The Fab Forties Series by Liwen Y. Ho

If your marriage didn’t work out once, marry the same person again … said no couple ever.PiperHere’s the scoop—I married my former study partner for money’s sake. I promise you it’s not as bad as it sounds. Peter needed a wife in order to receive his dad’s inheritance … so I did what any friend would do, I said yes. PeterA marriage on paper—that’s all the guts I had to ask for. Of course, if Piper had wanted more, I would’ve gladly given her myself and all the puppies and chocolate in the world... moreIf your marriage didn’t work out once, marry the same person again … said no couple ever.PiperHere’s the scoop—I married my former study partner for money’s sake. I promise you it’s not as bad as it sounds. Peter needed a wife in order to receive his dad’s inheritance … so I did what any friend would do, I said yes. PeterA marriage on paper—that’s all the guts I had to ask for. Of course, if Piper had wanted more, I would’ve gladly given her myself and all the puppies and chocolate in the world. Instead, I surprised her by paying off her med school bills, then took my broken heart and moved to another country.PiperSo, here’s the part that does sound bad. I got pregnant (the details of our wedding night are a bit fuzzy). His mom hated me (still does). And we left our baby to be raised by her over-the-top grandmother when we parted ways. I told you it was bad. But now Peter’s reaching out to me and it’s making me wonder ...PeterDo I have regrets? Absolutely! Turning forty made me realize I can't waste a chance to make things right with the two most important women in my life. I’ve reunited with our daughter and now it’s time to win over Piper. If only she wasn’t already engaged to another man ... less

All this plumber wants is a crack at romance.JosieMy friend was supposed to refer me to a plumber. Instead, she sends a Hugh Jackman lookalike to my bridal boutique. Wearing a leather jacket and tight jeans. And riding a motorcycle. The sight is almost enough to make me forget about my nearly-doomed grand opening, especially when I recognize Graham as my childhood crush.GrahamSure, Josie once proposed marriage to me, but that was when she was twelve... moreAll this plumber wants is a crack at romance.JosieMy friend was supposed to refer me to a plumber. Instead, she sends a Hugh Jackman lookalike to my bridal boutique. Wearing a leather jacket and tight jeans. And riding a motorcycle. The sight is almost enough to make me forget about my nearly-doomed grand opening, especially when I recognize Graham as my childhood crush.GrahamSure, Josie once proposed marriage to me, but that was when she was twelve. Fast forward thirty years, and we’re both adults now. She’s single, gorgeous, and definitely not the kind of girl to fall for a plumber. But that doesn’t stop me from wanting to change her mind.JosieThe last thing my fragile heart needs right now is a blast from the past that leaves me red-hot and mortified. Who knew Graham would still remember my proposal? What’s crazier is that he said if I asked him to marry me today, he’d say yes!GrahamWooing clients isn’t usually part of my services, but when it comes to Josie, love might not be just a pipe dream after all. But proving to her that I’m the real deal will be the biggest challenge of this job … especially if I can’t get her leaky toilet fixed in time!The Fab Forties series was written by an over-40 author with readers of all ages in mind. This rom-com is guaranteed to tickle your funny bone and help you escape reality. So, sit back, relax, and be prepared to laugh!*This story first appeared in Love, Laughter and Happily Ever After, a rom-com collection that hit the USA Today bestsellers list in July 2021. It has since been expanded with four brand new chapters for your reading pleasure. less

After all is wed and done, can a fake marriage turn into true love? SeptemberWith the prized assistant editor position up for grabs, I’m ready to do whatever it takes to get a promotion. That includes writing the best article ever—a how-to piece on renewing wedding vows on a budget. My only problem? I’m missing the husband my boss wants me to bring along for research. TristanI swore off all romantic relationships years ago, a fact that should have stopped me from volunteering to help September... moreAfter all is wed and done, can a fake marriage turn into true love? SeptemberWith the prized assistant editor position up for grabs, I’m ready to do whatever it takes to get a promotion. That includes writing the best article ever—a how-to piece on renewing wedding vows on a budget. My only problem? I’m missing the husband my boss wants me to bring along for research. TristanI swore off all romantic relationships years ago, a fact that should have stopped me from volunteering to help September. There’s no rhyme or reason why I should care about her success—especially when we’re hardly friends—except that I can’t seem to get her off my mind. SeptemberI’m shocked but relieved when my annoyingly handsome coworker offers to be my fake husband. Tristan’s attitude is as pleasant as the stomach flu, but at least I don’t have to guess where he stands, unlike my long distance boyfriend’s commitment level. This ruse might not be so hard to pull off, assuming we don’t drive each other crazy first.TristanPretending to be married for a week should be a piece of cake, but nothing about this arrangement is as sweet or as simple, especially when it involves feeding each other cake. Between my fake wife’s annoyingly cheery personality and the intimate demands of this assignment, I’ve got a bad case of cold feet. But when the sparks between us become a little too real, it’s time for me to decide: do I bail or let her in? For better or worse, my heart may never be the same again.The Fab Forties series was written by an over-40 author with readers of all ages in mind. This rom-com is guaranteed to tickle your funny bone and help you escape reality. So, sit back, relax, and be prepared to laugh!*This story first appeared in Save the Date, a wedding anthology that hit the USA Today bestsellers list in October 2021. It has since been expanded with four brand new chapters for your reading pleasure. less

Wooing an introvert requires patience, silence, and a comfy pair of sweatpants.CassieAs a single mom and an introvert, I’m used to spending Friday nights on the couch in my sweats. Trust me, my alone time is necessary for everyone’s well-being. So the last thing I expect is for my late husband’s best friend to crash my Hugh Grant marathon. Especially when he shows up to give me a letter with some of Will’s last words for me... moreWooing an introvert requires patience, silence, and a comfy pair of sweatpants.CassieAs a single mom and an introvert, I’m used to spending Friday nights on the couch in my sweats. Trust me, my alone time is necessary for everyone’s well-being. So the last thing I expect is for my late husband’s best friend to crash my Hugh Grant marathon. Especially when he shows up to give me a letter with some of Will’s last words for me.BradI’d do anything for Cassie, but waiting three years to spill the beans about the letter nearly did me in. Keeping my mouth shut isn’t my strong suit, so I’m relieved to no longer have any secrets between us. But now Cassie’s avoiding me like I’ve got the cooties, which makes me wonder what Will asked of her. Because if it’s anything like the letter Will left me, things are about to change between us.CassieI can understand Will wanting me to date again, but why he asked me to practice with Brad is crazier than shoulder pads making a comeback! We work as well together as oil and water or peanut butter and mayo. There’s also the fact that Brad’s an actual movie star. He lives in a fish bowl, while I prefer to live under a rock—almost literally speaking. We’d be the oddest couple you’ve ever seen, more like Bill and Ted, not Ginger and Fred.BradI may play an action hero on the big screen, but I have no guts when it comes to relationships with women, except where Cassie’s concerned—she’s the only one I can trust. So once she warms up to the idea of me taking her out, it’s easy to treat her like the queen she is. That is until we end up on the front page of the tabloids and the whole world thinks we’re in love. But would dating Cassie for real be all that scary? I’m going to attempt to find out …The Fab Forties series was written by an over-40 author with readers of all ages in mind. This rom-com is guaranteed to tickle your funny bone and help you escape reality. So, sit back, relax, and be prepared to laugh! less

It was only supposed to be a business proposal … Berkeley As the longtime Personal Assistant to one of Silicon Valley’s most powerful CEOs, I can handle anything he throws my way. But nothing quite prepares me for the new task he assigned—taking on the role of his pretend fiancée. Sterling When Berkeley and I are caught in a somewhat compromising position with a spatula—it’s a long story!—I’ll admit I used the situation to my advantage... moreIt was only supposed to be a business proposal … Berkeley As the longtime Personal Assistant to one of Silicon Valley’s most powerful CEOs, I can handle anything he throws my way. But nothing quite prepares me for the new task he assigned—taking on the role of his pretend fiancée. Sterling When Berkeley and I are caught in a somewhat compromising position with a spatula—it’s a long story!—I’ll admit I used the situation to my advantage. A fake engagement gives me the perfect chance to make my grandfather happy and show Berkeley how much I appreciate her. Berkeley I tell myself it's all an act, but every one of Sterling’s sweet gestures makes my insides sizzle. If I were a block of cheese, I'd be ready for fondue. Slice up some bread and serve me with a dose of melatonin because I don't want this dream to end. Sterling Playing pretend has made it clear how much I need and want Berkeley by my side. I’m ready to give her the promotion of a lifetime, but I must first convince her of one thing—I’m no longer the player she thinks I am. It’s time to get down to business … The Fab Forties series was written by an over-40 author with readers of all ages in mind. This rom-com is guaranteed to tickle your funny bone and help you escape reality. So, sit back, relax, and be prepared to laugh! less