Suddenly Yours

Celebrity Love in New Orleans #3

by Katie Talbot

I met billionaire Topher Brodie in the most graceful way -- by crashing my airport shuttle into his limo. He didn’t take it well. Actually, he got me fired.

The only upside? I figured I’d never see him again.

So imagine my shock when I overheard him introducing me as his girlfriend. His what now?

Turns out, Topher’s mom is sick, and to keep her life stress-free, he invented a relationship . . . with me, Kathleen Avery.

Frankly, I’m shocked that anyone believes that we’re a couple. He’s a workaholic in a thousand-dollar suit with a private plane, a yacht, and several vacation homes, and he usually dates supermodels. And me? Well, I'm not a supermodel, and my net worth couldn't cover his dry-cleaning bill.

It was only supposed to last a few weeks. Just long enough to help him out and get a warm place to crash in return. No feelings, no strings, just one absurd lie.

But the longer I play along, the harder it gets to remember what’s fake. And what’s not.

226 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication January 6, 2026

About the author

Katie Talbot writes sweet, witty romantic comedies featuring smart, sassy heroines and the larger-than-life men who fall for them. Her debut five-book series, Celebrity Love in New Orleans, is set in the quirky, romantic city she now calls home.

Her books are sweet and clean, never spicy, because New Orleans is hot enough.

Originally from the Midwest, Katie fell in love with the Big Easy’s music, food, and charm. She lives there with her husband and their three children, where she balances family life with dreaming up banter-filled love stories.

Reviews

[joe]

pre-read:
sounds like im on a romcom ARC spree rn🤪

[Gayla Worrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was exactly what I expected in the best way. The story doesn't try to reinvent the trope, and that worked in its favor. It leaned into the fake dating, billionaire storyline with full confidence, which made it a fun and easy read from start to finish. The plot followed a familiar path and I could predict most of the turns, but that was part of the appeal. It gave me the escape I wanted without emotional turmoil or heavy conflict.

I appreciated how low the angst stayed. There were no drawn-out misunderstandings or unnecessary drama and I also liked that the romance stayed closed door. The focus remained on the connection between Kathleen and Topher rather than explicit scenes, and that worked well with the overall tone.

If you enjoy billionaire romances that are sweet, quick, and built around a comforting fake-dating setup, this one delivers exactly what it promises. It knows its lane and sticks to it, and I had a good time reading it.

Thank you, Katie Talbot, for the advanced copy. This was a super fun read!

[Janvi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the bond between Kathleen and Topher. Kathleen really is trying her best to be a good person and it keeps backfiring on her . I love how Topher was able to support her in figuring out her dreams. I did love Tophers mother and how supportive she was of their relationship. 3.5 for me

[STEPH ˚ ༘ ೀ⋆｡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

°❀⋆ Thank you NetGalley and Lake Vista Press for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

2/5 ⭐️

First thought: I’m being ragebaited. That entire first chapter was ragebait.

Final thought: Still being ragebaited.

This was such a fast-paced book and nothing happened that was significant enough to really remember. It was just this after this after this. Conversations were short and everything was being rushed. I found a few moments very cute but that’s just me being a hopeless romantic if we’re being honest lol.

I wanted to like this, but Kathleen is INSUFFERABLE. I was getting whiplash with how fast this girl was switching up. I get that she has a sob story, but it doesn’t give her an excuse to be so hypocritical and annoying. She asks for space and gets mad when it's given to her, she leaves and expects him not to move on, she tells him to open up and then pushes him away because SHE doesn’t want to open up, she says she doesn’t want his help or anything from him then gets upset when he doesn’t show up to a fucking campus tour the next day (which he missed to do something FOR her anyway). Also idk why she’s mad about him working all the time - he had a life before you girl 😭

As for Topher, he was fine. Classic stubborn billionaire who can’t be told to do anything. Softened up and of course also had a tragic upbringing making him the way he is. I don’t have much to say except for the fact that he deserves better lmfao

Overall, this book kind of gave me erm… nothing.

[Billie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suddenly Yours is the kind of swoony, feel-good romance that slips in softly and surprises you with its warmth. From the moment Kath and Topher collide (quite literally! 😅) I knew this story would deliver that delicious mix of chaos, chemistry, and charm that makes rom-coms so addictive. Their disastrous first meeting had me laughing, but it was the unexpected tenderness that followed that truly pulled me in.

Katie Talbot brings such heart to this classic fake-dating setup. There’s something incredibly endearing about watching Topher slowly unravel from polished billionaire to someone genuinely vulnerable, and seeing Kath find her footing again after life knocks her sideways. Their dynamic is both playful and heartfelt, and the slow shift from “this is just pretend” to something undeniably real gave me all the fluttery, romantic feelings I was hoping for.

Even when the plot leans into the unbelievable, as rom-coms often do, it never loses its emotional sincerity. Instead, it embraces the joy and escapism of the genre while anchoring everything with sweet character moments and a gentle, wholesome charm. It’s the kind of book that makes you smile without realizing it.

Thank you to Katie Talbot, Lake Vista Press, and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

[Tanisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a romance lover for what feels like forever, and one trope I will never get tired of is the classic fake relationship. I love the tension, the anticipation, and that slow shift from pretending to something very real. So when I came across this book, I could not wait to dive in and see how everything played out.

This story had me laughing from the very beginning. The FMC is so endearing and easy to root for. No matter how chaotic things got around her, she still managed to stay positive, which made me love her even more. I also adored the way she stood up to the MMC. Their banter was fun, their chemistry was obvious, and you could tell he admired her strength just as much as I did. And let me just say, there is a twist in this book that completely caught me off guard. It threw me for a loop, but in the best way. Even though it delayed the HEA a little, it made their emotional journey feel more meaningful.

All in all, I really enjoyed this book. It was funny, sweet, and full of moments that made me smile. I would absolutely love to see a bonus epilogue for these two in the future. And since this is book three in the series, I will definitely be going back to read the earlier books. If they have the same charm as this one, I know I will be hooked.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

[S · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25

Quick and easy read that I couldn't put down!

I really liked the introduction to our main character - the writing and small banter instantly drew me in. I loved the FMC's personality.

At the beginning I didn't mind the MMC, but as we got to know him more, it felt like he was written more as an unlikeable side character with a bit of a jerk vibe rather than a grumpy MC. That said, I loved his soft side with his mum and Kathleen, and the sweeter version of Topher as their relationship developed.

"No one's looking now, and I feel... everything." 🥺

Personally, I would've liked a bit more grumpiness and disdain between them at the beginning.

The banter between them was great, and I especially loved the moment they both realised they actually liked each other. There was a lot of depth to it that I haven't really seen in other fake dating romances.

A few parts felt a bit jumpy, with sudden time skips or plot shifts. I also would've liked the Gala event to be a bit more stretched out, especially the beginning when they first see each other.

[Eve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kathleen has the worst possible luck of all people. She's crashed her airport shuttle into a limo, lost her job, her apartment, and found out her doctor boyfriend has been cheating on her and wants to break up, all in the same day. Things can only go up from here right?
Especially since the man whose limo she crashed into just happens to be visiting his mother at the same hospital where her break-up goes down. Of course he's a billionaire. Of course he's a jerk but he's ridiculously handsome. And of course he has a proposal that will help Kathleen with her immediate financial and living situations; pretend to be his girlfriend while his mother recovers from surgery. Easy enough. Let the chaos and hilarity of fake dating ensue.
This was such a fun book to read. And while there were times I found Kathleen to be annoying, I found myself cheering her on more and more towards the end. Definitely worth the read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Natalya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katie Talbot has done it - she’s made me fall head over heels for someone I was fully prepared to dislike. I mean, “He was the kind of guy who barked orders and lived in a world of spreadsheets and endless meetings, a workaholic who seemed to think that was the only way to live.” Not exactly swoon material… or so I thought.

But then real feelings started creeping in, and I realized I was softening at the edges right along with the heroine. “I never thought I could soften toward an annoyed, pampered, billionaire workaholic. But apparently miracles do happen.” SAME, girl. Same.

Between the banter, the slow thaw, and the signature charm, this story had me grinning, giggling, and fully invested in watching a stressed-out billionaire get knocked off his perfectly organized axis. If you love grumpy-meets-sunshine, reluctant romance, and a hero who has to learn that life is more than color-coded calendars, this book will absolutely delight you.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming, sweet, & heartfelt… this story wrapped me in warm, swoony feels.

I absolutely loved this book. It is warm, funny, and full of genuine emotion, reminding me why I adore Katie Talbot’s writing. Her stories always blend humor with heart in a way that feels effortless, and this one captured that perfectly.

Suddenly Yours swept me up with its humor and charm. I loved the way Kathleen and Topher stumble into each other’s lives, and how their pretend relationship slowly shifts into something tender and real. Katie Talbot writes MMCs that stay with me long after the story ends, and this book is another perfect example of that mix of strength, vulnerability, and quiet devotion. Seeing characters from her other stories felt like a cozy connection to the world she has built, and it made the entire experience even sweeter. I finished this book with a full heart.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Caitlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Katie Talbot, Lake Vista Press, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in advance!

"Suddenly Yours" by Katie Talbot is a cute, easy-to-read romance. This strangers-to-lovers story has the reader rooting for the couple to discover their true feelings.

When Kathleen is fired from her job, she heads to the hospital, where her cheating boyfriend dumps her. To make the worst day ever worse, she gets into a sticky situation with the man who contributed to her losing her job. The tables quickly turn when the man, Topher, needs Kathleen's help. They need to be in a fake relationship to benefit each other's situations, but the catch? They have to share a tiny bedroom at Topher's mother's home. Can they get along?

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. This was a clean romance. Unlike other books with similar tropes that I have read, the characters in this story wasted no time admitting their feelings. There was no anxiety-inducing drama, and the plot was fairly low stakes. Misunderstandings were quickly resolved, which is a quality I highly appreciate.

My final rating of this novel is 3.75 stars. I felt it was the perfect length and pace, and it is a great light-hearted read for anyone looking for a cute and casual romance.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suddenly Yours by Katie Talbot was my first experience reading this author’s work and I can tell you unequivocally that I will most definitely be obtaining the other books in this series because I absolutely adored this charming romance. I love the whole fake relationship trope, but this one took it to another level altogether. The writing flowed, the story line was interesting and unique and Topher and Kathleen were fun, well-developed characters that I felt I knew personally. And Topher's mother was a breath of fresh air -- I so enjoyed her part in this story. I liked everything about this book and can’t wait to read more from Ms. Talbot in the future. If you’re looking for a sweet, charming, heartfelt romance, look no further than Suddenly Yours. I’m very grateful to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katherine drove a shuttle at the airport. When a limousine hit her and claimed it was her fault, she lost her job and a place to stay. Upset, she went to the hospital to see her boyfriend only to find him with another female doctor he raved about. She also ran into Topher, the billionaire whose driver hit her. She found out that he was at the hospital to see his mom and when Katherine approached him, his mother thought she was his girlfriend. It made his mother so happy that he arranged for Katherine to pretend to be his girlfriend until his mother recovered. I loved the mother, so willing to help everyone before herself. I loved how she understood Topher and how Topher and Katherine shared their lives with each other. It was fun to see them make each other better. Great story and characters.

[Anna Margaret Ward · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Vista Prints for the ARC of Suddenly Yours.

This was a sweet, easy read, but it didn’t quite work for me overall. The biggest issue was the lack of development in the relationship between Topher and Kathleen. It felt like we skipped over the emotional build-up and were simply told, “hey, they’re in love,” without getting to really feel it alongside them.

I also wasn’t a fan of the third-act breakup. Kathleen’s refusal to communicate was frustrating, and the conflict felt avoidable rather than organic, which pulled me out of the story.

That said, I can absolutely see this being a good fit for a teenage audience. It’s light, straightforward, and has all the elements of a young romance that many younger readers would enjoy.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun, entertaining read. The heroine goes through self-discovery and development that added to the story. Topher and Kathleen are fun to spend time with. I enjoyed their romance and the path it took to get to their HEA. Topher is golden retriever and I loved it. These two captured my attention from the bigging and held it until the very end. The secondary characters – especially Josephine – added to the fabric of the story and my enjoyment. The story is easy to read and get into.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[LizNReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved Loved LOVED this book!! Omg, I devoured this book so fast! Get ready to fall in love with Kathleen, the better version of Topher, & mischievous Josephine!!
I particularly love this quote the most: “Sometimes we think we’re protecting ourselves by keeping everything closed off. But the truth is, Kathleen, facing what scares us is often the only way to set ourselves free.”
I feel it came at a perfect time and it made me look at my life and reconsider how I go about things.

Katie, I loved this book so much! I hope to read more books of yours in the future!
Thank you NetGalley & Lake Vista Press for the eARC.

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet and charming Rom Com that would be a perfect Hallmark channel movie.

The 3rd book in the authors series of love stories set in New Orleans is an easy carefree read. Full of light hearted moments but also hardships in which the main characters show depth and growth. I loved the easy banter between the FMC and MMC as it felt real and not forced. I also love a good forced proximity and fake dating trope any day!
No spice but a sweet HEA and nice wrap up to their story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Julia Carter]

Suddenly Yours is a new romance by Katie Talbot. This rom-com is fast paced and keeps you engaged. The story begins with our FMC, Kathleen and the MMC, Topher getting into a fender bender which results in Kathleen losing her job and apartment; then progresses to fake dating to get back at her MD ex and to keep Topher's mom happy. The banter is rich and quick-witted with lots of quips that will keep you giggling. This one is perfect for a cozy night in with a nice drink, a blanket and a roaring fire.

[shada · Rating 1 out of 5]

what the actual fuck was that?
this book was not it at all, what kind of fake insta love is this, everything was going by too fast, not a single information made sense, the characters were just so unlovable it drove me crazy trying to finish this book.
I would've actually thought it was okay IF it went slower, we actually got to know the characters, if the fmc had a life, she was so easy and annoying, the mmc was just a dick, his ideologies were those of a man you'd block in real life.

[LucyS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely read this book if you're looking for a sweet romance where opposites attract. I loved this book! It was really cute, and I liked how everything came together at the end. Topher was such a workaholic at the beginning, and I wasn't sure I would like him, but then he really redeemed himself. I thought Kathleen was hilarious, and I empathized with her challenges. He and Kathleen had a lovely relationship as they fell in love, and I was definitely rooting for them.

[Stewart A. Nutter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to make a short disclosure, I read a lot. This is a romance with real people that were fun getting to know. I really appreciated that this love story didn't follow the same cookie cutter romance formulas. The characters were well developed, the relationship growth was believable without lust being involved, and the conclusion making me smile. A heartfelt thanks for this story!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ilona Tijhuis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun romance story to read. The whole billionaire fake dating romance is quite popular but I did enjoy this one as well. It's also forced proximity as they're staying at his mom's house while the neighbour is keeping an eye on them. The chemistry between Thopher and Kathleen is amazing and from early on they're just there for each other no matter what.
I loved this book and went through it so fast
Gave it 4,5 stars

[Lilian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kathleen and Topher are totally opposites of each other, but she sees his love and care for his mom. Hence, when they are forced to fake date and live together, it ends up becoming a time of new discoveries and revelations.

While Topher learns to value things beyond his work, Kathleen starts to break down her walls and learn to let him in. But life is never that smooth-going…

The ending though was one that was both swoon-worthy and hilarious.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's probably more of a 3.75 stars but rounded up to 4! This was a cute, fast read. Fake dating is my favorite trope, and I instantly wanted to read this. Topher and Kathleen couldn't be further from the same. Both had some issues to work through, but both showed up for each other in the way they needed. I also love me a happy ending.

[Stephanie King · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was a nice read that I finished in an evening. I loved how the main characters, Topher and Kathleen, fall in love even though they think they are entirely different and from different worlds. It shows that it doesn't matter how much money you have, you are still a person. It was a book that was clean, simple, and humble.

[Amanda Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Topher and Kathleen's story. I love how they are throw together! I feel for Kathleen and the life she has lived. You can feel and understand what she is going through and how she is feeling. This book was well written, and I really enjoyed reading it! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lauren Goodson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet strangers to more love story. Kathleen meets Topher in passing on that same day she gets fired and dumped. They end up fake dating after several misunderstandings lead to his sick mother believing they are dating.

I enjoyed the way that the character development as they both worked through their pasts and were able to figure out what truly made them happy rather than what they thought they were supposed to do.

I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest option.

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 5 out of 5]

An engaging and charming fake romance. Clever meeting. Likeable characters. Entertaining story. Thanks to BookSirens for providing a copy. My review is voluntary. Nice, light reading. I look forward to reading more by Katie Talbot.

[Kathy Swerczek · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got a free advanced copy and spent two lovely afternoons reading Suddenly Yours by Katie Talbot and loved every minute! It is a great read and I hope Katie Talbot keeps writing!

[Becca T · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a clean, wholesome romance.

The focus of this book is how opposites can attract and blossom into something lovely.

It’s an easy read, slow burn, low stakes book.