Her Best Friend Fake Fiancé

Benton Brother Romance #2

by Kimberly Krey

Kissing beside the fire,
getting Cozy while decorating the tree...

Is this fake engagement
the start of their long-awaited romance or will it destroy their friendship forever?

When a popular magazine claims Betzy Benton is destined to become a lonely old spinster, she fights back by asking longtime crush Sawyer Kingsley to propose before the article hits the stands.

Sawyer Kingsley has dreamt of marrying Betzy, but he's worried that--despite his success--he won't measure up to the Benton standards. That changes when Betzy asks him to become her fake fiancé. Now he's got the Christmas season to show her what a life with him might look like.
At her family's cabin, they share late-night kisses, longing glances, and meaningful conversation. But is it all just part of the act?

This engagement could be the start to their long-awaited romance, or it could tear them apart.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Christmas, Holiday, Clean Romance, Contemporary Romance

204 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 11, 2019

About the author

USA Today Bestselling author Kimberly Krey is known as the Queen of Steamy Clean Romance. She's a fervent lover of God, family, and cheese platters, as well as the ultimate hater of laundry. Her readers count on faith-filled romance novels that stay clean without losing the steam.

* 2021 USA Today Bestselling Author

* 2020 RONE Award Winner

* THREE-TIME SWOONY Award Winner

* KINDLE All-Star Author Award Winner

* KINDLE All-Star Book Award Winner

* TWO-TIME RONE Award Finalist

To stay connected, and receive a FREE book, subscribe to her newsletter: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/8f1uz6q272 To follow her author page on FB @: https://www.facebook.com/kimberlykrey... For a printable PDF of her work (listed by series) see her website @ https://www.kimberlykrey.com

Reviews

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms. Krey delivers a cute romance story, full of loveable characters readers will enjoy getting to know.

Read full review in the 2020 Summer issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm really happy that I get to share some of my favorite things with my friends this holiday season and this book is it. This story combines a couple of my very favorite book things that result in an amazing steamy clean romance.

I love friends-to-lovers and fake fiances, and those two tropes, along with some intense chemistry and sizzling kisses, make for a fun read. Betzy is a solid character, as is Sawyer, and together they make a great team, with some sweet moments, especially those swoony connections at the cabin. I loved the Christmas activities and the way the engagements unfolds, but my favorite thing is the deep and lasting feelings that bind these two together.

I can't wait to read more about this Benton family because I'm loving them!

Content: mild+ (swoony) romance

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*

[Aimee · Rating 5 out of 5]

😍

This book was exactly what I was in the mood for. It has a couple of my favorite troupes going- fake to real and best friends to more. There was a fun backstory scene that laid a foundation for Betsy and Sawyer which led to excellent build up and chemistry throughout the book. Fireplace scene. 😍 I loved the family centered Christmas festivities. This book just felt warm and cozy. Perfect for this month!!

[Maven_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her Best Friend Fake Fiancé is a warm and cozy Christmas romance that follows Betzy Benton, who has secretly loved her lifelong friend Sawyer Kingsley and asks him to be her fake fiancé to fend off a cruel magazine article that calls her a “spinster.” The contract becomes their way of showing what life together might really look like, filled with snow-touched nights, shared moments by the fire, and hesitant, longing conversations.

What touched me deeply was how Kimberly Krey gives both Betzy and Sawyer such emotional richness: Betzy’s vulnerability about her image and worthiness feels grounded in her history, and Sawyer’s desire to prove himself to her is sincere and moving. Their dynamic unfolds in a gentle, believable way, there’s no instant-chemistry shortcut, but rather a slow, meaningful build as they navigate the “fake” engagement and what it means for their friendship. The holiday setting (family cabin, Christmas decorations, cozy fires) adds just enough magic to heighten the stakes without overshadowing their real, raw feelings. Some reviewers note that their communication lapses at times feel a little too easy, but for me, the emotional honesty and the eventual payoff were absolutely worth it.

4 / 5 for its heartfelt characters, nuanced friends-to-lovers arc, and the way it captures the hope and warmth of a holiday romance.

[Kathy * Bookworm Nation · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!



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[Kimberly Krey]

As the author, let me share FOUR reasons I'm excited about this book.

1. It's a Christmas read. I LOVE Christmas reads. They remind me of happy Hallmark movies that just melt your heart.
2. It's a friends-to-lovers romance, and those are special to me since my husband of 25 YEARS and I started out as friends.
3. It's fake fiancé- themed, and those are some of my favorite books. The couple is put in predicaments that encourage affection, which leads to all sorts of feelings and questions and questioning feelings! Ah, the fake fiancé trope is such a fun one, I think!
4. Lastly, I get to show you more of the Benton Family and help you get to know Zander & Duke a little better, which is great since they're up next.


As for the characters, Betzy & Sawyer, I really think you're going to enjoy them. Betzy has pretty much loved Sawyer her whole life, and though Sawyer feels the same about her, he worried he'd never be worthy of a girl like her (coming from a Billionaire family as she has) until he went out there and made a name (not to mention a sizeable income) for himself. The trigger that sparks the fake fiancé idea is a lot of fun too. I really hope that you'll enjoy reading about these guys as much as I loved discovering their story.

[Samantha Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve always loved a great story where two friends fall in love, but this one isn’t your run of the mill story about how the guy just starts to notice the girl along the way after she “grows up.” Our hero Sawyer has loved Betzy since they were kids, and he’s spent his whole life trying to find a a way to prove he’s worthy of her love in return. When she’s find herself facing social embarrassment, he comes to her rescue as her “fake fiancé.”

As each touch and kiss heats up between the two (hello face melting scene in front of the fireplace!), Betzy begins to realize that Sawyer’s feelings might be as real as her own. The two just have to learn to trust in each other and their love.

If you love steamy kisses and men who will do whatever it takes to win over the love of their life, then this is the book for you!

[Jenn (YeahOrNeighReviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming holiday romance! Betzy Benton and Sawyer Kingsley have loved each other since they were 8 years old and even created a marriage contract. Unfortunately, Sawyer felt he had to prove his worth before he could tell Betzy how he truly felt, causing time and doubts to fill the years apart. This was a quick, heart-warming read that will put you in the holiday spirit and rooting for love to prevail.

[Jeri Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Her Best Friend Fake Fiance

This was a very good book and I will recommend her books to anyone who loves romance novels. She keeps you involved from page one until the end.

[Laurah Shealy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Christmas Romance

A best friends, fake fiancé story that is perfect for the Christmas season. Even though you know how it will end, you want them to hurry up and get things settled and be happy.

[Vibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flirty fun

This is a friends-to-lovers combined with a fake fiancé trope, and it does a pretty good job.

I liked Betzy & Sawyer, and wanted them to be together. But I do have to warn you that if lack of communication conflicts annoy you, this one will probably not be a good choice for you.

I did totally enjoy the way the ending worked out - fun and swoony and sweet - it was very well done

*Clean romance level: passionate kisses

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

They had signed a contract

Sawyer with his insecurities and Betzy with her misconceptions are quite a pair. But there’s no denying the sparks between them. They had a plan. What could go wrong? Hold on for the fun, and not so fun, exciting and unexpected happenings. I love how Her Best Friend Fake Fiancé was able to finally pull off a happy ending!

[Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Love Story

This is a refreshing and heartwarming romance with a powerful and endearing love story with characters that will steal your heart and have you cheering for their happily ever after moment.

[Cici · Rating 4 out of 5]

Different world

This is a different world. Full of excess and possibilities. And of course love and romance. The family is a fun bonus!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story.

Content: clean

[ScrappyDiva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Swoony

Many swoony kisses with a cute story making it an easy read. I loved that it made me smile several times

[Teresa Bertolio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous Contemporary holiday romance

Crushes and best friends since childhood:) Can this budding love stand the test of time? Wonderful characters! Lovely story line! I highly recommend this cozy read! Happy Reading!

[Tamera Westhoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Romance

Tale as old as time... the plot that is. They promised to get married in 20 years. He’s the maid’s son and she’s got money, so he leaves to make something of himself and from there it’s a misunderstanding after misunderstanding. So very many. I was glad they finally figured things out!

[Vibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flirty fun

This is a friends-to-lovers combined with a fake fiancé trope, and it does a pretty good job.

I liked Betzy & Sawyer, and wanted them to be together. But I do have to warn you that if lack of communication conflicts annoy you, this one will probably not be a good choice for you.

I did totally enjoy the way the ending worked out - fun and swoony and sweet - it was very well done

*Clean romance level: passionate kisses

[B. D. Mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been fascinated with this series by Kimberly Krey. Each book in the series can be read as a stand-alone work, but I find that your reading pleasure will be increased by reading the books within the series in sequence. The Benton family is a bit unusual from the standpoint that, although every member of the family may be billionaires, they are down to earth, everyday type people. I was impressed by how the author kept me glued to my iPad as the story's development evolved. Both Betsy and Sawyer have had feelings for each other since childhood. They even prepared and signed a contract when they were children that they would marry at age 28 if they were still single. When they graduated from High School, Sawyer, believing that he could never be worthy of Betsy without money of his own, leaves Betsy behind and goes to New York to be trained by his Uncle Ryan in the art of real estate investing. Ten years later, he returns as a wealthy real estate investment mogul. Yet, he fears Betsy does not have the same romantic feelings for him as he does for her, and Betsy feels Sawyer no longer has feelings for her. Ms. Krey does an outstanding job of keeping the reader involved in the story until the very last page. I highly recommend this offering by Kimberly Krey as well as any novel in her body of work.

[Maria Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the premise of this story but there were things that knocked stars off for me. I liked the characters overall. Didn't care much for Betzy's mom but liked her grandmother. Loved Sawyer's mom. Betzy and Sawyer both spent a lot of years and also time in this book feeling insecure and unworthy of the other. Dragged on too long for my tastes. What really knocked this down for me was that it seemed like the author wanted to make this "steamy clean". In so doing, she didn't have any sex in the book but there were sexual references, some of which were just crass and I didn't enjoy that. There was a good deal of making out but really it was those crass remarks that I didn't appreciate. It wasn't enough for someone who is looking for steam but it was enough to make me not love the book despite liking the story in general.

Sex: sexual references, some of which were crass
Language: no
Violence: no

[Gerda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Betzy has been in love with Sawyer since she was eight years old and still is. When her nemesis Daisy Shay puts her on a list “ from hard-working bachelorette to wealthy old spinster” to be published in the next issue of Slipper Magazine she turns to him for help. A lot of talking but without talking about feelings leads to misunderstandings, resentment, and finally HEA.
Although he is a millionaire inside Sawyer is still insecure and doesn't believe in his self-worth. Betzy being talked down by her mother (stop working as a successful CEO, concentrate on getting a husband) is insecure as well until the very end.
Inconsistencies:
- What about Claudia’s, Betzy's mother, snobbish attidude towards Sawyer ("one doesn't marry the son of the help") but being best friend with his mother (the former help)?
- During one of the first chapters Betzy models several bride-dresses for fotos for the shop’s website, one “made for her” as her friends tell her, did her grandmother bring it along to Italy?
The book could use a good proofreader, there were a lot of missing or randomly set words (a, the…), wrong grammar, and arbitrarily set commas.

[Donna Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story but incomplete ending

I enjoyed the story but found the main characters exasperating. Years of happiness were lost because of their personal hangups regarding their relationship. The ending felt incomplete because there was no description of anyone sharing details about Shay's deceptive kiss video or their own family videos or pictures of the wedding and the public's reaction to Shay's spiteful manipulation of the rruth. We can imagine the fallout, but it would be rewarding to see it in print. I highlighted the grammar mistakes.

[Tina Sanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read

This story was shirt a sweet. Childhood friends that pledge to marry each other at 28. She's from a rich family, he's the maids son. After college he takes off to New York to make his fortune and be worthy of her. Alot of whispered words of not being goid enough keep him focused. She on the other hand is still in live with him and waiting for him. Then we have a fake engagement and alot of nobody saying what the other is thinking. I guess the message is, for true love to work you sometimes have to speak up and say what's in your heart. Take a chance.

[Mercia Malahlela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Young love 🥰💕 to forever

Sawyer, son of a maid and Betzy from a super rich family have loved each other since they were knee high. At 8 they made a pact to get married at 28🤣. Misunderstandings kept them apart for years and as fate would have it, Sawyer had to “fake propose” at 28! As much as external forces tried to keep them apart, they find their happily ever after. Lots of steam without vulgarity and loads of laugh out moments.

[Amber Anthon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

I love the characters Betzy and Sawyer and Grandma Lo is a force to be reckoned with. A part of me though thinks that what the couple needs is to be locked in a room by themselves to talk things out. Making sure they can't touch because their steamy chemistry is fantastic (thank you Kimberly for making it steamy but clean) but they need to talk through their insecurities.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

Another good story. I not sure but you really like to use screwed up people. Sawyer for someone to become very rich can't tell if the woman he loves even loves him back. Not to bright. Betzy needs to stay out of her own head, she messes things up to much. I would have like to know what happened to Daisy, she is just nasty. Also try some love scenes that is what adds even more excitement to the stories. Thank you for the interesting story.

[Richard Goodrum · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good, fake romance. Sawyer Kingsley has been named Most Eligible Bachelor for a second year. Daisy Shay plans to announce the most likely a billionairess spinster: Betzy Benton. Hence, Betzy asks Sawyer to be her fake fiancé. Betzy and Sawyer still love each other, but insecurities, family, and Daisy regularly get in their way. The ending is excellent.

Entertaining. Happily Ever After. Haunting. Romantic. Tragic. Twisted. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.

[Lorraine Anton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great

I loved reading this book. Betzy and Sawyer.
They knew each other a long time. The characters were pretty great. The plot and storyline were pretty good too. This book has some twists in it. "Marriage Contract" what's that all about?

You will want to read this book. Grab it.

HEA!

[Samantha Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swoon-worthy romance

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, despite the angst. The chemistry between Sawyer and Betzy was off the scales; the flirty banter was such fun! If you like kissing scenes that are full of emotion and feel very real, you'll find them in this book.

Clean without the steam - definitely!