When Bates Handler's sister finds love with his bestfriend, he parties harder than ever to get the thoughts of his bff bumping uglies with his baby sis out of his head. But in doing so, puts his MLB renewal contract in jeopardy. Lucky his sister is the best in the business and she's come up with a way to save his career. He might not like it, but it's a risk he has to take.
JB Heller is an average Aussie housewife and Mumma in her early 30's. She lives on a mini farm with her family and a few cows, sheep, a parrot, cats, fish, dogs, and a butt load of chickens. It's JB's dream to one day add a llama to the mix and an alpaca or two.
She writes across several genre's including RomCom, Romantic Suspense and Contemporary. You can always expect a healthy dose of heat, intrigue and wit in her stories.
Monday to Friday you can find JB glued to her laptop weaving words or trolling Pinterest for her next potential muse. Come the weekend, it's family time. (And of course lots of reading and Netflix binges.)
Such a cute read in so many ways. Tia has a crazy hidden crush on Bates that she’s held onto tightly for a while so when a chance lands in her lap to be his fake fiancé she’s more then a little excited about it but knows it will come at a risk to her but Bates is about to find out she’s not the only one at risk
Totally love this addition to the Unexpected Lovers series! Between the swooniness, the sweetness, and the territorial parrot, I was falling out of my comfy chair from both laughing and “awwing”. Don’t miss this one!
Well this one was cute. I loved finding out more about Bates than the player everyone thinks he is. Vinnie had me cracking up. All round a great book in the series
Falling For His Fake Fiancé is the fourth novel in the Unexpected Lovers series by J.B. Heller and is a sweet and effortless romance that proves to be a quick, fun read full of humour and sass.
Bates is the bad boy of baseball and it’s a title he doesn’t have a problem with. Sure he likes a good party, a good drink and a good bed partner. So what? He’s not hurting anyone. Except maybe his career. When his latest exploits end up in the tabloids, management is furious. Luckily for Bates his agent—AKA his awesome sister Lennon---comes up with a plan to save his image and his career. There’s only one problem; this plan comes with a few strings….of the matrimonial kind. In order to prove he’s not the party boy everyone thinks he is Bates needs to get married. And who better to marry than the one person who has always kept his secrets, his housekeep Tia. Tia’s always been a good friend to Bates and when she agrees to the hairbrained plan, Bates thinks he might just be able to pull everything off but there’s one thing he didn’t plan for----falling in love with Tia. Kind-hearted, honest and genuine, Tia is exactly who Bates can see having a read future with, but first he’ll need to find a way to convince his fake fiancé to be with him for real……
J.B Heller offers her readers another quick and fun rom-com with Falling For His Fake Fiancé. Featuring Bates---the baseball player and brother of Lennon from the previous novel--- and sweetheart Tia, Falling For His Fake Fiancé is an effortless but sweetly romantic read. It’s been a while since I read the first three instalments---four if you count the prequel---but as soon as I began reading I found it easy to slip into the story. Falling For His Fake Fiancé doesn’t have the same depth as some rom-com’s I’ve read but overall it was super fun.
As the story unfolds through the perspectives of both Tia and Bates it was easy to get to know them. I liked them enough and thought their romance was sweet. I do love a good fake romance/arrange wedding trope, so Falling For His Fake Fiancé hit a lot of the nails on the head for me. Bate’s feelings for Tia kinda came out of nowhere despite them being friends for a couple of years and she his house keeper. It was sort of a light bulb moment for him when he realised he was in love with his “fake” fiancé whilst Tia had always felt attracted to Bates but never wanted to pressure him to pursue more than friendship with her.
I enjoyed seeing all the gang from the previous novels back in this instalment----Kinsley and Atticus, Emory and Sebastian, Lennon and Archer; even Atticus’s son Arlo was included in all the wedding fun---and I liked meeting Tia’s family. Her siblings were hilarious and I’m especially excited to read her brother Dax’s romance with Adley Tia’s best friend next. Even her “attack chicken’ AKA her parrot Vinnie was a hilarious inclusion to the story.
The only thing that left me scratching my head was that there was no crescendo within the story. Normally reading romance novels I expect some kind of angst fuelled situation to put the couples relationship in jeopardy----that didn’t happen in Falling For His Fake Fiancé. It was all smooth sailing straight to the alter for Bates and Tia. I still loved it without the miscommunication or misunderstandings I wait for couples to go through.
Fun and flirty, Falling For His Fake Fiancé was a great story by J. B Heller and left me ready to begin the next one to see what trouble Dax and Adley can get into!
DNF at 36%. Nope, I tried. I’m too old for this crap.
Hero - professional baseball player, complete manwhore that uses his spare bedroom for his plethora of one night stands, his partying ways have pissed off the team managers, so his agent suggests a fake marriage to save his image.
Heroine - his housemaid that needs to constantly pick up dirty thongs left behind and bleach the sheets from said spare bedroom. She’s had a huge crush on him for years, but it’s all cool for her, because she knows he uses condoms. She has a pet parrot that dislikes men.
Starts as friends-to-lovers, so there’s no angst from enemies and/or strangers-to-lovers going on. Everyone (guys and gals) calling each other dude, man or chick. A little too angst-free, happy cheesy characters with immature dialogue (at least not cute for me).
“Lying to Tia’s family…that’s going to suck big hairy balls.”
“Dude,” I say the moment he answers. “What the fuck do I wear to meet Tia’s family? And how am I supposed to act? Like, do I take her mom flowers or something? Maybe chocolates? But what if she’s lactose intolerant and I offend her by giving her chocolate? Or worse, she doesn’t want to upset me by telling me she’s lactose intolerant and she eats them then she gets the shits? And it’ll all be my fault. Oh fuck, what if—” “Whoa, slow your roll, bro. You got this. You’re Bates-fucking-Handler, the most charismatic bastard I know. You’ll have them eating out of the palm of your hand before the night is over.”
J.B. Heller’s Falling for His Fake Fiancé is a perfectly pitched romantic comedy that blends laugh out loud humor with sincere emotional depth. Beneath its quick wit and outrageous premise a bad boy baseball star marrying his no nonsense housekeeper to save his career lies a story about redemption, trust, and the unexpected places love can take root.
What makes this book shine is its balance between hilarity and heart. The chaotic energy of a mischievous parrot, the slow burn attraction between two opposites, and the tension of a fake engagement all intertwine to create a rom com that feels cinematic in scope and emotionally grounded. Heller captures that rare sweet spot where heat, humor, and humanity collide.
Tia is not just the “fake fiancée” she’s the anchor of the story, bringing out a vulnerable, unexpectedly sincere side of the hero. Their evolving relationship built on banter, irritation, and eventual tenderness unfolds with authenticity that keeps readers grinning one moment and sighing the next.
With its crisp dialogue, emotional payoff, and a tone that feels both playful and mature, Falling for His Fake Fiancé stands out as a romantic comedy that speaks to anyone who believes laughter can be the first step toward love.
J.B What are you doing to me?! You keep surprising me every goddamn time you publish and this time was no different. I know it sounds repetitive and cliche but her books are just that good! I'm in LOVE with Tia and Bates! Tia has her stuff together while Bates seems to be falling off the deep end. Lenny -Bates' sister and manager- comes up with a brilliant plan. But what neither Tia nor Bates were prepared for, was to discover the underlying feelings behind the mask and the show they are trying to show the world. Bates is tormented by a traumatic experience with a cleat chaser, and Tiana was always there to pick up the pieces -literally!-.
As a Latina, I absolutely ADORED the Latino representation in this book, something we never see that often, and how accurate it was, Tiana comes from a close family and who are very protective of each other. I loved seeing the Spanish words mingled with the English ones, it made me feel good!
Another home run for J.B and I can't wait for more!
First things first; I love the cover of this book! Risky is the fourth book in the ‘’unexpected lovers’’ series. This story is short, fast paced and hilarious. I devoured this book in one sitting and was satisfied throughout. I found the writing style easy to follow, the characters loveable and the storyline entertaining. Bates is a professional baseball player. After being burnt by something he turned to alcohol and women. When he is in danger of losing his career, he needs to clean up his image. In doing so, he needs to get married. Tia has been Bates friend/housekeeper for over two years. When she is asked to marry him for convenience, what will she decide? The chemistry between Tia and Bates is clear to see and I loved them together. I loved how supportive Tia was of Bates. The love between them was clear to see. I was in stitches of laughter during Bate’s moments with Vinnie. I really liked the ending and the epilogue for this story. The storyline for this book is easy to follow and it is an enjoyable read. I hope for more books from this series.
Ah Bates... I wasn’t sure I was going to like Bates but boy was I proven wrong! Bates is a simple, fun, lovable guy who loves his family and deep down, just wants someone of his own to love. He definitely gets that with Tia! Friends first, they managed to navigate the ins and outs of a fake relationship to come out on top. I loved the premise of this book.. Tia had been a massive fan of baseball and Bates as a player in particular. She was just what Bates needed and didn’t know he wanted.
While this book can be read as a standalone book, the reading experience would be enhanced by reading the previous books in the series. I loved the little glimpses into past characters that JB manages to sprinkle through each story. Getting to revisit all of the characters again and again through each book makes the reading experience that much more enjoyable. It’s like you are catching up with old friends. xx
Bates is a professional baseball player who is trying to handle the pain of a betrayal a year earlier with partying and woman which has now placed his career in jeopardy. His sister/agent has come up with a plan to turn things around which is a pretend marriage and she the perfect woman for the job.
Tia is not only Bates’ housekeeper, but she is also his friend. She was there and saw what he went through so although she has her reservations she isn’t about to let him be hurt again.
Seeing Bates and Tia finally acknowledge their feelings for each other was so much fun especially when you throw in her close relationships they share with her boisterous family with his loyal friends.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. This is the 4th book in the Unexpected Lover's series and is a marriage of convenience book. Each book can be read as a standalone but you are missing out if you don't read all of these books. Tia has been Bates housekeeper for years. Bates is a MLB player and over the years Tia has put up with alot. From his dirty laundry thrown everywhere to the woman's undergarments left for him. But most importantly she has become his friend. So when Bates needs a wife to help clean up his image she can't say no. Especially since she has a secret crush on him. Still loving this fun series and can't wait for the next book. Which I hope is Dax and Adley's book.
Bates, Bates, Bates...... how could you not love Bates and his no holds barred attitude to the important things in life. That is until that attitude gets him into deep, almost career ending trouble.
Lennie, his ace agent and sister has a scheme that will not only save his career but may just make him into the man he should be but a fake marriage to his housekeeper Tia stirs so many things. Things that are very unfamiliar to Bates.
Just read this book, because it’s another wonderful story from this great series that brings all these brilliantly crafted characters together for the wedding of the year. LOL Bates style.
Great tie ins with the other books in the series, funny, witty and very engaging reading.
Absolutely loved this book!!!! Bates is a baseball player who is on his last chance with his team. Tia is his housekeeper that has secretly been following him since the minors bad has a huge crush on him. When a scenario is presented to Tia to become Bates’ fake wife, she accepts the offer to help him out. But when his eyes are opened to her, will it remain fake?
This is a great fake romance novel that is an easy read but pulls you in quickly! It is a standalone but having read the other books in the series helps when the characters from the other story pop up. JB did a great job with the continuation of the series and I hope there are many more books in the future!!
There are so many ways I could categorize this story. What I do know is that if you loved all the other books in this series, do not miss this one. It’s just as fantastic and full of all the laughter and love. Plus characters that you want to be friends and interact with. Bates and Tia have an unconventional start to their relationship. But when sparks are flying can what they are doing then into something real? Vinnie will have you on the floor with laughter. I loved this story so much that I stayed up late into the night to finish. You will not want this story to end.
If your after a feelgood, sexy, funny romance this is the series for you. Bates and Tia's road to love is hilarious, sexy, fast paced and Intoxicating. I was laughing out loud at their antics especially when bates meets vinnie. I love that previous couples make appearances plus the introduction of new characters. Jb heller delivers another amazing story. Can't wait for book 5. Highly recommend this addictive series
Loved it this is a rare book with out drama just a coming to your senses and realising that sometimes the very thing you are trying to avoid is right under your nose. and only takes a push in the right direction to jolt you into action truly adored this very sweet teatime read
Book 4 Unexpected Lovers series. Such a steamy sports romance about a wayward Baseball player. Bates finds himself at odds with a proposition that has his sister/agent trying to marry him off to his housekeeper Tia. Discover what happens with this steamy marriage of conveince sports romance. Such a wonderful sweet read filled with all the feels.
Absolutely loved this book. For me, when a book brings out emotions it's definitely a hit. It had me laughing so much!! I enjoyed reading Bates and Tia's love story but Vinnie took the cake (and apparently whatever else he could get a hold of). The descriptions of their travels was very good too. Thanks for such a good book. :)
This was such a fantastic book! I absolutely love Bates and Tia, so much. Bates needs to turn his image around and Lennon enlists his housekeeper, Tia, to help. The sparks are definitely flying and their chemistry is off the charts. Their story has loads of steam, lots of humor and love. A definite must read!!!
I was pretty unsure about this one to start… I’m not a big fan of manwhores… especially when the heroine has been cleaning up after his conquests. BUT, in true Heller fashion, the author swung me around and made me fall for the reformed playboy. This story was sexy, funny, ant easy to read… in other words- fabulous.
JB knocks it out of the park again! Heartfelt, funny and engulfing read with beautifully written and relatable characters that always leaves you wanting more. Bates and Tia’s story will leave you with a smile on your face, a laugh on your lips and the warm fuzzies to finish it off!
Truly romantic read no terrible thing happened they didn't break up, it was a truly good story. It had a continuation feel but it was a great stand alone you didn't really need to read the other books to understand this one.
This book gave me all the feels! You think you know what Bates is all about but there was so much more to him. I loved that Tia was there to help him. I really enjoyed this book and this series. If you haven’t read any of the books, you should!
I appreciate the lack of unnecessary drama. The main characters stay in focus the entire time. I would recommend the book to anyone looking for a quick read and maybe something for their “Jill till”.
In comparison to others in the series this one was ‘blah’. Predictable plot without the predictable angst. Couple of sweet and/or funny moments. Debatable if I’ll read the next in the series.
I loved it. It was sexy and sweet. Oh and funny with Vinnie. He was just so cute. Thanks for another great read JB Heller. Looking forward to reading Frisky.
I love this series of books, just straight forward light romance reads. No real drama, I find them so refreshing especially if I’ve been in a bit of a book funk.
I really liked Tia and Bates, can’t wait to read the next in the series.
Fake relationship tropes are the best, and at only 184 pages, this one was adorable. Bates and Tia's chemistry was definitely something else, but I loved everything about this story, including the pervy and vicious parrot.