a tool belt and a beer belly. Well needless to say they are both quite surprised. I loved watching this couple evolve. I am a sucker for wonderful witty smart banter with a couple and they delivered! They were funny, sassy, had great chemistry and were surrounded by quite a cast of characters ! I can't wait to see the rest of the brothers fall!! lol
~~Michele McMullen ~~
Profile Image for Rebeka Lafont.
200 reviews2 followers
September 21, 2024
As always, Everly Ashton doesn’t disappoints. This cute rom com with the just right amount of spice is a must read. The FMC bugged me in that third act break up, but she came around and ended loving it. I guess it was needed. Lucas is the perfect book boyfriend and I absolutely love him!!
Profile Image for Kathryn Linke .
2,116 reviews24 followers
July 8, 2021
Rent A Husband is the first title in The Abbott Brother’s series, featuring Camila Wright and Lucas Abbott. It’s a fun, sweet, charming and entertaining read, which is just what I’ve come to expect from Everly Ashton’s writing.
What starts as a relationship of convenience, ends up being a pretend marriage.
Lucas is the eldest of three brothers, and the co-owner of Rent-A-Husband a handyman repair service. He takes his role and responsibilities very seriously and is very hardworking, and family orientated. Lucas has strong ambitions when it comes to growing the family business, and likes to take control, but also tends to take on more than he can handle.
Camila has been burned more than once and wears the emotional scars to prove it. She’s intelligent, hardworking and endearing, but has her fair share of insecurities.
The chemistry between this pair is undeniable and their developing relationship and feelings feel natural and in no way forced.
Their banter is witty, fun and flirtatious, with quite a few laugh out loud moments.
I adored the side characters and look forward to future additions to the series.
Profile Image for Laurenreadingrecs .
603 reviews39 followers
July 23, 2024
4🌟🌟🌟🌟

🌟This is a re read/ listen for me in preparation for the next book 🌟

TROPES :
🩷fake dating
💙enemies to lovers
🩷strangers to lovers
💙workplace romance
🩷banter
💙HEA

Rent a husband is book 1 in the Abbott Brothers series by Everly Ashton, I haven’t read much under this pen name but adore Piper and Rayne books. This book features Lucas Abbott and Camilla “ Cami” Wright.

Lucas is the eldest of three brothers, and he co owns Rent-A-Husband a handyman repair service with his 2 brothers Josh and Travis. Lucas is the most serious and committed to the business brother and Lucas has ideas on how to improve company as well.

The Fmc, Camila was burned in the past by her ex, Elijah. But not only him but she also carries emotional baggage from her non existent relationship with her father , this has made her self esteem take a hit and her insecurities rise .

I thought this book was a super fun book into these writers rom com world and the banter between not only the main characters but the friends and the brothers was great.

A hit from these two ladies.
Profile Image for Anna Sharma.
100 reviews
September 5, 2021
In simple terms: bland, unoriginal, BORING

I don’t know how to explain this properly but this book sounds like it was written by a man bc the female character every second line repeats “I’m an independent woman” while she continues to follow every single stereotype of a broken hearted female. Like one scene literally describes soap and shampoo as “girly products” like do men not need hygiene products too😩😩

Also clearly they want me to swoon for this guy but all he ever does is sexualise the fuck out of her and ogle her even on their first meeting when she’s meant to be his CUSTOMER he’s like “I’m nothing but a professional oh but her tits are poking through her shirt she clearly wants me” 😞😞 in one scene she’s trimming grass in the heat wearing shorts and a tank top and he COMMENTS on how that’s inappropriate to wear and how if he were her neighbour he’d openly stare at her. WHO in their right mind finds this hot this is fking creepy and he’s treating her like she’s a dumb piece of meat.
Profile Image for Kristen.
692 reviews9 followers
July 27, 2024
Rent A Husband is the first in the Abbott Brothers series. The Abbott brothers own a handyman service called Rent A Husband, and for the first time Lucas is seems to actually be rented.

Lucas draws the short straw and is forced to take an after hours work call which leads him to the door of Camila. Her bathroom is flooding and now she needs some serious renovations. But what starts as just a client handyman relationship turns into a fake relationship that isn’t all that fake.

“I’d love to be your fake boyfriend for the wedding.”

Lucas and Camila were a cute couple and great start to the series. I’m excited to see more of the other brothers, Travis and Josh, and especially the newest Rent A Husband employee!
Thank you @everly.ashton and @valentine_pr_ for the ebook!
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥: “You’ve got all the good ideas.”
Profile Image for Lauren Wenk.
23 reviews
December 6, 2024
Rent-A-Husband is the first book in the Abbott Brother series. A fake relationship turned marriage leading to real lovers … sign me up! Lucas Abbott is a seriously hot handyman that Camilla didn’t expect to show up when she called the Rent-A-Husband business. This story was an easy read, made me laugh, and a great little romance. I am excited for the next book in this series!
Profile Image for Cheryl   Graham-Petit.
4,124 reviews26 followers
November 12, 2021
The first book in The Abbott Brothers series by Everly Ashton, Rent-A Husband is a fake marriage romance This entertaining read has LOL moments, intense attraction, witty banter, undeniable chemistry, wonderful characters, and a HEA.

I volunteered to review an advance reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog).
5,875 reviews213 followers
August 2, 2024


Amazon

Camilla needs a fake boyfriend to attend her friend's wedding, one that her ex will be attending with the woman he cheated on her with. Yep. Somehow the gorgeous guy she hired to fix her bathroom is finagled into going with her and pretending he's her man. Except the pretend starts to feel real the longer they're around each other...



Lucas and Camilla are a sweet couple. Their chemistry was obvious from the moment he walked into her house, grumpy and rude though he was. It was obvious where this was going but the ride there was fun, spicy, and had me really impatient for the next brother to fall in love.

ARC provided by for an honest review.

Review: Live Through Books Blog.

Blog | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Bookbub | Linktree
Profile Image for emma.
41 reviews
July 24, 2024
Personally, I ATE THIS UP.

This is the first book I’ve read by Everly Ashton, but it certainly won’t be the last.

This was a very fast paced romance that felt so different than any of the other books I’ve read.

I will say, I feel like not a lot of description is used when talking about the characters’s emotions, but personally I find it better that way because it allows for a more plot focused story rather than character driven.

There’s just enough detail about all the characters to make you fall in love with them, but not too much that distracts from the plot line, which is why Everly Ashton’s writing style stuck out to me, as I find myself sometimes being distracted by such details.

I really enjoyed Camila’s character. I think she’s your stereotypical strong, independent woman, but also has a refreshing maturity about her. As a runner myself, it was so fun to read about running representation, because truly it means training every day.

And don’t even get me started on Lucas! I wasn’t sure it was possible to heighten my standards any more, but sure enough, Lucas Arthur Abbot, the man you are. I enjoyed his soft side when it comes to his brothers and Camila, and that he’s not afraid to speak his mind when it comes to Camila and his attraction to her. That’s very refreshing to read about! Typically it’s the businessman grump that bottles up his feelings, but Lucas is not afraid to tell her she’s beautiful and so on, which I’m obsessed with.

I expected Elijah to be more villain-y based on how Camila described him, but the evil new fiancé was an interesting twist.

Overall, I’m obsessed with both their characters and think that they are both so different and unique! As for the plot, I was hoping to get more background on how the Abbot brothers came up with the idea of Rent-A-Husband, but it wasn’t nagging at me. I love the wedding scenes and the fake-dating always hits.

I cannot wait to read Buy A Boyfriend!

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Pitoufa's Bookish Corner.
241 reviews4 followers
December 2, 2024
This one was such a quick and funny read! At first, I thought the book would revolve around a marriage of convenience judging by the title; it wasn't, but I still enjoyed it a lot 😍 there was plenty of banter to keep me entertained the entire afternoon 👌

Lucas co-owned a handyman company with his two brothers, Josh and Travis, and he wasn't a stranger to the occasional flirt during work hours which, had started becoming pretty frequent and gritted on his nerves quite a bit 🤣 so naturally, being the professional handyman that he was, he acted like the biggest jerk ever to an innocent and paying client 🙈 realizing his mistake, he presented his apology the next day; one thing let to another, and he found himself roped into a pretend-marriage, which had no base, not even legal papers. He was so focused on growing his and his brothers' business and preparing a surprise for his grandparents, he was adamant he didn't have the time for a relationship, and yet he couldn't say no to Camila's request.

Camila had abandonment issues she needed to deal with, starting with her father's departure and then her ex's betrayal. To make matters worse, everyone around her seemed to have found their other half, her best friend had just been proposed to, her colleague was getting married, and even her worthless ex had gotten engaged to the same woman he cheated on her with. Needless to say, she was a wreck. Camila also had developed insecurities stemming from her childhood, and although she was beautiful and successful, she still felt as though she was not worthy to be loved or chosen. That was when she got the brilliant idea of asking Lucas to pretend to be her boyfriend, and then spiraled into him being her husband. I'd say she tried too hard to prove she was happy to her ex, without actually taking the time to appreciate the fact.

But our two lovebirds worked their differences at last, and decided to build a future for themselves 😍
Profile Image for Ezza Syuhada.
167 reviews5 followers
July 26, 2024
I’ll start with things I enjoyed reading, Rent-A-Husband, I enjoyed reading about Lucas and getting to know him better. He seems like an all-around decent guy who has his priorities straight and he isn’t about to entertain nonsensical drama for no reason. He is a mature and realistic character.


The plot whilst having a fairly typical plotline was a joy to read because I just breezed through it. It also helps that the author's writing is very engaging and keeps your attention hooked on what’s going to happen next and will Lucas and Cami finally say they like each other.


What I didn’t enjoy as much was Cami’s character. She annoyed me a bit because she was the one who started this whole ridiculous plan and was on Lucas to be in line and ensure he doesn’t spill the beans but then it’s her that ruins the plans most of the time.


Girl, make up your mind. 


As a person who went through a bad breakup myself, her insecurities made sense to me especially paired up with her daddy issues but at the same time at least be self-aware that you have these issues because it’s not okay to lash out at people or use people due to your trauma. 


Figure that out on your own at your own time, people have their own lives to live. So, I am glad at the end of the book Cami realizes this and takes active steps to deal with her own trauma.


I have read other reviewers stating they found it annoying how Cami wants to one up her ex and I can’t blame Cami on that because when I was still reeling from my breakup I too did that. I too wanted to show that I am extremely happy without my ex in my life even though I was broken inside. 


Another aspect I didn’t quite enjoy but am fully willing to gloss over was the declaration by Cami at the end, I thought it was a bit cringe but then again I am not one who enjoys public declarations of love.


Overall, I recommend this book if you’re searching for an easy weekend read and I can’t wait to start on Buy-A-Boyfriend.


Character: 7/10

Atmosphere: 7/10

Writing: 7/10

Plot: 6/10

Intrigue: 7/10

Logic: 7/10

Enjoyment: 8/10
Profile Image for Amanda Brown.
194 reviews
July 31, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

Tropes:
🛠️ Strangers to lovers
🔥 Fake dating
🛠️ Dual pov
🔥 One bed
🛠️ Fake dating/marriage

Rent-a-husband is book 1 in The Abbott Brothers series by Everly Ashton. Everly is a new author to me. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and immediately fell in love with Cami and Lucas. Cami and Lucas were incredibly charming and fun.

Lucas is the oldest Abbott brother and one of the co-founders of Rent-A-Husband, which is a repair and maintenance service aimed towards single women, mainly and the elderly. He’s super responsible and hard working with a big goal of expanding with his brothers.
Cami is an independent woman who has just gotten out of a relationship of betrayal that has severely marked her. She also has some past traumas that impact her life still. But through it all Cami is successful, smart, loves her job and on her way to recovering her life.

Cami and Lucas meet when she hires Rent-a-Husband, but of course things between Lucas and Cami start off rocky at first. After work on her bathroom starts Cami and Lucas start to develop a friendship and that leads to a fake relationship where Lucas will accompany Cami to a wedding, along with the events, to show her ex that she has moved on.

Their love and relationship happen quickly in the book, their chemistry is off the charts. You can pick up on their chemistry from their first meeting, even if they shrug it off as frustration and dislike. I loved watching them slowly learn to trust each other and their friendship builds, all the while getting to know each other.

Cami has a lot of development in this book, she was one who has trust issues and tries to move on but her insecurities and feelings of worthlessness hinder her at first. But with Lucas by her side, being her biggest cheerleader, and only having eyes for her, she soon realizes that Lucas is different, Lucas is worth the fight.

I really enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series

Profile Image for Maz.
1,674 reviews29 followers
August 2, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️ 🌶️

This was really fun and easy read. I loved how it just flowed and it just had me go with it..
I really liked the concept of Hiring A Husband. It's not like anything you may think it means. It's just a handyman that does the job that your husband/Partners promise they will do for months haha.
Lucas and his 2 brothers own the company and are doing well. Lucas wants to grow their business so relationship right now is a no no.
Camila is heartbroken and is still trying to understand why she is never enough. Her ex is a horrible man for what he did and she still struggles to let him go. That annoyed me a bit but the deep reason makes sense.
So during a drunken night she breaks her shower, she calls Rent A Husband as it's available out of hours.
Lucas wasn't happy so he was grumpy and then he saw hwe attire and he was even more grumpier. It ended with her needing a whole new bathroom. They both found the other attractive but haven't started on the best foot. So when Lucas offers to do her bathroom, they weren't expecting him to end up being her fake boyfriend to fake husband!!! It was funny but they both pulled it off without even realising how they have sparks flying. Lucas and Camila had great connections and their chemistry was evident. But she is his Customer and he doesn't date them. He is hoping she has moved on from her ex and maybe after the job something can happen. Ooh the part he comes back k through those doors and says, ' I couldn't leave without telling you this..' was my favourite part and I squealed haha. ❤️ I loved his banter with his brothers and can't wait to read their stories.
Great story plot, drama, banter, love and spice.
Profile Image for Laurie.
1,555 reviews34 followers
July 15, 2021
For the past several years, Lucas Abbott and his two younger brothers, Travis and Josh, had owned and operated a home repair service called Rent-A-Husband. In need of extra funds to expand the business as well as pay for the cruise they hoped to give their grandparents as a gift for their upcoming 50th anniversary, the brothers decided to take on individual side projects. For his project, Lucas agreed to renovate a bathroom for Rent-A-Husband's newest client, corporate headhunter Camila Wright. Despite a rocky beginning, Lucas and Camila became friends, so when he found her crying one night, he couldn't help wanting to comfort her. After telling Lucas the story of her cheating ex and his new fiancee, who would be attending a mutual friend's wedding later that summer, Camila impulsively asked Lucas to accompany her to the wedding and pose as her fake boyfriend. Lucas agreed, and it wasn't long before their fake relationship started to seem very real.

Camila and Lucas were cute together, and I loved how supportive they were of each other, both personally and professionally. For example, Lucas supported Camila's efforts to get back into trail running, while Camila encouraged Lucas to talk to his brothers about his frustrations with work and helped him find someone to take on some of the company's administrative tasks. I also enjoyed Lucas's relationship with his brothers; even though they drove each other crazy at times, it was obvious how much they cared about each other.

Overall, I enjoyed "Rent-A-Husband" and recommend it for fans of contemporary romance and romantic comedy. I look forward to the next book in the series.

*Review copy provided by the author via Wildfire Marketing Solutions. All opinions expressed are my own.
2 reviews
December 19, 2023
It was pretty good at the front, but it got weird at the last 20% of the book. Felt like the author forcibly added in a drama for them to fight about which in my opinion is really a simple decision to make - I really don’t understand why Camila had to make it so hard.

Whole forced drama: it started with Lucas and Camila going to the bachelor/bachelorette party, and Camila was trying really hard to prove that she’s wanted (started kissing and dancing in front of her ex with her Lucas). So Lucas thought that she’s trying to get the ex jealous. This misunderstanding is understandable; they can just be adults and talk through it BUT Camila kept avoiding the conversation. Then the reservation date went wrong with Lucas’s grandparents anniversary party, so it’s happening on her same day as Camilla’s colleagues wedding (THEY ARE HER COLLEAGUES NOT EVEN FRIENDS…..). And when Lucas told Camila about it, she blew up and went “oh you’re not choosing me, I’m not chosen once again. I’m not loved”. I’m like “what????”. It’s your boyfriend’s grandparents celebration one side, and your colleagues’ wedding. I’m sure your colleagues will understand the situation to be honest? I don’t know what’s there to fight over.

Like I said, sounds like the author is just trying to add some misunderstanding rift between Lucas and Camila; a poorly orchestrated misunderstanding might I add.

I listened to the book on Audiobook, 5 stars for the narrators.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.