Former surgeon and self-professed life-long bachelor Evan Manning has one thing on his mind to reclaim the career that a car accident stole from him. But when he’s forced to return to his hometown of Red River, Evan comes face-to-face with the gorgeous woman who’s haunted his dreams for the last year the woman he rescued from the burning car that injured his hand. Now Evan needs her help. In a … her help. In a month, he’ll have the job opportunity of a lifetime…he just needs a wife to get it.
Artist Grace Matheson is down on her luck again until she walks into Evan Manning’s office. When her sexy former hero hears that she needs work, he offers her a job and a home if she’ll pretend she’s his fiancee. Grace knows she shouldn’t fall for him. Once the month is up, Evan will be back to his old life. But the more time they spend together, the more real their feelings become and the more likely heartbreak is.
The Red River series can be read out of order.
Series Order:
Book #1: A Risk Worth Taking
Book #2: The Best Man’s Baby
Book #3: The Doctor’s Fake Fiancee
Book #4: The Rebel’s Return
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Don’t ask me why, but I just love these books about the workaholic guy that for some reason has decided he doesn’t believe in romantic love and won’t ever have a family of his own. Then they find themselves falling harder than a meteorite on a collision course.
Dr. “Nevan” is one such guy. He’s focused only on being number one in his field. Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on if you’ve finished the book yet or not) he is injured while saving a woman and her little boy from a car accident and his promising career as a surgeon comes to an end.
Grace has had a difficult life. She has been left behind by all the men in her life and only has herself to rely on to make sure Chris, her child, has a good life. So far she hasn’t been very successful, life doesn’t seem to want to give her a break. After the terrible car accident where she almost lost her child, she is left struggling even harder just to keep a roof over their heads.
Cue one year later Evan (Dr. extraordinaire) just happens to need a receptionist for the medical office he is covering for a friend and Liz just happens to have finally tracked him down to thank him for saving their lives.
And so comes the deal. She pretends to be his wife/fianceé for a month while he is trying to land a job with a ginormous medical conglomerate, and he’ll cover her expenses, find her a place to live and secure the job at that office for her.
This book was just as I expected, sweet, funny, and a nice easy read. It was all heat with no flames, but it still got my heart beating and I found myself rooting for Evan to go all caveman on me, I mean, Liz and rip her clothes off.
My only issue was with the speech structure for the little kids. I know 4 year-olds that can and will talk your ear off, but the way she made Chris communicate was, IMHO, too wordy and well, plainly, not how a kid would phrase it.
The Doctor’s Fake Fiancée is a wonderful comforting read that I highly recommend when you’re feeling mellow. I just added Ms. James as a go-to author when I’m in the mood for a sweet time.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book*
3.5 Actual Stars, but I’ll bump to 4. The Doctor’s Fake Fiancee is book three in the Red River series. Book two is still my favorite, followed closely by this one. There’s something about the Manning brothers that makes them endearing. Add in their spouses and all of the quirky townspeople of Red River and you’ve got a sweet, sometimes hilarious, read that is entertaining and enjoyable. There’s nothing deep, really. It’s just pure fun with a little life drama on the side.
Evan is the youngest of the brothers and the last hold out in the relationship department. He’s vowed to never marry. He’s devoting his entire life to his career and being at the top of his game every single day. He has an opportunity to get back on top after his life as a top surgeon was derailed a few years ago. The only stipulation? He needs an insta-family. Or, at the very least a fake fiancee.
In walks Grace and her son, Christopher. Evan rescued Grace and Christopher from their burning car. It was that rescue that ended his promising career as a surgeon. As soon as he sees them again he has the perfect solution to his dilemma. That’s when the scheming and not-so-behind-the-scenes matchmaking begin in earnest. The rest is a fun ride to sit back and read.