After Her Fake Fiancé

The Svensson Brothers #5

by Alina Jacobs

Prom got you down? Fake boyfriend. Your frenemy is getting married? Fake wedding date. Need to beat your awful half-sister at inheriting the family estate? Totally nabbing a fake fiancé!

When your wedding-crazy, septuagenarian grandmother arranges a contest to see which of her granddaughters marries first, you have to bring out the big guns. And my billionaire boss Blade’s guns are banging!

Billionaire, high powered CEO, more money than personality, Blade Svensson is all business. He needs to win a contract, and I need a house. He and I both know that this is a logical, rational response to one of life’s many curveballs. There’s an expiration date on our fake relationship. There are also rules to make sure we both come out unscathed.

No lying, no sex (yes Avery, it doesn’t matter that he sleeps half naked, NO SEX!) and absolutely no falling in love!

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Billionaire Romance, Fake Dating, Humor

505 pages, ebook

First published March 31, 2020

About the author

If you like steamy romantic comedies with a creative streak, then I'm your girl!

Architect by day, writer by night, I love matcha green tea, chocolate, and books! So many books…

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Reviews

[Melenareads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alina Jacobs definitely puts the comedy in romantic comedy. Her books are always filled with humor and hilarious moments in addition to the sweet romance between the characters. In this case it's Avery and Blade's story.

Watching Avery and Blade move from relationship of convenience to attraction to falling for each other was so much fun. Though, as I mentioned, there are hilarious moments, there are a number of sweet and emotional ones too. It was easy to like these characters, and they quickly became my favorite couple in the series.

I am already looking forward to reading more from this author, especially in her Svensson Brothers series!

Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.

[Connie Huffman · Rating 3 out of 5]

irritating.

Not a bad back story, but so many irritating things. Her grandmother was clueless or chose to not see how totally nasty her father, stepmother & half sister were to the h. The h should have told them off a long time ago & not let them get involved in her life. Why would a grown woman let people run all over her & tell her how her wedding was supposed to be? All the detailed s*x scenes were very repetitive.

[Claugato · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF 50% - I really wanted to love this book, the plot sounded great and I really wanted Avery and Blade together for real... but it was so tedious!! 426 pages and in those pages the heroin gets verbally abused by her "family" every time they are together, and no one bats an eye!! It's a big nope for me!

[Sternregen · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was fun, but god was Avery annoying. No backbone and she didn‘t really grow as character. Same with Blade

[Terri Zumbrook · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been awhile since I’ve enjoyed a book this much. It was so clever and funny in a droll, snarky and endearing way. Blade was born into a polygamist cult resulting in a family with possibly a hundred brothers and Avery specialized in fake relationships - having brought home 17 different fake boyfriends at one time or another. But still, it all just seems so normal.

It’s impossible to summarize all the crazy in this book - you just get helplessly carried away with it, each layer added to the couple’s march down the fake wedding aisle, of course spoiling all the fake relationship plans by finding they were meant to be together.

It was funny, hot, and I loved Blade and Avery. If you need to put a smile on your face and indulge in a well deserved passionate relationship, read this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Annie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Update: I was less stressed the second time I read this book but I still ended up skimming sections. I hate Avery's family and her grandma. She's literally the worst.

This book stressed me out and not in a good way. I finally resorted to skimming through it because reading it was not enjoyable. I realize the wedding wasn't "real," but I get very frustrated when people let others walk all over them to the point of misery. I'm talking about her "nice" grandma. She was the absolute worst. She was so self-absorbed that she couldn't see how miserable she was making Avery. Furthermore, any decent woman with an ounce of genuine love in her would have told her son (and his family) to shut the heck up and get being an abusive butthole. I don't care for the way this author writes elderly characters. The grandmas in these books are pretty horrible (in different ways) and Ida is so annoying. Sometimes she's okay/funny, but the majority of the time, she's obnoxious and I want to hit her with car. She was particularly bad in this book with the way she hijacked things. Frankly, I wish the author spent less time on elderly character hijinks and more time on the other brothers' girlfriends. Josi is practically none existent after her book.

[Emily Utsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Billionaire, serial fake dater, small town w/off the wall characters, and hot amazing spice!
This is a series of brothers from a LARGE family where each book a brother will get their HEA.

I love this type of book. No angst, comedy, hot billionaires with hot spice thrown in. Nice and light. Is it for everyone? No. But it is my cup of hot chocolate. I don't want to be sad or anxious with the books I read.

I listened to the audiobook of this, and loved it! I think that hearing the voices gives you so much more as a reader. You really can feel the emotions. You connect much quicker to the characters as well. These narrators were top notch.

This is not the first book in the series, but it can be read as a complete stand-alone. However I think you will get more out of it if you have read the other books as you have met some of the characters before. But don’t let that deter you. This can be a stand-alone. But it will make you want to read all the other books!

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. It was very entertaining and had lots of feels. There were times that I wanted to smack some of the characters, but I also did a lot of laughing. The characters were interesting and well developed as well as relatable (most of them!). I loved her best friends and how supportive they were of her.

Avery is a pro when it comes to fake relationships. Or so she thinks. She has arranged fake relationships for several events over the years from Prom to a wedding date. When Avery's grandmother decides that she wants to see her granddaughters married and whichever one gets married first gets the family estate, she decides she needs a fake fiancé. Who could be better than her billionaire boss Blade?

Blade Svensson is all business and doesn't do relationships even fake ones. He is a billionaire and a CEO and he needs to win a contract with a company that is all about family values. Blade is surprised when Avery approaches him about being her fake husband. But when he considers his brothers and the contract he decides that they can help each other.

There are so many great things about this story that I can't list them all here. The way everyone kept interfering irked me. I totally hate her family, except for her grandmother and I hope that they all get their comeuppance in a later book! I loved that Blade and Avery were in a very real relationship long before they realized it. Blade hanging out with Cesario and sending messages to Avery was too funny. I liked the way the story ended, but I do wish there was an epilogue further out. This is a must-read book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Plus Size Bibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best couple of the series!

Avery and Blade had fantastic communication and chemistry. Like the rest of the series books there was a secret but nothing earth shattering. There were jealous witches, but they were petty not vindictive. This was all around a good book to read for a good laugh. I was nervous since a majority of the book takes place in Manhattan but the limited interaction with the other brothers was satisfying.

Ida is starting to get on my nerves. At first her sexually suggestive comments and wacky behavior was cute and funny but now I feel like she's just really pushy, self centered, inconsiderate, and overly inappropriate.

Edward is the BEST GBF a girl could ask for. I love that he was so protective of Avery. His reaction when things went south was everything I've ever wanted. Same with Shirley she is not one to be messed with.

That being said, there was still very toxic behavior that was simply accepted and I just don't understand it. BUT I'm a very forward person and rude people can catch my hands and/or be sliced with my words without a second thought. Is it possible everyone in this series fears confrontation?? Who knows.....

This story was not as heavy on the cult tidbits but it gave enough to quench my morbid cult fascination. Having read the next series out of order I know that the brothers make major moves and I can't wait to read it all go down.

This would be a great Netflix RomCom. It's probably already been done before but I want to see it again.

** While Blade's sexcapdes were not as hot as some of his older brothers I appreciated that there wasn't a bunch of dirty talk and sexual innuendos in this book. While I enjoy both, it was starting to get out of hand.

[A Hopeless Romantic's Booklandia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel a bit like a broken record here because just like I’m not very fond of reading about journalists/reporters and virgins, I also feel similarity about the fake dating trope. I guess I just feel like that means there has to be this angst factor and as I am kind of casual enemies with angst, I tend to avoid this trope unless it’s a book I really want to read or written by an author that I love. Seeing as how I love Alina Jacobs, I didn’t hesitate to read After Her Fake Fiancé and I wasn’t worried going in either. I knew Ms. Jacobs wouldn’t lead me wrong and I was right. I might not have loved it as much Between Her Biscuits, but I still really loved and enjoyed it!

I’m not going to lie, reading an Alina Jacobs heroine who’s not a big baker, in this series anyway, was a little weird, but not in a bad way! I’ve gotten used to it and I love seeing what baking/cooking creations they come up with, but I loved that Avery was a little different in that aspect. I just loved Avery and Blade in general. There was still bonkers craziness going on, but I loved that their relationship was a little quiet and a little lowkey, you know? They were strong, tight, and committed to their plan and each other — I appreciated that.

After Her Fake Fiancé had a bit of a different vibe to it in that I feel like we’ve spent a lot of time with the Svensson family in the previous books and it seemed like we were with Avery and Blade as couple more this time instead of a big chunk of being with Blade’s — not that I mind being with the rest of the Svensson family because I don’t, it was just nice being with these two. It was fun and ridiculous, soft and sweet, and solid and lowkey. It was so awesome and I just adored it!

~ Sonja, 5 Stars

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my kind of story, no doubt about it! Aside from the great characters, throwing humor among the story line just pulls me right in with a huge smile on my face! And you have to adore Avery who keeps her spirits up no matter how badly the rest of the world (spelled f-a-m-i-l-y) tries to keep her down.

Avery’s new challenge in life is that in order to inherit a mansion and five acres in Harrogate worth eight million dollars, she will have to grab a fake fiancé and head into wedded bliss before her hateful half-sister! Her billionaire boss, Blade Svensson, a high-powered CEO, has his own little agenda. He is trying to win the Harris & Schultz contract which requires a wife. Since both of them have needs and each could fix the other’s problem, they team up in a fake relationship so both of them can “win”. They are aware of how long the relationship is to last, and they have strict rules to follow (which will keep the reader hysterically laughing), but they are grown-ups and can certainly do this little thing for the BIG reward!

You are going to love this story, if the laughter doesn’t kill you. (Yes, my ribs are aching at the moment.) Although the end result is probably inevitable and obvious to you, do not skip one word as you work your way to the ending. I’ll warn you again that her family is not all that likable. But Avery and Blade are so good together! Have fun!

[Anita Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Blade and Avery’s story just like I enjoyed the other ones. I like Avery, she’s been through a lot, she lives with so little and it just upset me every time that we had to deal with her family and how horrible they treated her. Blade was super work focused and his brother Weston was always out with several different ladies, they were very similar to Archer and Mace. Avery kept Blade on his toes, some of the comments she made, some of her actions, and then when they got together she brought joy and love out of him I don’t think he ever expected, it was great to see. My heart broke for Avery, she didn’t get anything she wanted, every step of this process was a disaster, and she was constantly put down. I thought it was a little over the top that the seniors and Cassie kept taking over all her events and making them the complete opposite of what she wanted. I didn’t understand why no one stopped it, why they left these people just do what they wanted. The one person that she always loved, her grandmother in my opinion was terrible, she stood by and watched how she was being talked to and watched as she was being treated terribly and did nothing and then in the end she still didn’t give her anything or say anything to her to make things right. I was so happy for the ending, it was very sweet and I loved how they gave each other something they both wanted. Excited to read the short novella about these two next.

[Gin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I find the author seems to rely on creating a frenetic energy to try and propel her novels. She also creates some truly funny scenes. However, they rely on the same two or three jokes, and strung together, some of them come across as padding and cause the plot to creep forward rather than move forward at a good pace.
Some subplots are either started and then fade away before they are concluded or are given so little time I don't know why the author bothered.
Finally, Avery and Blade seem to have no backbones. Even though this is the basis of a lot of the book, it is excruciatingly frustrating to read. Finally, either there is no final scene between Avery and her grandma (and really, I don't get why she is so blind to how Avery's other family treats her) or it is so minor I missed it. Or maybe it happened but I skimmed over it because I was so done with the book. Either way, they really needed a Moment... and why did Avery have to return grandma's things to her Dad et al again? That made no logical sense.
I always get sucked in by the premises of this author's books but am left underwhelmed. While I usually find something to like about this author's books, I never seem to love them like other people do.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tuseey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I font know

I usually like the fake wedding books, but this one...I don't know. I know the book was suppose to be funny and quirky, but it seem contradicting to me. let's start with the the fact that they are billionaire running huge business but gets into fights and an all out brawl. the chooses they made also was contradicting, the owned successful business with renown establishments, yet they paint a school bus taclessly and rode around in it. the reason why he agreed is ridiculous! he could've accomplished that with her just being his girlfriend.
Avery was cool, but how come a person like her had no control over her wedding.. Edward - what an annoying person. I hated him, he was not funny more critical of everything, his protective side was over the top and I just could take him.
I'm sorry, I don't like the book too much. it was a lie yes, but the amount of ppl invested in proving its a lie is ridiculous. don't these ppl work? and Stacy who is suppose to be dating Nathaniel, wouldn't she want Avery married? I just don't get it.

[Stephanie Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is Blade and Avery's story. Blade and his "Irish twin" brother Weston were background characters in earlier books. In this one, their characters (especially Blade, obviously) are more developed. Avery is Blade's assistant. She and Blade enter into a fake relationship as an engaged couple in order to obtain an important business contract (Blade) or be gifted the historic family estate (Avery). Only Avery's two best friends and two of Blade's many brothers know about the charade. Of course, they fall in love. Meanwhile, Avery's "family" (father, stepmother and half-sister)are suspicious and keep trying to discover the truth and expose the lies while doing everything they can to ruin the wedding plans. Honestly, Avery's family was the worse. All three of them continually kept bad-mouthing and insulting her to her face while her grandmother (the only one she loved and was close to) was oblivious (or just refused to see) how awful she was treated. While I enjoyed the book, I have to admit that each one in the series basically follows the same pattern.

[Heather Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story starts out entertaining right off the bat. The way Avery interacts with the world around her is truly unique and hilariously disastrous. I've gotta say, her family is horrible, though, and I spent the entire book wishing I could do each and every one of them bodily harm, including her supposed beloved grandmother. C'mon, grandma! Open your dang eyes.

I really felt like you could feel the change in Blade as the story went on. The way his emotions evolved and shifted was well-written and palpable. I was cringing almost the entire book because of how uncomfortable so many of the situations were and I wished Avery would have stood up and told the overbearing people around her to back the hell off, but all the awkward was worth it in the end as the story concluded in a beautiful way.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a known fact that fake relationship stories are kind of my Kryptonite. There’s just something so compelling about all the secrecy and angsty drama. You know that no matter how hard they’re trying not to, they’re still going to end up ridiculously in love with one another before it’s all over. There’s so much chemistry between Avery and Blade that it fairly crackles off the page. Add to the mix a VERY liberal dose of humor and this story was better than catnip for me. Between the wedding planning shenanigans of the feisty seniors and a carnivorous pet rabbit in true Monty Python fashion, I spent most of my time reading this book doubled over from laughing so hard. I have fallen in love with this series and I will continue to read it for as long as there are stories about the Svensson brothers.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book through Booksprout.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

After Her Fake Fiance is a fun read. Avery is the product of an affair and barely tolerated by her father's other family except by her grandmother. In order to inherit, she has to be married. Blade is the corporate executive that needs to also be in a relationship to get the needed business contract. The scenario has been done before, but the author has added her own quirks. I felt bad for Avery for the way her family treated her including the grandmother. I thought it was unrealistic that Avery needed to be married before her already engaged half-sister. However, I really couldn't bring myself to like Blade (or his cheesy name). For someone that wanted to rescue his sisters, I didn't like the way he was with Avery in the beginning.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was hilarious! It had an original plot and plenty of action and drama! Avery is an expert at fake relationships! Blade her billionaire boss needs a fake serious relationship to land a big account, Avery needs a fake groom to inherit her grandma big Victorian house. That’s when the crazy starts. Blade is a Svensson, his family is huge! Between her bitter and nasty father, drunk stepmother and evil half sister the hijinks never end. I really enjoyed this book. The series of the Svensson brothers and how they meet their wacky wives is hilarious. I highly recommend this book. It will brighten your dad and make you laugh out loud!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avery wants to be a wedding planner and hopes her grandmother will give her the estate she owns. But her horrible sister wants it too. Avery's father doesn't want her at all and keeps telling her that she is just like her mother. Her stepmother doesn't want her and neither does her sister. Blade needs a large contract for his firm but needs to be in a solid relationship as the owners are very family orientated. So, they come up with a fake engagement. And all hell breaks loose. Lies. Secrets. Mayhem. More lies. More secrets. And more mayhem. I mean, what else would you have with all of Blade's brothers and the old biddies of the town of Harrowgate. I cannot praise these books enough and I totally love them. They are always hysterical. Can't wait for more. And many kudos to the author.

[Melinda Swaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of best fake relationships stories I’ve read in a long time!! I couldn’t get enough of this story and all the characters!! I read book in one sitting, I literally got nothing done all day. I just couldn’t put it down!! It is fun, it was a bit crazy, it was so very, very sexy and it was also hilarious and entertaining from one page to the next. I was captivated by the shenanigans in this book. There was always something going on between all the characters. Not to mention laughing out loud all the time and getting funny looks off my family. These characters definitely turned up the crazy drama, heat and romance!! A sizzling addition to Alina Jacobs “The Svensson Brothers” series! Can’t wait to read the next one. Happy reading everyone!!

[lf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do two fakes equal one real........in this book it is an uncomfortable and funny journey to find out

After Her Fake Fiancé is the fifth book in The Svensson Brothers series and once again Alina Jacobs has written a funny and entertaining story. This is the story of Blade and Avery. They both need a "fake" fiance/fiancee which leads them to an arrangement. But it soon finds them in all sorts of problems that neither expected. Plus add in some feelings along the way and things get even more complicated. Their journey is uncomfortable at times, at times you want to kick both the characters, and Avery's family are horrible people. But in the end they have a wonderful HEA.

I received a copy of this book for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.

[Jeanie's Kindle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blade has a assistant that is very efficient. Avery graduated with a degree in hospitality and it really doesn't pay well in New York City. Her dream is to host weddings in her home town of Harrodsburg. Her grandmother owns a old Victorian mansion that would be the perfect venue. . Grandma will gift the property to the first granddaughter to get married. Avery's step sister is engaged and plans to "modernized" the mansion.
Blade is working with his Irish twin Weston on a billion dollar contract with a financial partner that is very conservative and family oriented. Both brothers are single and do not have steady girlfriends. Blade and Avery enter into an agreement where they will fake marry. He gets the contract and she gets the house.

[Lynn Partridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laughter on every page

WOW what a great book, unlike lots of "fake " stories this one is so funny I almost choked laughing throughout the book Mad as hatters both the hero and the heroine you just cant stop laughing at the antics they get up to . Put in a mad grandmother and her insane gang of friends , a wedding that is supposed to be low key a giant bunny and a few insane family members and you just know it is going to be a disaster but when you add in lies …...oh my
I am hoping there are some books before this one and there has to be more to come as I haven't laughed so much for a long time

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was longer than I usually read, but I enjoyed every single aspect of this book. There are so many different characters it keeps you hopping from all these good looking brothers and all the crazy antics.Blade and Avery are perfect for each other, both so focused on achieving their goals, they don’t realize what is in front of them. Everything leading up to the wedding and the wedding itself is pure hilarity, until all is revealed then chaos ensues. Great romantic comedy book, that I absolutely loved and looking forward to reading the rest of this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great addition to the Svensson Brothers collection. This time Blade's assistant needs to marry to get her grandmother's house and he needs to appear more family friendly to score a major client.
The best/worst part of this story was Avery's family - her father, stepmother and stepsister could give Cinderella's step-family lessons in meanness. Her grandmother could be lovable but she doesn't stand up for Avery and just makes things worse when she takes over the wedding planning turning it into a mega-mess.
While they started out engaged for business purposes they do fall in love but can that love survive every thing that seems to be against them (hint it can but not easily).

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blade is Avery's boss and they both need someone for something. Blade has a business contract that he wants. Avery has a family home she wants. The pair decide the best idea to a fake engagement, it will be the solution for both of them. A fake relationship is always so tricky. Feelings are not supposed to be involved but they develop. Blade and Avery have alot of chemistry and it poses a few challenges for our characters. Does fake become a reality? A really good story with characters that provide steaminess and humor. Enjoy!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Caroline Doig · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my 1st read and review for this author and wow what a story I loved it and it was hilarious. Avery’s grandmother wants to see her granddaughters get married so she says the first one that gets married will get the family estate, Avery doesn’t want her evil stepsister getting it so she gets her boss Blade to pretend to be her fake fiancé. Blade is the CEO of his own company he needs a wife to win a contract with a company that values families to show that he is a family man he knows that Avery is just the woman for the job. I loved this story and I can’t wait to read more by this author and I definitely recommend this book.

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first book by this author and I enjoyed it. I liked the characters on the Svensson side of family but Avery's family pretty stereotyped. The grandmother was clueless and her Dad, step mom and half sister were about as awful as can be- move over Cinderella, they were horrible. Why she even bothered with them was the mystery.
Blade however, was a swoony sweetie and despite his odd family, he and his brothers bickered, charmed, pranked and worked together as family. It was clear they loved each other and no matter what they were family.
Only critique on this it was pretty long and could have been edited down a bit without affecting the story.

[Laura Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

she’s ambitious,driven and from an emotionally abusive family, he’s a Svensson

If you can read these books in chronological order it enriches each book because you have background. You can read this independent of the other books but think of it like a rom-com serial. Blade is a rational serious , routine following computer code forensic specialist, billionaire Svensson brother. He’s likable, compassionate and a great boyfriend. Avery is trying to better herself in spite of her hateful family. There are a host of family and characters from many previous books and future books hinted at. It’s a fun read..