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Lennox

My brothers are the reason I have no dating life. They constantly make bets against me and I’m sick of it.

They don’t think I’ll have the guts to bring a guy to the work Christmas party, but I’m not just bringing a date. I’m bringing a fake fiancé.

The jokes on them. At least, it was supposed to be.

Grant

I’ve been in love with Lennox for years, but I’ve done absolutely nothing to show her that. Her brothers don’t make it any easier. They’re always roping me into their little bets, and I’m not a fan of the latest one.

I don’t want to pay the girl of my dreams to date another man.

But when she shows up with a fiancé, I realize I've lost either way.

176 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 13, 2021

78 people are currently reading
797 people want to read

About the author

Jenessa Fayeth

17 books273 followers

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5 stars
349 (37%)
4 stars
290 (31%)
3 stars
211 (22%)
2 stars
53 (5%)
1 star
18 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
Profile Image for Mia.Mi.Jou (on hiatus).
246 reviews105 followers
December 16, 2021
This was my first read by this author, the title and the blurb caught my attention and I went in without any further information. But right from the beginning I was surprised to discover that it has really strong YA vibes even though all the characters here are twentyish. And I do not usually warm easily to YA romance (anymore). Nevertheless, I've flown through it really fast because it was quite catching (which is saying a lot when it comes to YA).

Lennox, the heroine has three older brothers and they have been making bets about her forever, so when the time for a Christmas party comes around and they challenge her to come with a date, she thinks it's about time to turn the tables on them...

Overall, it was a cute, sweet and clean story about years-long mutual pining between Lennox and Grant, her brother's best friend, filled with humor, family, fake dating and pranks. It certainly had all that feels for rom com. I missed though more time with Lennox and Grant together as a couple. We see them through the whole story searching their way to each other, fighting their feelings, pining for each other, but when they come together, it's already the end of the story... there is a cute epilogue, but I'd love to see more of them together. Otherwise an entertaining story I really enjoyed.
Profile Image for Lilly Guirguis.
722 reviews
December 27, 2025
Oh man!

Rereading this and I almost cried! So good! Third act drama but no cheating or breakup!

The kissing was so well written!

This may be my fave Christmas book by Jenessa!

I hope that the spy comedy I start in January is good, too!

Best lines: “Grant,” she whispers. “Everyone screws up. The only thing that matters is that we keep trying.”My eyes burn, and for once, I let the tears fall without a battle. “This tattoo on my chest was the promise I made to myself, and to you, to be the man you deserved.” I slide a hand up her arm and tangle it in her hair. “I love you, Lennox Bentley.”I feel her lean in, feel myself close the distance, and then—“He said it! He said he loved her!” Someone hollers on the other side of the door.”

“She plays with the collar of my shirt, and I shiver when her fingernail tickles my skin. She goes up on her tiptoes and I drop my head, but she turns my face to the side and puts her lips near my ear.“Will you still love me if I say, you owe me a hundred dollars?”I scratch my head, confused, before it hits me. But she’s already sprinting out of the room.“I'm not giving you money for dating another man,” I holler, chasing after her.Everyone is in the family room, and I don’t even care. When I catch Lennox there, I give her a kiss, long and hard, to the cheers of our audience. They wanted it. They got it.Someone clears their throat. “Hey, maybe not so close to the Christmas tree, guys.”

“I step back out to my assigned spot. The wedding March starts, and my pulse picks up. Why is it such a slow song? With as fast as my heart is racing, it should be something heavy metal.A curtain parts in the back of the room, and out steps Lennox. Her dress hugs her beautiful figure, then flares out just below her hips, but it’s not her figure I’m looking at now. All I see are her bright, beautiful eyes. The eyes that show me every day how much she loves me, with just a look. I vow to myself and to her at this moment that I will never do anything to take away that light.”
Profile Image for Erika.
119 reviews9 followers
October 2, 2022
Amé 😍 Lennox y Grant me recordaron tanto a Bree y Nathan de The Cheat Sheet Han estado enamorados el uno del otro pero ninguno quiere arriesgarse a decir sus sentimientos. ❤️

Amé a los hermanos de Lennox sin duda necesito que la autora saque libro de ellos 😍

✨📖✨

"If my grandpa was still here, he’d tell me I was a coward. That being in love is the bravest thing a man can be. I want to be brave".


"This tattoo on my chest was the promise I made to myself, and to you, to be the man you deserved. I love you, Lennox Bentley".
Profile Image for Olga 🌺.
503 reviews8 followers
May 20, 2024

I was so looking forward to reading Grant and Lennox’s story. I knew it was going to be the best of the lot.

I just love a brother’s best friend trope. And this one did not disappoint.

Lennox is a beautiful girl inside and out and she’s always had a crush on Grant but she thought he only saw her as his little sister.
Grant has had a crush on Lennox since forever but he was afraid she didn’t feel the same and her rejection would mean losing the family that he has come to love as his own since he had a very dysfunctional family.

This family is hilarious! Omg the banter, the pranks, the bets, the jokes and then there’s Grandma Bella. I wish I was adopted by the Bentley Family 😄

I absolutely loved this book.

SPOILERS AHEAD
I had a confusing moment when Noa fake broke up with her by declaring she was in love with Grant, nobody took that to heart or reacted about it. It was just brushed under the carpet.
Then the scene at the gazebo when Grant finally kisses her after she confesses she always wanted him to kiss her but still they doubt each other’s feeling and love.
And lastly, there love declaration kept me wanting more of them. It was a bit short for how long they made us wait.

But despite all that, I LOVED THIS NOVELLA!!
I want more Grant and Lennox 😩
Profile Image for Emily (biblioblondes).
238 reviews2 followers
January 1, 2022
I finished this with just 20 minutes to spare before the new year lol! And what a great way to close out my reading year!

This is a pretty new author I believe, and she’s brand new to me! I really loved the story she created and the characters. I will definitely she reading more from her! Hopefully, Lennox’s brothers get books? 🙏🏻

I really liked reading about the pranks and bets between Lennox and her siblings + Grant. I liked how regardless of the prank, it didn’t really cause drama and unnecessary hurt feelings.
The brother’s were hilarious and you could see how deep down they just really adored their sister.

Grant was a great love interest and being inside his head was so squeal worthy! They way he saw and thought about Lennox was adorable.

Lennox was a great heroine too! I loved seeing her journey in stepping out of her brother’s influences and growing into who she has always been deep down.

I definitely recommend this novella if you need a light and sweet read! Let’s support Ms. Fayeth and hopefully we will get more from her soon! 🥰
Profile Image for Chloe.
276 reviews42 followers
May 1, 2022
4⭐

I wanted a quick read and this hit the mark. Lennox's three brothers are constantly making bets against her hence why she has never had a love life, bar the fact that she's in love with her brothers best friend. Cue her fake fiancé, to get back at them for all the bets they've placed. She's just hoping it won't affect their best friend Grant.

Brothers best friend is my favourite trope and I loved the bants and pranks in this. It's a light hearted, fun, quick read. I loved the dynamic in this.

Content: kissing only.
Profile Image for Kathy * Bookworm Nation.
2,165 reviews705 followers
July 2, 2022
Cute! This was a fun, lighthearted story. Enjoyed the twist of friends-first and fake-dating tropes. Likable characters, sweet romance.

Content Rated PG
Kissing, no language or violence. Mention of abusive childhood - nothing detailed
Profile Image for Toni Shiloh.
Author 56 books1,888 followers
January 14, 2022
This book had many laugh-out-loud moments and was the sweet read I needed at that time. I look forward to reading more of this author.
Profile Image for Meredith.
773 reviews33 followers
December 15, 2021
Sweet clean romance that makes you laugh!

Oh gosh, this book was so sweet. It reminded me of a favorite YA book of mine so that was fun. It was aseeet Christmas romance and I was so rooting for Grant and Lennox. The grandma was a super fun side character, Noa was a great actor and I really liked Lennox and Juliet's relationship.
Profile Image for Jessica.
1,135 reviews2 followers
December 14, 2021
“Name one guy who hasn’t tortured someone he loved in some way.”

“Are you sure there’s nothing going on between you and my sister?” He folds his arms, pushing out his biceps. He’s smaller than me though, so it’s not the muscles that intimidate me, it’s everything about this family. If I mess things with Lennox, I’ll be left with nothing. Again.
“Nah man, she just walked in, I told you.” I ignore his intense gaze and pull on my shirt.
“So there’s nothing? He asks again.
Gosh, I wish there was something. “Nope. She’s like my sister.”
He purses his lips and studies me like he’s looking right through me. I’m about ready to yell, “Yes, I love your sister, okay. I have since junior year when she almost kissed that stupid Lucas.”
He shakes his head. “That sucks. You’re the only guy I know I can trust her with.”
My jaw kits the floor.
“What?” It’s out of my mouth without a second thought. I’ve watched him put every guy under a microscope and find all their flaws, and now he’s rooting for me? This must be a trick. Another bet. Something.
He shrugs. “Too bad.” He leaves, and I stand there dumbfounded.

“If he thought of you like a sister, he wouldn’t be trying to kill me with his eyes.”

I actually love to sing. In the shower, alone in the car, things like that. But I have never, ever, sung in front of anyone. Not even my family.

“Sometimes when you care about someone, you stay away. Even if it’s the last thing you want to do.”

Lennox’s brothers have a problem. They keep making bets. And not only that, but they have had bets on Lennox’s love life. Her brothers aren’t the only ones, Lennox’s crush, Grant, is also involved with bets. Lennox is over these stupid bets. So, decides to pull a prank. An epic prank, find a fake fiancé and bring him to the family company Christmas party. Now, the tables of turn. But, maybe Grant isn’t as involved with this bet as much as Lennox thought. Grant this through with these bets, especially this one, the one where he finds out that the woman of his dreams has a fiancé. Is there a way that he can still win over his dream woman?

After I read this, did I immediately buy my own copy? Absolutely. This novella was extraordinary. I love the family aspect, the fake dating, the bets, the prank, the heartache that Grant went through with his family (definitely made me emotional), the friendships, the humor, the banter, the flirting, this novella was incredible. The scene with the snake (freaking hilarious, even though I’m terrified of snakes). I’m hoping that we will have Trevor and Sean’s own stories. I would love to read more of this family. 5 stars for sure.
Profile Image for Audrey Colman.
Author 3 books64 followers
October 31, 2025
Ahhhh, the Bentley siblings! I fell in love with them, well mainly Michael and Juliet, when I read Just a Date last year.

The pranks are hilarious, and the chemistry between Lennox and Grant is contagious! The comedy parts in this romcom are some of my favorites — there’s nothing like a devil Christmas tree!

As with every book by Jenessa you’ll find a swoony, heartwarming, closed door romance guaranteed to make you giddy!

Profile Image for Jessica.
221 reviews36 followers
November 15, 2022
Lennox's brother have a betting problem.. on her love life.. and they are about to get what they deserve. Lennox pulls the ultimate prank and finds a fake fiancé for the family work holiday party and in the process hopefully makes Grant (her brothers bestfriend) jealous (also who she's in love with).

Absolutely adored this closed-door, brother's bestfriend, holiday novella. With many laugh out loud moments, I was really rooting for Lennox & Grant and hoping Lennox's brother's get books of their own!
464 reviews1 follower
May 19, 2023
“I want to give her everything. Starting with my love and ending with my last name.”

The rest of the book was not as cheesy as that line, but I liked it the most. The balance of being deep enough to cause me to swoon yet lighthearted to get to be giggle, this book was short yet sweet.

Brother’s best friend. Fake boyfriend.
1,739 reviews7 followers
December 27, 2021
I laughed out loud throughout this entire story! I LOVED it! Can't wait to read more by Jenessa!
Profile Image for luluandherbooks.
135 reviews8 followers
December 15, 2021
Honestly this book is not something I would pick up normally and the brothers being how they are would normally make me irrationally angry but The characters were so foolish I actually laughed while reading which hasn’t happened in a while so I’m glad I gave it a shot
1,592 reviews
December 23, 2021
This is such a fun Christmas story! It has so many great elements to it: fake dating, pranks, bets, mutual pining, sibling relationships, swoon-worthy romance, and hilarious scenes! I had so much fun reading it! The characters are multi-faceted and there is plenty of tension, both the romantic kind and the siblings-who-drive-you-crazy kind. 😂
Profile Image for EJ.
20 reviews
December 22, 2021
This book is sweet, fun and well written. You will find yourself rooting for Lennox and Grant. For their relationship, their family, their future and even their next prank.
Profile Image for NotTheTea.
828 reviews41 followers
October 20, 2022
Your four brothers won't let you date at all but they'll date whoever they want. No restriction on their dating life.
Their best friend won't let you date cause he likes you but won't act on it because he won't lose his friends.
They make bets on your love life which doesn't exist because of them.
You're graduating but still didn't go on a date or had your first kiss because of that situation.
It's a comedy I get it. But anyone would feel miserable living in that situation. I love my Ott sibling relationships, give me all that and more. But this one's dare I say border on abusive. The realization at the end where the bets turned out their way to push her to do more was bullshit. It's like that one trope I hate "I'm sorry, but it's for your own good" bleh.
I know I know it's a comedy I need to chill pill but argh!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
3 reviews
February 6, 2022
So-so

This book was ok. Will I read it again? Probably not. This look wasn't bad it was just lacking. The chemistry between the couple was lacking. The whole book was based around her brothers bets and pranks. The heroine decides to prank them back. The whole thing felt drawn out and not too exciting. I have to say put this book on your skip list because I know there are better books to read.
Profile Image for AdriEdith.
184 reviews2 followers
May 7, 2022
2.0 to 2.5

Eh maybe it’s because the book was short but everything felt so rushed and the progression of the romantic relationship just felt off. The story line seemed really fun at first with great family dynamics but it just ended up being cringe. Unfortunately…

The “pranks” were weird as well as all the bets… and the characters weren’t that likable tbh. There was potential but this book did not reach it for me.
669 reviews
March 10, 2022
This was okay. The bets were too much for me and the MCs acted more like 12 year olds. Not much chemistry.
Profile Image for Sarah.
351 reviews22 followers
August 5, 2022
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING

JUST A BET is everything a good book should be!!
Found Family. Family business. Brother's Best Friend. Fake dating. Clean romance. Dual POV. Friendly family pranks. The older brothers and Grant were written perfectly.
Paint balloon scene 🤌🏼🤌🏼 *chef's kiss* The family dynamics were fabulous. Phoenix, Arizona setting (where I live 😊)🏜
Lennox was a fantastic heroine. Very relatable.
And Grant ... 😏🤤 so fun and flirty but with a big soft heart. He's got some baggage and it was great watching him grow.
I laughed, I cried 🥺 Such a sweet and wonderful story!! The author plans to continue this into a series.😁 but if it doesn't or I have to wait a while I will absolutely enjoy rereading it over and over again. 🥰💙🎄

💕RCRS: 2/3 (brief/heavier kissing)

🗨Some Quotes :
“Your brothers are kind of intimidating.”
I study the porch railing of the next house. “They’re harmless.” The biggest lie I’ve ever told in my life.


If my grandpa was still here, he’d tell me I was a coward. That being in love is the bravest thing a man can be. I want to be brave.


“Hey, Grandma, want to help?” I ask on the way to the deck above the pool. ​
She stands, wavering somewhat, but heads for the door like a woman on a mission. “I get Sean. He keeps prank-calling me. That little sissy.”


Sean seems to consider it. “Well, if you’re really in love, you won’t mind that you’re standing under the mistletoe.”
My chin lifts in slow motion. There it is. I thought mistletoe only showed up in inconvenient places in Hallmark movies
Profile Image for Charlotte Griggs.
376 reviews3 followers
July 5, 2022
I was very surprised at how much I enjoyed this short read. Very short, btw. Usually, when I find a book with young characters, I tend to put it down quickly. Being 30, I can't get behind reading romances about characters in their early 20's. Idk it just weirds me out. So it took me a minute to get into this book knowing how young the characters were but I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed the read. The author really has a way with words.

The sibling rivalry really made this story flow. I just adored the relationship each of these characters had. Younger sister being the brunt of every bet. Older brothers sabotaging any chance at a relationship younger sister could have. It was very adorable.

I also loved the secret feelings Lennox and Grant had for each other. Both too afraid of the outcome she they come out with their feelings. Both protecting Lennox's family in a sense. And then there was the bet Juliet secretly made with the brothers about Lennox and Grant.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Nae.
749 reviews
December 26, 2022
2.5 *shrug* stars

Tropes: Bet / Dare / Wager, Fake Relationship, Holiday, Sibling's Best Friend, Unrequited Love

Genres, settings, categories, themes: contemporary romance (M/F), novella, christmas, family, friendship

POV: first person, alternating POV

Series/Sequencing Style: standalone, no cliffhanger

Overall ratings
Heat level: Wholesome/clean (from Susanna Carr's categorizations – wholesome/clean, sweet, sensual, sexy, erotic)
Romantic connection 4/5
Writing & grammar 5/5
Reading enjoyability & fun 3/5
Depth & meaningfulness (light & fun --> more serious, addresses heavier topics?) 1/5 light-hearted
Diversity & representation: POC H

Review/Notes
Not memorable, but cute enough book that hits on family & friendship themes. Very *sweet* - can see some romance readers liking this super quick read.
Profile Image for Alicia (aliciasalwaysreading).
824 reviews120 followers
December 5, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: holiday romcom
Content: kisses, very infrequent mild language

I read this series out of order so I’m familiar with all of the Bentley brothers’ stories; it was so fun to read Lennox’s now.

Man, as great as the Bentleys are, if I had Lennox’s brothers, they would drive me freaking crazy! I was so happy watching her pull one over on them. They certainly had it coming!

If you like pranks & sticking it to older brothers, this book is for you.

Favorite Quotes:
😂 I need to cool down because all I want to do right now is go back there and rip Grant's stupidly perfect head off. Or make out with him. It's really hard to tell which direction I could go when we fight.

❤️And sometimes, the bravest thing someone can do is admit they need help and then accept it when offered.

😍 "I've always seen you, Lennox," I
whisper. "All I see is you."

‼️ "Everyone screws up. The only thing that matters is that we keep trying."
98 reviews
March 4, 2022
Okay this was way shorter than I expected also probably I realize this is a preference thing but I really hate when the couple runs to get married after like 2 months of dating like I don’t know it seems unrealistic for most people today. The positives I loved all the relationships in this book and I definitely wasn’t expecting his dad at the end and I found it to be a nice addition to his fear of relationships. I loved Noa and I’m so glad he wasn’t set up as an actual love interest- I was actually spending a good part of the book trying to figure out who got Noa involved and I thought that was so fun. I could definitely see a spin off of Noa and another woman (not his ex girlfriend- maybe one of Lennox’s friends or Karli). Overall a cute and fast paced read it only took me a couple hours to get through and I definitely enjoyed it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Whitney Hurst.
Author 1 book10 followers
December 22, 2021
A Sweet Holiday Treat

This was such a fun quick read. I immediately enjoyed the family dynamics Jenessa Fayeth set up and having come from a family with my own protective brothers I could relate. However, that is not a requirement to still find this story wonderful. The chemistry between Lennox and Grant drew you in and had you cheering for them both. I am always a succor for slightly broken characters that don't realize how much they deserve to be loved and when they find it, it is priceless. This is a great frienemies to lovers story and a great one to pick up anytime with non-explicit romance, great banter, and sigh-worthy kisses.
Profile Image for Chelsea.
1,446 reviews17 followers
December 20, 2022
3.5 stars. I liked Lennox, and her dilemma with her brothers. Having a lot of brothers myself, I found their behavior hilarious and relatable (except for the over-protectiveness, since my brothers are younger). The pranks and bets were really funny, especially when she went big to get back at them. I did think her romance with Grant was a bit rushed in the end. All of a sudden, she was brave enough to tell him and make a move, and he was fine admitting his feelings, too. I felt like that should have been more gradual, given they'd both been hiding it for so long. Still, it was a cute ending, and the part with Grant's dad was a nice touch.
Profile Image for Mikkayla.
302 reviews10 followers
January 17, 2022
This book was so cute. I loved Lennox and Grant!
I mean what’s not to love?!
-A fake fiancé?
-In love with your best friend?
-Forbidden romance?
This book has it all people!
And to top it all off, a hilarious family dynamic full of ridiculous pranks even their grandma gets in on. And of course the bets! The reason for the whole story.
You’ll love this fun and quick romance. It’s quick and entertaining, just a perfect little novella!

Content: clean
Romance: kissing
Violence: none.
Language: none.
Profile Image for Stinna.
205 reviews
April 25, 2022
It really had a strong synopsis but the real deal didn’t up to that. It had the common troope the brother best friend/ best friend sister.
Many moments could have been made
There was no chemistry in the couple and it was kind of rushed. Both hiding their crush and the family knew but they didn’t
I mean she didn’t date for so long, sure the boy toxic past but there should have been more
The fake thing too didn’t last long, i mean it was just one date and they want to make believe engagement, kinda far fetched,
😑 meh!!!
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