The Other Bennett Brother by Jaycee Howard: Book Review

 **Book received for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

When my best friend asks me to be his fake girlfriend for his family’s reunion, I hardly hesitate. Who wouldn’t want to help their friend in an obviously dire situation? There are a few things he’s neglected to tell me though… like how his family is apparently mega-rich and this reunion practically takes over the entire town. Or that this trip would lead me everywhere from poison ivy fiascos to blazing down the trail on a runaway horse to shopping for wedding dresses with his family.

Most importantly, he failed to mention that he has a brother who was basically plucked from my fantasies with a gaze that sends chills up my spine despite the August heat.

The longer this charade goes on, the more I start to realize that the Bennett brother I started the week with isn’t the one that I want to end it with…

Yeah… this is going to be an interesting week.

The Other Bennett Brother is a closed-door, best friend's brother, fake dating (with a twist) romantic comedy. This is a stand-a-lone story with a guaranteed happily ever after that will leave you swooning and laughing out loud.

Jaycee Howard is living her very own love story after marrying her childhood best friend and is now a full time mom to their 3 kids and giant breed dog, Odin. She absolutely loves to travel with her family and explore both local and far off places whether it be hiking, shopping, camping, or just passing through a cute small town. When she’s not writing, she’s either reading a good book she’ll probably end up telling you about or obsessing over her newest hobby (she knits, crochets, tats lace, bobbin laces, bakes, wood burns, leather works, as well as many others… along with trying and failing to garden).

Oh my goodness... this book! When I first read the description, I was absolutely intrigued. I loved the idea of this twist on the fake dating trope, which happens to be a current favorite of mine. But as any avid reader knows, fake dating TYPICALLY ends in the pair that are faking it to fall for EACH OTHER... not the brother. What a fun twist that could be! Still, I was also a little apprehensive too. How does one write this type of story in a way that doesn't come across with a cheating type vibe or leave you feeling a sense of betrayal? I still don't know the secret to pull it off... but Jaycee Howard absolutely did it! I adored this book. 

The chemistry between Aspen and Katie was absolutely fantastic. They are so drawn to each other but also loyal to Theo, and the push and pull is just so good! There's definitely a bit of a forbidden romance feel at times, which is honestly one of my least favorite tropes. But when it's only this perceived forbiddeness? Yes, that definitely works for me! There were also so many moments that had me literally laughing out loud, making it all that much more enjoyable. 

The Other Bennett Brother is a closed-door romance. The chemistry and the kisses are sizzling, but there's nothing beyond that. This one does have very, very minimal language (I believe there were less than five instances, very minor.)

I absolutely adored the Bennett family, and am so excited to read Theo's story next and get to visit with them again. I cannot wait! If you're looking for a unique twist on fake dating, don't miss this one!