Forever with the CEO: A Fake-Marriage Romance

The Whitley Brothers #8

by Layla Hagen, C.J. Bloom (narrator), Aiden Snow (narrator)

It began as a fake marriage. It became so much more.

I’m Nick Whitley, CEO of Whitley Sports Industries. I’m a bonafide bachelor, and never intended to settle down. But I’m also a dependable kind of guy and do what’s right when I can.

So when my best friend and his wife pass away, leaving behind their twins, I do everything possible to help out their aunt—Allison . She’s gorgeous and funny and someone I enjoy being around. I even propose marriage when the kids’ grandparents unexpectedly contest the custody. It’s the only way Allison can win.

To make things legitimate, we need to live in one home, and sleep in one bed. Things escalate, but I’m all in. Not that it’s any hardship—Allison is damn perfect, and the twins are worming their way into my heart. I enjoy reading them bedtime stories, eating pizza, while watching the same cartoons for the millionth time. I’m ready to adopt them tomorrow if they’d have me. Now I’ve got to convince Allison that I’m the man for her, because I know without a shadow of a doubt that she’s the woman for me.

Genres: Romance, Marriage Of Convenience, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary, Slow Burn, Contemporary Romance, Audiobook

Audible Audio

Published January 13, 2025

About the author

Welcome! My name is Layla Hagen and I am a Contemporary Romance author.

I fell in love with books when I was nine years old, and my love affair with stories continues even now, many years later.

I write romantic stories and can’t wait to share them with the world.

And I drink coffee. Lots of it, in case the photo didn’t make it obvious enough ;)

Reviews

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Star Review Forever With The CEO (The Whitley Brothers #8) by Layla Hagen

Having enjoyed the previous books in this series I couldn’t wait to jump into Forever With The CEO which was a fabulous addition to the series.

This is Nick Whitley and Allison’s emotional roller coaster of a story. It was well written and entertaining and I was quickly drawn into the story that Ms. Hagen wove.

What starts out as a fake marriage to help Allison, quickly morphs into so much more.

I loved how supportive Nick was, he was prepared to put everything on the line, to help Allison, totally swoon worthy.

The characters were engaging and I found myself moved to tears, laughing and swooning whilst reading this book.

[Karrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jeannie Whitley did not even have to any matchmaking at all when it came to Nick and Allison. Out of heartbreak from losing her sister Allison found love with Nick Whitley. Though they married so that she would lose custody of her twin’s niece and nephew to their grandparents that literally don’t want anything to do with them. Along the way they both fall in love with each other even though Nick has said time and again that the doesn’t ever want to get married. Allison not only gets to keep custody of the twins she learns that Nick not only wants to stay married for real this time around and not just for convenience of being able to keep the twins, but that he actually loves her.

[Phuong · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured Forever With the CEO by Layla Hagen all in one sitting and I loved every minute of this heartwarming story that gave me all the feels. I loved seeing the final Whitley brother, Nick find his HEA with Allison and the twins. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Whitley story if there was not some kind of matchmaking scheme by Gran Jeannie and anyone she recruits. This has been such a fantastic series about love and family.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 8th book in this phenomenal series, and this is Nick and Allison’s story.
Nick is a bonafide bachelor, and CEO of Whitley Sports, and when his best friend and his wife pass away, he steps into help Allison when her custody of her twin nieces is threatened.
This is a well written slow burn, emotional roller coaster, with family dynamics, friendships, intrigue, loss, turmoil, fake marriage, friends / lovers, forced proximity, humor, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and heartwarming addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forever With the CEO

Awesome story about two people who find themselves in a situation to be there for each other. When custody becomes an issue, Nick isn't about to let Allison deal with this on her own. These Whitley men always bring it in a crunch. Beautiful story ❤️.

[Andrea Fernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my heart, Nick and Allison just warmed my heart. Forever with the CEO is the sweetest, most sincere, emotional but devastatingly beautiful. I adored how these two would do anything for the kids and to top it off how Whitley family embraced Allison and the kids unconditionally. Great story!

[Belle (on hiatus)]

DNF @ 69%

Not feeling the love between the MC’s - I mean, he literally said it would be impossible to be celibate for 2 years while they would be married so

[Stefanie Simeone · Rating 5 out of 5]

love this family

I love the Whitley brothers and am so glad all of them got the “happily ever after “ they deserve.

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazon / Audible



Ever since Allison became her niece and nephew's fulltime guardian, she's been doing her best to give them the the love and the home they need. But now her sister's in-laws are trying to get full custody and Allison can't possibly lose her niece and nephew too, lose the last piece of her sister left. But Nick, her friend, her brother-in-law's best friend, has a proposal - a marriage of convenience that ends once custody is secured. Does it have to end, though? All the forced proximity just may reveal feelings neither knew, or acknowledged at least.



Nick's always been about his career, never thinking about love or commitment. But when his best friend's kids face the prospect of being forced into the custody of their awful grandparents, he can't help but insert himself into the situation to save them. And now he's finding he doesn't want his fake marriage to their aunt, his friend, to end. Is it possible this workaholic playboy has actually fallen in love and wants a home and a family?



I'm sad this series has come to an end, but the last Whitley brother's story is an excellent one to conclude this amazing series. Nick was the quintessential bachelor, not wanting love or family beyond his mom, grandparents and siblings, but Allison, Annie and Jack stormed into his heart without him even realizing it and turned everything upside down. There was no way their electric chemistry wouldn't catch fire once they married, and thank God, because if ever a pair of friends deserved to find love with each other, make a family together, it was them.



ARC provided by Wildfire Marketing Solutions for an honest review.

Review / Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.

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[Patti Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Layla Hagen has done it again! I absolutely LOVED Forever the CEO! This book had my interest from the start, and I fell in love. I loved every moment on every page of Forever the CEO, the eighth and final book in her The Whitley Brothers series, it filled me with a rollercoaster of emotions. I was hooked from the first few pages, and it was impossible to put it down. It was a bittersweet book for me since we had to say goodbye to the Whitley family, and I have fallen in love with them. Layla Hagen definitely did not disappoint her readers with Forever the CEO and has once again delivered an incredible story filled with everything that I love in love stories. I love how Layla Hagen continues to write the love stories that I love to read and is a must-read author for me. Forever the CEO is a marriage of convenience/marriage with benefits love story between Nick Whitley, CEO of Whitley Sports Industries and the sister-in-law of his college best friend, Jim, Allison Holmes, CFO of a huge fashion label. Nick and Allison met at Jim and Nora’s, Allison’s sister’s wedding and have seen each other over the years, especially following the deaths of Jim and Nora. Jim and Nora passed away in a car accident leaving their four-year-old twins, Annie and Jack, in Allison’s care. Jim’s parents, Sophie and Bob, want custody of Annie and Jack. Nick puts Allison in touch with a lawyer to help with the custody case. The lawyer suggested that the court would look favorably on her case if she were married. Nick suggests that they get married until the custody case is settled. Allison agrees to Nick’s proposition, knowing that their fake marriage will only last as long as the custody case. I love that Nick is willing to move into Allison’s house and sleep on the couch to help her case. I love everything that Nick does to take care of the details of their wedding, including getting Allision an engagement ring. I love all the Whitleys showing up at city hall for the wedding. I love the dress that Allison chose for the wedding. I love their text message stream between Allison and Nick. Conversation between Allison and Nick flows so easily, with innuendos and playful banter, and Nick is constantly flirting with Allison. Things heat up quickly between Allison and Nick as they are roommates and fake married. I love the secrets that Nick shares about his relationship with his grandparents and his half-brothers. I love all the changes Nick makes as he spends time with Allison, Annie, and Jack. I love how the Whitleys embrace Allison, Annie, and Jack. I love the changes that Allison and Nick make in their lives to have a life with one another. I love Allison and Nick’s love story, and how their fake marriage turned into something more. I love the ending of their love story, especially the epilogues told from both Allison and Nick’s perspectives. I love that they renewed their wedding vows on their first anniversary and that Nick and Allison finally admit their true feelings for one another, it is the perfect ending of their love story. I love the epilogue that is told from Nick’s perspective takes place five years in the future. I love how it beautifully wraps up their love story and the Whitley Brothers series. Loved learning about all the new additions to the Whitley family. Who does not love hot sexy men, who make you swoon, strong females, loving families, and friends, who always support one another, and wonderful characters? Layla Hagen always manages to create the "perfect" heroine, who is a strong woman on her own, to balance out the sexy, swoon worthy men. One of my favorite parts of her books is how she incorporates the picture on the cover of the book into the love story. I am not sure how she does it, but Layla Hagen has once again given her readers another amazing book. She has once again proven that she is an amazing storyteller and continues to be one of my favorite authors. I really enjoy how she writes her stories in the first person from the perspective of the main characters. Forever the CEO is filled with all those elements that I have come to love and expect in a Layla Hagen love story, especially the poignant and bittersweet moments that filled this page turner. Layla Hagen creates such wonderful and memorable characters and has once again done this in Forever the CEO. I love Allison and Nick’s love story and the descriptions of settings of Boston. I love the characters and the family dynamic in Forever the CEO, the characters feel like family and friends. It was so sad saying goodbye. I enjoy all the interactions among the Whitley brothers, it feels like real family love and makes me laugh at their teasing. I love all the new babies that will be added to the Whitley family. My favorite characters are Grandmother and Grandfather, Jeannie, and Abe Whitley. I loved the bittersweet moments and poignant, as well as the unexpected plot twists that I have come to love and expect in a Layla Hagen love story. Forever the CEO was a wonderful love story. I love that the ending of Allison and Nick’s love story was more than a happily ever after. I loved catching up with the Whitleys however bittersweet, since it was for the last time. Highly recommend this incredible love story. I received an advanced copy from the author.

[Nate Brightman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Forever with the C.E.O. Layla Hagen
This is the final book in Hagen’s Whitley Brother’s series. Nick Whitley is the last single (if you don’t count engaged) Whitley brother and the youngest of their father’s second secret family. As is told in the book’s blurb this is a marriage of convenience trope. As is told by the Forever in the title it ends up being so much more. It’s not a great story nor is it a bad story. It’s just that never really elevates it above about one thousand other marriage of convenience contemporary romances.
Allison is the younger sister of Nora whom with her husband dies in a car accident about 3 months before the start of this story, leaving her twin four-year-old children Annie and Jack in Allison’s care. Nick was Nora’s husband’s BFF. Out of respect for his friends memory he is a frequent visitor to Allison’s house bringing pizza and playing with the children. Nick is attracted to the beautiful Nora but like his brothers were, is a confirmed bachelor. So he doesn’t try to put the moves on her. Allison finds Nick the most handsome man she has ever seen but trying to work full time as a C.F.O. and caring for her niece and nephew doesn’t leave her time for much else. And she knows Nick’s reputation for being a player.. Then Allison receives an email from the children’s paternal grandparents informing her they intend to pursue custody of the two children despite the fact that they have never shown any interest in being grandparents. Despite the fact that the children’s parents expressly left care of them to Allison in their will and despite the fact that Allison immediately stepped in to devotedly take care of them, has a great job and a spotless reputation we’re asked to believe that according to Nick’s buddy who is a top lawyer in family law, the grandparents actually have a chance of resting custody from Allison because she is single with only one income. Even a very good income. Which is why Nick convinces her to marry him until the grandparents drop or lose their custody suit. Clearly you can guess how the rest of this story goes. Nick being your typical commitment phobic male protagonist quickly finds himself attracted to Allison for more than her sexy appearance and also to the two children. Of course he has trouble getting his head around the idea that he’s actually in love with all of them and ready to give up his bachelor lifestyle. Until it finally dawns on him that he’s living the life that makes him happy and doesn’t want it to end.
Allison was the perfect woman. Nick other than is early aversion to being in a relationship was a great guy. The rest of the Whitley family circles the wagon around the couple to support them. The grandparents were a-holes. For those who have read the earlier books in the series there’s a very nice second epilogue showing all the Whitley’s five years into the future. And both the Whitley grandparents who must be around one-hundred years old at that point are still around and doing well.

[Kim Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t believe this is it for the Whitley Brothers! I’ve mostly enjoyed all of these books but the last couple haven’t grabbed me like the previous ones. This one was no exception. I wasn’t disappointed with it, I still liked the book and enjoyed it but it was a bit too slow for me. I felt like the plot went at a snails pace and didn’t escalate but sort of stayed steady and the same. It wasn’t a slow burn but had a delayed reaction to Nick and Allison’s feelings for each other. It was like a delayed gratification but they still managed to not take their hands off each other. There was anticipation between the two of them but nothing beyond that. There was minimal intimacy and sex in the book. I could have done with more of that, which is why it felt more like anticipation rather than an intense chemistry and explosive passion. I felt like there could have been more of that too but you still got their chemistry and connection with each other. If you at least have that in a story, then you’re golden. There’s a different vibe with the book if that’s missing and if you don’t have it, the book falls flat and there’s nothing to look forward to. I’ve read a few of those books in the past and didn’t enjoy it. We want the intensity, need, drive and the draw with the hero and heroine. In this book’s case you do get it but it’s more cautious and strained. I also would have liked just a little more drama with this story. You get some of this with an attempted custody battle but no dirt was dug, there was no sordid back story and when it was solved, it was as if there was never a whisper about it. This almost felt like the start of something but then it never escalated. Another option it could have been was that Layla couldn’t do something with it because she got caught up in the love story of Nick and Allison. Overall, I’m glad I started this series. It was everything I love in a story and was definitely more on the feel good side. The brothers weren’t closed off for the most part and I loved how close they all were and came together. It ends with a fast forward to the brothers five years down the line and becomes a closure for the family and how they are all doing. I loved that Layla did this and sent us off. Now it seems a new family will be introduced and I can’t wait.

[Lisa Broadman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great series finale with Nick and Allison’s story. We’ve watched all 8 guys find their forevers, maybe start families, deal with their scumbag father and finally seem to accept one another as brothers. I was SO happy to see them come together and accept one another. We’ve also watched our matchmaking granny, Jeannie, help some of them and stand back and let them figure things out but always with an approving eye. What a great ending to a wonderful series!

Nick and Allison come together in a marriage of convenience to help Allison guarantee that she can hold onto her niece and nephew after her sister and her husband’s deaths. He knows that the best place for these kids is with Allison, so he steps up to help her hold onto them when the grandparents want to take them away.

These are both great characters and really good people. Nick is successful, thoughtful, generous, kind and handsome. He loves the kids and wants to do whatever he can to help them. Allison is smart, sweet and determined. They are drawn to one another but know that nothing can happen between them as the kids need to come first.

I loved watching Nick struggle with who he was and what he truly wanted out of life. He thought that he only was built for his career. Long term love wasn’t on his radar at all. After watching his father be a complete a$$, he decided to build a business rather than build a life. Coming to terms with wanting something different was his character arc. Allison helps him with this by simply being her gorgeous and determined sweet self.

These two have amazing chemistry and build a great friendship and strong relationship for not only themselves but the children too. Their journey is determined, playful and real. They stand together in a strong union with a strong foundation that may have started out as fake but is very real.

I loved that we get to visit with all of the other brothers and see what has happened in their lives and families. I love that Grandma Jeannie and Abe are still strong and relevant in their lives and I really love that Maddox, Leo and Nick’s mom is able to be present and that the other guys accept her. This was an wonderful end to an amazing series!

[Emilie · Rating 4 out of 5]

J’adore cette série de Layla Hagen et j’attendais avec impatience le tome de Nick, le dernier de la fratrie Whitley a ne pas avoir eu son histoire. Nick a récemment perdu Jim, son meilleur ami dans un accident de voiture. Ce dernier a été tué sur le coup en même temps que sa femme, laissant leurs jumeaux de quatre ans orphelins. C’est Allison, la soeur de la femme de Jim qui a la garde des jumeaux et Nick l’aide comme il peut. Quand les parents de Jim débarquent et annoncent vouloir la garde des jumeaux, quelque chose ne tourne pas rond et Allison est dévastée. Elle risque de perdre la confrontation puisqu’elle est célibataire… C’est alors que Nick lui propose de l’épouser, le temps qu’elle obtienne la garde définitive, afin de protéger les jumeaux. Et ce qui a commencé comme un faux mariage semble devenir de plus en plus réel, que ce soit les soirées pizzas avec les enfants ou les rendez-vous entre Nick et Allison qui mènent à un baiser puis bien plus encore… Nick se rend compte qu’il est prêt à ce qu’ils deviennent une vraie famille. Maintenant, il ne reste plus qu’à convaincre Allison qu’il est l’homme qu’il lui faut, parce qu’il est sûr qu’elle est la femme de sa vie…

Ce tome était très sweet et tendre, parfait pour clotûrer cette série géniale.
Les personnages sont très touchants.
Nick est généreux, drôle, protecteur et prêt à tout pour aider Allison à avoir la garde des jumeaux. Il est d’ailleurs adorable avec eux, très présent et participe beaucoup à la maison.
Allison est tout aussi touchante. Elle est dans une situation délicate après la mort de sa soeur mais malgré tout elle sait se montrer attentive, à l’écoute, et tout comme Nick elle est prête à tout pour les enfants.
Leur relation est aussi douce que drôle.

La trame est intéressante avec une bonne intrigue mais pour moi il manque un petit quelque chose. Ca va un petit peu trop vite et c’est un poil trop simple à mon sens. Mais cela reste une bonne lecture et j’ai été ravie de retrouver le reste du clan Whitley, pour voir ce que chacund devenait. D’autant plus que c’est le dernier tome et donc le moment de leur dire au revoir… J’ai adoré découvrir cette famille à l’histoire un peu singulière et ils vont me manquer.
Etant maintenant à jour dans ma lecture des séries de Layla Hagen, je dois attendre ses prochaines sorties. La première étant en avril pour une nouvelle série, et la deuxième en juin pour le quatrième tome de « The LeBlanc Brothers » que j’ai hâte de découvrir.

En attendant si vous cherchez une lecture douce, avec une atmosphère chaleureuse et familiale et beaucoup d’humour, je ne peux que recommander cette série!
https://kingdomofwordsblog.wordpress....

[Sarah Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nick Whitley is the last of the boys to settle down and has no desire to do so. But you know what they say about fate and our best laid plans, plus a meddling grandmother. When Nick's best friend Jim and his best friend's wife Nora dies, leaving his god children with their aunt, he wants to do everything he can to help. Allison was Nora's sister and she was left custody of Jim and Nora's twins Jack and Annie. Allison is a CFO and trying to adjust to becoming a parent overnight to twins while grieving her sister. In the midst of everything, Jim's parents Bob and Sophie file for emergency custody of the twins. Bob and Sophie are very stuck up and think Allison should be hiring a nanny and don't actually want to spend time with their grandkids, so why would they file for emergency custody? Being a single parent is not looked on kindly to by the courts and Allison is terrified of losing the kids because of Bob and Sophie's resources. This brings us back to Nick. Nick has always noticed Allison was attractive, but he doesn't want to settle down. However when Allison and the twins need help to keep them together, he's the perfect man for the job. Nick and Allison get married to show a happy family and combine resources to battle Bob and Sophie, but the marriage is purely for convenience and the agreement is they'll divorce as soon as Allison is ordered permanent custody. What happens when you do such a good job at pretending and feelings become real? You'll have to read to find out! This is a wonderful finale to the Whitley family series. I can't wait to see what Layla introduces to us next.

[Livia · Rating 5 out of 5]

My spoiler free review

Format collected / read: Audible audiobook format

Narrated by: CJ Bloom and Aiden Snow
Series: The Whitley Brothers, Book 1
Length: 8 hrs and 25 mins
Release date: 01-13-25
Publisher: Kemah Bay Marketing, LLC

Ratings
Overall: 5 stars
What did I like about this book?
Tagged as original / easy-to-read (listen to) / page turner / romantic / steamy / wonderful characters / witty / entertaining / happily ever after

Performance: 5 stars
I was very satisfied with the individual performances by 2 narrators CJ Bloom and Aiden Snow and would enjoy listening to another novel featuring either of them. Both voice actors were good with pacing, tone, and opposite gender voices.

Story: 5 stars
If I'm not mistaken, I haven't read too many fake-marriage romances to date. I really liked how our heroine and hero were acquaintances first who were united through their relationship to the deceased parents of the two orphaned kids. Author Layla Hagen is so talented at highlighting the most charming personality traits of the children characters featured in her books, and both narrators were able to capture their appeal.

Final verdict:
This was the best CEO & CFO fake-marriage trope novel that I have read to date. I highly recommend it and look forward to the next Whitley Brothers novel.

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything Layla Hagen writes is magic. A great ending to another fantastic series. The last of the Whitley Brothers has gotten married and Gran couldn’t be happier.

The story starts when Nick’s best friend, Jim and his wife, Nora die in a car accident. They leave behind their twin toddlers, Jack and Annie. Nora’s sister Allison immediately takes guardianship of the twins. In the months since the accident, Nick has been helping Allison whenever he can.

When the twins grandparents threaten to sue for custody, Nick hires a lawyer to help Allison keep the twins. The lawyer suggests that if Allison were married it would put her in a better position to gain permanent custody. That’s when the fun begins.

I love both of the main characters. Nick is a really great guy. He is kind, thoughtful, generous, gorgeous. He loves the twins and is willing to do whatever he can to protect them.

Allison is strong, intelligent, independent, also gorgeous and works as a CFO. I love the image of her being a powerful, successful woman in Boston. She immediately steps in to take care of the twins without a second thought. Just reorders her life to make them a priority.

The two of them have a great relationship with each other and the twins. The whole Whitley family shows up to support Nick and Allison. Love the Whitley’s.

Loved the final epilogue!

[Deb Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forever With the CEO
Whitley Brothers #8
Layla Hagen
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Iv’e loved all of Layla Hagen’s stories since forever, but it’s been a while since I’ve had that feeling that comes with an epic love story that sucks you in and leaves you you with all the feels! I believe Nick Whitley is my absolute favourite, his and Allison’s unorthodox relationship is heartwarming and beyond sweet.

When Allison lost her sister, Nora and brother-in-law, Jim in an accident, she finds herself guardian to 4 yr old twins, Annie, and Jack. As CFO her life and work life Is busy, but she never hesitated taking on the young kids, they were her blood, she’s making it work. Secretly the visits that comes from her brother in laws best friend Nick makes life a little easier, even if it’s pizza.

When Allison discovers Jim’s parents are going to fight her for custody, she’s freaked out. She owns her own home, has a great job but it is a single income, leaving her vulnerable. When Nick discovers this, he offers a marriage of convenience…. He’s rich, smart, sexy, hot… ooh sorry yes he’s the perfect package and hopefully the path to fire er with the kids.

It’s no surprise, good guy Nick jumps in head first, he loves the kids but he secretly lusts for Allison. This marriage was supposed to be an arrangement, but when they give in to their desires they are scorching perfection!

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nick Whitley is the final Whitley brother to fall in Forever With The CEO by Layla Hagen. I really enjoyed this story and the entire series. As each brother found forever love the family became closer with each other. Nick and Allison’s story involves several tropes such as fake marriage, slow burn, single mom, and friends-to-lovers.
Nick runs the fitness clubs for Whitley Industries and Allison is a CFO in Boston. The chemistry between Nick and Allison is white hot but they fight it for a long time even. Due to a situation Allison begins to worry if she’ll be able to keep her sister’s twins, Annie and Jack. Thanks to his brothers, Nick devises a pretty crazy plan to help Allison keep her niece and nephew. Annie and Jack are pretty cool kids and love their aunt very much. They come to love Nick just as much. Nick’s grandmother Jeannie Whitley and sister-in-law Penny do their best to play matchmaker. Not sure the matchmaking was needed but it was a fun part of the story. Nick and Allison do a fine job of falling in love with each other without any help from anyone. Since Nick and Allison’s story is the final story in the series I love how well the author wraps up what is going on in the lives of Nick’s brothers. Such a fun series. Each story is interconnected but you don’t have to read in order. For more enjoyment I highly recommend that you read them in order.

[Stacie Christensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It began as a fake marriage... and became so much more.

Nick Whitley, the charming and dependable CEO of Whitley Sports Industries, never saw himself settling down. Yet, when tragedy strikes and his best friend and wife pass away, leaving behind their twins, Nick steps in to help their aunt, Allison. What begins as an act of goodwill quickly evolves into something deeper when custody battles force Nick and Allison into a fake marriage for the sake of the children.

The story masterfully blends humor, tenderness, and passion as Nick and Allison navigate their unconventional arrangement. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and their shared devotion to the twins creates a heartfelt foundation for their growing bond. Nick's transformation from a carefree bachelor to a man ready to embrace fatherhood and love is both endearing and inspiring.

The author's ability to craft relatable, multifaceted characters is a standout feature. Allison is vibrant, funny, and resilient—a perfect match for Nick's dependable and determined nature. Their journey is a delightful mix of steamy romance and genuine emotional connection, with moments that will tug at your heartstrings.

The twins add an extra layer of warmth and authenticity to the narrative. Scenes of bedtime stories, pizza nights, and endless cartoons beautifully showcase the emerging family dynamic.

I was hooked from the first few pages and couldn’t put it down. With its compelling mix of romance, family, and personal growth, this story is a must-read for fans of heartfelt contemporary romance. Nick and Allison’s story is a testament to love that blooms in the unlikeliest of circumstances, and it will leave you with a smile long after the final page.

[Jennifer Leigh (jenjenbookfan) · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐄𝐎 is the 8th book in the The Whitley Brothers series by Layla Hagen, featuring a spicy friends to lovers, fake marriage romance for Nick and Allison. They bonded over loss and love for the two adorable kids left in her care after his best friend and his wife (Allison’s sister) passed away. When the sketchy paternal grandparents show up wanting custody, Nick steps up with an offer to help stabilize Allison’s position with marriage. It’s supposed to be fake and short-term, but will the chemistry and feelings between them change things?

I really enjoyed this story… my heart broke for the grieving babies and for Allison, but her strength and love for them really shined! Nick was swoon worthy in the way he was all in with them from the beginning as well. You can’t miss with well-written huggable kids, compelling family members that bring a little meddling and banter, a slow burn romance that ends up being explosive, and little suspense in the custody case! It was my first book in this particular series, but I had all the context I needed to fall in love with Nick and Allison and everyone in their world! I hope I have time to read the others soon!😅

I received an ARC for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶🌶🌶

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently finished reading Forever with the CEO, and it was such a heartwarming and enjoyable experience. This book tells the story of Nick Whitley, a confirmed bachelor and CEO of Whitley Sports Industries, whose life takes an unexpected turn when his best friend and his wife pass away, leaving behind their twins. When he steps up to help their aunt, Allison, things get complicated – in the best way possible!

What I loved most about this story was the way Nick's character evolved. He's this dependable, bachelor-type CEO, but he's also got a huge heart. His instant connection with the twins was so sweet, and watching him embrace the role of caregiver was genuinely touching. And Allison! She’s described as gorgeous and funny.

The fake marriage trope was done so well here. The story is about Nick and Allison having to share a home and a bed to convince the court that they are fit parents for the twins. It's heartwarming.

Overall, Forever with the CEO is a delightful read with well-developed characters, a heartwarming storyline, and just the right amount of romance. If you're a fan of fake relationship tropes, stories about found families, and swoon-worthy heroes, I highly recommend giving this book a try. It's a solid 4-star read that left me feeling good.

[Mayra Uribe · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing end to this captivating, loving, and wonderful series! I’ve been reading Layla’s work for some time now and she is one of the few authors who gives an amazing story to the point that you want to be part of the family. And the last one bites the dust, Nick and Allison’s story has been the cherry on top, and I see why they were the last ones. This is the first time I was full on crying reading one of Layla’s books, as a mother you really don’t want to think about the what ifs of someday leaving your kids so prematurely. I can’t even imagine losing both parents and as such an early age. Nick and Allison were really amazing at taking on such an important role for their best friends, and I wish we as parents have an Allison and a Nick to turn to in cases like this. What started as a marriage of convenience, turned into an amazing and very special story. I love me some Jeannie Whitely, she made this series have that special touch. I was so happy she got to experience seeing her grandkids find the kind of love she shares with her husband. Amazing end to this lovely series. Thank you Layla.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Having enjoyed the other books in this series, I was anxious to get my hands on Nicks story. Ms Hagen did not disappoint at all. I live the family dynamics, I love that once decided Nick was all in 100% and was determined to do anything it took. This book is a slow burn with all the feels.

Allison stepped up without a hesitation to take over raising the twins when her sister and brother in-law were killed in an accident. Now months later as they are just getting to a quiet normal, she is faced with a new round of challenges.

Nick has been around since Allison has taken over the kids. Trying to help and make sure the kids and Allison are doing well. When this new challenge arrives, he wants to support her and make sure the children don't go through yet another upheaval.

Both Allison and Nick have noticed the other in more than friendly manners but never crossed the line. The more time they spend together the more the thoughts pop up. Could it be that what started as something of convenience for a good cause could end up as something so much more?

Grab your copy and enjoy the adventure.

*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***

[YvonneReadsRomance · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've read the entire series and liked some of the books. This one, however, was not good.

The writing felt like it was written by a teenager who is unable to articulate feelings or emotions. It was stilted, the chemistry felt forced, and both characters bland and very teenage-like in how they interacted with each other - Allison more so than Nick. Their thoughts did not match their actions. Everything was written too clinically.

There was no reason for the MC's to not be together, yet fake angst was created around "we shouldn't". Allison was insipid, boring, bland, and illogical. An example of how her thoughts and actions just did not add up was when she invited her friends who abandoned her when her sister died to her fake wedding. Not only that, but she even told them that the wedding was fake when it was supposed to be a secret. Needless to say, said friends were a no-show at the wedding. Then, to add insult to injury, she invited the same friends to her real wedding / vow renewal. This time, they showed up, but still.

I did not enjoy this book. It was really boring, with both characters thinking one thing but doing something else for the biggest part of the book.

[Elena · Rating 5 out of 5]

The end of a series that wasn't long enough! The Whitley brothers and their family was a joy throughout the years and I enjoyed each story more than the other. The last Whitley bachelor, Nick, has found his forever and what a woman he got by his side! Allison is strong, kind, loving and sassy. The full package! And her love and care for the twins is absolutely endearing. Nick found a woman after his own heart. As much as he thought he is made for the single life and that he will never settle down, his purpose was always to love, to provide for a family and be a father. He just needed the right person next to him to open his eyes. Maybe their union in the first place was not as one would expect but they made it work and grew it into something more and I loved every minute of it.
The epilogue was absolutely brilliant. I couldn't end this series without knowing how the family ended, how many kids they got and it gave me so much joy to read those last pages. Thank you Layla for sharing such amazing characters with us!

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Layla rocks our world with another Whitley brother, this time it's Nick, and you will fall for him hook, line and sinker! Throw in Allison, Jack and Annie, and you have the perfect story! 5 Hot Whitley brother stars for this one!
Nick is a sworn bachelor, no plans to ever marry, that is until Allison, who has custody of his best friends twins, needs help in keeping custody of the them. He visits them once a week, but when he sees Allison struggling and needing a break, he swoops in to help her out. When the twins grandparents want custody of them from Allison, he again comes to the rescue, when the lawyer thinks if she were engaged it would help her case, so Nick offers to do it after some consideration.
Allison is concerned that this plan may backfire, but the attraction they have for each other, wins out and this becomes a fake marriage of convenience.
This story is emotional, sexy as all get out, and you will absolutely love it! Layla spins her magic with this story, it is a must read!

[Angels · Rating 5 out of 5]

We enjoyed Nick and Allison's story although the backdrop was heartbreaking and tragic it was also fun and flirty. It made us laugh and the ending had us shedding tears.

Allison's niece and nephew were heartthrobs and not help but fall in love with them. We love Nick's family every one of them especially Gran she is a sly one.

Who were they kidding that they could skate through this fake marriage business any time they were together they fought the chemistry between them. When together their chemistry was off the chart and perfect for one another. So sexy together!

Overall we loved this story, especially for the fact that Allison put her kids first and loved them with everything she had. The story had its ups and downs because of Nora's nasty inlaws but, Nick and his family were to support this couple no matter what. We loved how the story came together and no matter how Nick and Allison came to be what was between them was worth fighting for. Also, we just love swoony characters like Nick to good be true but, in the end, he proved his worth.

[Sofia Lazaridou · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I am very happy to say that I liked the small change in the newest addition to Layla Hagen's books. After what feels a really long time there was a small dose of angst and not everything was perfect as it usually is. I am glad we didn't get a huge break-up or something silly but something that actually felt organic to the story. Which is fitting to the story because the whole story progression felt like a normal romance between two people but with the extra touch that made the book excellent. I am very happy with this book and I would definitely recommend it. It felt different from the other books the author has recently written and it was refreshing. That doesn't mean I am unhappy with Layla Hagen though. The romance has been great and I love the Whitleys so I will just keep reading whatever the author is releasing. However I have to say that I couldn't fall in love with Allison's character even if she seemed like a good and relatable character. Nick was a good hero but not the best Whitley. Still, I thoroughly enjoyed their book and I would read it again.

[Read.Review.Repeat Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I loved Nick and Allison's story. I am a fan of this series and I was excited to see Nick as the last single Whitley fall. Nick and Allison both lost family and friends and now Allison is raising their twins. Allison is adjusting to being a single parent and looks forward to the evenings that Nick comes to spend time with the kids. Attraction grows between the two. When Allison's custody is challenged, Nick provides the solution of a marriage of convenience, but is it really just for convenience?

So many fun tropes in this story, best friend's sister, marriage of convenience with a little bit of matchmaking makes for a great story. Add in two adorable kids and a plethora of family and you get a fun escape and a swoon worthy HEA. " ~Cindy


Absolutely loved this book. Nick and Allison's story hooked me so fast I didn't want to put it down. It's heartfelt romance with a smidge of suspense and a great banter. It's the perfect ending to a wonderful series and that epilogue was the best. I loved this story! Definitely recommend. ~Andrea