Emergency Exit

Valkyrie Brothers #3

by Bethany Maines

One bad ex. One fake relationship. Sometimes the only way out is the Emergency Exit.

When a misunderstanding lands new-to-town Harper Smoak at the wrong event with gorgeous tech investor Asher Valkyrie, she hopes she’ll be able to sneak out without embarrassment. But when she fends off his manipulative ex, Emma, by pretending to be his girlfriend Ash offers Harper $10,000 to continue the role and bolster his image while he works on a high-profile Pentagon project. Hesitant, but struggling with a debt she never asked for, Harper agrees. However, the faux-relationship quickly sends real sparks flying, and what began as simple arrangement quickly becomes something more. But while Harper and Ash draw closer, navigating Ash’s secrets, judgmental social circle, and Emma’s interference, test their growing bond. And when Ash’s enemies target Harper, Ash knows that he has one chance to make things right or Harper will be making an emergency exit.

Emergency Exit—Book 3 of the Valkyrie Brothers Trilogy—is an action-packed, fake-relationship, tech billionaire romance, perfect for fans of Janet Evanovich, Charlaine Harris, or Ali Hazelwood. One-click this hilarious, unputdownable rom-com mystery today!

Genres: Romance

301 pages, Paperback

Published September 14, 2025

About the author

Bethany Maines, a native of Tacoma WA, is the award-winning author of action adventure tales that focus on women who know when to apply lipstick and when to apply a foot to someone’s hind end. When she’s not traveling to exotic lands, or kicking some serious butt with her black belt in karate, she can be found chasing after her daughter, or glued to the computer working on her next novel.

FB: www.facebook.com/AuthorBethanyMaines
INSTA: @AuthorBethanyMaines
TWIT: @BethanyMaines
WEB: www.bethanymaines.com

Reviews

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third in the Valkyrie Brothers series. Harper is hoping that moving here will be better than near her family. Yet here she is again searching for the party that she'll be late to again. Why can't anything ever go her way. If it's not her clothes, it's what she's said. If it's not that, then it's not how normal people behave. Then, out of nowhere, he's holding the lift for her to get to the party. Now, this is a man she'd like to get to know better. Asher doesn't really want to be here. But he knows he needs to be here for his company. At least he knows his ex won't be here. Then he sees her looking lost. Should he help, or will she think he's too nosy. But she is gorgeous and surely he can help her out. A chance meeting starts a series of misunderstandings but also a way to prove he's over his ex, and hopefully, she'll leave him alone. This story shows how neurodiverse affects diffently between people. How easy simple emotions can be misinterpreted, and how easily offended others can be. Ash knows he needs structure and appointment reminders as his mind wanders, and he forgets easily. I love how they each compliment the other, without realising sometimes. The way they become Smoak and Ash just makes them even more adorable. Social queues and mannerisms aren't the easiest for them to fully recognise. But can they help each other overcome other's influences. Can Harper finally be herself. Will Ash finally help his brothers rebuild their relationship with their mom. Or is his ex hiding more than he knew. I've loved this series. Each brother's story helps build a better perspective of their childhood and how it's affected each of them.

[Stacey T · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a captivating conclusion to the Valkyrie Brothers series that readers won’t want to miss. Hayley has moved to Seattle, eager to reinvent herself after an unfortunate marriage proposal shattered her previous relationship. Working in emergency management, she expertly assesses risk, yet she grapples with understanding people and finding acceptance, particularly from her family. A fateful “Hayley moment” leads her to the wrong party, where she meets Ash—and this encounter transforms her life in unexpected ways. Ash, who runs his own company, has ended a relationship with his girlfriend and often feels overshadowed by his older brothers. When he meets Hayley and experiences her refreshing honesty, he begins to realize how much he has hidden behind a mask, shielding his true self from the world and his family. As they embark on a mutually beneficial fake relationship, both Ash and Hayley discover more about themselves and learn to navigate their lives in a society that frequently overlooks their neurodivergent perspectives. Will their bond evolve into something genuine, or will their pasts threaten to unravel their future?
The author delivers a stellar finale, skillfully avoiding the pitfalls that can accompany the final book in a series. I thoroughly enjoyed the earlier installments and was excited to gain deeper insights into the youngest brother, completing the family portrait. Ash and Hayley have a beautiful synergy that showcases the often-misunderstood experiences of neurodivergent individuals. Their diverse friend groups and the dynamic interactions among them add vibrant layers to the story, though I did long for a touch more of the exhilarating chemistry seen in previous couples. Ultimately, this book masterfully underscores that not all families are picture-perfect, but they can also be your strongest supporters, and discovering your soulmate can truly fill the missing piece of your life’s puzzle. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Linda Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super ending to 3 phenomenal standalone books about the 3 brothers Valkyrie
If you like well-written rom-coms with more romance than on-the-page intimacies, you need to read this book as well as this whole series! Ms. Maines has combined humor, intrigue, and romance in one captivating little package. The humor will sneak up on you. There was one place where I broke out into a full-throated chuckle. Olly who is Forest’s 3yo son runs for his grandmother, estranged from her son; Olly yells, “Gramma Lady!” Now, tell me visualizing that is not hilarious and pinch-his-cheeks funny sweet?! Yeah, that’s what I thought.
A series of mishaps occur to bring together two neurodivergent people: Asher Valkyrie and Harper Smoak who soon become the team of “Smoak and Ash.” Ash is ADHD and Harper is suspected to be on the Autism spectrum. They bond over their ability to say what they think without filters, which makes for some very humorous moments. In this last book, Ms. Maines ties up some loose threads and we get to see the “villains” get their comeuppance. All-in-all wonderful! I highly recommend this author and I plan on checking out her other books. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through BookSirens.

[Linley Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book part of The Valkyrie Brothers and this was Book 3. I found that it was a great mix of romance thrown in with some drama from the ex girlfriend. They were such a well matched couple and really enjoyed that there was neurodivergent characters. This got me thinking and I have always thought that perhaps neurodivergent and any type of supposedly “different” people are here to remind us how important it is to be authentic and honour yourself and if the truth hurts then there’s the lesson we needed. It also reminded how the grandparents of my honorary neurodivergent nephew thought and were worried about what would happen to him when he grew up. If only more people could be as positive as this author and see the potential in them and how they can end up like the so called “normal” people. Really there is no such thing as normal, we are all individuals and as such everyone should be equal, which doesn’t happen much. But reading positive stories such as this even though is fiction it can highlight how we’re all just human.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Debbie O'Donnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

thank you to BookSirens for my ARC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

my review: 4.5⭐

This is the true definition of a ROMCOM! Our MMC Asher is sweet, caring and thoughtful! Our FMC Harper is kind, honest and colourful! I loved everything from the meet cute to the hilarity of Harper's honesty and bluntness 🤣 to the sweet gestures from Asher. This is a fake dating romcom filled with neurodiverse loving and inclusivity. This is my first by this author and won't be my last. I am about to read book 1 lol!

If you love fiercely inclusive MCs and diverse characters mixed with the romcom vibes/romantic suspense and banter - then this is for you.
The spice is a little bit open door but mainly fade to black. I'd give it 0.5🌶️. Great if you want less spice and more relationship development and fade to black !

I read this in one day that's how much I enjoyed it. I didn't do the full 5⭐ only because I would have preferred a bit more open door spice - not lots to take from the story but just a bit more from the one scene we have. This is just my preference!

[Kair · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emergency Exit—Book 3 of the Valkyrie Brothers Trilogy by Bethany Maines, is a refreshingly different rom-com book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. The book is set around the same time period of books 1 and 2- Elevator ride and Between Floors, but focuses on Asher Valkyrie's relationship with Harper Smoak. I definitely recommend that you read books 1 and 2 prior to reading book 3. What I liked most about the book is that it focused a lot on Asher's ADHD and Harper being on the Spectrum and how it affects their communication and various relationships. I liked the book covering the same time period as books 1 and 2, giving another viewpoint of what happened to Rowan and Forest. There are also issues with both Asher and Harper's exe's that cause a lot of chaos to the storyline that was entertaining. The book also has some funny banter between the brothers which I enjoyed. Emergency Exit is an easy read and surprisingly refreshing rom-com that I really enjoyed. I highly recommend it.

[Shanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read all three Valkyrie brothers books and I think that while I loved them all, Emergency Exit is my favorite of the three. I felt like I related to the characters the most.

Fake dating is one of my favorite tropes, and this book did not disappoint. There was good character growth for Ash and Harper. I loved their easy chemistry and how real they felt.

I think the only thing that felt off to me about this book (and series) was that the narration is in 3rd person. Sometimes that made it feel like it didn't flow as easily.

Even though this is the 3rd book in an inter-connected series, it can easily be read as a standalone, especially since important events from the prior books were explained. Sometimes it felt a little repetitive, but for the most part it was nice to see another perspective on the major events.

Thank you to Booksprout for my free ARC in exchange for my voluntary review.

[Laure · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harper Smoak just moved to Seattle, WA which explains how she ended up at the wrong address. However, Asher Valkyrie is there to attend a friends birthday party, an event he wished he could have avoided. They meet on the elevator and Ashe offers to pay off a debt for Harper, and in exchange she will pose as his girlfriend for the various events he is expected to attend. They quickly become close. So, when Harper is threatened Ash jumps into action to save the woman he has realized that he never wants to live without.

Hysterically funny and steamy read with unexpected twists and turns that kept me entertained and completely engrossed from the very first page. I absolutely loved this book, so I will highly recommend it to any reader.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provided by Book Sirens.

[Rachel E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was really sweet and gave a successful view of life as being ND and/or on the spectrum. I was initially sad that it was so short compared to the first 2 books but after reading it, it felt like a good bookend to explore Smoak and Ash as individuals and as they grew as a couple.

I liked the opportunity to explore why Ash seemed like such a softy with a big heart in the first 2 books, but also kind of distant. Getting to know Harper filled a special spot in my heart. I'm really happy they found each other.

It also wrapped up the overarching story of the three brothers that make up Team Valkyrie. It was a fun read as each book doesn't take place in succession, they take place concurrently. Each story is both independent and dependent on the perspectives of the other brothers.

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

[Lisa Benison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fake Dating to More? with Heart, Humor, Heat, Romance and Intrigue - Perfection!

I loved everything about this book - it was well written, slow build, had wonderful characters with depth - including the supporting characters- both real and found family, and Harper and Asher together were just so much fun to read. I loved that neither one of them was "normal" yet they understood each other perfectly and were able to help each other navigate the world outside their "bubble". It is part of the Valkyrie brothers series which all overlap and while you don't need to read them all, I did go back and read the earlier books, and now I am sorry to see the series end - Enjoy!

I was sent an ARC by the author and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ash is struggling to meet his social commitments without a plus one after his break up with Emma and he ends up meeting Harper in the elevator to one of those parties. As they enter together and stay near each other at the party everyone assumes they are dating. They have fun and Harper provides a way out for Ash when his ex shows up and her sister is nasty to him. Ash asks Harper to be his fake girlfriend, he'll pay her (and she is in need of money) to accompany him at parties. What neither of them foresee is that they would form a strong bond, fall in love and become a real couple. She'll be instrumental to help him solve his problems with Emma and to learn on who he can really trust.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 3 in Maines' Valkyrie Brothers trilogy, which means this is the last. A wonderful addition to this series which is better when read in series order. I loved our main characters Harper and Ash. I loved how they met and Ash's offer to continue the rouse. How this book blends the sweet romance and steamy chemistry with humor, action and mystery. It's a captivating storyline I was hard pressed to put down. Well written and beautifully balanced. I loved this read and I can't wait to see what Maines will write next! This trilogy was fantastic!

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

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ash is recently single after ending his relationship with Emma. When he gets into an elevator with Harper, he suddenly thinks he should have a date for the party and asks her to fake date him. Ash is ADHD and I liked how he managed to deal with being successful and having ADHD. Harper often said what she was thinking even when it was highly inappropriate. Ash loved that he knew exactly what she was thinking. Their relationship really worked. Great book with great characters and good examples of how a family can be dysfunctional and work through it.

[Barbara Lamb · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

This quirky novel in the trilogy was unexpected yet truly a treat. Thank you Bethany Maines for all the representation.
What really is the definition of 'normal'? Or is there really a thing as 'normal'?
Ash the youngest, although mostly unknown, brother in the previous two books. He turns out to be quite interesting
Harper may be misunderstood until she finds someone who does not need her to be 'normal'

[Jeri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this third book in the Valkyrie Brothers series so much! Ash, the youngest brother, has a different relationship with their mom than his brothers. Also woman troubles. Fake dating turns into real dating, of course. We see the two older brothers happily involved with their loves again, and there is family closure. Loved this.
I received the ARC of this book at no charge from BookSirens and the author, but all opinions are my own.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emergency Exit is part of the Valkyrie brothers series which all overlap and while you don't need to read them all, I did go back and read the earlier books, and now I am sorry to see the series end.

I loved everything about this book - it was well written, slow build, had wonderful characters with depth - including the supporting characters- both real and found family, and Harper and Asher together were just so much fun to read.

[Tenneal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was just as great as the first two books! I love Asher and Harper together! They are a fighting duo you didn't know you needed! Ash and 'Smoak' end up fake dating to try and get away from Ash's ex. This book is a must read such a great story with just a nudge of open door romance and a plot twist no one saw coming!

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

[Angi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in the series and my favorite of the three. Harper and Asher , this starts out as a fake date and leads to finding your soul mate. This is a great romcom and it had me laughing so hard. Another great aspect of this book is the inclusion of neurodivergence. The author highlights it in a way that is so inclusive of all the differences as a norm. Don’t miss out on this one.

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

[Genoveva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fake dating that turns into more? Yes, please! With this one we get Harper and Asher that get thrust into a situation that neither of them anticipated but can be mutually beneficial. I enjoyed that we got characters from the other books in this series! I liked the banter between our MCs.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Makayla Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a slow build but a very good read. I loved Harper and Ash. Such a good read, I read it for a couple of hours in one day. I cannot WAIT to read more books from Bethany Maines. So well written!

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

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow!!

I LOVE Bethany Maines!! And this was the best one yet! The dialogue was hilarious and both Ash and Harper were wonderful characters.