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Fabulous Fifty Club #1
The Love Hoax
How did I end up playing the fake fiancé to a woman I just met? Well, it all started with a trip. A guilt trip.
My family is wacky. And way too involved in my love life. So, when my sister demands I bring my fiancée to her wedding, there's only one problem . . . she doesn’t exist.
Who better to play the role of my future bride than the woman who nearly kicked my bucket?
Of course, it doesn’t hurt that Evie is gorgeous, accomplished, and funny.
The plan? We’ll learn everything we can about each other, then ‘break things off’ a few weeks after the wedding.
Except . . .
The line between reality and make-believe is getting blurrier.
I can’t stop thinking about Evie. Actually, I can think of little else.
Her laughter is contagious. Our fake kisses feel real.
Maybe if we keep practicing—a lot—we’ll pull this whole love thing off.
For real.
The Love Hoax is a funny, later-in-life, age-gap rom-com with a fake relationship, a swoony small-town dude, and kisses-only romance.
Buy The Love Hoax to get caught in this laughable ruse today!
My family is wacky. And way too involved in my love life. So, when my sister demands I bring my fiancée to her wedding, there's only one problem . . . she doesn’t exist.
Who better to play the role of my future bride than the woman who nearly kicked my bucket?
Of course, it doesn’t hurt that Evie is gorgeous, accomplished, and funny.
The plan? We’ll learn everything we can about each other, then ‘break things off’ a few weeks after the wedding.
Except . . .
The line between reality and make-believe is getting blurrier.
I can’t stop thinking about Evie. Actually, I can think of little else.
Her laughter is contagious. Our fake kisses feel real.
Maybe if we keep practicing—a lot—we’ll pull this whole love thing off.
For real.
The Love Hoax is a funny, later-in-life, age-gap rom-com with a fake relationship, a swoony small-town dude, and kisses-only romance.
Buy The Love Hoax to get caught in this laughable ruse today!
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2024
54 people are currently reading
169 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 19, 2025
Pleasantly Surprised
I am usually not a fan of romcoms or reverse age gap but this story was so well done, I found myself enjoying it before I knew what hit me. I love that it was set in the West. I love a fake dating story and this one had some unique elements that made it feel original even though the story used a tried and true trope.
I love that the couple’s separation was short lived and the grand gestures by the hero were so heartwarming.
All in all this was an easy, happy read and I will be reading more from this author.
I am usually not a fan of romcoms or reverse age gap but this story was so well done, I found myself enjoying it before I knew what hit me. I love that it was set in the West. I love a fake dating story and this one had some unique elements that made it feel original even though the story used a tried and true trope.
I love that the couple’s separation was short lived and the grand gestures by the hero were so heartwarming.
All in all this was an easy, happy read and I will be reading more from this author.
March 29, 2025
This is a delightful rom-com that blends humor, charm, and heartwarming moments. The story kicks off with Adam, a small-town guy, needing a fake fiancée to appease his meddling family at his sister's wedding. Enter Evie, a woman who not only saves him from a potentially disastrous situation but also has a magnetic presence that keeps the pages turning.
The story is filled with witty banter and plenty of swoon-worthy moments, particularly as the fake relationship slowly blossoms into something real. The chemistry between Adam and Evie is undeniable, and what begins as a charade soon feels like a genuine connection. Their "kisses-only" romance is playful and sweet, and the evolution of their feelings adds an irresistible depth to the story.
The small-town setting is the perfect backdrop for this charming, feel-good narrative. Both characters, though from different walks of life, come together in such a relatable and heartwarming way. The family dynamics—particularly the overbearing sister—add just the right amount of tension and humor to the mix, making it impossible not to root for these two to figure out their own happily-ever-after.
Overall, this is a laugh-out-loud, swoon-inducing story that's perfect for anyone looking for a fun, fake-relationship-to-real-love romance. It's a refreshing, heartwarming read with an abundance of charm that will keep you smiling long after the last page.
I received a complimentary copy from StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving my review.
The story is filled with witty banter and plenty of swoon-worthy moments, particularly as the fake relationship slowly blossoms into something real. The chemistry between Adam and Evie is undeniable, and what begins as a charade soon feels like a genuine connection. Their "kisses-only" romance is playful and sweet, and the evolution of their feelings adds an irresistible depth to the story.
The small-town setting is the perfect backdrop for this charming, feel-good narrative. Both characters, though from different walks of life, come together in such a relatable and heartwarming way. The family dynamics—particularly the overbearing sister—add just the right amount of tension and humor to the mix, making it impossible not to root for these two to figure out their own happily-ever-after.
Overall, this is a laugh-out-loud, swoon-inducing story that's perfect for anyone looking for a fun, fake-relationship-to-real-love romance. It's a refreshing, heartwarming read with an abundance of charm that will keep you smiling long after the last page.
I received a complimentary copy from StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving my review.
September 23, 2025
This delightful, clean, reverse age gap RomCom is about Evie, a divorced attorney with two young adults sons and Adam, an American Greek tech billionaire who is thirteen years her junior.
They meet in the Yosemite mountains where Adam lives in his cabin, majority of the time in isolation. Evie has an expenses paid holiday compliments of her friend, Caroline, gifted to her for her fiftieth birthday and she intends to hike and enjoy the outdoors.
Adam and Evie meet at a local watering hole and again at the beginning of a hiking trail and end up spending the day together. This hike changes things between them and Adam persuades Evie to join him and pretend to be his fiancée at his sister's imminent wedding.
Adam has a number of hang ups (a fear of flying, being one of them) and they take the very long drive together to the wedding in another state, with several stops along the way. Along this journey, they learn to care deeply for one another, but will their age gap and being at different stages of their lives prevent a proper relationship?
This book was amusing and heartwarming, both characters were so likeable and charming. Adam's family is hilarious and this story was very enjoyable.
It is refreshing to read about older main characters and this was an endearing story.
They meet in the Yosemite mountains where Adam lives in his cabin, majority of the time in isolation. Evie has an expenses paid holiday compliments of her friend, Caroline, gifted to her for her fiftieth birthday and she intends to hike and enjoy the outdoors.
Adam and Evie meet at a local watering hole and again at the beginning of a hiking trail and end up spending the day together. This hike changes things between them and Adam persuades Evie to join him and pretend to be his fiancée at his sister's imminent wedding.
Adam has a number of hang ups (a fear of flying, being one of them) and they take the very long drive together to the wedding in another state, with several stops along the way. Along this journey, they learn to care deeply for one another, but will their age gap and being at different stages of their lives prevent a proper relationship?
This book was amusing and heartwarming, both characters were so likeable and charming. Adam's family is hilarious and this story was very enjoyable.
It is refreshing to read about older main characters and this was an endearing story.
July 24, 2024
I Loved this Book!!! Evie is the type of friend that every girl should have! Even better, since Caroline is Evie's BFF you get them both. Being six years older than my husband, I can relate to some of the struggles and self-doubts that Evie has to overcome to have her HEA, especially with an ex like hers. Adam is such a dream! Gorgeous, funny, high morals, has a beautiful home in the mountains and loves the outdoors. His one and only flaw… his mom and sister and their constant meddling in his love life. It would literally take the patience of a saint to put up with their antics. When Evie and Adam meet in a bar, they come up with a plan to help Adam deal with his meddlesome family. I laughed myself silly throughout this entire book!! My favorite part was at the airport, I would love to be there to witness that scene. Great Book, Highly recommend!! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 15, 2024
What I liked most about this standalone is the age of Evie (FMC), and that she was 50. So many books only have characters in their 20's or 30's. Adam (MMC) is younger, but the age gap doesn't become the main part of their relationship.
Evie sets off alone on her 50th birthday hiking holiday after her best friend breaks her leg. She meets Adam on her first day and they have an insta-attraction. Adam talks her into playing his fake fiance at his sister's wedding, but things don't exactly go to plan.
These two were perfect for each other and got along great. It took them a while to start talking about feelings and that they wanted more than a fake relationship. I enjoyed the writing and the storyline. The characters all added to the story and Adam's mum and sister were entertaining.
- reverse age gap
- fake relationship
- one bed
- he falls first
- billionaire MMC
Evie sets off alone on her 50th birthday hiking holiday after her best friend breaks her leg. She meets Adam on her first day and they have an insta-attraction. Adam talks her into playing his fake fiance at his sister's wedding, but things don't exactly go to plan.
These two were perfect for each other and got along great. It took them a while to start talking about feelings and that they wanted more than a fake relationship. I enjoyed the writing and the storyline. The characters all added to the story and Adam's mum and sister were entertaining.
- reverse age gap
- fake relationship
- one bed
- he falls first
- billionaire MMC
July 16, 2024
Evie is turning 50. She’s divorced and a successful attorney at a firm in Manhattan.
Even though she has 2 grown handsome sons, she feels there’s something she’s lacking.
When her best friend Caroline had planned a 50th trip for her and Evie to Colorado, she never dreamed it would turn into finding a male friend. At the last moment Caroline backs out on her and Evie is forced to board plane alone.
She meets Adam (yes you read that correctly-Adam and Evie) her first night in town night at Yosemite Sam’s bar and grill playing pool.
When the two find each other the next day on the mountain top is it kismet?
Or just a small coincidence?
What happens when her boss calls with bad news?
And read what happens when Evie and Adam form an alliance and pretend to be engaged as Adam prepares for his sister’s wedding.
Even though she has 2 grown handsome sons, she feels there’s something she’s lacking.
When her best friend Caroline had planned a 50th trip for her and Evie to Colorado, she never dreamed it would turn into finding a male friend. At the last moment Caroline backs out on her and Evie is forced to board plane alone.
She meets Adam (yes you read that correctly-Adam and Evie) her first night in town night at Yosemite Sam’s bar and grill playing pool.
When the two find each other the next day on the mountain top is it kismet?
Or just a small coincidence?
What happens when her boss calls with bad news?
And read what happens when Evie and Adam form an alliance and pretend to be engaged as Adam prepares for his sister’s wedding.
November 3, 2024
I received a digital ARC of this book. This is my first time reading this author but it won’t be my last! (In fact I’ll start book 2 of this series after leaving this review). Evie is about to turn 50 and wants to take a big trip. She and one of her bff’s Caroline are going to Yosemite (I did the same, only I went to Nashville!) When Caroline ends up not being able to go at the literal last minute, she forces Evie to go anyway. Adam lives in Yosemite and is in his 30’s and has so much pressure from his family to find a significant other that he invents a fake fiancé. Evie and Adam meet on her first night in Yosemite and the adventures begin. I read this book in one sitting, and I’m sure you’ll want to as well!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2024
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. The book's blurb lets you know what to expect. The Love Hoax is mostly told through Adam and Evie's pov and is a story about self discovery and love.
CW: divorce
Language: cursing and biblical exclamations, including using God's name in vain
Spice: innuendo and kisses that are more than a peck but aren't steamy
Though Evie had experienced highs and lows, I liked how she pursued the something more that she felt her life was missing. She certainly wasn't expecting it to come in the form of Adam. As a successful businessman, Adam knows what he wants and what he wants to do is to enjoy his life without the pressure from his family to settle down. Even though Evie isn't convinced it's the best course of action to take, she agrees to help Adam and sees it as an opportunity to enjoy another small adventure. There were things they kept hidden about themselves but I liked seeing them be free and content in each other's company. Maybe they were a bit meddlesome but I liked Adam's family too and how they cared for him and I liked the support that Evie received from her friends. This was a good start to the series and I would be interested to reading more from it.
CW: divorce
Language: cursing and biblical exclamations, including using God's name in vain
Spice: innuendo and kisses that are more than a peck but aren't steamy
Though Evie had experienced highs and lows, I liked how she pursued the something more that she felt her life was missing. She certainly wasn't expecting it to come in the form of Adam. As a successful businessman, Adam knows what he wants and what he wants to do is to enjoy his life without the pressure from his family to settle down. Even though Evie isn't convinced it's the best course of action to take, she agrees to help Adam and sees it as an opportunity to enjoy another small adventure. There were things they kept hidden about themselves but I liked seeing them be free and content in each other's company. Maybe they were a bit meddlesome but I liked Adam's family too and how they cared for him and I liked the support that Evie received from her friends. This was a good start to the series and I would be interested to reading more from it.
May 14, 2024
This standalone, HEA story is the first time I've read this author and I really enjoyed it. The interaction between the characters is snappy and fun and while the premise (fake fiance) isn't exactly original the setting and wider story is out of the ordinary which made great reading. I liked that Evie, although turning 50, is out there hiking and meeting people on her own. I found the nerdiness of Adam quite endearing and thought they made a wonderful couple together. Although I really enjoyed this story, and would happily read more from this author, there were just a few times when I found myself getting a bit lost trying to follow, but overall this book is worth a read.
October 19, 2024
Reading this author for the first time was a delightful experience, and I adored this book. Since I'm close to Evie's age, the idea of finding love again resonates powerfully, and I aspire to experience it. Though physical fitness may not be my strong suit, I recognize that true beauty lies within. The double standard surrounding age gaps in relationships intrigues me, but this lovely story showcases love's capacity to heal and uplift. My dream is to find a love like Adam and Evie's – unconditional, supportive, and beautiful, proving that love knows no age.
I received an advanced copy of this book for free, and I’m leaving my review voluntarily.
I received an advanced copy of this book for free, and I’m leaving my review voluntarily.
May 22, 2024
Beautiful story about finding love later in life and even conquering age difference in a non traditional way.
Evie is a divorced mom of two adult boys who decides to embark on a hiking trip to celebrate her fiftieth birthday. After traveling alone on this trip after her best friend’s accident, she will encounter new challenges and possibly an opportunity at happiness if she only dares.
This is a second chance at love kind of story, something I personally enjoy.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Evie is a divorced mom of two adult boys who decides to embark on a hiking trip to celebrate her fiftieth birthday. After traveling alone on this trip after her best friend’s accident, she will encounter new challenges and possibly an opportunity at happiness if she only dares.
This is a second chance at love kind of story, something I personally enjoy.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 15, 2025
Caroline decides to treat her best friend, Evie to a vacation to Yosemite for her dream destination. A fall and a broken leg lead to Evie going alone. Meeting Adam and Zane during a friendly pool match, leads to her having a friend with her on her walks along the trails.
When Adam needs a partner to his sister's wedding, Evie becomes his plus one. These two just fit perfectly together. A good, clean romance with laughter, doubts and back to a future.
I received a copy from BookSirens and this is my honest and voluntary review.
When Adam needs a partner to his sister's wedding, Evie becomes his plus one. These two just fit perfectly together. A good, clean romance with laughter, doubts and back to a future.
I received a copy from BookSirens and this is my honest and voluntary review.
April 30, 2024
I liked the insta connection between Evie and Adam, it showed that age difference is not the most important element to make a perfect relationship. What rubbed me the wrong way is that all the protagonists are rich and successful in their jobs but that´s just a minor issue, maybe the author wanted to show us that those people struggle with false expectations and wrong decisions,too. So since I am of the opinion everybody deserves a HEA, I enjoyed Adam and Evie´s journey from pretend to real.
May 4, 2024
When she turned fifty, Evie took a trip to Yosemite. Her friend Caroline broke her leg and had to beg off the trip. She met Adam at Yosemite Sam’s. He asks her to be his fake fiancée for his sister’s wedding. What could go wrong? Really cute book and very enjoyable. Really like the main characters and also Adam’s mother and sisters. Even though it is a long book it kept my attention all the way through.
April 27, 2024
This was an awesome later in life, fake fiance romantic comedy. The characters were funny, colorful and quirky. I love later in life characters, they add such depth to stories. The storyline kept come completely entertained. I'm not usually a fan of the age gap genre but I loved this one. I really enjoyed this book.
June 5, 2024
I absolutely love this book. Evie and Adam are wonderful protagonists. Would definitely read it again. Loved the background setting in Yosemite. Enjoyed watching them fall in love. It was very amusing reading about them trying to pull off the fake engagement. The family and friends were such quirky characters. Highly recommend!
June 20, 2024
Evie & Adam’s closed door love story is delightfully entertaining! It does have some profanity. But it was only lightly sprinkled throughout—not on every page, so I was able to overlook it and otherwise I really thoroughly enjoyed this book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 14, 2024
I enjoyed Ellie Hartwood’s “The Love Hoax.”
You gotta love a romantic comedy where the two main characters are named “Adam and Evie”!
I liked that Evie was a strong, intelligent, confident woman who would choose a hiking trip to celebrate her 50th birthday!
Don’t forget to grab “After the Love Hoax” for an added bonus!
You gotta love a romantic comedy where the two main characters are named “Adam and Evie”!
I liked that Evie was a strong, intelligent, confident woman who would choose a hiking trip to celebrate her 50th birthday!
Don’t forget to grab “After the Love Hoax” for an added bonus!
April 5, 2025
A fun, sweet reverse age gap romance.
I enjoyed Evie and Adam's adventurous later-in-life romance. Fake dating and fake engagement, fun banter, and so many heart-pounding moments kept my enjoying this romance. Loved the age gap, the single parent factor... and all the trekking and road trip scenes.
I enjoyed Evie and Adam's adventurous later-in-life romance. Fake dating and fake engagement, fun banter, and so many heart-pounding moments kept my enjoying this romance. Loved the age gap, the single parent factor... and all the trekking and road trip scenes.
May 16, 2025
This is a well written reverse age gap romance, with great characters and a captivating storyline. About a woman turning 50 who ends up going on vacation alone only to meet Adam, who convinces her to become his fake fiancee, what could possibly go wrong. Really easy lovable read. 1st book I have read from this author, and it won't be my last.
April 15, 2024
The dialogue is the best thing about this book. It was entertaining and funny. The narrative parts of the story are not as good. There is a lot of repetition, and parts of the plot seem a bit out of order. I finally started focusing on reading the dialogue, and that was enough to help me finish.
June 13, 2025
Love never ages
What happens when 2 strangers meet in Yosemite? The chance of love between two age gap people only looking for a hiking partner. Sparks fly, a fake engagement, and you have an enjoyable read. This sweet romance makes a great beach read.
What happens when 2 strangers meet in Yosemite? The chance of love between two age gap people only looking for a hiking partner. Sparks fly, a fake engagement, and you have an enjoyable read. This sweet romance makes a great beach read.
May 9, 2024
Very nice later-in-life romantic comedy! Cute and fun-to-read, with very likable characters..
May 23, 2024
What a great, fun, enjoyable story. These two are playing the fake game but they are smitten. I really enjoyed this story.
August 17, 2024
An unusual love story between Evie, 50 yo and Adam, a recluse millionaire.
September 28, 2024
3.25 - a cute story of finding love in an usual way. Just felt some scenes were drawn out and others weren't.
September 28, 2025
love knows no age difference
A great, romantic story with no explicit scenes that any age can read without being ashamed of anyone finding out!
A great, romantic story with no explicit scenes that any age can read without being ashamed of anyone finding out!
November 6, 2024
The story was so cute, but the age gap was a hard one for me. Regardless, 4 stars! We love to see two people happy!
January 8, 2025
Clean Standalone Rom-com HEA Evie is celebrating her 50th birthday. She's got a good job she loves...mostly. Two great sons and great friends. But something's missing. Adam's told his family he has a fiancee, only he doesn't. Now he's expected to show up with one at his sister's wedding. Will a broken leg and near death experience lead to the answer for both of them? How big of a mess does the lie become when it's brought to light? Is it still a lie or did it become real? I received a copy of this book from the author. Review voluntarily given.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews