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Accidental Husband

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I don’t do what everyone wants me to do.

That’s just no fun at all.

I do chaos, late nights, and women who know exactly what they’re signing up for.

It’s worked out just fine for me.

Until now.

I’ve got a reputation to fix, a family breathing down my neck, and a spotlight I can’t shake.

The solution?

Show up with a fiancée and sell the world a version of me I’m not sure I believe in.

She was supposed to be convenient.

Temporary. Safe.

Instead, she’s the one woman who doesn’t fall for my charm.

The one who calls me out, keeps me off balance, and makes me want things I’ve spent my whole life avoiding.

And somehow, between fake smiles and staged headlines, it stops feeling fake.

There’s just one problem.

For a while, I think she’s my cousin.

Yeah. That should’ve been the end of it.

Except it isn’t.

Because the second that lie falls apart, so do all my rules.

Now I’m in deeper than I’ve ever been, chasing something real with a woman who doesn’t trust it, doesn’t trust me… and might walk away before I can prove her wrong.

I was supposed to clean up my image.

Play the part. Close the deal.

Instead, I did the one thing no one expected.

I married her.

I’m her accidental husband.

And I’ll risk everything to make sure it’s the only mistake she never regrets.

398 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2026

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Ali Parker

20 books67 followers

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5 stars
434 (62%)
4 stars
195 (28%)
3 stars
50 (7%)
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9 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for Carol.
3,665 reviews3 followers
June 16, 2026
Accidental Husband

What happens when you are expected to find a fake Fiance to help take the heat/ spotlight off your brother. The family is such you marry for status, another family who can merge with business connections or possibly financial support. Jessie has met his match but she isn't convinced that they can work, this is a true chemistry between these two. The politics, and always being tracked by photographers, constantly being in the spotlight. Can these two possibly come together and make it work? Beautiful HEA ❤️.
276 reviews5 followers
May 2, 2026
Jesse Westwood is representing the Chicago Westwood family at a wedding in a Scottish castle owned by his cousin Sterling. There he lays eyes on a scrumptious dark-haired woman, Jacqueline Calhoun, a solicitor from London. Ironically, she is a cousin by adoption and currently engagaed, that is until she comes home to her apartment with all her fiancé’s belongings and her dog gone. Little did they know at the time that their lives would become romantically entwined in the near future with a little nudge by fate and family duties that come knocking when Alex Westwood, patriarch and oldest brother, informs Jesse he must find a fiancée in short order to shore up the family’s reputation. And since Jesse just happens to be acquainted with a beautiful, brilliant attorney who shares his belief that love is a terribly overrated notion, he asks her to fill in his dance card, and she agrees, but somewhere along the way . . .

My stars, Ali Parker’s next Billionaire Inheritance Arrangement novel is riveting, heartfelt, and inspiring. If you want a story filled with loud, witty banter that is almost like a secret language between siblings, a plot that has more twists and turns than an Olympic downhill slalom run, more generational wealth than should ever be allowed, sizzling romance between two damaged souls who find love for each other despite the odds being against them, an adorable dog rescued from a dastardly skunk of a man who stole him, and a delightful finale that will keep your heart pumping with joy, seek no further than Accidental Husband. I promise you won’t be disappointed!

I received this book as an ARC reviewer and voluntarily leave my honest opinion.
74 reviews
May 4, 2026
Jesse is the rebel of the Westwood family, and has no interest in settling down, he can barely cope with being the new CFO of his family's Chicago company. He is sent to Scotland to attend a distance relative's wedding from the European branch of the Westwood's and who does he meet, but the stunning Jacqueline Calhoun. She's a cousin by adoption and a brilliant attorney. She's not interested and is engaged to an archeologist who is always traveling. But while she's at the family wedding her fiance leaves her a breakup note and takes her chocolate lab, her fur baby to France where he is from. Jacqueline is devastated and not sure how to rebuild her life. Her mother has been treated poorly by the European branch of the Westwood family and has convinced Jacqueline that all the Westwoods are terrible people. And Jacque was following her mother with that line of thinking. Out of the blue her favorite professor from Harvard connects her to a position at a Chicago law firm. And guess who is a big client of that law firm, none other than Westwood & Sons! Jesse and Jacqueline's paths keep crossing and Jesse is obsessed. Then there's a family issue and Jesse needs to step up to help his brother's reputation. Somehow he convinces Jacqueline to help him even though she considers his family the enemy. Things are up and down, and even though it looks like things are not going to work out Jesse hatches a plan to get Jacqueline's dog Hubert from her ex-fiance. The plan is not exactly above board, but it gets the job done. Can Jacqueline see that Jesse and his family are really good people? Can Jesse change his playboy ways?
154 reviews2 followers
May 3, 2026
Accidental Husband by Ali Parker is a fun, fast-paced romance that blends glamour, emotion, and just the right amount of chaos. Even as part of a series, it works well as a standalone while still giving fans of the Westwood family those familiar connections.

Jesse Westwood, known for his playboy reputation, isn’t looking for anything serious—until he meets Jacqueline Calhoun at a Scottish castle and can’t seem to look away. Jacque, however, has every reason to keep her distance, carrying both a painful past tied to the Westwood name and fresh heartbreak from a failed relationship. Despite that, their undeniable chemistry pulls them into a fake relationship that quickly becomes far more complicated.

The story mixes classic tropes—arranged expectations, forced proximity, and family pressure—with emotional depth. Jacque’s struggles with trust and insecurity contrast nicely with Jesse’s surprisingly softer, more genuine side beneath his carefree exterior. Their banter is sharp, the tension is real, and the romance builds in a way that feels both dramatic and heartfelt.

With a backdrop that jumps from castles to Chicago—and even a bit of unexpected adventure—the book keeps things engaging without losing its emotional core. Overall, it’s an easy, enjoyable read filled with heat, humor, and just enough drama to keep you turning pages.

I received an ARC of this book and am sharing my honest opinion.
65 reviews2 followers
May 2, 2026
It's finally the proverbial, extremely handsome, sexy, playboy, Jesse Westwood's story. He sees Jacque at a wedding he is attending in Scotland at his cousin's Sterling's castle and is instantly attracted and intrigued. He has to meet her. Unbeknownst to him, Jacque's mom was adopted into the European side of the Westwood family and was totally left out and abandoned by them when her parents passed away because she wasn't a “blood” relative. Because of this, Jacque hated all Westwood's but couldn't deny her attraction to Jessie.
Jacque is a prominate lawyer and has just come out of a very long relationship with a man who left her and stole her precious dog, Hubert. She takes a high profile job in Chicago for a fresh start. Jesse and his family live in Chicago. Fast forward to a fake relationship, super hot passion between the two of them, break ups, stealing Hubert back and Jacque getting extremely paranoid about everything, you have a story that will keep you turning page after page (or swiping left, left, left) and keep the fan near by because of all the HEAT! I love all the Westwoods and next we will see if Zach can find his HEA! 10 Stars all the way!!!!
Profile Image for BP34.
6,453 reviews48 followers
May 2, 2026
Accidental Husband (Brothers Inheritance Bk 9) ARC Invite from Ali Parker
What a cute book. I loved Jacqueline and Jesse's story. This book is the 9th book in the series but is read as a standalone. But if you've read any of the Billionaires' Inheritance Arrangement Series, you'll recognize some of the interconnecting Westwood characters. Jesse was Will's twin and had taken over his position as CEO after he and his wife moved to the English countryside. The story mostly takes place in Chicago with side trips to a castle in Scotland, the English countryside and a dognapping in France. Jesse is the playful playboy of the bunch who has no interest in settling down or getting married. But from the minute he spots Jacqueline in Scotland he is mesmerized. The book is a page turner filled with arranged marriages, paparazzi, private jets, yachts. Overflowing with emotion and drama as she deals with insecurity, self doubt and emotional baggage. Jesse was a sweetheart and so unlike his reputation. You'll love this one and as usual, Ali Parker doesn't disappoint. I read a free arc via the author and voluntarily chose to review it.
Profile Image for CatShire.
70 reviews
May 5, 2026
Finally we get Jesse's story. Every since we saw him in The Other Husband I have been waiting for his story. This whole series is incredible, but you can definitely read this as a stand alone. Jesse has always been the rebel. He has finally stepped up and stepping in to help out his brother Zach. There will be some headlines that will put Zach in the spotlight and Jesse getting engaged will draw the attention away from that. Enter Jaqueline, who by adoption is a London Westwood, so their relationship is ok. She is fresh out of a bad relationship and relocated to Chicago. She genuinely likes Jesse when she gets to know him and he the same. They agree to a fake engagement and of course real feelings become involved. Complicated family history and past relationship on Jaque's side threaten to derail everything. Can she overcome her doubts for a HEA. I am disappointed we never got an answer about the inheritance. It wasn't enough to change my opinion of the book. I still loved it. I can't wait for the next brother.
127 reviews2 followers
May 5, 2026
This is the latest in the Westwood and sons series and although it can be read as a standalone it would be more enjoyable when read as part of a series.
This time it is Jesse’s story. He attend a family wedding in Scotland and meets an adopted distant cousin and they feel a connection.
Jacques goes home after the wedding and finds her life has changed overnight, and when she is offered a job in America she is tempted.
Meanwhile Jesse returns to Chicago where he has a conversation with his older brother Alex which leads him to think he will escape being put upon to get married anytime soon.
However something comes up involving one of his brothers and suddenly he is being pushed to get engaged to draw the attention away from his sibling, and he blin sides Jacque with an unexpected proposition, who knows how this will pan out!
I received this as an ARC and throughly enjoyed the engaging story.
Profile Image for Janet Simmons.
736 reviews2 followers
May 4, 2026
This is Jesse and Jacqueline's story. Jacque's mother was adopted by a European Westwood family when she was young and wasn't treated kindly. Consequently, Jacqueline grew up hearing how terrible the Westwood family was.
The Chicago Westwoods received an invitation to a Westwood wedding in Scotland and Jesse was designated to attend even though he didn't know anyone attending. As soon as he walked in the room he saw Jacque and wanted to know her even if she was a cousin.
After the wedding Jacque had some major life changes and accepted a career change to Chicago where she ran into Jesse again.
Ali writes so many believable ups and downs in people's lives. Jesse and Jacque have a lot of bumps before they get to their HEA.
Pick up your copy of this book as it's well worth the read. Whether you are reading the series or as a standalone it's a great book to have.
Profile Image for Kathy.
383 reviews5 followers
May 2, 2026
Jesse and Jacqueline, a Westwood couple you don't want to miss! This man feels something he's never felt from the first moment he saw her! His feelings are so profound he doesn't have a clue what to do with them. She's pushing him away so much; she has misunderstood him all along! The perspective of his tenderness towards her and the pain she inflicts, on herself and him will make your heartbreak, but she will keep you on the edge of your seat. Their banter had me laughing! You will want to hug him to pieces, it's a must read with a blissful and heartwarming HEA! Thank you Ali you're an exceptional author!
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author, and voluntarily leave my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Charlene.
1,471 reviews27 followers
May 4, 2026
Accidental Husband, book nine in the Billionaires Inheritance series follows the reluctant other win, Jesse Westwood and Jaqueline Westwood-Calhoun. Sent to Scotland to attend a family member’s wedding where he meets the beautiful Jacqueline. The only problem is she’s currently engaged, and his cousin, but it later turns out that Jacqueline was adopted. Jaqueline, on the other hand, has her own troubles when she returns home to find her apartment empty, her fiance and their puppy missing, having left her behind. When she is sent to Chicago to work for a law firm, her first client is none other than the Westwood’s. In order to help his family, Jesse and Jaqueline agree to form a fake relationship, but of course their initial lie turns into so much more than the pair ever bargained for.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.7k reviews96 followers
May 9, 2026
Jacqueline relocates to Chicago looking for a fresh start as not only did her fiancé end their relationship, but he also took ownership of her dog. Working as a lawyer at her new firm she never expected that Jesse, the man she met at a wedding and wants nothing to do with due to his last name, would be one of her clients.

Jesse is happy being single and hadn’t thought about changing it until he meets Jacqueline. He was drawn to her from their first meeting however she made it clear she wasn’t interested. When fate brings her back into his life and his family needs his help an arranged marriage with her doesn’t seem so bad.

Humorous banter, a few challenges and two characters who draw you in and have you invested in them finding the love and happiness they both deserve.
228 reviews1 follower
May 2, 2026
Jacqueline Calhoun had a very bad opinion of the Westwoods, but she had only been exposed to the European branch of the family. That changed when Jesse Westwood, from the Chicago branch of the family, attended a wedding at his cousin Sterling's castle in Scotland. Jesse felt an immediate attraction to her that only grew stronger every time they crossed paths. They decide on a fake relationship to benefit his family, but they both realize that what they feel for each other is very real. Jesse takes a while to come to grips with giving up his bachelor ways, but he does it in spectacular fashion. Their HEA is quite charming.
340 reviews1 follower
May 2, 2026
This was a continuation of the Westwood family. Jessie and Jacque. Jacque was adopted somehow into the Westwood family in the European side of the world. Her mother was stiffed out of an inheritance from the family. She however was not blood to Jesse that he could try to date her. It was lust at first site. He became so obsessed he didn't want anyone else. Jacque was having trouble accepting the fact of her situation with Jesse, as she was coming off a bad relationship and she had a bad impression of the European Westwoods. I loved the book. I'm never disappointed. I can't wait for Zach's story.
1,145 reviews3 followers
May 2, 2026
This connected story of the Westwood brothers focused on Jesse Will’s twin from the previous book, The Other Husband. Ali Parker does an excellent job with writing very distinct personalities for each brother. Jesse is a noted player who is starting to take his family’s concerns a little more seriously. This family has a tradition of having arranged marriages. Well, Jesse puts a twist on this tradition when he meets Jacqueline Calhoun. This book took me through the lives of Jesse, Jacque and the Westwood’s.

This Bookfunnel book is an amazing read. I am lookin forward to the youngest Westwood brother, Zach’s story.
238 reviews
May 3, 2026
Jesse is a playboy and love his life. He was sent to Scotland to attend a wedding of a distance relative from the European branch of the Westwood's. There he meet Jacqueline a cousin by adoption. Her mother was treated poorly by the European Westwoods and Jacqueline thinks that all the Westwoods are terrible people. She is now in Chicago working at a law firm. Jesse was asked to get engaged to take the pressure of Zach who had an explosion in the press. Jesse only wants Jacqueline. He will do anything to get her. Will he leave his playboy life. Will Jacqueline give him a chance. Grab a copy this is another great story in the series.
Profile Image for Terra Oenning.
3,639 reviews
May 3, 2026
This is book #9 in the Billionaire Inheritance Arrangement series and we have bad boy and player Jesse Westwood who goes to a wedding and meets Jacqueline Calhoun who wants nothing to do with the Westwoods ,but when her fiance leaves her ,its time to move back to the USA and gets a job in Chicago only to run into Jesse but when he asks for a favor playing his fake fiance will it destroy them both? This book is absolutely fantastic and will definitely have you engrossed from the beginning until the end and following in love with these characters and storyline. I dont know how Ali Parker does it ,but they get better and better each time. Bravo on another fantastic book.
Profile Image for Lottie Hildenbrand.
394 reviews2 followers
May 4, 2026
Jesse’s Story

I have been looking forward to Jesse’s story since I met him in The Other Husband. I enjoyed his story and seeing his growth and development after he met Jacque. I also enjoyed seeing Jacque’s growth and healing from her broken engagement. Jesse and Jacques were exactly what each other needed to be whole. I was a little disappointed that we didn’t see what happened with Jacque’s mother’s family inheritance; that part of the storyline felt incomplete and is why I gave 4 stars instead of 5.
135 reviews
May 26, 2026
Great Series

Love Jesse and Jacques story. They meet by chance at his brothers castle in Scotland. She didn't give him the time of day. Which made him all the more determined. Found out she was from London, engaged. After she and her sister got back to London and she got home to her apartment, found it empty and her dog gone. Her professor from college had contacted her about working for his daughters law firm in Chicago. Well low and behold if Jesse doesn't spot her and the chase begins. Great story to a great series.
1,358 reviews3 followers
May 2, 2026
Jesse has to finally step up for his family. He gets to pick his own bride though and decides Jacqueline Calhoun would make a perfect temporary bride. Jacqueline though has a very negative opinion of the Westwoods. Will they be able to make it work or will Jesse screw everything up like he usually does. This is definitely a he falls first romance that keeps you reading to the end.

I voluntarily wrote this review from reading an advanced copy of this book
Profile Image for Jo-Ann Forrest.
3,037 reviews25 followers
May 4, 2026
Jacqueline and Jesse were the perfect pair. Jacqueline met Jesse at his cousin's wedding in Scotland and even though she had a poor image of the Westwood's she warmed up to him. He was smitten from the minute he sets eyes on her and every time they meet, the attraction gets stronger. So they come with a plan to fake date to assuage his family. However soon everything will change. Great characters and story line that will keep you captivated from the start.
119 reviews2 followers
May 5, 2026
Ali Parker’s latest book is Accidental Husband. It is the story of Jesse Westwood and Jacque Calhoun. Jesse is the wild, late night loving Westwood and Jacque Calhoun is an uptight barrister from Europe. Let’s just say, the picture-perfect version of polar opposites attract. The book has it all – well developed characters, witty repartee, and a nice emotional ride. All the makings of an entertaining weekend read.
Profile Image for Merry Jelks-Emmanuel.
14.6k reviews161 followers
May 5, 2026
This story is high on drama and has some amazing characters that brings it to life. Ali is such an amazing writer! Her words captivate and draw you into the story and have you feeling like you are right there with the characters. This one doesn't disappoint the descriptions are vivid the characters are inspiring and it is a book that I will definitely read over again!
I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Peggy.
2,340 reviews2 followers
May 7, 2026
I think this is my fav book - I really enjoyed it. I love this author. This book keeps you engaged and reading. It’s easy to loose yourself in this story staring Jacqueline and Jesse. He is one of my fav characters. I loved his arrogant self as you know, the more arrogant and slutty they are the harder the fall. Who can resist Parker. She’s a great character to read against this playboy. The banter between this couple made me smile.
6,104 reviews
May 2, 2026
I really don't know how she does it!
Hit after hit!

She brings the emotion, the steam, the fantastic characters, the angst.

Does another Westwood fall?

I really enjoyed Jacqueline and Jesse!
Such fun characters!

So many smiles.
So much squirming!

This is a definite must read!
Profile Image for Terri.
129 reviews
May 4, 2026
Accidental Husband (Billionaire Inheritance Arrangement Series Book 9)

This is book 9 of 9 in the Billionaire inheritance arrangement series and features Jesse Westwood and Jacqueline. This book got me drawn in by the end of the first chapter. Its always lovely how Ali can sweep you away from everyday life and struggles to a place thats both entertaining and daydreamy. Loved these characters. Loved the storyline. Couldn't put it down.
Thanks Ali xx
2,741 reviews9 followers
May 6, 2026
This made d another great read. He is desperately trying to improve his image. He decides to find the perfect girl to fake a relationship. She agrees but doesn't fall for his charm. What will happen when he develops feelings for her? The characters are well written with a great story to draw you in.
6,281 reviews31 followers
May 7, 2026
Unrepentant

That’s the irresponsible man ho that is Jesse. He’s super interested in Jacque, who is his cousin via adoption (her mother). Not related but so ick. Jacque also happens to have an absentee fiancé.

Jacque is interesting. Jesse, not so much. Just a typical player who hasn’t grown up.
5 reviews
May 13, 2026
The Chicago Westwoods are always an enjoyable read. I was surprised by how much I liked reading about Jesse being taken down by love. He has a huge heart and is so attentive and understanding towards Jacque. She had no choice but to fall for him. This is somehow a genuine love story beyond their fortune and social standings. It was a fun quick read.
Profile Image for Vicki Wayne.
144 reviews2 followers
May 2, 2026
Jesse has finally met his match with Jacqueline, a distant cousin by adoption, not blood. Nobody believes that Jesse is ready to settle down, including Jacque! This is a classic fake-to-real romance, filled with fun, hijinks and love. Well worth the read, even when both characters get cold feet!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews