What do you think?
Rate this book
Redemption Ranch #2
The Alias
The moment I kissed my wife, I knew I was in trouble.
A stoic, dangerous man with ties to the Mafia has no business keeping a gorgeous ray of sunshine like her, but she was scared and I was desperate.
On the run, we land at a secluded ranch designed to protect federal witnesses. As long as everyone believes we’re married, she won’t have to testify against me for killing the man who put his hands on her.
But the longer we pretend, the lines between fact and fiction begin to blur. My eyes linger a second too long. My hands soften on her skin. My kiss, a little too demanding.
Before I can help it, our pretending extends behind closed doors and our relationship begins to feel very, very real.
My plan is to hide out until I know she’s safe. Set her up for life and disappear, but I’m drawn to the way she breathes life into me without even trying. A better man would walk away.
But I never claimed to be a better man.
**Author's note: This book was previously titled The Alias & the Altar**
A stoic, dangerous man with ties to the Mafia has no business keeping a gorgeous ray of sunshine like her, but she was scared and I was desperate.
On the run, we land at a secluded ranch designed to protect federal witnesses. As long as everyone believes we’re married, she won’t have to testify against me for killing the man who put his hands on her.
But the longer we pretend, the lines between fact and fiction begin to blur. My eyes linger a second too long. My hands soften on her skin. My kiss, a little too demanding.
Before I can help it, our pretending extends behind closed doors and our relationship begins to feel very, very real.
My plan is to hide out until I know she’s safe. Set her up for life and disappear, but I’m drawn to the way she breathes life into me without even trying. A better man would walk away.
But I never claimed to be a better man.
**Author's note: This book was previously titled The Alias & the Altar**
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2022
640 people are currently reading
5652 people want to read
About the author
Lena Hendrix
35 books3,492 followersLena Hendrix is a USA Today and Amazon Top 5 bestselling contemporary romance author living in the Midwest. Her love for romance started with sneaking racy Harlequin paperbacks as a teenager and now she writes her own hot-as-sin small town romance novels. Lena has a soft spot for strong alphas with marshmallow insides, heroines who clap back, and sizzling tension. Her novels pack in small town heart with a whole lotta heat.
When she's not writing or devouring new novels, you can find her hiking, camping, fishing, and sipping a spicy margarita!
Want to hang out? Find Lena on FB, Tiktok or IG!
When she's not writing or devouring new novels, you can find her hiking, camping, fishing, and sipping a spicy margarita!
Want to hang out? Find Lena on FB, Tiktok or IG!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 412 reviews
January 3, 2023
DNFing 90 pages in.
I loved the idea of this book and was exited to give it a try, but unfortunately it’s falling flat all around the board and I don’t feel like it’s going to end up being a satisfying read for me, so I’m giving up before I get even more annoyed.
This story was not only doused in instant attraction, but also miscommunication which are two things I do not enjoy reading about… so two strikes there. Then add in the internal monologuing about their overwhelming attraction for one another mixed with some cringy writing (“my nipples puckered”/“my cock thickens in my pants from the slightest touch from her”)… 🤢 and that’s strike three.
Strike four goes to the major lack of details. This is book two in a series and it’s giving me random snippets of information from what I’m assuming is book one, but since I haven’t read that one, I feel like I’m missing a lot of important details and therefore things aren’t adding up enough for me by just reading this as a standalone. I keep wanting more from every aspect of the story and I’m just not getting it. I want more romantic buildup, more chemistry, more backstory, more details about side characters, the small town, the ranch, the plot, the mystery/suspense aspect… literally everything.
Also, I’m 90 pages in and I hardly know what happened the night that made this whole book start. I’m getting no real information about the history they actually have with each other and I don’t see a single reason as to why the author is slowly dragging out the moment that started this whole thing. I feel like that’s something that could actually help the reader connect with the characters and the situation they’re in… but instead, the lack of information is making me not care about them or their story since I literally don’t know anything about how they got themselves to this point… so that’s strike five, and I’m out.
I loved the idea of this book and was exited to give it a try, but unfortunately it’s falling flat all around the board and I don’t feel like it’s going to end up being a satisfying read for me, so I’m giving up before I get even more annoyed.
This story was not only doused in instant attraction, but also miscommunication which are two things I do not enjoy reading about… so two strikes there. Then add in the internal monologuing about their overwhelming attraction for one another mixed with some cringy writing (“my nipples puckered”/“my cock thickens in my pants from the slightest touch from her”)… 🤢 and that’s strike three.
Strike four goes to the major lack of details. This is book two in a series and it’s giving me random snippets of information from what I’m assuming is book one, but since I haven’t read that one, I feel like I’m missing a lot of important details and therefore things aren’t adding up enough for me by just reading this as a standalone. I keep wanting more from every aspect of the story and I’m just not getting it. I want more romantic buildup, more chemistry, more backstory, more details about side characters, the small town, the ranch, the plot, the mystery/suspense aspect… literally everything.
Also, I’m 90 pages in and I hardly know what happened the night that made this whole book start. I’m getting no real information about the history they actually have with each other and I don’t see a single reason as to why the author is slowly dragging out the moment that started this whole thing. I feel like that’s something that could actually help the reader connect with the characters and the situation they’re in… but instead, the lack of information is making me not care about them or their story since I literally don’t know anything about how they got themselves to this point… so that’s strike five, and I’m out.
June 13, 2022
Title: The Alias and The Altar
Author: Lena Hendrix
Hero/Heroine: Parker & Sienna
Tropes: Grumpy x Sunshine/Fake Marriage
TW/CW: Mentions of substance abuse, child neglect (off page) and attempted rape (on page)
THE GOOD 😀
Yes folks, she’s done it again. Lena Hendrix has written yet another story that had me completely absorbed from the first word until the last. Parker and Sienna were just *chefs kiss* and I adored witnessing them grow as a couple and learn to trust each other.
After a horrific event in Chicago that ended up putting a target on both of their backs, Parker and Sienna flee to Montana, the home of Redemption Ranch, a place where people go to start over. Upon arriving there and meeting Evan, Parker’s brother, Sienna tells him that they’re married, which in turn sets off a chain of events that neither Parker nor Sienna saw coming.
You know when you’re eating Doritos (Chilli Heatwave, obvs) and you continually tell yourself ‘just one more and I’ll put the bag away’, and then you find yourself covered in crisp dust and clutching an empty bag? This book was my version of smashing a bag of Doritos. I kept telling myself just one more chapter Kira, try and make the book last. Less than two days later and I’m sad and a little bit disappointed in myself that I read it so fast. Parker and Sienna were such amazing characters, and I adored their story of love and redemption (‘scuse the pun). Having led a less than honest life, Parker has convinced himself he doesn’t deserve someone as light and happy as Sienna. As a heroine, Sienna was a breath of fresh air and I loved seeing her burrow beneath Parker’s cold exterior to the man she knows is beneath. And even though Parker mainly conversed in grunts and dirty looks, he had a certain vulnerability to him that I adored. He only ever wanted the best for the people he loved, which meant he often distanced himself from them. Witnessing this dude open up and learn to rely on others was wonderful, especially when it came to Sienna.
All in all, this story was captivating and I loved my visit back to Redemption Ranch. When’s the next book out again??
THE BAD ☹️
Bitch please.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this to read. This is my honest review.
OVERALL THOUGHTS: Friggin amazing
STEAM LEVEL: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Lena Hendrix
Hero/Heroine: Parker & Sienna
Tropes: Grumpy x Sunshine/Fake Marriage
TW/CW: Mentions of substance abuse, child neglect (off page) and attempted rape (on page)
THE GOOD 😀
Yes folks, she’s done it again. Lena Hendrix has written yet another story that had me completely absorbed from the first word until the last. Parker and Sienna were just *chefs kiss* and I adored witnessing them grow as a couple and learn to trust each other.
After a horrific event in Chicago that ended up putting a target on both of their backs, Parker and Sienna flee to Montana, the home of Redemption Ranch, a place where people go to start over. Upon arriving there and meeting Evan, Parker’s brother, Sienna tells him that they’re married, which in turn sets off a chain of events that neither Parker nor Sienna saw coming.
You know when you’re eating Doritos (Chilli Heatwave, obvs) and you continually tell yourself ‘just one more and I’ll put the bag away’, and then you find yourself covered in crisp dust and clutching an empty bag? This book was my version of smashing a bag of Doritos. I kept telling myself just one more chapter Kira, try and make the book last. Less than two days later and I’m sad and a little bit disappointed in myself that I read it so fast. Parker and Sienna were such amazing characters, and I adored their story of love and redemption (‘scuse the pun). Having led a less than honest life, Parker has convinced himself he doesn’t deserve someone as light and happy as Sienna. As a heroine, Sienna was a breath of fresh air and I loved seeing her burrow beneath Parker’s cold exterior to the man she knows is beneath. And even though Parker mainly conversed in grunts and dirty looks, he had a certain vulnerability to him that I adored. He only ever wanted the best for the people he loved, which meant he often distanced himself from them. Witnessing this dude open up and learn to rely on others was wonderful, especially when it came to Sienna.
All in all, this story was captivating and I loved my visit back to Redemption Ranch. When’s the next book out again??
THE BAD ☹️
Bitch please.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this to read. This is my honest review.
OVERALL THOUGHTS: Friggin amazing
STEAM LEVEL: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 11, 2022
(ARC REVIEW)
Lena this was book was fantastic! After reading The Badge and the Bad Boy I was so curious about Evan's brother Parker and it's finally here. Make sure you read that book first.
Parker was the silent brody type but at the same time, he was mysterious. In his brother's book, I was disappointed in his actions but in this book he redeems himself. Sienna, I loved that girl her bubbly personality I believe made this book what it is. Sienna some of her words and actions made me laugh so hard that I had tears. There are a few parts that were focused on Parker that he was invested in something hilarious but you will have to read it to understand it. This read was a slow burn which sometimes drives me nuts but this one was wonderful because it helped paint a perfect connection with them. Let's not forget the suspense because that is what kept me invested and I seriously binged this in one night. Truly this is a must-read. Evan's book you knew what the next one was but this one she leaves you guessing.
Lena this was book was fantastic! After reading The Badge and the Bad Boy I was so curious about Evan's brother Parker and it's finally here. Make sure you read that book first.
Parker was the silent brody type but at the same time, he was mysterious. In his brother's book, I was disappointed in his actions but in this book he redeems himself. Sienna, I loved that girl her bubbly personality I believe made this book what it is. Sienna some of her words and actions made me laugh so hard that I had tears. There are a few parts that were focused on Parker that he was invested in something hilarious but you will have to read it to understand it. This read was a slow burn which sometimes drives me nuts but this one was wonderful because it helped paint a perfect connection with them. Let's not forget the suspense because that is what kept me invested and I seriously binged this in one night. Truly this is a must-read. Evan's book you knew what the next one was but this one she leaves you guessing.
June 17, 2022
I absolutely fell in love with Parker and Sienna. I love a good marriage of convenience/fake relationship romance and this book was great!
It also has grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, strangers to lovers, small town tropes as well!
The second book in the Redemption Ranch series and so far it's my favorite! One word, or should I say one name. PARKER.
I recommend reading this book after the first in this series as they're interconnected and you will get a better experience.
Parker is the "numbers" guy for the mafia in Chicago and he sees Sienna who he is attracted to working as a waitress in the diner he frequents.
Sienna dreams of becoming a nurse but her dreams are put on hold as something bad happens and Parker saves her then they both go to Redemption Ranch to hide.
They decide on a fake marriage and then lines begin to blur and things really HEAT up!!
I absolutely love Parker. He may be a grump but he's so good with Sienna. They're perfect together!
I definitely recommend this book! If I could I would give this 5+ stars!!
It also has grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, strangers to lovers, small town tropes as well!
The second book in the Redemption Ranch series and so far it's my favorite! One word, or should I say one name. PARKER.
I recommend reading this book after the first in this series as they're interconnected and you will get a better experience.
Parker is the "numbers" guy for the mafia in Chicago and he sees Sienna who he is attracted to working as a waitress in the diner he frequents.
Sienna dreams of becoming a nurse but her dreams are put on hold as something bad happens and Parker saves her then they both go to Redemption Ranch to hide.
They decide on a fake marriage and then lines begin to blur and things really HEAT up!!
I absolutely love Parker. He may be a grump but he's so good with Sienna. They're perfect together!
I definitely recommend this book! If I could I would give this 5+ stars!!
October 13, 2022
✧˖° GRUMPY X SUNSHINE YOU WILL ALWAYS BE FAMOUS
the alias is a marriage of convenience romance between a grump and a ray of sunshine. when he kills someone for her, in order to save her, they run away to a small town to hide from the bad guys. and because she doesn't want him to end up in jail (because he killed someone), she decides to marry him... for convenience, of course. they are strangers basically but they agree to become husband and wife and live in this cute tiny cottage with only one bed.
no, but parker is def an obsessed boy. he went to sienna's restaurant AND RETURNED EVERY TIME, ORDERING THE SAME THING OVER AND OVER AGAIN just to see her. plus he ordered the meatball sub and she was the one who made the meatballs and he somehow knew AND THATS WHY HE KEPT ORDERING IT. but he stayed silent and stayed there for months and never said anything to her. until that horrible night that led them to help each other out and run away to redemption ranch.
but it's clear parker feels so many things for her... and he's so scared to put down her light. because he has ties with the mafia and he's a pretty dangerous guy and he doesn't want anything to touch sienna in any way. so he believes that they'll stay marry and when everything passes, they'll part ways. HE THINKS HE'S GOING TO BE ABLE TO LEAVE SIENNA!!! parker, baby... how do i tell you this.
at first the writing wasn't to my liking that much. but it soon grew on me! it def has some minor editing issues and words that made me kinda confused why they were there. but overall i really enjoyed the book. thank you to Esther for recommending me this series! i obviously also got the third book already because im a sucker for a celebrity heroine. AND SHE GOES TO A SMALL TOWN... so it's perfect.
i've been reading so many marriage of convenience romances wow. i love it tbh! IT'S ONE OF MY FAVORITE TROPES ✧˖° and i always enjoy how they go from nothing to everything. but i love the quiet moments, the moments where he says "my wife" when she least expects it. when they help each other through the tough moments. im always there for this!!!! i love a kiss and a sex scene as much as the next person, but im a sucker for the quiet, small moments between characters where just a kiss on the tip of the nose makes me giggle and scream.
the alias is a marriage of convenience romance between a grump and a ray of sunshine. when he kills someone for her, in order to save her, they run away to a small town to hide from the bad guys. and because she doesn't want him to end up in jail (because he killed someone), she decides to marry him... for convenience, of course. they are strangers basically but they agree to become husband and wife and live in this cute tiny cottage with only one bed.
no, but parker is def an obsessed boy. he went to sienna's restaurant AND RETURNED EVERY TIME, ORDERING THE SAME THING OVER AND OVER AGAIN just to see her. plus he ordered the meatball sub and she was the one who made the meatballs and he somehow knew AND THATS WHY HE KEPT ORDERING IT. but he stayed silent and stayed there for months and never said anything to her. until that horrible night that led them to help each other out and run away to redemption ranch.
but it's clear parker feels so many things for her... and he's so scared to put down her light. because he has ties with the mafia and he's a pretty dangerous guy and he doesn't want anything to touch sienna in any way. so he believes that they'll stay marry and when everything passes, they'll part ways. HE THINKS HE'S GOING TO BE ABLE TO LEAVE SIENNA!!! parker, baby... how do i tell you this.
at first the writing wasn't to my liking that much. but it soon grew on me! it def has some minor editing issues and words that made me kinda confused why they were there. but overall i really enjoyed the book. thank you to Esther for recommending me this series! i obviously also got the third book already because im a sucker for a celebrity heroine. AND SHE GOES TO A SMALL TOWN... so it's perfect.
i've been reading so many marriage of convenience romances wow. i love it tbh! IT'S ONE OF MY FAVORITE TROPES ✧˖° and i always enjoy how they go from nothing to everything. but i love the quiet moments, the moments where he says "my wife" when she least expects it. when they help each other through the tough moments. im always there for this!!!! i love a kiss and a sex scene as much as the next person, but im a sucker for the quiet, small moments between characters where just a kiss on the tip of the nose makes me giggle and scream.
June 6, 2024
"Fake marriage or not, I will always be faithful to you"
The first chapter of this book itself completely grabbed my attention. The writing was excellent and the concept behind the marriage was interesting. Parker & Sienna were a match made in heaven! Whenever they called each other "husband" and "wife" my stomach fluttered with butterflies. Parker was living with the guilt of his past mistakes and didn't think that he deserved to have such a ray of sunshine and positive light like Sienna in his life. He thought that she would be better off without him but at the same time the light in her called to him and made him soften up which is why it was getting difficult for him day by day of just thinking about the possibility of letting her go. While Sienna on the other hand saw him in a different light than anyone has ever seen him in. She believed in him and wanted to protect him the same way he protected her even if that meant she had to marry him. Overall, it was an addictive read. I grew fond of all the side characters especially Ma, Evan, Gemma and Val. It was a great, grumpy sunshine romance that pulled at my heartstrings with a twist of marriage of convenience thrown in. Actually, it was more of Parker's redemption story and his connection with Sienna had me firmly hooked.
ARC received in exchange of an honest review
The first chapter of this book itself completely grabbed my attention. The writing was excellent and the concept behind the marriage was interesting. Parker & Sienna were a match made in heaven! Whenever they called each other "husband" and "wife" my stomach fluttered with butterflies. Parker was living with the guilt of his past mistakes and didn't think that he deserved to have such a ray of sunshine and positive light like Sienna in his life. He thought that she would be better off without him but at the same time the light in her called to him and made him soften up which is why it was getting difficult for him day by day of just thinking about the possibility of letting her go. While Sienna on the other hand saw him in a different light than anyone has ever seen him in. She believed in him and wanted to protect him the same way he protected her even if that meant she had to marry him. Overall, it was an addictive read. I grew fond of all the side characters especially Ma, Evan, Gemma and Val. It was a great, grumpy sunshine romance that pulled at my heartstrings with a twist of marriage of convenience thrown in. Actually, it was more of Parker's redemption story and his connection with Sienna had me firmly hooked.
ARC received in exchange of an honest review
November 27, 2022
This was so good!!!!! Marriage of convenience never fails! The Alias is Parker and Sienna’s story! If you read The Badge, then you know that this is essentially Parker’s redemption story. And I’m SO glad Parker got a book because I fell in LOVE with him.
Parker and Sienna flee the city after some events occur that could potentially land both of them in jail and in trouble with the mafia. Parker takes them to Redemption Ranch (where his brother is), a place under federal protection in the middle of Montana. They decide to get married so they don’t have to testify against each other, and have to live together on the ranch.
Parker was the definition of a pining hero! He’s been in love with Sienna since he first saw her in the restaurant her family owned in the city. He doesn’t feel like he’s enough for her given his upbringing and dirty work he did for the mafia, but Sienna sees beyond that to the huge heart he has.
And the fact that he loved romance books?! I was absolutely cracking up. Between that and the fact that Sienna always put Parker in his place, this was a great read.
TROPES: small town/ranch (witness protection ranch); grumpy/sunshine; marriage of convenience/fake marriage
TRIGGER WARNINGS (listed by the author): references to substance abuse, child neglect (not on page), discussions of violence and an attempted rape (on page)
Parker and Sienna flee the city after some events occur that could potentially land both of them in jail and in trouble with the mafia. Parker takes them to Redemption Ranch (where his brother is), a place under federal protection in the middle of Montana. They decide to get married so they don’t have to testify against each other, and have to live together on the ranch.
Parker was the definition of a pining hero! He’s been in love with Sienna since he first saw her in the restaurant her family owned in the city. He doesn’t feel like he’s enough for her given his upbringing and dirty work he did for the mafia, but Sienna sees beyond that to the huge heart he has.
And the fact that he loved romance books?! I was absolutely cracking up. Between that and the fact that Sienna always put Parker in his place, this was a great read.
TROPES: small town/ranch (witness protection ranch); grumpy/sunshine; marriage of convenience/fake marriage
TRIGGER WARNINGS (listed by the author): references to substance abuse, child neglect (not on page), discussions of violence and an attempted rape (on page)
June 6, 2022
Who doesn't love a grumpy hero who only smiles at his wife (albeit a fake one)?
4,5 stars.
This book was terrific and a great addition to this series.
Sienna was sweet, adorable, and always looking for the bright side no matter how dire the situation. Parker was moody, dark, and his strong trait was communicating in grunts or not talking at all.
Parker and Sienna were so utterly different from each other, yet they worked beautifully together.
Parker was way deeper than met the eye. He was protective at his very core, in spite of his own safety and well-being. He'd rather have his family hate him than risk their lives and dreams.
It was about time he met someone as selfless as he was and way more loving than he could have ever imagined.
Sienna was just what he needed. To be fair, they were both great to each other. They brought out the best the other had to offer and they respected their past, their individuality, and their scars.
I loved their time together and I loved their time with his family, how understanding and supportive Sienna was about the whole situation and how she pushed Parker to be closer to his siblings.
And, good Lord, they knew how to lit a room on fire. Talk about steamy.
They might have been forced together through circumstances, but their chemistry and loyalty grew organically. Their banter and care were adorably on point and it helped bring Parker out of his self-imposed misery.
They met by fate, were brought together by tragedy, and worked everything out by love and respect.
4,5 stars.
This book was terrific and a great addition to this series.
Sienna was sweet, adorable, and always looking for the bright side no matter how dire the situation. Parker was moody, dark, and his strong trait was communicating in grunts or not talking at all.
Parker and Sienna were so utterly different from each other, yet they worked beautifully together.
Parker was way deeper than met the eye. He was protective at his very core, in spite of his own safety and well-being. He'd rather have his family hate him than risk their lives and dreams.
It was about time he met someone as selfless as he was and way more loving than he could have ever imagined.
Sienna was just what he needed. To be fair, they were both great to each other. They brought out the best the other had to offer and they respected their past, their individuality, and their scars.
I loved their time together and I loved their time with his family, how understanding and supportive Sienna was about the whole situation and how she pushed Parker to be closer to his siblings.
And, good Lord, they knew how to lit a room on fire. Talk about steamy.
They might have been forced together through circumstances, but their chemistry and loyalty grew organically. Their banter and care were adorably on point and it helped bring Parker out of his self-imposed misery.
They met by fate, were brought together by tragedy, and worked everything out by love and respect.
October 1, 2025
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️
🎧: AUDIOBOOK REVIEW
I'm having the best time diving into Lena Hendrix's backlist and this boo was no exception. I loved Parker and Sienna so much. This book was just so fresh and like nothing else Ive read and I loved it so much.
Plus I'm a sucker for a marriage f convenience and the twist on this one just made me happy. Parker and Sienna are on the run and her idea to have them get married to protect each other was so good, and made me giddy. Because a marriage of convenience s top tier, but when it's forced proximity with a grumpy x sunshine pairing. YES absolutely.
✨Small Town
✨ Hidden Identities
✨ Fake Marriage
✨ Forced Proximity
✨ Hates Everyone but Her
I have said it time and time again, but Lena writes the best quirky small towns and the characters always are so endearing and the sense of family and found family is so so good. I loved watching Parker and Sienna become past of this community and it was such a huge part of their story.
I just loved them, full stop. The plot was so interesting and then watching them fall for each other, I melted. Plus caretaking in a book is my kryptonite, and watching Parker when Sienna was sick made my insides flutter.
Also, this is out in audio now and I would be remiss if I didn't scream at you to listen to this. Ryan Hudson is a delight and I haven't listened to much with him before. He was a perfect Parker and pulled off Grumpy hotness so so well. And Erin Mallon is a queen who can do no wrong. She is perfect in every way and I pick up books just to listen to her and fall in love with whatever FMC she voices.
This book may not be new, but it's absolutely wort reading, loving and shouting about because it's just that good. Lena is a queen and I will read everything she writes!
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️
🎧: AUDIOBOOK REVIEW
I'm having the best time diving into Lena Hendrix's backlist and this boo was no exception. I loved Parker and Sienna so much. This book was just so fresh and like nothing else Ive read and I loved it so much.
Plus I'm a sucker for a marriage f convenience and the twist on this one just made me happy. Parker and Sienna are on the run and her idea to have them get married to protect each other was so good, and made me giddy. Because a marriage of convenience s top tier, but when it's forced proximity with a grumpy x sunshine pairing. YES absolutely.
✨Small Town
✨ Hidden Identities
✨ Fake Marriage
✨ Forced Proximity
✨ Hates Everyone but Her
I have said it time and time again, but Lena writes the best quirky small towns and the characters always are so endearing and the sense of family and found family is so so good. I loved watching Parker and Sienna become past of this community and it was such a huge part of their story.
I just loved them, full stop. The plot was so interesting and then watching them fall for each other, I melted. Plus caretaking in a book is my kryptonite, and watching Parker when Sienna was sick made my insides flutter.
Also, this is out in audio now and I would be remiss if I didn't scream at you to listen to this. Ryan Hudson is a delight and I haven't listened to much with him before. He was a perfect Parker and pulled off Grumpy hotness so so well. And Erin Mallon is a queen who can do no wrong. She is perfect in every way and I pick up books just to listen to her and fall in love with whatever FMC she voices.
This book may not be new, but it's absolutely wort reading, loving and shouting about because it's just that good. Lena is a queen and I will read everything she writes!
May 30, 2022
Parker and Sienna may have had a less than ideal start, but maybe they’ve got a chance to make fake become the realest thing either of them has ever had. He just has to learn to trust and believe that he’s worthy, while she has to believe that she’s worth loving and isn’t just a pawn of convenience…even is Sienna willingly made herself the pawn.
I know that Parker had a few marks against him when we first met him. After all, he’s the big bad brother of Evan and Gemma. But there’s so much more beneath that stubborn, ice cold surface that he tries so desperately to hide. And the fact that he did everything in his power to save Sienna, keep Gemma out of his world, and keep Evan safe from childhood onward makes him one of my absolute favorite men this year, and definitely the favorite from this author so far.
Sienna also had a few marks against her. Or one. She married Parker. And Parker’s family isn’t sure what to think of someone who tied herself to who they think Parker is. So once the truths start come tumbling out, there are a lot of questions. And answers. And a huge mystery to solve. And some more questions. They can all be answered in time, but what if time is something that this bunch just doesn’t have?
I was grabbed by Sienna and Parker from the very first page, and the fact that Parker is truly a good man who will do anything to keep Sienna safe and sound in life speaks volumes. He just has to believe that they’re better together than apart. Luckily for him, Sienna has some wisdom in her corner, so maybe things can work out for them. And then we can maybe be a little closer to finding out what exactly is going on with Gemma and a certain man who thinks he needs to steer clear of her. Oh, I can’t wait for more of this series!
I know that Parker had a few marks against him when we first met him. After all, he’s the big bad brother of Evan and Gemma. But there’s so much more beneath that stubborn, ice cold surface that he tries so desperately to hide. And the fact that he did everything in his power to save Sienna, keep Gemma out of his world, and keep Evan safe from childhood onward makes him one of my absolute favorite men this year, and definitely the favorite from this author so far.
Sienna also had a few marks against her. Or one. She married Parker. And Parker’s family isn’t sure what to think of someone who tied herself to who they think Parker is. So once the truths start come tumbling out, there are a lot of questions. And answers. And a huge mystery to solve. And some more questions. They can all be answered in time, but what if time is something that this bunch just doesn’t have?
I was grabbed by Sienna and Parker from the very first page, and the fact that Parker is truly a good man who will do anything to keep Sienna safe and sound in life speaks volumes. He just has to believe that they’re better together than apart. Luckily for him, Sienna has some wisdom in her corner, so maybe things can work out for them. And then we can maybe be a little closer to finding out what exactly is going on with Gemma and a certain man who thinks he needs to steer clear of her. Oh, I can’t wait for more of this series!
June 17, 2022
HAPPY RELEASE DAY!!!!
ARC REVIEW
4.5 stars
4 stars spice
So this was an amazing read.
I loved it!!
Mafia, fake relationship, small town, crime, grumpy sunshine trope novel. All the best tropes in one place.
It was sweet, smutty and so freaking hilarious.
At first I was a little unsure about Parker, he was a little too grumpy. But then we got his POV and sigh. So good.
Sienna was sweet and so perfect. She had the right balance of sunshine and sass.
Loved the side characters as well.
I honestly have nothing bad to say about any of them.
It was both a mafia and crime novel but on the lighter side of the genre. Great for those who like intensity but not too much.
The plot was great as well and again on the lighter side.
Basically to some it up, the characters, the smut the plot - they were all mild. But in a good way.
Would definitely recommend it to all romance readers. Seriously. You don’t have to have a genre preference. This book falls under all of them. Can’t wait for the next one!!
Also this was the first time i have met a male character reading romance. REGENCY ROMANCE!!! You go Parker!!
ARC REVIEW
4.5 stars
4 stars spice
So this was an amazing read.
I loved it!!
Mafia, fake relationship, small town, crime, grumpy sunshine trope novel. All the best tropes in one place.
It was sweet, smutty and so freaking hilarious.
At first I was a little unsure about Parker, he was a little too grumpy. But then we got his POV and sigh. So good.
Sienna was sweet and so perfect. She had the right balance of sunshine and sass.
Loved the side characters as well.
I honestly have nothing bad to say about any of them.
It was both a mafia and crime novel but on the lighter side of the genre. Great for those who like intensity but not too much.
The plot was great as well and again on the lighter side.
Basically to some it up, the characters, the smut the plot - they were all mild. But in a good way.
Would definitely recommend it to all romance readers. Seriously. You don’t have to have a genre preference. This book falls under all of them. Can’t wait for the next one!!
Also this was the first time i have met a male character reading romance. REGENCY ROMANCE!!! You go Parker!!
June 13, 2022
I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH. I love Lena’s writing and I’m not kidding when I say her story’s are sooooo easy to get into. There’s just something about them!
I am in love with Parker and sienna. I was seriously laughing SO much throughout this book and I love that about a novel. But boy was it also SPICY. Parker is tatted up and has a nipple ring, ugh I love him. And the chemistry between him and Sienna… OOOH BABY.
There are so many moments throughout the book that made me swoon, but this one also brought some suspense along with the romance! It was perfection. I loved meeting Evan and Val in the first book, and I enjoyed meeting Parker and Sienna EVEN MORE!!!
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
Tropes:
Marriage of convenience
Mafia romance (kinda)
Forced proximity
Grumpy/sunshine
I am in love with Parker and sienna. I was seriously laughing SO much throughout this book and I love that about a novel. But boy was it also SPICY. Parker is tatted up and has a nipple ring, ugh I love him. And the chemistry between him and Sienna… OOOH BABY.
There are so many moments throughout the book that made me swoon, but this one also brought some suspense along with the romance! It was perfection. I loved meeting Evan and Val in the first book, and I enjoyed meeting Parker and Sienna EVEN MORE!!!
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
Tropes:
Marriage of convenience
Mafia romance (kinda)
Forced proximity
Grumpy/sunshine
October 20, 2025
Omg I LOVED this book!! If I could give it more stars I would!
This is book 2 of the Redemption Ranch series. Grumpy/Sunshine is one of my all time favorite tropes and I'm also a fan of faking dating as well. This book had both and did them so well! I think this book might be my new favorite grumpy/sunshine book!
Sienna and Parker had such great chemistry. The spicy was fantastic and there was a perfect amount of spice vs. plot, and the dirty talk was
Sienna was such a great character! She was adorable and definitely fit the sunshine part perfectly. I smiled so hard when Parker complimented her dress and she said "Thanks, it has pockets." Even with her sunshine outlook she had a quiet strength that showed through.
Parker was definitely grumpy. I loved seeing his softer side slowly come out as he opened up to Sienna. And omg the romance novels! That was so perfect and fantastically unexpected.
This book has definitely made it onto my all time favorites list. Evan and Val's story was great... but Parker and Sienna's was even better!
This is book 2 of the Redemption Ranch series. Grumpy/Sunshine is one of my all time favorite tropes and I'm also a fan of faking dating as well. This book had both and did them so well! I think this book might be my new favorite grumpy/sunshine book!
Sienna and Parker had such great chemistry. The spicy was fantastic and there was a perfect amount of spice vs. plot, and the dirty talk was
Sienna was such a great character! She was adorable and definitely fit the sunshine part perfectly. I smiled so hard when Parker complimented her dress and she said "Thanks, it has pockets." Even with her sunshine outlook she had a quiet strength that showed through.
Parker was definitely grumpy. I loved seeing his softer side slowly come out as he opened up to Sienna. And omg the romance novels! That was so perfect and fantastically unexpected.
This book has definitely made it onto my all time favorites list. Evan and Val's story was great... but Parker and Sienna's was even better!
June 17, 2022
I was not sure if I would like Parker... But Lena made me fall in love with him!
Parker has such a crazy and chaotic past that he is trying to get away from and drags a beauty with him.
Sienna is sunshine in the best way and lights up all the darkness in Parker.
This story had me guessing and I loved the suspense you get with it. You get some really great steamy moments in this one too!
I love the way that these two find eachother and hold on... But when it is all over will they still have eachother?
You have to read this one to find out... I highly suggest reading the first book in the series first!
Parker has such a crazy and chaotic past that he is trying to get away from and drags a beauty with him.
Sienna is sunshine in the best way and lights up all the darkness in Parker.
This story had me guessing and I loved the suspense you get with it. You get some really great steamy moments in this one too!
I love the way that these two find eachother and hold on... But when it is all over will they still have eachother?
You have to read this one to find out... I highly suggest reading the first book in the series first!
June 18, 2022
We are back at Redemption Ranch and I couldn’t be happier! I adore small town romances, but add in the grump and sunshine trope and I’m done. The book is almost guaranteed to be a winner for me. And The Alias and the Altar was definitely a winner. I absolutely adored this book - the story, the romance, and the dash of mystery. As usual, the romance was my favorite aspect of the story. Parker and Sienna were the perfect embodiment of the grump and sunshine trope and I loved all of their interactions. The tension was off the charts with them and I couldn’t get enough.
On another note, I enjoyed the progression of Parker’s relationship with his siblings. I was a bit worried about that would go given past events, but everything turned out exactly like it was meant to. I’m glad that Parker, Evan, and Gemma got the chance to mend their relationship and finally form the bond that were meant to have.
Overall, this one is my favorite in the series so far and I can’t wait for the next book!
*Thank you to Lena Hendrix and Wildfire Marketing for my ARC. All opinions are my own.*
On another note, I enjoyed the progression of Parker’s relationship with his siblings. I was a bit worried about that would go given past events, but everything turned out exactly like it was meant to. I’m glad that Parker, Evan, and Gemma got the chance to mend their relationship and finally form the bond that were meant to have.
Overall, this one is my favorite in the series so far and I can’t wait for the next book!
*Thank you to Lena Hendrix and Wildfire Marketing for my ARC. All opinions are my own.*
June 12, 2022
I am loathe to read mafia romances, but The Alias and the Altar was so far adjacent from those typical romances that it didn’t bother me. It also didn’t hurt that this had several of my favorite tropes—marriage of convenience, forced proximity, small town romance, and grumpy x sunshine. Plus Sienna and Parker just make sense.
Overall I really loved The Alias and the Altar, the characters are great and really well written, the story line instantly sucked me in and kept me captivated the entire time (I binged this, 100%), and the sweet and spicy moments between Sienna and Parker were well balanced and had me swooning one second and fanning myself the next.
Definitely can’t wait to read more of this series!
Overall I really loved The Alias and the Altar, the characters are great and really well written, the story line instantly sucked me in and kept me captivated the entire time (I binged this, 100%), and the sweet and spicy moments between Sienna and Parker were well balanced and had me swooning one second and fanning myself the next.
Definitely can’t wait to read more of this series!
September 30, 2025
4.25 ⭐️
Glad I continued on with this series.
First one was alright. This one was 👍
Mafia x Cowboy
Parker is(was) a big time Chicago Mafia man
Sienna, the local waitress
They find themselves in small town Montana at Redemption Ranch with Parker’s siblings.
The grumpy x sunshine here was off the charts.
Pure sunshine and rainbows and scary tatted grump
Marriage if convenience “wife” “husband”
Romantic suspense
Didn’t see that coming
This was relatively a fast read.
I liked these two together.
Glad I continued on with this series.
First one was alright. This one was 👍
Mafia x Cowboy
Parker is(was) a big time Chicago Mafia man
Sienna, the local waitress
They find themselves in small town Montana at Redemption Ranch with Parker’s siblings.
The grumpy x sunshine here was off the charts.
Pure sunshine and rainbows and scary tatted grump
Marriage if convenience “wife” “husband”
Romantic suspense
Didn’t see that coming
This was relatively a fast read.
I liked these two together.
June 6, 2022
This is the first book I have read by this author, but it will not be the last book. I really enjoyed this book. The book is categorized as a "grumpy" romance. If this is what "grumpy" is all about than sign me up as I could go for a man like Parker.
Getting married may not have been on the list of things that Parker and Sienna really had planned but they shared no regrets. The chemistry these two shared was HOT. I mean the first encounter after Parker came out of the bathroom in just a towel got my temperature rising. Yet, don't think this book is all just about the romance as there are some tense moments later in the story. Remember Parker and Sienna are on the run from some dangerous people. If you are a new reader to this author like me, you will want to pick up a copy of this book for yourself.
Getting married may not have been on the list of things that Parker and Sienna really had planned but they shared no regrets. The chemistry these two shared was HOT. I mean the first encounter after Parker came out of the bathroom in just a towel got my temperature rising. Yet, don't think this book is all just about the romance as there are some tense moments later in the story. Remember Parker and Sienna are on the run from some dangerous people. If you are a new reader to this author like me, you will want to pick up a copy of this book for yourself.
August 1, 2022
i love me some grumpy protective hero with a dark past that loves the heroine!
and the steam...WOW
and the steam...WOW
June 9, 2023
Loved this one!
Grumpy Sunshine
Marriage of convenience
Former Mafia
Toys
Dirty talk
More please!
5 stars
3 on the spice scale
Grumpy Sunshine
Marriage of convenience
Former Mafia
Toys
Dirty talk
More please!
5 stars
3 on the spice scale
June 27, 2022
Lena is an incredible author. So good! Alpha cinnamon roll heroes! Strong heroines? Check. Check. Just great writing and so good!
October 18, 2022
I really enjoyed the romance in this. The chemistry between Parker and Sienna is very good - there’s loads of really delicious moments between them where their mutual attraction really shone through. I was just itching for the two of them to act on their feelings and it really paid off when they finally did. Not that this was a slow burn - I definitely wouldn’t describe it as that, I just think the author did a really good job at building up their romance in a way that felt natural and satisfying. They had some really sexy moments together, some really cute ones, and I really enjoyed the dynamic between them. Parker was so gone for Sienna, and I loved seeing how much he cared for her. It was really lovely at points. I also really liked Sienna - she was very endearing and gentle.
However, I didn’t care much for the external plot, either about the issues at the ranch or the stuff between Parker and his siblings. It was fine, I just didn’t feel particularly enthusiastic or invested in it. I did like that the main external plotline wasn’t related to all of the drama back in Chicago, but as a whole I found it a bit underdeveloped. I also didn’t like that some sources of drama happened off-page - a big deal is made of the fact that Parker’s sister, Gemma, was hurt as a result of his actions near the start of the story, but we never got to see that or find out what actually happened. I think that might be in another book in the series, which is fine, but it would have been nice to be given more detail here.
I also thought the conflict between Parker and Sienna was a bit bland. I sort of got why it happened, but I think there needed to be an actual incident that caused them to split. I didn’t quite buy Parker’s decision and I thought it was a shame as the rest of their romance worked very well for me and felt very believable.
If I was just rating this based off the romance, it would have been a four-star read, but I thought the external plotlines and drama needed a bit more work and ultimately I thought they took the shine off the book for me. But overall this was really cute and I’d definitely read others in this series at some point.
Content Notes: Fake relationship, marriage of convenience, grumpy/sunshine, small town, boy obsessed.
Warnings:
Other: .
However, I didn’t care much for the external plot, either about the issues at the ranch or the stuff between Parker and his siblings. It was fine, I just didn’t feel particularly enthusiastic or invested in it. I did like that the main external plotline wasn’t related to all of the drama back in Chicago, but as a whole I found it a bit underdeveloped. I also didn’t like that some sources of drama happened off-page - a big deal is made of the fact that Parker’s sister, Gemma, was hurt as a result of his actions near the start of the story, but we never got to see that or find out what actually happened. I think that might be in another book in the series, which is fine, but it would have been nice to be given more detail here.
I also thought the conflict between Parker and Sienna was a bit bland. I sort of got why it happened, but I think there needed to be an actual incident that caused them to split. I didn’t quite buy Parker’s decision and I thought it was a shame as the rest of their romance worked very well for me and felt very believable.
If I was just rating this based off the romance, it would have been a four-star read, but I thought the external plotlines and drama needed a bit more work and ultimately I thought they took the shine off the book for me. But overall this was really cute and I’d definitely read others in this series at some point.
Content Notes: Fake relationship, marriage of convenience, grumpy/sunshine, small town, boy obsessed.
Warnings:
Other: .
June 21, 2022
I mean it was good? I’m struggling with this review because I loved Evan and Val and really felt them. With Sienna and Parker I felt like there was more telling than showing. I wish we had gotten to know them prior to going to Montana and I wish we had more with Parker pining for Sienna prior to going to Montana. I felt like we were thrust into this story without really knowing what was happening. We were told Parker cared for Sienna and was protective but we weren’t told WHY. There wasn’t really a “plot” until around the 60% mark and it wasn’t that… interesting? I don’t know. It was very lukewarm in comparison to Evan and Val and the climax of the action was such a letdown. I mean we found out the plot and the conclusion was the next chapter.
I didn’t understand the motivation for the third act break up and honestly felt like it was very unnecessary since it lasted about 5 pages.
I just feel like this was missing what Evan and Val had and I felt forced into Sienna and Parker’s relationship and marriage. I was an alright book, but I found myself thinking “okay so when is something going to happen?” for the entirety of it.
I didn’t understand the motivation for the third act break up and honestly felt like it was very unnecessary since it lasted about 5 pages.
I just feel like this was missing what Evan and Val had and I felt forced into Sienna and Parker’s relationship and marriage. I was an alright book, but I found myself thinking “okay so when is something going to happen?” for the entirety of it.
June 26, 2022
The Alias and the Altar is the second book in the Redemption Ranch series by Lena Hendrix. This is a forced proximity, fake marriage/marriage of convenience, grumpy sunshine romance and I loved everything about Parker and Sienna.
Sienna and Parker are running from his mafia associates and they seek refuge at Redemption Ranch. As they hide in Montana, Parker and Sienna learn more about each other and as a result become closer. Parker and Sienna were good for each other and they brought out the good parts of each other’s personalities. Their chemistry was off the charts and it wasn’t hard to fall for Parker with his adorable grumpiness.
I LOVE fake marriage/marriage of convenience romances almost as much I love enemies to lovers romances and this one did not disappoint! I’m looking forward to the next book in the series!
Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sienna and Parker are running from his mafia associates and they seek refuge at Redemption Ranch. As they hide in Montana, Parker and Sienna learn more about each other and as a result become closer. Parker and Sienna were good for each other and they brought out the good parts of each other’s personalities. Their chemistry was off the charts and it wasn’t hard to fall for Parker with his adorable grumpiness.
I LOVE fake marriage/marriage of convenience romances almost as much I love enemies to lovers romances and this one did not disappoint! I’m looking forward to the next book in the series!
Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
June 7, 2022
This was one of those books that I couldn’t put down but also didn’t want to end! I after reading the first book, I had a feeling that this one would be amazing, and I was not disappointed. You don’t have to read the first one but I definitely recommend for the full experience!
I knew I was going to love Parker, because I love the strong, misunderstood, protector type, but he was even better than I expected. He’s a former mafia guy turned good, and Sienna is the sunshine to his grump but very strong on her own as well.
A marriage of convenience romance with a lot of steam and a little suspense (pay attention to TWs from author), I love the mix of big city action with all the small town goodness that I’ve come to love and expect from the author!
I knew I was going to love Parker, because I love the strong, misunderstood, protector type, but he was even better than I expected. He’s a former mafia guy turned good, and Sienna is the sunshine to his grump but very strong on her own as well.
A marriage of convenience romance with a lot of steam and a little suspense (pay attention to TWs from author), I love the mix of big city action with all the small town goodness that I’ve come to love and expect from the author!
October 30, 2022
GRUMPY MAN OML IM IN LOVE.
This book was v good, and spicy👀 Parker + Sienna’s story was just so good. The ending had my heart very happy and that is all🫶🏼
This book was v good, and spicy👀 Parker + Sienna’s story was just so good. The ending had my heart very happy and that is all🫶🏼
June 2, 2022
Parker and Sienna are on the run. After what went down in Chicago, they know that it’s not safe for Sienna to stay there anymore. The only thing that Parker can think of to keep her safe is to head out to Tipp, Montana where his brother is. After telling everyone that they are married, can Parker and Sienna really keep their secret safe even though they barely know each other?
Parker and Sienna are literally the definition of a grumpy/sunshine romance. Parker has gone his whole life having to take care of everyone he loves and having them still leave him in the end so he knows that he has to keep Sienna at a distance. But that is hard to do when they are legally married now. They both are attracted to each other right away but because of the circumstance that they are in they both take awhile to realize how much they both mean to each other. I love that Sienna brings out a side of Parker that no one else really sees.
Parker and Sienna are literally the definition of a grumpy/sunshine romance. Parker has gone his whole life having to take care of everyone he loves and having them still leave him in the end so he knows that he has to keep Sienna at a distance. But that is hard to do when they are legally married now. They both are attracted to each other right away but because of the circumstance that they are in they both take awhile to realize how much they both mean to each other. I love that Sienna brings out a side of Parker that no one else really sees.
June 4, 2022
I received this book as an ARC but all opinions are my own.
This book was amazing and starts off with a bang dragging the reader straight into the current chaos of the characters. As the story goes on, it focus a lot on the love story as opposed to the trouble of the main characters' pasts, which there is nothing wrong with that. While the story might not involve trouble from their past following them and causing trouble, it's because of their past that a new trouble arrives and finds them.
I definitely recommend this book and I plan on reading more by Lena Hendrix and look forward to future releases. I hope we get to see more of Redemption Ranch in the future with stories of some of the others that are there (like Parker's brother and sister!).
This book was amazing and starts off with a bang dragging the reader straight into the current chaos of the characters. As the story goes on, it focus a lot on the love story as opposed to the trouble of the main characters' pasts, which there is nothing wrong with that. While the story might not involve trouble from their past following them and causing trouble, it's because of their past that a new trouble arrives and finds them.
I definitely recommend this book and I plan on reading more by Lena Hendrix and look forward to future releases. I hope we get to see more of Redemption Ranch in the future with stories of some of the others that are there (like Parker's brother and sister!).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2022
This book was so cute omg.
The start of the book was a little choppy and it just started out of no where. I would have preferred a little more smooth starting and introduction. That might throw some off but apart from that it was 10/10.
Parker and Siena were SO ADORABLE it’s crazy.
- One bed (snhxhshs)
- Grumpy sunshine
- Small town
- Forced proximity
- Arranged marriage
- Super boy obsessed
- Adorable little cottage
This book literally had all of my favourite troupes and the bonus chapter. That literally sealed the deal. 💓
The start of the book was a little choppy and it just started out of no where. I would have preferred a little more smooth starting and introduction. That might throw some off but apart from that it was 10/10.
Parker and Siena were SO ADORABLE it’s crazy.
- One bed (snhxhshs)
- Grumpy sunshine
- Small town
- Forced proximity
- Arranged marriage
- Super boy obsessed
- Adorable little cottage
This book literally had all of my favourite troupes and the bonus chapter. That literally sealed the deal. 💓
June 18, 2022
I. loved. this. one.
Okayyyy this one is my fave of the series. I’m a sucker for a grumpy exterior soft centered tatted man. Who is obsessed with his woman. This hits all the spots. Spice, suspense, and a fake marriage that starts feeling so real in the best ways. Y’all just read it. Who doesn’t love city folks trying to acclimate to a ranch in Montana? Who doesn’t love a man who loves her so much he is worried he isn’t good enough for her? Me. The answer is me.
Okayyyy this one is my fave of the series. I’m a sucker for a grumpy exterior soft centered tatted man. Who is obsessed with his woman. This hits all the spots. Spice, suspense, and a fake marriage that starts feeling so real in the best ways. Y’all just read it. Who doesn’t love city folks trying to acclimate to a ranch in Montana? Who doesn’t love a man who loves her so much he is worried he isn’t good enough for her? Me. The answer is me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 412 reviews