Fraternal twin to a glamorous supermodel, Ailee Klein knows her place. Even if her parents hadn’t continuously told her she wasn’t particularly pretty or smart, she realizes her crush on her boss Josh Huxley is hopeless, especially when her sister is set on marrying him. So Ailee starts a serious relationship with another man to get over him.
Underneath a veneer of success and respectability, billionaire lawyer Josh Huxley carries psychological scars. Dubbed the one most like his psychopathic mother, who tried to kidnap him and his brothers when he was eight, he suppresses his dangerous urges for revenge and puts on a mask to fit into his family and keep everyone safe…not just from his mother, who’s still at large, but from himself.
The only woman who can soothe the jagged edges of his mind is his sunny assistant Ailee. When she’s bullied and publicly humiliated by her cheating fiancé and family, he steps in to protect her, and impulsively declares they’re engaged.
After her apartment burns down, she moves in with him. Their forced proximity cracks his mask, and he tries to stay away, afraid of tainting her sweetness with his darkness. But every smile and thoughtful gesture from her chips away at his defenses until he’s left yearning for her. When enemies from his past threaten her safety, he’s put to the test: how far will he go to protect her...?
Bilingual former management consultant Nadia Lee has lived in four different countries and enjoyed many adventures and excellent food around the globe. In the last eight years, she has kissed stingrays, got bitten by a shark, and petted tigers.
She shares an apartment overlooking a river and palm trees in Japan with her husband, winter white hamsters and an ever-widening pile of books. When she's not writing, she can be found digging through old Asian historical texts or planning another trip.
If longing were currency, he’d be richer than he already is. If delivering on the build-up were? We’re budgeting carefully.
Fake engagement. Boss tension. Emotional repression with a martyr complex. This had obsession written into its DNA.
In execution? A slow burn that kept promising ignition and never quite struck the match.
Where It Worked (Briefly)
Yearning in a Straitjacket. Josh’s restraint is conceptually strong. His trauma gives his brooding foundation, and when he finally cracks, those moments land.
The problem? Those moments are islands.
We get flashes of intensity - confession, possessiveness, vulnerability - and then we’re right back in repetitive internal spiraling.
The highs are good. They’re just surrounded by too much narrative padding.
The Audio Carried. Let’s be clear: the audiobook performances are excellent.
The duet narration adds texture, tension, and weight to scenes that might otherwise feel static. That low, controlled delivery does a lot of emotional heavy lifting.
And honestly? It’s the reason I finished.
Without it, I’m not sure I would have.
Where It Lost Me
The Pacing (Or Lack Thereof). This book lives in its own head.
“I don’t deserve her.” “I must maintain control.” “I am darkness; she is light.”
We circle these thoughts again and again without enough forward motion to justify the repetition.
There are stretches where very little changes. The tension builds, then stalls. Then builds. Then stalls.
At times, it felt like I was fading in and out of consciousness. The emotional beats would pull me back in, and the extended introspection would push me right back out.
It’s not just uneven at the end. It’s uneven throughout.
Ailee’s Family Dynamic. This was my biggest disconnect.
Her family consistently humiliates, dismisses, and undervalues her. It’s not nuanced. It’s blatant.
And yet she continues to center them. Continues to seek approval. Continues to keep them embedded in her life.
I understand trauma bonds. I understand conditioning.
But narratively? It became frustrating rather than compelling.
Instead of feeling layered, it started to feel cyclical.
The Bottom Line
There are good bones here.
But the execution never tightens enough to sustain its own emotional ambition.
The audiobook elevates it. The performances are genuinely strong. But even top-tier narration couldn’t compensate for the pacing drag and recycled angst.
It’s slightly stronger than The Lasker Brothers series - slightly.
Not enough to change the overall impression.
2.5 stars - strong moments buried in uneven momentum.
Almost fire. Mostly smoke.
Tropes and Vibes:
• Fake engagement (impulsive declaration edition) • Boss / assistant • Long-term pining • Forced proximity • Emotionally repressed billionaire • “I don’t deserve her” spiral (repeatedly) • Protective MMC with trauma • Toxic family dynamics • Heavy internal monologue energy • Duet narration supremacy
Oh my heart! His Temporary Fiancee by Nadia Lee was a thrilling and spicy mafia romance that sent my heart on an angsty, emotional rollercoaster ride. I couldn’t get enough of Ailee and Josh’s mutual pining/ he falls first, undeniable chemistry that made me long for these two to battle their demons from the past and find true happiness together. Stella Hunter and Jason Clarke perform this audio in duet-style narration. The chemistry these two always deliver when paired together is always spicy and HOT. Stella’s expressive, melodic voice perfectly captured Ailee’s passions, vulnerabilities, and desires as she gave in to the temptation of Josh Huxley. Jason’s deep, growly signature tone was on point with his portrayal of Josh emphasizing his protective and possessive demeanor brilliantly. The duet narration made this audiobook even more immersive with the witty banter and intense climactic moments. Overall, I loved this book. If you are a fan of a fake engagement romance with a hot, hunky billionaire boss, a sassy dedicated assistant, nightmares about the past, personal baggage, Klein family dinners, cheating exes, viral video engagments, forced proximity, she cooks for him, family heirlooms, panty steam, a psycho mafia mom, sapphires and tiaras, spicy opera dates, dangerous bathroom encounters, a jaw dropping climax, and a HEA that brings loyalty and unity then you will love Ailee and Josh’ story. I’m looking forward to more from Nadia Lee.
I’m disappointed so much! Like why Nadia Lee hyped Josh’s book so much and gave us nothing. NOTHING! Dragged out the plot for 80% of the book and solved everything in last 10%? Soooo laaame!
Plot: 4/5 • Spice: 2.5/5 ———-> I love a good boss/employee secret romance. In this one we even get an upgrade to fake engagement.
Her parents treat her like garbage. Her fraternal twin is the shining star of their world. Ailee is nothing. and they make it loud and clear. She an assistant to Josh. A wealthy lawyer. When shit hits the fan at celebrating Ailees sisters achievements, Josh step in and says they’re engaged. Which pisses her sister off even more because she was convinced her and Josh would get married one day.
After Ailee’s building randomly burns down she moves in with Josh. Really keeping up appearances here. Josh has always harbored a little feeling for Ailee. Ailee always had a little something for Josh. But they always kept it professional. Ailee’s self esteem is trash after what her family, her ex and her sister put her through. Josh helps her build her confidence back up and take her life back. While doing so they of course fall in love.
There are some twists and turns here that you piece together quickly. However, this was still a fun ride. Josh and Ailee being together and helping each other overcome some darkness really melted my cold black heart. This is a contemporary standalone. No third act break up. It does end on my least favorite trope so I had to knock a star down because it grinds my gears. It’s just me. It finishes solid. Just 🤷🏻♀️ when I see that trope appear.
boy she saved the best for last. I feel like this was the end of the end. we thought failed vasectomy daddy was finished with seven kids but Nadia found three more boys that are cousins. I love the dynamics of her stories. her characters are well developed and at times not very likeable. but we are talking about rich entitled billionaires. this story did not disappoint. it truly is the ending to a family saga. that you can't understand unless you read her books. I loved how we visit the characters from previous stories in this book. I was a bit sad yuna did not make it here for the final book but we got to visit with some of our favorites. Klein is the perfect mate for Josh and they both know it. it's what made this read so special. I just want to say that Nadia finds the worst family dynamics for most of the females back stories. they are some deranged people! truly. and she never writes them for future redemption stories. they are horrible people who always get justice. I wonder what's in her mind that she can write these characters. I adore you Nadia and I thank God I found you many years ago and your books are my go to! thanks for letting me part of your warped journey. you are my favorite author
1. There were so many inconsistencies, things that were never explained and things that just didn’t make sense. a. Josh knew his mother was a sociopath; he knew she was manipulative and deceitful. Why would he believe her when she told him he was the same? b. When Josh noticed Ailee’s engagement ring, she told him, “We just got engaged yesterday.” A few sentences later, Josh thought to himself, “But when did she get engaged?” c. First, Ailee had a seafood allergy. Then, it changed to an allergy to Chinese food. d. Why did Chad propose to Ailee? It’s not like she was dissatisfied with their relationship or was planning to leave him. e. Why did he give her his wife’s ring? He was a dentist and made a good living; he could easily have bought her another ring, even a cheap knockoff one. f. Why did Katt pretend to be in a relationship with Josh? Why did she post fake pictures on social media when she could have SO easily been caught in a lie. g. Why did Ailee’s family dislike her so much? Why were they so cruel to her? 2. I don’t believe this book can be read as a standalone. There were WAY too many vague references to characters and events from previous books. Too much of the book was a continuation of an overarching story about Josh’s mother and her crazy family that began in previous books; if you hadn’t read them, you wouldn’t have a clue what was going on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
4.5⭐️ This was my favorite of the series! I adored Josh and Ailee! Josh has a darker side than his brothers, or at least he thinks he does. Ailee is bubbly and compassionate. But her whole family sucks. Or as Josh said they are “donkey butt lickers”… I laughed so hard at this. The chemistry is electric and sweet. I love how he protects her from her family and everyone who tries to put her down. Not only was their story my favorite of the series, but so was their relationship. I loved their development together and individually! I loved the plots conclusion! I’m hoping her friend gets a story! I loved getting her tidbits!
Thank you to Must Love Audio for the ALC!
Read: ALC 🎧 MMC: Josh Huxley FMC: Ailee Klein Spice: 2🌶️ Tropes: Billionaires, Fake Engagement, He Falls First, Found Family, Touch Her and Die, Wounded H, J/P H, Forced Proximity, Mafia Vibes, Workplace, Boss + Assistant, Mutual Pining
I loved this book! Such a great ending to the Huxley brothers’ story! Ailee and Josh were perfect for each other. And the ending to the ongoing drama with Josh’s mom and her family was well done. A good conclusion to the story. Note: although Josh’s story can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading the series in order to get the complete story of the situation with Josh’s mom. All three books in the series are very good.
This story was so good that I had to read it in one day. Josh Huxley was traumatized by his mother and a fear that he was like her. Ailee showed him that he isn’t with her love. This is a fake fiancée, boss/assistant romance that was beautifully done. There’s depth of the storyline that surpasses many romance novels and it was a pleasure to read.
His Temporary Fiancée by Nadia Lee. Huxley series, book 3. Audiobook review. Dual POV. Duet narration. Slow burn, billionaire boss/personal assistant, fake engagement, surprise pregnancy (twins)/vasectomy fail, MF Romance. It's listed as 11 hours 20 minutes; I listened at speed 2.50 for 4 hours 32 minutes. Narrators Jason Clarke and Stella Hunter both read well. Stella's performance was great. I usually enjoy Jason Clarke's narration, but he was so growly some of his lines were hard to comprehend even when slowed down. There are a few production errors. There is bonus content available from the author. Content warnings: memories of H's oldest brother as a child bound and drugged in a burning cabin; H has nightmares about Zoe (his mom) and her evil deeds; h's parents and twin are awful to her; h was unknowingly engaged to a married man who was cheating with several women on his pregnant wife; OW and OM drama; Zoe burned h and Max's apartment building; Zoe k¡lled/poisoned/burned multiple people, k¡dnapped h, attacked H with a knife, and H k¡lled her in self-defense; sp@nk¡ng; v¡br@t¡ng p@nt¡es; a brief mention of n¡pple cl@mps; and a failed vasectomy.
Joshua Huxley (30; aka Josh) is tall, brown-haired, gray-eyed, a lawyer with his family's law firm, Ares's youngest brother, and Bryce's identical twin. (While it's never specified, I assume he's the youngest of the brothers.) Ailee Klein (24; aka Klein/Ai-chan) is curvy, curly platinum blonde-haired, violet-eyed, has a severe seafood allergy, has been Josh's assistant for three years, and has an evil fraternal twin sister (Katt). Josh and Ailee work well together, but Josh is surprised when she arrives at work wearing an engagement ring. Ailee thought Katt, her supermodel twin, was in an open relationship with Josh, so she settled for Chad the dentist. Chad proposed the night before and then "went out of town." While out to dinner with her family, Autumn, Chad's very pregnant wife, recognized Katt and approached the Klein family to fangirl over her. Autumn noticed Ailee's ring just as Chad arrived. Josh happened to be dining at the same restaurant and saw the disturbance was centered around Ailee. Things escalated quickly because Chad and Josh have a past. Chad claimed Ailee stole Autumn's engagement ring while at his office, and to save her from humiliation, Josh claimed he's engaged to Ailee and the ring is a family heirloom. There's a lot of drama, but in the end, Ailee and Josh are expecting twins, still living together and engaged. Akiko (Ares, Bryce, and Joshua's step-mother) and Jeremiah (they're aunt) are still the best part of the entire series. JP
*Villain: Zoe Dunkel (Ares, Josh, and Bryce's mother) *Guest stars/mentioned: Ryder, Elizabeth, Dominic, Tolyan, Ted, Joey, Jo, Axelrod, Silicone Dreams, Barron, Stella, Justin, and Nate. *Thoughts/Questions: I wish there was more to Rollin and Kenna's backstory to explain what happened to both of them and how they met. Who inherited the Dunkel estate? Was "Katt" her birth name? Will Autumn, Chad's pregnant wife, find love?
Coming soon: Rhys and Max's story. Max is Ailee's best friend/roommate. She recently broke up with her boyfriend and is pregnant....
2.5 out of 5 on my spice scale.
1st listen 02-19-26
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Ailee honestly seems like the kind of girl who’s spent her whole life settling for second best… or even less. Her family treats her like she’s barely even there, like she’s an afterthought they’d rather not acknowledge. And her own twin sister? Don’t even get me started. She looks at Ailee like she’s wasted space and makes it her personal mission to remind her of it.
So when a family dinner turns absolutely brutal and humiliating for Ailee, I was already feeling that secondhand rage. But then—enter Josh. Her boss. A ridiculously sexy, insanely wealthy bachelor… and the exact man Ailee’s sister has been trying to sink her claws into. 🤣
And when he just happens to be at the same restaurant and steps in to rescue Ailee like a literal knight in shining armor?? I was eating it UP. He boldly announces to everyone that he and Ailee are engaged, completely flipping the script and leaving her awful family stunned.
Of course Ailee goes along with it, and once they’re alone, they decide to keep the ruse going for both of their benefits. They swear it’ll stay totally platonic… strictly business… nothing messy.
But let’s be real—best intentions mean nothing when the chemistry is that good.
Because Ailee and Josh are absolutely no exception. 🔥
This book was such a perfect slow burn—frustrating in the best way, but also so satisfying and smoldering. The tension builds so naturally, and the emotional payoff is chef’s kiss. And Ailee’s growth?? So good. Watching her finally start standing up for herself, especially after being beaten down for so long, was incredibly satisfying.
The ending was also super climactic and honestly the perfect finish to this three-book series. It felt like the ending we needed. Nadia wrapped everything up so well, closed the chapter beautifully, and it left me feeling completely satisfied.
I loved this book so much. You will absolutely love to hate Ailee’s family, and when she finally snaps back and stops letting them walk all over her? It’s one of those moments that makes you want to stand up and clap.
This one hits so many of my favorite tropes: office romance, pretend engagement, “mine” vibes, friends to lovers, protective hero energy, and the ultimate he saves her moments. Happily ever after is guaranteed, and this book is 100% going straight on my bookshelf.
✨ HIS TEMPORARY FIANCÉE ✨ Book 3 in the Huxleys series — and yes, I’m emotional about it.
Josh swears he’s the darkest Huxley brother. The broody one. The damaged one. The “not built for happiness” one. Meanwhile Ailee is sunshine in human form… which is wild considering her family is straight-up villain origin story material.
Finding out her fiancé is already married? Traumatizing. The way her family reacts? Infuriating. The way Josh steps in? EVERYTHING.
But of course, peace was too easy… because Josh’s mother has entered the chat and she is not here to play nice.
What I loved most is how deeply this book digs into worthiness. Josh carrying years of internalized trauma, convinced he doesn’t deserve love. Ailee believing she’s not enough for someone like him.
Together? They build each other up in the softest, most healing way. It’s protective. It’s tender. It’s electric. The chemistry is 🔥 but the emotional growth? That’s what wrecked me (in the best way).
And can we talk about Nadia’s talent for writing absolutely unhinged family dynamics for her FMCs? These people are diabolical. No redemption arcs. No soft landings. Just consequences. As they should.
🎧 Audiobook listeners — Jason Clarke and Stella Hunter did not come to play. They embody these characters. Every emotion hits. Every line lands. The chemistry? Unreal.
I’m sad to see the Huxleys end, but watching each brother get his HEA? Worth it.
Things to know
1st person pov, dual pov, duet narration, fake engagement, workplace romance, cheating (not between mcs), he falls first and harder, mutual pining, jealous and possessive mc, found family, wounded hero, billionaire, touch her and die, kidnapping, death, verbal abuse, mild violence
I LOVED this book so much I’m already planning a reread! Nadia Lee has done it again. Even though it’s the third and final book in her awesome Huxleys series, His Temporary Fiancée reads perfectly as a standalone ...no need to have read the first two to fall head-over-heels for Josh and Ailee’s fake-engagement romance. It’s pure perfection on its own! From the very first chapter, the chemistry between the brooding, protective billionaire lawyer and his sweet, sunshine assistant had me completely hooked.
The forced proximity, the delicious tension of living together while pretending, the witty banter, and all the heart-melting moments had me smiling, swooning, and turning pages way past my bedtime. Ailee is such a relatable, lovable heroine who bravely stands up to her horrible family, and Josh… let’s just say he’s the ultimate “he falls first and harder” hero who finally breaks free from his mother and her family’s control, all while stealing your heart and never giving it back.
This story has everything I crave in a romance: emotional depth, laugh-out-loud moments, steam that sizzles, and a deeply satisfying happily-ever-after that left me with the biggest book hangover (in the best way). It’s the perfect mix of workplace romance, fake relationship goodness, and that signature Nadia Lee magic that makes you feel ALL the feels. If you love billionaire romances with alpha heroes who protect what’s theirs, strong but vulnerable heroines, and stories that make you believe in love again. This one is an absolute must-read. One of my top favorites of 2026 already!
Highly, highly recommend. 1-click without hesitation ...you won’t regret it! I received an ARC from the author; I'm leaving this review to help others find this fab story
•Trope: Workplace Romance Fake Relationship Boss /Employee He Falls First Tortured Hero
Series: The Huxley's book #3
• THOUGHTS: I truly love Ailee and Josh! The way Josh looks out for Ailee and claims it's because she is his employee. How Ailee likes Josh but is noble about it due to certain people in her life. Spoiler I hate her family. they are diabolical. But truly this story was so easy to capture your attention. I actually came into this story not having listened to the first two books. I was not lost in the slightest, but it definitely made me want to go back and listen to the first two! I also loved how once Ailee and Josh found themselves into their fake relationship, that it was fairly easy for them to manage it. They blended and fit each other perfectly. One of the highlights for me was how Josh gently reminded Ailee of her worth, and allowed her to be who she was meant to be. The same was true for how Ailee was a good positive reinforcement for Josh as well. From start to finish I enjoyed this book! Josh and Ailee for life!
Oookkaayy, narrator chat time: oh my gosh! I love me a good Jason and Stella combo! Both of them were phenomenal choices to voice and bring Ailee and Josh to life. This duet style was everything I wanted and Stella and Jason are incredible when they are paired together. Absolutely a great audio and I highly recommend.
Cookie cutter stories and the wussiest characters possible
It's funny but unfortunate that this author couldn't find her creativity to end this series. We end exactly where the Lasker brothers series started us - with vasectomy failure, unplanned babies and doormat FMCs. Unfortunately the humor and any interesting features of the earlier books are missing.
Ailee is a terrible FMC. She's uninteresting, continues the author's overused trope of terrible families and is a browbeaten wuss despite making her own way for years. She has zero reason to continue contact with said family, has strong external support in the form of Max but still chooses to be abused continuously. If you are anaphylactic to all seafood you might as well jump in traffic instead of going to a seafood based restaurant, but this fool thinks "mommy said so!"
Josh continues the Huxley family trend of being the most idiotic smart person in the room. Again, he is uninteresting, lacks sense and avoids being a decent guy for a large portion of the series. The best that can be said is he steps up for Ailee and he does have one or two humorous moments.
Akiko is the best character in this portion of the Lasker family tree series, despite being a minor side character.
The story has good pacing and editing, with consistent details. Unfortunately the plot is the same as the last 4 or so books. Terrible families, terrible FMCs, MMCs that lean toward being dirtbags.
This is my first book by Nadia Lee and I really enjoyed it. I loved Stella Hunter and Jason Clarke narrating this story in duet. They were really fantastic. While this is book 3 in the series, you can definitely enjoy this one as a standalone. I will be going back to read the previous two books in the series as I am really interested in the other brother's stories as well.
Ailee has always been in the shadow of her glamorous twin sister. She has constantly been told that she just isn't good enough or pretty enough or thin enough. With her sister's sights set on Ailee's boss, Josh, she knows she needs to give up this crush she has on him. But after an uncomfortable run in while at dinner with her family, Josh comes to her rescue.
Josh has had a bit of a thing for his assistant for a while now. But with his past, he doesn't believe he is good enough for her. When he comes to her rescue and finally puts her family in their place, they realize that there might be something more than just boss/employee relationship between them.
I loved how Josh was with Ailee. He was always building her up to try and show her what he thought of her. He really helped her confidence, and I just thought that was beautiful. I loved how they really brought out the best in one another. Really loved this story.
I love Nadia Lee’s books. I love the way she creates these crazy families!
Josh’s story was so good. And I especially love the way Ailee’s character was written. I’m glad she was able to break free from her toxic family.
She and Josh were good for each other because they helped each other to see that their self perceived weaknesses were primarily caused by what they’d heard all their lives from others - from the very people who should have loved them most. These family members were the ones who tore them down and eroded their self-worth.
Ailee’s family was just as toxic as Joshua’s maternal side of his family was - although not violent.
Ailee’s former “fiancé” Chad will get what’s coming to him too. His wife finally figures out he’s a lying, cheating, piece of garbage.
Together Josh and Ailee build each other’s self-worth up. They contributed positively to each other’s lives. This entire series is so good. All the bad people get their just desserts in this book!
I think I said it in the beginning and I will say it again, I love Nadia Lee’s books!
In this thrilling finale, Nadia neatly sums up the Huxley/Dunkel saga while giving Joshua Huxley the love of his life. I was intrigued by the teaser in the last book, wondering just how dark the playboy/jokester twin would have to get in order to get his HEA.
I enjoyed this book, and find myself wishing there was another sibling so I could keep this family for a little while longer. Nadia Lee did a great job endearing the main characters as well as the supporting characters to me.
Josh has always harbored an attraction for his assistant, and when he gets a chance, he comes to her rescue and helps her manufacture a romance that quickly becomes too good for him to lose. I liked that Ailee found her confidence and backbone, while Josh realised that sometimes, the family you find is way better and more loving than the one to which you're biologically attached.
I recommend this read and the entire series. As a matter of fact, I recommend Nadia Lee.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.
Ailee has always been made to feel like she was less than when it comes to her family, her sister and now her ex, On the worst night of her life it wasn’t her family who were there for her but rather it comes from an unexpected source as not only is he the man who is the boss she had crushed on in the past and the man her sister wants but also the man who has claimed her as his fiancé.
Due to his family history Josh is a man who will always protect others so when he sees what Ailee is going through he isn’t about to let her fend for herself. Pretending to be her fiancé was supposed to be a ruse but when circumstances find them living and working together the sparks are going to fly.
Family drama is the impetus that will force Ailee and Josh to finally face their feelings for each other as she brings a happiness to his life that has been missing and he shows her that she is perfect just the way she is.
It has the Good girl falls for the Bad boy vibe. But maybe all is not what it seems.
Josh and Ailee are a match. They’ve worked together for years and fell in love without realizing it. Dark forces on both sides bring them even closer together and what starts out as a rescue ends up being something much more.
Josh’s struggle to overcome his past and his tendencies is so relatable. Ailee’s even more so. Together then prop each other up, support one another, and keep each other safe.
I won’t spoil the finale, but if you’ve read the previous books in this series you will be invested in how this ends.
I will say I thought the final “battle” was a little rushed. I would have been nice to have more suspense since this is what the 3 books have been leading up to.
Overall, good book, great characters, and a good series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book.
My issue with the Author is that the blurb seems promising and the snippets gets me into it, then I start and the main characters are horrible. Ailee was such a doormat, why she let herself treated by her family like that. Should have gone no contact with them since she left home (thrown out) The story felt like a comedy with some of the characters acting so over the top. Josh is a horrible person, and the family drama just did not work for me. I have enjoyed some parts but this should have been much shorter with less dramatic gestures.
Less is more. Please, just one realistic book without the dramatics!
This review is based on my personal preferences and the rating reflects how much I enjoyed reading this book.
I bought the audio version. I received an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for my honest opinion. It picks up where Her Wicked Husband left off. The fmc is charming because she’s so unassuming. The women vying to be in the mmc’s orbit are banal and self centered. Their vapid nature belie their good looks. Josh is tortured by memories that manifest as nightmares. Nadia Lee continues to be an enjoyable read. I’m biased. I’ve been down since the bride’s of convenience and the Pryce Family series. That’s how I discovered what a cullinan was. I had never even heard of one before. When I heard some of those characters had cameos in this book I was happy. This is book three in a series but it can be read as a standalone. There are some flashbacks of child abuse. This is a forced proximity via plot device. It has relentless villains. It’s well paced, a mix of plot and character driven excitement. There is HEA for Josh and Ailee. Won’t you join the journey?
OMG what a perfect ending to the Huxley Saga! Josh and Ailee are such a great couple. Ailee is a bit shy and a lot downtrodden (by her family). She works for Josh, who sees her beauty and warmth. He has his own demons that he keeps hidden. Watching these 2 beautiful souls grow was awesome! Seeing Ailee come into her own made me want to cheer out loud! This book is outstanding! The world building is clean. The characters! Oh the characters are amazing! The story is engrossing. I have NEVER read a bad or even so-so book by Nadia Lee. They have all been good, even great. Somehow her writing gets better with every book. I highly and completely recommend His Temporary Fiance (and, really, all of her books). You won't regret buying this at all. 1-click 5 star book!
Ailee Kline is a sweet, kind, and intelligent young woman. Too bad her family has no appreciation of her and treats her like garbage in favor of her fraternal twin, Katt, a model. Only her bestie, Max, and her boss, Josh Huxley, seem to appreciate her. Too bad her sister has determined that Josh belongs to her. Josh Huxley truly appreciates his assistant. He also finds her tremendously attractive. So when she announces her engagement, it takes him aback. When a family dinner ends up in a confrontation with her fiancé’s WIFE, with Josh and his brothers as witnesses, Josh jumps in to salvage her reputation and pride with a fake engagement—to HIM. This begins the ride that is their engagement.
3 stars Finally. Finally the bat Shiite mother meets a well deserved end. And she takes out the rest of the crazy mafia family so that the Huxley family can live in peace. Josh is an ok character. Very spoiled and arrogant, like his brothers. But also terrified that he’s too much like his mother and not a real Huxley. Klein is the absolute worst doormat for her family. I have no idea why authors think it’s even remotely okay for an emotionally abused character to cling to their abusive family, well into adulthood. Pathetically immature. She finally gets her say after experiencing Josh’s love. He finally gets peace and closure after Zoe’s demise. I guess this ends this series. Was there ever a book about Akiko’s love story?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Ailee and Josh were a decent read but not very exciting, in my opinion. I always do love when a quiet/push over FMC finally gets her confidence and tells off those that hurt her along the way. Ailee eventually tells of her sister and mother, but I wanted more of it. I loved all the moments when Josh absolutely adored Ailee. Romance was good, spice was good. I particularly enjoyed the family dinner part when everyone finds out there has always been more food in the kitchen. All the drama of Josh's batshit crazy mom just to give her the ending she got - it could have happened before, but I guess we needed the added drama for this book.
This was a 2.5 for me. Had potential and I was looking forward to closure with the mom storyline, but honestly, I hated how the author just smacks the reader in the face with the level of vitriol Ailee is subjected to by her ex. It was over the top. And the treatment Ailee receives from her parents and sister is so next level harsh that I found myself feeling more sorry for her than anything. It’s unfortunate that Ailee didn’t have more time to find her footing and confidence before her relationship with Josh. She was so starry-eyed with Josh throughout the entire book that it leads one to question if it is an authentic connection.
"klein's touch makes me want to wrap myself around her and bask in that special warmth that makes me feel good to the core"
I loveeeed this book! I haven't read an office work place romance in a while and this one definitely hit the spot. I found klein to be incredibly relatable, especially her struggles in finding happiness apart from her toxic family and turning off their voices in her head. her and josh work well together, filling in each other's blanks as they work towards piecing together each others' hearts. this is my first read by this author, but it certainly won't be my last.
It’s sad to see the Huxleys come to an end, but I’m glad to see each brother get his HEA. Josh was the brother who internalized all of the trauma they experienced and didn’t feel worthy of happiness. Ailee felt insecure and not worthy of a man like Josh. Together they built one another up to show their true inner beauty and caring hearts. Their love made them both stronger and whole together, the perfect team. Match that with their steamy chemistry, and you have a couple who will last the test of time.