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The Uptight Billionaire
A Clean Fake Engagement Romantic Comedy
Laugh & fall in love with this
SWEET ROMANCE
He needs a fake girlfriend to keep his ex away.
She has the spunk and charm to play the part.
Neither expect to fall for each other. . .
Alec's doing good for himself running a successful business, until his ex-fiance returns to his life as his company's top client. Even though she left him at the altar years ago, she wants him back. Enter Callie, a complete stranger, who takes it upon herself to save the day. She's outgoing and spirited and pretends to be his girlfriend. He goes along with it. After all, it's his best option. Alec has no desire to get serious about someone again. Besides, Callie is too easy-going and audacious, not his type at all. Faking a relationship shouldn't be hard to do, except the more time he spends with Callie, the harder it becomes to resist her charm.
Callie is in between jobs and struggling to take care of her ailing dad. So when she spots an obnoxious woman unhinging some gorgeous guy, she decides to have some fun. Pretending to be Alec's girlfriend at a business dinner proves to be just the thing to distract her from her daily stress. Besides, there's no way she could really fall for him. She can't put her heart on the line again. Not after what Steph did to her. But Alec's mesmerizing eyes keep distracting her. Can her heart heal enough to allow him in?
Laugh & fall in love with this
SWEET ROMANCE
He needs a fake girlfriend to keep his ex away.
She has the spunk and charm to play the part.
Neither expect to fall for each other. . .
Alec's doing good for himself running a successful business, until his ex-fiance returns to his life as his company's top client. Even though she left him at the altar years ago, she wants him back. Enter Callie, a complete stranger, who takes it upon herself to save the day. She's outgoing and spirited and pretends to be his girlfriend. He goes along with it. After all, it's his best option. Alec has no desire to get serious about someone again. Besides, Callie is too easy-going and audacious, not his type at all. Faking a relationship shouldn't be hard to do, except the more time he spends with Callie, the harder it becomes to resist her charm.
Callie is in between jobs and struggling to take care of her ailing dad. So when she spots an obnoxious woman unhinging some gorgeous guy, she decides to have some fun. Pretending to be Alec's girlfriend at a business dinner proves to be just the thing to distract her from her daily stress. Besides, there's no way she could really fall for him. She can't put her heart on the line again. Not after what Steph did to her. But Alec's mesmerizing eyes keep distracting her. Can her heart heal enough to allow him in?
156 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2020
424 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
About the author
Cristina Ryan
14 books37 followersAmazon Bestselling Author of Clean Romances
Cristina Ryan lives with her Marine Corp. veteran husband and an entertaining clan of children and pets. She writes clean beach romances set in the fictional town of Malibu Bay. Holidays are a festive time, but there’s something extra special about love during the holidays in Malibu Bay. From friends to lovers to second chances and fake romances, these stories will bring you hope and happiness.
Cristina also writes YA Christian Suspense as
Krista Wagner.
Cristina Ryan lives with her Marine Corp. veteran husband and an entertaining clan of children and pets. She writes clean beach romances set in the fictional town of Malibu Bay. Holidays are a festive time, but there’s something extra special about love during the holidays in Malibu Bay. From friends to lovers to second chances and fake romances, these stories will bring you hope and happiness.
Cristina also writes YA Christian Suspense as
Krista Wagner.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
September 1, 2020
I thought the blurb sounded like fun with Callie swooping in to face off with Alec’s ex to save the day. I wasn’t expecting Alec to be such a pushover with his ex. The opening scene where Leanne was putting the moves on him and he actually stumbled and fell because he couldn’t handle her was kind of disappointing. Not Alpha male hero behavior, I’m fact it sounded like he was having the beginnings of a panic attack. He would have let Leanne continue to bully and harass him which was kind of sad.
So he certainly needed rescuing and while Callie showed a lot more spunk and courage when putting on a front for Alec, she was a bit insecure in Alec’s world.
All in all a sweet romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
So he certainly needed rescuing and while Callie showed a lot more spunk and courage when putting on a front for Alec, she was a bit insecure in Alec’s world.
All in all a sweet romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 2, 2021
The Uptight Billionaire
I liked this story. It was funny at times. Callie heard Alec trying to get away from his former fiancé, Leanne.. she walked up to him and said,”Darling , I have been looking for you”. She pretended to be his fake girlfriend. You will enjoy this story.
I liked this story. It was funny at times. Callie heard Alec trying to get away from his former fiancé, Leanne.. she walked up to him and said,”Darling , I have been looking for you”. She pretended to be his fake girlfriend. You will enjoy this story.
February 3, 2021
It was like a cute Hallmark movie
December 18, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Uptight Billionaire delivers a classic fake-dating romance with charm, heart, and just the right amount of emotional depth to make it truly satisfying.
Cristina Ryan leans into the opposites-attract dynamic in the best way. Alec is polished, controlled, and emotionally guarded after being left at the altar, while Callie is warm, impulsive, and refreshingly unapologetic about who she is. Their meet-cute—born from Callie inserting herself into an awkward situation—is fun, believable, and immediately sets the tone for their chemistry.
The fake relationship trope is handled well here, especially because both characters have very real reasons for agreeing to it. Alec’s lingering wounds and distrust make his reluctance to fall again feel authentic, not cold. Callie’s financial struggles and devotion to her ailing father add emotional weight to her choices and prevent her from feeling like a carefree caricature. Their arrangement isn’t just convenient—it’s necessary for both of them.
What really shines is the slow emotional shift from pretending to something real. The banter is natural, the tension builds steadily, and the moments where Alec’s rigid world begins to soften around Callie are genuinely sweet. Watching him realize that her spontaneity isn’t chaos—but freedom—is one of the most rewarding parts of the story.
Callie, in particular, is easy to root for. She’s kind without being naïve, strong without being hardened, and her vulnerability is handled with care. The emotional stakes rise naturally as the lines blur, making the inevitable question—what happens when the pretending ends?—feel earned rather than forced.
If you enjoy fake dating, billionaire romances, opposites-attract chemistry, and heartfelt emotional growth, The Uptight Billionaire is a cozy, engaging read that hits all the right notes. A satisfying romance that proves sometimes the person who disrupts your carefully controlled life is exactly who you need. 💖💼.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cristina Ryan leans into the opposites-attract dynamic in the best way. Alec is polished, controlled, and emotionally guarded after being left at the altar, while Callie is warm, impulsive, and refreshingly unapologetic about who she is. Their meet-cute—born from Callie inserting herself into an awkward situation—is fun, believable, and immediately sets the tone for their chemistry.
The fake relationship trope is handled well here, especially because both characters have very real reasons for agreeing to it. Alec’s lingering wounds and distrust make his reluctance to fall again feel authentic, not cold. Callie’s financial struggles and devotion to her ailing father add emotional weight to her choices and prevent her from feeling like a carefree caricature. Their arrangement isn’t just convenient—it’s necessary for both of them.
What really shines is the slow emotional shift from pretending to something real. The banter is natural, the tension builds steadily, and the moments where Alec’s rigid world begins to soften around Callie are genuinely sweet. Watching him realize that her spontaneity isn’t chaos—but freedom—is one of the most rewarding parts of the story.
Callie, in particular, is easy to root for. She’s kind without being naïve, strong without being hardened, and her vulnerability is handled with care. The emotional stakes rise naturally as the lines blur, making the inevitable question—what happens when the pretending ends?—feel earned rather than forced.
If you enjoy fake dating, billionaire romances, opposites-attract chemistry, and heartfelt emotional growth, The Uptight Billionaire is a cozy, engaging read that hits all the right notes. A satisfying romance that proves sometimes the person who disrupts your carefully controlled life is exactly who you need. 💖💼.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 30, 2020
Callie is rescuing Alec by faking being his girlfriend. Only issue is that her feelings develop to be real, and she does not know if he feels the same.
The characters were endearing. Both had had their heart broken and were trying to protect themselves by avoiding romantic relationships. Callie, with her compassion, sneaked into Alec’s heart. Thankfully, it’s not really possible to close oneself up completely if the right person comes along. The plot is flowing easily and well written. A book definitely worth reading if you enjoy sweet romances filled with humor, hope, and great friendships.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters were endearing. Both had had their heart broken and were trying to protect themselves by avoiding romantic relationships. Callie, with her compassion, sneaked into Alec’s heart. Thankfully, it’s not really possible to close oneself up completely if the right person comes along. The plot is flowing easily and well written. A book definitely worth reading if you enjoy sweet romances filled with humor, hope, and great friendships.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 21, 2020
This is my first time reading something by this author and it won't be my last. This was an enjoyable read. The story was well-written and flowed nicely. The plot was interesting and had some plot twists and turns that made this an interesting and intriguing story. The characters were strong and well-developed and had really great chemistry. The author did a nice job of bringing this story to life with her vivid descriptions and well-developed scenes. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading more by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 4, 2020
Great fun story line with Callie saving Alec when his aggressive ex and now client starts putting the moves on Alec, and to continue saving face Callie now needs to continue being the pretend girlfriend. The author did an amazing job highlighting and describing the emotions and feelings between Callie and Alec and their growing attraction and chemistry. The supporting characters and relationships between them were realistic and well done. I enjoyed this book can't wait to read more by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 4, 2020
The Uptight Billionaire is a fake girlfriend read which features Alec, a business CEO confronted with his ex-fiance who is now his top client, and Callie, who did not know him but stepped up to rescue him by pretending to be his girlfriend. This is a well written book with a storyline which leads to a romantic journey to love. I recommend this romance with its great character.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 31, 2020
This clean read has likeable characters who are refreshingly different; one size doesn't fit all, so having a story with a billionaire in it shouldn't mean that they are all be written the same way. The story was sweet and held my interest and the best friends were good supporting characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 23, 2022
While I’m partial to alpha male MCs, I do enjoy the sweet, reserved types as well. However, this was not one of them. Alec was more cowardly than he was reserved. It was painful watching him allow his ex walk all over him. The premise was interesting but it’s just not my cup of tea.
Content: Clean
Content: Clean
September 2, 2020
A clean and sweet read. The story was good a bit slow in some area otherwise a great read. The characters are likeable and fit well together. This is my first time reading anything from this author.
I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 25, 2020
Sweet
It seems like Callie was just what Alec needed. And vice versa. They had a short and sweet fake romance that lead to a real romance.
The ending felt way too rushed and contrived though. Offering jobs to Dani and Callie at a theater without a job interview? Unlikely.
It seems like Callie was just what Alec needed. And vice versa. They had a short and sweet fake romance that lead to a real romance.
The ending felt way too rushed and contrived though. Offering jobs to Dani and Callie at a theater without a job interview? Unlikely.
December 31, 2020
Ok
Simple sweet story about two individuals that take a chance , and end up in a forever relationship. Cleanly written. No sex scenes. Very G rated. Table of contents is not correct.
Simple sweet story about two individuals that take a chance , and end up in a forever relationship. Cleanly written. No sex scenes. Very G rated. Table of contents is not correct.
January 1, 2021
Excellent Book
I loved how they were so opposite of each other but still fell in love with each other.They both out grew there pasta and learned to live again. Wonderful book great author.
I loved how they were so opposite of each other but still fell in love with each other.They both out grew there pasta and learned to live again. Wonderful book great author.
June 1, 2021
Clean fun
I really enjoyed the story. It moved right along and was believable. The characters were my favorite part. I liked that they were real people. I could relate to some of the ways they reacted and they were fun.
I really enjoyed the story. It moved right along and was believable. The characters were my favorite part. I liked that they were real people. I could relate to some of the ways they reacted and they were fun.
June 13, 2021
Sweet couple
Fake couple to real couple is a story that makes for a sweet romantic storyline. Alec is not the usual lead with his relationship insecurity so the resolution made for interesting reading.
Fake couple to real couple is a story that makes for a sweet romantic storyline. Alec is not the usual lead with his relationship insecurity so the resolution made for interesting reading.
September 1, 2020
This is my first read from this author and it was good. There were some parts that were a little too slow but all in all a good read.
September 3, 2020
Very sweet clean romance, loved how they met and how their romance blossomed, very cute 😁
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 22, 2020
Review
I really enjoyed this story. Great story line . Christina Ryan tells a very good story. I will be reading more from her.
I really enjoyed this story. Great story line . Christina Ryan tells a very good story. I will be reading more from her.
January 2, 2021
Short butSweet
Very straight forward. Short andclean. Great read for a Suunday afternoon or a wait in the doctors office. Great characters.
Very straight forward. Short andclean. Great read for a Suunday afternoon or a wait in the doctors office. Great characters.
January 7, 2021
Cute story
This was a good story and a quick read. It had just enough romance and I like how descriptive she writes
This was a good story and a quick read. It had just enough romance and I like how descriptive she writes
January 10, 2021
The Upright Billionaire
Another good story about believable and likeable characters. I have enjoyed reading this story and I look forward to reading more.
Another good story about believable and likeable characters. I have enjoyed reading this story and I look forward to reading more.
January 20, 2021
Five things:
- Clean romance
- Depiction of male anxiety/stress
- Caretaker
- Sweet and cheesy, like a Hallmark movie
- Pretty solid communication between the main characters
- Clean romance
- Depiction of male anxiety/stress
- Caretaker
- Sweet and cheesy, like a Hallmark movie
- Pretty solid communication between the main characters
May 24, 2021
They were very good friends. He met her during her defending him to his ex fiancé. He didn’t know why she was defending him, But he was grateful.
May 26, 2021
This book was a great summer read. Quick to the point and no real drama. A good light read 😊
June 6, 2021
Unfair
You are asking me to review this book before I read it !
That’s totally unfair! Let us read book first then comment!
You are asking me to review this book before I read it !
That’s totally unfair! Let us read book first then comment!
January 3, 2022
I really enjoyed Alec and Callie's fake relationship story. They were both so good for each other. This is a sweet, clean romance that was really fun.
March 7, 2022
Totally enjoyed reading this book
May 13, 2022
Happily ever after kinda book
It was cute and romantic story with less drama and more love. I liked our heroine's carefree nature which captured hero's heart.
It was cute and romantic story with less drama and more love. I liked our heroine's carefree nature which captured hero's heart.
March 21, 2025
I have a serious weakness for fake dating stories, and The Uptight Billionaire by Cristina Ryan delivers everything I love—opposites attract, sizzling chemistry, and the kind of slow-burn romance that sneaks up on both the characters and the reader.
Alec is exactly the kind of hero I adore in these setups—buttoned-up, emotionally guarded, and totally thrown off his game by a woman who doesn’t play by his rules. He’s been burned before, left at the altar by the very woman who’s now circling back into his life (yikes), and the last thing he wants is to get caught up in another emotional mess. Enter Callie—bold, vibrant, and just unfiltered enough to keep Alec on his toes. When she jumps in to fake being his girlfriend just to get under his ex’s skin, I knew I was in for a fun ride.
But what I didn’t expect was just how much heart this book had. Callie isn’t just a whirlwind of chaos—she’s also struggling in a way that makes her deeply relatable. She’s got real worries, trying to take care of her ailing dad while figuring out her next step in life, and this whole charade? It’s just supposed to be a paycheck. She’s not supposed to fall for the stiff, no-nonsense billionaire who suddenly starts seeing her in ways no one else has.
The tension between them is electric—Alec fighting his growing feelings, Callie telling herself this isn’t real. And when it does get real? The emotion hit me hard. This isn’t just a rom-com with fun banter (though there’s plenty of that!)—it’s also a story about trust, healing, and letting love in even when you’re scared.
If you love:
🔥 Fake dating that turns all too real
🖤 A grumpy billionaire vs. a sunshiny free spirit
💋 Sizzling chemistry and tension you can feel*
🎭 A little bit of drama, a lot of heart
Then The Uptight Billionaire is for you! This one had me grinning, swooning, and staying up way too late because I had to know how it all unraveled. Alec may have been uptight at the start, but watching him fall hard for Callie? Absolute perfection.
Alec is exactly the kind of hero I adore in these setups—buttoned-up, emotionally guarded, and totally thrown off his game by a woman who doesn’t play by his rules. He’s been burned before, left at the altar by the very woman who’s now circling back into his life (yikes), and the last thing he wants is to get caught up in another emotional mess. Enter Callie—bold, vibrant, and just unfiltered enough to keep Alec on his toes. When she jumps in to fake being his girlfriend just to get under his ex’s skin, I knew I was in for a fun ride.
But what I didn’t expect was just how much heart this book had. Callie isn’t just a whirlwind of chaos—she’s also struggling in a way that makes her deeply relatable. She’s got real worries, trying to take care of her ailing dad while figuring out her next step in life, and this whole charade? It’s just supposed to be a paycheck. She’s not supposed to fall for the stiff, no-nonsense billionaire who suddenly starts seeing her in ways no one else has.
The tension between them is electric—Alec fighting his growing feelings, Callie telling herself this isn’t real. And when it does get real? The emotion hit me hard. This isn’t just a rom-com with fun banter (though there’s plenty of that!)—it’s also a story about trust, healing, and letting love in even when you’re scared.
If you love:
🔥 Fake dating that turns all too real
🖤 A grumpy billionaire vs. a sunshiny free spirit
💋 Sizzling chemistry and tension you can feel*
🎭 A little bit of drama, a lot of heart
Then The Uptight Billionaire is for you! This one had me grinning, swooning, and staying up way too late because I had to know how it all unraveled. Alec may have been uptight at the start, but watching him fall hard for Callie? Absolute perfection.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews