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Mister Fake Fiance

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It all started when my mom sent me a life-sized portrait of my pregnant cousin to hang in my bedroom, presumably to inspire me to find a wife and baby-mama.
Then my date to the evening’s charity’s auction found her soul mate before our date even got started.
And then the psycho ex-girlfriend showed up at the auction and clung to me like an octopus.
What’s a guy to do? Easy...get my assistant to stand in as the “love of my life.”
But what was supposed to be a ruse to get me through the night exploded into something so much more when the press get involved. I probably shouldn’t have shouted, “She’s mine!” in front of all those rabid-eyed reporters, either.
Now the world thinks Erin and I are engaged. I’m ready to publicly set the record straight…
…until Erin suggests staying “engaged” for three months.
A fake engagement would earn me a break from my mom’s baby-nagging and my cray-cray ex’s machinations for another chance.
But…what’s in it for Erin?

299 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 8, 2021

1484 people are currently reading
741 people want to read

About the author

Nadia Lee

76 books2,817 followers
Bilingual former management consultant Nadia Lee has lived in four different countries and enjoyed many adventures and excellent food around the globe. In the last eight years, she has kissed stingrays, got bitten by a shark, and petted tigers.

She shares an apartment overlooking a river and palm trees in Japan with her husband, winter white hamsters and an ever-widening pile of books. When she's not writing, she can be found digging through old Asian historical texts or planning another trip.

Visit Nadia on her website or her blog. You can also say hello on Facebook or Twitter.

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5 stars
1,040 (49%)
4 stars
630 (29%)
3 stars
342 (16%)
2 stars
79 (3%)
1 star
24 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
Profile Image for JBird831.
1,064 reviews11 followers
January 14, 2021
I thought I'd start my 2021 book journey with something light and sweet. I've read one other book from this author and didn't like it (Marrying My Billionaire Hookup), but wanted to give her another chance.

WAS NOT FEELING THIS BOOK AT ALL

Loved David. He was so sweet, kind and patient. Borderline too perfect, but not over the top. Even though this book was dual POV's he couldn't carry the book on his own. Wish he could have though.

Erin, I don't even know where to begin. One of the things I liked about her in this book was that she wasn't carrying a love torch for her boss. Other than that, her wanting to not stand out or be noticed got old fast. She came off weak minded, door mat type mentality and no self love. No self love at all. And yes, I understand she had sh*tty upbringing due to her dad and ex boyfriend. They used and manipulated her. The other thing I'll give her credit for is getting away from then when she did. I just wish she would have take her own initiative about finding out what was going on with her mom, had the desire to build herself up and blossom into the person she was meant to be.

We do get a glimpse of their future but no real epilogue.

This author's work isn't for me so I don't think I'll be reading anymore from her.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
2,909 reviews6 followers
January 10, 2021
No explicit details with OW, but the hero's history is mentioned a lot. The only reason I was able to tolerate this was because the heroine was clearly not pining over him for the two years that she worked as his assistant. It also didn't seem like he made her to distasteful things like sending his many hookups parting gifts or flowers. Plus, other than the crazy ex who's mentioned in the blurb, we only meet one OW and it was very brief and non-angsty.

All the stars are for the heroine. Even though she was very fearful, she was a kind person. She was also actively trying to educate and better herself professionally. I hate that she didn't think to I found the author's treatment and development of this character very thoughtful and realistic, which made me like the heroine a lot.

The hero's family was also very cute. It's funny that I didn't care much for the hero, but I really liked his mother and grandmother. I also appreciated the epilogue and the second epilogue in the author's newsletter. Overall, I liked the heroine but wished that the hero wasn't such a manho. Or maybe just stop mentioning it so often. There were only two intimate scenes to skip, so that we also a plus. I miss you, Nadia S. Lee! :)
Profile Image for Cathy P.
1,788 reviews9 followers
January 19, 2021
A little boring

Starter out great. But the author waited waited until after 80% to give the female lewd a personality. At that point u didn't care about her struggles. There was really no passion or chemistry between the main characters. The inner dialogue was tedious, but the interactions between characters were hilarious. The only reason I kept reading. The female leads dad misrepresented her supposed future dx and mom's condition. It was disgusting the way her ex boyfriend and father treated her. I did like male lead. I wish the characters had been more charismatic or at least interesting. The FMC spent so much time trying and succeeding to be invisible, it was a detriment to the book.
Profile Image for Megan.
3,617 reviews45 followers
May 28, 2021
Really enjoyed this book.

Laughed at points, I thought some parts were a little mean.

Does David never tell her she can't bake for crap? Surely you should tell her that. In a nice way and not its shit don't do it sort of way? I'd like to know that even if I carry on and that sort of stuff a white lie is still a lie?

Aside from that a nice entertaining romance.
Profile Image for Christina Reed.
922 reviews10 followers
December 29, 2020
This is a new set of characters, but we get to see some old favorites too. The Darling family is fantastic! David and Erin's reasons for faking an engagement made sense and their transition to love was sweet. I hope the rest of the Darlings get their HEAs. Great book and a great example of why I enjoy reading Nadia Lee's stories.
150 reviews1 follower
August 6, 2021
Devastating handsome, extremely wealthy hero needs help to escape the clutches of an earlier lover who wants to rekindle their romance. To whom does he turn but his trusted executive assistant. So, into the gala walks Erin Clare in a red, sensuous dress and David Darling sees his assistant for the first time. Not the bland assistant he sees everyday but a temptress who is not aware of her beauty and worth.

Mister Fake Fiancée by Nadia Lee is more than a tale of fake engagement. It is the story of a young woman who looks to blend into the landscape, to avoid notice, to escape her father’s political manipulations as well as her former beau’s. It is the story of a phenomenally successful businessman who sees her in a new light and wants her to see herself as he does.

It is a beautiful love story of a man who wants to make a woman whole at whatever cost. Nadia Lee does not disappoint again. This book is enjoyable, easy read with a wonderful HEA.

Buy it. You will not be disappointed.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review of this book.
110 reviews
January 16, 2021
DNF. Made it to 69% and couldn’t take it any longer.
The characters are one dimensional. No chemistry between the two and there’s no difference in the writing between his POV or hers.
David’s relationship with his mother is just odd. I get the meddling mother who craves grandchildren, but to have a life sized painting delivered to your house of another couple and paid to have it hung in his bedroom. And he allowed it! Then there’s the ex, whose avoidance to her starts this charade. Why not just have a backbone and be done with her? I think his character needed to be flushed out more and made to be a bit more manly.
Then there’s Erin. The meek rich-girl doormat who comes from a troubled home, but is trying to reinvent herself but constantly reminds herself of her mother’s insanity, to which she knows nothing about. Never even looked it up! But is convinced she’ll turn out just like her. Had a pretty good idea where the storyline was going and these two were boring. I’m at 69% and they’ve only shared a regrettable kiss or two.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
6 reviews
January 17, 2021
Ehhhh...weak heroine

I’ve read many Nadia Lee’s books and enjoyed but unfortunately this one was not high on my list. This reminded me of Iain and Jane’s story so if you enjoyed that one you will enjoy this. I do not enjoy a weak heroine and man Erin in weak and tedious in all the worst ways. Girlfriend needs some therapy and anxiety meds stat. I get that her mom was “crazy” and that affected her but holy Moses between her childhood and this car crash that was bad enough to fuck up her sense of smell she’s got some major PTSD. Why wouldn’t David encourage her to get help? I also think her concerns about genetic mental illness are legit. It can be passed down to children and to dismiss that concern is not cool. I just didn’t understand this couple or their chemistry or why either of them are attracted to each other. David seems insufferable in his own right and Erin had some hero worship issues. Usually I can power through a book in a day but I had to force myself to keep coming back to this one.
Profile Image for Shay.
515 reviews4 followers
January 15, 2021
This was a DNF for me. The story dragged on with no forward movement (the h didn’t grow, she was very childlike and the H had no communication skills for a big business man), the OW and OM drama just kept popping up, there seemed to be no relationship between the main characters despite working together 2 years already, and then there were editing errors - extra words that weren’t cut out.
856 reviews4 followers
January 20, 2021
Dragged on with same issues they didn't talk about round and round. Gave up at 57%
Profile Image for V.
826 reviews8 followers
January 9, 2021
Another great story by Nadia Lee!

Nadia Lee has created a fascinating world where her characters live intertwined with one another in a web of family and friendships. Storylines cross and co-mingle to give unparalleled depth and captivate the reader. Nadia Lee’s books are binge worthy and beg to be devoured.

Quick Notes on Mister Fake Fiancé:
-Complete HEA (grab the bonus epilogue for even more to love!)
-No cheating (or even the discussion of other people. Loved that!)
-Mental health is a theme (depression, suicide, ‘crazy’ , mental illness, etc)


David and Erin have an adorable romance in this slow-burn romance. It didn’t feel like the typical ‘trick everyone for image sake’ fake fiancé trope, the image took a quick back seat to the need for them just to be. Even though it could have gone the rich alpha-boss route, David was sweet, thoughtful, and understanding throughout.

Fans of Dane and Sophia, Yuna, Jo, Jan and Matt, and all the Darlings will LOVE this story.

I only wish there was more! I feel like there could have been a few more chapters during the resolution. (okay... maybe I just want more of their cuteness!)
Profile Image for Booklover Judy Lynn.
1,646 reviews30 followers
January 9, 2021
I loved Erin and David. Their story is written in first person from a dual POV.
Erin tries hard to blend in and never stand out. David is a charismatic leader, Erin’s boss, and a really good guy. He has been living a playboy lifestyle and when his evil Ex shows up and tries to worm her way back in his life, he recruits Erin to be his fake “love of his life.” Things happen and before they know it, they have agreed to a fake engagement lasting 3 months. Erin has things she is hiding, but David falls fast and hard for her. I love his desire to protect her and to show her how much he values her and adores her. She knows what a great guy David is, and feels lucky to only have the three months of a fake relationship with him. I love that her trust and feelings for him grow as they spend more time together. It was a real treat to see her shopping experience with Josephine from Erin’s POV after reading Josephine’s POV in “Marrying My Billionaire Hook Up.” I love how the author works in cameos of previous characters including Dane, Sophia, Wyatt, Jan & Matt. This was a very enjoyable read with a sweet HEA.
Profile Image for Ree.
2,518 reviews53 followers
January 11, 2021
I loved this story. Nadia Lee infused David & Erin's story with the right amount of heart and love.

Erin is surprised yet intrigued when her boss invites her to a gala, only to tell her she has to play the part of his doting fiancé. For Erin, who's been accustomed to being a wallflower, this role is a huge challenge, especially as she begins to do what she swore she'd never do: fall for him.

David hired Erin on a whim two years earlier, but has never regretted it - except when she brings her baked goods for him. When he sees her outside the office setting for the first time, his instincts to protect and possess are triggered instantly. Can he convince her that, in spite of her fears, his love is unconditional?

This book goes much deeper than the fake relationship trope it advertised. Erin has been damaged emotionally, and seeing her as she blossoms under David's care and attention is truly something you shouldn't miss. I recommend this read wholeheartedly & unreservedly.

I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Monique.
22 reviews4 followers
January 10, 2021
A fake engagement between boss and assistant might be just what makes a HEA. A boss that believes in family and finding love. A girl who doesn’t understand the concept of family and is scared for what’s to come in her future. A mother that is overly eager for grandbabies.. that she’ll go to wall-length “lengths” to get her son on board.

David Darling is the VP of Sweet Darlings, a company many Nadia Lee fans will be familiar with given they’ve read her other novels. David is a single guy that has been known as a player-type in the past few years after a bad breakup with a woman his family thought would be “the one.” He throws himself in his work and is a kind and generous boss to those he works with. His mother Sun Darling (bless her heart), is the epitome of an “all up in your business” mom- but she means well. She cares for her family like no other (probably where David gets it from), and she really wants to see David happy and moving on with his love life.

Erin Clare has had a rough upbringing. She lost her mother (her partner in crime) when she was younger. Her father has always been more consumed with his political background than his own daughter. Her past relationships always made her seem as if she was being used in some form. Her only goal in life was to leave her home state of Virginia and never look back. As David’s assistant in a new position in California, she has the chance to start a new life.

The relationship between the two has always been polite and sweet- even before the fake engagement/relationship. David treated Erin with the utmost respect, even lying on occasion when she would make him baked goods that should never be consumed by any human ever. From the start, David was a great book boyfriend contender. The fake relationship starts when David comes face to face with his ex and she makes a move to want to get back together. David in a tiff, states he is in a relationship and calls his assistant Erin to help him with this dilemma. Things get even more complicated when Erin’s ex also comes into the fold and states he wants to win her back as well. The entrance of their past lovers is ultimately what sets the fake engagement into motion. What started as something fake, is soon proven a challenge when both parties find themselves seeing more things about the other that they could envision in a life long partner.

As with most of Nadia’s books, family was a HUGE factor and I loved the amazing family connection we got from David’s side. David’s mom is hilarious and just wants to see everyone around her happy. The other females in David’s life are so great as well, and the males are exactly what you would expect (cocky yet humorous). As always I was waiting for the entrance of one YUNA HAE, and was beyond excited when I saw her (even if for a small fraction of the story). I’m still waiting for her stand-alone as I know it will be so great!

This book had me hooked from the beginning, and was exactly what we needed to start off 2021! Bravo Nadia!

*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
178 reviews3 followers
January 9, 2021
Great read

Thank you Nadia for another great book. I love this story. David is the The perfect book boyfriend he’s sweet adorable and alpha when he has to be. The love and care he has for Erin is prefect. Erin has had a hard life , losing her mother so young and being the daughter of the mayor of a small town in Virginia . She father has alway put her down and not shown her love . She things she doesn’t deserve love because she is not “normal” but David comes to should her normal is in the eye of the beholder. This story had me laughing crying and happy crying. She is the best Baker LOL and her recipes are the best . You’ll be laughing so hard on her baking skills.
Profile Image for Sara Archibald.
206 reviews1 follower
January 11, 2021
Mister Fake Fiancé: A Sexy Fake Engagement Romantic Comedy is a must read. I have loved David's character and could not wait for him to get his own book. The sparks between him and Erin are undeniable. Erin is trying to make it on her own merit and does everything she can to be the best assistant for David. Even if that means she has to step in as his fake fiancé. This book had all my emotions going. It's a good read to take a ride on. I couldn't put it down!
Profile Image for Deanna.
1,083 reviews19 followers
January 11, 2021
Fake engagement

Loved it
Great chemistry, a story that pulled you in from the very first page right up to the end when you wish it didn’t have to end yet.

I loved the main characters but what really helped round it out perfectly were his family and friends who were so supportive of both David but also of Erin, which she needed just so much

Would highly recommend any of Nadia Lee’s books, they are outstanding
Profile Image for Cherill Fannin.
714 reviews2 followers
January 9, 2021
Loved it!

I love Nadia Lee’s books and this one is right at the top. The characters she writes are always complex and make the reader want to root for them!
Profile Image for Amelia Autin.
Author 43 books56 followers
January 11, 2021
4.75 Stars (rounded up to 5.0)

When you’ve read as many Nadia Lee books as I have, at some point you’re bound to run out of unique and interesting things to say about her latest. That’s not yet the case, thank goodness, because MISTER FAKE FIANCE deserves a glowing review.

You can’t help giggling from the get-go; humor is a hallmark of Nadia Lee’s books. But make no mistake, just because you start out laughing at what she’s written doesn’t mean she won’t tug at your heartstrings, cause a sniffle or two or ten, bring tears to your eyes, and make you sigh with happiness at the emotional ending.

Darling David Darling, of the Sweet Darlings, Inc. Darlings (oh, I love getting to use that phrase!) is an incredibly sweet hero. Readers have met him before, but he was a supporting character then. He takes center stage in MISTER FAKE FIANCE, and easily wins your heart. Not only with how he treats the heroine, but with the way he cherishes and protects his mother. Nice guys finish last? Not. True. Not David.

But it’s the heroine, Erin Clare, who breaks your heart. The burden she carries would have broken a lesser woman, and compels Erin to try to melt into the background so she doesn’t draw attention to herself. She’s so convinced the things she yearns for—love, marriage, children—aren’t for her, and yet…each moment of joy that comes her way will have you tearing up because she deserves no less.

Nadia Lee is well-known for hotter than hot passionate encounters between the hero and heroine, and MISTER FAKE FIANCE has its share. But they’re love scenes, not sex scenes, and they’re so perfectly timed in the story all you can think is…yes! THIS is the right moment.

The supporting cast of characters is drawn perfectly, as usual. Erin’s father and ex-boyfriend as well as David’s friends and family come across as people you know; not always likable but totally believable.

All in all, MISTER FAKE FIANCE is a not-to-be-missed story of two incredibly loving people who deserve the happy ending the author gives them. And isn’t that why we read romance?

* ARC received in exchange for honest review.
Profile Image for Kathy.
19 reviews1 follower
January 10, 2021
Awesome story!

I loved David and Erins story so much! All the characters were perfectly portrayed. David is now one of my fav book boyfriends. Thanks for a lovely story once again Nadia.
125 reviews1 follower
January 10, 2021
Well worth the wait for this to come out!!

Nadia you did not disappoint once again you were amazing!! This was hilarious! Loved every part of this book! Such a great story!
335 reviews2 followers
January 11, 2021
Another great story by Nadia Lee! I was laughing out loud before I turned the first page! Erin's inability to cook was laugh out loud funny and the way David cares about her was beautifu!
Profile Image for Melissa.
351 reviews18 followers
January 27, 2021
Great Story!

I loved this story. I enjoyed seeing David and Erin's relationship develop. They really enjoyed being with one another. This book is filled with serious and laugh out loud moments. I recommend it to anyone who likes funny and heartwarming stories.
Profile Image for Shell Roush.
472 reviews20 followers
January 20, 2021
Characters were all a little over the top and not really believable. Kind of a silly story. Still enjoyable to a point, but I won’t be reading any of the related stories.
Profile Image for Clarke.
1,323 reviews20 followers
January 24, 2021
What you see is what you get with this book. The author’s style is tell vs show in her writing. The book is a predictable cheesy romance book.
818 reviews5 followers
January 16, 2021
A serious issue was addressed.

The book was ok but too much inner dialogue. Erin to me was treated really bad by her own father and an ex that wanted to use her to get sympathy votes. Erin was dealing with shame and self doubt about her future health and happiness from the lies her dad and ex kept telling her. I am so glad she got away from them. They were toxic preying on her like that. David was Erin's boss. He had not noticed her before in a romantic way. He knew she was a loner and really didn't talk much to others. I would have liked more scenes with David and Erin and the family. Why didn't anybody tell her that her baking was bad.
Profile Image for Sydney.
447 reviews
January 26, 2021
This was cute. I was hoping for more witty banter. Erin was a little more passive than I would've liked in a female character written by a female, author...thats just my personal opinion. I also think the resolution between Erin 's dad and Erin fell flat for me.
Profile Image for Nicole.
1,839 reviews39 followers
January 15, 2021
I’ve been waiting so (im)patiently for David's book and as soon as I saw this on my e-reader, I put life on pause and immediately dove in, and this story did not disappoint. There's already plenty of history between David and Erin, given how close they are in proximity to each other. And they are seemingly polar opposites: she's got no real concept of family and he's all about love and family. Throw in a couple of exes to try and muddy the waters and we see why the whole fake relationship comes into play. The more time they spend with each other, the more they each begin to view the other in a whole new light.
Profile Image for Shannon.
644 reviews1 follower
January 17, 2021
Little long for how little happened. Erin’s a little on the meek side but I get it I suppose. And her dad is an over the top asshole. David was fine but no real chemistry between him and Erin. And David’s mom is just too much, sweet, but just too much.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews

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