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The Creed Legacy #2
Trouble: A Friends To Lovers Marriage Of Convenience Romance
A steamy, slow-burn marriage romance with fake vows, real feelings, and one very inconvenient Vegas wedding.
Presley Creed is doing everything she can to keep her life together—running the family bar, fixing her past mistakes, and proving she’s not the Creed sibling destined to fall apart. But a blurry night in Vegas lands her with a surprise husband: Hollis Beck. Her brother’s ex-best friend. The one who disappeared without a goodbye.
Now he’s back—with a nightclub empire, a calm smile, and a wild proposal: stay married, save her bar, and prove to everyone—including herself—that she’s not a lost cause.
It’s supposed to be temporary. Clean lines, clear terms. But the longer Hollis sticks around, the more those lines start to blur.
For Hollis, it’s a chance to finally find a home. For Presley, it’s a risky gamble she never planned to take.
Get tangled in this forced proximity, fake dating romance where loyalty, longing, and love blur all the rules.
Presley Creed is doing everything she can to keep her life together—running the family bar, fixing her past mistakes, and proving she’s not the Creed sibling destined to fall apart. But a blurry night in Vegas lands her with a surprise husband: Hollis Beck. Her brother’s ex-best friend. The one who disappeared without a goodbye.
Now he’s back—with a nightclub empire, a calm smile, and a wild proposal: stay married, save her bar, and prove to everyone—including herself—that she’s not a lost cause.
It’s supposed to be temporary. Clean lines, clear terms. But the longer Hollis sticks around, the more those lines start to blur.
For Hollis, it’s a chance to finally find a home. For Presley, it’s a risky gamble she never planned to take.
Get tangled in this forced proximity, fake dating romance where loyalty, longing, and love blur all the rules.
388 pages, Paperback
Published February 13, 2026
8 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Berg
34 books2,270 followersJ.L. Berg is the USA Today bestselling author of the Ready series, the Walls duet and the Lost & Found series. She is a California native living in the beautiful state of historic Virginia. Married to her high school sweetheart, they have two beautiful girls that drive them batty on a daily basis. When she's not writing, you will find her cuddled up, watching a movie with her family, obsessing over minions or devouring anything chocolate! J.L. Berg is represented by Jill Marsal of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency, LLC.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 10, 2026
Presley has always felt like the odd one out in her family. Surrounded by musical icons, whether in front of the mic or behind it, her role is to run the family bar, but even that ends up being easier said than done. After a bad breakup puts the bar at risk, she decides to go on the birthday trip to Vegas she had planned for months, only to wake up with a surprise husband, her brother’s ex-best friend. Now she has a couple choices, they can get an annulment and pretend it never happened, or he can come home to Malibu with her, play the part of the doting husband, and help her save her family’s business.
Hollis grew up without a true home, following his mother from boyfriend to boyfriend, always in search of a bigger paydirt. When he was in highschool, he found himself at the same school as Presley’s brother, who immediately declared them to be best friends. When her mom pulled a disappearing act, he ended up living with the Creeds for over a year, but when she showed up a few weeks before graduation and demanded he leave with her, he cut off all hope of maintaining a relationship with the family that was starting to feel like his. Twelve years later, he’s living in Nashville, running a club, when he decides to reach out, only instead of contacting her brother, he sends a text to Presley instead. As their texts turn into phone calls over the course of a few months, he decides to surprise her in Vegas, only he ends up just as surprised as she is to wake up wearing a wedding band. As much as he knows it probably shouldn’t have happened, he can’t make himself regret it, and realizes that maybe, he’ll finally get the girl he never forgot about.
I received an early copy of this book from the author and absolutely loved it! While the Creed family seems larger than life, Presley definitely appears to be the most real out of the bunch. Without the glitz and glamour that comes with the family name, she has real life problems that can’t be fixed with the wave of a magic wand. I love how even before things heated up, she was able to be vulnerable with Hollis, letting him in when she didn’t feel she could confide in her family. While Hollis could have just given her money to solve her problems, he knew that wouldn’t help her in the long run, choosing to support her in finding her own solutions. When they finally gave in to temptation, their chemistry was explosive, and their story ended up being everything I didn’t even know I needed.
Hollis grew up without a true home, following his mother from boyfriend to boyfriend, always in search of a bigger paydirt. When he was in highschool, he found himself at the same school as Presley’s brother, who immediately declared them to be best friends. When her mom pulled a disappearing act, he ended up living with the Creeds for over a year, but when she showed up a few weeks before graduation and demanded he leave with her, he cut off all hope of maintaining a relationship with the family that was starting to feel like his. Twelve years later, he’s living in Nashville, running a club, when he decides to reach out, only instead of contacting her brother, he sends a text to Presley instead. As their texts turn into phone calls over the course of a few months, he decides to surprise her in Vegas, only he ends up just as surprised as she is to wake up wearing a wedding band. As much as he knows it probably shouldn’t have happened, he can’t make himself regret it, and realizes that maybe, he’ll finally get the girl he never forgot about.
I received an early copy of this book from the author and absolutely loved it! While the Creed family seems larger than life, Presley definitely appears to be the most real out of the bunch. Without the glitz and glamour that comes with the family name, she has real life problems that can’t be fixed with the wave of a magic wand. I love how even before things heated up, she was able to be vulnerable with Hollis, letting him in when she didn’t feel she could confide in her family. While Hollis could have just given her money to solve her problems, he knew that wouldn’t help her in the long run, choosing to support her in finding her own solutions. When they finally gave in to temptation, their chemistry was explosive, and their story ended up being everything I didn’t even know I needed.
February 23, 2026
This second installment in the Creed Legacy series is just my kind of romance. Friends to lovers is one my most fave tropes, it’s the one I’m choosing for my debut novel - maybe because that’s the best foundation for true love.
The way JL Berg immerses us into this family is so relatable no matter how famous or rich they are, they are also just people, good people with relatable struggles. If I would need to be adopted into a family, The Creeds are quite the fun & diverse bunch!
Ok so Hollis! Mr Beck SIR! was an instant favorite for me. I don’t always feel this way about an MMC. But there’s something so grounding and confident about who he’s become all these years later. The fact that he’s drop dead gorgeous helps obvi but it’s how sure he is about Pres, how down to earth he is about his success and honestly his bff choices speak volumes. He approaches his past and his trauma in a real and compassionate way. We love a self aware king who treats the ones he loves like the most important people in the world.
Presley - 1st of all I love that name & not just because Elvis was my youngest crush and still love him to this day - side note haha - is both bold and so insecure in the way that she doesn’t believe she deserves so much better than what she settles for. Not being famous as most of her family seems to make her believe that this is what she needs from her wonderful family to be proud of her. Taken over the family bar is a giant feat and though she fumbles and trusts her trash boyfriend she’s being her and has her place in this world. One that’s unique and just hers. I really loved her & how she handled Hollis being back.
The second they reconnect it’s obvious that they’re just meant to be & though Hollis is the one who sees it and does everything to help her & show her just how important she is. I just loved their friendship & chemistry. Hollis makes me swoon in a sexiest way - he gets things done, he’s the kind of Boss man you want and like. He’s also romantic as hell and treats Pres like a princess no questions asked.
Ok this is a long one 😅 but these two are my new favorite at the moment- though I would probably be Mercury in this family - I see you bringing Asher to her rescue & I LOVE it 😍
Thank you JL Berg for making me part of this bookish family- I’ve loved discovering your penmanship and reading these two 1st books!
The way JL Berg immerses us into this family is so relatable no matter how famous or rich they are, they are also just people, good people with relatable struggles. If I would need to be adopted into a family, The Creeds are quite the fun & diverse bunch!
Ok so Hollis! Mr Beck SIR! was an instant favorite for me. I don’t always feel this way about an MMC. But there’s something so grounding and confident about who he’s become all these years later. The fact that he’s drop dead gorgeous helps obvi but it’s how sure he is about Pres, how down to earth he is about his success and honestly his bff choices speak volumes. He approaches his past and his trauma in a real and compassionate way. We love a self aware king who treats the ones he loves like the most important people in the world.
Presley - 1st of all I love that name & not just because Elvis was my youngest crush and still love him to this day - side note haha - is both bold and so insecure in the way that she doesn’t believe she deserves so much better than what she settles for. Not being famous as most of her family seems to make her believe that this is what she needs from her wonderful family to be proud of her. Taken over the family bar is a giant feat and though she fumbles and trusts her trash boyfriend she’s being her and has her place in this world. One that’s unique and just hers. I really loved her & how she handled Hollis being back.
The second they reconnect it’s obvious that they’re just meant to be & though Hollis is the one who sees it and does everything to help her & show her just how important she is. I just loved their friendship & chemistry. Hollis makes me swoon in a sexiest way - he gets things done, he’s the kind of Boss man you want and like. He’s also romantic as hell and treats Pres like a princess no questions asked.
Ok this is a long one 😅 but these two are my new favorite at the moment- though I would probably be Mercury in this family - I see you bringing Asher to her rescue & I LOVE it 😍
Thank you JL Berg for making me part of this bookish family- I’ve loved discovering your penmanship and reading these two 1st books!
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ARC READ!!! This is my honest and true review on the book!!!
Trouble: A Friends To Lovers Marriage Of Convenience Romance by J.L. Berg
This book was everything I want in a friends to lovers marriage of convenience romance and then some. Trouble delivers a slow burn that feels natural, emotional, and deeply satisfying, with just the right mix of heat, heart, and humor.
Presley is such a relatable heroine. She is messy, determined, and trying so hard to prove she is more than her past mistakes. Watching her fight for her family bar and her own sense of worth made it impossible not to root for her. Her vulnerability feels real, and her growth throughout the story is beautifully done.
Hollis completely stole my heart. Calm, steady, and quietly protective, he is the kind of hero who shows up and stays. The history between him and Presley adds so much depth, and every shared glance and almost moment is loaded with unresolved feelings. His proposal may start as a practical solution, but it is obvious from the start that his feelings run far deeper.
The Vegas wedding and fake marriage trope is handled perfectly. What starts as a temporary arrangement slowly unravels into something real, tender, and undeniable. The chemistry builds at a delicious pace, and when the emotional walls finally come down, the payoff is so worth the wait.
Trouble is heartfelt, sexy, and full of longing. It is a story about finding home in another person and believing you deserve love even when you think you have failed. If you love slow burn romance, forced proximity, and fake vows that turn into real forever feelings, this book deserves all five stars.
Trouble: A Friends To Lovers Marriage Of Convenience Romance by J.L. Berg
This book was everything I want in a friends to lovers marriage of convenience romance and then some. Trouble delivers a slow burn that feels natural, emotional, and deeply satisfying, with just the right mix of heat, heart, and humor.
Presley is such a relatable heroine. She is messy, determined, and trying so hard to prove she is more than her past mistakes. Watching her fight for her family bar and her own sense of worth made it impossible not to root for her. Her vulnerability feels real, and her growth throughout the story is beautifully done.
Hollis completely stole my heart. Calm, steady, and quietly protective, he is the kind of hero who shows up and stays. The history between him and Presley adds so much depth, and every shared glance and almost moment is loaded with unresolved feelings. His proposal may start as a practical solution, but it is obvious from the start that his feelings run far deeper.
The Vegas wedding and fake marriage trope is handled perfectly. What starts as a temporary arrangement slowly unravels into something real, tender, and undeniable. The chemistry builds at a delicious pace, and when the emotional walls finally come down, the payoff is so worth the wait.
Trouble is heartfelt, sexy, and full of longing. It is a story about finding home in another person and believing you deserve love even when you think you have failed. If you love slow burn romance, forced proximity, and fake vows that turn into real forever feelings, this book deserves all five stars.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I enjoyed immensely this 5 star story. A long time secret crush/brother’s ex best friend/Vegas wedding.
Hollis hasn’t had a great childhood but now he’s a successful business man. Presley is living in her family’s successful shadow. An ex boyfriend abused her trust and it left her in some trouble. Hollis and Presley haven’t seen each other in years and Hollis’s reaches out to her. A weekend in Vegas turns out to be what they both needed.
I loved this story very much. It was gut wrenching at times and it made my heart hurt for both of them. But the author made my soul sing with their connection. It says an intense book with difficult subjects. It was an highly captivating story about soul mates destined to be together. I adored both these amazing characters that were perfectly created for this story. Bottomline this is a must read.
This is the second story in this series, but rest assured it can be read as a standalone. Told in a dual POV with an HEA. I strongly recommend this story.
Hollis hasn’t had a great childhood but now he’s a successful business man. Presley is living in her family’s successful shadow. An ex boyfriend abused her trust and it left her in some trouble. Hollis and Presley haven’t seen each other in years and Hollis’s reaches out to her. A weekend in Vegas turns out to be what they both needed.
I loved this story very much. It was gut wrenching at times and it made my heart hurt for both of them. But the author made my soul sing with their connection. It says an intense book with difficult subjects. It was an highly captivating story about soul mates destined to be together. I adored both these amazing characters that were perfectly created for this story. Bottomline this is a must read.
This is the second story in this series, but rest assured it can be read as a standalone. Told in a dual POV with an HEA. I strongly recommend this story.
February 18, 2026
Oh this book! It had me laughing and it had me crying, it was an emotional ride that I throughly enjoyed. I love the Creed Family; they are loyal, fun, supportive and the way they open their home and their hearts to those who haven't had the best upbringing just made my heart swell. The chemistry between Presley and Hollis felt right, their history and friendship lent perfectly to the build up within their fake marriage. The way they worked so easily together, Hollis' protective nature and helpfulness and Presley's learning to trust made this story complete. As truths are revealed and schemes come to light, these two navigate their way home. Beautifully written!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review: Trouble by J.L. Berg is an absolutely amazing book. It is filled with emotion and tension and pulls you in from the start. Hollis and Presley have undeniable chemistry with just the right amount of angst. There are heartfelt moments, messy emotions and satisfying payoff that makes Hollis and Presley's journey worth it. I highly recommend adding The Creed Legacy to your TBR.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love a brother's best friend and a friends to lovers trope. This book was a great combination of both with a little bit of a 2nd chance. I also love the found family aspect of this story as well. I loved both Hollis and Presley from the beginning. Just couldn't put this story down. Cant wait for another book from this author.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
I really liked this book, the slow burn is exactly the right amount. The fact that they were childhood friends makes the book so good.
The marriage is how you wil imagine how it would happen like it is described in the book. It really is cute how they end up together. After al that happend.
The marriage is how you wil imagine how it would happen like it is described in the book. It really is cute how they end up together. After al that happend.
February 24, 2026
The tropes that are in the book are some of my favorites and I was SOO excited to get into it. I really enjoyed. This was definitely a book that had a hold on me and refused to let me go too long without picking it back up again. It is really a good page turner and one that did not disappoint.
February 17, 2026
I absolutely loved Pres and Hollis! This story has it all! Childhood crush, brother’s best friend, Vegas wedding, marriage of convenience, friends to lovers, just to name a few. Jenn weaves a story that invites you into the Creed family. Hollis is such a booktok hero and he doesn’t even know what that is—lol! Pres is the daughter that wants to make her family proud and run the family bar successfully, but her trusting nature and her ex boyfriend threatens it all. Hollis re-enters her life at just the right moment and a few tequila shots later they wake up married in Vegas. What starts out as temporary has the chance to turn into something Hollis has always dreamed of—a permanent home. 5 stars
Review of advance copy received from Author
4⭐️
This was such a cute rom-com and easy to devour. Hollis is the perfect guy with some spice and Presley is looking for her place in a family where she feels a little like the black sheep and the mess up. An oopsie wedding sends these two into a story of growing together, getting back the 12 years they lost and finally having the family Hollis has always wanted. The author immersed you in their story, the banter was adorable and damnit if you’re not rooting for these two to realize that together they can conquer it all.
This was such a cute rom-com and easy to devour. Hollis is the perfect guy with some spice and Presley is looking for her place in a family where she feels a little like the black sheep and the mess up. An oopsie wedding sends these two into a story of growing together, getting back the 12 years they lost and finally having the family Hollis has always wanted. The author immersed you in their story, the banter was adorable and damnit if you’re not rooting for these two to realize that together they can conquer it all.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews