What do you think?
Rate this book
The Temporary Wife
When single dad Colby Marshall faces the unthinkable, his ex threatening to take sole custody of their son, he knows he'll do anything to protect his family. Even if it means asking the one woman who's always been off-limits to marry him in a last-ditch effort to prove his best friend, Gianna Stapleton.
Gianna's been Colby's rock for years through heartbreak, bad breakups, and late-night calls that were almost something more. But she's also fiercely independent, with no plans to settle down. Saying yes to a fake marriage wasn't in her plans, but the moment she slips that ring on her finger, the line between friendship and forever starts to blur.
As their carefully constructed facade becomes something far too real, they'll have to decide if the risk is worth it and if their hearts can survive falling for the one person they were never supposed to lose.
Gianna's been Colby's rock for years through heartbreak, bad breakups, and late-night calls that were almost something more. But she's also fiercely independent, with no plans to settle down. Saying yes to a fake marriage wasn't in her plans, but the moment she slips that ring on her finger, the line between friendship and forever starts to blur.
As their carefully constructed facade becomes something far too real, they'll have to decide if the risk is worth it and if their hearts can survive falling for the one person they were never supposed to lose.
- GenresBook Club
119 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 13, 2025
41 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Heidi McLaughlin
128 books7,438 followersHeidi McLaughlin is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of The Beaumont Series, The Boys of Summer, and The Archers.
In 2012, Heidi turned her passion for reading into a full-fledged literary career, writing over twenty novels, including the acclaimed Forever My Girl.
Heidi’s first novel, Forever My Girl, has been adapted into a motion picture with LD Entertainment and Roadside Attractions, starring Alex Roe and Jessica Rothe, and opened in theaters on January 19, 2018.
To stay connected with Heidi visit www.facebook.com/authorheidimclaughlin or heidimclaughlin.com
In 2012, Heidi turned her passion for reading into a full-fledged literary career, writing over twenty novels, including the acclaimed Forever My Girl.
Heidi’s first novel, Forever My Girl, has been adapted into a motion picture with LD Entertainment and Roadside Attractions, starring Alex Roe and Jessica Rothe, and opened in theaters on January 19, 2018.
To stay connected with Heidi visit www.facebook.com/authorheidimclaughlin or heidimclaughlin.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 3, 2025
This story was a sweet romance. Lucus, a six year old boy gets a family. He is a big part of the story. He is adorable and very perceptive. His father is kind and fighting for custody.
The characters are realistic and believable. I didn’t want the story to end. I recommend this book to readers.
The characters are realistic and believable. I didn’t want the story to end. I recommend this book to readers.
July 21, 2025
Luca is the most adorable little boy who brings his father and Gianna together. A sweet love story about choosing family and building a life together.
November 6, 2025
True love
I love this unsuspecting love tale of two friends in love forever but only recognizing it when circumstances forced it to happen.
I love this unsuspecting love tale of two friends in love forever but only recognizing it when circumstances forced it to happen.
December 7, 2025
an emotional book for me
It took me to almost the end of this book to fully understand it, but once I did I went back and reread parts of it. You will see the love in the book!
It took me to almost the end of this book to fully understand it, but once I did I went back and reread parts of it. You will see the love in the book!
December 21, 2025
Lectura entretenida y ligera.
October 20, 2025
Colby has been a single dad, doing his best, loving his son. Colby is one of those dads that actually means it whe his son comes first. When the mother walked away, Colby stepped up for his son.
The day the mother decides to go for custody is his worst day. She has the money get what she wants. The prospect of losing custody of his son has him grasping for a lifeline. A marriage, a stable home might just trump money.
Colby didn't realize how low the mother would go. He can only fight back with love. Will it be enough?
The day the mother decides to go for custody is his worst day. She has the money get what she wants. The prospect of losing custody of his son has him grasping for a lifeline. A marriage, a stable home might just trump money.
Colby didn't realize how low the mother would go. He can only fight back with love. Will it be enough?
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews