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The Wedding Fake

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Claire Davis loves statistics, so it’s only natural she knows that forty-one percent of people have admitted to bringing home a fake date for the holiday. Technically, her sister's wedding isn’t a holiday, but that won’t stop Claire’s meddling mother from trying to set her up with the neighbor she’s hated since high school. Fortunately, just when Claire needs to appease her mother with a boyfriend, fate traps her in an elevator with the charming paramedic from her building’s fifth floor.

When Claire asks Hudson North to pretend to be her boyfriend for the week, he doesn’t hesitate to say yes. Is she high-strung? Absolutely. Adorably nerdy? Without a doubt. But she’s also smart and beautiful and funny as hell, and the only problem with playing Claire’s fake boyfriend is that it’s too easy.

When Claire finds out more about Hudson, she’s reconsidering her wedding fake date, and Hudson will only have a few days to convince Claire that his feelings for her are entirely real.


The Wedding Fake is the first romantic comedy in the Davis Sisters series, but can be read as a standalone. It has laughs, heat, and a guaranteed HEA.

260 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 20, 2024

30 people are currently reading
68 people want to read

About the author

Sophia Sabbioni

10 books8 followers
Sophia Sabbioni has been a lover of romance since she first picked up a romance novel in middle school, but it was decades before she discovered how much she enjoyed crafting the stories herself. Sophia lives with her husband, two children, and a dog who would appreciate it if she never left the couch. She has long since given up the hope of having one of those tidy Instagram-ready houses, preferring to spend her time writing novels that are a little steamy, a lot funny, and always have a happy ending.

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5 stars
31 (54%)
4 stars
16 (28%)
3 stars
9 (15%)
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1 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Jenifer.
2,837 reviews6 followers
August 23, 2024
While I did enjoy this book, there were a few things that had me rating it slightly lower than I normally would have. I gave it a 2.5, but I did round it up to 3. I likely would have given this a 3.5 but would have opted to round down. So 3 is where I land. Now, my issues.

I realize that since Covid happened that we were eventually going to see it snake it's way into books. Thankfully it's mostly been just brief mentions and talk about where you were for quarantine. But this story has it with the main characters still wearing masks and still being fearful around people. The book sounds like it was placed in later 2022 or early 2023, so by then the mask requirements were greatly relaxed in all areas except medical settings. I didn't enjoy Covid while it was happening and we were living it, and I most certainly don't like reading about it now and dredging up memories of that time period. I truthfully almost quit reading in chapter 1 because of this. However, I do enjoy the heck out of a fake dating trope, so I decided to continue on with the story.

Now the characters - Outside of Hudson, who I think was wonderful given the crappy situation his character was put in, there wasn't a redeeming character in the book. Claire's family was just awful with their dismissive attitudes, and plotting to ruin people's lives. Then Dan and Grant are both d-bags of the highest order. If Claire couldn't see how far away from Dan and Grant that Hudson was then she didn't deserve to get Hudson for real. Then there was Claire herself. She was neuro-divergent and while I normally find that endearing in a book, she just didn't resonate well with me at all. The fact that she was so blinded by her past that she couldn't accept and move on with a guy who was beyond great and was great for her, just angered me while I was reading.

Actually I think that the main reason I kept reading this story and finally finished it was again that I love the heck out of a fake dating trope and this one was a good one. And two that I enjoyed the way Hudson was with Claire, his calming presence, his ability to make her laugh and temporarily forget and his deep need to have someone to love and his being a romantic at heart.

This was my first story from this author, and I'm on the fence if I'd want to read another story from her. I don't know if I could stomach my way through the next story that is hinted at in the epilogue. I do see that she has another series, so maybe I'd give one of those a shot to see if it was a fluke for this book, or if it just the writing style that I didn't care for.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
60 reviews
August 25, 2024
The Wedding Fake is the first book in the Davis Sisters series by Sophia Sabbioni. Claire Davis is not looking forward to going to her youngest sister's wedding. She doesn't think her sister, Nora, is mature enough to get married. Regardless, she will paste a smile on her face, and stand up for her as a bridesmaid. Claire soon discovers, however, that her mom plans to spend the whole week leading up to the wedding trying to set up her with Nora's soon to be brother in law, Grant Dupree. Claire doesn't want to be set-up, especially with a guy that she believes will just break her heart. Before she knows what she is doing, she tells her family that she is in a new relationship. She now has to produce the new boyfriend within a week.

As fate would have it, the very next day, she gets trapped in the elevator in her apartment building when the power goes out. Luckily, she is not alone. She is with the cute and sweet paramedic, Hudson North, who happens to live on the floor above her. After he is able to calm her down during her panic attack in the elevator, she asks him to go to her sister's wedding as her fake boyfriend. Since Hudson has had a crush on Claire for the last couple of months, he sees this as his chance to get to know her, and quickly agrees. Now the question remains, will the fake relationship turn into a real one?

I really loved these characters! Hudson is such a nice guy with a mysterious past. Claire has a lot of issues and it was good to see her try to work through them. The antics during the week with Claire's family was entertaining. I really did like her whole family. I was sorry to see the story end, but I am excited for the next one!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
218 reviews2 followers
August 20, 2024
Claire and Hudson live in the same building and sometimes meet in the lobby and elevator, both still wearing masks in the post pandemic age. Despite their mutual attraction, they don’t really talk to each other until they get stuck in the elevator. They get to know each other better and Hudson takes care of Claire as she becomes anxious about them being rescued. Claire’s sister is due to be married and some of her family is hoping to set her up with the groom’s brother whom she has no interest in. When the pressure gets too much, she says that she is already seeing someone and Hudson’s name is the first that comes to mind. Unable to face a week at home, she asks Hudson to go with her as her fake boyfriend which he jumps at the chance to do. I really loved both these main characters – Claire is brave and strong about things that have happened to her and Hudson is tender and protective of her whilst having his own vulnerabilities. I think he’s one of my favourite book boyfriends to date! Recommended for readers of romantic comedies which have depth to them, as well as steam and all the feels. I can’t wait for the rest of the Davis sisters’ stories!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
58 reviews
August 20, 2024
This charming romance tells the story of Claire and Hudson, two people with emotional wounds who are emotionally unavailable... until they meet each other.

Claire, an analyst who adores factoid minutiae, was burned by her ex; to the point that she's shut down even the idea of love, much less dating again. Hudson, on the other hand, has emotional wounds of his own that come out later in the story, and are just as real as hers. They live in the same building and, after getting stuck in an elevator, become uneasy acquaintances... who eventually become a fake couple to keep Claire's mom from matchmaking (not that it stops her... in the least! LOL).

Despite their own issues and mom's interference, they grow closer as they work on healing their own wounds; eventually becoming the real couple that they were meant to be.

I loved this story. It was light, engaging, with well-rounded characters; lots of laughs, some "eek!" moments (mostly caused by Claire's mom), and lots of sexy moments (that weren't all sexual). I will definitely be reading more Sabbioni books; great fun!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Leslie.
423 reviews5 followers
October 7, 2024
Claire works in analytics and is adamantly convinced that all men can’t be trusted. Hudson is a paramedic, broken by a tragic accident that left him riddled with guilt and without a brother. They live in the same building and pass each other periodically, feeling an electric connection but never acting on it.
One day, they’re caught in an elevator together and share a spark before getting rescued. Wanting to see where this goes, while also needing a date to her sister’s wedding, Claire convinces Hudson to be her date.
Both carry baggage, and seeing them attempt to navigate while also potentially falling for each other, was pretty entertaining. However, I was constantly irritated by Claire’s incessant, scathing view of Hudson based on her past. Yes, it’s bad, but the glaring differences between Hudson and Claire’s ex are always overlooked, and Claire goes into the abyss if Hudson coughs too loud.
That being said, it was cute to see how two people carrying pain and regret find their way back to the light, both for themselves and with each other.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Marie.
865 reviews18 followers
August 6, 2024
This is story that just keeps giving. Claire is totally disillusioned with any idea of romance, being cheated on by her ex has her thinking all men are the same. Her self esteem is non existent she loves her job working with numbers, calculating changes, checking statistics to most she came across as nerdy, boring and uninteresting. Hudson was a firefighter and paramedic but circumstances made him give up firefighting and just stay a paramedic. When he gets trapped in the lifting his apartment block with Claire he was hoping to finally get to know her more. Realising she was having a panic attack he used his calm and charm to help ease her. Now needing a plus one she invites him to her sisters wedding. This is the start of a madcap week with her interfering mother and misunderstandings can they overcome their differences and insecurities or will it all prove to much. This is a charming story with just a hint of spice and I can't wait for the next installment in this series
49 reviews48 followers
August 19, 2024
Sweet, funny, and emotional - with a side of spice!


The Wedding Fake was pretty much everything I look for in a rom-com. It was funny, the characters were flawed in ways that made them feel real, there was emotion and family drama, there was so much chemistry between the main characters (Hudson and Claire), AND there was a picturesque small town.

I loved watching Hudson work through his trauma with his family and open up to Claire about his past.

4 stars instead of 5 simply because I wanted more from the ending of the book. It feels open-ended, and because of how much Claire had to work through, it feels almost unresolved. I would've loved to see more of Hudson and Claire's interactions post fake date.



You'll like this book if you like: dual POV, romcoms, fake dating, emotional backstories, spice, small towns, a little family drama.

I received an e-ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Profile Image for Ineta.
1,487 reviews11 followers
August 17, 2024
Claire needs a fake date for her sister's wedding and she gets one - charmant paramedic Hudson who lives in her apartment building.
Loved characters - Claire with her obsession with statistics and how Hudson is dragged in that world. Loved everything about Hudson and how he is about Claire and her family. But Claire's family comes with their clear arrangements for her.
It is comedy, but deep and funny in the same time. With many funny moments, misinterpretations, misunderstandings. There are a lot of drama, turns and twists, they learn about each other by removing their layers one by one. Yet, Claire's past experience doesn't help them.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Floraljoy.
1,151 reviews
August 10, 2024
Sweet and fun:
This was a great book, which I found easy to read. It was entertaining and light, but still had plenty of emotion and depth without any unnecessary angst. I loved both Hudson and Claire and especially enjoyed seeing their personal growth. They made a cute couple despite the fact that their relationship was initially fake. I would be interested in continuing on with the rest of the series and getting to know the rest of these sisters better.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,012 reviews34 followers
August 18, 2024
The Wedding Fake by Sophia Sabbioni is a good, and enjoyable spicy small town fake dating firefighter romantic comedy read. The story has a great entertaining world building story line. The characters are great, wonderful, likable, and they have great chemistry. This story is a very entertaining funny page turning romance read with a happily ever after ending. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,238 reviews5 followers
August 19, 2024
I enjoyed reading this book. Once I started reading The Wedding Fake, I didn't want to put it down. I wanted to keep reading so I could see what was going to happen next. The characters are great and the storyline hooked me from the start. I don't want to spoil this book for anyone, so I won't go into details. Please read the book blurb for some information about the book. I recommend reading this book! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
608 reviews16 followers
August 20, 2024
This is book one of the Davis Sisters series. It’s a fake dating Rom Com. This was a humorous read with just the right amount of romance. So much is going on in this book that it keeps you turning the pages. Well-developed story line and characters. It pulled me in from beginning to end and held my attention. Great characters that you fall in love with. I really liked how the author built up the relationship between the two main characters. I was rooting for their happy ending through the whole book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
3 reviews
July 22, 2024
I loved reading this fast-paced book. Normally the endings can be a bit eye-roll inducing for me but I enjoyed this book throughout. Claire is sweet and hurt by her ex and Hudson is dreamy and patient. I’m looking forward to reading the other books in the series. If you love a HEA, a dreamy man and a relatable female protagonist then this book is for you.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for DoodlingDandelion .
62 reviews1 follower
August 5, 2024
It's rare for me to find a book I find truly binge worthy, but this was definitely one!

Meet analytical and yet somewhat jaded Claire and sweet but hurting Hudson, as they team up to get Claire through a wedding full of scheming mothers.

Prepare to laugh, cry and feel angry on behalf of both these lovable characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,015 reviews2 followers
August 21, 2024
Claire and Hudson

The Wedding Fake is my first time reading a book by Sophia Sabbioni and I like her writing style. It was everything I look for in a romance- main characters that I want to be friends with, unexplored feelings, cast of memorable supporting characters, and of course a happily ever after. Plus, this is the start of a series and I can't wait to read the rest of them.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for J.
4,173 reviews21 followers
August 23, 2024
This is book 1 in Sabbioni's new series Davis Sisters and can be read as a standalone. I found this to be a well written romance with a good balance of sweet and laughs as well as some steamy bits too! Our main characters are Claire and Hudson. I very much enjoyed the storyline - flows smoothly and the laughs were great. Definitely looking forward to reading book 2 in this series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,142 reviews17 followers
August 25, 2024
loved it !! a great start for a new series !! love , love, love Claire and Hudson... this is their fake date story... a fast paced rom/com drama... Claire needs a date to her sister's wedding... but, she's done with dating and men... Hudson is a paramedic in her building and they get trapped in the elevator together.. and... he says yes... and then, there's her mom.... so good !!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for K Webz.
2,069 reviews
September 10, 2024
A sweet fake date romance. Claire is a little needy and high strung, so when she gets wind that her mom plans on setting her up at her sister’s wedding, she asks her neighbor from upstairs to help her out. Hudson has had a crush on Claire for some time, so he jumps in to help. But getting her to see his feelings are real will be the true challenge.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Aimee.
291 reviews
August 8, 2024
Families can be.. complicated. In Claires case they're just a bit cheeky.
This book made me smile enough that my boyfriend thought it was strange and asked me if I was having some kind of attack.

its sweet and funny and everything you want from a fake dating to get your family off your back storyline.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
690 reviews3 followers
August 10, 2024
A great start of a series ,,,fun and romantic with lots of embarrassment and soul searching along with all the worst that a family wedding can bring out including matchmaking mommas . If you love nerdy girl heroines and hot rescuing heroes with deep secrets and not so helpful sister then you will love this Cant wait for the next one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Elin Johanna.
158 reviews19 followers
August 16, 2024
Okay, it’s a nice read. A cute story of two neighbours meeting in an elevator and going to a wedding together.
I was entertained at times.

But here are some things that bothered me:
💭 the covid thing… the many references threw me off.

💭 Claire’s immature behaviour. Her reaction to Hudson’s instagram is ridiculous. And her behaviour throughout the book is kind of childish.
Profile Image for Kaitlyn Raasveld.
273 reviews2 followers
September 2, 2024
I love Claire! She is fun and just trying to live her life and her nosy momma is always in her business. Hudson does have a few strange moments but to me it all works out in the end. I liked the flow of the story, it kept my attention while also being super interesting. I like the fire fighter aspect, because who doesn’t want a good ole fire fighter man. All in all it was a great read.
90 reviews2 followers
September 19, 2024
This book was a really good read. Claire down over a recent/NOT recent breakup and Hudson still guilty over the death of his brother come together in this crazy and funny story. Not to give too much away, but the ending is crazy and I can't wait to read the next book. Definitely would recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
357 reviews7 followers
August 20, 2024
A humorous and beautifully written fake dating and firefighter romantic comedy. I really loved the storyline and the characters were written very endearingly. I will definitely continue reading this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for brenda hurley.
1,439 reviews7 followers
August 22, 2024
This was an easy read and sweet and funny that I couldn't put it down. I can't wait to read more from this author I recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,076 reviews
August 22, 2024
The Wedding Fake: A fake-dating romantic comedy
Book 1 of Davis Sisters
Sophia Sabbioni

I really enjoyed this story. I found it well written. The characters had life, chemistry and substance. Great read.
177 reviews1 follower
September 21, 2024
I really enjoyed this fun read. Great characters and a story that had me hooked from the start and held my interest throughout.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
78 reviews8 followers
November 19, 2024
I absolutely loved the characters and the way they are portrayed. I cannot wait to read more from this author.

320 reviews
September 2, 2025
fun story

It was a funny story and very sweet it’s three kind of story that is romantic and fun to believe
Profile Image for Alaina Raraigh.
135 reviews2 followers
August 4, 2024
This book was such an easy read. I finished this in one day and could NOT put it down. I love how the “fake dating” turned out to be a perfect couple. Definitely reminded me of the movie My Fake Fiance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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