Just Pretend

Fake and Forbidden #2

by Sofia T. Summers

Pretend to be my fiancée to make my ex-wife jealous?
He couldn’t possibly be serious.

Except that he was…

And I was pretty damn serious when I went along with his mad plan.
One word: Switzerland.
That’s where I’d go to play the role of his fiancée.
Doesn’t sound so bad, does it?
Walker is my irresistible single dad next door.
I’ve drooled over him.
I’ve wanted him.
And I’ve crossed the line with him.
All while he made me feel special with all my curves.
While he hired me as his au pair.

We had a good thing going until we began destroying it.
A fake engagement combined with real feelings is a cocktail that’s lethal.
Now imagine that cocktail with a drizzle of pregnancy and whole lot of craziness…
I doubt either of us will come out of this thing sober!

Just Pretend is book one in my Fake and Forbidden series. Full length, naughty, flirty, steamy with the swooniest HEA to melt your Kindle. Books in this series can be enjoyed as standalone romances and DO NOT have to be read in order.

276 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 2, 2021

About the author

Sofia T. Summers is a contemporary romance author who spends her days working as a beauty retail store manager, and nights dreaming and writing smut.

Emotions?
Humor?
Heartbreaks?
Second Chances?
Happily Ever Afters?

Welcome to Sofia's world of spine tingling, toe curling, angsty romance.

Sofia loves reader feedback: authorsofia@sofiatsummers.com

Reviews

[☆☆Hannah☆☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good read. Walker wants to make his ex jealous. He asks Ally to pretend to be in a relationship with him. Of course what started out as pretend became so much more by the end. Luckily everything worked out for them and they got their happy ending.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet romance, I loved how Walker loved Ally, even though she thought she was fat and undeserving of love he didn't make her feel any differently💕💕

[Clara Atkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ally needs a job so her bestfriend Missy tells her about au pair job for a family friend who has twin boys. After her interview she is outside when she notices a gorgeous man across the street that she can't seem to take her eyes off. They make eye contact and she feels a connection even though he is older than her. As time passes they get to know each other and sparks fly. Walker is gun shy every since his ex-wife cheated on him and she walked away from their small daughter without a second thought. He doesn't want to go through that kind of pain again or subject his five year old daughter to someone who might not stick around. Then he gets a wedding invitation from his ex-wife for her upcoming wedding and wants to make her jealous that he has moved on so he makes Ally an offer for an all expense trip to Switzerland if she pretends to be his fiancee'. What could possibly go wrong when they share a room and bed? Will feelings and emotions get confused? Will mixed messages cause heartbreak and pain? I loved Ally and Walker storyline and his adorable daughter Sophie. Once I started reading I couldn't put it down till the end.

I received an ARC from the author through Booksprout for my honest review.

Five steamy, romantic ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[JoAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

JUST PRETEND has an interesting premise when an older single guy, Walker, with a five year old daughter, falls for the younger and curvy au pair next door. Ally keeps him on his toes but they needed to up their communication using words and not just in bed! While a premise I didn't think I'd enjoy, the story flowed nicely with lots of characters and story lines.

The family Ally works for gave me an ick factor every time I encountered them. Their twin boys didn't deserve to be ignored by their parents. The mom was cold and the dad was creepy. At one time in the book I thought the story was going to go in a different direction and was glad when it didn't. I liked that Ally had a good friend in Missy, who had been her college roommate. Walker was lucky that his ex-sister-in-law was his babysitter. I liked Walker's relationship with his daughter.

The story is told in by one or the other main character in alternating chapters. The story had nice closure with the epilogue taking place a year after the story ends and brought the happily ever after to fruition. I love the playfulness of the cover.

Ms. Summers is an author who takes me out of my comfort zone but always leaves me wanting more.

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

[Jenny Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book with the understanding that I could leave a voluntary and honest review.

In this book we meet Allyson "Ally" Cane and Walker Thompson. When this book opens we find that Alley is looking for a job that has her making her way on her own. When she was in college her best friend helped her out by paying for everything. Once they graduated she let her do one more thing for her and that was introduced to her current potential employers. Once she gets the job as an au pair she is byer happy with the position with the exception of one thing the father is a little creepy for her. The redeeming factor though is the next door neighbor Walker. Walker can't believe how attracted to the younger woman in his neighbors yard. From the first moment he sees her he can't stop thinking about her. When he gets the chance to speak with her a week later he jumps at the chance and then uses every opportunity to after that. When he gets the invitation for his ex-wife's wedding he knows he has the perfect plus 1. Can this beginning of the HEA or will this be a giant disaster?

So So Amazing. These characters will grab hold of you from the first word and not let go till the very end. I would highly recommend it to anyone and everyone.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a love story about a young woman, Ally and an older, single divorced dad, Walker. Ally needs a job and her best friend helps her find a au pair job for her parents best friends who have twin buys. Walker had a bad divorce and is raising his little girl on his own. One day Ally is going for an interview and after leaving she sees Walker across the street and they have a powerful connection. These two get to spend a little bit of time together when the kids play together and when Walker gets an invitation to his ex’s wedding Walker comes up with a crazy idea. Ally who has growing feelings for Walker goes along with being his fake fiancé and they end up becoming more and when things look good Walker receives a call that his daughter is in the hospital. When they return home things go upside down and Walker leaves Ally alone just when she needs him. Ally makes a decision to move forward without Walker until he makes a grand gesture to win her back! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lynn Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allyson, 24, has just been hired as a nanny to 5 year old twin boys when she was noticed by Walker, 38, a neighbor. Walker was divorced from his cheating ex and his 5 year old daughter lived with him and he immediately started fantasizing about Allyson after he first saw her. Allyson and Walker got to know each other when the kids played together and Walker asked her to be his fake fiancé to attend his ex’s wedding in Switzerland. They become intimate but Walker starts having doubts about bringing a new woman into his daughter’s life. Will Walker be able to work out his issues with Allyson when even more obstacles threaten their new relationship?

I enjoyed this story with the single dad and the younger woman and give it 4.5 stars. The author let you see how his daughter was the most important thing in Walker’s life and how this made him hesitant to begin a relationship. However, his mixed signals became too confusing for Allyson. The epilogue was a great ending for their story.

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

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ally gets a new job with the Hornes taking care of their twins. Her first eye contact with their neighbor, Walker, is electrifying. Not long after she starts working for the Hornes, Walker makes an excuse to bring his daughter over to play so he can meet and flirt with Ally. He is scared because his previous marriage was so awful. Ally is drawn to him. They date a couple of times and those dates end in hot times in the sheets. Walker decides to invite her to go to Switzerland to his ex-wife's wedding posing as his fiancée. The trip is great until Walker gets a call that his daughter is in the hosp. His concern for her pushes Ally away. He has great reservations about involving his daughter with another woman. He is very reserved and draws away from Ally. Ally finds she is pregnant and quits her job. Ally and Walker are both on the brink of something special but their individual fears may put up to many roadblocks. Great read!

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

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Just Pretend by Sofia T Summers because first it was an older man and younger woman romance and second it was so steamy. This story is about Ally and Walker. Ally is an au pair for 2 twin boys and Walker is a single dad who lives next door. They meet and their chemistry is intense. I love Ally's character. She doesn't really think that she is pretty enough and that she is over weight. Walker believes she is the most gorgeous young woman he has ever met. I love Walker's character because he cares so much for his little girl, but he is really falling head over heels for Ally. There is some serious steamy parts between the two of them especially when Walker asks Ally to be his fake fiancé. I love fake romances because they always turn into something real. I would highly recommend reading this very steamy story!!!

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

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author thru Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review. Ally and Walker live in the same neighborhood. They meet thru his daughter and the kids she takes care of. Walker is older but their attraction and chemistry is instant. He has to attend the wedding of his ex in Switzerland. Because he still carries baggage from his ex, he really wants to make her jealous. It occurs to him to ask Ally to be his fake fiance. She cannot refuse but even so, they have rules. Rules that are meant to be broken it seems. This fake relationship becomes so much more real. Walker makes some mistakes and it almost costs him a chance with a wonderful young woman and a future family. I really enjoyed their story. I thought it was unique even with the usual fake trope. I look forward to the next book in the Fake and Forbidden series

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

[Charmaine Nouwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just Pretend by Sofia T Summers is a sweet,heartwarming,enjoyable and steamy romance story of Walker and Ally.. Walker is a single dandivorce and a lawyer and Ally is a sweet,gorgeous nanny..when Ally found a job as a nanny of a twin to a rich family she saw a man that she can't forget and found out that his a single dad living in the same street where she work.;its an instant attraction and off the chart chemistry the that they felt towards each other and they cant help themselves and something leads to another..when Walker ex wife mailed him an wedding invatation she asked Ally to pretend to be his fiance and she accept,things great between then until it didnt and walker ghosted Ally..then ally found out that she is pregnant and left her job without telling walker.;now what Walker should do to win allys heart again? read it to find out!

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

[gwendolyn Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a smoking hot book. Ally and Walker will set your kindles on fire. There is more to this story than the Hot chemistry. You get to see Ally grow as she becomes an au pair for the Hornes who were a little on the creepy side but had amazing twins. Walker finally realized that even though Sophie was number one so was Ally. Going to his Ex’s wedding even though they weren’t friends was like tic for tac. Even if all his attention was on Ally they should have skipped the wedding and just had fun. The road to realizing that he had found the girl of his dreams was a bumpy one. Allyson didn’t make it any better by living inside of her head instead of telling Walker how she felt. But all in all I would recommend this book.

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

[Opasan Ouprie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hmmm, so this story is pretty great. She's the younger neighbor to the older man with a five-year-old daughter. He was cheated on by his ex-wife that now wants him to attend her wedding in Switzerland. She is younger and a bit overweight and lacks the confidence because of that. He is smitten when he first sees her, and as they get to know each other; he asks her to help him out. Of course she will, it is Switzerland right. Let's pretend we are engaged what could ever go wrong with that right. While in Switzerland there is a drama of course and his daughter is not well. With his feelings all over the place and a new circumstance that comes into play, is he able to commit to her? Will he be able to trust?

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

[Ellen Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful love story.
I liked Ally & Walker's story so much I ended up nearly reading in one go. I felt sorry for Ally having to work for the miserable & mean Mr & Mrs Horne but I loved her relationship with Peter & Parker. When she started a relationship (if that's what you'd call it) she felt uneasy about her looks but he made her feel special then each time it looked like things were going well for them he kept backing off which hurt her. I just wanted to slap him the way he was treating her yes I get he had Sofie to think about but he didn't even give Ally any explanation for ignoring her AGAIN. It's a pity it took hus sister-in-law Julie to knock some sense into him & make him realise thd big mistake he was making.

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

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walker and Ally's Story . . .

Walker Thompson, an older single dad of a 5-year-old daughter, falls for a younger nanny caring for twin boys next door. When he is invited to his ex-wife’s wedding taking place in Switzerland, he decides to show her he has moved on, so he asks the nanny, Allyson Cane ("Ally"), to be his plus-one on an all-expense-paid trip to Switzerland if she is willing to be his fake fiancée. How can she refuse such an offer? Will they be able to keep their feelings and emotions out of the situation? Will a misunderstanding break them apart? Will she tell him about the “side effect” of their faking it?

I enjoy this kind of story because the fake inevitably seems to become real very quickly. I also enjoyed Ally and Walker’s characters, and his sweet daughter, Sophie. Grab your copy and see if they can fix the misunderstanding so they can have their HEA.

[Auro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walker is a single dad who has given up on love and is absolutely dedicated to his daughter.. that is, until he meets his neighbor`s live in nanny, Ally. From the moment he sees her, he`s smitten with her... and he can`t help but find ways to see more of her. Their relationship is sweet, yet the chemistry is palpable from the moment they meet. He asks her to play his pretend fiance to get revenge on his ex-wife... and their realtionship blossoms. Yet with so many things unsaid and with his inner turmoil about his daughter, there is bound to be some misunderstandings. I loved that he finally manned up and took a chance on his feelings. Their story is tender yet passionate. The story is incredibly well developed.. it`s fun to read, with amazing characters!

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

[Raecharmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ally is just leaving from interviewing for a nanny job when she sees Walker for the first time. Sparks fly between them from the moment their eyes meet. Walker is a single father and when he receives an invitation to his ex's wedding he wants to make her jealous by showing up with a beautiful woman that he is moving on with. Problem is he isn't seeing anyone which is where Ally comes in. He makes her an offer to pretend to be his fiancé and go with him to the wedding. She agrees and its not long before things blur the lines of fake and reality. Will Walker see that Ally is perfect for him? can they get their happy ending?

This is an amazing story that will draw you in from the first chapter on. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover.

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

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walker is trying to get a handle on his life post-divorce. He is still reeling from his ex-wife's infidelity leaving him with a child to raise. Ally is looking for a job that would keep her in town, so she won't have to go back home to her parents. She sees Walker on the day of her interview, and it was a powerful connection. They are drawn to each other, and it only grows as they get to know each other. When Walter gets an invitation to his ex-wife's upcoming wedding, he invites Ally only as his fake fiance. Will Fate have a role in their relationship turning the fake fiance role into the real deal? This story draws you in and have you on the sidelines cheering Walker and Ally on to get a chance for happiness.

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

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Fake and Forbidden series but can be read as a standalone. This is Walker and Ally's story. She's a nanny and his neighbor. When they meet there's definitely some chemistry there but they chose to ignore it. Walker is still scarred from his wife's infidelity and he doesn't want to attend her upcoming wedding in Switzerland without a date. So he comes up with getting Ally to pose as his fake fiance. There's definitely some chemistry there but he's hot and cold. His young daughter that he's raising is adorable. What happens when there's a little surprise. His he able to love again and get over his cold feet? This is a hot and steamy book that will keep your attention. I read a free arc via Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Karen Bryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Just Pretend by Sophia T. Summers we meet a nanny named Allison(aka Ally) She sees the neighbor across the street and immediately is entranced by him. When Walker sees Ally it appears to be a mutual feeling. Eventually they meet and Walker needs a date for his ex-wife's wedding and he immediately thinks of Ally. Only the date he wants is a pretend fiancée for the trip. Walker runs hot and cold when it comes to contact with Ally causing her much angst. I loved this book and could not put it down. There was an over the top part but the day to day parts between two dating people was very relatable.

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

[Margery Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Divorced dad + cute single au pair =
Can what starts out as an “innocent” mutual attraction become something more? They soon as thrown together as his kids and her charges play together a lot. When he gets an invitation to his ex’s wedding (huh?) he asks her to go with him. Their relationship takes a turn when his daughter is in the hospital and seems to end when he takes her home. It seems that Ally isn’t going to take Walker’s new attitude. Is their “relationship” really over or not? You’ll find out when you read the thankfully included epilogue.
Although frustrating at times, that really is a good sign that the author has done a good job evoking emotions in her readers.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Terry Babb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great older single dad/younger curvy woman romance...
Instant attraction, instant lust, then a fake fiance arrangement with a trip to Switzerland to attend his ex wife's wedding. On their return he put distance between them although she lived in the house opposite his. She hated the slimy inappropriate father & selfish mother of the twins she cared for & with the man she loved stonewalling her she quit & moved in with he best friend until she could find another live in nanny position. He realised he needed her in his life but could he win her back. He had no idea he was going to become a daddy to the child that they made in Switzerland. I received an arc & this is my honest & voluntary review.

[Kazza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, it had me hooked from the start. The storyline was great and was a topic you could go, yeah I have felt that way about myself. I loved Walker he was such a gentleman, with issues of commitment, as he was a single dad. I get how he felt but was ashame he hurt Ally who was already insecure about herself. He did make her feel special but he always seemed he regretted. Which was a shame. That good for his sister in law, who open his eyes on what he could miss out on. Loved the book and the characters another great read from Sofia T Summer. Such a great author. Well done. Highly recommend

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

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trying To Exhale -
Walker is a single father with relationship baggage and Ally is young woman who lacks confidence in beauty. It was meant to be an agreement to pretend they are engaged for a short while, but it turned into something else neither one of them bargained for. Their back and forth interactions, combined with the intense chemistry and steamy moments, will have your heart pounding, but leave you wanting more. This story was a truly amazing read and a perfect example of exactly what I’ve come to expect from Sofia T Summers.

I received an advanced copy of this book from Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[LeMiliere · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ally (Allyson) and Walker's story is one that will have no difficulty holding your attention. She's an au pair with issues about her body, Walker's the handsome divorcee next door whom she's crushed on since meeting. When he asks her to go with him to attend the wedding of his gorgeous ex in Switzerland she wonders why her? But then their close proximity starts to cloud their better judgement and they end up in bed together which leads to more complications.

The story flows well, the characters are well-drawn, they share intense, palpable chemistry although I thought that Ally tended to spend too much time doubting herself, even though Walker's desire for her is undeniable.

[Gladys Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just Pretend. This book was great! I enjoyed reading this book. The characters were good and believable. I'm not a big fan of older men and younger women, but this one was different. Walker wasn't an aggressive alpha. He is more friendly and a very good father. Allyson is a very strong and mature younger woman. They embark on a pretend relationship that turns into something they can't resist. This is a must read book! . I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. *** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

While working for the Horne's family Ally spots their neighbour Walker. Raising his 5 year old daughter Sofia after his divorce. He can't seem to take his eyes of the younger Ally. After spending time together sparks begin to fly. Walker asks Ally to pretend to be his Fiancee. After seeing Walkers Ex-Fiancee at the wedding, Ally starts to feel insucure about the body. Walker makes Ally feel special every time his with her. Walkers main priority is his daughter.His he ready to bring someone else into their family.

I enjoyed the chemistry between the two main in this story.

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

[Cay Scheumack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sparks fly when single Dad, Walker see Ally, the neighbors twin sons au pair. This is a well written story of the fight of a father's battle between loving again yet not feeling guilty of putting his daughter first. His ex's wedding in Switzerland, appendicitis, unexplained emotions, age difference and an unexpected pregnancy all play a part in the unweaving of their emotions. Can they find a HEA? I highly reccomend finding out.

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

[Tesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ally and Walker, what can I say? The new it couple. I loved their chemistry and how he treated her.
This is the usual fake fiancee come complications. But nothing about this book is usual. It has all the drama and intensity but certainly approached in an original way. So well written, the steam and chemistry was great to read about, but the situations were a little unique.
This was a fantastic book.

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

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just Pretend by Sofia T. Summers is a fake fiancee agreement between Walker and Allyson to impress his ex-wife at her wedding. His reasons for doing this are really complicated. Walker has a five-year-old daughter, Sofie who is his whole world and he wants to keep any involvement with Ally a secret from Sofie. Why? To totally confuse Ally? To break Ally's heart? To leave himself feeling miserable? Does Walker even know why? Took me a while to get into the story but once I did, I couldn't race to the end fast enough. I simply couldn't put it down.