Stepping in for the Billionaire Groom

Benton Brother Romance #3

by Kimberly Krey

Kat Morgan signed up for asocial experiment called Married at First Meet in hopes to find Mr. Right. But what happens when Mr Right's twin steps into his place?

Kat can't trust her feelings. Not since she fell in love with a man who kept his true identity from her. That's why Married At First Meet, the social experiment that selects your perfect match, is right for her. Formulas are more trustworthy than feelings.

Zander Benton has saved Duke's bacon more times than he can count; that's what identical twins are for. But when Duke needs Zander to walk down the wedding aisle in his place during a live broadcast, Zander draws the line.

Until his family convinces him to do it.

The Bentons must avoid the repercussions that would follow if the famous groom left the bride--not to mention millions of viewers--without a groom. Besides, Duke will be there in time for the honeymoon, right? Wrong.

Zander and Kat are whisked away to the Maldives.
Both develop deep feelings along the way.
What will Kat do when Zander tells her that he--like the ex-boyfriend who ruined her trust--has been lying about who he really is?

Genres: Contemporary, Romance

208 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 15, 2020

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 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5/5.0

The author does a wonderful job of giving the reader a clean, but sizzling romance set in a gorgeous locale.

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

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is set up very similar to the TV show Married at First Sight. I just finished watching the latest season to post to Hulu so it was fresh on my mind as I read this book. Zander and Kat are both fun characters, easy to like and easy to root for. I loved their attraction and chemistry. The honeymoon destination had me green with envy, especially right now as we cannot travel anywhere. This was a sweet, happy distraction for today!

[Maven_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A woman signs up for a reality-style experiment to find love and ends up confronting mistaken identity, twin confusion, and the messy truth of what she really wants. Stepping In for the Billionaire Groom follows Kat Morgan as she enters the “Married at First Meet” experiment hoping for a clear answer about love, only to discover that the man chosen for her is not quite who she expected and that his twin complicates everything. The book leans into the emotional awkwardness of modern matchmaking while giving us glossy, contemporary-romance trappings: a billionaire backdrop, family pressure, and questions of authenticity versus curated perfection.

What stayed with me after finishing was the way Kimberly Krey makes a familiar trope feel personable: Kat’s confusion and quiet self-questioning are written with empathy, and the narrative gives room for missteps without turning the characters into punchlines. The pacing moves briskly across roughly 232 pages, balancing banter with moments of genuine vulnerability, and the twins’ dynamic adds unexpected emotional stakes that pushed Kat to examine what she truly needs from a partner. If you enjoy contemporary romances that pair lighthearted setups with sincere character work, this one delivers a satisfying mix of humor and heart though readers who prefer deeply plotted twists may find it more character-driven than mystery-heavy. Overall, I found it charming and grounded.

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

I need a fan!

I'm a total sucker for a secret identity and these Benton brothers are where it's at. Duke and Zander are twins and of course, Duke finds himself in a pickle when he agrees to a new reality tv show where they match you up and you get married at first sight and he's not in town. His twin brother, Zander, comes to the rescue and what a rescue it is!

Kat and Zander have a charged first meeting before the wedding, but the chemistry between them after the wedding is off the charts. I loved the glimpses into the reality tv world, but my favorite moments were the chemistry-laden exchanges between this newly married couple.

I'm the type who connects with the more serious kind of guy, as is Kat, and although Zander wasn't who she thought he was, she truly was matched with her perfect math. This reads like a delectable tv show and I couldn't get enough.

Ms. Krey does a brilliant job of taking two strong characters and melding them into something sugary sweet and perfect. And now I can't wait for Duke's story.

Content: mild+ romance (steamy clean, kissing, innuendo)

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

[Samantha Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love marriage of convenience and arranged marriage stories, so at first glance this book seemed like a modern twist on that genre. Of course except, the groom gets switched at the last moment for his twin brother. As Zander, the stand-in groom, turns to meet his temporary bride he quickly realizes she’s none other than Kat Morgan, the spicy woman he shared a spark-filled encounter with a few weeks earlier.

This book does require a little willing suspension of disbelief for some of the elements, but it’s all worth it to get lost in such a utterly enjoyable romance story. Zander finds himself hopelessly and totally losing his heart from the start. I loved the way he earned Kat’s trust slowly and taught her how to open herself up again to love.

And let me tell you… this author knows how to write a kissing scene with just the right amount of heat while somehow keeping things romantic and sweet. I certainly appreciate the level of talent that takes, and it’s something I often find sorely lacking in the clean romance genre. I can’t wait to read more from her!

[B. D. Mann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was attracted to this novel because I thought identical twin billionaire brothers opened the door to an intriguingly different kind of story. My hunch was correct. Duke and Zander Benton were indeed identical twins that were difficult to tell apart. As the story opens, Kat has a significant confrontation where she locks horns with Zander. Shortly after that, Kat learns of her selection to become the bride in a major live TV social experiment. The TV program format demands that she and her groom not meet until their wedding. Of course, to make things interesting, she is matched with Duke, Zanders’ twin; however, she doesn’t know that yet. The plot thickens when Duke is unable to get to the wedding on time. Zander has no choice but to stand in for his twin brother. The story gets interesting as Zander continues to pose as Duke on their honeymoon, and he is honor-bound to conduct himself appropriately with his brother’s new wife as Zander and Kat begin to develop significant feelings for each other.

Although this story is a work of fiction, it still must pass muster as being believable. Ms. Krey loses points with me because she overlooks the real world relating to the use of passports for international travel. A significant plot requirement is that Kat must continue believing that Zander is Duke during their honeymoon trip. In the real world, Zander must show his passport along with his boarding pass at each airport and each hotel or car rental. Since Kat would be at his side, there is no way he could keep his real identity secret. Nevertheless, this is otherwise a well-written, entertaining, and delightful work. Four-Stars!

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t read any other books in this series. Truth be told, I was on a Billionaire Burnout from the over used theme so I had skipped the books. But something about this description made me check it out. I’m so glad I did. It was a delightful little book and it lacked the whole “I’m a billionaire and I get what I want” type dialogue.
Zander and Kat were such a cute couple. You do feel the connection right from the start. Poor Kat has no confidence in her own judgement when it comes to guys. So even though she likes Zander she needs science to tell her that it is okay to be with him. Zander is just trying to win her over before telling her of the switch. I appreciated that he was honest about everything other than his name. It’s just a fun story to read while stuck in the house in self isolation. I loved Kat’s dad, he was a great character. I loved the adventures on the private island too! Swoon worthy!
So I find myself wanting to read the previous books of this series now and I looking forward to Duke’s story most of all.
Rating: G, it’s sweet and clean, all ages can read it.

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this Benton Brothers story of Zander. Zander must step in and clean up once again for his twin brother Duke but this time the family is enforcing it to stop a scandal. Duke is the finalist for Married at First Meet but flees the scene when it is time for the live broadcast, so the family has Zander step in his place hoping they can switch after the wedding. But things do not work out as planned...
This is a sweet romance of miss identification, the story is wonderfully written, the continuity and the characters are well developed. I highly recommend this book and the series.

[Teresa Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though I am not a big fan of reality shows, I absolutely loved this book. It had me from start to finish and I could not put it down. I loved the identical twin angle, made for plenty of excitement(clean of course). I can't recommend this book enough. Read it, you won't be disappointed.

[Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely a refreshing as well as beautiful continuation of this series definitely can't wait for the next book in this series.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining way to spend a couple of hours.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Super cute, light, fun read. I liked it. The chemistry was good but unfortunately, it didn’t get developed fully. I feel like it didn’t have a very compelling conflict or resolution. Everything was shallow, which I think was exactly what it was meant to be, but I found myself wanting more, expecting more. I also thought we would get to see how their relationship developed in the 8 week trial period. Idk, it just didn’t quite hit the sweet spot for me.

I think I remember the TV show and producer (Marsha Langston) from Krey’s other book Snowed in for Christmas. A lot of the relationship drama in Stepping in for the Billionaire Groom was not incorporated into the TV show they were participating in, but it would have added to the book if their drama had been captured for the TV show. Like, when she finds out the truth and when she comes to a decision. Marsha talks big about redemption, but for the tv show, the H didn’t do much to have to really redeem himself. It came way too easy in the eyes of the TV viewers, and for some reason that impacted the excitement for me as well- it was a little bit of a letdown. If all the drama had been captured for the viewers it would have been more exciting. I think the book The Sleeping Arrangement did a better job of reaching the full potential from that “TV show” trope.

Still, this book was cute and enjoyable, even though it didn’t quite reach that level of swoon I was hoping for.

I would have liked more steamy-clean content, too, especially since they are already married. (Sort of like what we got in Krey’s Sweet Montana Brides novels.) How in the world are they still not intimate at the end of the book when they are already married and cuddling in bed together every night? Waiting for the arbitrary 8 weeks to get to know each other when they are already confident that they are in love? Yeah, that reasoning doesn’t add up.

Still, I have to say that I liked this more than I thought I would. The title (and cover) are super cheesy and I’m slightly embarrassed I read a book with “Billionaire” in the title. I avoided it for a long time because of that, but it was actually written pretty well and I enjoyed the story for the lighthearted, shallow read it’s meant to be.

Content:

Language- no swearing

Sex- no sex scenes, on or off page. Some yummy kissing.

Cover- extremely dorky. Big yikes. I didn’t read it for a long time because of the cover and title.

Stand alone- This is the 3rd book in the series, and I didn’t read the first two. (This one sounded the most promising to me.) I was able to enjoy it and never felt lost, so it can be treated as a stand alone. I’m not sure that I’ll read the others, even though the brothers are all nice. But maybe a little too superficially “nice” and not mysterious or deep enough to keep me engaged? Hmmm, not sure what it is about them that doesn’t quite capture me…

I read this on Kindle Unlimited

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and sweet!

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hate reality shows but enjoyed this story.😍

[Vibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun fantasy tale from an entertaining series

Though not a particularly believable story, anyone who has read the premise knows what they're getting going in, so that's hardly something one can validly criticize. The question is whether it pulls off the fantasy believably *enough* to make the story work, and I would say, for the most part, it succeeds.

Kat has been badly burned by following her emotions, and no longer trusts her own judgment. She figures that science can accomplish finding her ideal match since she can't.

Zander is seriously interested in her, but doesn't want to reveal himself while she still hates him from their previous encounter.

Kat's unwillingness to listen is frustrating. On the one hand, it's understandable that she hasn't been able to trust her own judgment since her ex. But running away from things you don't want to hear isn't a rational response. Relying on science means acquiring all the data available before deciding on a response.

It would also lead to the logical conclusion of seeking the opinions of others you trust to cover for your distrust of your own judgment - which to some extent validates the reality show premise, but then it seems she ignores it with everything else. Mr Spock would be shaking his head, lol.

Still, when she was finally made to stop running and listen, she does consider the data available to her & the opinions of at least 2 people she trusts (though one of them I'm not entirely sure why she does) before making her decision, & it turns out very happily.

Poor Duke ends up looking even worse in this story than he did in the previous two books, but it's a little more sympathetic by the end & hopefully will find him fully redeemed from his women-are-only-a-means-to-an-end attitude when his story is told next

*Clean romance level: passionate kisses, nothing graphic

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read!

This is my favourite book of the series so far. I like all of the Benton's stories and how bits intertwine with each other and follow on from the previous books. Can't wait to read Duke's story next!

[Carolyn Malone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeps Getting Better with every turn of the page

I'm thoroughly enjoying the Billionaire series. This book kept me on the edge of my seat. Couldn't wait to see what was coming next.

[Mandy Boerma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed the series, but this “fake marriage” story wasn’t my favorite. She married the “wrong brother” and the lives with the “right brother” before the “fake marriage” is dissolved. It didn’t set well with my views.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet, clean romance. I loved the characters and their story! Delightful!

[Gerda · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot was really interesting, a reality show combined with a twin swap. I enjoyed reading about his concerns and how he tried not to get close to her so that his brother eventually could take his lawful place.
The last show put a nice twist to their story, but then nothing more. I missed reading about a last show where Kat and Zander had to decide whether to stay married. The proposal came within their eight weeks living-together and that didn't feel right.
The legal complications were never explained, were their vows binding? She said yes to Duke not Zander, was it a proxy marriage without her knowing?
There was some talk about binding law contracts preventing the participants to quit. But what about a prenup? The producers knew he was a billionaire, he was aware that the wedding would be legal ( that applies to Duke as well as to Zander).
Nice plot, I am curious who Duke is going to marry.

[Joe Lipiec · Rating 4 out of 5]

read another of the series

All I remember about the other book is that it, as well as this one, are like cotton candy. They’re sweet but mostly air.

Let me explain. The passion is muted. They are very attracted to each other and fall in love. For 90% of the story, simply kissing if fine as anything else would betray the plot. But for the last 10%, they live together, sleep together, are in love and only cuddle.

No, I’m not a fan a 20 page graphic sex scenes that populate 75% of the story. I read romance to relax and graphic sex or cotton candy doesn’t get it.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clean, fun

The girl, a chemist was unsure of herself, had been Fooled by a man & eventually signed up for a match TV show.she was sure that a formula would work.
The brother got roped into a family crisis.
A good story illustrating that life works out in the end, even when we don't think so.

[Liz Sergent · Rating 3 out of 5]

Zander and Duke are identical twins - Zander takes Duke's place on a reality show where Billionaires save businesses from failure. Kat had met Zander earlier when she begged him to help and then thinking it is his twin on the show....This book is a utterly a mind free read and entertaining for a few hours.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

So swoony

This was so good! I lll love how Zander fought stepping in for Duke the whole time before he realized it was Kat and even a little after when he realized it could end badly with him falling in love with his brother's wife. Such a great story. I liked how Kat's dad came to Zander's defense too. Great read!

[Carol Unruh · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a good surprise!

I’ve read a lot of billionaire, romance stories, and many of them seem similar. This one, however, had a different twist, which I absolutely loved! I even teared up a time or two! Kat was very realistic, and I rooted for her the whole way through the book! Such a fantastic story!

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

What can I say, this book stands up to the others and in a way leaves them in its wake.

Kat is picked to marry Duke on a reality show, she ends up with his twin Zander. What can go wrong, right?

Can it work, does it work read and find out.

[Teya Teya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, this is a yummy book. I love the twin thing. I love the whole falling for the wrong one, which ended up being the right one. Forgiveness and Love. Just a great love story. Interesting it kind of took after the Netflix show marry me or something like that.

[Cecelia Crews]

Exciting and powerful

This story made me real happy as I read it because it was so full of fun. All the twists and turns throughout the entire story kept me on my toes. A great story and ob of wr

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awww this was really cute. Characters from the other books in the series are mentioned, but I didn't feel too out of the loop.

Moral Note: Some mild innuendos between married couple. Clean language. Kissing

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Doubles

Zander wishes and lies his way into her heart but it may backfire. Kat doesn't trust even her own judgement anymore. Poor Duke. He gets the leftovers.