Friend for Hire

Accidental Love #4.5

by Saxon James, Amy Hall (Narrator)

The short story is part of the Accidental Love series!

Elle

One message.

That’s all it takes for the life I’d thought I’d known to be blown to high hell.

As the heiress to a shipping company the pressure to shape up or ship out is on. No more ridiculous rumors at parties about myself. No more partying. No more playing at becoming a lawyer. Time to up my social value by tying myself to a man folk forever. Pity I’m far too much of a hot mess for any one of the men I know to fall into my trap.

So I reach out to an exclusive agency, looking to find a boyfriend-for-hire who can not only get my parents off my back, but help set my life on track.

It’s the perfect plan. Zero risk, full transparency, some cute guy I can look at while he fixes me.

Only when I open my apartment door, expecting to find Mr. Right, I discover something has gone seriously wrong.

It’s not a stand-in boyfriend waiting.

It’s a woman.

And she looks as excited to help me as I am to see her there.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, LGBT, Audiobook, Lesbian, Queer, Novella

1 pages, Audiobook

Published December 16, 2024

Reviews

[Jamie (TheRebelliousReader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second Read: January 9, 2026

Review after Reread:
4.5 stars. Yep. I still very much love these two idiots with my whole heart. Just had to make sure. 💕

Original Review:
4.5 stars. Bi-awakening, boyfriend-whoops-girlfriend for hire romance between two emotionally constipated heroines! Elle is naive, a bit flighty, and often puts her foot in her mouth. She’s also feeling a bit disillusioned about sex and her sexuality. Margot is a lesbian, a bit of a grumpy hardass, and sarcasm is pretty much her love language. I loved them both so much. This was a really sweet romance (with one hot sex scene) but let me just say that these two idiots don’t know how to communicate to save their damn lives. Like, look at this!

”I’m sort of feeling, well, a lot. For you.”

This was Margot trying to tell Elle that she loves her. These two are hopeless! They don’t do emotions and lovey-dovey shit and it just really worked for them. They had great chemistry, I loved the banter between them and how snarky they were with each other in the beginning and the third act drama was good as well. It’s well written and paced well. This was my first book from this author and I really like her writing style.

This novella left me smiling by the end, it was so much fun. I can see these two possibly being frustrating for some but I will defend and protect these two dummies with my entire life. They are my precious babies.

Saxon James PLEASE write more sapphic romance!

Spice:❤️‍🔥/❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decided to read this before going into Himbo Hitman since they reference this novella in the opening chapters. this was okay but I felt like we missed the best parts of the romance. we see them meet, spend like 3 weeks hanging out, fight and then *poof* hea. I wanted the build up thay was eluded to off page.

[Amanda Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friend for Hire by Saxon James is an absolute delight and exactly what I’ve come to expect from this brilliant author. Saxon has a knack for creating stories that are equal parts fun, heartfelt, and addictive, and this one is no exception.

Elle and Margot are fantastic leads. Their chemistry is undeniable, but it’s their banter that truly steals the show. It’s witty, sharp, and filled with so much warmth that you can’t help but smile as you read. I loved seeing more of Elle’s character in this book. She’s a complex mix of chaos and charm, and watching her navigate her world while also figuring out her feelings for Margot was such a joy. Margot, on the other hand, is Elle’s perfect counterbalance—grounded and steady yet ready to match her energy when it counts. Together, they’re just magic.

And then there’s Perry. Oh, Perry. He’s as chaotic as Elle, if not more, and brings so much life and energy to the story. Even though this isn’t his book, it’s impossible not to be intrigued. I cannot wait until we get his story—it’s bound to be just as wild and wonderful as he is!

This book is a perfect mix of humour, heart, and Saxon’s signature charm. Whether you’re new to her work or a long-time fan, Friend for Hire is a must-read. It’s one of those stories that feels like a big, warm hug while still keeping you on your toes with its lively characters and clever dialogue.

I can’t recommend it enough, and I’m already looking forward to seeing what Saxon James has in store for us next!

[Kristel (hungryandhappy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved having a story about Elle, I always thought she was a really interesting character. She deserved her happy ending!

[Chloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Friend For Hire by Saxon James

💛 Strangers to Friends to Lovers
💛 Sexual Awakening
💛 Grumpy x Chaotic Sunshine
💛 Rich FMC x Poor FMC
💛 FF Novella

Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Humour: 🤭🤭.5
Intimacy: 🫂🫂
Angst: 🥺🥺

First person dual pov 👀

CW: homophobia, mentions of deceased parents, mention of therapy, mention of past drug use (side character).

[Abby · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love novellas, but for me the beauty in them is the ability to tell an excellent story in short format, it shouldn’t feel rushed, and Friend for Hire felt rushed. We didn’t get enough time to get to know the FMCs, which I think did a huge disservice to Elle who is borderline unlikeable for 95% of the book.

[g]

no rating because this is a novella about existing characters from a series i have no interest in reading.

i don't read a lot of smut outside of fanfiction or manhua, but i looooove saxon james' frat wars series. i love the way she writes romance. naturally, this meant i had to check out her only sapphic story.

this wasn't bad. it wasn't good either. the romance was BUZZY, but i found one of the mcs absolutely annoying. sorry. i don't think i can judge the characters without having read the actual series, though. if i only rated this story, i would probably give it a 2.5/5; however, i'm choosing kindness because based on other reviews, you get to know these characters in the other books. it doesn't feel fair for me to give it an actual rating.

saxon james if you can hear me, please write a sapphic series please please... or just a full-length sapphic novel please. there's so much potential please please please. you can go back to writing about men once i get my sapphic novel pleaseeeeee

[Dani (Daniiireads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Margot sees that her mess of a younger brother has signed up to work for Elite, and being the protective big sister that she is takes a job meant for him to save him from himself. Especially when the woman he’s been assigned to is an equally disastrous hot mess, and Margot does not want to unleash their pairing on the world.

When Margot finally meets Elle, she is nothing like she expected, and against her better judgement becomes Elle’s only female friend. The more she gets know Elle makes keeping things platonic a struggle, and after a minor hiccup learns the feelings are mutual.

GIVE ME MORE SAPPHIC ROMANCE SAXON!!!

I have loved Elle since meeting her in Christian & Emile’s book, and I’m so glad she finally met her match in Margot (and for telling her parents to fuck off 🤣).

[Jamie (jamies_shelves) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I liked Elle in the Accidental Love books, but didn't love her so didn't care too much about a book for her.

I actually really liked her in this book, it just wasn't long enough to make me really know her. Same with Margot. She seems cool, but I don't feel like I actually know her.

Their relationship was cute, but I wish we got to see it develop more.

I think this definitely showed that Saxon could write a good sapphic romance, so I'd love to see her write a full length novel.

I did enjoy meeting Perry! He seems like an interesting character so I'm excited to see what his book looks like.

[J.E. Benoit · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had wanted to read this novella before reading Himbo Hitman, but ran out of time, so I decided to pick it up immediately after. It was fun to see the Perry moments after having read his story!

I've loved Elle since she was first introduced in the Accidental Love series, and it was nice getting to know Margot better. They worked so well together. Elle was a little lost, and I liked how Margot helped her figure things out.

This was a short novella, so things moved fast, and we missed a lot of their relationship development. While I would have happily read more about them as they fell for each other, I enjoyed the bits we got here!

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 stars- I was so excited to see Saxon James finally writing a sapphic romance but this was way too short and honestly pretty boring. Maybe she’ll write a full length WLW romance and I think that could be really good (certainly some parts of this were good if you get what I’m saying). Would love to see her branch out into more queer romances that aren’t just MM and hopefully they’ll hit better than this.

[Winnie Quick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this to prepare for Himbo Hitman but I really enjoyed it on its own. It’s a really fast read about discovering ones true self and letting people in. Vulnerability is on display and I love that. It’s also sexy, which I also love. Just a great little read if you don’t have a lot of time to dedicate to one book. The audio was great too, I immediately recognized the narrator’s voice so I was engaged from the very beginning. 4.5 stars

[Devoted❤️Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

“She gives me a cheeky look as she slides on her Prada sunglasses, and it takes all of my willpower to turn on my car without throwing her out of it.
Gorgeous, smug, cocky, pretty thing.”

Yay for Elle finding her way in love, and even more yay for a sweet sapphic romance! Margot was a treat, love her style, and I’m hoping that we will see more of Elle, Margot and Perry again.

[Turn On The Light Pins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Elle and Margot were adorable, and it is a shame they didn't get a full book but in saying that I am not sure what that book could have been about since the storyline fit pretty well within the novella confines. Despite the small size of it, it was a cute story that I am glad that I took the time to read.

[Jill Safonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I listened to the Audio and Amy Hall did justice to Saxon’s characters.

Elle and Margot were great characters and after not reading an FF book for a long time, I really enjoyed this one.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable look into Elle, who has been a fun side character in several of the other books in the Accidental Love series. Margot was an easy-to-like character with a straightforward approach to life. Fun and quick read.

[Liza Broadaway · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super fun sapphic novella of our sweet Elle finally realizing her difficulty with women….ah….its because you like them!

Margo is such a great character- protector, confident in who she is.

These 2 start as a paid friend and then become more! So good!

[Michelle T · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️ 1🌶️

This is a great novella! I loved the opposites attract element and how both characters went from judging each other to building a true connection.

This is fun, fast and full of Saxon humour and swoon.

Great read, and great audiobook.

[Sam Vautier · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super adorable! Fabulous short listen!

[Kim B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is FF, but I had to read it because I absolutely adore Saxon James stories. This did not disappoint. What a sweet story about Elle and Margot

[Michaele · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Leo · Rating 4 out of 5]

4☆

ᔑᑭᏆᑕᗴ: 🔥🔥
しᗩᑌᏀᕼᔑ: 🤣🤣
Ꭲᗴᗩᖇᔑ:🥲
ᗰᑕᔑ. Elle, Margot
ᑭᝪᐯ: 1st Dual??
Ꭲᖇᝪᑭᗴᔑ: FF,


Mi primer FF y estuvo adorable 😍

(NO MAS FF, ME QUEDO CON EL MM)

[danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute novella for a character we know from earlier in the series. I liked it!

[Jenn (not Lily) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved seeing Elle finally find the right partner! Bisexual homoromantic -- that's so perfectly her!

[renee ☁️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐

[Lou · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good for a short read

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute short story. The premise felt a bit weak and the characters didn't feel the best fleshed out, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. Perhaps it would have hit a little more for me had I read some of the other books in the series (although saying that, I have no idea if Elle is a predominant side character there or not, so who knows!).

[High Lady of Delulu · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

ah finally, Elle's story and its connected to Perry? Love when everything is tying together!

[Ian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this little novella with Elle who we met in the Accidental Love series! Her and Margot’s story was very cute!

[Capreacula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very nice novella, but novellas always leave me wanting for more.