Libby Bennet Fakes a Husband: A Sweet Hockey Romance

by Ranee S. Clark

This marriage is strictly a business deal. Zero romance and zero chance I’ll let a charming guy ruin everything again.

Ten years ago I blew up my life on national television. Now I’m taking control of the narrative—buying a hockey team and trading on the sport’s popularity to guarantee that everyone is paying attention when I step back into the spotlight on my terms.

There’s just one problem. The league board won’t approve the deal unless I look … stable.

So I propose to my new consultant, former pro hockey player, Jordan Atkinson.

That’s right. Propose marriage ... nothing says stable like an impromptu engagement.

Now we’re telling the world we’ve been secretly in love for six months—convincing my family, surviving the cameras, and pretending this is all very real.

Because it’s not supposed to be.

Except Jordan is exactly the kind of man I swore I’d never trust charming, confident, and way too good at getting past my defenses. So I set rules. Firm boundaries.

But he keeps proving me wrong. Respecting my limits, showing up when it matters, and making me question everything I thought I knew about men like him.

And that’s the most dangerous story of all.

Libby Bennet Fakes a Husband is a closed-door, marriage of convenience hockey romance with a one bed situation, forced proximity, and a heroine who refuses to be charmed by the hot hockey player.

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication June 2, 2026

About the author

During her early years of reading, Ranee` S. Clark devoured fantasy books, which continued into her adulthood—since she often believes that a well-written romance novel is a delightful fantasy. Though raising three boys can sometimes hamper both romance with her own Mr. Charming and her writing, she tries to get a little of both in every day. And most of the time she succeeds.

Reviews

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an adorable read! I really liked this spin off of Not That Impressed and how we got to see Libby grow.
Libby was such an interesting character! I really liked how her character was portrayed in Not That Impressed because they humanized her. But now as an adult she was trying to get people to see her as more than a victim. I felt for her as she went through that journey, and it was interesting to see her personality shine even as an adult. She was still the same person, but she had grown a lot and was trying to help everyone else see that. While she tried to do this, she was also learning how to trust herself again. It was interesting to see her dynamics with Jordan, and her hesitation made a lot of sense for her character.
Oh my goodness Jordan was adorable! He was such a great fit for Libby because he respected her boundaries while still taking care of her. I would have loved to see a little more of his character arc, but it made sense to me that the focus of the book was Libby.
I loved getting to see the Bennets again too! There are a bunch of fun cameos throughout this book, but the focus of the book is Libby and Jordan. And their story kept me hooked! I finished this book in a couple of days because it was just so good. I would recommend this sweet, clean romance for anyone who loves romcoms!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

[Randi Sampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've read Not That Impressed, you already know some of Libby's history, and if you haven't, I would highly recommend going back to read that one first. We're given enough backstory in this one that you'll absolutely be able to enjoy it as a standalone too, but this way you'll have a fuller history... and avoid any spoilers! In this story, ten years have passed and Libby is trying to prove to her family and the world that she is no longer that teenager... which leads to a marriage of convenience with a former pro hockey star. Jordan and Libby were so sweet together. Knowing her history in relationships, he truly was the perfect match for her- he's protective but still supportive of her independence, he falls first and hard but he's patient with her until she comes around, he's flirty and charming but he doesn't push past the boundaries that she has in place... I truly just loved them! It was so nice to see Libby get her happily ever after after all she had gone through as a teenager. If the romance wasn't enough, how about a little FBI appearance to keep things really interesting! I won't give anything away, but trust me, this is definitely one that you're going to want to experience for yourself!

Libby Bennet Fakes a Husband is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Berly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a kisses only contemporary romcom. It isn't listed as part of a series, but it is closely connected to Not That Impressed. It could be helpful to read that one first in order to get Libby's background in real time rather than just hear about it in this story.

I really enjoyed the last half of this book. I love a marriage of convenience story, as is implied by the title of the book so I'm not spoiling anything there. The way this marriage happened was not my favorite, but I do realize that making a MoC story that is believable is very difficult since they don't really happen in real life now. One of the other "tropes" or whatever you'd like to call it, maybe a plot point, that I saw listed in the blurb was one bed. I really don't like that, even though this couple is married.

I did end up having Kindle assitive reader read the middle half of the book to me because of my schedule. I think that actually helped me get into the story more. I'm definitely an audiobook reader! I read the last 25 percent with my eyes and liked it quite a bit.

I was given the opportunity to read an advanced digital copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Sophie Toovey · Rating 4 out of 5]

As my first book by this author, I did feel like I was stepping into an established world with a lot of character history already in place, but it was clear the series has tackled some deeper and more emotional topics along the way. The vulnerabilities and backstories gave the romance more weight, particularly with Libby’s struggles and the ways her past still shapes her decisions.

Jordan was cute. His understanding of Libby felt believable and compassionate, especially because of his experiences with his sister. He’s patient, supportive, and honestly behaves impeccably throughout the story. At times, though, I wished he’d been a little more flawed or humanised just to add more tension and bite to the romance.

There were some genuinely sweet and endearing moments in this marriage of convenience story, and it was a very easy read overall. I did struggle a little with Libby’s obsession with controlling the narrative and public perception — it made her harder to empathise with at points. But this is a fun book to escape in.

[Chelsy Sandel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love getting to ARC read Raneé’s books. And it was so fun to add in a marriage of convenience with hockey, instead of our usual football players (Raneé writes some really good swoon-worthy football players).

I fell in love with her previous book that had the characters in a reality show, so of course I loved this one too! There was a lot less of the reality show part and more about plot, which was totally fine.

Raneé knows how to write a good book boyfriend. Jordan is everything a man should be! And the fact that he made dinner so often, amazing! I love him and Libby together.

She still had some technical points about hockey with it being her first hockey romance. You couldn’t tell that it was her first, she still killed it and wrote a great story!

I love the suspense of Jordan working with the FBI and being blackmailed too. Just added another fun layer to this bean dip.

I missed the Bennet’s, so I’m glad we got to revisit them years later. I applaud you Raneé! Thank you for another great book!

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Libby was such an interesting character! I really liked how her character was portrayed in Not That Impressed because they humanized her. But now as an adult she was trying to get people to see her as more than a victim. I felt for her as she went through that journey, and it was interesting to see her personality shine even as an adult. She was still the same person, but she had grown a lot and was trying to help everyone else see that. While she tried to do this, she was also learning how to trust herself again. It was interesting to see her dynamics with Jordan, and her hesitation made a lot of sense for her character.

Jordan was adorable! He was such a great fit for Libby because he respected her boundaries while still taking care of her. I would have loved to see a little more of his character arc, but it made sense to me that the focus of the book was Libby

[Barbara Hackel · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Jordan is introduced to Libby Bennet at a fundraiser, he was pleased to be charming because he was trying to raise millions to help people in his town who had been scammed out of their savings by Bryce Hayes. Bryce was his sister Baylee’s ex-fiancé who stole money from their community. Libby, the daughter of Houston Pumas owner Rob Bennet, made a donation of 10 million dollars and hired Jordan to help her buy the Denver hockey team. Well it's a little more involved than that...
You need to read this terrific story about Libby's venture into owning a hockey team, getting a husband, and remaining cool and calm as havoc takes over her life. Romance, hockey, and the FBI mixed with hope and love!

[Katie Iman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Libby Bennett is determined to rewrite her story and show the world how much she’s grown. The only issue is she has to marry a man she barely knows to do it.

We briefly met Libby and her sisters in Clark’s book “Not That Impressed”. I do feel that book needs to be read to fully appreciate and enjoy this story. However, you could read between the lines and still enjoy this novel.

Jordan is a wonderfully written character that anyone could love. Libby is also a wonderfully written character but she caused me some frustration as a reader. She took long enough to figure out her worth! My patience is much thinner than Jordan’s 🤣

This story is a perfect closed door read. If you enjoy fake marriage, hockey romance, protective families and the sweetest story this book is for you!

[Grace Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of reading this as an ARC read and it was so good! I loved the unique storyline of the FMC and her wealthy family. It was interesting to read through the trauma dynamic of the FMC and MMC’s sister and how they healed and overcame that. Those sensitive topics were handled with care from the author.

Marriage of convenience is one of my favorites and this author did an amazing job with it! Sweet Jordan was so kind and patient with Libby and helped her work through her trust issues. He was fully committed and all in even when she wasn’t quite there yet.

Bonus points that this had my favorite sport in it!

This is closed door and fade to black. No language and has lots of sweet moments! Highly recommend!! 5⭐️

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! I recommend reading Not That Impressed first so you understand who Libby is, but before you read that you might want to read the rest of the Houston Pumas series. It’s not required but adds so much more to the story to really understand who each of the characters (and side characters) are. I wouldn’t really classify this as a hockey book, but Libby does buy the team and Jordan used to play so there is that. However, this is definitely a marriage of convenience book that has Jordan showing all his green flags. Libby could not have asked for a better man for her. “I’m letting her take the lead. That’s what Libby needs, so that’s what she gets. Always.” ❤️

[Michelle Houghton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous, warm hug romance. There is a hockey teams obviously means in the background, but this is all about Jordan and Libby. This is an easy, quick, closed door, read full of heart. I adored the fact that both characters were honest and open and had feelings for each other early on. They have hurdles, of course, but they tackle them together. Wonderful rich characters and the banter is on point. Fills you up with all the good feels. Beautifully done!

[Caleen Pickett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read!
Really enjoyed the characters and their growth and development. Some tough topics that were handled realistically and with sensitivity. Well done! Jordan is the perfect fit for Libby.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Misty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book from the author.

I absolutely loved this book! It had one of my favorite tropes, fake marriage. Libby and Jordan made the perfect pair. How they grew together as a "fake" couple and the slight air of Mystery definitely lead up to a great ending.

[Laramee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun fake husband romance! I loved this addition to the Bennet sister's series!

I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun romcom sports read. It is part of a series although it can be read as a standalone. Likeable characters who are both working through past problems in their lives.

[Lissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore Jordan & Libby's sweet, caring, protective, uncertain, loving, wanted, yummy, swoony, happily ever after!

[Rylie Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun closed door romance with no language. It can be read as a standalone which is what I did. I have not read the first book in this series and still quite enjoyed this book but if you read the first book first you will get a fuller history and more depth to the story.

It was nice to see how Libby grows as a character throughout the story and I will definitely be picking up more books from this author.

Thank you to the author for the ARC. All thoughts are my own.