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The Stewart Heirs #4
Secrets of a Fake Fiancée
When a make-believe romance begins to feel too real, it’s only a matter of time before secrets are exposed.
His proposal is a deal she can’t refuse…
Cruelly rejected by the Stewarts after revealing herself to her birth family, Morgan Young turns to Jared Robinson for comfort. The reformed bad boy proposes they pretend to be a couple to show his own family he’s settling down. And before long, they aren’t pretending! Yet just as Morgan begins to feel accepted, secrets and all, a vicious rumor about Jared’s past threatens them both…
His proposal is a deal she can’t refuse…
Cruelly rejected by the Stewarts after revealing herself to her birth family, Morgan Young turns to Jared Robinson for comfort. The reformed bad boy proposes they pretend to be a couple to show his own family he’s settling down. And before long, they aren’t pretending! Yet just as Morgan begins to feel accepted, secrets and all, a vicious rumor about Jared’s past threatens them both…
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 30, 2020
122 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
Yahrah St. John
174 books355 followersYahrah St. John is the International author of forty two books. When she’s not at home crafting one of her sexy romances with compelling heroes and feisty heroines with a dash of family drama, St. John can be found in the kitchen cooking one of her gourmet meals discovered on the Food Network for her husband. Or this thrill-seeking junky can be found traveling the globe seeking out her next adventure.
A graduate of Hyde Park Career Academy, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Northwestern University. St. John is a member of Romance Writers of America, but is an avid reader of all genres. St. John lives in sunny Orlando, the City Beautiful.
For more information, please visit:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YahrahStJohn/.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/yahrahstjohn.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yahrahstjohn/.
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/yahra...
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/yahrahstjohn/.
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/yahrahstjohn/
A graduate of Hyde Park Career Academy, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Northwestern University. St. John is a member of Romance Writers of America, but is an avid reader of all genres. St. John lives in sunny Orlando, the City Beautiful.
For more information, please visit:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YahrahStJohn/.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/yahrahstjohn.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yahrahstjohn/.
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/yahra...
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/yahrahstjohn/.
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/yahrahstjohn/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
July 27, 2020
I don't think I'm going to be finishing this one. I don't want to DNF but because of one scene, I don't think I can continue right now? Maybe it ends up being good, but I just have so many other books I can read that can def be a better experience than this one.
I talk more about this book in my readling vlog in my booktube channel if you want to check that out. But mainly, the hero takes off the heroine's dress to make her more comfortable while she's sleeping. No problem right? But she's passed out, like passed out drunk... and she has no idea he's taking off her clothes. She's wearing no bra, only panties. So practically the hero saw everything without her permission. And i get that maybe he wanted to be a gentleman and not let her dress get all wrinkled but MAN. Don't do it if she can't tell you it's alright? I don't know it's my opinion!
Maybe I'll return to it one day. I definitely want to read some other Harlequin novels, so you'll see more reviews soon.
I talk more about this book in my readling vlog in my booktube channel if you want to check that out. But mainly, the hero takes off the heroine's dress to make her more comfortable while she's sleeping. No problem right? But she's passed out, like passed out drunk... and she has no idea he's taking off her clothes. She's wearing no bra, only panties. So practically the hero saw everything without her permission. And i get that maybe he wanted to be a gentleman and not let her dress get all wrinkled but MAN. Don't do it if she can't tell you it's alright? I don't know it's my opinion!
Maybe I'll return to it one day. I definitely want to read some other Harlequin novels, so you'll see more reviews soon.
June 9, 2022
Steamy
Gets better half way in
Chris predicament not realistic
Loved the Robinsons especially Grandma Ruth
Alzheimer storyline great!
Henry and Nora are shameful. Henry is despicable.
Jared and Morgan both had maturity and self worth issues. shown and not just told-well done
Quick notes-RTC
Gets better half way in
Chris predicament not realistic
Loved the Robinsons especially Grandma Ruth
Alzheimer storyline great!
Henry and Nora are shameful. Henry is despicable.
Jared and Morgan both had maturity and self worth issues. shown and not just told-well done
Quick notes-RTC
April 13, 2020
Secrets of a Fake Fiancée by Yahrah St. John is a sexy fake relationship romance full of passion and family drama. It’s the last book in the Stewart Heirs series.
Morgan Young is ready for her birth father to find out the truth – that she’s his daughter. At the wedding of her boss who happens to also be her half brother (!), she confronts him with the truth, but it backfires when her father refuses to accept her news. Finding solace in a few drinks, she meets Jared Robinson who, despite his playboy reputation and attraction to Morgan, sees that she gets home safely.
Jared works in the marketing and public relations department of his family company, Robinson Holdings. He’d been happy with that role but with the absence of his brother Chris who’d taken off with an exotic dancer, his grandmother has appointed him as interim CEO. The board of directors wants to see a more stable person at the helm so his grandmother thinks it’s time he finds a wife and settles down. To prevent her from matchmaking, he tells he her already has a girlfriend, then has to think fast to come up with one!
Fortunately, he comes upon Morgan about to do a tell all interview with a gossip blogger that he knows would ruin any chance she had of reconciling with her real father and is able to head off her mistake and offer her a deal: pretend to be his girlfriend and get the wealth and privilege that come with his position in life, as well as a ready made family – his. Plus he’d help her with his connections to get a new job now that she’d quit working for her brother. The attraction between them would be icing on the cake. Morgan accepts and finds it’s easy to fall into the role, but what will happen when their limited time deal is up?
It took a bit for me to warm up to Morgan as I didn’t think her approach to revealing her identity was a very good one (in the middle of her brother’s wedding!). Jared’s reputation as a playboy is well earned, but it was good to see he didn’t take advantage of Morgan when she’d been drinking. Their deal starts out as a no sex arrangement (Morgan’s terms) but that doesn’t last long. The attraction between them is sizzling and leads to some sexy love scenes.
There’s definitely a lot of family drama in this story! Plenty of time is spent with both their families – Jared’s grandmother is quite the character, a strong, smart woman who sees in Jared a man who can be a real leader if he puts his mind to it. She and Morgan get along well, and being accepted into Jared’s family makes Morgan realize that she wants it to be for real reasons, not fake ones. Morgan also gets to become friends with her half siblings on her own terms independent of what their father thinks and I liked seeing those friendships develop.
While Morgan and Jared are dealing with family issues, they are also developing a stronger than expected relationship with each other. There’s some extra drama with an ex of Jared’s that I didn’t really think was necessary to the plot, but gives them the push to decide if they want to make their fake relationship into a real one. Fortunately, they get their happy ending as a couple, and with their families too. I liked how it all came together in the end. Fans of the series will be happy with this finale!
This review appears at Harlequin Junkie: https://harlequinjunkie.com/review-se...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher.
Morgan Young is ready for her birth father to find out the truth – that she’s his daughter. At the wedding of her boss who happens to also be her half brother (!), she confronts him with the truth, but it backfires when her father refuses to accept her news. Finding solace in a few drinks, she meets Jared Robinson who, despite his playboy reputation and attraction to Morgan, sees that she gets home safely.
Jared works in the marketing and public relations department of his family company, Robinson Holdings. He’d been happy with that role but with the absence of his brother Chris who’d taken off with an exotic dancer, his grandmother has appointed him as interim CEO. The board of directors wants to see a more stable person at the helm so his grandmother thinks it’s time he finds a wife and settles down. To prevent her from matchmaking, he tells he her already has a girlfriend, then has to think fast to come up with one!
Fortunately, he comes upon Morgan about to do a tell all interview with a gossip blogger that he knows would ruin any chance she had of reconciling with her real father and is able to head off her mistake and offer her a deal: pretend to be his girlfriend and get the wealth and privilege that come with his position in life, as well as a ready made family – his. Plus he’d help her with his connections to get a new job now that she’d quit working for her brother. The attraction between them would be icing on the cake. Morgan accepts and finds it’s easy to fall into the role, but what will happen when their limited time deal is up?
It took a bit for me to warm up to Morgan as I didn’t think her approach to revealing her identity was a very good one (in the middle of her brother’s wedding!). Jared’s reputation as a playboy is well earned, but it was good to see he didn’t take advantage of Morgan when she’d been drinking. Their deal starts out as a no sex arrangement (Morgan’s terms) but that doesn’t last long. The attraction between them is sizzling and leads to some sexy love scenes.
There’s definitely a lot of family drama in this story! Plenty of time is spent with both their families – Jared’s grandmother is quite the character, a strong, smart woman who sees in Jared a man who can be a real leader if he puts his mind to it. She and Morgan get along well, and being accepted into Jared’s family makes Morgan realize that she wants it to be for real reasons, not fake ones. Morgan also gets to become friends with her half siblings on her own terms independent of what their father thinks and I liked seeing those friendships develop.
While Morgan and Jared are dealing with family issues, they are also developing a stronger than expected relationship with each other. There’s some extra drama with an ex of Jared’s that I didn’t really think was necessary to the plot, but gives them the push to decide if they want to make their fake relationship into a real one. Fortunately, they get their happy ending as a couple, and with their families too. I liked how it all came together in the end. Fans of the series will be happy with this finale!
This review appears at Harlequin Junkie: https://harlequinjunkie.com/review-se...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher.
May 2, 2020
I had the pleasure of reading Secrets of a Fake Fiancée. I received an advanced reader copy from @netgalley, this book will be released on Tuesday, May 5, 2020.
I will say, this was my first book that I’ve read by this author so I was not familiar with her writing style or either families that were mentioned in this story. However, without knowing anything I was thoroughly engaged in the story. It definitely can be read as a stand-alone.
What I liked was that the story was unconventional, a lady’s man and a fake fiancée seems like a story that I would be intrigued by. The story starts off a bit slower than I anticipated. In the beginning, Morgan reveals some earth shattering news at the wedding of her, “boss”, Dane, when she reveals that the patriarch of the Stewart Family, Henry, is her father. The news was not taken very well and Jared is luckily there to be her savior. While I liked this set-up for the story, I still had a tough time getting into the story. It wasn’t until Jared proposes that Morgan serves as his, “fake girlfriend” did I find myself engrossed with the story.
After this arrangement, I could not put the book down. It took a while but the story started to make sense to me when I realized that Jared needed Morgan more than he cared to admit. The love between the two was evident and while they both tried and failed to keep their relationship strictly platonic, I was rooting for them to make it through!! The flow was great, I saw very minimal errors, and I was very satisfied with how the story ended. I can definitely see myself reading more work from this author and perhaps going back to read books 1-3. Very good read for me.
I will say, this was my first book that I’ve read by this author so I was not familiar with her writing style or either families that were mentioned in this story. However, without knowing anything I was thoroughly engaged in the story. It definitely can be read as a stand-alone.
What I liked was that the story was unconventional, a lady’s man and a fake fiancée seems like a story that I would be intrigued by. The story starts off a bit slower than I anticipated. In the beginning, Morgan reveals some earth shattering news at the wedding of her, “boss”, Dane, when she reveals that the patriarch of the Stewart Family, Henry, is her father. The news was not taken very well and Jared is luckily there to be her savior. While I liked this set-up for the story, I still had a tough time getting into the story. It wasn’t until Jared proposes that Morgan serves as his, “fake girlfriend” did I find myself engrossed with the story.
After this arrangement, I could not put the book down. It took a while but the story started to make sense to me when I realized that Jared needed Morgan more than he cared to admit. The love between the two was evident and while they both tried and failed to keep their relationship strictly platonic, I was rooting for them to make it through!! The flow was great, I saw very minimal errors, and I was very satisfied with how the story ended. I can definitely see myself reading more work from this author and perhaps going back to read books 1-3. Very good read for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2020
This is the fourth book in The Stewart Heirs series that follows the offspring of a pretty terrible businessman, Henry Stewart. At least two of these books feature children he had outside of his marriages. Morgan Young has been the assistant to Hollywood star Dane Stewart (Red Carpet Redemption) for the last year and she’s ready to reveal that she’s actually his baby sister and plans to confront their father. The problem is that she chooses an inopportune time to drop this bombshell and wasn’t prepared for the rejection and repercussions. Fortunately, Dane’s good friend, Jared Robinson is there to rescue her and has a proposal that could benefit both of them.
Yahrah St. John is one of the few Black authors that is able to transcend the Harlequin formula and give you good character development in the process. It did contain some romance tropes like the virgin and the super experienced playboy, and the poor girl and the rich guy, but the plot development behind those choices made sense.
I realized while writing this that I missed reading Fallon Stewarts story in this series, but I’m going to go take care of this now! 🙂
Yahrah St. John is one of the few Black authors that is able to transcend the Harlequin formula and give you good character development in the process. It did contain some romance tropes like the virgin and the super experienced playboy, and the poor girl and the rich guy, but the plot development behind those choices made sense.
I realized while writing this that I missed reading Fallon Stewarts story in this series, but I’m going to go take care of this now! 🙂
May 3, 2021
31 books in May
April 25, 2020
First and foremost thank you as always to NetGalley and Harlequin for providing me an ARC of this book.
This is by far not my first Yahrah St. John's novel and it will not be my last. I was a little lost when I read the book because I was not reading the first in the series. But regardless of that, you can read this book without having read the previous ones. I was only confused for about a chapter. Other than that I overall enjoyed the book.
Secrets of a Fake Fiancée is a super sexy fake relationship romance novel (come on and tell me you don't love a good faking dating romance trope) with a lot of twists and turns that are included in it.
The book's main character Morgan Young has had a hard life growing up, and all she has ever wanted was to belong. When she finally finds her biological father he wants nothing to do with her. Well, Morgan being the strong woman she is was not going to take this laying down. She was determined to take her rightful place in the Stewart family whether her father wanted her to or not.
Enter the sexy playboy with no plans of settling down anytime soon. Jared Robinson is your typical sexy rich playboy with a lot of times on his hand. He enjoys fast cars and even faster women until he meets Morgan. Morgan who is unlike any other girl he has ever dated before. Jared finds Morgan about to spill the secrets of her family life, but Jared needs her help with something else.
See his older brother Chris has run off to parts unknown with an exotic dancer who he got pregnant, so Jared worse nightmare happens. His family expects him to take the reins of the family business in his brother's absence. But the board is not going to let a playboy be the new CEO of the company. And this is were Morgan comes into play. Jared needs her to pretend to be his girlfriend so that he can show the board he has settled down.
But like we all know when people lie about being in a relationship, it all comes back to bite them both on the butt when Jared starts to fall for Morgan and Morgan realizes she is in love with Jared. Parts of Jared's past are brought to light and Morgan decides that she can't be with a person like Jared. She decides that is the end of their relationship. But Jared will not let the love of his life walk away once he realizes he is meant to be with her.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book, like I said this the fourth book in the series but you can definitely read it without having to read all of the other books in the series. I know I will be going back to read the others because I love a good series. Yahrah St. John did not disappoint in delivering another sexy book and I look forward to more of her work.
This is by far not my first Yahrah St. John's novel and it will not be my last. I was a little lost when I read the book because I was not reading the first in the series. But regardless of that, you can read this book without having read the previous ones. I was only confused for about a chapter. Other than that I overall enjoyed the book.
Secrets of a Fake Fiancée is a super sexy fake relationship romance novel (come on and tell me you don't love a good faking dating romance trope) with a lot of twists and turns that are included in it.
The book's main character Morgan Young has had a hard life growing up, and all she has ever wanted was to belong. When she finally finds her biological father he wants nothing to do with her. Well, Morgan being the strong woman she is was not going to take this laying down. She was determined to take her rightful place in the Stewart family whether her father wanted her to or not.
Enter the sexy playboy with no plans of settling down anytime soon. Jared Robinson is your typical sexy rich playboy with a lot of times on his hand. He enjoys fast cars and even faster women until he meets Morgan. Morgan who is unlike any other girl he has ever dated before. Jared finds Morgan about to spill the secrets of her family life, but Jared needs her help with something else.
See his older brother Chris has run off to parts unknown with an exotic dancer who he got pregnant, so Jared worse nightmare happens. His family expects him to take the reins of the family business in his brother's absence. But the board is not going to let a playboy be the new CEO of the company. And this is were Morgan comes into play. Jared needs her to pretend to be his girlfriend so that he can show the board he has settled down.
But like we all know when people lie about being in a relationship, it all comes back to bite them both on the butt when Jared starts to fall for Morgan and Morgan realizes she is in love with Jared. Parts of Jared's past are brought to light and Morgan decides that she can't be with a person like Jared. She decides that is the end of their relationship. But Jared will not let the love of his life walk away once he realizes he is meant to be with her.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book, like I said this the fourth book in the series but you can definitely read it without having to read all of the other books in the series. I know I will be going back to read the others because I love a good series. Yahrah St. John did not disappoint in delivering another sexy book and I look forward to more of her work.
April 18, 2020
The last installment of the Stewart Heirs Series. Morgan Young has been Dane Steward Assistant for a while and the entire time she has been harboring a secret that will change the Stewart family. Jared Robinson has been friend with Dane since they were little, as they got older, they were known as bad boys.
Once Morgan make her up mind of, she will let nothing stop her, so at Dane wedding reception where she have been drinking quiet heavy, she decided it was time to confront her father after all this time and when she did, it didn’t turn out as she thought. Rejected and embarrassed by her father she proceeded to drink so more. With all this commotion going on Jared had a first-row seat, and when he saw what happen and that Morgan was determined to drink herself to death, he decided to step in.
There was an instance attraction between them. Jared family mainly his grandmother and father figure it was time for him to settle down and before grandmother could try and set him up, he told her he had a girlfriend, of course at the time he said that he didn’t. One day while having lunch with his grandmother, he just happens to hear Morgan talking with a reporter and before she made a mistaken Jared step in. Jared proposal a solution to both of their problem. Jared and Morgan enter into agreement and during that time they fall in love.
What a way to end the series. If you are looking a morning, afternoon, evening or a weekend read, pick up this book, you will not be disappointed.
Smooches
LL Brown
Once Morgan make her up mind of, she will let nothing stop her, so at Dane wedding reception where she have been drinking quiet heavy, she decided it was time to confront her father after all this time and when she did, it didn’t turn out as she thought. Rejected and embarrassed by her father she proceeded to drink so more. With all this commotion going on Jared had a first-row seat, and when he saw what happen and that Morgan was determined to drink herself to death, he decided to step in.
There was an instance attraction between them. Jared family mainly his grandmother and father figure it was time for him to settle down and before grandmother could try and set him up, he told her he had a girlfriend, of course at the time he said that he didn’t. One day while having lunch with his grandmother, he just happens to hear Morgan talking with a reporter and before she made a mistaken Jared step in. Jared proposal a solution to both of their problem. Jared and Morgan enter into agreement and during that time they fall in love.
What a way to end the series. If you are looking a morning, afternoon, evening or a weekend read, pick up this book, you will not be disappointed.
Smooches
LL Brown
June 13, 2020
Cluster F
Just too much. First this drama with an over reaction. Then this one and this one with more over reaction. Seriously pick one or two things but not 10. It was like if you could think of everything bad you could think of divide that in half then just decide to keep them all and see what happens is what she did. Not one of her better books.
Just too much. First this drama with an over reaction. Then this one and this one with more over reaction. Seriously pick one or two things but not 10. It was like if you could think of everything bad you could think of divide that in half then just decide to keep them all and see what happens is what she did. Not one of her better books.
September 21, 2021
I recieved an ARC copy of this book in exchange of an honest review. Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin for your trust.
Morgan is at her lowest point. She has been rejected by her biological father and has made an epic scene at her boss's wedding, who doesn't know that she's her little sister. It is then that Jared, Austin's notorious playboy, rescues her from making a bigger mistake. Later, it's Jared who needs to prove to his family and the family business's board of directors that he can be a responsible adult and asks Morgan to temporarily pretend to be his girlfriend. But what happens when the attraction between them became so consuming and their feelings deepen with every minute they spend together?
I really liked the fourth and last book in The Stewart Heirs series because it couldn't have ended better: drama, passion, romance, conflicts and secrets until the end (I still have to buy the first two books, but that's another story). And it's because the patriarch of this family is quite a character, so it isn't surprising that he had an illegitimate daughter, after a night of passion in Vegas.
This is the origin of Morgan. With so hard experiences that have marked her life draining her confidence, she always wanted to belong, to fill the void that the lack of a father during her childhood has left her. Jared, on the other hand, has been born in a privileged position where he is considered the black sheep of the family. Womanizer, partying, not having great responsibilities, he is like a teenager in the body of a man.
Knowing each other changed their lives, in every way. And you can see it; the chemistry and sexual tension between Morgan and Jared is too obvious. Although it's not what really predominates in them. Both Morgan and Jared are better people because of each other. And their love is credible.
Contrary to other stories in HD, in this one there are many very active supporting characters. Morgan (the Stewarts) and Jared's (the Robinsons) families have a lot to say about the main characters's love story. But I feel like the circumstances of Jared's brother, Chris, at times overshadowed the main story a bit. Or do we have a story in the making here?
The plot is fluid and well narrated, with a maturity and sensitivity that stands out in the scenes. Well written, developed and with great intensity, the end of the series has been spectacular.
Morgan is at her lowest point. She has been rejected by her biological father and has made an epic scene at her boss's wedding, who doesn't know that she's her little sister. It is then that Jared, Austin's notorious playboy, rescues her from making a bigger mistake. Later, it's Jared who needs to prove to his family and the family business's board of directors that he can be a responsible adult and asks Morgan to temporarily pretend to be his girlfriend. But what happens when the attraction between them became so consuming and their feelings deepen with every minute they spend together?
I really liked the fourth and last book in The Stewart Heirs series because it couldn't have ended better: drama, passion, romance, conflicts and secrets until the end (I still have to buy the first two books, but that's another story). And it's because the patriarch of this family is quite a character, so it isn't surprising that he had an illegitimate daughter, after a night of passion in Vegas.
This is the origin of Morgan. With so hard experiences that have marked her life draining her confidence, she always wanted to belong, to fill the void that the lack of a father during her childhood has left her. Jared, on the other hand, has been born in a privileged position where he is considered the black sheep of the family. Womanizer, partying, not having great responsibilities, he is like a teenager in the body of a man.
Knowing each other changed their lives, in every way. And you can see it; the chemistry and sexual tension between Morgan and Jared is too obvious. Although it's not what really predominates in them. Both Morgan and Jared are better people because of each other. And their love is credible.
Contrary to other stories in HD, in this one there are many very active supporting characters. Morgan (the Stewarts) and Jared's (the Robinsons) families have a lot to say about the main characters's love story. But I feel like the circumstances of Jared's brother, Chris, at times overshadowed the main story a bit. Or do we have a story in the making here?
The plot is fluid and well narrated, with a maturity and sensitivity that stands out in the scenes. Well written, developed and with great intensity, the end of the series has been spectacular.
May 2, 2020
I wanted to love this book. That is, actually, why I requested it from Netgalley and I was so excited to be able to read this book so I could tell y'all about it. But unfortunately, I really didn't like this.
Although the title suggests a fake engagement, the book is actually about fake dating, which is fine as I love both tropes. But essentially, this book opens at a wedding and it's during her brother's wedding reception (admittedly after he left), that Morgan decides it's a good idea to reveal that she's a secret baby. Like... It was not a good idea. So that's all fine. There's a lot of drama, but that's to be expected. There's also really good chemistry between Morgan and Jared, the playboy love interest. It takes longer than I was expecting for the fake dating to really take off, but it's fun when it does.
Here are where my issues lie: (1) the way sex is handled in this book. So early in the book we learn that Morgan was sexually assaulted when she was younger and also she's a virgin. This is a Harlequin Desire so it's hardly a surprise that she loses her virginity at some point in this book and the commentary afterward surrounding virginity is gross. It doesn't go the purity angle, it goes the "yay, now no one can say I'm frigid!" Like... what? People suck, I don't need reminders of that in my romance novels, thanks. (2) the sex itself seemed to defy physiology in ways that probably wouldn't have bothered me normally, but did when compounded by the commentary surrounding virginity, and (3) I really just want a hero who is capable of handling his feelings like an adult. Is that asking for too much? (4) There's a sex worker (dancer) side character and she's treated poorly. Like... Even Morgan who thinks she's being so great and good and kind is... not?
But there were a lot of things I really enjoyed. Namely the family dynamics of the Robinsons, although, I suppose that's also a thing I didn't like at a certain point. And I really liked the Stewart siblings getting to know one another. Unfortunately, overall, this just wasn't my favorite category and I was a bit let down.
Nonetheless, thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin for the opportunity to read and review this book!
Although the title suggests a fake engagement, the book is actually about fake dating, which is fine as I love both tropes. But essentially, this book opens at a wedding and it's during her brother's wedding reception (admittedly after he left), that Morgan decides it's a good idea to reveal that she's a secret baby. Like... It was not a good idea. So that's all fine. There's a lot of drama, but that's to be expected. There's also really good chemistry between Morgan and Jared, the playboy love interest. It takes longer than I was expecting for the fake dating to really take off, but it's fun when it does.
Here are where my issues lie: (1) the way sex is handled in this book. So early in the book we learn that Morgan was sexually assaulted when she was younger and also she's a virgin. This is a Harlequin Desire so it's hardly a surprise that she loses her virginity at some point in this book and the commentary afterward surrounding virginity is gross. It doesn't go the purity angle, it goes the "yay, now no one can say I'm frigid!" Like... what? People suck, I don't need reminders of that in my romance novels, thanks. (2) the sex itself seemed to defy physiology in ways that probably wouldn't have bothered me normally, but did when compounded by the commentary surrounding virginity, and (3) I really just want a hero who is capable of handling his feelings like an adult. Is that asking for too much? (4) There's a sex worker (dancer) side character and she's treated poorly. Like... Even Morgan who thinks she's being so great and good and kind is... not?
But there were a lot of things I really enjoyed. Namely the family dynamics of the Robinsons, although, I suppose that's also a thing I didn't like at a certain point. And I really liked the Stewart siblings getting to know one another. Unfortunately, overall, this just wasn't my favorite category and I was a bit let down.
Nonetheless, thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin for the opportunity to read and review this book!
May 2, 2020
I had the pleasure of reading Secrets of a Fake Fiancée. I received an advanced reader copy from @netgalley, this book will be released on Tuesday, May 5, 2020.
I will say, this was my first book that I’ve read by this author so I was not familiar with her writing style or either families that were mentioned in this story. However, without knowing anything I was thoroughly engaged in the story. It definitely can be read as a stand-alone.
What I liked was that the story was unconventional, a lady’s man and a fake fiancée seems like a story that I would be intrigued by. The story starts off a bit slower than I anticipated. In the beginning, Morgan reveals some earth shattering news at the wedding of her, “boss”, Dane, when she reveals that the patriarch of the Stewart Family, Henry, is her father. The news was not taken very well and Jared is luckily there to be her savior. While I liked this set-up for the story, I still had a tough time getting into the story. It wasn’t until Jared proposes that Morgan serves as his, “fake girlfriend” did I find myself engrossed with the story.
After this arrangement, I could not put the book down. It took a while but the story started to make sense to me when I realized that Jared needed Morgan more than he cared to admit. The love between the two was evident and while they both tried and failed to keep their relationship strictly platonic, I was rooting for them to make it through!! The flow was great, I saw very minimal errors, and I was very satisfied with how the story ended. I can definitely see myself reading more work from this author and perhaps going back to read books 1-3. Very good read for me.
This review is also posted to my Instagram, @readnliftwithshar
I will say, this was my first book that I’ve read by this author so I was not familiar with her writing style or either families that were mentioned in this story. However, without knowing anything I was thoroughly engaged in the story. It definitely can be read as a stand-alone.
What I liked was that the story was unconventional, a lady’s man and a fake fiancée seems like a story that I would be intrigued by. The story starts off a bit slower than I anticipated. In the beginning, Morgan reveals some earth shattering news at the wedding of her, “boss”, Dane, when she reveals that the patriarch of the Stewart Family, Henry, is her father. The news was not taken very well and Jared is luckily there to be her savior. While I liked this set-up for the story, I still had a tough time getting into the story. It wasn’t until Jared proposes that Morgan serves as his, “fake girlfriend” did I find myself engrossed with the story.
After this arrangement, I could not put the book down. It took a while but the story started to make sense to me when I realized that Jared needed Morgan more than he cared to admit. The love between the two was evident and while they both tried and failed to keep their relationship strictly platonic, I was rooting for them to make it through!! The flow was great, I saw very minimal errors, and I was very satisfied with how the story ended. I can definitely see myself reading more work from this author and perhaps going back to read books 1-3. Very good read for me.
This review is also posted to my Instagram, @readnliftwithshar
August 6, 2021
Quick Read With a Happy Ending for All
First, I would like to say that this book contains a detailed but not explicit account of a sexual assault of one of the main characters. The assault doesn't take place on the page but instead the character talks about it with another character and flashes back to it during a few other parts. So if you don't like books where this kind of subject matter is discussed or will it triggering then this maybe a book to skip.
That aside, I enjoyed Morgan and Jared's story. At first Morgan's lack of concern and overall attitude at the fact that she had turned the lives of many people upside, including her boss who she said admired, made me a bit irritated with her. I understood her viewpoint and felt for her situation and desire to be acknowledged but I didn't like the costs she was willing to go about it. Thank goodness Jared was there to save her from herself and offered her a better proposition.
As a hero, I loved that Jared was a man who cared about his family. We see this most notably when he goes to visit his grandfather. Also, Grandma Ruth did not get enough page time in my opinion. Even though she is rough around the edges and a bit hard to please, I found her delightfully likeable.
First, I would like to say that this book contains a detailed but not explicit account of a sexual assault of one of the main characters. The assault doesn't take place on the page but instead the character talks about it with another character and flashes back to it during a few other parts. So if you don't like books where this kind of subject matter is discussed or will it triggering then this maybe a book to skip.
That aside, I enjoyed Morgan and Jared's story. At first Morgan's lack of concern and overall attitude at the fact that she had turned the lives of many people upside, including her boss who she said admired, made me a bit irritated with her. I understood her viewpoint and felt for her situation and desire to be acknowledged but I didn't like the costs she was willing to go about it. Thank goodness Jared was there to save her from herself and offered her a better proposition.
As a hero, I loved that Jared was a man who cared about his family. We see this most notably when he goes to visit his grandfather. Also, Grandma Ruth did not get enough page time in my opinion. Even though she is rough around the edges and a bit hard to please, I found her delightfully likeable.
May 8, 2020
Beautiful ❤️
This story was amazing I love this series. I was on an emotional rollercoaster of what Morgan had to endure and how she was treated by her father be as first but the love of Jared was simply beautiful how he changed for better how his family welcome her in the family and the hospital scene with his brother was omg awaking of love acceptance letting go the past for future with Morgan. The best 💓💓💓 I love Yahrah St. John books. She's the best ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This story was amazing I love this series. I was on an emotional rollercoaster of what Morgan had to endure and how she was treated by her father be as first but the love of Jared was simply beautiful how he changed for better how his family welcome her in the family and the hospital scene with his brother was omg awaking of love acceptance letting go the past for future with Morgan. The best 💓💓💓 I love Yahrah St. John books. She's the best ⭐⭐⭐⭐
May 11, 2020
The End, But I Want More!! 🤗
What a way to end an excellent Series!! Like the others, this was a great story! So many different emotions and intrigue! Morgan and Jared both had issues they needed to resolve, hence, the fake fiancée! I thoroughly enjoyed the journey throughout the entire series! If you haven’t read this book, or the ones before this, you’re missing out! I highly recommend this book and series! Kudos, Yahrah!! 💜
What a way to end an excellent Series!! Like the others, this was a great story! So many different emotions and intrigue! Morgan and Jared both had issues they needed to resolve, hence, the fake fiancée! I thoroughly enjoyed the journey throughout the entire series! If you haven’t read this book, or the ones before this, you’re missing out! I highly recommend this book and series! Kudos, Yahrah!! 💜
May 4, 2020
Secrets of a Fake Fiancee
What a great ending to the "Stewart Heirs" series. Loved this book and I loved Jared and Morgan. Love how fake relationships always end up with the two falling in love. Great chemistry between these two and so glad they found happiness and Love together. Great book! 🙂🙂
What a great ending to the "Stewart Heirs" series. Loved this book and I loved Jared and Morgan. Love how fake relationships always end up with the two falling in love. Great chemistry between these two and so glad they found happiness and Love together. Great book! 🙂🙂
August 23, 2020
I Want To Be Excepted
Raised by an unscrupulous mother at 25 Morgan Young Stewart only wish is to a part of a loving family. How can this become a reality? Is stating the fact the way? What if she pretends to be something or someone she isn't? Well written story with a sensitive subject matter. Was Morgan excepted? Read book 4 in the Stewart Heirs series to find the answer.
Raised by an unscrupulous mother at 25 Morgan Young Stewart only wish is to a part of a loving family. How can this become a reality? Is stating the fact the way? What if she pretends to be something or someone she isn't? Well written story with a sensitive subject matter. Was Morgan excepted? Read book 4 in the Stewart Heirs series to find the answer.
August 3, 2022
An excellent story about lost and found family and the healing power of love.The only thing that kept this from being a 5 star read for me was the haughty attitude that Jared’s grandmother Ruth had toward his brother Chris’s fiancé Kandi. It seemed a cruel unnecessary contrast given how accepting Ruth was of Morgan.
May 2, 2020
Oops he did it again
Morgan wanted a dad but he wasn't what dhe expected. Jared came along and they both together found ehat they didn't know they were looking for. The added part came in her father finding a heart.
Morgan wanted a dad but he wasn't what dhe expected. Jared came along and they both together found ehat they didn't know they were looking for. The added part came in her father finding a heart.
August 26, 2020
Another one that my husband got me.
I really enjoyed this one funny enough. It had family issues, fake dating and family acceptance. I don't know what else to say other than I was pleasantly surprised.
I really enjoyed this one funny enough. It had family issues, fake dating and family acceptance. I don't know what else to say other than I was pleasantly surprised.
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May 2, 2020Categories
African American Romance, Sagas, Contemporary Romance
Miniseries
The Stewart Heirs (Book #4)
African American Romance, Sagas, Contemporary Romance
Miniseries
The Stewart Heirs (Book #4)
May 4, 2020
Great read
May 20, 2020
It was a rollercoaster ride of emotions throughout this book. Both just wanted to be accepted and loved. Too bad it took a certain action for both to communicate their feelings to one another.
May 23, 2020
I enjoyed this book! I'm interested in reading more novels from the author
May 30, 2020
Great plot
Sounds a lot l I keep brend jackson, both good writer, both have great story lines. Have enjoyed the flow with a great plot.
Sounds a lot l I keep brend jackson, both good writer, both have great story lines. Have enjoyed the flow with a great plot.
December 13, 2020
Great story
Cant wait to read Chris’s story! I was rooting for them. This was a fun read from the very start.
Cant wait to read Chris’s story! I was rooting for them. This was a fun read from the very start.
January 16, 2021
Great read
Ms. St. John has done it again! This story was a fantastic read. The characters were enjoyable and the plot line wonderfully developed.
Ms. St. John has done it again! This story was a fantastic read. The characters were enjoyable and the plot line wonderfully developed.
April 17, 2022
Enjoyable!!!
The book was very entertaining with several twist and turns. I recommend reading this book and am looking forward to the next one in this series.
The book was very entertaining with several twist and turns. I recommend reading this book and am looking forward to the next one in this series.
September 28, 2022
Great read
I enjoyed the way Morgan made a way out of her hard start to life. Very well written from the beginning to the end.
I enjoyed the way Morgan made a way out of her hard start to life. Very well written from the beginning to the end.
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