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The Hired Heartthrob
She hired him to fix her sink. Now he’s pretending to be her boyfriend.
Liv
The sink is leaking, my rival’s Valentine’s Day wedding is looming (seriously... only a supervillain has a wedding on Valentine’s Day, am I right?!), and my cat is giving me the cold shoulder because we’re out of her favorite gourmet treats. My life needs an emergency repair. Enter Noah—the hunky handyman who just happens to be in my kitchen when panic strikes. He’s practical, down-to-earth, and the perfect fake date for this ridiculous wedding. Which means it should be simple. Easy. No problem at all. So why does it already feel complicated?
Noah
I’ve fixed a lot of things, but pretending to be someone’s boyfriend? That’s new. Liv is smart, gorgeous, and completely out of my league—but the more time I spend with her, the less this feels like an act. She thinks I’m just helping her get through one awkward night. But I can’t help wondering if I might be exactly what she’s been looking for all along.
The Hired Heartthrob is part of The Valentine's Midlife Meet Cute Series. Here's what you'll
A Short & Sweet Romcom Sugar Bomb!Fake RelationshipLove after 40Opposites AttractBody PositivitySmall TownKisses Only----------------------------------------------------------------------------💕Fall in love at midlife—one meet cute at a time.
The Valentine’s Midlife Meet Cute Series is packed with small-town charm, quirky mishaps, and all your favorite tropes—fake dating, opposites attract, grumpy/sunshine, and more. These kisses-only novellas prove there’s always time for a second chapter of happily-ever-after.
The Valentine’s Midlife Meet Cute Series has eleven standalone, sweet
The Grump Who Kissed Me by Ellie HartwoodEliza Duncan's Last First Kiss by Britney M. MillsThe Hired Heartthrob by Ash KellerThe Heartbreaker and the Grump by Stephanie J. ScottThe Sweetheart Shortcut by Evie SterlingDear Red, Be Mine by Bella GreeneA Sugarcoated Second Chance by Francesca SpencerFetching Mr. Right by Sophie-Leigh RobbinsBurning Up My Love Life by Cindy Ray HaleMy Accidental Leading Man by Leah BusboomSnapshot For Her Heart by Abby GreysonSo unwrap the chocolates, settle in with a smile, and enjoy these delightful tales of love at midlife!
Liv
The sink is leaking, my rival’s Valentine’s Day wedding is looming (seriously... only a supervillain has a wedding on Valentine’s Day, am I right?!), and my cat is giving me the cold shoulder because we’re out of her favorite gourmet treats. My life needs an emergency repair. Enter Noah—the hunky handyman who just happens to be in my kitchen when panic strikes. He’s practical, down-to-earth, and the perfect fake date for this ridiculous wedding. Which means it should be simple. Easy. No problem at all. So why does it already feel complicated?
Noah
I’ve fixed a lot of things, but pretending to be someone’s boyfriend? That’s new. Liv is smart, gorgeous, and completely out of my league—but the more time I spend with her, the less this feels like an act. She thinks I’m just helping her get through one awkward night. But I can’t help wondering if I might be exactly what she’s been looking for all along.
The Hired Heartthrob is part of The Valentine's Midlife Meet Cute Series. Here's what you'll
A Short & Sweet Romcom Sugar Bomb!Fake RelationshipLove after 40Opposites AttractBody PositivitySmall TownKisses Only----------------------------------------------------------------------------💕Fall in love at midlife—one meet cute at a time.
The Valentine’s Midlife Meet Cute Series is packed with small-town charm, quirky mishaps, and all your favorite tropes—fake dating, opposites attract, grumpy/sunshine, and more. These kisses-only novellas prove there’s always time for a second chapter of happily-ever-after.
The Valentine’s Midlife Meet Cute Series has eleven standalone, sweet
The Grump Who Kissed Me by Ellie HartwoodEliza Duncan's Last First Kiss by Britney M. MillsThe Hired Heartthrob by Ash KellerThe Heartbreaker and the Grump by Stephanie J. ScottThe Sweetheart Shortcut by Evie SterlingDear Red, Be Mine by Bella GreeneA Sugarcoated Second Chance by Francesca SpencerFetching Mr. Right by Sophie-Leigh RobbinsBurning Up My Love Life by Cindy Ray HaleMy Accidental Leading Man by Leah BusboomSnapshot For Her Heart by Abby GreysonSo unwrap the chocolates, settle in with a smile, and enjoy these delightful tales of love at midlife!
- GenresRomance
100 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 12, 2026
45 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Ash Keller
54 books188 followersAsh Keller writes clean contemporary romance and romantic comedies. Her books are sweet on heat but big on heart. She lives in the rolling hills of Kentucky with her wonderful husband, three mischievous cats, and a couple of bossy backyard chickens that peck on the door to demand treats. For the latest news and exclusive content, subscribe to her newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 5, 2026
This was a light, funny, and genuinely heartwarming read with strong cozy vibes with a well-done fake dating trope. The story is sweet and easy to enjoy, making it perfect for when you want something comforting to read. The cat (Mona) was adorable, hilarious, and full of sass which defiantly added to the book. Overall it’s a cute, feel-good book that left me smiling.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 13, 2026
The Hired Heartthrob by Ash Keller is a short, sweet romcom that feels like comfort food for the soul—warm, cozy, and guaranteed to leave you smiling long after the last page.
Liv’s life is spiraling in the most relatable way possible. Her sink is leaking, her nemesis is having a Valentine’s Day wedding (rude), and even her cat has turned against her. Enter Noah: the charming, capable handyman who shows up to fix one small problem and accidentally becomes the solution to a much bigger one. A fake boyfriend for one awkward wedding? Totally reasonable. Falling for him? Definitely not part of the plan.
Noah is pure golden retriever energy in flannel—kind, grounded, and quietly swoon-worthy. Pretending to be Liv’s boyfriend starts as a favor, but the more time he spends with her, the more the line between “fake” and “real” blurs. His POV adds so much heart to the story, making it impossible not to root for him as he realizes this job might just be the best thing that’s ever happened to him.
This book shines in its simplicity and charm. The fake relationship trope is handled with humor and tenderness, the opposites-attract dynamic feels natural, and the body positivity woven into Liv’s story is refreshing and affirming. Add in small-town vibes, adorable cat moments, and kisses-only sweetness, and you’ve got a romcom that delivers exactly what it promises.
The Hired Heartthrob is a delightful sugar bomb of a read—perfect when you want something light, funny, and heartwarming. It’s the kind of story that feels like a cozy hug, reminding you that sometimes love shows up when you’re just trying to fix a sink… and ends up fixing your heart instead.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Liv’s life is spiraling in the most relatable way possible. Her sink is leaking, her nemesis is having a Valentine’s Day wedding (rude), and even her cat has turned against her. Enter Noah: the charming, capable handyman who shows up to fix one small problem and accidentally becomes the solution to a much bigger one. A fake boyfriend for one awkward wedding? Totally reasonable. Falling for him? Definitely not part of the plan.
Noah is pure golden retriever energy in flannel—kind, grounded, and quietly swoon-worthy. Pretending to be Liv’s boyfriend starts as a favor, but the more time he spends with her, the more the line between “fake” and “real” blurs. His POV adds so much heart to the story, making it impossible not to root for him as he realizes this job might just be the best thing that’s ever happened to him.
This book shines in its simplicity and charm. The fake relationship trope is handled with humor and tenderness, the opposites-attract dynamic feels natural, and the body positivity woven into Liv’s story is refreshing and affirming. Add in small-town vibes, adorable cat moments, and kisses-only sweetness, and you’ve got a romcom that delivers exactly what it promises.
The Hired Heartthrob is a delightful sugar bomb of a read—perfect when you want something light, funny, and heartwarming. It’s the kind of story that feels like a cozy hug, reminding you that sometimes love shows up when you’re just trying to fix a sink… and ends up fixing your heart instead.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 15, 2026
THIS STORY WAS ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE.
I love Ash Keller's stories, and this one might be my favorite! I loved both the characters and Mona (the cat) was such a fun animal companion. I loved her sassy cat personality!
Noah was such a sweetheart.... I am really starting to love a good cinnamon roll MMC. I love how quickly he accepted Mona and was fine with her claiming him haha.
Liv was a really sweet FMC. I felt bad for her and the circumstances she had been through. It was sweet seeing her find her happily ever after and a person who really appreciates her!
I love a good fake dating trope, and this one was really well done, especially for a Novella.
If you are looking for a quick, fun, cozy read this Valentine's Day, I cannot recommend this story enough.
I received an ARC from booksprout. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I love Ash Keller's stories, and this one might be my favorite! I loved both the characters and Mona (the cat) was such a fun animal companion. I loved her sassy cat personality!
Noah was such a sweetheart.... I am really starting to love a good cinnamon roll MMC. I love how quickly he accepted Mona and was fine with her claiming him haha.
Liv was a really sweet FMC. I felt bad for her and the circumstances she had been through. It was sweet seeing her find her happily ever after and a person who really appreciates her!
I love a good fake dating trope, and this one was really well done, especially for a Novella.
If you are looking for a quick, fun, cozy read this Valentine's Day, I cannot recommend this story enough.
I received an ARC from booksprout. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 13, 2026
This is a clean rom-com short story.
Liv has bought a Victorian house but it needs fixing. She has a busted pipe under her sink. She calls and gets a handyman. Noah shows up to help. He fixes it and her cat loves him. He is enamored with her. He comes back later to fix something else and she had received a wedding invitation to her ex-best friend. She asks Noah to be her fake boyfriend. He agrees. Will this work out? What happens if they start to catch feelings for each other.
This was a really cute short story. The cat was hilarious. I thought Noah was just a sweetheart. I enjoyed the story line. This is a cute must read. It'll have you laughing in spots.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Liv has bought a Victorian house but it needs fixing. She has a busted pipe under her sink. She calls and gets a handyman. Noah shows up to help. He fixes it and her cat loves him. He is enamored with her. He comes back later to fix something else and she had received a wedding invitation to her ex-best friend. She asks Noah to be her fake boyfriend. He agrees. Will this work out? What happens if they start to catch feelings for each other.
This was a really cute short story. The cat was hilarious. I thought Noah was just a sweetheart. I enjoyed the story line. This is a cute must read. It'll have you laughing in spots.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 15, 2026
When I started reading this book I only intended to read a few chapters, because I had a lot of work to do outside and it wasn’t raining. But, I got sucked in and couldn’t stop reading. I have always enjoyed reading Ash’s novellas since the first one, “The Day We Met”, which is about a fireman and a cat. That was a few years ago. I really enjoyed this one too. My favorite part is in chapter 10 where I just couldn’t stop laughing.
I received a free copy from the author and this is my honest review,
I received a free copy from the author and this is my honest review,
February 21, 2026
The Hired Heartthrob
I loved the natural way the relationship betwen these characters developed. I know that sounds gunny to say about a fake date romance, but the wedding date is the only thing that is fake, as Liv and Noah learn about each other during needed repair work in her Victorian house and date oractice sessions that were nothing more than excuses to see each other.
I received a free advance copy of this story from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to share my review.
I loved the natural way the relationship betwen these characters developed. I know that sounds gunny to say about a fake date romance, but the wedding date is the only thing that is fake, as Liv and Noah learn about each other during needed repair work in her Victorian house and date oractice sessions that were nothing more than excuses to see each other.
I received a free advance copy of this story from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to share my review.
March 2, 2026
Filled with humor and love
I enjoy this fake date to real relationship book filled with the ups and downs of falling in love, as well as the creepiness of having to go to the wedding of someone who has done their best to you. Break you down and humiliate you. I love that Noah was her cat's favorite person. The cat definitely had a personality and added to the enjoyment of this story
I enjoy this fake date to real relationship book filled with the ups and downs of falling in love, as well as the creepiness of having to go to the wedding of someone who has done their best to you. Break you down and humiliate you. I love that Noah was her cat's favorite person. The cat definitely had a personality and added to the enjoyment of this story
January 13, 2026
What a fun Valentine’s Day rom com! The characters are sweet, and I loved the different points of view throughout the story. There are funny scenes with the cat, and this leaves you feeling like you’ve had a warm hug. Great for a winter evening with a cozy blanket!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 16, 2026
Noah is a handyman who Liv meets when she needs help fixing up her house. She asks him to be a fake date to a wedding with her, but will it lead to more. I liked the setting and how it is told from both points of view.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 10, 2026
Pocket Sized Reviews:
The Hired Heartthrob by Ash Keller is the first book in the Fur-Ever After Series. This is a series of three books and part of an author collaboration. Liz and Noah’s story just put a smile on my face. He’s the handy man and she’s the one with a Victorian home that is trying to kill her. And then there is Mona, her sassy & snarky cat. I loved that Liz talks to her cat. It made me smile and reminded me of myself. I talk to my dogs all the time. Liz and Noah both had times in the story when they had to be brave. I loved watching them fall in love and this story gave me all the warm and fuzzy feelings one should. Although this one is perfect for any time of year it is also a great novella for valentines day.
The Hired Heartthrob by Ash Keller is the first book in the Fur-Ever After Series. This is a series of three books and part of an author collaboration. Liz and Noah’s story just put a smile on my face. He’s the handy man and she’s the one with a Victorian home that is trying to kill her. And then there is Mona, her sassy & snarky cat. I loved that Liz talks to her cat. It made me smile and reminded me of myself. I talk to my dogs all the time. Liz and Noah both had times in the story when they had to be brave. I loved watching them fall in love and this story gave me all the warm and fuzzy feelings one should. Although this one is perfect for any time of year it is also a great novella for valentines day.
February 8, 2026
cute!
This was a darling story about a cat and an old house bringing two great people together. When Liv gets an invitation to the wedding of the very last person she wants to see again, she gets desperate. There’s no way she can safely avoid going, but going alone would be way worse. Thankfully, her cat has already picked out the perfect fame boyfriend: her handyman, Noah.
This was a darling story about a cat and an old house bringing two great people together. When Liv gets an invitation to the wedding of the very last person she wants to see again, she gets desperate. There’s no way she can safely avoid going, but going alone would be way worse. Thankfully, her cat has already picked out the perfect fame boyfriend: her handyman, Noah.
January 13, 2026
Fun quick read
Enjoyable clean read. Loved how the haughty judgmental cat Mona decided that Noah was 'her' person and how both were pretending it was fake while hiding real feelings.
Enjoyable clean read. Loved how the haughty judgmental cat Mona decided that Noah was 'her' person and how both were pretending it was fake while hiding real feelings.
January 15, 2026
A wonderful, fun, easy book to read. Well written and cute storyline with adorable characters and tons of charm. I loved the lighthearted banter. It was just a delight from start to finish. Blending emotion, love and laughter made this such an entertaining read. I highly recommend it!.
January 28, 2026
I Want A Handyman Like That
Noah, Liv, and meowing Mona are just perfect! It's a quick, delightful read. She's real with funny banter with her cat, and he's a goner for both of them. Loved the whole story.
Noah, Liv, and meowing Mona are just perfect! It's a quick, delightful read. She's real with funny banter with her cat, and he's a goner for both of them. Loved the whole story.
February 8, 2026
Great Valentine’s Day Novella
Ash Keller has done it again! Great story with wonderful characters including a funny cat. Loved this story and would love another that included Liv and Noah. Highly recommend!
Ash Keller has done it again! Great story with wonderful characters including a funny cat. Loved this story and would love another that included Liv and Noah. Highly recommend!
January 15, 2026
Noah and Liv are great characters. Their story is sweet and funny.
January 16, 2026
I liked this story but I did feel like I’ve read the plot line before.
January 19, 2026
Loved the Storyline
Characters are cute and believable. Great short read. Hope this type meet-cute happens in real life. Lots of people should love it.
Characters are cute and believable. Great short read. Hope this type meet-cute happens in real life. Lots of people should love it.
January 23, 2026
Cute story.
This was a fun, quick, fake dating romance. I loved the cat, Mona in the story. She has a lot of personality. I also attraction between Noah and Liv.
This was a fun, quick, fake dating romance. I loved the cat, Mona in the story. She has a lot of personality. I also attraction between Noah and Liv.
January 26, 2026
Kisses only.
This is a cute book. I was expecting some conflict or something but there’s not much. Good if you want an easy, light, and quick read.
This is a cute book. I was expecting some conflict or something but there’s not much. Good if you want an easy, light, and quick read.
February 27, 2026
Very sweet bit of fluff; likeable leads with nice chemistry, good dialogue, the refreshing lack of a third-act breakup, and the cat is hilarious.
March 5, 2026
Great Book by Ash Keller. She inputs reality and business and brings about a beautiful romance.
March 25, 2026
4 stars!
Great fluff read in between two heavier reads. Ash Keller is always my go-to!
Great fluff read in between two heavier reads. Ash Keller is always my go-to!
March 26, 2026
Sweet!
Sweet and fun story! Quick read. Very well written!
Ms. Keller did an excellent job developing the characters and storyline.
I highly recommend
Sweet and fun story! Quick read. Very well written!
Ms. Keller did an excellent job developing the characters and storyline.
I highly recommend
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews