About the Book:

How to Survive Your Next Relationship Disaster 101

Step 1: Get pumped. Your new house, in your new town, comes with a sexy and shirtless man next door. Score!

Step 2: Don’t let your freak-out show when Mr. OMG Shirtless turns around—and it’s your old crush.

Step 3: Hold your head high when you run into him again on the first day of your new job—literally—and spill coffee all over yourself.

Step 4: Stay calm when he introduces himself as your new boss…and then announces that your first assignment is to go on a fake honeymoon together.

Step 5: Keep your $h*t locked tight when the new boss/old crush and you are forced to sleep in the same room…with one bed.

Step 6: Try to ignore just how freaking hot he is, and how much you want to touch him…

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In The Honeymoon Trap by Christina Hovland, determined to investigate a story that could turn out to be big, Will needs someone to pose as his wife. Enter Lucy. She's perfect. Too bad he doesn't remember her. Yet, the closer they get, the more Lucy finds herself falling for the one man that could ruin her career aspirations, especially since he'll soon be her boss. Will these two get the happy ever after they deserve or will they run from their feelings because being alone is safer?

I love reading books by new-to-me authors and I've got to say that Ms. Hovland has delivered an engaging and fascinating read in this book where the main characters had me hooked from the very beginning, especially with what William -- or 'Will' as Lucy calls him -- is dealing with as a reporter. Will he manage to get the interview he needs? However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine come face-to-face for the first time where this story really takes off, as I wanted to know more about this couple's shared past and why it had such an effect on the heroine to make her into the person she is now. Will she ever fully be able to get over everything she's been through in the past to give a future with the hero a chance?

As for the dialogue, it was entertaining and intense due to the main characters back stories and the obstacles they face to be together, as neither have the best of relationships with their parents and the heroine faces a situation that reminds her of the terrible times she suffered in the past. Certainly, kids can be so cruel. Furthermore, both the main characters were relatable, likeable and I loved their growing relationship, as there being together is inevitable because their chemistry is so strong.

With the heroine, she's strong, brave, driven and I liked how much of a challenge she provided the hero. I also liked the game they played in order to get to know each other, even though the heroine is holding back in order to protect herself. Will she own up to the fact that the pair knew each other when they were younger? While the hero, he's confident, driven, charming and I liked how determined he was to win the heroine over because it's palpable he wants her. How long will it take the heroine to give into their chemistry?

Overall, Ms. Hovland has delivered a really good read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was strong; the romance was delightful and had me loving these two together; and the ending had me loving the way these two do everything in their power to make things right. Certainly, the hero's way is brilliant and makes the heroine realize that she's just as deserving of love as anyone. I would recommend The Honeymoon Trap by Christina Hovland, if you enjoy the fake relationship trope or books by authors Avery Flynn, Dylann Crush, Kerri Carpenter and Lucy Parker.

More pounding. “Saw you. Know you’re in there, Lucy.”

She drew the curtain back again.

He pointed to the handle and mouthed, “Open.”

She shook her head and planted her hand on her hip.

He rattled the door handle.

Fine.

Safety chain in place, she opened the door a crack. When he pressed to enter, the chain caught.

“Lucy, I need to talk to you,” he said through the thin opening.

“It’s too early for conversation.” She ran a hand over her obnoxious morning hair.

“I need your help.”

“You said I’m not supposed to help you.” She tried to close the door, but he stopped it before the latch caught.

“Bridgett’s in the hospital.”

A knot formed in Lucy’s belly. She released the safety chain and opened the door. “What happened?”

“We’re supposed to leave for Twin Lakes today, but she ate something with peaches, and apparently she’s allergic. I just came from the hospital. She’s all puffed up.”

Peaches? That sounded awful. “Will she be okay?”

“They say she’ll be fine, but she needs monitoring. You have to be my wife.”

The knot in her belly tightened, and she stepped backward into the living room. “It is way too early to discuss marriage.”

He followed her inside. His gaze traveled over her, and the edges of his lips ticked up. “Please, Lucy. I need a favor. And you look like you need caffeine. Where do you keep the coffee?”

She crossed her arms across her chest. “At Starbucks.”

He tossed her an annoyed look and brushed past her to the kitchen.

Ugh. “Fine. To the coffee. Not the marriage.” She followed him into her kitchen where he snagged the tin of blonde roast off the counter.

“Coffee liners?” he asked.

“Use your sock,” she replied sweetly. She didn’t do controlling. Not with men. Not in life.

He dug through her cupboards. “You always this grumpy in the morning?”

She grumbled under her breath.

“I’ll tell you what. You go do whatever you do to wake up.” He turned and stepped toward her to trace his fingers intimately along her arms, leaving a trail of goose bumps behind.

Unable to move, she stared at his warm hands against her bare flesh.

He leaned into her, all sexy stubble and man. “I’ll make coffee.” His gaze rested on her mouth, which at some point had parted against her will. She promptly shut it.

“Then we can talk about our trip to Twin Lakes.” He gave a squeeze and released her.

Full-bodied with an extra shot of persistence was apparently on her menu this morning. “I have to work, I’ve got a cat, and there are three thousand other reasons I’m not going with you.”

“Let’s talk after you resurrect Happy Lucy. Shower, meditate, whatever you usually do…then coffee.” He returned to rummaging through her cupboards.

She stared at him, scruffy, delicious, and in her kitchen. The universe had a messed up sense of humor.

“You getting that shower going or are you waiting for me to take one with you?” he asked without turning around.

She scowled at his ridiculously attractive back for a beat. It wasn’t fair that even his back was sexy. Her gaze traveled lower to his shorts. Over his ass. His legs. His calves.

He cleared his throat. She glanced up quickly to meet his…dimples.

“I’ll come, too, then?” His lips formed the husky words, mesmerizing her.

He took a step forward, the tin of coffee still in his grip.

She froze, certain the look on her face must’ve mirrored an early-morning deer meeting the headlights of a Ferrari. Like, if she was gonna get hit by a car, might as well be a good one.

Oh boy, was she about to get run over.

She licked at her lips.

His gaze fell to them, mouth parted, eyes flared.

Next, please.

She hoped right out of there. Turned and bolted for the bathroom, ensuring the lock on the door clicked behind her.

Head in her hands, she slumped against the thin wood panel on the wall beside the cracked tub.

She was officially hiding from William in her bathroom. Not because he recommended she shower. Nope, she needed to wake up. Her hair needed shampoo. And she had lusty irritation to rinse down the drain.

Meet the Author:

Christina Hovland lives her own version of a fairy tale—an artisan chocolatier by day and romance writer by night. Born in Colorado, Christina received a degree in journalism from Colorado State University. Before opening her chocolate company, Christina’s career spanned from the television newsroom to managing an award-winning public relations firm. She’s a recovering overachiever and perfectionist with a love of cupcakes and dinner she doesn’t have to cook herself. A 2017 Golden Heart® finalist, she lives in Colorado with her first-boyfriend-turned-husband, four children, and the sweetest dog around.

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