The Replacement Husband

by C.J. Love-Jones, C.J. English

The Replacement Husband is a standalone contemporary romance with slow-burn heat, irresistible cowboys, and unforgettable twists.

In a desperate plan to secure his wife’s future beyond his lifetime, Nicholas Copperude turns to online dating and secret auditions to find the perfect man to take his place. But his bold choices set off a cascade of consequences he never imagined, forever altering the lives of those he loves most.

As the fallout from Nick’s ill-conceived plan unfolds, Vivian Copperude, a fiercely independent heroine, is left grappling with grief, betrayal, and the unexpected arrival of a brooding cowboy now living above her barn. Torn between the weight of her past and the undeniable chemistry that neither can resist nor deny, she must decide whether she’s ready to let love back into her life.

Isolated within Montana’s stunning landscapes and accompanied by rescued horses, two strangers find solace in each other’s brokenness. But as their connection deepens, ghosts from the past resurface, and their newfound happiness is threatened. Vivian must take control of her own destiny and prove that, in matters of love and life, she alone determines her fate—and no one, dead or alive, can decide her future.

Vivian’s journey takes unexpected turns as forced proximity, shared loss, and the healing power of love collide in a story that proves sometimes the hardest person to let go of is the one you never saw coming.

Perfect for readers craving deep emotional tension, The Replacement Husband weaves the juicy beats of genre fiction with the depth and insight of literary works—leaving an impression that lingers long after the final page.

407 pages, Paperback

Published January 19, 2025

About the author

C.J. Love-Jones is the bestselling author of nothing. Yet. But she wants to be.

Her alter ego has had some success in nonfiction—but writing fiction under a pen name? It's like turning fifty and finding out you’re pregnant. Starting over is hard—all chaos and praying for miracles. But still... the best thing that ever happened.

For now, she’s writing from her backyard greenhouse in Fargo, where it feels like a tropical jungle while outside it’s all wind and snow—because there’s nothing she’d rather be doing.

Gloria Steinem said it best: “Writing is the only thing that, when I do it, I don't feel I should be doing something else.”

C.J.’s real life reads like a cliché-riddled romance novel: passionate love affair, dreamy husband, wild children, rescued animals, and a good bottle of wine in the hot tub by candlelight.

But her books? They’re anything but cliché. She writes for readers like herself who have the attention span of a fungus gnat—readers who need to be sucked in on page one and held hostage until the very end.

C.J. crafts the stories she loves to read—packed with tension, passion, seduction, transformation, and a good dose of compassion for animals.

Maybe someday one will hit the big time. She hopes so. But either way, she’s already living her storybook dream—and if no one else notices, her dogs still think she’s a big deal.


https://linktr.ee/cjlovejonesauthor

Reviews

[Anna Priest · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Replacement Husband was my first NetGalley digital read a months back, but after falling into a bit of a reading slump, I’m so glad this was the book that pulled me out. I honestly didn’t have high expectations at first—the cover and title didn’t initially grab me, but the synopsis piqued my curiosity enough for a “why not” download. I’m so glad I gave it a chance.

Once I started, I couldn’t put it down. The emotional depth and suspense had me fully invested, especially in Nick and Viv’s story. Some scenes hit me hard, and I found myself rooting for both of them while feeling so deeply for Viv and the found family that had always been nearby, even when she didn’t know it.

The Montana Rockies setting was beautifully rugged, and the story is packed with slow-burn romance, high-stakes survival, and real emotional grit. It’s perfect for fans of intense romantic suspense and complicated, resilient characters.

Also—Sheldon NEEDS her own book. I adored her and would love to see her story unfold!

Content Warnings: Includes sexual assault (SA) and self-injury (SI). While I felt that some of these moments didn’t necessarily move the plot forward—and at times even pulled me out of the story—I can understand how the author used them to highlight Viv’s strength and resilience.

[Hailey Halpert · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this book as a digital copy from NetGalley, and sitting down to write this review, I honestly don’t even know where to begin. The idea of putting my thoughts and feelings about this book into words has been a daunting task.
When I first read the description of this book, I was intrigued by the concept of a terminally ill man seeking a replacement for his wife after his passing. Initially, I didn’t request the book, but the premise lingered in my mind for days. It felt like a sign to give it a try. Spoiler alert: I should have stuck with my initial instinct of leaving it behind.
Unfortunately, this book doesn’t live up to the description. The content warnings provided—grief, betrayal, loss, emotional healing, and self-discovery—are misleading. In reality, the story also touches on themes of sexual assault, suicidal thoughts and actions, and mistreatment of animals, which were not mentioned in the description. These added elements felt jarring and unnecessary.
I didn’t find this book to be a slow burn, nor did I find it empowering for women in any way. Vivianne is never in a position where she can decide her own fate. Rather she is used and manipulated throughout this whole story. The plot was all over the place, and while I can see the potential for some of the storylines, the way they were combined made it feel overwhelming and disconnected. Many storylines also felt abandoned and unfinished. It seemed like the book was trying to emulate the vibe of “Yellowstone”, but missed the mark entirely.
I’m a glutton for punishment and managed to finish the book, but I wouldn’t recommend it to others.

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the free digital ARC copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.
A stubborn man child gets sick and refuses to let his wife help him. His dumb choices and actions inflict pain, suffering and chaos on everyone around him.
The spice is 1/5. It’s all mostly off page and CW should include BDSM, rape, animal abuse and suicide.
The kicker is the logic. I could not follow the authors reasoning at all. Every chapter lead me to another “What the actual F is going on?”. The author must be a bit familiar with long term illness to some degree. But marriage and the dynamics of a long term relationship and what an illness does to your marriage. It goes off the mark, down the hill and into a dumpster fire.

[Jenna Hoodenpyle · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was not what I was expecting.
The plot was quite confusing at times, and I did not enjoy what I was reading half of the time.
Overall, not bad and not great.

Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with a free e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Sarah Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

📖 The Replacement Husband by C.J. Love-Jones

A slow-burn romance where love and destiny collide in unexpected, heart-wrenching ways.

✨ Literary Analysis
**💔 Emotional Depth: A poignant exploration of love, loss, and second chances, with characters that feel achingly real.

**🔥 Slow-Burn Romance: The chemistry simmers beautifully, building tension that pays off in a satisfying, emotional crescendo.

**🏡 Small-Town Charm: The setting is richly drawn, adding warmth and authenticity to the story’s emotional core.

**🔄 Unforgettable Twists: The plot keeps readers guessing, with surprises that feel earned rather than contrived.

**🌱 Character Growth: The protagonist’s journey from grief to hope is handled with nuance and sensitivity.

🎯 Ideal Readers vs. Potential Mismatches

**❤️ Who Will Love This Book?

-Fans of slow-burn, emotional romance with deep character arcs
-Readers who enjoy small-town settings with a strong sense of community
-Those who appreciate stories of healing and second chances
-Lovers of women’s fiction with romantic elements
-Anyone who likes books that balance heartache and hope

**🚫 Who Might Not Love This Book?

-Readers who prefer fast-paced, steamy romance (this is more emotional than physical)
-Those who dislike melancholic themes or grief-driven narratives
-Fans of high-stakes drama or suspense—this is a quieter, introspective story
-Readers who want a traditional happily-ever-after without complications

⭐ Star Breakdown (0-5)
Character Development: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) (Complex, relatable characters that linger in the mind.)
Plot Execution: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) (Engaging, though some twists may polarize readers.)
Emotional Resonance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) (A story that tugs at the heartstrings with raw honesty.)
Prose Style: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) (Elegant and evocative, if occasionally verbose.)
Thematic Depth: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) (Explores love and redemption with refreshing sincerity.)

Overall: 4.6/5 - Like a handwritten love letter—tender, intimate, and impossible to put down.

🙏 Thank you to NetGalley and C.J. Love-Jones for the advance review copy. The Replacement Husband is a testament to the transformative power of love, proving that even the deepest wounds can heal with time and trust.

(Note: Best read with a box of tissues and a cup of tea—emotional preparedness is advised.)

[Shelley Sommers · Rating 5 out of 5]

C.J. Love-Jones’s The Replacement Husband is a blockbuster of a book! Memorable characters, suspense, and a family saga with paranormal elements create a story that is difficult to put down.
Vivian, an extremely strong female protagonist, longs to set up an animal rescue operation at the family ranch in Montana. Her husband, Nick, nixes that idea. What Viv doesn’t know is that they’re wealthy and Nick has a secret.
Nick has “an unbreakable will, relentless when his mind was made up, and tireless until the job was done. . .” He cut his siblings out of his life, but they become part of his plans. When Viv meets Nick’s sister and brother, Sheldon and Weston, they become close.
Viv is no shrinking violet, but can she hold her own against physical and emotional challenges? The question is whether she’ll forgive and understand why Nick abandons her. The men in her life, who claim to love her, create some of her worst problems.
When Nick’s plans to make Vivien happy backfire, can he salvage their relationship and resurrect his life and family?
5-stars!
Note: Adult themes and mature language are prevalent.
I received the book as an ARC from the author in exchange for an objective review.

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Replacement Husband by C.J. Love-Jones” is an emotional slow burn through love, grief, and healing. The writing style had been captivated from the very start! Be prepared to have tissues on hand if you’re someone who is sensitive to emotional stories.

At first I didn’t understand why Nick would want to secure someone for his wife Vivian, but throughout the book it became clear that his love for her was what pushed him to not make it hard on her. Though that should have been her decision, to stick by his side and be able to grieve, even though he didn’t want to see her become like his own mother.

Wes came into play and helped her navigate through the process of grieving and even became her own form of solace. It was honestly sweet to see how their bond grew, and in the end, healed themselves from grief.

I do wish the we would’ve had been able to see more of Sheldon and even Bill, it did feel like at times they didn’t have significant roles. Also, I absolutely LOVED the names that they gave the horses.

I was provided an Arc by English House Publishing in exchange for an honest review of the book.

[Aliah Chappell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Replacement Husband by C.J. Love Jones is a must read for romance lovers that will transport you to the rugged but beautiful Copperude Ranch in Montana. Viv is incredibly independent, fierce as hell, and can hold her own. It's refreshing to have such a strong female lead character. The story itself has it all- steamy romance, indelible characters, unexpected turns, and nail biting adventures throughout this unforgettable story that will leave you unable to put this book down until it's finished. I feel as though many romance novels follow the same plots and can be quite generic. The Replacement Husband has an unforgettable plot you won't find in another book. The characters you will miss once you're done reading the book. Animal lovers- this romance novel is for you as well! 5/5

[Bella · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is an intense emotional rollercoaster, pulling the reader through highs of passion and lows of heartbreak. The author skillfully crafts a heartfelt tale of a love triangle, where loyalty, desire, and sacrifice collide. At its core, it’s a story about life itself and the fierce instinct to protect the one you love.

As the pages unfold, it becomes clear that things don’t always turn out the way we hope. Yet, it’s also a moving exploration of forgiveness, healing, and the enduring power of love—reminding us that sometimes life offers a second chance when we least expect it.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for NetGalley.

[Shekki’s memoirs · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Replacement Husband by C.J. Love-Jones” is an emotional book through the end. It has slow burn, love, healing and you name it. What I really liked was how the author captivated us from her writing style.

At first I didn’t understand why Nick would want to find as he calls it, A replacement husband for his wife Vivian but we can understand throughout the book why.

And then Wes come to the picture. Wes is Nick’s brother and they have a messy history but he helped Viv to navigate through the process of grieving and It was so sweet to see how their bond grew. Also, I loved the names of the horses and how fierce viv is when it comes to animals.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Contemporary Romance lovers, give this one a try. Quick-moving and also has that suspense aspect that keeps the story moving. While I didn’t find this book to be very layered in terms of character depth it does have a good pace that propels the plot.

If you like contemporary settings, this is a good summer read. I did find some parts of the story could have been clarified—a bit confusing at times. Even so, the reader can still get the main idea and will enjoy the story overall.

[Eris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book. The two main characters are Vivian and Wes. Vivian is married to Wes’ brother. They live on a ranch. Vivian,s husband finds out he is going to die, but he doesn’t tell Vivian. One day he just leaves. Wes is there and helps VIvian get over her husband. An attorney arrives and says the ranch is hers if she signs the divorce papers. She does. Wes and Vivian start dating. They fall in love.

[Diana Sewell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating read

This was not the book I expected, it was so much more. More depth, more emotion, more enjoyable. It was hard to put down to get anything done that I needed to do. If there is anything negative I could add it would be, what happened to the sister, Sheldon?? You left her story unfinished!! I need to know what her vision was after the night in the cave!

[Heather]

DNF @ 20%.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC to this book . This is unfortunately just not hitting the way I expected it to and not what I'm looking for right now. Maybe I'll come back to it later.