Fake Bride

Forbidden First Times #2

by Sofia T. Summers

Find a new town.
Pick up my bags.
Disappear.

That’s what I did to get away from my abusive ex.
Chicago’s been great so far.
And what’s been even better?
The billionaire who owns the building.
So, what did I do when he asked me to play his fake wife?
I looked into his gorgeous eyes and nodded my head.
Let’s face it.
I could use that money.
And I could use his company.
Laird is nothing like my ex.
Giving him my heart means that I’ve left my past behind.
But what will happen in the future once that past comes knocking at my door?

Standalone romance, no cliffhanger, HEA Guaranteed.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance

269 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 8, 2020

About the author

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

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

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

Sofia loves reader feedback: authorsofia@sofiatsummers.com

Reviews

[Jessica Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story of a fake marriage to a for real relationship with good suprises throughout it. The characters are strong, especially Trudie. Laird is a good goofy alpha male that is a great match for her. Even with the goof ups from Laird, you can't help, but laugh at some parts of the story.

There's a ton of trauma in Trudie's past. She's done a lot to make the trail hidden as much as possible. If only she could really get out from this rock she hidden herself under. Then Laird steps into her life. He seems to be everything she would want in a guy. Only what he wants is a weird request. Can she do it and still leave with her heart unbroken?

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (10/3/2020)! 🎁

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. When laird hindes from the trek magazine needs a wife to go with him to Ireland to see his family. He asked the new barista trudie who has a past . This was a beautiful awesome story.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book starts right after Christmas in Chicago, when the rush has slowed down and Trudie is working at Buzz, a coffee shop on the 1st floor of the building that houses Laird’s magazine.
Laird needs a “bride/wife” to take to his cousin’s wedding in Ireland. His parents had told his cousins he wasn’t a “lonely bachelor” and that he was married. His brother Liam didn’t help him out either.
He had seen Trudie the week before when he stopped in at Buzz for a coffee. When he broaches the idea of being his “fake bride/wife” Trudie’s first response is “What’s in it for me.” Laird responds with “$50,000.”
She takes several days and agrees. Her reasons for taking the money are very good and would help her immensely. While Laird was going to try and put one past his cousins.
Are her reasons good enough to take this risk?

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Trudie
1. From New Mexico, in her 20’s, warm hazel eyes, soft smile,
2. Works at Buzz, a coffee shop, as a barista.
3. Trudie’s comments on she needed the $50,000 and Pete
a. She could get Pete off of her back forever.
b. She could get a proper apartment.
c. She could have a savings account.
4.

Pete – Trudie’s ex
1. Had been charming and could easily talk to people.
2. Had complimented Trudie a lot and then the tables turned and he became demeaning.

Laird Hindes
1. From Ireland,36 years-old,
2. Owner of The Trek, a sports magazine. His office is on the top floor of the building where the coffee shop is located.
3. Trudie’s take on Laird:
a. Voice: Deep, smooth and soothing.
b. Has a “cool” accent.
c. Spoke with an “air of sophistication” that made Trudie feel like some “backwaters girl.”
d. Massive dork.
4. Has a hard time talking to women.

Red
1. Manager of The Buzz where Trudie works


Liam Hindes
1. Lairds brother

Jack
1. CFO of The Trek
2. Laird’s bff

[JoAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fake Bride was at times playful and other times quite steamy but there was darkness too given Trudie's past and what she was running from. The story had a nice flow to it and kept my interest from the first page to the last. The prologue set the stage and the epilogue gave me some of the closure I look for in a story. There was definitely a happily ever after but it seemed to get lost since it didn't have the details I was hoping for. I loved the cover and especially Trudie's smile.

The story was told by Trudie or Laird in alternating chapters. I liked that we got to know them a little at a time. There was definitely a depth to the characters and Laird seemed too good to be true and a billionaire besides but he proved himself several times over. I enjoyed his relationship with his family and his best friend, Jack and Trudie's boss, Red, was a nice addition to the story as was her landlord, Edith. It was nice to see Trudie get a network of friends and people she can rely on given her past. I got to see Chicago and Ireland through their eyes since Laird played tour guide to Trudie in both places and there were beautiful descriptions and details. There were secrets, lots of romance, loving with hot between the sheet moments along with other places too, love plus lots of food.

Ms. Summers is a new author and I've enjoyed reading her first two books. I look forward to reading more.

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

ONE FUN-FILLED BLOCK BUSTER!!!
Pesky pixies! Sofia pours it on thick, tasty and delectable with this beautifully composed crème de la crème, rolling out one compelling storyline and gripping plot, ratcheting up the heat and magic, wrapping this baby up sleek, shiny and tight. Blasting through boundaries and pushing the limits, displaying the illusions and testing realities, being weighed and balanced, booting this gem into the eye of the storm, slamming it into overdrive, launching it into a frenzy with a eye-opening realization. Braided, bound and tightly woven, displaying the explosive ups and agonizing downs, grounding in it's simplicity and awe-inspiring in it's depth. Shenanigans, escapades and havoc run amuck, rousting the drama, anxiety, intrigue, turmoil, secrets, underlying threats, mounting suspense and intense situations along with a double dose of quick wit, you have one jaw dropping masterpiece. The attraction and chemistry builds as each layer is peeled back exposing intense undeniable emotions, binding them to one another perfectly. The characters are complex and genuine with traits and qualities that add depth and realism that blend and flow, transforming into amazing personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and descriptions that feel as though you were transported to ground zero with them. Remarkable job Sofia, thanks for sharing this lil' fella with us.

[Jeanne Jabour · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was my first time reading a Sofia Summers novel and I was not disappointed. The story starts with a very interesting premise, Trudie, a beautiful young woman, has escaped from her physically and mentally abusive boyfriend to start a new life in Chicago when Laird, a tall, handsome billionaire, asks her to pose as his wife for a trip to Ireland to attend his cousins wedding. Laird falls head over heels in love with Trudie who he knows is hiding a painful past from him. Trudie is always looking over her shoulder in fear that her ex-boyfriend will find her in spite of the many efforts she has taken to change her identity and hide. Each time Laird sees Trudie flinch or pull away from him, he resolves to take care of her and protect her from whatever trauma she suffered in her past. I won't give away any more of the plot except to say that it is funny, sweet, sexy, hot, scary, exciting and fast-paced - all at the same time. Ms. Summers is a really good writer and teller of tales. She has woven a great story that has it all. I am now on the lookout for more books from this author.

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

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one special love story about a Fake marriage between Trudie and Laird. We meet Trudie in a new town working in a coffee shop, Buzz after finally getting away from her abusive ex, Pete. Trudie is learning to live on her own in a co-op and earning money to get by. When Laird comes into Buzz and ask Trudie to be his fake bride she is totally shocked but her boss lets her know that Laird is a good guy and she should listen to his offer. Laird was put into this situation by his parents as they told their family he was married and with his cousins wedding coming up in Ireland, Laird was put in a sticky place. Once these two get on the same page about the fake marriage they seem to fall into a seamless relationship and learn to fall in love with one another and keep those feelings to themselves. I absolutely feel in love with these two and how they genuinely feel for one another and once the deal is over they are both miserable. When the other shoe falls for Trudie and her past catches up with her Laird jumps in and does what any good husband would do, protect his wife even though they are not married! This is one enjoyable read and one not to miss! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very nice romance with two great characters. Trudie has been in an abusive relationship both physically and mentally with her ex-boyfriend. She escapes to work at a new life in Chicago. Laird is a handsome billionaire who needs a fake wife to attend his cousin’s wedding in Ireland, thanks to comments made by his parents and brother to the relatives. He had seen her working as a barista at the coffee shop earlier, so he asks Trudie if she will play that role for $50,000. Needing the money, she finally accepts.

From the start, shy and awkward Laird begins to fall for Trudie, suspecting she has had a troubled past because of the way she keeps nervously looking around as if someone unpleasant will make an appearance. He already wants to protect her from whatever has hurt her.

I really enjoyed the characters in this book. It was good to see how comfortable Trudie became around Laird. And he was terrific, kind, loving, generous, and a good family man. It was clear that he would do anything for her, right from the start. And she has built up an additional network of friends who will come to her aid when she needs them. It may take some healing, but Trudie is finally in very capable, loving hands!

[Sugan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of my favorite "fake marriage" stories that I have read. Trudie's (h) background helped t make the story different from other fake marriage stories. It added some depth to her character and made the plot more interesting. I also liked the way Sofia T. Summers her (H) Laird a little "awkward". " male His nervous habit of getting tongue tied around women made him so likable and relateable. Thank goodness someone didn't make this the "perfect alpha again. That has been done to death! Laird is a real guy, rich, but real. He is kind, loving, family oriented, and generous to a fault. add to that an Irish brogue and a trip to Ireland, and swooooo,! Trudie is a survivor - brave, determined, independent, and longing to be loved. From the very first time they meet, you can feel their connection. Even if you know they get together (because, after all, it is a romance story) you will still find yourself rooting for them throughout the book!
This is the second book in the series and I would highly recommend them both. I hope that Jack gets his own story!

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fake Bride by Sofia T. Summers was a touching, heartfelt story that gave me goose pimples and little heart palpitations throughout. It was sighingly romantic. It’s the story of Laird and Trudie. He’s a wealthy owner of a Sports Magazine. She is running from an abusive relationship and has changed her identity. She gets a job as a barista in a coffee shop. His parents announced he was married….but, ummmm no. So, he needs a bride…FAST!

This story is sooooooooooooo desperately sweet, touching, romantic, sizzling, frightening, engrossing…you name it….every element is there. Vividly detailed and heartachingly touching….this was a story I will remember for a long time!!!!!

I am volunteering to leave a review for an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

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

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading Fake Bride by Sofia T Summers because it was such a great book!!! This particular book is about Trudie and Laird. Trudie is on the run from an abusive boyfriend and she had to change almost everything about her to have her ex not find her. Laird needs a fake wife to go to a cousin's wedding in Ireland and "hires" Trudie to play that part. I absolutely love fake marriages because it always seems that in the end, the couple always falls for each other. Trudie is very comfortable with Laird. They had a very steamy and passionate "fake" relationship. Laird was willing to do anything to help Trudie. I loved that he cared so much for her. This was a very sweet book that I highly recommend reading!!!

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

[Cay Scheumack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trudie, running away from an abusive relationship settled in Chicago, lived in a co-op, found a job as a barista and hoped she could start over. Laird was a handsome, shy Irish businessman who owned the building where Trudi worked. He would go in the coffee shop everyday despite being a coffee snob just to say hi to Trudi and watch her while she made his coffee. One day, he blurted out " Will you be my fake bride?" After explanations, talks, dates and a fifty thousand dollar offer, she agreed. Laird's parents had lied to their large family that he was married. With his cousins wedding coming up, he needed a fake bride to teach them a lesson. Laird was not ready to settle down yet and was very awkward and shy around women, other than family. This is their story.

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

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first time reading this author and I am impressed. Trudie breaks away from an abusive ex. She moves to Chicago to start a new life. She has tried to be careful in covering her tracks and settles into her new city and working as a barista.
Laird is the billionaire Irishman who owns the building. He is sweet and awkward. He goes to get coffee just to see Trudie.
When he blurts out a proposal for her to be his fake fiancé and travel to Ireland for a family wedding she agrees.
These two are so sweet together and I adored Laird. The drama ratchets up when her past comes back. This book was very well written.
Great characters and humor, heart and drama.
I will definitely be reading more of this author.

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

[Margery Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real treat!
When Nathan’s ex shows up after abandoning Emma with him as a baby he is ready for a fight. She wants custody although she has never seen her in the three years since her birth. This is definitely a no-go in his book, and he recruits Jessica, his co-worker, to marry him in exchange for a partnership in the practice. She would do anything for him, and he can’t think of anyone he cares for and trusts more. Things don’t go as smoothly as they hoped, and he loses total custody of her because of a mistake they made. Will they get Emma back? Will they still remain friends? Will this incident cause them to think of each other differently? Great characters, story, and writing make this a hard-to-put-down read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout in addition to getting it on KU and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a read Trudy has been through hell and back with her ex who is hot and heavy after her life couldn't get any worse for her so she believes anyway. Laird has bad well life the only problem he has is that his family is always wanting fix him up with someone new , and he figures that in order to get them off his back is to find someone to be his fake wife for a few weeks . with Trudy and laird their is an instinct actration to each other , but neither want to tell the other so they believe that not telling is better . Trudy's past is going to catch up with her in time but she just doesn't want tit to affect laird life and the life they could have together . I received this book as a arc for a honest review I can say that this book is a sweet romance that has a lot of heart felt scene from both sides .

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun and cute story of a fake marriage turning into a real relationship. Laird needs a wife to take to his cousin's wedding in Ireland. He approaches Trudie with an offer to be his fake wife, and because she could put the money to good use, she later accepts. While the story is at times lighthearted and fun, there is also an emotional side to it. The story had a nice flow to it and definitely kept my interest all the way through. I loved the characters of Laird and Trudie. Their relationship may have started out as fake, but they were certainly loyal and protective each other. It was nice to see how things eventually played out. This was my first time reading something by this author and I really enjoyed. I will be looking for more of her books to read.

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

[Birgit · Rating 4 out of 5]

If there were half stars here, this book would get 4.5 stars from me.

I loved the characters and the flow of the storyline. This was a great read that I enjoyed a lot.It’s well-written and entertaining, the storyline is well-paced and the characters are well-developed.

It drew me in at the first pages and kept me entertained all the way through. An emotionally charged story that kept me flipping the pages until the last word. The incredible chemistry between Trudie and Liard, makes it a beautiful love story.

So, go ahead, grab this book and let the story give you relaxed reading time.

I received an ARC of this book provided via Booksprout. I have voluntarily chosen to leave my review in support of this book.

[Reading to Stay Awake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trigger Alert - Beware!! This book has starts with triggering issues of Domestic Abuse and coercive and violent behaviours!!

This is my second Sofia T Summers book and I loved it! The DA element of the book is well written dealt with sensitively but truthfully as it should be so as to highlight that it happens.

Cute lovable characters that have fantastic chemistry both as friends and lovers from the start and their great dynamic had me smiling through each page. They are supported by a well thought out cast of background characters.

Nothing bad to say about this book; just a great read to the HEA.

I loved this book and recommend that you read it to make up your own mind xx

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

[Susanh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyable

Laird’s parents have told his family that he’s married. Seems his brother and all of the cousin in his extended family have paired off and the family’s concerned he’s alone. He’s not, they are. Now he has to come up with a wife for a family wedding to avoid embarrassment. When he sees Trudie he thinks he’s found the perfect girl, just his type and available. But there’s something she’s not telling him, and it’s a whopper.

Trudie is running from her abusive ex. She’s just trying to keep her head down and survive. One day at work she gets a proposal, a literal marriage proposal, from one of the hottest men she’s ever seen. Seems he needs a wife immediately and Trudie was in his sights. She’s been assured that he’s a nice guy, just shy around women. Oh really?

[Magali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good romance
The story is simple, hot and I was excited to know how Trudie will manage her life after fleeing an abusive situation.
She recently moved to Chicago because she fled her ex-boyfriend, Pete who was violent and manipulative. So when a magazine's boss, Laird, asks her to play his fake wife for compensation, and to go to a wedding in Europe, Trudie jumps at the chance.
She then offers herself a chance to get out of the terror in which her ex had plunged her and to rebuild herself and have a new life especially with Laird by whom she is strongly attracted, which is reciprocal.
I really liked Laird's awkward side to women.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book

[Anita Fuhrmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful love story with an uplifting message of hope that no matter how bleak it may seem, there really are good guys out there. This is what Trudie discovers when she runs from her abusive ex and takes a chance, disappearing to Chicago. There she takes a job as a barista and meets Laird, a shy reclusive billionaire who has a very unusual request of her. When the past catches up with her Laird is right there to protect her and proves that good can come out of bad situations if there is love as a base to build on! I absolutely loved this book and I am so glad that I have discovered this author!

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

[Tesh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this but did lead me to ask questions throughout. For someone with an abusive past, she stepped into the limelight pretty easily. I did feel like she was not thinking things through. But suspending all belief and reading for enjoyment, I did have a good time. There was certainly drama behind this story, an abusive past, of being found etc, romance and steam, crossing lines and blurred lines for that matter. They were certainly a good couple once they got it together. She was pretty naive but desperation does that to you as well. The build up in romance was slow. All in all a good story and well worth the read.

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

[Gladys Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fake Bride. This book had a great story line. The Billionaire falls for a regular woman with secrets to hide. Trudie runs away from her past to start over. She meets Billionaire Irishman Laird at the coffee shop in his building. He immediately wants her to play along with his scheme to get back at his parents. Trudie accepts and begins a relationship she needs to be careful of in case it gets out of hand. But unfortunately she falls for him not knowing how he feels. Then life takes a turn when her past catches up with her. A great romance read! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. *** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***

[Jill Badker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trudie was escaping an abusive relationship and only wanted to protect herself, than having a customer walk up to her counter and ask her to be his fake bride was something she never expected. Now she had to decide if the money he was offering would be helpful or if doing this she would become more vulnerable. Laird was only trying to fool his family and keep them off his back, but not feeling confident talking to woman he was scared of how things would go if Trudie excepted his offer. Then getting to know her more he feels she is hiding things, but he is hiding his true feelings for her too. Now after fooling his family Trudie and Laird had to decide if they are going to tell each other the truth or keep on hiding their true feelings.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laird is a successful rich businessman who needs someone to act as his wife at his cousins wedding because his parents have told everyone he's gotten married. Trudie is a barista at the coffee shop in the building Laird owns. When Laird asks her to act as his wife for a substaintial amount of money, Trudie reluctantly agrees, with the money she earns, she can really start over and get her own place. When neither one counts on, is that they are both extremely attracted to each other. He's awkward around woman and she thinks there's no way someone like him could fall for someone like her. Some how they need to work through this and both admit their feeling. Quick read and cute story! I received an ARC from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Evie V. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trudie got away from her abusive ex and began to get her new life on track when Laird pops the question. Laird had to find someone to help him with the problem his family started. When Laird saw Trudie he knew that she was perfect, but the way he came at it wasn't very good. Trudie didn't know if she should agree to become Laird's fake wife, but she also needed help. Trudie agrees to Laird crazy idea and that's when an amazing adventure begins. Laird and Trudie begin to fall in love and they can't help it. This story is a must-read that will get a hold of you from the start. I received a free copy from the author and reviewed voluntarily.

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trudie and Laird will grab your heart and take you on an emotional roller coaster. It was hard not to fall in love with Laird, he was such a nice guy. So sweet and generous. I loved their back and forth banter. The story was told from a dual POV in alternating chapters. Trudie had a hidden dark side in that she had changed her identity and was running from an abusive ex. Fate brings her and Laird together and she agrees to be his fake bride since she needs the money. The chemistry between the two was amazing and he was so protective of her. A beautiful love story that I read as an arc and voluntarily chose to review.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is one of my new favorite fake marriage books! Laird and Trudie have amazing chemistry even if they don’t see it at first and then deny it when it’s finally obvious to them and others. Trudie is running from an abusive ex and has a hard time opening up about her past. I love how everything is slow moving for them and they take there time getting to know each other even though it’s a “fake” relationship to fool and teach his parents a lesson. I was hooked from page one of this book and had a very hard time putting it down! You won’t regret reading this amazing story today!

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

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trudie deserved ALL the love, support, friendship, protection and family she found with Laird. Trudie was basically an orphan left to table what came her way alone. However, not everything that came her way was in the up and up.

Laird was the sweetest, kindest, young man you could meet. But he was also shy, timid and rich which left him to not always know what to say to say, do or trust regarding the opposite sex.

However, fate is a beautiful thing! It brought them together and through some of the wildest adventures to find love. Do not miss out on this story.

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