River Rafting, Undercover Kisses, and My Fake Husband: A Fake-Marriage Forced-Proximity Small-Town Romantic Comedy (A Closed-Door Love Story)

by Kimmy Loth

The marriage was fake.
The feelings were not.
This was going to be a problem.

When Georgia's car dies on the side of a West Virginia road, the last
thing she expects is a rescue that ends in a wedding. But Mark
Blackwood needs a wife for reasons that are totally practical, and
Georgia needs insurance to care for her grandfather—so really, it's
just paperwork.

Except paperwork doesn't explain why she keeps waking up in his bed.

Or why his family already treats her like she belongs.

Or why every time he calls her "Virginia" just to annoy her, she wants
to kiss that stupid grin off his face.

336 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 25, 2026

About the author

Romance pen name for author Kimberly Loth

Reviews

[Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything comes to an end, and the story of Mark Blackwood, the remaining single one, left me with a smile on my face. With its many conflicting emotions, much to ponder, and a constant internal struggle, the story captivated me. Willing to shoulder his burden even as it was growing heavier, Mark Blackwood remained true to himself: dedicated, caring, protective, funny, and full of good intentions, but also incredibly vulnerable. It broke my heart to see him in a situation where, as he saw it, the "yo-yoing" was trying to ensnare him. Georgia seemed unable to recover from her ordeal, and believe me, she was trying, but no, that door seemed locked and sealed for her. I appreciated how, some more than others, characters contributed their perspectives to the protagonists' situation, and the pressure seemed to shake things up. I loved this Blackwood family series, which concluded beautifully with a touching finale.

[Luci · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so sad this is the final book in the series—my time with the Blackwoods can’t really be over. Whisper Springs has become one of my favorite fictional places, and I’m not ready to leave it behind. But here we are, following the last unmarried son, Mark, as Georgia barrels into his life and love smacks him right across the face.

This book is packed with twists and turns—enough that I felt a little seasick—but every one of them pays off. Mark’s journey is messy, heartfelt, and ultimately the perfect ending for the series. It ties up the Blackwood family story in a way that feels both satisfying and earned.

I’m so glad I stumbled across Kimberly Loth and all of her book series. Each one has its own charm, and this finale reminded me exactly why I love her storytelling.

[Astrid Rudloff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily review an ARC.
I actually avoided reading this book for a while. Not because I didn't want to read it, but because I knew that our time in Whisper Springs comes to an end. I love this fictional place and the Blackwood family so much, it's hard to accept to let go.
Kim is an exceptional writer and I'm absolutely sure she'll grant us with new places and characters to fall in love with. But at the moment I'm devastated.
I love the writing style, the tension, the reliable characters and the many moments I want to scream at them to go for it despite difficulty experiences in the past.
I can wholeheartedly recommend this series to anyone who isn't afraid of diving into stories that feel like home and family, but also of heartbreak when it's over.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a satisfying conclusion to the Whisper Springs series. Mark is smitten by Georgia from the moment he meets her. She has feelings for him pretty quickly, but she is carrying a lot of baggage and keeps waiting for Mark to do what her ex did. It took Georgia a lot longer to let her heart have what it knew was real. I enjoyed watching their relationship develop. The part dealing with Georgie was sad. Georgia was a devoted granddaughter and handled him with love and compassion. It was nice catching up with the rest of the family. I liked the epilogue taking place seven years later and letting us have one final look at the entire family.

[Jenn Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness!! It's such a bittersweet moment! This is the final book in the series, and I've loved every second spent with this family. Mark and Georgia have a random meeting that grows into so much more. There's definitely a pull between them and the slow burn while they maneuver their feelings, the secrets, and how to handle what life brings their way. What I love is that we get those laugh out loud moments right along with the swoon worthy sweet ones. Her grandpa added more heart and laughter. The whole family is always there when needed, and the way they don't even hesitate with Georgia is perfect. I'm sad that the series has ended, but we go out on a high mark!

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

[Gina]

Georgia's life is a mess. Her car dies, her grandfather burns down his house and she is distrustful of having a meaningful relationship. She wants to be self sufficient. Mark, secret billionaire, finds her with her broken down car and he starts helping her. She is overwhelmed and feels that she will owe him. Mark offers a marriage of convenience and goes out of his way to show her he is not controlling and that he loves her. Georgia is a tough nut to crack and really gives Mark a hard time about loving him back. She is afraid and it may ruin the best thing she will ever have. A story of patience and love with a satisfying ending.

[Amber Christiansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this story. Mark and Georgia were fun characters to follow. The story took me on a rollercoaster of various emotions. I was frustrated a few times with Georgia. I get where she's coming from, but some of the backstepping felt a little excessive, making Mark's patience even more impressive.

I love this world and the characters, and I'm sad this is the end. The plot was intriguing and pretty well paced.

I received an advanced copy from the author and this review contains my honest opinions.

[Michelle Houghton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful final chapter in the Whispering Springs series. 8 books, 8 stand-alone stories for 8 siblings. Mark was up last and I love his swoony, sweet HEA. Wonderful characters, amazing family and so fun. This is a closed door, kissing only romance.

[Janelle Kozera · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think Mark is officially my favorite Blackwood!

This was a good ending for Whisper Springs. I’m sad to see the end for the Blackwoods as I really enjoyed their family, the stories, the laughs, and the tears, but I’ve finished this series with fond memories of them all.

[Carol Gil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't believe it's over!

Mark was the last of the kids to find love. It started off as fake but quickly became real. I love this family and how close and accepting they are. I will miss this wonderful series.

[Laurie Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am sad that this was the last Whispering Springs book but I love the story and I love how it was all tied together. I can’t wait to see what Kimmy comes up with next.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book makes you feel ALL of the feelings! Really enjoyed it

[Carol West · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Series

I have enjoyed each book. It is bittersweet to see it end. I'm looking forward to another series. Now to find one!

[Cleocutie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great ending to the series. It has the last unmarried son finding his love. I love seeing how Georgia slowly learns to trust despite her past.

[Michelle Cecelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received this book from the author as an ARC.

I absolutely loved this series. Its so heartwarming. Im sad to see it end.

But this book is the last in the series and follows the last sibling Mark, 4 years prior he won the lottery, kept it a secret from everyone but 4 people. Mark is so genuine snd loves to help people! Hes the last one in hope of finding a wife and start his family. One day he stops and helps Georgia who was broke down on the side of the road. There begins a whirlwind of emotions and ups and down for the two of them- also can anyone have a fake marriage and not end of falling in love for real?
But, as much as I loved Mark and Georgia's story, Grandpa Georgie had me laughing throughout the book and may of stole the spotlight!

[Cindy Luebke · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last book in the Whisper Springs Series..such a good one! Georgia is a down on her luck college student trying to earn her PHD, but life throws her some difficulties. This is how she meets Mark. He is the last of his family who hasn't settled down. He comes up with a crazy plan for a fake marriage so that both of them can fix their situations. This is such a great book. All the people in it are completely relatable

I received an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review