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Kate McLeod was desperate.

Her younger sister was having her first baby, her younger brother was recently married, and . . . Christmas was coming.

And in the McLeod household, Christmas was everything. Every year her parents’ house looked like an assembly of angels had puked everywhere. She was talking lights and glitter, garland and plaid. EVERYWHERE. All of that Christmas spirit was topped off with the annual McLeod Holiday Party, complete with mistletoe and happy couples and . . . her lonesome single ass. Kate, the one everyone tried to set up with their friend or cousin or coworker. Kate, the oldest and pathetically unmarried sister. Kate, the sad, single San Franciscan.

Well, this year she had a plan.

She was going to get herself engaged.

A diamond ring on her finger was the perfect way to get her family to back off.

And she had just the perfect guy in mind.

226 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 12, 2020

79 people are currently reading
386 people want to read

About the author

Elise Faber

157 books1,067 followers
USA Today bestselling author, Elise Faber, loves chocolate, Star Wars, and hockey (the order depending on the day and how well her team—the Sharks!—are playing). She and her husband also play as much hockey as they can squeeze into their schedules, so much so that their typical date night is spent on the ice. Elise changes her hair color more often than some people change their socks, loves sparkly things, and is the mom to two exuberant boys. She lives in Northern California. Connect with her in her Facebook group, the Fabinators or email her at elise@elisefaber.com.

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5 stars
111 (39%)
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104 (36%)
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55 (19%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for April Symes.
5,013 reviews447 followers
October 13, 2020
Bad Engagement is Book #10 in the Billionaire’s Club series by Elise Faber. This is Jamie and Kate's story. This is a riff on love at first sight. This is one hella good fake engagement reads . Kate is the oldest of her siblings and the only one not married yet. She tells her momma a fib that she is engaged and only has a few days to come up with a fake fiancee. That’s where Jamie, the vet comes in. They met through Instagram and exchanged a few messages there. Kate asked Jamie to pretend to be her fake fiancee and he agrees. But what Kate doesn't know is, he totally has feelings for her. Now he wants to see if he can win her heart. It's going to be a battle because Kate has her own demons she's dealing with. Can Jamie get Kate to see him and realize their insta-lust is really more and is more perma-love. The story brings the feels, chemistry, heat, witty banter, swoon-worthy romance, beautiful love, rollercoaster emotions and HEA. Great story, amazing plot and awesome characters.

My Rating: 4.5 stars *******
Profile Image for Jessica Alcazar.
4,394 reviews622 followers
October 13, 2020
As I’ve mentioned in the past, I’m a fan of Elise Faber. I honestly have yet to read a story that disappointed me. Yeah, some are more than others but at the core of them all is an author that is multi-talented and has proven she pretty much write any trope well. The story of Kate and Jamie had me smiling from ear to ear from the beginning. It’s a sweet story with enormous spark. I couldn’t wait till the end but yet I didn’t want it to end! Jamie is as swoon worthy as they come, and Kate is gloriously likeable! When you have such electric spark between the leads and you blend in all kinds of family shenanigans, you have yourself a delightful afternoon read! (Just like any other Elise book lol) Go forth and enjoy!
Profile Image for Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog).
5,875 reviews213 followers
October 12, 2020




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Kate is sick of her family bugging her about the state of her love life. So this year when she goes home for Christmas, she'll be bringing along her new *ahem* fiancé. Now she just has to hope the gorgeous guy she asked on Instagram to go along with the fake engagement, will agree. To her surprise, he does, and the the rest is sweet, sexy holiday fun.



I've been really liking this series, and I think this one is the best yet. Jaime and Kate are adorable together. Loads of chemistry, family shenanigans, and two sweet characters who find a fake relationship quickly turning to real.



ARC via L. Woods PR for an honest review.

Review / Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.

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Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,192 reviews220 followers
October 8, 2020
5 star Review Bad Engagement (Billionaire’s Club #10) by Elise Faber

Elise Faber is a new author to me and I am surprised I have not come across her before. When I read the blurb for this book I couldn’t wait to read and review.

From the first chapter to the last I was hooked. This is Kate and Jaime’s and story and it was an entertaining read. I love stories centered around the holiday season and as Christmas is my favorite holiday this was right up my alley.

Sometimes it’s hard to be the eldest sibling, particularly if your the only one unmarried and you are sick of people trying to set you up. When Kate inadvertently blurts out to her mother that she has a fiancee, the fun begins. She suddenly need a fiancee to take to her the family dinner and her mother’s holiday party.

Following Jaime on Instagram she reaches out to ask him out and is shocked when he agrees. Bad Engagement was a fun, quirky story with characters whose story you cannot help but become invested in.

What happens when fake feelings become real? Could this be the start of something wonderful? One click and find out.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.2k reviews92 followers
October 12, 2020
With Kate’s siblings now settled her mother has redirected all her focus on ensuring that the same thing happens for her. When her Mom tries to set her up with yet another man Kate decides to take matters into her own hands and tell her that not only does she have a man in her life but that she is engaged. The only problem is that she now needs to come up with a fake fiancé!

Jamie and Kate have been interacting with each other on social media however it has not gone any further so when Kate suggests that he be her fake fiancé this might be the perfect opportunity that they have both been waiting for. Two near strangers, a wild and wacky family and the wonder of the Christmas season, what could possibly go wrong?

I really enjoyed Kate and Jamie together as her doubts were no match for his charm and determination. Hot chemistry, humorous interactions and heartwarming story that is sure to bring a smile to your face.
Profile Image for shadiedaze.
359 reviews1 follower
October 12, 2020
Kate McLeod is the oldest of three children in the McLeod family. Her younger brother and younger sister are happily married. Kate’s mom will not be satisfied until all of her children are married and she has a house filled with grandchildren. How does Kate get her mom to stop with the endless blind dates? Take a leap of faith and depend upon the kindness of strangers.

Jamie Huntington is an animal veterinarian that posts his gorgeous man bun and cute animals on social media to garner business for his clinic. When his Instagram “friend” Kate reaches out to him, he is intrigued and highly interested.

This is not my favorite Elise Faber novel in this series. However, Jaime and Kate are a fun couple. I liked that they met on social media but are over 25. The whole of the story is what we usually only get a few chapters—making the relationship work. The external and internal conflicts are played out throughout the novel. Although Jaime and Kate barely know each other, they fall instantly in love with each other thanks to social media. My main complaint is Jaime and Kate seemed too good to be true. There were none of the usual antics and mishaps that usually occur in Faber’s novels. I was disappointed in that. I wanted the hot vet to be a total klutz or something.

The story does end with a HEA along with a hint at the next novel in the series. Overall, the novel was wonderfully written, engaging, and a page-turner. There were some giggle moments with a lot of romance movie moments of tenderness and sweetness. A definite read on a rainy day.

I received a free advanced reader copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
287 reviews
October 13, 2020
I’m really mixed on this book. I’m not even sure where to begin. I did like the book, but there are a few housekeeping issues I have to bring up first. 1. The cover does not do the book justice. The whole book finds them in casual-work clothing and one night in dress clothes for him. The cover doesn’t work for me. 2. This is part of her Billionaires series, but it hardly talks about him being one and he never uses the money or position to influence her. I think just to say he is rich doesn’t fit the Billionaire profile in my mind.

The story however is catchy and I did like it. Kate and Jamie were a perfect couple and I loved that she really made the guy want it from the beginning. Usually it takes time for them to come around, unless it’s a Mafia Romance. Seeing him try so hard to have patience when it came to rushing Kate, was cute. Kate on the other hand was a whole lotta mess…

Kate was the caregiver to everyone in her family and her friends which on the one hand made her a great person. But on the other hand, she was a failure at relationships because she didn’t know how to let someone else take care of her or how to let them into her life without feeling like she was being put down or being changed. She is a super independent girl and that also was a barrier to a good relationship because no one could ever come in and help her, not even her family.

With Jamie and the help of her BFF she discovers ways to let him in and how to take and give at the same time. She also discovered she had to let go of a lot of guilt to be able to do that. So she gives him a chance…Not going to spoil the rest, you have to pick it up and read for yourself how their romance turned out.

Elise gives us our HEA and as always, that makes me happy. That’s why I read romance, to see happy. OK-Maybe to feel happy. In our present times this is most important. A lighter heart is a good feeling. So I’m going to give this a 4.5 of 5 because of the housekeeping issues I have. The whole package needs to really come together for me. I expected wine and dining and shopping sprees and a plethora of other Billionaire afforded things based on the cover and the series title. I was a little let down. But without all that, the story was great.
Profile Image for Jackie Wright.
6,498 reviews154 followers
October 8, 2020
This is the first book I have read by this author but it certainly won’t be the last and after reading Bad Engagement I’m left wondering why Ms Faber has not crossed my radar before now. The blurb excited me but this book goes way beyond anything I imagined.
Kate and Jaime’s story drew me in and captivated me from the first page to the last line and their story touched me on so many levels. Kate is the oldest sibling and her mum has been on her back to settle down and it’s on one of these occasions that she inadvertently blurts out that she has a fiancée, so get off my back....
Kate follows Jaime on Instagram and in desperation she reaches out and asks him to be her fake fiancée and come to the family dinner, she never expected him to accept and this when the fun and games begin.
Christmas is my favourite time of year and I love romances set in that magical season, so this book was always going to be a must read. This story ticked all my boxes, I loved the characters and the witty banter they shared, I loved the story and the sizzling chemistry and I highly recommend this entertaining, fun, quirky read.im now going to be playing catch-up with the rest of this series.
Profile Image for Vicki.
545 reviews13 followers
October 12, 2020
Kate's had a string of bad luck with me, and she is ready to take a nice long break from dating. Until her mom tries to set her up yet again, and she blurts out that she's engaged. Not wanting to dash the hope she hears in her moms voice, she makes a rash decision, and shoots of a message to the hot Vet she's been following on Instragram.

Jaime has been working up the courage to ask Kate out for months now, so he doesn't hesitate when he see's her request. And once they meet, once he knows the chemistry is there, he is bound and determined to make that week long fake engagement turn into something much longer term.

I love this series by Faber, and Bad Engagement ranks up as one of my favorites by far. Jaime is extremely romantic, patient, and willing to do absolutely anything to convince Kate that they are worth the leap of faith. He shows so much patience and compassion, and enough perseverance to tear down the walls Kate has erected around her heart.

Bad Engagement is filled with loving friends and family, and a couple that makes you believe in love at first site.

Plus, come one guys, he's saves animals! What's not to love about that?
Profile Image for Sharon Moritz-rosenthal.
2,271 reviews29 followers
October 12, 2020
I received a free ARC copy of this book from the author prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This is a short and sweet and hot romance between two people who meet online and then fall into love at first sight and get to know each other while being fake engaged. I absolutely adored it and am excited to get to know this new group of friends that are loosely connected to the previous characters from the previous books in this series.

Kate is very happy at being single but her mother not so much. So she tells her mom a small lie that she is engaged and then has to come up with a fiancee. Thats when she instagram messages Jamie the Vet and asks him to help her out by being her fake fiancee.

Jaimie has had a crush on Kate for awhile so he decides to go for it. They both fall pretty much into insta lust/love but Kate has a lot of hang ups and so Jamie has to fight for her heart.

I absolutely adored this adorable couple. I loved Kate's friends and cannot wait for the story in this series.
Profile Image for Downward dog.
1,943 reviews12 followers
October 12, 2020
Bad Engagement is sweet, funny and charming all rolled into one wonderful story and I enjoyed every moment of this lighthearted and fun read. There are also some emotional moments and real life situations about relationships and opening up and letting another person see your vulnerable side. It is never easy to completely put your faith in another person. This is about finding the right person for you and allowing yourself to fall and find your HEA.

Jamie and Kate meet though instagram when Kate asks Jamie to pretend to be her fiancé. They have had a mutual crush on each other for some time but have been too shy to do anything about it.

This is a highly entertaining story and Jamie and Kate come from big, nosy families, which add to the entertainment. I found it easy to like Jamie and Kate and thought they were perfect together. They make a great couple and are good for each other.

Thanks to the author for providing a copy of this book via Bend and Snap. The opinions expressed are my own.

Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20k reviews257 followers
October 11, 2020
This is the 10th book in this wonderful series and is Jamie and Kate’s story. The holiday is approaching fast and as Kate is the oldest sibling and a single one at that, she is constantly under pressure from her mom who tries to constantly set her up with dates, and during one of these nagging sessions she blurts out that she has a fiancé, and now she needs to find one and quickly. Jamie is someone that she follows on Instagram, and she reaches out to ask him to be her fake fiancé which he agrees to. Let me just say that every woman needs a Jamie in her life! This is a beautifully written story which is entertaining, humorous, fun, and with sizzling chemistry, which all leads to an engaging and riveting story, which had me completely enthralled throughout this addictive page turner. I highly recommend this talented authors work for all readers.
Profile Image for Pauline.
976 reviews
October 13, 2020
Kate McLeod is the oldest of the McLeod siblings and the only one not married, much to her mother’s dismay. When her mother once again tries to fix her up with a blind date, Kate has had enough and tells her mother that she is already engaged and will be bringing her new fiancé for family dinner on Friday. Only problem is she has to find a fake fiancé by Friday. Kate decides that she is going to ask @Jaimethevet who she has been following on Instagram to pretend to be her fake fiancé and strangely he agrees. When they first meet there is an instant connection, but having their hearts broken in past relationships and their trust broken, both have trouble opening the door to let the other in. Can they learn to trust and to love and to give and to take and make this relationship work? Great quick read, lots of fun - would definitely recommend.
Profile Image for Amy Bartley.
295 reviews
June 18, 2025
2.5⭐️

I was really hoping to like this more than I did but the author lost me completely when it turned out that none of Kate’s exes were assholes and she’s been living in this made up world where she is a victim (wronged by the evil that men do) when, in reality, she just pushed them all away. Like…that’s weird right?

And! Having him cut his hair like 30 pages in? Remove all the stars. I’ve been bamboozled. A man that works with dogs and has long hair *immediately panty melt* and then it was ripped away from me. *sobs*

Lastly, why is the series called “Billionaires Club”? That feels like another bamboozle. Was Jamie rich? Was Kate?? Who was the billionaire and where is this club?

Respect for the Carprofen shout out, though. As a pet owner with habitually sick and injured dogs, I felt seen with that tiny little inclusion.
Profile Image for Sheila Schoenauer.
1,081 reviews12 followers
October 7, 2020
This has to be one of my favorite series by this author. The books just get better and better. We first meet Kate and all her besties in Kelsey and Tanner's story Bad Boyfriend. I was hoping these lovely ladies would get their own stories so I was excited to read this one.

I think we all need a Jaime in our lives. That man knew what he wanted and at the first invite he dived right in and never stopped proving his worth. I love it! Kate was an amazingly woman. Even if she did have issues with letting people help her; take care of her. She needed Jaime in her life. She needed his warmth, his care, his patience and understanding. I loved these two and love that they got their HEA.

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.*
Profile Image for Jackie Ziegler.
1,816 reviews6 followers
October 6, 2020
Loved it...

Kate is the oldest sibling but the only one not married.. her mother keeps trying to set her up with people and she is over it. When her mom tells her she is going to have someone at Friday dinner for her to meet she blurts out she is engaged.. While it's a shock her mother is thrilled and now wants this man to come to dinner, except he doesn't exist.

On a whim she reaches out to Jaime, the hot guy she has been following on IG who has been following her too and ask him to be her fake fiance. When he agrees she is shocked and is also in for bigger shocks

As they embark this fake relationship, the feelings start to become real. CAn they turn the fake one into a real one?
364 reviews
October 14, 2020
Well not surprising did I love this book, because I’m a huge fan of Elise Faber.

It’s book no 10 of the Billionaire’s Club and the story of Kate and Jamie.
Kate is the oldest of 3 siblings and still single as her mom wants to set her up again she ends up telling her she is engaged... she end’s up asking Jamiethevet via Instagram if he wants to be her fake fiancé and he agrees - and the ball is running.

I love how caring Jamie is and trying to get Kate’s insecurity go away. They are great characters and a book I could barley put down.

I’m so looking forward to the next book out of that series
Profile Image for Angi Everett.
735 reviews
May 28, 2024
This book was cute but should have been made into a new series. There's no ties with the OG characters so there's a huge disconnect for me. Yes I know the heroine is friends with Kelsey, who's brother was with Rachel, but it still felt different. Q spinoff series would have been better.

PS there's no such thing as a man bun. It's a bun. Full stop. We don't ever say woman bun.


And the author keeps labeling Trixie has Jordan's half sister but if you've read Jordan and Heather's books then you know this isn't true at all. Especially when in Trixie book she mentioned the brothers on her mom's side and never Jordan
Profile Image for The Book Fairy Reviews.
2,483 reviews43 followers
October 11, 2020
Proof that sometimes finding love can come from taking a leap of faith. First you have to be open to let love in. This is a twist on love at first sight. A love story that fills your heart with warmth. Tow people both looking one ready for what comes next, the other blocking their own path. Together they break down barriers and build a connection that is unbreakable.
Passionate, fun, witty and hart warming this book is just another hit one the Billionaire’s club series. Amazing and passionate, Elise never fails to give us an exciting read!
Profile Image for Lauren.
2,587 reviews13 followers
October 11, 2020
Alright not gonna lie I struggled with Kate but I totally fell for Jamie. Kate blurts out she's engaged to her mama and now she's gotta find a fake fiance. She's been watching Jamiethevet on instagram she messages him and he agrees. These two both have walls up that have gotta be broken down and Jamie has a easier time with it. These two take on issues I wasn't expecting and they always find the postives even when they struggle through. Jamie definitely is in way before her but when she's finally all in it makes for ansuper sweet ending.
Profile Image for Becky Wise.
2,835 reviews57 followers
October 12, 2020
Bad Engagement is a fun, cute and sexy read. I couldn't put this one down. You will just love Kate and Jaime. There is such a spark when they meet that will put a smile on your face. Jaime is the sweet sexy vet that is willing to battle the at the walls Kate puts up. I love how Jaime never gives up on Kate. Kate is sweet and trying to make her family happy. She loves pleasing everyone and never wants to ask for help. This fake engagement will make your heart so happy. You will love the banter between Kate and Jaime and the meet cute. I loved every moment of this one.
Profile Image for Demi.
1,419 reviews32 followers
October 12, 2020
Kate NEEDS her mom to let up wit the blind dates, and set ups. She is the oldest child and the only one not yet married. So she tells her she has a fiance'. Then has a few days to find one! She and Jamie have never met but are instagram friends of friends. She is crushing on him so messages him with her request to play her fake fiance'. Jaime immediately answers yes! Kate has no clue how Jaime is crushing on her and has been working his way into asking her on a real date! Jaime is the sweetest kindest man, just who Kate deserves. Love this romantic story!
Profile Image for Isha Coleman.
8,928 reviews172 followers
October 8, 2020
Faber takes the cynic route to romance. From bad idea to worse execution, Bad Engagement delivers a one-two punch to the heart and scores a TKO. Faber proves that romance is about more than just falling in love. Through the eyes a slightly neurotic heroine and a more than a tad clueless hero, we learn a valuable lesson. Kate and Jaime show us that life has a sense humor. The key is to find the bright side despite the heartache.
Profile Image for Emily Utsch.
588 reviews5 followers
October 8, 2020
This book was a bit of insta-lust, which usually isnt my jam. But I am glad I stuck with it. There was so much more to each of the main characters than I ever thought. I was glad we were able to explore deeper with them. And of course the Hero was swoon-worthy with how patient and understanding he was.

This book is a part of a series but can be read as a stand alone, you just would know more about the secondary characters.
Profile Image for Lynn Stifle.
3,815 reviews69 followers
October 12, 2020
This series keeps getting better and better. Kate blurts out to her mom that’s she’s engaged and now she’s stuck in finding herself a fake fiancé. She follows Jamie on Instagram so she reaches out to him and he agrees to go along with her plan to play her fiancé. I absolutely adored Jamie and want one for my very own! This story is wonderfully written, it’s amusing, humorous, and has such amazing chemistry between the characters. It’s an amazing story and one I highly recommend to everyone!
Profile Image for Cindy Hughes.
1,631 reviews10 followers
October 12, 2020
Bad Engagement is a fun, sexy, entertaining read! I loved Kate and Jaime! Jaime has has a crush on Kate since following her on social media. When she ask him to be her fake fiancé it’s just the chance that Jaime needs to get to know her. The journey they take toward a real relationship was heartwarming, fun, passion filled and very enjoyable! I loved their witty banter! Once again Elise has written another fantastic story in the Billionaire’s Club series!
Profile Image for Tami czenkus.
1,551 reviews24 followers
October 27, 2020
OMG I am absolutely in love with this series and I love that we keep getting introduced to new characters so I am excited for even more new Billionaire's Club books!
I found it extremely endearing that these 2 characters were both admiring one another through Instagram and how fate played a part in them finally finding one another. It may take some time for the trust to be there but when it does its all or nothin!!
Profile Image for Gladys.
13.9k reviews163 followers
October 7, 2020
This was a very fun read. Kate and Jaime were great characters that were very likable and I felt that they made a very cute and swoon worthy couple. I found Kate to be was very relatable and I think many readers will agree with me on that. Just a really enjoyable read. This is my candid, volitional review.
Profile Image for Amy Miller.
3,817 reviews34 followers
October 12, 2020
Kate & Jamie...
I really loved this story. I love the whole series actually, but I really liked Kate a lot. She is a sweetheart and I love that she feels some sort of desperation to create a fiancé. The way she goes about finding one is also fun and interesting. These two really made the story so good. A favorite of mine!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews

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