corbin lane needs a wife. so when he is rear-ended by teagan monroe, who happens to be having the worst day of her life, he sees an opportunity to solve both their problems. and while corbin's offer is insane, teagan's in no position to refuse.

so in fake wife, corbin and teagan find themselves committed to something they've agreed won't last. but the more time they spend with each other, the more they realize that the initial spark of attraction can ignite into something more. it can be real and lasting and everything.

corbin is all in pretty early on. he's certainly wary of commitment, but he recognizes that his feelings for teagan are more than just friendly. he wants her to share his life. he wants to make her dreams come true. he thinks she could be his true partner, someone who supports him and gets him through the hard days.

teagan on the other hand is a wreck. her self-esteem is so low, a cheating ex-fiance would do that. and she can't figure out why corbin wants her above all the other society debutantes that would be more than happy to nab him. she's also battling the feeling that she's putting her life on hold for yet another guy if she agrees to corbin's deal. but what she doesn't realize is that corbin has no desire to trap her, he wants to help her fulfill her own dreams. in agreeing to marry him, she saves his beloved grandmother's home from the clutches of his father. and securing his inheritance means everything to him, but so does teagan.

**fake wife will publish on january 9, 2018. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/random house publishing group (loveswept) in exchange for my honest review.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆
M/F Romance
Triggers: Cheating, second family

Teagan is struggling with where her life has gone. She followed the man she loved for several years, putting her own future on hold. When she doesn't think it can get worse, you guessed it – it does. Wandering aimlessly, she finds herself up against Corbin, a very eligible bachelor.

Corbin is reeling from the death of the only parent figure he's known. What he can't wrap his head around is her wishes that he settle down and have a family – especially since she never did. He has always known that he will overtake his father's company, despite having huge reservations about it. When he and Teagan cross, he sees the answer to his prayers. He just doesn't know how much his life will change.

These two give each other courage to go after what they really want. They push each other and complement each other. Trust is a difficult thing for both Corbin and Teagan and it will take all they have in each other and themselves to build that trust that others want to drag down. It was a sweet story, but felt kind of drawn out with a lot of hints at what they want, but not great communication.


Mary Jo – ☆☆☆
I did enjoy this book, but Corbin's family dynamics, his grandmother's will, and Teagan's troubles were a little much for me.

It was a classic storm of emotions on the day that Corbin and Teagan met under difficult circumstances. Given all he has to lose, Corbin chooses Teagan to help solve his problems. Teagan, leaving a long standing relationship, is hesitant to jump in with both feet, but does so anyway.

The romance itself was great, but the outside factors detracted from it.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆
This is an enjoyable read which gives you exactly what you expect, with a few twists thrown in.

What I would have liked more of was character development, rather than everything being in a tearing hurry. The best bits were when the tempo slowed and we got to understand just what Teagan and Corbin were about – for example, when they were in his barn, or in the car. So many things happened, that the speed of the relationship was just another factor, rather than being the key to the whole story. When I had finished and could review the romance in retrospect, I was pleased to have read the book.

​​​​​The marriage of convenience trope is my absolute favorite, so naturally I was drawn to Fake Wife by new to me author Stacey Lynn. It is a terrific story, with well-defined characters and a fast-paced plot. I could not get enough of this engaging romance.

Teagan Monroe is having a bad day. She losses her job, finds her boyfriend of seven years in bed with another woman, and smacks into a Mercedes, all within an hour or two. Luckily, the man driving the Mercedes is not angry. In fact, he finds her quite charming and candid, which leads him to make Teagan an offer she can't refuse.

Corbin Lane comes from wealth, and his sexiness is known throughout the Portland area. He has to get married in a hurry, in order to inherit his late grandma's waterfront home. A fake marriage is what Corbin needs and Teagan seems to fit the bill, since his wealth and place in society is of no interest to her. Teagan wants to use the money from their business arrangement to help others and go back to college. Corbin and Teagan are attracted to each other and overtime, they give in to their developing feelings.

I truly enjoyed this slightly emotional and entertaining book. To begin with, Ms. Stacey opens the story with a very exciting chapter, which sets the tone to this mostly upbeat romance. Teagan and Corbin are really good together, and each new thing they discover about each other helps create a future that neither of them could imagine. Their sexy times are hot, both in and out of the bedroom. The secondary characters are interesting all on their own, and their personalities compliment the present happenings. Don't pass on the opportunity to read Fake Wife.

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

Give me a present day marriage of convenience trope any day of the week! Corbin is a super wealthy, playboy guy who just lost his grandmother. She was important to him, as his father is a horrible man who has a family on the side and his mother is drinking herself to death. His grandmother left him her family estate – but with a condition. He must marry within six months and stay married for at least two years. Corbin knows his grandmother wants him to have someone serious in his life, but he is still pissed that he has to get married, to get his beloved family estate. He knows if his father gets a hold of the property, it will be torn down and turned into a strip mall. So Corbin will do what his grandmother wishes, and find a woman to marry.

Teagan is having the worst day of her life. First, she gets laid off from her job at the library, which she loved. Then she finds her boyfriend of seven years banging a chick in their bed. Devastated, she packs up her car with all of her belongings and starts to drive – and she accidentally drives directly into our hero. She knows who Corbin is, as his picture is flashed on all the gossip magazines. She is horrified. Expecting to be screamed at, instead Corbin invites her to lunch, and then proposes marriage. And $250,000 to stay married for two years. No sex or anything required. Just a business arrangement. Corbin is sick of dating rich girls and takes one look at Teagan and is enchanted with her and her “normalness.”

Teagan is honestly sick of putting her life on hold for men. She quit her job to move to with her cheater ex boyfriend as he went through medical school – and now she would have to put her life on hold again for another two years. I like that this is a concern for her.

“Nothing’s wrong, exactly,” Teagan says, going back to the topic. “I was just thinking today of all the times Drake asked me to put my dreams on hold, all the times he promise I’d get what I wanted once he finished his residency, and now…” Her voice trails off and she shrugs. Looking out the window, she finishes her thought on a whisper. “Now I’m doing it all over again.”

Teagan isn’t forced to have this fake marriage by any means. It’s totally her decision, and she turns out to be a really strong heroine in this book. At first, I wasn’t so sure I was going to like Corbin. A bit cocky, and always talking about women’s looks and how rich women are horrible people etc..and he only wanted to pretend marry a “normal” aka, not rich woman – I don’t know. He rubbed me the wrong way at times

[…] doesn’t get how hard it is for a man like me to find someone who actually likes me. I’ve dated more socialites and daughters of the wealthy than I can count, and all of them typically have one hand on my dick and the other reaching for my black Amex. Rich women are a pain in my ass. They’re more needy than tolerable, and more insecure than an abused dog.

Okay, okay Corbin. Let’s tone down the judgment a little bit sir.

But he turns out to be a good guy. He respects Teagan and treats her well during their fake courtship/engagement. He starts to share real things of his life with her and if he does get out of line, or forgets to be a gentleman, she is there to remind him. She is a really strong character and she made this book for me

It’s also super dirty. Once they move past the fake stuff, into real relationship territory – it gets sexxxy.

It’s a pretty quick book, so things move along fast but it worked for me

Grade: B

Teagan and Corbin’s story grabbed me from the beginning and never lost its grip. I was taken with them from the first page and fell in love with them more and more as their story progressed. I loved their chemistry, the passion, the desire they tried to hide, it was just too powerful to contain.

Teagan sounds exactly like someone I’d be great friends with. She is honest and genuine. There are no games with her. You get exactly who she is to the core, no masks or guessing games as to who she really is. Corbin has always had to wear a mask, to pose for the perfect family pictures, while his family was anything and everything opposite of perfect. Teagan brings out the man he truly is. The one he only shows to his two best friends. Speaking of them, OMG I loved their banter and playfulness. My kind of peeps!

I really hope Caitlin and Trey’s story is next – and that it is with them finding love together, not anyone else.

**I requested and received an advanced copy, provided by NetGalley and the publisher, and I am voluntarily providing an honest review**

Fake Wife by Stacey Lynn is a standalone romance novel. Teagan is a librarian and just had the worst day ever. She was let go from her job, is homeless and boyfriendless too. To top it off she's in a car accident and rear ends Corbin Lane's car.
Corbin Lane buried his grandmother and her will is not exactly in his favor, so he thinks. He needs a wife or his inheritance will go to another heir. What to do?
When a breathtaking woman read ends his Mercedes he has an inkling. Why not make Teagan his fake wife. Teagan is not amused, but somehow he convinces her.
Fake Wife is a sweet romance. The book kept me well entertained and I liked the writing, the characters and the story. I could feel the characters emotions in the words. I give 4 stars and say thank you, Stacey Lynn !

I do like the fake relationship trope so I was intrigued by this blurb. Simply put Corbin Lane needs a wife go fulfill his grandma's will. Teagan Monroe has had rough day and to top it off crashing literally into Corbin. It's the right timing though and they enter into their contract. A wife in name for Corbin and a stepping stone for Teagan to get her dream. Little did they know that attraction will be hard the no strings deal.

Teagan went into it with to start building her own equine therapy farm. She has nothing so she really needed this. She's very not Corbin's type as he says but can't deny she still pretty. With any fake relationship this one had the angst factor with all the denying feelings. The Lane family and social circle will hardest to sell their story to.

Corbin can be hot and cold making discerning what's real and not with them even harder. The way he grew up made him colder and untrusting. The more time they spend together the more his hidden persona shows. He is more than the public image for his family name. He's pretty down to earth and a good guy they are not that different really. Teagan really sees him and they get along better. But the Lane family is not without it's skeletons in the closet that may drive them apart.

It wasn't an easy story for them but I like that pull it was needed for this particular story. Otherwise it would be too easy sure it could have used less whiplash feelings and it was quite a slow burn. It definitely kept up the angst till the end. Still I liked the trope and it was done pretty well. I hope Corbin's friends get a book they were a lighter side to this story.

Good storyline with very likeable characters that made this book a very enjoyable and entertaining read!

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

Teagan is having a really bad day - she gets laid off, finds her boyfriend cheating on her, and then rear-ends Corbin's car, but that is the start of her fake relationship. They both start feeling more than pretend feelings and it is fun to read about their ups and downs to realizing that they have real feelings! It was great when Teagan would stand up to Corbin and not take his nasty mood when when were going to their first party together - love strong women!

I loved that Teagan was able to realize her dreams as well as having a great relationship with Corbin what a great HEA!!

This is an excellent sexy, sweet romance and one of my favorite genres -- I love the whole "fake" wife/relationship that turns into a smoldering hot romance and this one hits all the marks! I loved these characters so much and this author has such an easy writing style that just flows and before you know it the story is over and you want more! Corbin a the perfect alpha male and I loved Teagan the moment she opened her mouth! Loved their sexy banter and everything about this book! I definitely recommend Fake Wife if you love sexy rom coms!

I had so much fun reading this book and being drenched in the chemistry between these two who were supposed to be faking it. Teagan Monroe and Corbin Lane both had the worst days of their lives. Corbin has sat through the reading of his grandmother's will and literally had his life as he had planned pulled out from under him. Teagan started her day by being laid off from her job and then when arriving home hours early finds her long-time live in boyfriend in bed with someone else. After packing her belongings into her car and leaving she runs into Corbin...actually runs into him...his car. Talk about fate. Corbin quickly hatches a plan and within a few minutes realizes she is the solution to his problem. The chemistry between these two scorching and how long will they be able to keep it fake?

I definitely recommend this one.

**Received this ARC for review from the publisher via NetGalley**

I loved this book! Grabbed me at the first chapter. The day started out horrible when they met but a chance encounter ended up changing there lives forever. When you think you know how your life is going to end up or pan out there is always a twist or wrench thrown in there somewhere and takes you on a completely new path. Corbin and Teagan are two lost souls who complete each other when they stay out of there own heads and talk to each other. Hated to see it end but really enjoyed it. Honest review in exchange for ARC.

Want a fun steamy read with just the right amount of drama? Then look no further! Stacey Lynn's latest standalone, Fake Wife, pairs happenstance romance with undeniable attraction for a sexy read to intrigue any type of romance reader.

Teagan's life has hit the absolute lowest gutter; no job, no home, of and a boyfriend she caught cheating all on the same day. Distraught and attempting to leave, she runs in, literally to none other than Seattle's hottest bachelor, Sterling, and he has an offer that will blow her away. Sterling knew he was attracted to Teagan the minute she stepped out of her car, but when he learns she's got no where to go and he's looking for someone just like her, he thinks fate may have crashed her right in to him.

Lynn's characters manage to blend a whirlwind romance (fake..but not fake) and what feels like high-school crushes alongside Sterling trying to navigate his estranged family. I loved watching Teagan and Sterling try (and FAIL!!!) to keep away from one another but the temptation is just so strong. I also loved that Sterling isn't your typical rich hero; there's another, rougher side to him that won me over from the typical trustfund-baby shtick. With so many "what-ifs" and "oh so close" moments, this read had me hanging on the edge of my seat ans screaming for the two of them to just LOVE each other!

I have to say that marriage of convenience is one of my favorite tropes. I don’t care that it’s predictable because what I love most is how the hero and heroine try to fight a losing battles because it is a blast to watch!
Corbin and Teagan have both had their run of bad crap lately. The only family member who mattered to him died and put a huge caveat on his inheritance, which at first had me thinking, “oh, poor little rich boy.” But the more I learned about Corbin—and the sperm donor he called ‘dad’—the more I understood his reason for going through with the charade. And Teagan, well she just had one of those bad days that usually ended with all of your closest girlfriends and copious amounts of junk food and booze. Since she has no girlfriends, she gets to add more crap to her life…in the form of an auto accident.
Don’t get me wrong, Stacey Lynn didn’t reinvent the genre by any means, but Fake Wife was a fun read that kept me smiling (nearly) the whole way. I really enjoyed the insta-love where I normally loathe it, because neither Corbin nor Teagan acted on it. In fact, they fought it so hard that at times I wanted to clunk their heads together.
Fake Wife was honestly just a damn good time. There was the greedy villainous relative who wanted to take the inheritance and make even more money on it—but I’ll say it again Stacey Lynn changed it up by giving us even more reasons to hate the villain. There was the expected miscommunication, but it was resolved quick enough that it didn’t ruin the ending.
In general, I’ve been hit or miss with this author since her Fireside series ended, but Fake Wife has given me a very convenient case of reader’s amnesia because I truly enjoyed it.

Final Score - 5 Stars!

I can’t tell you how much I loved this book ... a good fake romance story - I’m especially a sucker for all of those! I loved seeing Corbin and Teagan's natural progression from virtual strangers to passionate lovers. You can't help falling in love with this couple.

Both have been hurt by past relationships, but when they started falling for each other - they tried to fight it. How can two people who entered into a contractual marriage make an honest go of it? Doesn’t matter how hard they tried not to, feelings blossomed and love found a way.

Corbin and Teagan are fictional characters, but unlike previous characters I've read - they come across as real life ones. Their predicament was the only fiction - the thoughts, emotions, how they worked through their issues - both together and apart - are what make them feel like flesh and blood people.

I adore Stacey Lynn's writing and I’m glad to have read Corbin and Teagan's story. It's reignited in me the belief that not all things are left to chance.

3.5 Stars! Fun, easy, and quick read. Loved the relationship between the two characters. If you look at the title and read the blurb, it tells you all you need to know.

It’s been so long since I read a book from Stacey and I have to say that I missed it more than I expected. Her Fireside series scarred me for life and became one of my favorite series. An amazing combination of heart wreck and heart warmth. The river of emotions that was flowing out of it was incredibly overwhelming and her writing made it even more so. This time, though, she kept the emotions in a check which was a enjoyable change from what I was used with her.

Fake Wife is a new standalone novel whose story may is developed around the familiar concept of “marriage of convenience”, but everything else is quite new. At least to my reading cells. Also, this story is one of the most perfect examples that describe the weird games life loves to play on us. And this time, her game is nothing less than brilliant. Corbin Lane & Teagan Monroe. Two incredibly different human beings with completely different life styles. Or so it seems. The one is a heir of a multi million company he wants to have nothing to do with it. The other a woman who is trying to find her place in this world. Two separate events will lead to the one who will bring them together. At first, Corbin’s grandma just passed away and declares him the hair of one of her properties which Corbin adores. But there is a catch; he must fall in love and get married in less than six months and stay that way for the next 2 years. Secondly, Teagan is first fired from her job at the library and then catches in the most horribly graphic way her boyfriend cheating on her on their bed. And then Teagan crashes with Corbin’s car and that’s where their journey to true love begins.

In general, Corbin and Teagan’s love story was one of the sweetest I have read. Although, one of the things that left a bit of a sour taste in my mouth was when she was describing the decisions she had made so far and what those had done to the course her life took. Honestly, I’m not judging her because if I was under the same circumstances I may have chosen the same. But, beyond that, it still wasn’t sitting well with me since it was making her seem more weak than she really was. Because she is an incredibly strong woman with a mind of her own and the heart and mind to teach life a lesson and succeed. Which brings me to her dream. A dream that spoke volumes of her personality and the unique kind of person she was. Some times the things that describe us the best are our dreams and not the decisions we (had to ) made in the past. And Teagan more than shows what a great human being she is.

"She sent Teagan to give me a home again, not just a house."

And now we come to Corbin. A guy who is the farthest thing from typical rich guy. In the contrary, he is the master of himself and his life and he fights for what matters to him. I simply don’t know how should I describe his goodness and his passionate nature. He quite literally swept me away. And the way he was with Teagan and how their relationship progressed so fast but so damn right, left me with no doubt that I was facing a great love. Both of them were a force to be reckoned with even at the very primary stages of them as one. Moment after moment, they were dragging me deeper into their world. And that epilogue? Oh. My!! I was done after that. A huge mush on the floor grinning like a fool.

I just love Lynn’s books for the simple reason that they always leave me up in the clouds while, firstly, taking me on a sweet strong ride of feelings. I can’t wait to read more of her books and to meet the new awesome couples she will come up with.

If you just had the worst day of your life and then the hottest bachelor in Portland asks you to marry them what would you say? Yes of course. I really enjoyed this book especially because it includes my favorite trope. This book was just perfect. It has great hero and great heroine. I loved that there was more to Corbin than just rich boy. He really loved his grandmother and he was only in the fake marriage to keep his grandmother’s home. It was the only home he really knew because he had terrible parents. I loved Teagan too. She went through so much in a short amount of time so it wasn’t hard to see her fall for someone like Corbin. As always these relationships, it never stays fake for long. Definitely recommend this one.

This was a great fake wife to real feelings story. Corbin isn't your typical rich tycoon who needs to get married in order to keep his fortune. In fact, he hates everything his father represents, because his father had a despicable life (in private anyway) and his mom had her own way to deal with things. When his beloved relative dies and stipulates that he had to marry within a few months, has to stay married for a couple of years, and that he will have to prove it, he believes it will be easy. All he had to do is keep his distance from his new wife. Until he meets Teagan. He's not sure what it is, but something about her gets him thinking things he never had before.
Teagan is truly down on her luck. She list her job, walked in on her boyfriend, whom she supported during med school, in bed with another woman, and then she his someone's car. Never in her wildest dreams did she think he would propose what he does.
As they spend more time with one another, they both fall, but don't communicate their true feelings. When his father, after a compelling reason, shows up at Corbin' their lives change drastically, just when they were happy, ask things change. I saw the issues right away, but didn't see what his dad had in store.
Can Corbin and Teagan find a way to be happy? Or, will his dad break them for good? I received an ARC in exchange for an ,voluntary review.

Wow! Get ready for some serious fun, a whole lot of sweetness, and off the charts sexy in this incredibly entertaining story. This is the first story that I have read by Stacey Lynn and it definitely will not be my last.
This was just so amazing and I feel blown away! Everything about this story was pretty perfect for me. The storyline and writing was fantastic. There were so many great details and moments that just filled me up. I thoroughly enjoyed watching them connect and learning their histories and similarities. Together they had such amazing interactions. I loved their playfulness and that building heat between the two. Their chemistry sizzled. There are ups and downs, tension and heat and it was great watching them work through their struggles as they figure everything out.
FAKE WIFE was thoroughly captivating and I couldn’t put down, reading it in one sitting and keeping me in its’ spell for days afterwards.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.