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Things to do Before You Die… #2
Her Fantasy Husband
Security Company CEO Josh Slater put his life on hold when he said “I do” to protect a stranger. While his marriage was never meant to be real—he hasn’t even seen his wife in five years—Josh can’t shake the idea that he’d be cheating if he moves on. Now he’s a man with a mission: chase down his “wife,” get an annulment, and finally indulge in a little no-strings sex.
Heiress Alexia Slater entered into a marriage of convenience straight out of high school to gain control of her inheritance before her not-so loving family squandered the whole thing. She doesn’t want the marriage to be real—she’s fought hard for her independence—but that hasn’t stopped her from spending the last five years fantasizing about her gorgeous husband.
Then he shows up.
Josh wants an annulment. Lexi needs to stay married. When the chemistry explodes between them, there’s no stopping the battle of wills only one of them can win…
She’s had the fantasy, now it’s time for the real thing…
Heiress Alexia Slater entered into a marriage of convenience straight out of high school to gain control of her inheritance before her not-so loving family squandered the whole thing. She doesn’t want the marriage to be real—she’s fought hard for her independence—but that hasn’t stopped her from spending the last five years fantasizing about her gorgeous husband.
Then he shows up.
Josh wants an annulment. Lexi needs to stay married. When the chemistry explodes between them, there’s no stopping the battle of wills only one of them can win…
She’s had the fantasy, now it’s time for the real thing…
Paperback
First published April 4, 2016
106 people are currently reading
751 people want to read
About the author
Nina Croft
88 books1,095 followersGrowing up in the cold, wet, north of England, Nina Croft spent a lot of time dreaming of faraway sunnier places and ponies. When she discovered both, along with a whole load of other things, could be found between the covers of a book, her life changed forever.
Later, she headed south, picked up the perfect husband along the way, and together they volunteered to work in Africa. There they discovered a love of exotic places and a dislike of 9-5 work. Afterward they spent a number of years travelling (whenever possible) intermingled with working (whenever necessary.) Eventually they stumbled upon a remote area in the mountains of southern Spain and the small almond farm they now call home.
Nina spends her days reading, writing and riding her mare, Gencianna, under the blue Spanish skies—sunshine and ponies. She reckons this is proof that dreams really can come true if you want them enough.
Nina's writing mixes romance with elements of the paranormal and science fiction
If you'd like to find out about new releases then sign up for my Newsletter at: https://app.mailerlite.com/webforms/l...
Later, she headed south, picked up the perfect husband along the way, and together they volunteered to work in Africa. There they discovered a love of exotic places and a dislike of 9-5 work. Afterward they spent a number of years travelling (whenever possible) intermingled with working (whenever necessary.) Eventually they stumbled upon a remote area in the mountains of southern Spain and the small almond farm they now call home.
Nina spends her days reading, writing and riding her mare, Gencianna, under the blue Spanish skies—sunshine and ponies. She reckons this is proof that dreams really can come true if you want them enough.
Nina's writing mixes romance with elements of the paranormal and science fiction
If you'd like to find out about new releases then sign up for my Newsletter at: https://app.mailerlite.com/webforms/l...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
April 2, 2016
3.5 Stars. Josh married Alexia to help her out of a jam with her family. They've lived separately for 5 years and now Josh has decided that he wants to move on with his life. When they reunite, a little pretending turns into a lot of sparks. The story was cute though not all that believable. Josh's purported reason for celibacy is old fashioned and totally awesome for it. Alexia is this eccentric millionaire with some interesting and quite lovable traits. I mean, who doesn't love someone who is selfless and wants to save the world? :) I'll admit to times where she frustrated me with her acceptance of status quo but I get that it's how she was meant to be. The story moves along pretty smoothly until the end when the big realization happens. You don't even get to see how it comes about. It just happens and you're left wondering. The epilogue was cute but I felt that it could've been more. Safety: No rape/abuse. No OW/OM. They use condoms. h is a virgin.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
March 23, 2016
3 Stars
I love the premise of this series; after being stranded on a lifeboat after the cruise ship they're one; a group of male friends make a pact to do the one thing they want. In His Fantasy Girl, for Logan it was getting in touch with the woman that he had an amazing one night stand with and never stopped thinking of.
For Security Company CEO Josh Slater, it's not quite as....virtuous. What he wants is no-strings-attached sex, lots of it. Problem is, he needs to end his fake marriage of convenience first with a wife that he hasn't seen since their "wedding" five years ago. But what should be a quickie annulment since they never consummated their marriage soon turns a lot more complicated when he lays his eyes on Alexia Slater.
This was a case of opposites attracting. Josh is brooding and grumpy and Alexia is the sweet and easy going, if at times overly so, woman that's determined to save everyone. Surprisingly, I really loved Alexia. I say surprisingly because at times I felt she let people step all over her, especially her family. I only have one word for her grandmother...
But while I loved the set up, I had a hard time believing that Josh spent 5 years being celibate because he was "married". Considering their arrangement, I just couldn't wrap my mind around that. I connected to Alexia and her reasons, but Josh's seemed a bit extreme.
I did love the two of them together. Josh may not like his attraction to Alexia and fights it, but I liked that he's still protective of her though it all. And of course the steam did help...
Josh was really slow to thaw, so his quickie turn around at the end just felt rushed and unbelievable. It was a little heavy on the cheese too, considering the time frame.
Overall, this was a quick and enjoyable read, albeit nothing I'd come back to. If you're a fan of this series, I highly recommend it because it hits the spot for a nice and steamy afternoon read.
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
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He was addictive. Which was a problem, because he was also bossy, and a loner, and a total commitment-phobe.
I love the premise of this series; after being stranded on a lifeboat after the cruise ship they're one; a group of male friends make a pact to do the one thing they want. In His Fantasy Girl, for Logan it was getting in touch with the woman that he had an amazing one night stand with and never stopped thinking of.
For Security Company CEO Josh Slater, it's not quite as....virtuous. What he wants is no-strings-attached sex, lots of it. Problem is, he needs to end his fake marriage of convenience first with a wife that he hasn't seen since their "wedding" five years ago. But what should be a quickie annulment since they never consummated their marriage soon turns a lot more complicated when he lays his eyes on Alexia Slater.
This was a case of opposites attracting. Josh is brooding and grumpy and Alexia is the sweet and easy going, if at times overly so, woman that's determined to save everyone. Surprisingly, I really loved Alexia. I say surprisingly because at times I felt she let people step all over her, especially her family. I only have one word for her grandmother...
But while I loved the set up, I had a hard time believing that Josh spent 5 years being celibate because he was "married". Considering their arrangement, I just couldn't wrap my mind around that. I connected to Alexia and her reasons, but Josh's seemed a bit extreme.
I did love the two of them together. Josh may not like his attraction to Alexia and fights it, but I liked that he's still protective of her though it all. And of course the steam did help...
“You’re better than I could have ever imagined. My fantasy husband.”
Josh was really slow to thaw, so his quickie turn around at the end just felt rushed and unbelievable. It was a little heavy on the cheese too, considering the time frame.
Overall, this was a quick and enjoyable read, albeit nothing I'd come back to. If you're a fan of this series, I highly recommend it because it hits the spot for a nice and steamy afternoon read.
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
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April 4, 2016
4 - "I've spent the last five years fantasizing about you." Stars!
Nina Croft continues the Things To Do Before You Die series with Josh Slater's story. Being stuck on a raft with his two friends after the cruise ship they were traveling on sinks, brings on a few confessions, and life decisions. Josh it turns out is married, to a woman he has never spent any time with…
Lexi, uses her marriage to Josh to keep her abhorrent money grabbing family at a distance, as long as she stays married she controls her inheritance, but when Josh turns up looking for an annulment prior to their previously agreed divorce date, things start to go awry.
He was here to get away from her, not get turned on every time she got near him.
After an unexpected kiss reveals a 'straight to boil' chemistry between the pair of them, Josh is left questioning whether he still wants an annulment, especially when all of his Alpha over-protective instincts kick in around her family. Lexi is desperate, she only needs Josh to stay married to her for another six months for the risk to be removed, but with her Grandmothers unexpected arrival and a whole host of hangers on poking their noses in on her behalf, Josh’s decision to end things earlier than agreed could not come at a worse time.
"You can’t fix someone who doesn’t want to be fixed."
I am not a huge fan of overblown familial drama, and the tropes used in Her Fantasy Husband were knee-deep into that territory for me, but Nina managed one thing that some authors struggle with in that although they were seriously annoying, and hugely dislikeable, Gran and the gang did not take over the story as a whole. There was a huge amount of potential for this to happen, especially in the latter stages of the story, but it was well balanced between the relationship developing with Lexi and Josh, and Lexi’s dealings with them did come second to that.
"I think maybe I might be lovable after all."
My one moan is that the ending was super speedy, and the resolution to everything although expected, didn’t offer any real fireworks or retribution to the situation as a whole. Still enjoyable, but I would have liked Gran to have gotten more of her comeuppance that she actually did.
Vito is up next, I am looking forward to seeing what story Nina, gives him.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
Nina Croft continues the Things To Do Before You Die series with Josh Slater's story. Being stuck on a raft with his two friends after the cruise ship they were traveling on sinks, brings on a few confessions, and life decisions. Josh it turns out is married, to a woman he has never spent any time with…
Lexi, uses her marriage to Josh to keep her abhorrent money grabbing family at a distance, as long as she stays married she controls her inheritance, but when Josh turns up looking for an annulment prior to their previously agreed divorce date, things start to go awry.
He was here to get away from her, not get turned on every time she got near him.
After an unexpected kiss reveals a 'straight to boil' chemistry between the pair of them, Josh is left questioning whether he still wants an annulment, especially when all of his Alpha over-protective instincts kick in around her family. Lexi is desperate, she only needs Josh to stay married to her for another six months for the risk to be removed, but with her Grandmothers unexpected arrival and a whole host of hangers on poking their noses in on her behalf, Josh’s decision to end things earlier than agreed could not come at a worse time.
"You can’t fix someone who doesn’t want to be fixed."
I am not a huge fan of overblown familial drama, and the tropes used in Her Fantasy Husband were knee-deep into that territory for me, but Nina managed one thing that some authors struggle with in that although they were seriously annoying, and hugely dislikeable, Gran and the gang did not take over the story as a whole. There was a huge amount of potential for this to happen, especially in the latter stages of the story, but it was well balanced between the relationship developing with Lexi and Josh, and Lexi’s dealings with them did come second to that.
"I think maybe I might be lovable after all."
My one moan is that the ending was super speedy, and the resolution to everything although expected, didn’t offer any real fireworks or retribution to the situation as a whole. Still enjoyable, but I would have liked Gran to have gotten more of her comeuppance that she actually did.
Vito is up next, I am looking forward to seeing what story Nina, gives him.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
March 8, 2016
Netgalley for honest review.
This was a great romance that hit all the right notes and feels!! We have two wonderful characters that were well developed, strong and so very likable!!! Good plot and the pacing never let up. And can I say it was one steamy, hot read!! Plus, the icing on the cake was the depth of emotion that was also interwoven throughout the story that just made it a richer and memorable read.
Lexie our heroine has a heart of gold (more heroines like this would be so nice). She was a giving and kind young women who wanted to make a difference in peoples live as well as her love of animals and desire to rescue abused/neglected animals (whats not to like right). Lexie lost her parents at a young age and her grandmother then stepped in to raise her. Lexie came from a wealthy family and her grandmother wasn't the nurturing kind, she was self-centered, money hungry and man crazy. Lexie realized at a fairly young age that she needed to do something to stop her grandmother or nothing would be left of her inheritance and her ability to help others. Her parents had put stipulations on her inheritance, she could control the estates and monies at twenty-four or when she married. Well with the help of a dear Uncle at eighteen she found someone that would marry her until she turns twenty-four.
Lexie is now the CEO of a foundations she created to helps others as well as rescue animals. She is close to her twenty-fourth birthday and will have full control of all her inheritance. Lexie has fooled everyone on her marriage with her fantasy husband, as he was in the military and away a lot. But that is all about to change.
Josh is Lexie's fantasy husband. Josh runs a successful security business after leaving the military . He had a sad childhood and at a crucial time in his life a man he respected and looked up to offered him a deal he couldn't refuse. Marry a young heiress, receive monetary payment and divorce her after five years (again he was in the military so that was doable). Years later (four and a half pretty much) Josh has a life altering experience and decides that he is ready to have some fun in life after dedicating everything to building his business. And the fun he plans on having is sex and lots of it. You see what I loved about this romance is both characters didn't cheat on each other. They both had a core conviction that even though it was a "fake" marriage they just couldn't go there.
And this is where the story starts. Lexie's at her office and she receives a surprise visit from dear grandmother for her yearly request for money. During that lovely visit (insert sarcasm) Lexie receives another surprise in that her "husband' shows up ready to request a divorce. But what transpires is a wonderful, well acted display of a loving couple that can't keep their hands off each other. You'll have to read the story to find out how these two have become one of my favorite couple in a long will.
This was a wonderful romance that leaves you feeling good and happy. The chemistry is hot and off the charts. You have two characters with depth and who are very well developed. My favorite alpha hero and sassy heroine. Well written romance that once started you can't put down till you read "The End". Highly recommended.
This was a great romance that hit all the right notes and feels!! We have two wonderful characters that were well developed, strong and so very likable!!! Good plot and the pacing never let up. And can I say it was one steamy, hot read!! Plus, the icing on the cake was the depth of emotion that was also interwoven throughout the story that just made it a richer and memorable read.
Lexie our heroine has a heart of gold (more heroines like this would be so nice). She was a giving and kind young women who wanted to make a difference in peoples live as well as her love of animals and desire to rescue abused/neglected animals (whats not to like right). Lexie lost her parents at a young age and her grandmother then stepped in to raise her. Lexie came from a wealthy family and her grandmother wasn't the nurturing kind, she was self-centered, money hungry and man crazy. Lexie realized at a fairly young age that she needed to do something to stop her grandmother or nothing would be left of her inheritance and her ability to help others. Her parents had put stipulations on her inheritance, she could control the estates and monies at twenty-four or when she married. Well with the help of a dear Uncle at eighteen she found someone that would marry her until she turns twenty-four.
Lexie is now the CEO of a foundations she created to helps others as well as rescue animals. She is close to her twenty-fourth birthday and will have full control of all her inheritance. Lexie has fooled everyone on her marriage with her fantasy husband, as he was in the military and away a lot. But that is all about to change.
Josh is Lexie's fantasy husband. Josh runs a successful security business after leaving the military . He had a sad childhood and at a crucial time in his life a man he respected and looked up to offered him a deal he couldn't refuse. Marry a young heiress, receive monetary payment and divorce her after five years (again he was in the military so that was doable). Years later (four and a half pretty much) Josh has a life altering experience and decides that he is ready to have some fun in life after dedicating everything to building his business. And the fun he plans on having is sex and lots of it. You see what I loved about this romance is both characters didn't cheat on each other. They both had a core conviction that even though it was a "fake" marriage they just couldn't go there.
And this is where the story starts. Lexie's at her office and she receives a surprise visit from dear grandmother for her yearly request for money. During that lovely visit (insert sarcasm) Lexie receives another surprise in that her "husband' shows up ready to request a divorce. But what transpires is a wonderful, well acted display of a loving couple that can't keep their hands off each other. You'll have to read the story to find out how these two have become one of my favorite couple in a long will.
This was a wonderful romance that leaves you feeling good and happy. The chemistry is hot and off the charts. You have two characters with depth and who are very well developed. My favorite alpha hero and sassy heroine. Well written romance that once started you can't put down till you read "The End". Highly recommended.
March 27, 2016
4 stars
I really enjoyed Her Fantasy Husband. The plot was entertaining & I found myself connecting to both Lexi and Josh. They had amazing chemistry and even though they were total opposites, together they made a perfect couple.
And did I mention how hot these two are together? Loved watching Josh bring all of Lexi's fantasy to life **fans self**
It was heartwarming watching Josh & Lexi open up and share their fears, insecurities & desires and how supportive they were of each other. It took Josh a lot longer to open his eyes but once he saw how his life was so much fuller with Lexi in it there was no doubt this couple belonged together.
I'm really enjoying the Things to do Before You Die… series, each book can be read as a standalone. I highly recommend this book & series.
Thank you to Entangled Brazen via NetGalley for the advance copy.
I really enjoyed Her Fantasy Husband. The plot was entertaining & I found myself connecting to both Lexi and Josh. They had amazing chemistry and even though they were total opposites, together they made a perfect couple.
And did I mention how hot these two are together? Loved watching Josh bring all of Lexi's fantasy to life **fans self**
It was heartwarming watching Josh & Lexi open up and share their fears, insecurities & desires and how supportive they were of each other. It took Josh a lot longer to open his eyes but once he saw how his life was so much fuller with Lexi in it there was no doubt this couple belonged together.
I'm really enjoying the Things to do Before You Die… series, each book can be read as a standalone. I highly recommend this book & series.
Thank you to Entangled Brazen via NetGalley for the advance copy.
March 5, 2016
Pretty good read.
P.s. The couple were separated for 5 years but both were celibate.
P.s. The couple were separated for 5 years but both were celibate.
September 25, 2017
It was ok. The burb itself tells about the safety issue.
If anyone is looking for a light and ordinary read then go for it.
If anyone is looking for a light and ordinary read then go for it.
September 13, 2017
It was a sweet read.
A kind and loving heroine.
Both loved the hero and heroine.
A kind and loving heroine.
Both loved the hero and heroine.
April 3, 2016
3.5 stars
Book two in Nina Croft's Things to do Before You Die series, brings us Josh's story and, after his brush with death on the sinking boat, he decides that his five year marriage to a stranger must come to an end. Because he no longer wants to be celibate and despite the fact that his "wife" is a stranger, he's no cheat.
Lexi is a heiress but is unaffected, has a huge heart and you can't not adore her. She married Josh to prevent her Gran getting her filthy greedy paws on her inheritance and when he turns up wanting an annulment they quickly realise there's a real attraction between them. And together they generate some real heat.
"He’d been in the SAS for God’s sake. He was tough, trained to withstand torture. How hard could a few nights with Lexi be?"
Whilst I generally found this a steady read and I would have liked the ending to pack a bit more of a punch, Josh and Lexi were absolutely lovely together and as is always the case when I read a Nina Croft story, her writing flows, is easy to get along with and brings plenty steam, humour and emotion. Looking forward to Vito's story.
"She is everything I do not want. So from now on, no more sex with my fucking wife."
Copy received courtesy of Entangled Publishing via NetGalley for and honest and unbiased opinion.
Book two in Nina Croft's Things to do Before You Die series, brings us Josh's story and, after his brush with death on the sinking boat, he decides that his five year marriage to a stranger must come to an end. Because he no longer wants to be celibate and despite the fact that his "wife" is a stranger, he's no cheat.
Lexi is a heiress but is unaffected, has a huge heart and you can't not adore her. She married Josh to prevent her Gran getting her filthy greedy paws on her inheritance and when he turns up wanting an annulment they quickly realise there's a real attraction between them. And together they generate some real heat.
"He’d been in the SAS for God’s sake. He was tough, trained to withstand torture. How hard could a few nights with Lexi be?"
Whilst I generally found this a steady read and I would have liked the ending to pack a bit more of a punch, Josh and Lexi were absolutely lovely together and as is always the case when I read a Nina Croft story, her writing flows, is easy to get along with and brings plenty steam, humour and emotion. Looking forward to Vito's story.
"She is everything I do not want. So from now on, no more sex with my fucking wife."
Copy received courtesy of Entangled Publishing via NetGalley for and honest and unbiased opinion.
March 3, 2016
ARC received from: Netgalley
Rating: 4.5*
Trope: Fake Relationship
Chemistry: Simmering
One-Sentence Summary: Lexi's absent fake-husband shows up to get a divorce
Review: I liked the setup of having an established fake relationship and the long-lost husband coming into the picture to ask for the divorce only to find that in the minds of Lexi's family, he is a very much current and loving husband.
I loved all the animals and Lexi's charity work although the random people living her house were .... random! Her grandmother can do take a hike off a cliff as there wasn't one redeeming thing about her and I wanted Lexi to stand up to her a lot earlier.
Josh and Lexi lit up the pages and I liked how their relationship progressed.
February 24, 2021
Loved the heroine who is low key and very wealthy. She's also very kind to others. When she was 18 she arranged MOC to protect herself from her greedy family. The H has never been in her life, now he wants a divorce even thought she paid him a substantial amount of money. He believes his reasons are valid but I didn't like him changing his mind. The heroine tries to protect him as she protects others. I really liked her.
August 25, 2018
The plot had potential; however, instead of their build-up, I often got distracted by h's family drama, pseudo-family's appearance, H's repeated issue of no-strings sex…too much distractions to enjoy reading the chemistry between H and h.
April 4, 2016
My Review:
Confession Time: I haven't read the first book in this series and that's okay, you can read this one without having read the first book and never skip a beat. BUT I loved this one so much, I immediately jumped onto Amazon to buy book #1, His Fantasy Girl.
But this story is about Josh and Lexi. They were married five years ago. Lexi was 18 and through extenuating circumstances needed access to her trust fund that she could only get through marriage or by turning 24. Her godfather agreed with her reasons so he hooked her up with a guy who needed the money that was trustworthy, Josh. They haven't seen one another since the courthouse wedding. But since then Josh went through a near-death experience which changed his outlook on things.
Josh grew up with a really bad homelife. As a result, he wants marriage to mean something and even though his marriage is a farce he's never been able to cheat on his vows. He's had five years of living celibate and it's time for that to end so he goes to his wife to get an annulment.
Josh and Lexi are complete opposites. His childhood means he likes control and order. She is chaos and disorder. She's a millionaire, but lives in threadbare clothes inside her huge mansion taking in lost souls and animals. Her parents died when she was five and then was left in the care of her cold, ruthless grandmother. She takes in a menagerie of people who have become her version of a family. It truly is chaos in her house, and Josh gets sucked into it all because he's worried about her. She has a heart of gold and it's only a matter of time before someone takes advantage of that. He can't let that happen.
But rather than take care of Lexi, Josh finds that he's the one sucked into her vortex of love. I adored that about this story. Josh doesn't understand Lexi's world, but he slowly gets sucked into it, into her. It's a great story about the power of love. There are some really interesting characters. My favorite besides the hero and heroine had to be Harry. I loved getting to see his character evolve through the story and then there was the whole Toby, the dog, story line that broke my heart. So many feels.
This was an incredible book and I'm so happy I picked it up for review. Now I need to go back and read Logan's story...although it would be hard to be as good as this one was. I highly recommend this one.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Confession Time: I haven't read the first book in this series and that's okay, you can read this one without having read the first book and never skip a beat. BUT I loved this one so much, I immediately jumped onto Amazon to buy book #1, His Fantasy Girl.
But this story is about Josh and Lexi. They were married five years ago. Lexi was 18 and through extenuating circumstances needed access to her trust fund that she could only get through marriage or by turning 24. Her godfather agreed with her reasons so he hooked her up with a guy who needed the money that was trustworthy, Josh. They haven't seen one another since the courthouse wedding. But since then Josh went through a near-death experience which changed his outlook on things.
Josh grew up with a really bad homelife. As a result, he wants marriage to mean something and even though his marriage is a farce he's never been able to cheat on his vows. He's had five years of living celibate and it's time for that to end so he goes to his wife to get an annulment.
Josh and Lexi are complete opposites. His childhood means he likes control and order. She is chaos and disorder. She's a millionaire, but lives in threadbare clothes inside her huge mansion taking in lost souls and animals. Her parents died when she was five and then was left in the care of her cold, ruthless grandmother. She takes in a menagerie of people who have become her version of a family. It truly is chaos in her house, and Josh gets sucked into it all because he's worried about her. She has a heart of gold and it's only a matter of time before someone takes advantage of that. He can't let that happen.
But rather than take care of Lexi, Josh finds that he's the one sucked into her vortex of love. I adored that about this story. Josh doesn't understand Lexi's world, but he slowly gets sucked into it, into her. It's a great story about the power of love. There are some really interesting characters. My favorite besides the hero and heroine had to be Harry. I loved getting to see his character evolve through the story and then there was the whole Toby, the dog, story line that broke my heart. So many feels.
This was an incredible book and I'm so happy I picked it up for review. Now I need to go back and read Logan's story...although it would be hard to be as good as this one was. I highly recommend this one.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
March 11, 2016
I know when I open one of this author's novels I will be in for a real treat because of her excellence in writing regardless what genre she is writing in. This had a intriguing title so I had to venture forth. Lexi has the type of grandmother that if we had one like that we would avoid too. You get to start with her grandmother in her office and who should walk in but her "husband". She gives you the why's of that with now after 5 years things are going to be turning a corner real fast. She has two people wanting something from her so this is where I really sat back and had to see where this went. In a way this a bit humorous but Alexi is a sweetheart but she does have her heart's desire. He thinks that he wants out just for sex but he will be shown something different especially when his protective side gets him in her corner. Josh and Lexi become a delight to read with her family being like sharks in infested water circling. Things will happen between them also that will change the direction their marriage will go with them getting a chance to have this fantasy be a reality. Bits of humor and delightful romance will fill you up nicely as you read their adventure. When it is all said and done I was most happy with the decision they do make and the final outcome of the relationship.
March 21, 2016
I am definitely in the minority with this one, I guess. I just couldn't get into this one at all. I hated the male MC. He was such a jerk to her most of the time. He says some awful things to her. It's was a little unbelievable to think that they both remained celibate for 5 years, just because. He also came across very immature for someone who "had to grow up fast". When he thought he was dying he vowed to go have sex..... wow, that's really deep. :eyeroll: I also thought his change of heart came way too quickly/easily. Sorry, it just wasn't the book for me.
** I received an ARC of this title via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. **
** I received an ARC of this title via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. **
April 4, 2016
A truly unbelievable story. The perfect man, a stranger no less will marry, live apart from and live like a eunuch for five years for a woman he met only once. NOT!!! That incredulity is what makes this story an amazing read. I could not read the blurb without giving the novel a look see. Despite the over the top plot, it worked. Highly implausible, surely improbable but stranger things happen ever day. Every once in a while it's fun to live in a world of make believe. Her Fantasy Husband by Nina Croft is a twist on a marriage of convenience story that was a surprisingly sexy and imaginative ride.
March 6, 2016
Her Fantasy Husband was a quick and easy read. This romance was definitely a Cinderella-meets-her-Prince Charming kind of love story. This book had fire, conflict, family dysfunction, and a happily ever after.
Rating: 3-/5
Recommend: +/-
Audience: Adult
Status: M
Chemistry/Intensity: Yes
Conflict/Drama: Yes
Family Dysfunction: Yes
HEA: Yes
Source: NetGalley
Rating: 3-/5
Recommend: +/-
Audience: Adult
Status: M
Chemistry/Intensity: Yes
Conflict/Drama: Yes
Family Dysfunction: Yes
HEA: Yes
Source: NetGalley
February 2, 2019
Soooo hot and cute!
All the cuteness and hotness rolled in one. Love the characters, such opposite personalities yet so meant to be. Near death experience makes you realize whats missing in your life. I adore Lexi's corkiness, kindness and honesty. I get Josh roughness personality but felt how gorgeous he is and appealing in so many ways!
All the cuteness and hotness rolled in one. Love the characters, such opposite personalities yet so meant to be. Near death experience makes you realize whats missing in your life. I adore Lexi's corkiness, kindness and honesty. I get Josh roughness personality but felt how gorgeous he is and appealing in so many ways!
May 7, 2016
I like this one better than the first. And I enjoyed the fact that the story didn't give away anything about the 2 others male characters who were in a near death experience.
What I liked in this book : the plot, the goodness, the animals, the human and the mess! All in one kind of novella.
What I liked in this book : the plot, the goodness, the animals, the human and the mess! All in one kind of novella.
June 19, 2016
It has a unique plot that most can certainly enjoy reading.
July 14, 2020
"EVERYONE NEEDS SOMEONE TO LOVE" IN THIS SWEET, POOR-LITTLE-RICH-GIRL CINDERELLA STORY
~~“I’ve spent the last five years fantasizing about you” ~~ Reading a book about "a fake marriage to a fantasy husband" by an unfamiliar author was a shot in the dark. It sounded cute, and I needed something light and airy to clear my head of a book slump. Something to lift my mood and enjoy reading again without straining my brain. The cuteness was there with some romance and steamy sex, but the story was as much a miss as a hit.
Lexi’s a poor little orphaned rich girl with a bitch granny and a sleazy grand-stepdad with adult kids. Everybody’s got their hand out for a chunk of Lexi’s trust fund, but the clever girl got married 5 years ago in name only to yank her trust away from greedy granny. Unless she stays married for 6 more months until she turns 24, granny can snatch the dough back. Then, Lexi’s errant hubby Josh (28) shows up and ruins it all by asking for an annulment. They haven’t seen each other since the quickie wedding and staying in the fake marriage isn’t an option for him. Josh’s ex-military career was a great cover for his long absences and their occasional furlough vacays around the world, which Lexi brags about with doctored photos. They don’t know each other at all. Why does Josh want to get unhitched when Lexi finally sees the finish line? A near-death accident made Josh re-evaluate things. He wants free … to have no-strings sex (nicely shallow). Because that’s what matters most when his life flashed in front of him.
This is a very uneventfully soft and sweet love story between an organized guy with a heart in lock-down and a do-gooder philanthropist with a heart of gold who uses her fortune to help animals and people. She’s a hot mess and a soft touch, and he’s got a rough edge and killer 6-pack. Their fake marriage requires suspension of disbelief that she’s still a virgin and celibate, just like he’s been, to honor the marriage. Her messy and chaotic lifestyle confounds the organized ex-soldier in Josh, and she’s been using her B.O.B. to fantasize about him for 5 years. Now that they’re together in the flesh, they can’t keep their hands off each other, strings or no strings. Sweetly romantic, but not enough to sustain the story. There’s early steam and sexy times that make a mess of things, then a flat middle where they get to know each other around all her charity work and bond without sex, followed by a little conflict of the heart, and then an “ahhhhhhh” ending.
It was charming how protective Josh was of Lexi against her conniving family, and that he stuck around in the marital charade to look out for her and her trust fund. The sex was on and off, but the rest of the story wasn’t that engaging (I needed more), despite what a big heart Lexi has and a great fantasy husband Josh turns out to be. He has his own issues that need solving. And although I like my guys imperfect and no pushover, Josh made all the moves on her, set the ground rules, kept going back on what he said he wanted, and was quite harsh with her during their brief hot and cold cohabitation; while she was so caring of him. Her eyes were like big, smitten pinwheels, and he yo-yo'd her and hid his feelings. Both really need looking after, but think each other isn’t the one to do it. She doesn’t want a husband and he doesn’t want a wife, but they’re more attuned than they realize. the shortcake redhead and the droolworthy soldier. It was sweet but not much substance or a re-read, and there are proofreading errors (plus ones that actually change the meaning of what the author is saying). There are plotholes like both living in the same city all this time but not crossing paths, or anyone recognizing Josh from the photos that Lexi flashes around. In fact, I believe his impressive office isn't far from her office. The story wasn't very fleshed out, but I enjoyed the MCs and the writing style.
“Never underestimate how much a turn-on it is to be wanted"
~~“I’ve spent the last five years fantasizing about you” ~~ Reading a book about "a fake marriage to a fantasy husband" by an unfamiliar author was a shot in the dark. It sounded cute, and I needed something light and airy to clear my head of a book slump. Something to lift my mood and enjoy reading again without straining my brain. The cuteness was there with some romance and steamy sex, but the story was as much a miss as a hit.
Lexi’s a poor little orphaned rich girl with a bitch granny and a sleazy grand-stepdad with adult kids. Everybody’s got their hand out for a chunk of Lexi’s trust fund, but the clever girl got married 5 years ago in name only to yank her trust away from greedy granny. Unless she stays married for 6 more months until she turns 24, granny can snatch the dough back. Then, Lexi’s errant hubby Josh (28) shows up and ruins it all by asking for an annulment. They haven’t seen each other since the quickie wedding and staying in the fake marriage isn’t an option for him. Josh’s ex-military career was a great cover for his long absences and their occasional furlough vacays around the world, which Lexi brags about with doctored photos. They don’t know each other at all. Why does Josh want to get unhitched when Lexi finally sees the finish line? A near-death accident made Josh re-evaluate things. He wants free … to have no-strings sex (nicely shallow). Because that’s what matters most when his life flashed in front of him.
This is a very uneventfully soft and sweet love story between an organized guy with a heart in lock-down and a do-gooder philanthropist with a heart of gold who uses her fortune to help animals and people. She’s a hot mess and a soft touch, and he’s got a rough edge and killer 6-pack. Their fake marriage requires suspension of disbelief that she’s still a virgin and celibate, just like he’s been, to honor the marriage. Her messy and chaotic lifestyle confounds the organized ex-soldier in Josh, and she’s been using her B.O.B. to fantasize about him for 5 years. Now that they’re together in the flesh, they can’t keep their hands off each other, strings or no strings. Sweetly romantic, but not enough to sustain the story. There’s early steam and sexy times that make a mess of things, then a flat middle where they get to know each other around all her charity work and bond without sex, followed by a little conflict of the heart, and then an “ahhhhhhh” ending.
It was charming how protective Josh was of Lexi against her conniving family, and that he stuck around in the marital charade to look out for her and her trust fund. The sex was on and off, but the rest of the story wasn’t that engaging (I needed more), despite what a big heart Lexi has and a great fantasy husband Josh turns out to be. He has his own issues that need solving. And although I like my guys imperfect and no pushover, Josh made all the moves on her, set the ground rules, kept going back on what he said he wanted, and was quite harsh with her during their brief hot and cold cohabitation; while she was so caring of him. Her eyes were like big, smitten pinwheels, and he yo-yo'd her and hid his feelings. Both really need looking after, but think each other isn’t the one to do it. She doesn’t want a husband and he doesn’t want a wife, but they’re more attuned than they realize. the shortcake redhead and the droolworthy soldier. It was sweet but not much substance or a re-read, and there are proofreading errors (plus ones that actually change the meaning of what the author is saying). There are plotholes like both living in the same city all this time but not crossing paths, or anyone recognizing Josh from the photos that Lexi flashes around. In fact, I believe his impressive office isn't far from her office. The story wasn't very fleshed out, but I enjoyed the MCs and the writing style.
“Never underestimate how much a turn-on it is to be wanted"
August 13, 2017
Some Spoilers and curse language below.
Whatever I do, the rating won't feel right.
I loved the concept of the book. Two people married and never saw each other (after the wedding day) for 5 years. Now, that's what I call 'an ideal marriage'! Jokes aside, it was very interesting. I liked the main characters, I really did.
So, why 2 (3?) stars, only?
Good question!
My issue with this book, was how it portrait other people in it, e.g her grandma. The heroine's grandmother felt, as a character, flat. It had so much potential, but just because the author (in my trivial opinion) was so focused on the main characters, it just didn't work in its full potential, and that applies for many other characters, maybe of all of them, really.
Also, the beginning and the middle of that book was fantastic, exactly what I needed, but! What happened to the end? What happen to the character development? To elaborate, I mean, what happened to the hero?
Here's the thing, okay? You can't go from "I don't want strings", "I want to fuck other women" "I want to be a free man", "I'm afraid of commitment", "I'm damaged, you can't fix me" to... "Yeah, let's do this! I'm lovable! A knew man!" In matter of hours, or even days (6 days to be exact). I don't mean to be a taught cookie, but in my head, it's extremely hard for someone that didn't want to stick his dick for FIVE years into a woman, because he was afraid of connecting, to go to this so fast. He was even sleeping on the floor before the sex, because he didn't want the heroine to get any ideas, come on...
So if this novel, had spared 20 to 30 more pages, and actually made this realistic and gave it time to 'bake', now we would have had a cake, not just batter. Don't mistake me, batter if just fine, but it's just not cake. It's impossible for a man, that scared, to from on end to another. It would have been nice for them to separate and then for him to take the time and realize, she's the one he wants.
I wanted to see the conflict, I wanted to see the pain, I wanted to see the fight. I wanted all. Now, I just feel I've got half of the story, not whole of it. Maybe, it's Hollywood style, everything is fixed magically.
Overall, a nice story that had potential. I liked but I just feel, it wasn't realistic. Could have been better, way better.
Whatever I do, the rating won't feel right.
I loved the concept of the book. Two people married and never saw each other (after the wedding day) for 5 years. Now, that's what I call 'an ideal marriage'! Jokes aside, it was very interesting. I liked the main characters, I really did.
So, why 2 (3?) stars, only?
Good question!
My issue with this book, was how it portrait other people in it, e.g her grandma. The heroine's grandmother felt, as a character, flat. It had so much potential, but just because the author (in my trivial opinion) was so focused on the main characters, it just didn't work in its full potential, and that applies for many other characters, maybe of all of them, really.
Also, the beginning and the middle of that book was fantastic, exactly what I needed, but! What happened to the end? What happen to the character development? To elaborate, I mean, what happened to the hero?
Here's the thing, okay? You can't go from "I don't want strings", "I want to fuck other women" "I want to be a free man", "I'm afraid of commitment", "I'm damaged, you can't fix me" to... "Yeah, let's do this! I'm lovable! A knew man!" In matter of hours, or even days (6 days to be exact). I don't mean to be a taught cookie, but in my head, it's extremely hard for someone that didn't want to stick his dick for FIVE years into a woman, because he was afraid of connecting, to go to this so fast. He was even sleeping on the floor before the sex, because he didn't want the heroine to get any ideas, come on...
So if this novel, had spared 20 to 30 more pages, and actually made this realistic and gave it time to 'bake', now we would have had a cake, not just batter. Don't mistake me, batter if just fine, but it's just not cake. It's impossible for a man, that scared, to from on end to another. It would have been nice for them to separate and then for him to take the time and realize, she's the one he wants.
I wanted to see the conflict, I wanted to see the pain, I wanted to see the fight. I wanted all. Now, I just feel I've got half of the story, not whole of it. Maybe, it's Hollywood style, everything is fixed magically.
Overall, a nice story that had potential. I liked but I just feel, it wasn't realistic. Could have been better, way better.
August 31, 2019
Reviewed by Angela
Book provided by the publisher
When you are introduced to Lexi in the beginning of this book you get the feeling that she is naive girl who doesn’t know what to do with herself. That is so far from the truth. I think Lexi has become one of my favorite female characters. When we meet her, she is small and reserved. Doesn’t stand up for herself and does what she has to in order to make others happy. Don’t get me wrong she has an amazing heart and wants to help those who are less fortunate than her but her family uses that to their advantage.
The only family that Lexi has left is her grandmother and her husband Josh. The relationship between Lexi and Josh is very unique. But in that relationship you really can see how they brought out the best in each other. Lexi really makes Josh look at the world in a different way. He is the type of character that always worried about himself. To see Josh go from the self-centered Alpha male after what she wanted. Josh brought out a side of her that wasn’t there in the beginning of the book. One that makes you fall in love with the character all over again because they finally figured out who they are when the reader could see it all along. The growth in both characters is amazing.
This book was a little frustrating to read at times because of the timidness of Lexi and the stubbornness of the male lead Josh. But in the end seeing the people that they became and following the road they took to get there just made it perfect.
This book is part of a three books series that can be read as standalone books. They have character crossovers but the stories don’t cross over. I highly recommend Her Fantasy Husband and Nina Croft. Her writing style is right up my alley and I will be reading more of her books.
Favorite Quote: “I had to fantasize about someone. And you were my husband after all. And Josh, you’re pretty hot. You were perfect fantasy material.”
Book provided by the publisher
When you are introduced to Lexi in the beginning of this book you get the feeling that she is naive girl who doesn’t know what to do with herself. That is so far from the truth. I think Lexi has become one of my favorite female characters. When we meet her, she is small and reserved. Doesn’t stand up for herself and does what she has to in order to make others happy. Don’t get me wrong she has an amazing heart and wants to help those who are less fortunate than her but her family uses that to their advantage.
The only family that Lexi has left is her grandmother and her husband Josh. The relationship between Lexi and Josh is very unique. But in that relationship you really can see how they brought out the best in each other. Lexi really makes Josh look at the world in a different way. He is the type of character that always worried about himself. To see Josh go from the self-centered Alpha male after what she wanted. Josh brought out a side of her that wasn’t there in the beginning of the book. One that makes you fall in love with the character all over again because they finally figured out who they are when the reader could see it all along. The growth in both characters is amazing.
This book was a little frustrating to read at times because of the timidness of Lexi and the stubbornness of the male lead Josh. But in the end seeing the people that they became and following the road they took to get there just made it perfect.
This book is part of a three books series that can be read as standalone books. They have character crossovers but the stories don’t cross over. I highly recommend Her Fantasy Husband and Nina Croft. Her writing style is right up my alley and I will be reading more of her books.
Favorite Quote: “I had to fantasize about someone. And you were my husband after all. And Josh, you’re pretty hot. You were perfect fantasy material.”
December 12, 2018
Received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
This was a fun read! When Josh and Lexi got married five years ago, it was to serve a purpose. She needed control back from her grandmother and he needed the money. Now, Josh is ready to call the whole marriage off. He's eager to put himself back out there and, while their marriage was in name only, Josh ended up staying celibate for those years. When he returns, Lexi is confronted with the man she's been fantasizing about for five years and he wants to call the whole thing off, which would cause HUGE problems for Lexi.
I loved how real these characters were. Lexi wasn't just some trust fund brat and there was a reason Josh was the way he was. It was so much fun watching them pretend to be married, but it was more fun watching them actually learn about each other and come to care about one another. And the love scenes were a great way to add to the heartfelt story.
This was a fun read! When Josh and Lexi got married five years ago, it was to serve a purpose. She needed control back from her grandmother and he needed the money. Now, Josh is ready to call the whole marriage off. He's eager to put himself back out there and, while their marriage was in name only, Josh ended up staying celibate for those years. When he returns, Lexi is confronted with the man she's been fantasizing about for five years and he wants to call the whole thing off, which would cause HUGE problems for Lexi.
I loved how real these characters were. Lexi wasn't just some trust fund brat and there was a reason Josh was the way he was. It was so much fun watching them pretend to be married, but it was more fun watching them actually learn about each other and come to care about one another. And the love scenes were a great way to add to the heartfelt story.
July 7, 2020
I love a good fake marriage story, but this one has a very interesting spin on it. Josh and Lexi having been apart for 5 years added an extra layer of interest to the couple, the book and the trope itself. And the spin of the wealthy heroine needing the marriage and not the hero was fabulous! I’m getting tired of the millionaire/billionaire male, so the fact that Lexi has the money was fun and exciting, especially because of her personality and the way she uses that money..
Excellent writing and interesting characters make this a 4 star read for me.
Excellent writing and interesting characters make this a 4 star read for me.
March 5, 2025
Loved Josh and Lexi! Lexi was very sweet, gentle, and kind. She has such a huge heart. A total softie. She was the perfect heroine. I love heroines like her! We need more heroines like her!
Josh was so dreamy and so human. My heart hurt when he would pull away from Lexi but I do get his reasons and why he was so broken. It was funny though how he couldn't even completely pull away from Lexi because he was just that smitten. I loved how understanding and gentle Lexi is. And I loved how Josh defended her! Ugh, what a man. Ending felt a bit rushed I wanted so much more!!
Josh was so dreamy and so human. My heart hurt when he would pull away from Lexi but I do get his reasons and why he was so broken. It was funny though how he couldn't even completely pull away from Lexi because he was just that smitten. I loved how understanding and gentle Lexi is. And I loved how Josh defended her! Ugh, what a man. Ending felt a bit rushed I wanted so much more!!
July 13, 2020
Great Romantic Book
This was an interesting and engaging book that I almost missed because of the cover. It made me think it was going to be more than the romance books I like to read, but it was a great story and not as explicit as the cover indicated.
This was an interesting and engaging book that I almost missed because of the cover. It made me think it was going to be more than the romance books I like to read, but it was a great story and not as explicit as the cover indicated.
February 5, 2022
4 ☆ for me ! "And I’ll even introduce you to Prudence. She’s this really hot chick." She is indeed 😌 Just finished it . Now im gonna read Vito's book . What have u done to me Nina 😓 i read two series in just a few days .
February 7, 2024
4.5/5*
June 9, 2025
cute lil story but the ending was too rushed
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