Knot Really Engaged

Happily Ever Mishaps #2

by Kendall Hale

Our little white lie tied us up in ways we never expected.

I promised my family I would bring my boyfriend home.

Everything was going my way.

Until his wife showed up at the airport instead of him.

Thankfully, my brother’s best friend is taking the same flight.

Liam Cohen saw me at my worst, but during our trip, we make a pact:

To shield each other against the relentless matchmaking efforts of our mothers.

We were single and happy with it.

Or so we thought.

Liam, however, decided our agreement wasn't quite enough.

Suddenly, we found ourselves engaged.

“It's for my grandmother,” he claimed.

“You’ll benefit from it too,” he dared to say.

“Just for the weekend,” he reassured.

“Everything will be just fine,” he promised.

Except, it wasn't.

My mother is now on the brink of choosing my wedding dress and color palette if I don't beat her to it.

His relatives are suggesting we make it official that very weekend.

And my brother, Liam's best friend, is now in on the scheme. Joy.

But it will all be worth it when we’re able to go our separate ways, single and free.

That’s what all the shared jokes, close touches, and fleeting glances have been about.

Right? What could possibly go wrong?

Genres: Friends To Lovers, Forced Proximity, Fake Dating, Slow Burn, Contemporary Romance, Brothers Best Friend, Romance

376 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 25, 2024

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

ℍ𝕠𝕨 𝕀 ℝ𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝔹𝕠𝕠𝕜: E-Book
ℝ𝕠𝕞𝕒𝕟𝕔𝕖: Medium-High
ℙ𝕣𝕖𝕕𝕚𝕔𝕥𝕒𝕓𝕚𝕝𝕚𝕥𝕪: High
𝔼𝕟𝕕𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕋𝕪𝕡𝕖: Happily Ever After
•
𝕋𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤 𝕠𝕟 𝕎𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕊𝕥𝕪𝕝𝕖: This was written very well and very easy to read. This was a great fake engagement story!
𝔽𝕒𝕧𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕖 ℚ𝕦𝕠𝕥𝕖𝕤: “It had felt . . . right. Natural. Like we were two pieces clicking perfectly into place.”
&
“You don’t have to live up to anyone’s bullshit standards but your own.”
&
“A fear of being loved and breaking the one I love. How can I hold onto this happiness, this deep connection, when the very act of loving feels like a risk to the heart?”
𝔽𝕒𝕧𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕖 ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣: Chapters 18 & 22 & 28
𝔽𝕧𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕖 ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕥𝕖𝕣: Liam: I feel like he had the best character growth and this man is so swoony!
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨: This was a cute fake engagement romance story! I felt so bad for Audrey at the beginning and so happy she found love. Liam was so swoony and I absolutely adored his character growth! Kendall always knows how to have the spice hit the right spot! I also very much enjoyed Max’s character and can’t wait to see him in the next book! 👏🏼

[Dino Queen · Rating 4 out of 5]

please note that the trigger warnings and topes/themes may contain spoilers
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
HEA: HEA
POV: dual 1st person POV
spice: several open-door spicy scenes
TWs: bullying, cancer, cheating, divorce, toxic family dynamics
Kinky Content: anal play, dirty talk, exhibitionism (implied), fingering, masturbation, oral, orgasm denial, praise, public sex
standalone: book 2 of The Happily Ever Mishaps series
final thoughts: I love when a man turns into a poet when he’s in love and this book delivered. the sappiest sap to ever sap is my favorite when you get to the MMC’s POV chapters.
The MCs had great character growth, the side characters were dynamic, and there’s great set up for the next story. I liked seeing the characters from The Ex-cavenger Hunt, though they weren’t prominent characters. This book followed similar pacing and spice level as the first book and I look forward to the rest of this series.

read this book if you love
🔢 age gap (6 years)
😬 angst
💵 billionaire
👦 brother’s best friend
💞 childhood crush
🥵 dirty talk
💬 epistolary
💏 fake engagement
🏝️ forced proximity
💞 friends-to-lovers
🫦 girl next door/playboy
😎 reformed playboy
👦 she falls first, he falls harder
💓 slowburn

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audrey McCallister makes me feel like... Like I'm breaking into a million pieces and each one of them is more alive when she's around.

*happy sighs* To begin with, I swear I have never ever fallen in love with a series faster than I do with Happily Ever Mishaps by Kendall Hale. After devouring the first book, The Ex-cavenger Hunt, I INHALED this one immediately, and the whole story only got better and better. Knot Really Engaged features Liam and Audrey, two childhood friends who grew up together yet weren't that close back then, rekindling their friendship when Liam bumps into Audrey at San Diego airport and witnesses her humiliating failure of love when her boyfriend's wife shows up to meet her instead of him.

Heartbroken, Audrey finds herself in the same airplane bound for Boston with Liam to attend her parent's wedding anniversary, which ends up being Liam's destination as he's been her brother's, Max's, best friend since little. To avoid being bombarded with tons of questions by their family regarding their romantic lives, which are non-existent, Liam and Audrey team up and fake their engagement.

"I really don't care if other people don't approve of me, though it hurts that my mother doesn't either. Which is why I'd rather live on the other side of the country--to avoid all of you."

I don't know about you, but having a conservative family, I encounter the same problem when gathering with distant relatives on special occasions, where they will literally break the ice by asking if I had a boyfriend or when I planned to get married... yada yada. Thus, I can personally resonate with Audrey and Liam when it comes to Audrey's sense of insecurity in a relationship, Liam's fear of being in love, as well as their common intolerance of their nosy family members. That's why their story means even more to me than anything else.

How is it that everyone thinks they always knew something when it's all a lie? And maybe that's the thing about life. At some point or another, everyone wants to believe just for the sake of believing while ignoring the truth.

Light-heartedness and fun aside, Audrey and Liam's very own romance slowly takes shape among faking the dreamy engagement, picking the perfect wedding dress & tailored suit, and carefully navigating their guard of hearts. Little do they know, what started as a charade may turn into something more real than anything they've ever experienced.

"Grown-up Audrey seems like the kind of woman I would like to spend more time with, you know."

What I love most about this book is undoubtedly the character development of both main characters. Audrey eventually opens up more of herself and shows her vulnerability in front of Liam, and Liam also lets her in by sharing his ultimate fear in love and self-doubt of his capability of loving someone else. Much to my relief, I'm beyond happy to know that Liam finally realizes that Audrey is just the girl worth risking his heart for.

"Every word. I love you, you little thief, and I hope that you'll let me--"
"What did you call me?" she cuts me off, her tone a mix of surprise and amusement.
"Little thief?" I repeat, a grin spreading across my face.
She scoffs, but I can hear the smile in her voice. "And what did I steal, according to you?"
"My heart," I say, my voice low and teasing. "At least you should've asked for it."

Sometimes happily ever afters, umm, or in this series case, mishaps, may only happen in fairytales or fictional stories, but somehow, with Kendall's beautiful writing style and persuasive storytelling skill, I believe every single happiness in her books. So far, both Ethan & Lily's (from The Ex-Cavenger Hunt) and Liam & Audrey's romantic developments draw me in from the very first page till the last, and I'm sure the next instalment, About That One Night, featuring Max and Zoe, will not let me down.

Lastly, please, pleeeaasseee do yourself a favor and pick this series up ASAP! Trust me, the amount of sweetness and spice in these books will make your summer hotter and sexier. *wink*

***Massive thanks to The Author Agency and the author for kindly providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.***

[jensbooknookclub · Rating 4 out of 5]

First thought: This is a super fast read that has all your wants in a romance. The tropes alone sold me to read this one and it didn’t disappoint. It’s the perfect read as summer is wrapping up for one last vacation romance to sweep you away. Come meet Audrey and Liam as they navigate their fake engagement with their families!

Audrey lives in San Diego across the country from her intrusive family, that’s by design. Unfortunately she has to go home to Chicago for her parents big anniversary party, for the first time she’s returning home with a boyfriend in tow. She won’t be the talk of the family - as she’s in a relationship and maybe it will turn into more as it’s been a year already. But as she waits at the airport things don’t go as planned and instead of her boyfriend showing up his wife does!

Liam is an only child and his parents didn’t get along, so he doesn’t believe true love exists and thinks he’s better off that way. However when he gets to the airport and his best friend’s little sister is there and crying, his heart does something funny he doesn’t understand. Man, how little Audrey has grown into a woman! But Liam can’t have these thoughts or her brother will kill him. She is strictly a friend and needs to stay that way.

Once Liam and Audrey make it to Chicago Liam is hit with a bad news. He just found out his grandma has breast cancer and needs a reason to keep fighting, he somehow blurts out he and Audrey are engaged. Now he just has to let her know so she can help play this mutual beneficial hoax for the weekend. His grandma needs this happiness on her life even if it’s fake.

What could go wrong with a fake engagement to a beautiful woman who happens to be your best friend’s little sister? You have to read this one to find out!

Literally Themes you’ll find:

* Older Brother’s Best Friend
* Friends to Lovers
* Childhood Crush
* Fake Engagement
* Forced Proximity
* He Falls Harder
* Flirty & Swoony
* Dual POV
* Spice🔥


💍🚫💒💍🚫💒💍🚫💒💍🚫💒💍🚫💒💍


https://www.instagram.com/p/C-Tcdr4ST...

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audrey is on her way from San Diego to Boston for her parent’s anniversary party. She’s so excited to bring her boyfriend to meet the family. The she finds out her boyfriend was actually married and has a family. This was not in her plans but when his wife shows up to confront her, Audrey breaks down. Well until her brother’s best friend, Liam, says hi and they both realize they’re on the same flight.

Liam finds out once he’s back in childhood home that his grandmother has cancer. His mother asks if he is seeing anyone to bring peace to his grandmother and he blurts out he’s engaged to Audrey.

When he explains to Audrey to fake being engaged, Audrey is hesitant but then realizes she doesn’t want to explain and realize the breakup. She gives into being fake engaged during their visit of the weekend.

I love a brother’s best friend story and this did not disappoint. Liam always thought of Audrey as the tomboy little sister of his best friend Max, but the second he saw her at the airport his thoughts shifted. He was so anti-marriage and love but Audrey really changed his mind set. The banter between them and also the comfort was refreshing to read.

Tropes:
Childhood Friends
Brother’s Best Friend
Fake engagement
Forced Proximity
Billionaire MMC
Slow Burn

[Lisa Conant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶 out of 5

Tropes:
💍Fake Engagement
💞Friends to Lovers
☺️Rom-Com Vibes
🫦Girl Next Door
💰Billionaire Playboy Romance

Review:
This was a delight! For being a pretty brisk read , it does an excellent job at getting you hooked on our two likable leads immediately!

We have the girl next door, Audrey, who finds herself getting into a fake engagement with her childhood crush and brother's BFF, Liam. Suffering an awkward breakup, she doesn't want to come home to her family without her beau in tow, and Liam wants to appease his family that he's settling down (especially for his sick grandma's sake). So the farce begins as an act for their family's sake but of course, real feelings end up complicating things in an entertaining way.

This really hit the spot for a lighter read but still with some truly wonderful banter and rom com vibes ala something like "The Proposal" (which I loved).

Liam is just darling and Audrey had spunk! I had a blast reading this in one afternoon and was so very buzzed on its fun, spirited story!

[Allie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to the author and The Author Agency for an eARC of this book!

I usually love fake dating/fake engagement and the blurb for this book drew me in. I think some aspects of this book were really enjoyable, but some needed to be fleshed out a bit more. The spicy scenes were great, but unfortunately the rest of the story felt like it needed more development. I think the book could have been longer in order to make sure all the plot points were clear, especially Audrey’s family dynamics and Liam’s grandmother’s health. I felt like the pacing was a bit off and would have enjoyed a bit more tension from the fake dating aspect.

Overall, this was a quick and easy read with some great spicy scenes.

🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

[Teresa Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series
Love this family
Loved Liam and Audrey's 2nd chance Intense emotional heartstopping insta love story
Gripping
All the feels
Gimme Max

[girlwithhearteyes]

DNF @ 10%. Third chapter from his POV is basically rehashing what we've already seen from her POV. Maybe it gets better, but I'm not invested enough to keep going. Full disclosure: I think I'm also in a reading slump.

[Lacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Kendall Hale’s Knot Really Engaged, Audrey McAllister’s plans to bring her boyfriend home to meet her parents fall through when she discovers he's married. Luckily, she encounters Liam, her brother's BFF, on the same flight home for her parent’s anniversary party. They agree to shield one another from their mother's matchmaking. However, Audrey’s visit is further complicated when Liam tells his parents they are engaged for his grandmother’s benefit. Things snowball from there and backfire. Because, of course, their families would love for them to marry on the spot and Audrey’s mom starts planning the wedding of her dreams for them.

Written in alternating dual first-person POV, Knot Really Engaged is a charming, fake relationship, friends-to-lovers romance. Hale’s active writing and storytelling with vivid description, using the character senses for world-building and character development, drew me in from the first scene, making me feel present with the characters in each scene. Her colorful, funny, and natural sounding dialogue fit her characters and setting perfectly.

I love Audrey’s and Liam’s interactions, conversations, and intimate moments—sexual and non-sexual—they are sweet, funny, and captivating. Audrey and Liam are likable, complex, relatable, and conflicted characters who you can't help but root for to work out their personal baggage so they can live happily ever after together. But it's not smooth sailing for them. The characters share an intense attraction that simmers from the moment they meet again at the airport. But as they spend time alone together and with their families pretending to be in a relationship those feelings of attraction and the familiarity and affection from their childhood relationship merge, change, and strengthen their connection into a deeper, mature emotional bond and flirtatious touches and closeness ignites their chemistry into an undeniable full-blown irresistible desire. Hale transitions their relationship from friends to lovers through hilarious, snarky, sweet, sexy, and steamy banter and intimate interactions and love scenes that reveal and develop their characters while also furthering the novel’s plot.

Audrey is gorgeous, compassionate, sweet and loyal, but she still sees herself as the same awkward introverted bookworm that she was as a child. Audrey’s childhood crush on Liam that she thought she’d grown out of comes back full force when she sees him at the airport. She knows that it's not a good idea to get involved with Liam, especially since he's always seen her as just his best friend's little sister and even though she's a grown woman now, he probably still sees her that way. But he's grown into a handsome and sexy man, and she's having a really hard time resisting his sexiness and appeal.

Liam has always looked out for Audrey even when they were children, so when he sees her upset at the airport, he can't help but check in on her. But blown away by what a beautiful woman she’s become and surprised to find all-grown-up Audrey so appealing, Liam cannot resist the attraction he feels for her. Though he knows he should because she’s 100 percent off limits. Audrey is sexy and irresistible, making him feel things he’s not used to feeling. Known for being smooth, Liam’s not used to feeling so drawn to a woman and out of control the way he feels when he’s with her. He’s used to being in control of his emotions and keeping things strictly physical, which is safe and better for all involved.

For the first time, Audrey and Liam find in each other a person who sees them after years of not having people in their lives who know I see them for who they really are. Hale takes the time to explore their relationship outside of their pretense for their families’ benefits, which is important if it’s going to survive. Despite their emotional and family baggage, they can’t help falling for each other.

I also liked Hale’s exploration of Audrey’s relationship with her mother. She’s tired of having to prove herself to her family, especially her mother and her side of the family, and live up to her expectations and pressure to be who she thinks she should be and what she should want for her life.

Knot Really Engaged is a sexy, sweet, intimate, emotional steamy, funny, family-centered, and fast-paced read that’s perfect for fans of friends-to-lovers, fake engagement, older brother's best friend, childhood crush, girl next door, billionaire, and vacation romance fans.

Thanks to Kendall Hale and The Author Agency for the Advanced Review Copy.

[Britney Barlow · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Knot Really Engaged is a fake engagement, brother’s best friend, friend to lovers romance and is available on Kindle Unlimited.

Audrey is flying to Boston for her parent’s anniversary party and is supposed to bring her boyfriend to meet the family. Until his wife shows up at the airport instead of him (Audrey had no idea). She’s now crying and devastated at the airport terminal, trying to figure a way out of this mess.

Liam Cohen, her brother’s best friend, is on the same flight for the same reason. He immediately notices Audrey in all her grown up form and the fact that she’s been crying. The reconnect, enjoy their flight together and make a promise to shield each other against the relentless matchmaking efforts of their overbearing mothers.

Until suddenly they find themselves engaged.

Fake dating is one of my favorite tropes, especially when mixed with a cinnamon roll man that humbly has a company private jet. I loved the banter and connection between Audrey and Liam, it was clear that they were destined for each other. I do think it was a super quick romance (span of a couple of days), even though they’d known each other since they were kids.

I wanted more plot and depth to the story. The big reveal/problem occurred and it felt super rushed, especially when compared to a single scene taking up several chapters previously. I found myself to be let down by the 3rd act problem but happy with where it took the characters.

Max was a bit irritating at times with his protective big brother overkill. Liam is like a brother to him, wouldn’t it be better for this man you know to be into your sister than some jerk you don’t know (cue Ben)? And Aunt Carol OMG that woman needs to be slapped and told to mind her business. The family is toxic, but a healthy solution comes from it in the end.

Overall Knot Really Engaged is a light and easy read and if you enjoy the fake dating trope, it may be a good palette cleanser from something more emotional. This is the 2nd book in a stand alone series and I will probably end up reading the first and third book as well to compare the writing style of the author.

Thank you to the author and Author Agency for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Rhys · Rating 5 out of 5]

- I am an e-ARC reader, these are my original thoughts -

Dive into the second installment of Kendall Hale's Happily Ever Mishaps series! If you're a fan of the Brothers Best Friend trope, this book is a must-read. The writing flows effortlessly, making it a breeze to enjoy. Plus, the fake engagement storyline adds an exciting twist that you won't want to miss!

Liam and Audrey, childhood acquaintances who weren't particularly close growing up, reunite by chance at San Diego airport. They are both on route to Boston, where Audrey's parents' wedding anniversary celebration is being held. Liam has been best friends with Audrey's brother, Max, since they were kids. In order to dodge the expected onslaught of inquiries from their families regarding their romantic relationships, which are currently non-existent, Liam and Audrey opt to team up and feign an engagement.

Audrey and Liam's unique love story unfolds as they navigate through the fake engagement, wedding preparations, and the walls around their hearts. Little did they know that what started as a charade could turn into something more real than they ever imagined. The character development of both Audrey and Liam is what makes this book truly special. Audrey's vulnerability and Liam's fear of love and self-doubt are beautifully portrayed, and it's a relief to see Liam finally realizing that Audrey is worth the risk.

Quotes
“I want to shield her from the hurt, from the heartbreak that brought tears to her eyes earlier. I want to be the one to make her smile, to make her laugh until she’s breathless.”

“It’s only for now, but when will I be able to find someone like him? Someone who’s always there for me in my moments of struggle and relies on me during his own.”

“I find myself embracing the fall, eager for the transformation, for the chance to be reborn in her light.”

Tropes
- Brother’s Best Friend
- Fake Engagement
- Childhood Crush
- Friends to Lovers
- Girl Next Door
- Vacation Romance
- Billionaire Romance
- Dual POV

[Cuban Ana Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌸Older Brother's Best Friend
🌸Fake Engagement
🌸Childhood Crush
🌸Friends to Lovers
🌸Girl Next Door
🌸Vacation Romance
🌸Billionaire Romance

This book was quick to follow, had captivating characters from the start, and kept my interest throughout. The youngest of three siblings, Audrey is returning home to celebrate her parent's wedding anniversary. Audrey doesn't get along well with her family, especially her mother. She is finally bringing her boyfriend home to make them happy. However, Audrey is confronted at the airport by her boyfriend's wife. Audrey feels furious with herself for falling for a lie like this. Que in Liam: her childhood crush, her next-door neighbor, and the best friend of Max, her older brother.

Liam sees Audrey in the airport after a long time and she is no longer looking like “Max’s baby sister”. They both realize that they are traveling back to Boston on the same flight and also, that they are in similar predicaments. Meddling Moms and Non-Existing Love Lives. Audrey worries that her family will think she's made up her boyfriend, and Liam wants to make his grandmother happy by tricking her into thinking he's engaged and in love. They then create a plan that helps each other in keeping their mothers, his grandmother, and the family at bay.

I love a good Fake Dating/Fake Engagement trope. This one didn’t disappoint. It also had the big brother brewing in the back with the threatening antics, that after a while does get old. But luckily it didn’t last too long in this book. And he was doing it because he could see the real feelings miles away. Overall the book was good this was a good read and I definitely recommend it. There are some TW, which include: Cancer, Bullying, Toxic Family Dynamic, Cheating (unbeknownst to FMC), Divorce. This was my first read from Kendall Hale. I will have to go back and read book 1 from The Happily Ever Mishaps Series. I’m also looking forward to book 3 in the series.

[Misty (Reds Romance & Mystery Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audrey is about to board her flight home, with new boyfriend in tow, but when his wife shows up instead of him things take a very unexpected turn. How is she going to explain this one to her family? They are expecting her to bring the new man in her life along and now there is no man in sight... well, except for Liam, her brother's best friend. When he sees her life unravel at her feet he decides to step in and save her, he has the perfect plan. They can pretend that their madly in love for a weekend right?

Knot Really Engaged is a delightfully penned faux to real romance that will leave your heart skipping a beat. When the story starts our heroine has just had her life turned upside down by the wife of the man she had been dating... and didn't know was attached to someone else. Which is the last thing she needs right now, her very eager parents are expecting to meet her beau and now she doesn't have one, and she doesn't want to disappoint them. But by sheer luck her brother's best friend steps in to save her day, with a plan in hand and all. They'll fake date for the weekend and then return to normal once they're back to their real lives. But with all the excitement of their relationship, mutterings of an engagement and unexpected taking flight returning to normal seems easier said then done once the weekend comes to an end!

I loved diving into this one, it was light-hearted, fun, engaging, and filled with the brim with feel good moments. These two were an absolute riot to meet! If you like your romances a little on the lighter side than I have no doubt you will enjoy this one... it's so much fun to read!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.

[Ada’s Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ I received this book as an ARC for my honest review✨

Rate: ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

I'm usually a sucker for fake dating or fake engagement tropes, so when I read the blurb for this book, I was immediately hooked! There were definitely aspects of the book that I found enjoyable, particularly the spicy scenes which were well-executed, and the banter between Liam and Audrey. However, I couldn't help but feel that certain elements needed more fine-tuning. The story had more internal monologue than I was expecting and I believe that took away from some of their story. The jump to Liam and Audrey realizing they loved each other could have been longer and left kind of rushed. However, when they finally came together it was super sweet! Liam is so swoony!

While the romance and chemistry between Liam and Audrey were engaging, I found myself wishing for more depth in their relationship and other areas of the story. For instance, Audrey's family dynamics and Liam's grandmother's health seemed to be brushed over rather than fully explored. I think the book could have benefited from a longer length to properly delve into these aspects and ensure that all the plot points were clear and well-developed. I wish we also got more of a back story between Liam and Audrey as to how they spend time together.

Additionally, the pacing felt a bit off to me. I would have liked more tension and build-up, especially regarding the fake dating aspect of the storyline. It felt like there were missed opportunities to heighten the stakes and emotional conflict, which could have added more depth to the overall storyline.

Nevertheless, I found the book to be a quick and easy read. The spicy scenes were definitely a highlight and kept me engaged throughout.

[Amanda Lisenko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knot Really Engaged by Kendall Hale is book two in the Happily Ever Mishaps series. The story can be read as a standalone but like all good series you get the most out of the stories and characters if you read them all in order.

Knot Really Engaged follows the story of Audrey and Liam. Audrey has just experienced heartbreak in its most vile form and now she finds herself on an airplane to her parents' anniversary party heartbroken but not quite alone. She’s on this flight with her brother’s best friend, Liam. Cue the chaos, steam, and possibly a happily ever after?

The tropes in this book are top notch. You have brother’s best friend, childhood crush, friends to lovers, vacation, girl next door, and one of my personal favorites, fake engagement. This was the first story I have read by Kendall Hale and I think it is safe to say, it won’t be the last. I love finding new-to-me authors, especially ones who blow me away on the first story I read.

Audrey and Liam’s story starts with a fake engagement and ploy to keep their parents off their backs about them both being single and ends with a happily ever after. These two characters grow individually and together, plus the spice keeps the story going! If you are into the fake engagement trope, this really is a story for you. Hale has a great way of making you fall in love with her characters. You can tell these two are already comfortable with each other but they move past comfort into love easily.

I highly recommend this story. If you are interested in any of these tropes you won’t regret taking your time to read this one. Hale does a great job of making you fall in love with these characters and their story.

[Good Booking Girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

TROPES:
💜brother’s best friend
💜fake engagement
💜friends to lover
💜Childhood Crush
💜Girl Next Door
💜Vacation Romance
💜Billionaire Romance

This is my first Kendall Hale book and it did not disappoint! It was spicy & sweet. I found myself doing little leg kicks from time to time. As individual characters, Audrey and Liam are great. Audrey is smart, independent but has a lot of pressure put on her from her family. Liam is a successful man, who is loyal to his friends and family....and together? Together they are HOT!

What was supposed to be a week back home, to celebrate Audrey's parents wedding anniversary, turned into a series of lies and fabrications to shield each other against the relentless matchmaking efforts of their mothers.
"Liam, however, decided our agreement wasn't quite enough.
Suddenly, we found ourselves engaged.
"It's for my grandmother," he claimed.
"You'll benefit from it too," he dared to say.
"Just for the weekend," he reassured.
"Everything will be just fine," he promised."

Except, it wasn't. in true "fake relationship" fashion, feelings get caught, truths get revealed and HEAs are in the future.

What I liked most about this book:
* I was proud of Audrey for standing up for herself when she needed to, and for Liam to not give up or back down from his feelings for Audrey.
* Their story was well developed and Audrey's brother Max has a story of his own that I am eager to learn more about... book #3 ....
* Audrey was not shy to ask for what she wants... ;)
* Liam is not shy to give Audrey everything she craves ;)
* Their loyalty to their family

I was given a free ARC of this book, and this review is my opinion

[Toni Thomason · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Great overall read.
Spicy Meter - 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes: brothers best friend, fake engagement, friends to lovers

This is my first Kendall Hale book and I am completely hooked. Knot Really Engaged had my attention from the first chapter, but chapter two is what sold me. I love that the first two chapters are the same moment, just told from different points of view. The dual point of view was great throughout the book, however I enjoyed that it was told mostly from Liam’s viewpoint. His thoughts and actions throughout the book were enjoyable to read. He fell completely head over heels in love from the moment he saw her and I enjoyed following his inner turmoil as he tried, and failed, to contain his passion for Audrey.

The story was fast-paced, but not rushed. It still allowed Audrey and Liam’s story to develop and grow. But, since they were childhood friends, it made sense that they did not need a lot of time to get to know each other. I enjoyed that Audrey was mature and did not play games when it came to what she wanted. Plus, she stood up for herself when it mattered the most. The side characters gave a lot of great moments and funny banter. Especially since Max, Audrey’s older brother, is best friends with Liam, that made for some hilarious moments.

Knot Really Engaged is a light, funny read that is a perfect treat to enjoy. The story is fun and keeps your attention. Liam and Audrey's story is the second in the Happliy Ever Mishaps series, but it is a stand alone book. The series follows 4 lifelong best friends on the journey to find love. I cannot wait to read Max's story in the next book.

[Kristie Reyes · Rating 4 out of 5]

💖Knot Really Engaged💖

Loved this book! I felt like it was such an interesting take on brother’s best friend and fake dating. Audrey, the FMC, and Liam, the MMC, decide to fake their engagement to make their family happy. Audrey’s mom comes from a toxic family filled with constant comparisons and Audrey just broke up with her year long boyfriend that she found out was married so she's ready to do anything to not feel like less than at her parents anniversary. Liam, the MMC, sees Audrey at the airport and is surprised to see that she’s not a little girl anymore and wants to get to know her better but he's not looking for love, which he doesn’t really believe exists for him after his parents divorce. When he gets home and finds out that his grandma isn't doing well and her only goal in life was to see him married, he tells everyone that he’s actually engaged to Audrey.
They agree to this fake engagement but they tell her brother Max the truth about what's going on. I love how Audrey knows what she deserves and how Liam consistently defends Audrey against her brother and his best friend. It was nice to read the tropes I love with a little mix since the brother and his best friend group all know the truth and help set things up to make the lie seem real! As Audrey and Liam spend more time together and get to know each other as adults they begin getting closer and things get steamy, but will they both give in for the long run or is this only a weekend fling?...
Why you will love this book:
🔥Older Brother's Best Friend
🔥Fake Engagement
🔥Childhood Crush
🔥Friend to Lovers
🔥Girl Next Door
🔥Vacation Romance
🔥Billionaire Romance

[Sheila Schoenauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was sweet and very swoony. I enjoyed it but I kept getting irritated with Audrey. I absolutely loved Liam. He didn't believe in love but he still let himself go there. He couldn't stop even if he wanted to. I loved all the sweet and smexy things he said to Audrey. I loved how he made her feel important and beautiful. And I loved how he was willing to fight for her. However when it came to Audrey I just wanted to reach through my kindle and smack her. She was constantly doubtful, she didn't seem willing to take a risk, and she let her mom's toxic thinking keep getting to her. She always seemed to want to prove that she could be what her mom wanted instead of being herself... and don't get me started on her mom and the way she irritated me. I did appreciate when Audrey finally stood up for herself. But it took forever for us to get there. The one thing that got me about this story wasn't the fake engagement. It was the way Audrey reluctantly went into it. She just didn't seem to be willing to help a "friend" out, even if she was getting benefits from it. It just seemed to constantly be a woe-is-me on her part. She kept thinking about the after affects instead of living in the moment, instead of enjoying the moment. And even when her brother was trying to make her see reason she still refused to see what was truly there. She was such a debbie downer and I think that's why I wasn't a big fan.
But Liam and all his smexyness... I could so get behind.

In honesty this was a decent book. It definitely made me curious about Max's book. I hope Liam can get some payback!

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review*

[Daisy Knox · Rating 5 out of 5]

More reviews posted at Tales of Love, Life, and Murder

Fake dating is one of my favorite tropes and I’m a sucker for brother’s best friend, so this one was calling my name. We first meet Audrey while she’s waiting at the airport for her boyfriend. After a year of dating, Ben is going to meet her family so the last thing she expected was for his wife to show up and introduce herself. Audrey is reeling at this news so when she runs into her older brother’s bestie, she’s grateful for the distraction Liam provides. They share a flight back to Boston and enjoy one another’s company but it’s all completely platonic.


Audrey takes a nap at her parents’ house upon arrival and is rudely awakened by her brother to learn she’s engaged to Liam. This is news to her, so she’s not very happy with this turn of events, but she sympathizes with Liam and understands why he blurted out such a ridiculous lie. She does her best to play along but their families are very pushy and immediately start trying to talk the couple into getting married that very weekend.


Despite the family pressure, this is pretty light-hearted and low angst. It’s short and sweet with likable characters and plenty of spice. Liam and Audrey are fun and likable, and their story will make you happy. This was my first book by the author but definitely won’t be the last.

[Beka · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick read for me. Fast paced, whirlwind, cute and swoony take on a fake engagement.
I did have questions about what the guys did for work, I'm not sure why my brain latched on to that. I'm sure I missed something by jumping into the series in book 2.

I felt for Audrey. Having your boyfriend's wife show up when you're supposed to be boarding a plane? Not always the best way to start your day. Then going home and not having anybody in your family be in your corner? Even more dark clouds in your skies. I was glad to see tho, that Max was there. Even if he was antagonizing and pushing the buck with the fakeness of the situation. He seemed to be the only one standing up for and protecting Audrey. I loved how at the moment she needed to, Auds found her voice, and man did she find it and make it known.

Liam. Oh, Liam. He started from page 22 and just kept plowing along. It was like he instantly recognized that this woman, his best friend's little sister, was the piece he was missing in his life and he wasn't going to stop. He evolved chapter after chapter, even if the whole fake engagement was his idea to make his grandma smile. He worked on making himself a better version of the man Audrey had known in the past and who he was, all so he could be the one for her.

Kendall Hale knows how to hook you in from the beginning. Liam wasn't at all who you'd expect him to be and Audrey was a spitfire. Thank you for letting me be a part of your ARC team and thank you to The Author Agency for the chance at the early read!

[Lindsey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 🌶️🌶️🌶️

I fell in love with Kendall’s writing when I read The Ex-Cavenger Hunt, but Knot Really Engaged solidified her an author that I will read whatever she writes!

When her boyfriend’s wife shows up at the airport instead of him, a wife she didn’t know about, Audrey was crushed. Lied to, heart-broken, and single right before a family event, she didn’t know what to do. Thankfully, Liam sees all this take place and steps in to help her. They decide to fake date each other, in order to keep their families off their cases. Well fake dating quickly turns into being fake engaged, and that quickly turns into…. feelings not feeling so fake anymore.

Kendall gives us MC’s that are easy to love and grow so much during the story. They open up to each other, letting each other in deeper than anyone before, and see how to strengthen each other. They have deep conversations, swoony worthy interactions, and their chemistry is off the charts. We see past characters from this series and have the next book set up beautifully. Kendall writes fiction romance, but the way she writes, happily ever after’s in real life seem just in reach.

This book is well paced, easy to read, and worth the read! Kendall reminds us that there are people worth taking risks for, opening up for, and that each of us deserve to be loved in a way that is all consuming (if that is what we choose).

As always review trigger warnings before reading.

Tropes:
🌸Older Brother’s Best Friend
🌸Fake Engagement
🌸Childhood Crush
🌸Friends to Lovers
🌸Girl Next Door
🌸Vacation Romance
🌸 Billionaire Romance

[Jodi - JodiReadsnListens · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Audio Review**
Swoon! Knot Really Engaged by Kendall Hale was a sweet and spicy fake engagement romance that completely captured my heart from start to finish. Audrey and Liam’s journey from fake to forever was full of hilarious twists and steamy turns that had me longing for these two to come clean to their families and finally find the HEA that had been there all along. This is book two in Kendall’s Happily Ever Mishaps but can be enjoyed as a stand-alone.

Stephanie Nemeth-Parker and Jason Clarke perform this audiobook in dual narration, and these two are always a favorite pairing for me. Stephanie’s light, upbeat tone conveyed Audrey’s hesitancies, passions, and desires perfectly making you need for her and Liam to BE together. Jason’s deep, soothing voice encompassed all of Liam’s charismatic and loyal-loving tendencies that made him so easy to love. (screw-ups and all) Both narrators brought the longing and the tension with Audrey and Liam’s slow burn, meant-to-be chemistry.

Overall, I LOVED this book. If you are a fan of a fake engagement romance with a hunky hero who happens to be your brother’s best friend, a feisty heroine on the rebound, childhood friends, a parent’s anniversary party, cozy first-class plane flights, a fake engagement for grandma, a protective knowing brother, meddling families, hotel spice, coming clean, Italian escapes, and a HEA that will put a ring around your heart, then you will love Audrey and Liam’s story. I am looking forward to more from Kendall Hale.

[Mayra Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knot Really Engaged: A Standalone Fake Relationship Romance (Happily Ever Mishaps Book 2) by Kendall Hale
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

This is the second book of the series Happily Ever Mishaps, and the first book I’ve read by Kendall Hale.
I’m a sucker for romance overall, and Knot Really Engaged checked all the boxes to my hopeless romantic heart.
In book #2 we get to see the story of Audrey and Liam. Audrey is on her way back home with her boyfriend to celebrate her parents' wedding anniversary. Unfortunately, the so-called boyfriend doesn’t appear, but his wife does. Our poor heartbroken Audrey decides to go home by herself, little does she know that her brother's best friend Liam it’s also going home on the same flight as her.
Audrey and Liam decide to shield themselves from their families matchmaking and decide to pretend to be engaged (fake/not so fake). Unfortunately a tiny little white lie snowballs into a whole avalanche that gets out of control. Who doesn’t love meddling family members, and fake daring? I know I do, I’m a complete sucker for fake engagements.
This was such a fun, well-written story full of our favorite tropes such as, friendships, meddling family members, a bit of angst, fake engagement, friends/lovers, romance, banter, and so much love!
All of this makes a really sweet, entertaining, light hearted story to read. Knot Really engage it’s a must read book.

Tropes:

- Older Brother's Best Friend
- Fake Engagement
- Childhood Crush
- Friends to Lovers
- Girl Next Door
- Vacation Romance
- Billionaire Romance

[Tasma · Rating 4 out of 5]

MY GOOD GOD WAS THIS FUCKING CUTE.
TOO. FUCKING. CUTE. I SWEAR. I am such a sucker for romances like this and this just scratched that itch ENTIRELY. I was absolutely feeling it for Audrey in the beginning, like what a fucking dick. Especially with the circumstances when it came to her family, and how they perceived her. I also felt for her at that too, that just made me want to slap some people. But I was brimming with warmth when Liam wound up running into her at the airport, and ON THE SAME DAMN FLIGHT. Like what a coincidence… *smirks*.

I honestly was rooting for them since the beginning, not gonna lie… even though we all had a pretty good idea on what the outcome was going to be. You can’t go wrong with a fake engagement, right? What’s the worst that could happen? *spins evilly around in chair and evil cackles*. Liam was just so freaking adorable that it physically hurt. Golden Retriever vibes ALL THE DAMN WAY. And we were OBSESSED. This is just what Audrey needs, cause this girl has been put through the ringer, and DID SHE EVER. I can’t get over Audrey’s brother’s though, especially Max. As much as he was a brooding, hard ass, over-protective brother, my god was his banter HILARIOUS. It had me CACKLING.

I don’t think my chest could have spread any more warmth than it did with how everything turned out for Audrey. I am so happy for her, and for Liam. I loved everything about it, and I can’t wait to dive into the upcoming book in the Happily Ever Mishaps series!

[kgagnon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this brother’s best friend, fake relationship romance! This sweet, slow burn story had all the feels, packing so much into it that I didn't want to stop reading it. The beginning had my heart racing, feeling bad for what was happening to Audrey as she was about to catch a flight. Just when she was at her lowest, her brother's best friend, Liam, happens to be at the airport, heading home to attend her parents party also. They have been in each other's lives since they were young. Audrey's brother, Max, would pick on her, but Liam was always her protector. He steps in again to fill in as her date, to stop her judgmental family, and maybe help him as well. Audrey and Liam both have strained relationships with their family, causing them to live across the country. Neither are looking for a relationship, so their temporary arrangement is perfect. They have known each other for years but as they fake a more intimate relationship, they begin to see each other in a new way. The sparks begin to fly, and they are helpless to fight their attraction, wondering if they could make their fake relationship real? But what could go wrong when it all starts with a lie to their meddling families? This was such a fun and flirty, heartfelt romance. I loved the banter between Audrey and Liam and their chemistry was palpable. My heart broke for both of them with what they went through, but loved how they supported each other completely. There were also some hilariously awkward scenes, and Audrey's brother Max was the heart of many of them. I can't wait for more about him! I love this second book in Hale's 'Happily Ever Mishaps' series, with it's enchanting, heartfelt, steamy story and the wonderful characters that you can’t help but fall for.

[Fatma · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐.5

ARC Review

Tropes:
Brother's Best Friend
Girl Next Door
Meddling Family
Childhood Crush
Fake Engagement
Protective Knight
Hopeless Romantic

This was a very sweet story to read. The perfect amount of sweet & spicy! But I did feel the story was a bit too fast paced and sorta insta-love. The story is over 1 weekend, then the epilogue jumps 6 months forward.

Audrey hasn't been back home for 3 years and is now headed back for her parents 40th anniversary. While at the airport she finds out her boyfriend was married. Now she's even more nervous to go home to her extremely judging family. Coming across her childhood crush & brother's best friend, isn't the greatest start to a trip, but Liam is so nice and supportive.

Liam sees Audrey at the airport and is completely in awe, she's not the little girl he grew up with anymore😏 He comforts her throughout the trip, but his mistake was telling his family they are engaged.

The interaction between Liam, Max, & Audrey were hilarious. Max teasing A&L constantly, almost ruining their plans had me annoyed, but also laughing. Liam was so protective over Audrey and I really do think that he always had a special connection with Audrey since they were little and this weekend together brought all those feelings out and why they were able to fall in love over 1 weekend.

While I do wish we got more insight into Audrey and her mother's repaired relationship, the story went right to the point that they were working on it. I'm also glad that Liam's grandmother made it into remission.

[The Book Fairy Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes!!! I love a friends to lovers, brothers bestie kind of read! This one does not fail to give me all the feels right from the gate! The airport gate as we have Audrey get her heart torn out right as she is about to board a plane taking her to her parents anniversary/vow renewal. How does she get her heart stomped? She finds out her current is not who she thought he was and now she is alone when she was excited to not have another family reunion all focusing on her lack of relationship status. Fate is one who knows when to intervene because she gives her the first man she ever crushed on coming to her rescue, Liam. Her brother's best friend and business partner. The one person who saw her growing up but kept her in the worst types of “categories”~ off limits! Now all grown up, he sees her and knows that she is the woman for him, but can he be true to his friendship and still get the girl?
This book answers that and so much more , when he asks for the ultimate from his friends, a lie. A lie so big that it requires for all of his partners to be involved and fro the feeling that he has kept bottled up to make small appearances. Talk about a recipe for disaster. But do fret, Liam and Audrey get more than just their HEA they get a sort of healing from their childhood scars, making them stronger as friends to lovers tend to be. Another hit from Kendall Hale, I can’t wait to read what’s next!

[Sonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Of course I can do this. This is so easy. Super easy, right? One little lie. It’s not like we’re seriously tying the knot.”

Knot Really Engages | Kendall Hale | Happily Ever Mishaps Book 2

Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5, 🌶️🌶️.5/5

“It’s only for now, but when will I be able to find someone like him? Someone who’s always there for me in my moments of struggle and relies on me during his own.”

Read this if you love: older brother’s best friend | fake engagement | childhood crush | friends to lovers | girl next door | vacation romance | billionaire romance

“In general, I have a rule: never be with anyone more than once. It helps both parties since you don’t catch feelings and do stupid things like falling in love. Yet, being with Audrey right now feels about perfect.”

The immediate appeal of this book for me was that it was my brother's best friend. I really enjoyed the way Max gave Liam (and Audrey) a hard time about their relationship and finding out why was the icing on the cake. And I always love a fake relationship book where he falls first and especially when that isn't on his radar. I really enjoyed Liam and Audrey's story and I look forward to reading more from this author.

Thank you @authorkendallhale and @literallyyoursprfor the eARC. I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.