Pretend We Are Us

The Timberbridge Brothers #1

by Claudia Y. Burgoa

I never expected to inherit a sprawling estate in a small town I’d never even heard of. To claim it, I have to outmaneuver my scheming cousin and fulfill one impossible find a groom.

Enter Ledger Timberbridge—the infuriatingly charming stranger I crossed paths with on my solo ( canceled) honeymoon.

Now, he’s here in Birchwood Springs, fighting to save his family’s struggling logging company. And somehow, he’s probably my only shot at keeping my inheritance. A marriage of convenience between us seems like the perfect solution.

But between small-town secrets, high-stakes family drama, and the undeniable spark between us, nothing about this arrangement feels simple. As the lines between convenience and something real begin to blur, I have to

Can I trust Ledger with my heart, or will this small town end up costing me everything?

From USA Today bestselling author Claudia Burgoa comes a small-town romance where a marriage of convenience to a former hockey player might be her only shot at keeping her family’s legacy—and maybe finding love along the way.



🪓Jilted Bride
🪓Fake Marriage / Marriage of Convenience
🪓Enemies to Lovers
🪓Small Town Romance
🪓Forced Proximity
🪓Grumpy/Sunshine Dynamic
🪓Found Family
🪓Second Chance at Love (after heartbreak)

Genres: Marriage Of Convenience, Audiobook, Romance, Small Town Romance, Contemporary, Second Chance, Suspense

358 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 26, 2025

About the author

Claudia is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author.
She writes alluring, thrilling stories about complicated women and the men who take their breath away.
She lives in Denver, Colorado with her husband and her youngest two children. She has a sweet Bichon, Macey, who thinks she's the ruler of the house. She's only partially right.
When Claudia is not writing, you can find her reading, knitting, or just hanging out with her family.
At night, she likes to binge watch shows with her equally geeky husband.

Instagram: http://bit.ly/ClaudiasIG
TikTok: https://bit.ly/CBstiktok
Bloggers/Influencers: https://geni.us/CBBloggers
Newsletter: https://geni.us/CBNewsletter

Reviews

[Srivalli (Semi-Hiatus) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

One Liner: Fun enough

Galeana is stunned to know that she inherited a sprawling estate in a small town, Birchwood Springs. This could be the good news she wanted after her fiancé left her at the altar. However, the will stipulates that she should be married.

Enter Ledger Timberbridge, the man she met briefly during her solo honeymoon. Turns out, he is from the same town. A marriage of convenience would help them both. But things start to feel a lot more real pretty soon!

The story comes in Galeana and Ledger’s first-person POVs.

My Thoughts:

I think I have some sort of ‘can’t ignore, though I may not like it much’ thing going on with the author’s books. I end up succumbing to the teasers and read the books despite the mixed results, lol.

So, this is a new series that’s still in progress. It’ll have five books for now (and all should be out before 2025 ends). While the author calls them standalones, I wouldn’t say the same.

The book kinda has three parts – the introduction, a time leap where we get into the actual plot, and a third section where the romance is sorted, but the suspense has little to no progress.

As a romance read, it is okay. Low on angst and no unwanted third-act breakup, so both are a plus (for me, obviously). The guy is very cocky, though once he is in, he is all in. The FMC is decent enough.

There’s enough lighthearted stuff with a dash of depth, something that seems to be the author’s trademark. The layers are explored much, which can be a bit frustrating if you want something more meaningful.

There are a truckload of tropes, as always. This is a thing now, so we’ll just have to go with it. Sigh!
I think my main issue is with the suspense aspect this time. It’s the overarching plot, so we get only the bare bones here. But the ending should have had a little more meat to it.

The epilogue works for the romance genre, but dilutes the suspense element. Maybe a tense cliffhanger to prevent the book from feeling like a lost blend of genres would have helped? It’s not like the series has to be standalone!

To summarize, Pretend We Are Us falls somewhere between romance and suspense, though it leans heavily towards the former. It’ll work as a palate cleanser between heavy books.

Anyway, I will read books two and three, which are out. They seems to stress more on the mystery and danger elements. Let’s see how it goes!

[Syndi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretend We Are Us is painful to read. I do not feel the chemistry and the banter to be honest is.... dull.
I was expecting so much more from Miss Burgoa.

2 stars

[Jodi - JodiReadsnListens · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Audio Review**
Swoon! Pretend We Are Us be Claudia Burgoa was a sweet and emotional small-town romance with a touch of suspense that squeezed my heart from start to finish. I am so in love with Birchwood Springs and the Timberbridge brothers, and this is only book one in the series. Galeana and Ledger’s marriage of convenience romance had me longing for these two to find their very own real HEA together.

Erin Mallon and Aaron Shedlock perform this audiobook in dual narration, and this pairing had me smiling and happy sighing throughout Gale and Ledger’s story. Erin’s performances are always just a bright ray of sunshine, and I loved how she portrayed Galeana’s vulnerable and passionate personality. Aaron turned on the charm giving Ledger the perfect amount of grumpy mixed with confidence to make this man simply irresistible. Both narrators created just the right amount of tension, longing, and steamy chemistry that made you ache for these two to give in to their desires.

Overall, I loved this book. If you are a fan of a small-town romance with a hot former hockey star, a college professor coming into a new inheritance, a forgotten night in Italy, a marriage clause, Maple Haven company, fender bender re-meet cute, truth-or-dare chats, fake marriage with benefits, baker best friends, helpful brothers, fiery explosions, danger, a touch of suspense, slow burn spice, and a HEA that feels like home, then you will love Galeana and Ledger’s story. I always look forward to more from Claudia Burgoa.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretend We Are Us
The Timberbridge Brothers Bk 1
By Claudia Burgoa
Narrated by Erin Mallon, Aaron Shedlock

I was in the mood for a good, angsty romance and Claudia Burgoa delivers with her first book in her new Timberbridge Brothers series. Ledger and Galeanna meet in Italy when a mix up rooms happen. Their intense chemistry is evident, but Galeanna runs, and now it's several years later, and they meet again. Galeanna has inherited an estate in Birchwood Springs. Ledger has been called back by his brothers to help with their failing logging business. Little did they know they would see each other again. Ledger sees this as his chance, so when she is in need of help, he is ready,willing and able. But as danger comes to their door, the real test begins. Will they be able to stay safe? Will they give into their feelings? Will they trust each other? Burgoa had me going, wondering how this was all going to turn out. She knows how to bring all the feelings out and get the heart pounding. I love their journey and can't wait to hear the next one.

Erin Mallon and Aaron Shedlock always are amazing and this book is no exception. Mallon is Galeana, and she plays the strong damsel in distress perfectly. She pulls out the feels as Aaron Shedlock has Ledger giving it as good as he gets. Ledger is so warm and loving. His protective nature is inherent and Shedlock knows how to bring that out in him. Loved these two!

[Kerry Melton · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're a fan of small-town romance novels with a hint of spice, then this book is it! It left me with all the feels from laughter to swooning, blushing, and grinning like a fool, leaving me dying for more! I can’t wait for the next book in this series. Galeana and Ledger's story thoroughly captivated me, and I'm excited to see what the future holds for the series.

Galeana's fiancé left her on their wedding day, leading her to spend her honeymoon plans alone. Following a night in Italy that she couldn't recollect, she chose to leave.

She later learned of an inheritance that required her to be married to receive it. Enter Ledger, the man she met on her solo honeymoon. Ledger was working to salvage his family's struggling logging company. Upon being reunited with Galeana, he was oblivious to the fact that his life was about to become substantially more complicated as a marriage of convenience becomes his reality.

Claudia Burgoa starts off her brand new Timberbridge Brothers series with a bang! This story really shows her talent for showing her character’s emotions and her interesting plots. I am fully invested in the characters' journeys and can’t wait for the next book

[Good Booking Girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretend We Are Us is the first book in what i anticipate to be an incredible series!
You can look forward to
Jilted Bride
Fake Marriage / Marriage of Convenience
Enemies to Lovers
Small Town Romance
Forced Proximity
Grumpy/Sunshine Dynamic
Found Family
Second Chance at Love (after heartbreak)

Micro tropes:
Wedding Mishap / Left at the Altar
Shared Living Space (Honeymoon Suite Mix-up)
Protective Hero- “My Wife”-possessiveness/jealousy
Witty Banter / Verbal Sparring
Emotional Baggage Healing

Ledger and Galeana are chef's kiss! their story is fun, adorably sweet but also laced with just the right amount of banter, spice and suspense that you'll be left wanting more.

I have become a huge fan of Claudia Burgoa. She writes it, i'll read it. I don't even need to read the synopsis. She has this amazing talent for delivering characters who are relatable, deep feeling, and her stories have great plot. It was so refreshing to read a love story so deep and mature. I can't wait to read what the rest of the brothers get up to and to learn more about their family's secrets and betrayals.

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

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claudia Burgoa has given us an amazing new start to this new series! The Timberbridge Brothers.

**Audiobook Review**

Ledger and Galeana first meet in Italy when they are both accidentally booked the same room.

Ledger can have any woman that he wants but he hasn’t been drawn to any woman in a long time, but he was immediately captivated with Galeana. I loved their game of truth or dare and their chemistry together felt so natural, but what happens when Ledger wakes the next morning with no Galeana and no way to contact her?

Galeana arrives Birchwood Springs to handle an inheritance but the last thing she excepts is to have a crash. In the middle of town, with all of the townspeople watching, and the man who steps out of the other vehicle is Ledger Timberbridge.

The narration for Ledger and Galeana was performed by Aaron Shedlock and Erin Mallon. These two did an amazing job at bringing these characters to life for us.

I can’t wait for the release of the next book in the Timberbridge Brothers series, which will be “Under the Same Sky”. It is scheduled to be released in May 2025.

[Tanja OMGReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This start to a new series brings out the best of Claudia Burgoa's world. She brings us intrigue, funny banter, undeniable chemistry, and a hero who'll do just about anything for the woman he loves.

Ledger and Galeana (love the name) met at a low point in life for both of them. But it's been almost two years since they saw each other, and life has decided to throw them together again. This time, there's a lot more at stake than just their hearts.

I loved both our main characters. Galeana is a strong woman who won't just roll over. Ledger may come off as a bit of an A-hole, but he's really a teddy bear if you dig deep enough. I loved the pairing, and I cannot wait to see where this series takes us next.

***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of Claudia Burgoa's review team***

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️

This was a small town, saucy good time.
It wasn’t anything groundbreaking, but i had a great time during. If you’re looking for a small town romance with a MMC with a dirty mouth this one is definitely for you.

The audio narration was well done and i stayed locked in the entire time. I enjoyed the narration and i would recommend audiobook for this!

You’ll find:
-Jilted Bride
-Fake Marriage / Marriage of Convenience
-Small Town Romance
-Forced Proximity
-Grumpy / Sunshine
-Found Family

Def would recommend if you’re wanting something quick and fun with spice! 🥵

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

PRETEND WE ARE US

Wow, what an exciting, intense and unknowingly happening story. Jilted bride, then meet an amazing hot Hockey player at what was meant to be your honeymoon. Later, as events are uncovered, finding out your mother was someone else, now you are heading to a hometown to see what awaits you. Many changes await you, unknowns, finding out that there are bad people who are trying to harm you. Great story.

[Nicole Scarborough · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Ledger and Gale. We met some of the other brothers and I can't wait for them. The history between Ledger and Gale shows they are meant to be. The chemistry was good and it was well written.

[Bookish Venturess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about a spicy marriage of convenience that turns into so much more. I loved this story and how they fell for each other. I would definitely love to find out more about what happens with the town and community. This book is a great spicy read that ends with a happy ever after.

[Laura Fabian · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC kindly provided for the author in exchange for an honest review

I knew I was going to love the story of Galeana & Ledger from the moment I read the little preview, and they exceeded my expectations: I think Claudia Burgoa couldn't have started this new series in a better way. I loved all the family drama of the Timberbridges, the family secrets that remain to be discovered, and the small dose of mystery that the author gave me. But the best of all was the love story of the main characters and how much they grew throughout the book.

Galeana had me in love from the first chapter! She's a girl who runs away to Italy to take advantage of her honeymoon after her fiancé leaves her at the altar. She's obviously going through difficult times because of that, but also because of family situations that broke her heart and left her a little lost. However, on that trip she makes a special connection with a strange man with whom she has to share her room due to a mistake. Plus, when she returns to the US, her world takes an unexpected turn and Galeana leaves her entire life behind to move to Birchwood Springs and tries to start over: her path is full of surprises and mysteries that she doesn't quite understand, and I love that, even though she's not going through her best emotionally, she always has Aiden by her side to support her unconditionally and give her the best/worst ideas when Gale needs it, and also Delilah when she arrives at BS (although I would have liked to see a little more of that friendship).

I should have had a love-hate relationship with Ledger because of his character's attitude, BUT I LOVED him so much from his first appearance in this story and as the book progressed I couldn't help but fall in love with him more because I didn't expect the direction his character took or all the growth he had. Ledger is a man broken by his childhood and his past, a cynical adult about his views on love (something I loved), and with a VERY dysfunctional family who is forced to return to Birchwood Springs after a setback in his career as a hockey player. From the beginning, it's very clear to me that this character wants nothing to do with his siblings or his hometown, BUT I love that when he returns to BS, he runs into that girl he couldn't forget since his trip to Italy as soon as he arrives, and Ledger shows a completely different side of his personality that made me enjoy him, the love story, and the book in general so much more.

Galeana & Ledger have one of the best beginnings that Claudia Burgoa has given me because from that first meeting they have in Italy they completely hooked me to their story and I LOVED the direction these characters took when they both meet in Birchwood Springs because in the plot of this beautiful book, Galeana needs to get married to have access to the inheritance of a grandfather she didn't know, and that's where Ledger comes in: agreeing to be her husband for a year in exchange for obtaining certain benefits 😈 during their marriage, a twist that I loved and enjoyed very much because Ledger is a truly loving man, who protects Gale and supports her when she is going through difficult times, also, I fell in love with the fact that he was sincere with what he wanted from his relationship with her, that he fought to be by her side and that he was willing to overcome his insecurities and traumas to be able to be happy with her.

💍Ledger: 5/5
💍Galeana: 5/5
💍Trama: 5/5
💍Love story: 5/5
💍Secondary character: 5/5
💍Universe: 5/5
💍Covers: 5/5
🌶️3/5

ARC amablemente proporcionada por la autora a cambio de una reseña honesta

Sabía que iba a amar la historia de Galeana & Ledger desde que leí el pequeño adelanto y además superaron mis expectativas: creo que Claudia Burgoa no pudo empezar de mejor manera esta nueva serie, me encantó todo el drama familiar de los Timberbridge, los secretos familiares que aún quedan por descubrir y la pequeña dosis de misterio que la autora me dio, pero lo mejor de todo fue la historia de amor de los personajes principales y lo mucho que crecieron a lo largo del libro.

Galeana me enamoró desde el primer capitulo! Es una chica que huye a Italia para aprovechar su luna de miel después de que su prometido la deje plantada en el altar, obviamente está pasando por momentos complicados debido a eso, pero también por situaciones familiares que le rompieron el corazón y la dejaron un poco perdida. Sin embargo, en ese viaje logra una conexión especial con un hombre desconocido con el que tiene que compartir su habitación debido a una equivocación, además, cuando vuelve a los EU su mundo vuelve a dar un giro inesperado y Galeana deja toda su vida para mudarse a Birchwood Springs e intenta empezar de nuevo: su camino está lleno de sorpresas y misterios que ella no entiende muy bien, y me encanta que, a pesar de que no está pasando por su mejor momento emocionalmente, siempre tiene a Aiden a su lado para apoyarla incondicionalmente y darle las mejores/peores ideas cuando Gale lo necesita, y también a Dalilah cuando llega a BS (aunque me hubiera gustado ver un poco más de esa amistad).

Yo debí tener una relación amor-odio con Ledger por la actitud de su personaje, PERO lo AMÉ demasiado desde su primera aparición en esta historia y a medida que avanzó el libro no pude más que enamorarme más de él porque no esperaba la dirección que su personaje tomó ni todo el crecimiento que tuvo. Ledger es un hombre roto por su infancia y su pasado, un adulto cínico en cuanto a sus opiniones sobre el amor (algo que me encantó), y con una familia MUY disfuncional que se ve obligado a regresar a Birchwood Springs después de un revés en su carrera como jugador de hockey. Desde el principio me queda muy claro que este personaje no quiere tener nada que ver con sus hermanos ni con su pueblo natal, PERO me encanta que cuando regresa a BS, nada más llegar se encuentra con esa chica a la que no pudo olvidar desde su viaje a Italia y Ledger muestra un lado completamente distinto de su personalidad que me hizo disfrutar muchísimo más de él, la historia de amor y el libro en general.

Galeana & Ledger tienen uno de los mejores inicios que Claudia Burgoa me ha dado porque desde ese primer encuentro que tienen en Italia me engancharon por completo a su historia y AMÉ la dirección por la que llevó a estos personajes cuando ambos se encuentran en Birchwood Springs porque en la trama de este hermoso libro, Galeana necesita casarse para tener acceso a la herencia de un abuelo que no conocía, y ahí es donde entra Ledger: aceptando ser su esposo por un año a cambio de obtener ciertos beneficios 😈 durante su matrimonio, un giro que me encantó y disfruté muchísimo porque Ledger es un hombre realmente amoroso, que protege a Gale y la apoya cuando está pasando por momentos complicados, además, me enamoró que fuera sincero con lo que quería de su relación con ella, que luchara por estar a su lado y que estuviera dispuesto a superar sus inseguridades y traumas para poder ser feliz con ella.

💍Ledger: 5/5
💍Galeana: 5/5
💍Trama: 5/5
💍Historia de amor: 5/5
💍Personajes secundarios: 5/5
💍Universo: 5/5
💍Portadas: 5/5
🌶️3/5

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first installment in a new series about the Timberbridge brothers.

Pretend We Are Us introduces us to Ledger. A retired NHL hockey player with a major chip on his shoulder. Galeana is a jilted bride picking up the pieces of her life when she meets Ledger. Their meet cute is awkward and spicy.

Family drama. Small town. Secrets and lies. Steamy and plenty of spice.

[Jonesy.Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Initial thoughts:

Too much going on, too many tropes, too many far fetched ideas for romance that is supposed to be plausible rather than make-believe, which leads to choppiness. The timeline feels like it changes in fits and starts.
I definitely feel it could have used another round of editing to flesh somethings out more and reduce the choppiness. It's a standalone, but there are major parts of the plot that are left unresolved.
Seemed as though it changed genres at the 65% mark when all of a sudden the mob is involved and a murder mystery is thrown in.
I feel like if some of the subplots were removed it would allow for the characters and main themes to be more fleshed out lending to a more cohesive novel.
But, if you like spicy open door romance, it has that part well covered.

I'm going to sit with this and may revisit at a later time.

[Kassye · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was hovering on 3.4-4 stars till the middle of the book. One thing happens, and then it’s 100 pages of NOTHING. No resolution. No character interactions. Just the two mcs talking to themselves and figuring out they love each other I guess? I get it the “bad guys” are part of an over arching plot, but the book should have ended 10 chapters earlier. Authors need to stop padding books just because they need page turns. Not hopeful for the rest of the series but we will see.

[Jessica L · Rating 2 out of 5]

nope

Nope not for me. I found the narration horrible. I struggle w Erin Mallon in a good book but this was horrible. I was bored. I felt like pieces were missing and the spice was not entertaining enough to keep going.

[Patti Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Pretend We Are Us by Claudia Burgoa; it is a small-town marriage of convenience love story. It is the first book in her new The Timberbridge Brothers series, and I loved meeting the other characters. Claudia Burgoa shows that she is an amazing storyteller, and she is a one click, must read author for me. I was hooked from the first few pages of Pretend We Are Us, it was impossible to put down and I loved every moment on every page. It is one of the most enjoyable books that I have read recently. Who does not love hot sexy men, strong females, loving families, and friends, who always support one another? Love the heartbreaking and heartwarming moments and plot twists included in Pretend We Are Us. Pretend We Are Us is the story of Galeana “Gale” Monroe, former college professor and former hockey star, Ledger Timberbridge. Galeana and Ledger initially meet in the Costa Serna honeymoon suite on Italy’s Amalfi Coast, eighteen months before the story begins. Galeana is there as a jilted bride and Ledger as a bitter hockey player there for a teammate’s wedding. I love all their initial interactions with each other, especially their game of truth or dare. The following morning Galeana leaves without exchanging names or numbers with Ledger. Gale learns that late mother, Helen, was really Ellen Doherty, the daughter of Dante Doherty, founder of Maple Haven by Doherty, a maple syrup and confectionary empire. Gale moves to Birchwood Springs after learning that she will inherit Dante’s estate following the death of her mother several years ago, except there is a clause in the will that she must be married. Their first interaction in Birchwood Springs happens when Gale runs into the rear of Ledger’s SUV. Shortly after their accidental meeting, Gale proposes a marriage of convenience to Ledger. I love all the things that Ledger adds to their marriage contract. As Galeana and Ledger spend time together as husband-and-wife things change between them, but neither one of them is willing to admit their true feelings for one another, because they do not know how the other feels. I love the sizzling chemistry between Galeana and Ledger and the conversations between them flow so easily, with innuendos and playful banter, and Galeana constantly flirting with dirty talking Ledger. I love all the little things that Ledger does for the Gale. I love all the heart-to-heart conversations between Galeana and Ledger. I loved that Pretend We Are Us is a more than just a romance, there are dilemmas that both Galeana and Ledger are facing that need to be resolved, and there is a plot twist that threatens their lives and their relationship. I love how Claudia Burgoa reveals in the Author’s Note that the events of the plot twist will not be resolved until the last book in the series. I love the ending of the love story, and how both Galeana and Ledger change because of their love for one another and everything that Galeana is willing to do to have a life with Ledger. My favorite part is the epilogue and how it is the perfect ending to their love story and that they get closure to their first meeting. I love all the descriptions of the Birchwood Springs setting. Pretend We Are Us is filled with all those things that we have come to love and expect in a love story, Claudia Burgoa did not disappoint, especially with the poignant and bittersweet moments that filled this page turner. I really enjoy how the book is written in the first person from the perspective of the main characters. I love getting inside their minds and knowing their thoughts and how they really feel. Pretend We Are Us is filled with poignant and bittersweet moments as well as plot twists and surprises that I have come to love and expect in a Claudia Burgoa love story. I love how Claudia Burgoa incorporated the title of the book into their love story. I love all the characters in Pretend We Are Us. They feel like family and friends. I enjoyed all the interactions between the Timberbridge brothers and the family dynamic, it feels like real family love and makes me laugh at their teasing. I especially love the family’s group text stream. I loved visiting Luna Harbor and catching up with Nydia. I am looking forward to reading the other books in this series. Who does not love family and friends that always have each other’s backs? I thoroughly enjoyed Pretend We Are Us, who does not love a marriage of convenience love story. It was such an enjoyable book to read. Highly recommend this incredible love story. Received an advanced copy from the author.

[Books, Booze & Bon Voyage (Krista Webster) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretend We Are Us by Claudia Burgoa is book one in her new series The Timberbridge Brothers.
This is a series of standalone stories about the five brothers but it also has a subplot about the town, which will be revealed in book five. This is a love story between former hockey player Ledger Timberbridge and college professor Galeana Monroe. It is a marriage of convenience with a twist because not everyone is happy about either of them being in Birchwood Springs. While the couple sort through their feelings, we get hints about the other brothers and get to meet two of them. I loved the start and couldn’t wait to see what happened, then the secrets started to be revealed so the suspense and mystery had me totally intrigued. This author is so good at intense storylines that draw you in and keep you interested. The first five chapters are the prequel - In The Beginning Of Us, so if you have read that then start at chapter six.

The story starts with the funny meet cute between Ledger and Galeana in Italy. She is a jilted bride and he’s a bitter player. Neither want to be there but end up together in the honeymoon suite. What follows is hilarious banter between the two as they fight over the room. He’s shocked at how stunning and feisty she is and she’s taken aback by how handsome he is. They have a really insightful conversation that gives us a little information of both their back stories and some very revealing family details. When truth turns to dare challenges things get steamy but could he make her forget about everything and was he as good as he said he was?

We are left wondering what happened during that week and catch up with Galeana eighteen
months later. She has moved to Birchwood Springs after some shocking news about her mother and an unexpected inheritance. She was hoping for a fresh start and a totally new life but fate has other ideas for her. The estate and business comes with a lot of drama, legal battles, a family feud as well as small town politics and gossip. Then to make matters worse, there is a marriage clause in the will and she literally bumps into her mystery man from Italy.

After the surprise of seeing him and then confusion over his identity, she asks him for help with her predicament. Ledger has never forgotten about her and the past year has been bad for him so he’s very happy to help her out. The author gives us some great flirting and banter as the couple come to a deal and Ledger is hilarious with his rules for their marriage. I loved how they opened up to each other during their conversations but were both too stubborn to admit their feelings. They have both experienced events which provide some poignant scenes between them as we learn about what they have been through.

I loved both of her best friends. Aiden was so funny and Delilah was a delight with all knowledge about the town. I can’t wait other find out more about his oldest brother Malerick, who is the new sheriff in town but is definitely hiding something. The author teases us with touches of information about the other brothers and their relationships with each other.

Galeana is determined to win her battle over her inheritance and Ledger needs to figure out how to save his family’s legacy while winning over the town who dislike the brothers. When danger comes knocking on her door all their good intentions go out the window and suddenly what was fake seems very real to both of them. I really liked how this couple worked at their relationship and pulled together when they needed each other. Great ending and a fabulous epilogue. A really well written and enjoyable book with good character development and great world building to start the series.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one in The Timberbridge Brother’s series and it is Gale and Ledger’s story and omg what a great start to a new series and definitely a must read. When Gae was stood up at the altar she decided to go on the honeymoon alone so that she could get away from the constant stares and sorry looks but when she got there she decided to make the most of it only to get a shock when she realised that someone else is staying in the suite as well and neither would give up and leave so now things had become even more complicated and Gale realised that everything that could go wrong had gone wrong and even after there time together she just couldn’t forget him and how he made her feel even though she knew that she wouldn’t see him again. Eighteen months later and Gale gets a shock when she is told that she had inherited a Maple Syrup and Confectionery Empire in Birchwood Springs so she quit her job and moved there only to find out that she had a battle on her hands and she also had to be married to be able to claim her inheritance and to top it all off the empire was on the brink of collapsing so now she was in a race against time to nt only find someone to marry but also work hard to get the business back up to scratch but one thing that Gale vowed and that was to fight to the end and not give up. Ledger was a famous hockey player until a severe injury derailed his whole career leaving him afloat and not knowing what to do next and now he had arrived in Birchwood Springs to help his brother’s with the family business and even though he really didn’t want to be there he was determined to help in anyway that he can but the biggest shock was to see Gale in town after so long and he was determined to get to know her better because after there interaction he never really got over her so now he sees this as his chance. Even though they are often at each other’s throats there was still a attraction, chemistry and connection between them and the more time that they spend together the stronger things grow and then they decide on a marriage of convenience so that Gale can get her inheritance and nobody else can take it away from her but then danger had arrived and that started to change everything and that is when Ledger decided that he would keep Gale safe and protected how ever he can regardless of what he had to do or the consequences involved. What happens when fake starts to feel very real between them, will they get the happiness and future that they both want and deserve or will it all fall apart leaving them both missing out on something so special even though they are so perfect together and for each other. This book will take you on the biggest rollercoaster ride of so many emotions and I read this book in one sitting until the early hours of the morning because I just couldn’t put it down as the story was so engaging and addictive and will have you turning the pages to see what happened next and this book with all the twists and turns along with suspense, danger, drama, intrigue, secrets, hope, love and situations that will have you on the edge of your seat while keeping your attention throughout and I can’t wait to read the next book in this amazing series. Claudia Burgoa is an amazing author and writer and she certainly knows how to pull her readers into her stories and make you feel like you are there living through everything with them and all there experiences and I definitely recommend you read this book and others by her and you will not be disappointed.

[Bette · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Amazing New Series! Fantastic Story & Narration🎧

Pretend We Are Us
The Timberbridge Brothers
By: Claudia Burgoa
Narrated by: Erin Mallon, Aaron Shedlock

Wow, Claudia Burgoa is off to a running start with an amazing start to her new “Timberbridge Brothers” series, a small town romance, set in Birchwood Springs. This first book is Ledger and Galeana’s story, and the two first met in Italy, when the hotel accidentally booked them in the same room. It turned into a memorable night, one that left Ledger intrigued with her and wanting more, except that did not happen, at least not then, because fate was not done with them. An inheritance brings Galeana to Birchwood Springs, and when in town, she crashes into the last person she thought she’d see again, Ledger and this meeting almost went as well as the first, NOT! A misunderstanding about who Ledger really is, but one they get that squared away and the two realize they agree about what she needs to do to save her inheritance and possibly the town. The chemistry between these two was smoking hot, and it was great watching their relationship morph into something so much more. It was also great learning more about them and they quickly became some of my favorite characters. I loved all the layers of this intriguing story and how it all played out, with drama, angst, some mystery, thrilling suspense, heartfelt emotions, and steamy romance. The mystery and suspense storyline continue on in the next book in the series and adds even more depth to the story and series. And in true Burgoa fashion, the writing, plot, and world building are incredible, as are the character growth and development. I am looking forward to the next book in the series, “Under the Same Sky”.

🎧📚🎧  Erin Mallon and Aaron Shedlock were the perfect cast to bring these characters to life, humanizing them with their voices and were believable in every role. Their portrayal of each was spot on, both showcasing every aspect of their character’s personality, with Shedlock nailing it as Ledger and Mallon doing the same as Galeana. Both were just as fabulous performing the side/secondary roles, too. They set the right tone for the story, captured all the characters’ emotions and had you feeling them all. These two are the perfect pairing, with voices and talent that complement each other and a performance that elevates the already amazing story to another level. They are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to.

[Sarah Slusarczyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new series! Yay! Pretend We Are Us is the first installment of Ms. Claudia’s newest series The Timberbridge Brothers. As the first in the series, it can of course be read as a standalone, this is a small town, found family, grumpy sunshine, marriage of convenience romance. No major trigger warnings either. This book is filled with angst, giggles and spicy banter that is sure to entertain its reader.

Galeana aka “ Gale” is a college professor, strong and independent, she is not your typical woman, but non the less she thought she found the one man she was meant to spend her life with. Turns out she was wrong. After being left at the altar by her fiance, Gale takes her all paid honeymoon by herself leading her to Ledger. These two meet at a rough patch in each of their lives, but they find a little comfort in each other when an oopsie happens with their hotel rooms. After a quick trice filled with passion, Gale leaves Ledger behind. (This made me a little sad, it I get the point for the story)

Years have passed and Gale has just found she has inherited an estate in Birchwood Springs, aka Ledger's home town, not that she knows this. There’s a catch though, because why not, the last few years haven’t been tough enough. That catch? She has to be married to claim her inheritance. When she runs into Ledger, a hometown native, an idea pops into her head. Could she ask him for a marriage of convenience? Would he even be OK with something like that?

Ledger has returned home to Birchwood Springs in hopes of helping his brothers save their family’s logging business. His brothers are Lind, dysfunctional and all around a pain in the butt, but they are family, and family helps family. When he meets Gale again, it’s like lightning hits him. He didn’t want her to go before and even more so now, he will do anything to make her stay.

Wowzer! Ledger and Gale are fire together, their banter and chemistry are off the charts and make for some good reading. For a little while there Ledger was a bit of a butthead, but when he finally managed to pool his head out, the fun really got started. Overall the story was fun and engaging, the plot was easy to keep up with and the spice was good as well. This was a great start to a new series and I can’t wait to see what comes next.

4 ⭐️
2.5 🌶

Tropes

🏒 Former Hockey Player
☀️ Grumpy-Sunshine
💍 Marriage of convenience
🏡 Small Town Romance

[Rebecca Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretend We Are Us is the first book in Burgoa's new series, The Timberbridge Brothers. It is a small town, second chance romance featuring Galeana Adele Monroe and Ledger Timberbridge. The two meet in Italy where they are accidentally double booked in the same room. Galeana is there on what was supposed to be her honeymoon but she was left at the altar. Ledger is there to attend a wedding. The forced proximity definitely sets the mood for the book. While a very bumpy and tension-filled start, the two share an evening together where they are real and honest. Galeana leaves before Ledger wakes up leaving him thinking about her.

Almost two years later, fate brings these two together again. Galeana was surprised to learn she inherited Maple Haven, a maple syrup and confectionary empire. She therefore quit her job as a college professor and moved to Birchwood Springs. Life isn't how she imagined; she finds out she is not the only contender for this inheritance and that if she wants to claim it, she needs to be married.

(Un)fortunately Galeana ends up rear ending none other than Ledger who has returned to his hometown to deal with some Old Birchwood Timber business, his family's company. A marriage of convenience is proposed, but this arrangement quickly blurs from a fake marriage to real feelings.

I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Erin Mallon and Aaron Shedlock. These two voice actors definitely bring Galeana and Ledger to life. I love listening to Mallon; every time I hear her on an audiobook, it is like having a chat with an old friend. Once again, her performance was brilliant. I could feel Galeana's passion, her vulnerability, her fear and her strength. As for Shedlock, he definitely brought forth Ledger's grumpy, growly, protective, possessive nature.

I enjoyed this book, but if I'm honest, I'm more intrigued by older brother Malerick. It looks like the author will be linking these interconnected stand alone love stories with an underlying mystery, and Mal seems to be the one who is currently in the know. I suspect that means his story might be last. That's okay; I'll enjoy the complete journey! It looks like she plans to get the series out promptly as I already see the planned dates for the forthcoming books. I'm excited!

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️
2.75🌶

💛 Former Hockey Star X College Professor
💖 Re-Meet Cute
💛 Small Town Romance
💖 Fake Marriage With Benefits
💛 Marriage Clause for Inheritance
💖 Suspense

Claudia really brought this first book of the Timberbridge Brothers series out with a whole BANG 💥‼️ I came in with zero expectations because it's the best way to come into a new book series. But to say that I was blown away is an UNDERSTATEMENT! I started this audiobook in the late morning and had it finished later that afternoon. I devoured this audiobook sooo fast. I just couldn't stop listening. 

Erin Mallon and Aaron Shedlock were the perfect pair for this book and these characters. I loved how well they brought these characters to life and this story a whole new dimension. With their voices it only brought this story more to life. 


I was so invested in everything that was happening with Galeana and Ledger. 

I loved Galeana from the very beginning. She had some humility even when she was in the worst time of her life. I loved her inner monolog and how she thought Ledger was hot. I mean how could you not have some inner monolog around that sexy man? And don't even get me started on the Truth or Dare. I was on the edge of my seat THE WHOLE TIME. But I truly loved how well she rolled with the punches she was dealt. She was able to trust Ledger and even though everything wasn't how she thought it was going to be, she was still able to come out on top with the love of Ledger. 

Ledger had to be the sexiest man! Well not only sexy but also one of the most loyal people. He was willing to help Galeana even if he didn't get anything other than her sexually. Which some would say is better than anything else. To each their own. Ledger was who was always willing to be the man she deserved. Not only the man she deserved but also the love of her life. Ledger did everything he could to make sure that Galeana was safe at every turn but that she also knew she was loved and cared for. 

🔥 Let's Talk About Sex Baby 🥵: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

These two definitely had the fire in the bedroom! They shared passion that many couples would love to have!! 

I received a complimentary copy via Claudia Burgoa. All opinions are my own, honest and voluntary.

[Dora Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

PRETEND WE ARE US is the first book in The Timberbridge Brothers series set in Birchwood Springs. Get ready for this emotionally charged fake relationship with benefits, slow-burn tension, angst, drama, suspense, witty banter, and push and pull. I was totally captivated throughout this addictive page-turning story. I also swooned over the handsome, tall, brooding, rich, and charming Ledger Timberbridge—who is a professional hockey player.

When a woman is derailed and jilted by her fiancé at their wedding, will staying at a beautiful honeymoon suite in Italy be enough to forget or will this be her undoing when she finds herself double booked in a honeymoon suite with a handsome stranger? This is Ledger (Ledge) Timberbridge and Galeana (Gale) Monroe’s story.

Ledger has four siblings (one is a half-brother who he does not trust), but his family is dysfunctional. Galeana is a college professor. After being jilted at her wedding, she decided to go on her honeymoon by herself in Italy since it was already paid for. After a mixup by the hotel, Ledger who was there attending a wedding was accidentally booked in the same room. Drinking champagne left a memorable and unforgetting night for Ledger who was fascinated by the mysterious woman. After returning, Galeana was notified that she was to inherit a sprawling estate in a small town called Birchwood Springs. One caveat—she has to get married. Of all the people to run into in the small town—none other than Ledger Timberbridge from Italy! In order to keep her inheritance, should she ask Ledger for a marriage of convenience? Ledger and Galeana are polar opposites—can opposites attract? Or can they find enough common ground to let their attraction ignite and risk falling in love? The chemistry between them is irresistibly adorable, palpable, and leaps off the page! Everything about them seemed too good to be true, but none of that mattered until a situation turns Galeana’s idyllic life upside down. Find out what happened! Claudia Burgoa writes dynamic stories about love, forgiveness, and family. I HIGHLY recommend this book!

[kgagnon · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Captivating and Steamy Stars!

Wow, what a thrilling start to Burgoa's new Timberridge Brothers series! This introduction to Galeanna and Ledger and his estranged brothers is full of tension, deep emotion, secrets and sizzling passion. Galeanna and Ledger's crazy meet cute start their attraction to each other. But Galeanna runs before they are able to act on it. Now a year later she learns a secret that she has inherited a sprawling estate in the small town of Birchwood Springs. When she arrives, she literally bumps into the man she couldn't forget. Ledger is back in town at his brother's request. He is surprised at seeing Galeanna again, after her hasty departure. He has never forgotten about her either, and when she needs his help, he is determined to win her over. Just as they begin to trust each other, something happens that puts both their lives at risk. Can Galeanna trust Ledger and his brother's to save her and her family's legacy, or will the secrets they keep destroy it all, including her heart? This is a heart pounding story of suspense, desire, determination & love! I loved the good mix of romance and suspense that had me on the edge of my seat, completely consumed by this story. I loved Galeanna's strength and resilience, and Ledger's alpha-protector, and dominance along with his swoony gentleness with those he cared for. Their relationship was complex and sizzling and I loved the way it played out. I am so intrigued by all the Timberridge brothers and I can't wait to find out what happens next!
Erin Mallon and Aaron Shedlock's performances were phenomenal! Mallon embodied Galeanna so beautifully, with the perfect balance of strength and vulnerability. Shedlock made my heart pound with every emotional, suspenseful, and passionate scene. I always love both voice actors and they really brought out all the heat, chemistry, and the whole spectrum of feels.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic start to a new series by Ms. Burgoa. She gave us readers a well written storyline full of laugh, suspense, romance and hot times behind closed doors. As for characters, I am here to tell you we are going to have fun with the Timberbridge Brothers. The town remembers them as the hooligans they were as kids and aren’t very welcoming. But when their mother passes, a lady the town adored, the boys are heading back to Birchwood Springs to decide what to do with the estate and hopefully do the town and their mother right.

This is Galeana and Ledger’s story. They met by accident at a resort in Costa Serna where a mixup has them both booked in the honeymoon sweet. He was there for a team-mates wedding and she was on her honeymoon alone after being left at the altar. Their chemistry was off the charts but sadly Gale snuck away before names and numbers could be exchanged. Fast forward to the present. Gale’s grandfather, that she never knew about, passes away and she is possibly the heir to the Maple Haven fortune and a large estate. But two issues are standing in her way 1) a scheming cousin and 2) a stipulation in the will that she must be married in order to claim her inheritance. In walks Ledger, the man she secretly could never forget and he’s definitely not forgotten her. But needless to say they get off to a rocky start due to a miss-assumption. From there I can only say hold onto your hats as the storyline is going to take you on a ride full of twists, turns, deceptions, and finding out that forever love can turn up at the darndest times and under the strangest of circumstances.

I can’t recommend book 1 of the Timberbridge Brothers series enough. Grab it up and be prepared for a heartbreaking, heartwarming, exciting romance. As for this reader, she can’t wait for the next brother’s story to hit the shelves and see what's going to happen next in the small town of Birchwood Springs.

2 Thumbs Up and 5+ Stars

[Nadene (Totally Addicted to Reading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Pretend We Are Us is the first book in Claudia Burgoa's new series, The Timberbridge Brothers. In this first book readers can expects a small-town romance where emotions run high, and a fake relationship slowly becomes real.

Meet Galena, a strong, determined and brilliant female professor. When the story begins readers learn that she was jilted at the alter by the man she thought she would spend the rest of her life with. However, instead of wallowing in self-pity she decides to take advantage of the honeymoon which her ex has paid for. While there she met Ledger Timberbridge , a hockey player. They shared a connection; however, Galena didn't stick around to explore the depth of their connection.

Fast forward eighteen months later their paths crooked again. This time around Galena is in need of a husband to claim her inheritance and Ledger makes the perfect candidate.

Galena and Ledger's chemistry burned through the pages. Their relationship evolved nicely throughout the story. Their back stories provided insight into their personalities which portrayed them as likeable characters.

In addition to the romance Burgoa introduces drama, mystery and suspense. While the romance was tied up nicely, the mystery and suspense left the reader hanging. Despite this the story was fun and engaging.

Erin Mallon and Aaron Sherlock's narration gave the characters life and brought authenticity to the story. They captured the essence of who Galena and Ledger were and they also did a wonderful job with the secondary characters. Their interpretation and pacing made listening to the audiobook a great experience.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading

[Felecia Rodney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook Review: Pretend We Are Us (The Timberbridge Brothers, Book #1) by Claudia Burgoa
Dual Narration by Erin Mallon and Aaron Shedlock

Tropes:
Marriage of Convenience
Retired Hockey Player Hero
Small Town, Big Feels
Jilted Bride
Forced Proximity
Found Family Energy

I didn’t expect this to hit me in the FEELS the way it did.

At its core, Pretend We Are Us is about two people who’ve lost pieces of themselves and slowly—impossibly—start finding them in each other.

Galeana "Gale" Monroe is left heartbroken and humiliated. What was supposed to be her honeymoon turns into a solo trip filled with tears, pasta, and a wrong-room mix-up that introduces her to Ledger Timberbridge—a stranger with pain of his own and a soft side hidden beneath his scowl.

Their brief, emotional Italian connection ends with a kiss… and a goodbye.

Fast-forward over a year later, and their paths cross again in Birchwood Springs. Gale is there to run her grandfather’s company, but she can’t claim it unless she’s married. Ledger’s struggling to keep his family’s business afloat. A fake marriage seems like the logical solution—except nothing about their chemistry is fake.

The audiobook experience is phenomenal. Erin Mallon brings Gale’s humor, sharp intellect, and emotional strength to life beautifully, while Aaron Shedlock’s gravelly voice and nuanced delivery made Ledger feel both guarded and deeply human. Their chemistry crackles in every scene.

Their connection? Real.
Their banter? Delicious.
The emotional baggage? HEAVY.
The spicy moments? 😮‍💨

This book made me swoon, and made me believe in love that doesn’t always arrive in the package we expect—but still feels like coming home. I’m obsessed with this series already.

[Amy Storment · Rating 4 out of 5]

🎧ALC REVIEW🎧
📚Pretend We Are Us by Claudia Burgoa
🎤Erin Mallon & Aaron Shedlock

Book #1 Timberbridge Brothers
DUAL NARRATION

This is a great beginning to a new series. If you love a sweet & passionate small-town romance with a little splash of suspense & a passion filled fake relationship with benefits, this is it.🙌 It's a slow burn filled with tension, angst & drama. Lots of witty banter & a heavy push & pull between the MC's. Ledger, a broody & charming hockey player and Galeana, a feisty teacher who inherits a sprawling estate.

When Gale is jilted by her fiancé & left at altar, she decides to go on her honeymoon anyways & sets off to the beautiful Amalfi Coast to work through her feelings. To her dismay, her honeymoon suite has been double-booked with a handsome & rich stranger. Using champagne to wash down her anger & hurt, she's left with an unforgettable night with Ledger Timberbridge, a man worth remembering!

After returning home, she literally runs into the man she hasn't been able to stop thinking about. Ledger is happy to help her with her predicament but...he's got some demands of his own. You get a great mix of romance, & suspense that makes this story such a fun one to listen to.

🎧Let's talk narration: I mean you've got two pros here, there's no going wrong with this audio. Erin is absolutely perfect as the fiesty & opinionated Gale. She gives Gale vulnerability and strength which makes her a character you absolutely love. Aaron plays this cocky & broody billionaire to perfection. These two together give you such wonderful banter & an engaging story line. Listened to this one straight through. It's such a fun beginning to Claudia's new series. Cant wait to see what happens next.

Thank you Claudio Burgoa for an advanced copy of the audio. All thoughts are my own. You'll definitely enjoy this audio in you ears!