Winning the Wrong Guy

Love Unintended #7

by Lisa Freed

Can winning the wrong guy turn out right?

Christina
At a charity auction, I was supposed to bid on Bachelor #45 for my sister. Instead, I panic and bid on #54. When my sister refuses to pay for my mistake, I'm stuck with a date I can't afford and a man who terrifies me in the best possible way. Evan McKenzie is devastatingly handsome, fourteen years older, and completely out of my league. One dinner becomes one kiss, and one kiss becomes falling faster than I ever thought possible. My sister warns me he's too experienced, too sophisticated for a naïve preschool teacher. But when I'm with Evan, I don't feel naïve. I feel seen and important. Like maybe I'm exactly enough.

Evan
The moment Christina bids on me by mistake, I know I'm in trouble. She's genuine, beautiful, and everything my manipulative ex-wife wasn't. What starts as honoring a charity commitment becomes the most important relationship of my life. I should take things slow. I should be careful after my disastrous marriage. Instead, I'm thinking about forever after one week and looking at engagement rings after two. When a crisis threatens everything Christina loves, I'll move heaven and earth to prove this wasn't a mistake, that sometimes the wrong number is exactly right.

Winning the Wrong Guy is a short, steamy instalove romance featuring a shy, curvy heroine, and the older divorced man who falls for her at first sight.

Genres: Contemporary

173 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 16, 2026

About the author

Lisa's a sucker for anything romance. From middle school on she was sneak reading her mom's romances. Big, beefy man on the cover? She was there!
Alphas, Billionaires, and English Lords- oh my!
But at the end of the day a tender tyrant is what truly made her little heart go pitter patter.
She writes feel-good stories about imperfect people finding their HEA. Because it's not a romance without a most satisfying HEA.

Reviews

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christina and Evan

WINNING THE WRONG GUY is part of the WRONG GUY: LOVE UNINTENDED series. It's a short and steamy, instalove, he falls first and hard, OTT, age-gap, opposites-attract, bachelor auction, curvy girl gets her hunk romance. Christina is a 22-year-old shy, sweet, and curvy pre-school teacher who always sees the best in people. She is attending a charity bachelor auction for her sister when she ends up bidding in the wrong Guy. Evan is a 36-year-old hunky, divorced architect who is a bit cynical on Love. One look at Christina though and he knows he wants her. He asks her out and they quickly hit it off. These two had insane chemistry and the ending was so happy after some minor angst. I loved this couple so much. They were perfect together. I loved it.

[Kerri Wells Goetzman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I almost never give five stars to novellas. I usually walk away wishing there was more...more development, more depth, more time. "Winning the Wrong Guy" completely shattered that mindset. This book proves that length doesn’t define emotional impact, because somehow Lisa Freed made an instalove romance feel rich, grounded, and genuinely heartfelt.

The premise is adorable and chaotic in the best way. A charity auction mistake turns into life changing, and from the very first interaction, the chemistry between Christina and Evan is undeniable. Christina is a shy, curvy preschool teacher who feels refreshingly real. She's sweet without being naïve, insecure but still brave. Watching her grow into herself as Evan sees her exactly as she is was incredibly satisfying.

Evan? Absolute book boyfriend material. The “he falls first” trope is done so well here. He’s confident, older, protective without being overbearing, and completely gone for Christina from the start. His admiration for her never feels patronizing, and the age gap adds depth rather than imbalance. The way he shows up for her sealed the deal for me.

What truly surprised me was how emotionally full this story felt. The writing is smooth, intentional, and surprisingly deep for an instalove novella. The romance is steamy, yes, but it’s also tender and affirming. You feel the connection, the trust, and the inevitability of them choosing each other.

This book is proof that when done right, instalove can still feel meaningful and earned. I was proven completely wrong...in the best way. Brilliant, swoony, and unforgettable. Mark my words: I will absolutely be reading more from this author.

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

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Winning the Wrong Guy by Lisa Freed

Winning the Wrong Guy is a sweet-and-steamy instalove romance that proves sometimes the best things happen by accident.

Christina is instantly relatable—awkward, kind, and totally out of her comfort zone after one panic-filled auction bid changes everything. As a curvy preschool teacher, her insecurity feels real, especially when paired with Evan, who seems far too polished and experienced for her world. What makes this story shine is how Evan sees her immediately—not as naïve or “less than,” but as someone worthy of devotion and forever.

And Evan? He absolutely falls first and falls hard. The age gap is handled beautifully—protective without being patronizing, confident without being controlling. After a messy past marriage, his certainty about Christina is refreshing and swoony. Engagement-ring energy after two weeks? Yes, please.

The chemistry is fast, hot, and emotional, but it’s the tenderness that really sells the romance. Christina grows into her confidence, and Evan proves—again and again—that this wasn’t a mistake, it was fate.

Sometimes the wrong number really is exactly right—and this story delivers a satisfying, feel-good HEA. 💖📖.

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

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short but addictive so hang on you won’t put it down until the last page has been turned. Christina a curvy, preschool teacher working with little ones was sent to a charity auction by her sister to make a bid on a bachelor a specific one #45 but she know her sister has memory, confusion set in while at the auction she bids on the wrong bachelor #54 of course was upset refuse to pay for her mistake leaving her to face her mix up and explain to the guy face to face what is going on or what happen. Evan sexy as all get out billionaire wrong guy much older once married burned ending in a disaster, but when he hears a much younger women bid on him, but what he saw was a beautiful authentic women bidding on him and he couldn’t be happier despite learning he was the wrong bid. Christina couldn’t believe someone like her would be interested in someone like her but he was happy to show and prove to her that yes he may have been the wrong bid but he was also the right bid in every way but will it end in happiness?

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winning the Wrong Guy is a sweet insta-love romance whose MFC Christina is currently filling in at a Bachelor charity auction for her sister, and unfortunately keeps confusing herself with the number participant she is to bid on.
It gets worse when she has to visit the ladies and they suddenly call #54 and she bids and wins. Oh boy! Should have been #45.
MMC Evan turns out to be very understanding about the whole thing and a total sweetheart. He pays for the bid, is charmed by Christina and asks her out on a date.
Since his divorce he has stayed away from relationships but Christina has him thinking it may be time to try again for love.
I knew these two were made for each other and immersed myself in their story which was nicely written, with spice and was a heart tugging lovely read!.

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

[Hanna Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a part of the Love Unintended series and focuses on Evan and Christina. Christina had been tasked by her older sister to go to a charity auction to bid on a specific person. However, when Christina accidentally bids on the wrong guy she doesn’t expect anything more than having her sister upset with her. Instead, she gets Evan and his undying love for her. Their connection is instant and Evan knows that Christina is everything that he never knew he needed in his life. Christina had a way of showing Evan what the important things in life were and he had a way of showing Christina how to be loved. Together they finally found the person who was meant for them. This was a great story and a great addition to the series.

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

[Ms. Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christina Reeves is a preschool teacher. She goes to a charity auction to bet on Bachelor number forty-five for her sister Jill. She accidentally bids on Bachelor number fifty-four. Now, she is going out on a date with Evan McKenzie. He is handsome, fourteen years older than her and completely out of her league.

Evan has been divorced from Amanda for the last three years. Amanda left him with a lot of emotional scars and cynicism towards dating and women in general. His sister-in-law cornered him into being a bachelor in the auction.

Evan meets Christina at the payment table as she is upset about bidding on the wrong guy. Evan pays for Christina’s bid which helps her guilt that she messed up for Jill. Evan finds her charming and asks her on a date.

These two were so cute.

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

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christina is a preschool teacher that prefers nights at home but her sister talked her into attending a bachelor auction to bid on a man in her stead. She is supposed to bid on number forty-five, instead bids on fifty-four, Evan McKenzie. Evan does not want to let her walk away, she is so beautiful inside and out. He convinces her to go on a date with him.

These two are so perfect for each other, truly nice people. Things heat up fast between the two and Evan knows he wants forever with her. There are a few bumps in the road but they make to their HEA.

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

[Aspen G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winning the Wrong Guy is so sweet, real, and heartfelt. I loved getting to know Evan and Christina, watching each of them grow and work through their past hurts while getting to know each other. Evan is kind, generous, caring, and gentlemanly. Not perfect, but perfect for Christina. She is sweet and sensible, down to earth and open. These two are so relatable and real. With low angst and lots of feels, this is a beautiful novella about finding love in the most unexpected of circumstances if you’re willing to open your heart and brave enough to take a chance. Loved it!

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

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christina has been sent by her sister Jill to bid at a bachelor auction. Placing her bid and winning her sister her date she realizes she’s bid on the wrong man. Evan doesn’t mind at all that Christina has bid on the wrong man, he wants to take her out. This is a wonderfully romantic story, feel good from beginning to end. I loved how Evan and Christina worked together and how their relationship bloomed. If you love a feel good read, sweet with a bit of steam this is the book for you. I loved it.

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

[Angi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christina was supposed to bid for her sister Jill at a bachelor charity auction.m, except she bids on the wrong guy. What she thought was a mistake turns out to be the best thing that ever happened to her. Evan falls in love as soon as he sees Christina and he will move heaven and Earth to prove she may have bid wrong but what he feels is not a mistake. This short, sweet and steamy instalove romance will capture your heart from page 1. This was a great read.

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

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written novella about how a mistake can turn into the best, life changing, thing that has ever happened. There's some heat and steam, an age gap, and they quickly fall in love.

Christina was at a charity bachelor auction for her sister, and accidentally transposed the numbers of the bachelor her sister wanted to get to know.

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

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

It starts off as a bid for her sister but she accidentally bods on the wrong guy and it starts her path with Evan. He is thrilled that Christina has bided on him because he sees the authenticity of her and wants to pursue it. This heartfelt story had me cheering on this couple to finding happiness. It is well written with wonderful characters that kept me glued to it.

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

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine sitting on your couch for several hours not speaking a word to your husband while reading the most amazing romance book ever. Well, that would be what I just did. Evan and Christina had me reading this book in its entirety in a day. I didn’t move much except to go refill my water cup, but my kindle never left my hands or eyes. Terrific romance and the characters will WOW you until the very end.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 - 4 stars.

I liked how these two met, liked them as characters and believed in their connection and chemistry. I wanted to shake her sister a few times and was pleased that that feeling went away. They had good support and advice, worked through things well and I liked the passion they had for their careers.

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

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christina is at the bachelor auction for her sister and accidentally bids and wins a date with the wrong guy. Evan is the wrong guy she bid on, and what started as a mistake turned into a beautiful love story. This is a fun, accidental romance with believable characters, a bit of steam, and a great ending. Winning the Wrong Guy is book seven and a great addition to the Love Unintended series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christina was meant to be bidding for her sister at a Bachelor charity auction but she mixes up the number and bids on the wrong man. Evan has survived a bad divorce but he isn't interested in a relationship until he meets Christina. She makes him think a relationship might be a possibility.

A lovely light read.

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

[Debbie Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I liked this sweet romance that started with an error in bidding on the wrong guy. I liked how Christina and Evan fell in love and how they worked together in designing her classroom. It was good that Christina finally voiced her feelings.

[Sue Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mistake at a bachelor auction leads to HEA. Christina is set to bid on a man for her sister, but gets the numbers mixed up and bids on the wrong guy, handsome Evan. I loved this tale of a cynical billionaire & the curvy girl who captures his heart. At first Christina cannot believe that someone like him could fall for a girl like her. Another great novella with a cute HEA from Lisa Freed.

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has given us a wonderful older man/younger woman story that pulls us into the lives of Christina and Evan. The heartwarming story keeps us turning the pages with a charity auction, connection, determination and steam.

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

[Summer Stanley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the life lesson in this that even in the best of intentions you may not need what you want but recieved what you need. She accidentally bid on the wrong guy for her sister but the right guy for herself.

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

[Jenia Tortora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evan & Christina are perfect for each other. She won him by mistake at a charity auction. What started out with a mistake becomes the most right thing in their world. I love the way he sees her and cherishes her. The HEA is perfectly written too.

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

[Judy Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

age gap, curvy girl, he fell first

Going to a bachelor auction for someone else and bidding on the wrong bachelor should be disastrous but what happens when it’s the right man. Things aren’t all sunshine and butterflies but I love how the author makes you feel like part of the story. You worry for your friends.

[Ann Gibbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Evan and Christina's story was sweet with some spice and lots of love. I loved how they met, bidding on the wrong bachelor that turned out to be the right one for her.

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

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Christina and Evan's romance. A mistake makes for a meet-cute that leads to feelings and swoon as this wonderful romance gives you a serious case of The Warm Fuzzies and turns your heart to mush.

[Krystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a charming and a healthy warming story. He has given up on love and she is a hopeless romantic.

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