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Sherbrookes #1
Unexpectedly in Love
Tory Sherbrooke has a small dilemma. She'll be the maid of honor in a few weeks at her friend's wedding. Unfortunately, her ex-boyfriend, a man her parents want her to marry and who can't accept it'll never happen, is the groom's best man. Tory has a simple solution, though: show up with a boyfriend. And the Helping Hands Bachelor Auction seems like the perfect place to find someone to fill the role temporarily.
After losing a bet, Duncan Ferguson finds himself part of a charity bachelor auction. And when he walks on stage that night, he has a plan—take the winner out on the required four dates and then say goodbye. All that changes when Tory Sherbrooke presents a proposition he can't pass up. If Duncan spends a week in Puerto Rico pretending to be her boyfriend, she'll make a substantial donation to his favorite charity. Then once the week is over, they'll go their separate ways.
Falling in love was never on either's radar. However, the more time Tory and Duncan spend together, the more real their relationship feels. But will they both be willing to risk their hearts again?
After losing a bet, Duncan Ferguson finds himself part of a charity bachelor auction. And when he walks on stage that night, he has a plan—take the winner out on the required four dates and then say goodbye. All that changes when Tory Sherbrooke presents a proposition he can't pass up. If Duncan spends a week in Puerto Rico pretending to be her boyfriend, she'll make a substantial donation to his favorite charity. Then once the week is over, they'll go their separate ways.
Falling in love was never on either's radar. However, the more time Tory and Duncan spend together, the more real their relationship feels. But will they both be willing to risk their hearts again?
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 6, 2023
368 people are currently reading
306 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
March 17, 2023
it wasn't an exciting read, find it kind of bland and boring. and towards the end, the heroine's actions just feels a little childish to me... had an eyeroll moment when she accuse the hero of trying to use her for her political connection.
July 26, 2025
Awful Choppy
Sighs.
I really don’t like giving negative reviews. But I also believe in telling the truth.
So…
This story had potential and a reasonable though predictable and over used plot: Heroine is moh is BRF wedding, best man is the ex, so take a fake bf, who happens to be who she wins at an auction, and one she went he with and he has a secret crush on her.
The Wedding Date movie did this plot so so much better.
The story falls apart with a lot of choppy descriptions and dialogue that seems way young for 30 something’s. Also, I always felt I was missing a chapter or two bc everyone knew or related to everyone else and we get flooded over and over with soooooooooooo many characters. There this cousin, that cousin, his wife, her husband, step kids, grandparents, aunts, uncles and bc all that isn’t enough, there’s also BRF and school friends and on and on.
I needed a scorecard of who was who. Most had NOTHING todo with this story and seemed to be thrown in as a mention to a former book. Guessing there’s a LOT of previous books.
But the real choppy came from …the end of this chapter is talking at Thanksgiving and the beginning of next is Heroine hating the Hero’s bedroom color. I get the ‘sweet’ or ‘closed door’ books,but this was just so choppy and jarring. No transition at all. It made no sense. I really thought I had missed a chapter. Or two.
Also there’s insta love with no real reason beyond they like to watch old series on tv. Bam, in love. I get it from Hero; he supposedly had a crush on her for years. But readers find out she’s in love when she out of the blue says she’s in love. And why? They filled in questions from a notebook she wrote but what were the questions? Where were the deep conversations couples have? That , omg I love him/her moment?
She trusts him enough for sex but not to ask if he’s only with her bc of her family connections and it takes her making a pro con list to figure it out?
Her parents and ex and ex’s dad all want her and ex together, why? Never says.
So regretfully, even 1 star is generous for this mess. A shame,bc I really hoped for more of a Wedding Date type book.
Sighs.
I really don’t like giving negative reviews. But I also believe in telling the truth.
So…
This story had potential and a reasonable though predictable and over used plot: Heroine is moh is BRF wedding, best man is the ex, so take a fake bf, who happens to be who she wins at an auction, and one she went he with and he has a secret crush on her.
The Wedding Date movie did this plot so so much better.
The story falls apart with a lot of choppy descriptions and dialogue that seems way young for 30 something’s. Also, I always felt I was missing a chapter or two bc everyone knew or related to everyone else and we get flooded over and over with soooooooooooo many characters. There this cousin, that cousin, his wife, her husband, step kids, grandparents, aunts, uncles and bc all that isn’t enough, there’s also BRF and school friends and on and on.
I needed a scorecard of who was who. Most had NOTHING todo with this story and seemed to be thrown in as a mention to a former book. Guessing there’s a LOT of previous books.
But the real choppy came from …the end of this chapter is talking at Thanksgiving and the beginning of next is Heroine hating the Hero’s bedroom color. I get the ‘sweet’ or ‘closed door’ books,but this was just so choppy and jarring. No transition at all. It made no sense. I really thought I had missed a chapter. Or two.
Also there’s insta love with no real reason beyond they like to watch old series on tv. Bam, in love. I get it from Hero; he supposedly had a crush on her for years. But readers find out she’s in love when she out of the blue says she’s in love. And why? They filled in questions from a notebook she wrote but what were the questions? Where were the deep conversations couples have? That , omg I love him/her moment?
She trusts him enough for sex but not to ask if he’s only with her bc of her family connections and it takes her making a pro con list to figure it out?
Her parents and ex and ex’s dad all want her and ex together, why? Never says.
So regretfully, even 1 star is generous for this mess. A shame,bc I really hoped for more of a Wedding Date type book.
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December 28, 2023The premise of the story is this:
Tori, broke up with Grant a while ago, but he doesn’t get the message. Unfortunately, he is the best man at her best friend’s destination wedding. In order to avoid a week of him pestering, Tori decides to attend a bachelor auction and ask her date to pretend to be her boyfriend for the wedding.
The main problem with this story is that the wedding is only a small part of the narrative, and the fake dating is even less of a part. I don’t think we even get to the wedding to over the 50% mark, and the endless events that the bride wanted them all to attend dwindled, and were barely described on page. As a conflict, Grant had one interrupted conversation with Tori, and one with Duncan and then the wedding was over and he was basically gone from the story.
The main characters barely arrived at the wedding when they decided to date for real (no pining at all), and aside from one very contrived third-act conflict (which was resolved by a single conversation), their romance went smoothly from attraction, to love.
I struggled personally keeping track of the sheer number of characters introduced into this story--cousins as close as siblings, aunts, uncles, parents, and friends--which kind of felt like it might be set up for other books in the series, but made it hard as a reader, since I didn’t know who was going to be important for this book.
I’m sure this book will be a great fit for some people, but it didn’t hit the mark for me.
Tori, broke up with Grant a while ago, but he doesn’t get the message. Unfortunately, he is the best man at her best friend’s destination wedding. In order to avoid a week of him pestering, Tori decides to attend a bachelor auction and ask her date to pretend to be her boyfriend for the wedding.
The main problem with this story is that the wedding is only a small part of the narrative, and the fake dating is even less of a part. I don’t think we even get to the wedding to over the 50% mark, and the endless events that the bride wanted them all to attend dwindled, and were barely described on page. As a conflict, Grant had one interrupted conversation with Tori, and one with Duncan and then the wedding was over and he was basically gone from the story.
The main characters barely arrived at the wedding when they decided to date for real (no pining at all), and aside from one very contrived third-act conflict (which was resolved by a single conversation), their romance went smoothly from attraction, to love.
I struggled personally keeping track of the sheer number of characters introduced into this story--cousins as close as siblings, aunts, uncles, parents, and friends--which kind of felt like it might be set up for other books in the series, but made it hard as a reader, since I didn’t know who was going to be important for this book.
I’m sure this book will be a great fit for some people, but it didn’t hit the mark for me.
February 10, 2023
This is book one in The Sherbrookes series and it is Tory and Duncan’s story and what a great start to a new series. Tory is going to be maid of honour at her friends wedding but unfortunately her ex boyfriend is the best man so now Tory needs to come up with a solution and a fake boyfriend would be perfect and she thinks that she has now found the perfect way to move forward. When Duncan lost a bet he ends up being part of a charity bachelor auction and he is determined to fill his role of four dates then he can walk away but things don’t always go as planned. When Tory proposed a plan that would help them both Duncan feels that he can’t say no but the more time that they spend together there fake relationship suddenly starts to feel real but is it just the situation or is it more and with them having trust issues will they be able to move forward and see what happens or will they walk away both missing out on something special. I absolutely loved this book and it had great characters and a storyline that pulled you in and kept your attention and I look forward to reading more books in this series.
February 11, 2023
This book is set in the Sherbrooke world of wealth, charity events, politics, entitlement and family connections. The story is so full of references to the large numbers of connected friends and families that it can be very confusing unless a reader is familiar with the Sherbrookes of Newport series. Tory Sherbrooke recently moved from California to Boston. A friend suggests that Tory bid at a charitable Bachelor Auction, and then get the bachelor to be her fake date at an upcoming wedding. Having a fake date would let Tory avoid an obnoxiously persistent ex who will be in the wedding party. Duncan is participating in the auction as the result of a bet. After she wins him in the auction, their genuine connection is inevitable. Duncan and Tory had met in high school, discover they live in the same building and already have some connections. Dual points of view let the reader enjoy their developing relationship. Sweet story with closed-door sex and a HEA. I received an advance copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 13, 2023
Tory is tired of trying to make her ex understand there is no future for them. She is the maid of honor at her best friend’s wedding and her ex is the best man. Her friend decides the best solution is to have a fake boyfriend for the week of wedding activities in Puerto Rico. Duncan has lost a bet with his best friend and now has to participate in a charity bachelor auction. He’d rather be anywhere else. Although when he’s purchased by Tory, he agrees to be her fake boyfriend and she agrees to help him as well. Almost as soon as they start getting to know each other, the fake feelings seem to become real.
Duncan is the type of man who really likes to help people. He’s warm, funny, and swoon worthy. Tory has some trust issues based on her previous relationships, but she is sweet and intelligent. This is a sweet fake boyfriend romance and it’s just right! It’s cute and a bit angsty, and the HEA is lovely! I received an arc of this book from Booksprout, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Duncan is the type of man who really likes to help people. He’s warm, funny, and swoon worthy. Tory has some trust issues based on her previous relationships, but she is sweet and intelligent. This is a sweet fake boyfriend romance and it’s just right! It’s cute and a bit angsty, and the HEA is lovely! I received an arc of this book from Booksprout, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
July 11, 2024
Love Is Often Unexpected
Unexpectedly In Love is the romance between Duncan and Tory. Its another love story involving the Sherbrookes.
This book had me puzzled most of the time because I didn't realize who the characters were, even the Sherbrookes. I recognized most names and everyone seemed familiar. However, it's been so long since I read the last book about the Sherbrookes, I didn't remember who they were.
Even though the book was an interesting light read, you really must know a little about the relationships of the Sherbrookes, friends and relatives.
Otherwise, its not as enjoyable and doesn't seem to be a stand-alone book. The good thing is that I can reread some of the books since I enjoyed reading all of them. Then I can reread this one which should be more enjoyable.
I have the second book in this series but will wait to read it until I've skimmed some of the past books. Perhaps I should have read them book when I bought them over a year ago.
Unexpectedly In Love is the romance between Duncan and Tory. Its another love story involving the Sherbrookes.
This book had me puzzled most of the time because I didn't realize who the characters were, even the Sherbrookes. I recognized most names and everyone seemed familiar. However, it's been so long since I read the last book about the Sherbrookes, I didn't remember who they were.
Even though the book was an interesting light read, you really must know a little about the relationships of the Sherbrookes, friends and relatives.
Otherwise, its not as enjoyable and doesn't seem to be a stand-alone book. The good thing is that I can reread some of the books since I enjoyed reading all of them. Then I can reread this one which should be more enjoyable.
I have the second book in this series but will wait to read it until I've skimmed some of the past books. Perhaps I should have read them book when I bought them over a year ago.
March 1, 2023
This is the first book in a new series, set in the same world as the Sherbrookes of Newport series. It is a world of tight family bonds, friends in high places, politics, entertainment, and privlege. Many of the characters have appeared in other books with in the established Sherbrooke world, but while reading them might give the reader more insight into them, I feel like this can easily be read and enjoyed without having dived into the others.
I enjoyed the dual POVs of Tory and Duncan, letting the reader get to know each of them as the story develops. Tory is intelligent and driven, but she has trust issues after having been burned more than once by bad relationships. Duncan is a kind soul, always ready to help others. And the plot trope of “fake boyfriend” really worked with them. It’s got all the romance and just enough angstiness to keep it interesting! Unexpectedly in Love is closed-door and ends with an HEA.
I enjoyed the dual POVs of Tory and Duncan, letting the reader get to know each of them as the story develops. Tory is intelligent and driven, but she has trust issues after having been burned more than once by bad relationships. Duncan is a kind soul, always ready to help others. And the plot trope of “fake boyfriend” really worked with them. It’s got all the romance and just enough angstiness to keep it interesting! Unexpectedly in Love is closed-door and ends with an HEA.
February 13, 2023
Tory needs a date for a wedding and decides the best plan is to buy Duncan from a charity auction and neither realise that it's the start of something more than a fake date. I really liked how Tory and Duncan knew each other from afar back in their school days so they had a connection to begin with and from the first time they meet for dinner and to work out a plan for the wedding they are like two peas in a pod. The natural gravitation to each other and how well they get on is obvious and you get excited to see where things go, although you know something to do with Tory's ex is likely t put a spanner in the mix. You get plenty of laughs, tension, frustration as well as romance, some familiar characters and excitement of seeing where this series will go!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 2, 2023
This story is set in the world of the Sherbrooke family that spans decades. For those of us who have read most, if not all, of the series, those names that come up in this story should sound familiar. In this story, Tory Sherbrooke finds herself in an untenable situation. She has tried to convince her ex that there's no future for them, but there's a slight problem. Her best friend is getting married and she is the maid of honor, while her ex is the best man. With the idea of finding a fake date for the wedding, she participates in a charity bachelor auction. Duncan is a great-looking, kind and generous man, and it's not a stretch to find that they make the perfect date. As they get to know one another, there are real feelings that come to the surface. This is a sweet story with dynamic and believable characters plus a perfect HEA.
January 31, 2023
If you’ve read this author you know there are plenty interconnected people within her many series. This time we have Tory and Duncan in a fake relationship so she can get rid of a troublesome ex. It’s fun and cute with many sweet moments, easy to follow to the HEA. These are books where money is not an issue and the main characters are settled in their careers. However, there are lots of names dropped it got a bit awkward to read. I enjoy reading books with cameos of favorite characters but at times it seemed a bit overwhelming and unnecessary. I enjoyed an early copy and left my review voluntarily.
February 10, 2023
Leave the past there.
Tori and Duncan for the cuteness. I was always curious about her upbring, and now I. know that her parents need to stay in the background. She is more like the Sherbrookes we know and love.
Duncan, as a hero, did not disappoint me as I LOVED him in Alec story. He held his composure better than me when dealing with Grant. I would have told him where to go at first meeting.
Only thing I wish is that there was more of them. A resolving of conflicts outside of themselves. Overall, a good read.
Tori and Duncan for the cuteness. I was always curious about her upbring, and now I. know that her parents need to stay in the background. She is more like the Sherbrookes we know and love.
Duncan, as a hero, did not disappoint me as I LOVED him in Alec story. He held his composure better than me when dealing with Grant. I would have told him where to go at first meeting.
Only thing I wish is that there was more of them. A resolving of conflicts outside of themselves. Overall, a good read.
January 7, 2024
“Usually, Tory wouldn't enjoy seeing someone embarrass themselves or hope they did it again. Neither would Ivy. But Tasha wasn't like most people, and she usually brought it on herself. Not only that, but if the possibility of Tasha making a fool out of herself got Ivy to agree to come, Tory wasn't above using it, especially since Ivy might say now that they could continue going on their girls-only trips, but it might change once she was married.”
If you can make sense of this or, more importantly, CARE about whatever the hell this says, you’re a better reader than me. DNF 1%.
If you can make sense of this or, more importantly, CARE about whatever the hell this says, you’re a better reader than me. DNF 1%.
February 8, 2023
Tory needs a date for a wedding in Puerto Rico since her ex will be in attendance so she goes to the bachelor auction with the idea she will get her a date for the wedding and then they go their separate ways. Duncan and Tory start as fake dating for the wedding and soon changes into something real. Well written and great characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 11, 2023
Tory needs a date for a friend's wedding and having to be around her ex who can't take the fact that they will never marry is not an option. She comes up with a wonderful idea by going to an auction and bidding on a man. She wins Duncan and makes a bargain one he can't refuse but will playing the role of her fake fiance backfire on them? This story had me all caught up in their drama from start to finsih!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 12, 2023
Tory needs to get her ex to leave her alone and Duncan agrees participate in a bachelor auction after losing a bet. They didn’t expect their pretend relationship to turn into something more but I could see the connection and chemistry from the beginning. Still they had communication issues not talking about their mutual attraction and Tory letting insecurities from being used in previous relationships cloud her judgement.
February 13, 2023
Unexpectedly In Love (Book 1 of The Sherbrookes) by Christina Tetreault. A simple solution seems to be the easy answer, but Tory and Duncan didn’t expect those pesky real feelings to come out. I enjoyed this story, its setting, and the characters. I found it to be a well written story that kept me engaged and entertained. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 13, 2023
This is part of the "Sherbrookes" series. It is Tory and Duncan unexpected love story. Tory is about to be the maid of honor in a wedding her ex-boyfriend is the best man for. Duncan is part of a bachelor auction and wants to get it over and done with. Tory and Duncan strike a deal and never expect what the out come will be. I enjoyed their story and love the characters. The fake to so much more story is entertaining with some humor, drama and sweetness.
February 14, 2023
I have loved this world and following these characters that Christina Tetreault created. She is an excellent writer with great storylines and likable characters. I experienced frustration, anger, heartache, relief and happiness as I smiled, frowned, laughed, teared up, and giggled. So many emotions with a feel good read. I always look forward to more from this auther.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 15, 2023
Tory is the maid of honor in her best friend wedding. Problem is the best man, who happens to be her ex. And there’s no chance of it happening again. Plan- bring a pretend boyfriend to the destination wedding. Tory wins the bid for Duncan at an auction and gives him an offer that he can’t refuse. Will this pretend couple become the real thing? Good book. Can’t wait to read more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 11, 2024
hmmmm
This story started out rather bluntly for a first in series, no backgrounds given, no context to characters, after a while it’s obvious we are reading about very wealthy people with political connections. Also a lot of family!So from there it’s basic romance with one small Ex boyfriend who didn’t want to give up and an insecurity then all is forgiven and that’s the story.
While there is no bad language at all there is some crudeness. I’m not recommending this book.
This story started out rather bluntly for a first in series, no backgrounds given, no context to characters, after a while it’s obvious we are reading about very wealthy people with political connections. Also a lot of family!So from there it’s basic romance with one small Ex boyfriend who didn’t want to give up and an insecurity then all is forgiven and that’s the story.
While there is no bad language at all there is some crudeness. I’m not recommending this book.
December 12, 2025
This is the 6th book I've read by Tetreault and I enjoyed 4 of them, but NOT this one. She has too many characters - she introduced at least 35 characters in the FIRST chapter - cousins, aunts, uncles, friends. And throughout the book, introduced even more. Not just that, but she elaborated about ALL of them - so much unnecessary information throughout the book. I never bothered to finish this book. This was also true with another one in this series - The Irresistible Billionaire.
December 15, 2025
I enjoyed it until…
Worth the read if you enjoy books about the entitled 1%. Spending without any inhibition or discretion. Looking into that lifestyle was fun. The pigheaded ex was a great villain…but then… I couldn’t finish the story when the author felt the need to bring into the story another hurdle. I was done. No regrets that I didn’t finish and no regrets that I read over 75%. Well enough edited, but could have used a Beta to catch a few issues.
Worth the read if you enjoy books about the entitled 1%. Spending without any inhibition or discretion. Looking into that lifestyle was fun. The pigheaded ex was a great villain…but then… I couldn’t finish the story when the author felt the need to bring into the story another hurdle. I was done. No regrets that I didn’t finish and no regrets that I read over 75%. Well enough edited, but could have used a Beta to catch a few issues.
February 14, 2023
I'm a new reader to this author and haven't gotten familiar with all of the characters yet but I'll be catching up for sure. I really enjoyed Tori and Duncan's story...it might have been unconventional at first but it lead to a happy ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 15, 2023
An auction leads to a fake BF
That auction sure is working for those Sherbrooke’s. Tory bids on Duncan (she did her research). She’ll make a deal with him so he can play her BF in Puerto Rico at a wedding and she’ll donate to his cause. Duncan’s pretty cool and not a player. He and Tory make a great couple.
That auction sure is working for those Sherbrooke’s. Tory bids on Duncan (she did her research). She’ll make a deal with him so he can play her BF in Puerto Rico at a wedding and she’ll donate to his cause. Duncan’s pretty cool and not a player. He and Tory make a great couple.
January 5, 2024
I enjoyed the story well enough, but there were way too many superfluous characters, especially in the first 20% of the book. Lots and lots of names and introductions to characters that weren’t important to the story. Later on there were lots and lots of family members and friends who did have a part to play, but it was a lot of names and relationships to try and keep straight.
February 18, 2024
it was ok
I did not like the lack of steamy romantic situations. It was an ok story too much family involvement. Did not like that we did not get to a proposal or wedding for the main couple with the details surrounding it. Was a little choppy in places and did not have that swoon quality. I gave it a 3 because the premise was good it just had more opportunity to be developed.
I did not like the lack of steamy romantic situations. It was an ok story too much family involvement. Did not like that we did not get to a proposal or wedding for the main couple with the details surrounding it. Was a little choppy in places and did not have that swoon quality. I gave it a 3 because the premise was good it just had more opportunity to be developed.
December 12, 2025
I had problems to get into the story. There are so many characters, as I hadn't read the other series "The Sherbrooks of Newport" I was lost. You have many of her cousins with partners who are somehow connected, you get his family and cousins as well connected to her friends, just too many names in the beginning.
The plot was nothing you have not read before, fake date for a wedding where the heroine is the maid of honor and the bestman is her ex-boyfriend. To avoid drama she buys a date at a bachelor auction. The story follows the chliché ....
Poor spelling and grammar reduced my fun to read.
The plot was nothing you have not read before, fake date for a wedding where the heroine is the maid of honor and the bestman is her ex-boyfriend. To avoid drama she buys a date at a bachelor auction. The story follows the chliché ....
Poor spelling and grammar reduced my fun to read.
January 27, 2023
Tori wins Duncan at a charity bachelor auction and shares her plan for him to attend her friend’s wedding as her date to rid herself of an ex. Great novel with unexpected love occurring.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 7, 2023
Tetreault brings more than emotion to the table. Her sense of humor, love of romance and soulful storytelling are enough to put the moves on any heart. Duncan and Tory breath new life into an endearing canvas of characters. Familiar faces, irresistible stories.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews