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Plot summary

Husband for Hire (2008) Plot Summary & Timeline

Husband for Hire (2008) movie poster

Husband for Hire is a 2008 comedy and romance film directed by Kris Isacsson, running 1 hour 31 minutes. This page retells the whole story in 366 words (about 2 minutes to read) and covers 14 key events in order, 7 characters, where and when it is set and 3 themes. Looking for the cast, ratings and where to stream it? See the movie page for Husband for Hire.

to read the plot summary
2 min
key events in the timeline
14
characters profiled
7
themes explained
3
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Husband for Hire (2008) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 31m
Director
Kris Isacsson
Genres
Comedy, Romance
Original language
English
Studio
FilmRise
No spoilers

What Is Husband for Hire About?

The premise of Husband for Hire in 303 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.

In the sun‑kissed desert town of Santa Cruz, New Mexico, a quirky inheritance clause forces a determined young woman to find a husband who matches a very specific cultural requirement. The promise of a sizable trust fund looms over her, but the condition feels like a puzzle she must solve before the clock runs out. The film’s atmosphere blends the laid‑back charm of a border‑state community with a subtle, witty edge that keeps the stakes feeling both personal and oddly comedic.

Lola—sharp‑tongued, ambitious, and fiercely protective of her family’s legacy—takes matters into her own hands, hiring a hard‑working hand from a nearby immigrant crew. When she discovers that her new “husband‑to‑be,” Bo, is actually white, the deception becomes a humorous game of coaching and disguise. Victor, her lottery‑rich father, watches the unfolding plan with a mix of skepticism and indulgence, while Nina, Lola’s loyal best friend, offers the kind of dry humor that keeps the scheme from spiraling out of control. Adding further texture, Nikki, Bo’s own girlfriend, and the ever‑clumsy Bubble tiptoe into the mix, each bringing their own brand of chaos and affection.

The story rides on the tension between tradition and modernity, showcasing a family that juggles expectations, hidden ambitions, and the ever‑present lure of easy money. As Lola and Bo rehearse their roles, the line between performance and genuine connection begins to blur, hinting at a romance that may be more than a contract. Meanwhile, relatives with their own designs on the trust fund swirl around the central duo, whispering doubts and stirring rivalries that promise both comedy and heartfelt moments.

Throughout, the tone stays light‑hearted yet sincere, balancing slapstick mishaps with earnest character beats. The desert backdrop, the vibrant cultural textures, and the witty banter create a world where a contrived arrangement could just become something unexpectedly real.

Full plot

What Happens in Husband for Hire?

The complete story of Husband for Hire, from the first scene to the last, in 366 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 6 cast member pages.

Spoilers ahead

Lola hatches a plan to secure her father’s substantial trust fund, a fortune built after he won over $90 million in the New Mexico state lottery years ago. To make the marriage feel real, she hires a husband, Bo, offering him $100,000 a year. He agrees, leaves his Texas home, and travels to Lola’s New Mexico world with Bread and Lola’s best friend Nina, plus Bo’s brother, while Nikki and Bubble—secretly—join the journey as well.

When they arrive, their first real test comes as Lola introduces him to her father, Victor, a man who has grown wealthy from the lottery windfall. Victor initially resists the idea of marriage, but Bo wins him over by playing an old, antique guitar, nudging the door open to a possible arrangement. The family dynamics grow even more tangled as Lola’s ex-fiancé, Marco, and his secret girlfriend, Simona — who is Lola’s sister — scheme to claim the inheritance for themselves. Throughout this period, Lola and Bo begin to develop real feelings for each other, even as the web of deceit thickens.

Simona sees the danger and enlists Nikki to derail the plan, but tension rises when a heated argument between Victor and Bo causes Lola and her father to distance themselves from him. The counterplay thickens: Marco briefly regains Lola’s trust, but her attraction is tempered by money’s hold, and she wonders how much of her future is tied to wealth. That night, Nikki and Bo uncover Simona and Marco’s plot and are captured, preventing them from warning anyone. Bubble eventually frees them, and Bo is able to warn Lola. Still smarting from the previous night, Lola pushes Bo away and seems ready to proceed with the arrangement for the money. Yet a growing realization—money and greed can corrupt a family—pulls her toward a different path.

In a pivotal turn, she recognizes the danger of becoming like the man she’s trying to outpace, choosing to break away from that greed-driven cycle. Bo, meanwhile, finds steady work as a bartender, and Lola eventually tracks him down. Their reunion rebuilds trust and affection, and the pair decide to stay together, redefining their future not by wealth but by a shared, genuine bond.

Timeline

Husband for Hire Timeline: Every Key Event in Order

14 key events in the order they happen, from “Lola hires a husband for her inheritance” to “Lola and Bo reconcile; they stay together”. 9 events name a place, across 4 locations.

  1. 1

    Lola hires a husband for her inheritance

    Lola offers Bo $100,000 per year to marry her, hoping to gain access to her father’s trust fund. Bo agrees to the outrageous proposal, despite his initial reservations. He leaves his Texas home to begin the ruse and returns with Lola to New Mexico.

    When:Before departure Where:Texas

  2. 2

    Bo travels to Lola's New Mexico home

    Bo departs from his Texas home and travels to Lola's residence in New Mexico to start the marriage ruse. The pair present a united front to the rest of Lola's circle. The goal is to secure the inheritance while keeping the arrangement secret.

    When:Shortly after agreement Where:New Mexico

  3. 3

    Lola introduces Bo to her inner circle

    Lola's best friend Nina, Bo's brother, Bo's girlfriend Nikki, and her friend Bubble join the trip. The group heads to Lola's home where the plan is to keep the secret under wraps. Tensions rise as everyone adjusts to the mixed motives.

    When:Early in the journey Where:New Mexico

  4. 4

    Victor refuses the marriage until Bo proves himself

    Victor, Lola's protective father, initially refuses to allow the marriage. He agrees to be convinced only after Bo plays an antique guitar, revealing a soft spot that earns Lola's hand and the chance at the inheritance. The moment tests Bo and Lola's growing bond.

    When:During introduction to the family Where:Victor's home, New Mexico

  5. 5

    Marco and Simona scheme to keep the inheritance

    Lola's ex-fiancé Marco and his sister Simona plot to keep her from obtaining the funds. They attempt to undermine Lola's relationship with Bo and to control who has access to the fortune. The scheming adds tension as loyalty is tested.

    When:As plans unfold

  6. 6

    Lola and Bo fall in love

    As the scheme unfolds, Lola and Bo develop genuine feelings for each other. The romance complicates the plan since Lola must choose between love and money. Their connection strengthens despite the surrounding family drama.

    When:During the initial months of the arrangement Where:New Mexico

  7. 7

    Simona uses Nikki to ruin the plot

    Simona convinces Nikki to sabotage Lola and Bo's arrangement. Nikki's actions threaten to expose the ruse and derail the inheritance plan. The manipulation injects a new wave of danger into the family dynamics.

    When:Before the confrontation at the house

  8. 8

    Bo and Victor clash; Bo is kicked out

    A heated argument between Victor and Bo erupts, revealing the fragility of Lola's plan. Lola sides with her father in the moment, and Bo is booted out of the house. The rejection forces Lola to confront the cost of greed and control.

    When:That night Where:Victor's home, New Mexico

  9. 9

    Marco wins Lola back—yet only for the money

    After Bo is ousted, Marco manages to win Lola's heart again, but she only agrees to the reconciliation for the inheritance. The emotional pull clashes with her growing awareness of greed. She begins to realize the moral price of the fortune.

    When:After Bo's expulsion Where:New Mexico

  10. 10

    Nikki and Bo uncover the plot; they are captured

    Nikki and Bo discover the hidden plot between Simona and Marco. They are captured and kept prisoner to prevent them from warning Lola. The danger escalates as time runs out to save the scheme.

    When:Later that night

Show the other 4 events of Husband for Hire
  1. 11

    Bubble frees Nikki and Bo; Bo warns Lola

    Bubble locates Nikki and Bo, frees them, and Bo is able to warn Lola about the danger. The secret plot begins to unravel as the pieces start to fall into place. Lola gains new resolve to resist the money and protect the truth.

    When:Later that night

  2. 12

    Lola rejects the money and breaks with the plan

    After the earlier confrontation, Lola rejects her father's money and refuses the arranged marriage solely for wealth. She realizes greed has already corrupted the family and resolves to break away from the influence of her father. The moment marks a turning point toward integrity and independence.

    When:After the confrontation Where:New Mexico

  3. 13

    Bo's life as a bartender; Lola finds him

    Bo is working as a bartender, continuing the path that separated him from Lola. Lola manages to locate him, showing that their connection remains intact beneath the surface. The reunion hints at a future where money no longer dictates their choices.

    When:Later after the decision Where:Bar (where Bo works)

  4. 14

    Lola and Bo reconcile; they stay together

    Bo and Lola reconcile and reaffirm their love. They decide to stay together despite the chaos surrounding the inheritance and family schemes. The film closes on a note of hope for a partnership built on truth rather than wealth.

    When:End of story

Characters

Who Are the Main Characters in Husband for Hire?

7 characters, among them Lola (Nadine Velazquez), Bo / Normando (Mark Consuelos) and Bread (Jayce Bartok): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.

  • L(

    Lola (Nadine Velazquez)

    Played by Nadine Velazquez

    Lola schemes to secure her father's trust fund by hiring a husband, but she gradually falls for Bo. Her journey moves from calculating to self-aware, as she recognizes greed threatens the family. In the end she rejects money to avoid becoming the person her father is, and she rekindles a genuine relationship with Bo.

    • 💖 Romantic
    • 🧠 Calculated
    • 🛡️ Protective
  • B/

    Bo / Normando (Mark Consuelos)

    Played by Mark Consuelos

    Bo agrees to marry Lola for money but ends up forming real feelings for her. He is initially pragmatic and outwardly confident, yet he faces the challenges of family plans and Lola's changing stance. He is eventually reconciled with Lola, and the couple remains together.

    • 💘 Loyal
    • 🎭 Charming
    • 🗺️ Persistent
  • B(

    Bread (Jayce Bartok)

    Played by Jayce Bartok

    Bread is Bo's brother who joins the trip. He is a supportive presence within the group as they navigate Lola's inheritance plot.

    • 👥 Family
    • 🧭 Supportive
  • S(

    Simona (Rosa Arredondo)

    Played by Rosa Arredondo

    Simona is Lola's sister and Marco's secret girlfriend who schemes to keep Lola from the inheritance. She uses Nikki to derail Lola's plans, contributing to the web of manipulation that drives the plot.

    • 🎭 Scheming
    • 💔 Family betrayal
  • N(

    Nina (Tempestt Bledsoe)

    Played by Tempestt Bledsoe

    Nina is Lola's best friend who joins the trip to New Mexico, providing support and perspective as the inheritance drama unfolds.

    • 🤝 Friendship
    • 🧭 Loyal
  • M(

    Marco (Mario López)

    Played by Mario López

    Marco is Lola's ex-fiancé with a secret girlfriend Simona who conspires to gain the trust fund, adding to Lola's conflict and the family tensions.

    • 💔 Ex-lover
    • 🕵️‍♂️ Conspirator
  • V(

    Victor (Erik Estrada)

    Played by Erik Estrada

    Victor is Lola's wealthy father who initially resists the marriage and the idea of sharing the inheritance. His pride and control over the fund drive much of the plot's tension until Lola makes her final choice.

    • 💼 Wealth
    • 🧭 Authority
Setting

Where and When Is Husband for Hire Set?

Husband for Hire is set in New Mexico and Texas (Contemporary present day). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.

When

Contemporary present day

The events take place in modern-day settings, with the New Mexico home and Texas trip reflecting current social norms around marriage and wealth. The immense inheritance originates from a lottery win years earlier, influencing the family dynamics in a present context. The plot unfolds over a relatively short span, mixing romance, deception and revelations that feel relevant to today.

Where

New Mexico, Texas

The primary setting centers on Lola's home in New Mexico, where family dynamics and the trust fund drive much of the plot. Bo travels from Texas to join Lola, and scenes wander between the two states, highlighting cross-border tensions around money and marriage. The New Mexico environment provides the backdrop for the inheritance scheme and the father-daughter expectations that shape the story.

  • 🏜️ Desert
  • 🏠 Family
  • 💰 Inheritance
Themes

What Are the Themes of Husband for Hire?

3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Love, Greed and Deception.

  1. 01

    Love

    Lola and Bo's relationship develops from transactional beginnings into genuine affection, showing that love can emerge amidst schemes over money. The couple's feelings are tested by family pressure, deception, and competing loyalties. The story uses romance to reveal how greed and trust clash within a family bond. Ultimately, love acts as a catalyst for personal growth rather than a shortcut to wealth.

  2. 02

    Greed

    A massive trust fund and a desire for money drive much of the conflict, including the schemes by Simona and Marco to secure the inheritance. Lola's father Victor embodies wealth and power, and his reactions to Bo's proposal reveal how money influences family dynamics. The film critiques how greed can erode relationships and distort priorities. The resolution involves choosing integrity over financial gain.

  3. 03

    Deception

    The plot hinges on secret schemes, double lives, and manipulation, from Lola's initial ploy to the later subterfuge by Simona and Marco. Nikki's secret involvement and Bubble's role heighten the sense of deception within the group. Characters hide true intentions, turning conversations into strategic moves. The unraveling of lies leads Lola to reevaluate her values and responsibilities to others.

Tone & mood

What Kind of Film Is Husband for Hire?

Light in tone, with fast pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.

Tone
Light
Pacing
Fast
Story
Moderate
Intensity
Medium
Ending
Happy

A fast-paced and comedic TV romance that follows a high-stakes fake marriage scheme, filled with lighthearted scheming and festive moments, culminating in a genuinely heartfelt and uplifting conclusion.

  • romantic
  • comedic
  • deceptive
  • festive
  • uplifting
  • scheming
  • fake relationship
  • inheritance
  • family conflict
  • deception for love

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FAQ

Husband for Hire Plot Questions

5 quick answers about Husband for Hire, taken from the plot summary, character guide and setting on this page and the film’s credits.

What is Husband for Hire about?

In the sun‑kissed desert town of Santa Cruz, New Mexico, a quirky inheritance clause forces a determined young woman to find a husband who matches a very specific cultural requirement.

Read the full plot summary

When and where does Husband for Hire take place?

Husband for Hire is set in New Mexico and Texas (Contemporary present day). The events take place in modern-day settings, with the New Mexico home and Texas trip reflecting current social norms around marriage and wealth.

The setting explained

Who are the main characters in Husband for Hire?

The story follows Lola (Nadine Velazquez) (played by Nadine Velazquez), Bo / Normando (Mark Consuelos) (played by Mark Consuelos), Bread (Jayce Bartok) (played by Jayce Bartok) and Simona (Rosa Arredondo) (played by Rosa Arredondo); the character guide covers 7 characters in all.

All the characters

What are the main themes of Husband for Hire?

The summary picks out 3 themes: Love, Greed and Deception.

The themes explained

Who directed Husband for Hire?

Husband for Hire (2008) was directed by Kris Isacsson and runs 1 hour 31 minutes.

Kris Isacsson’s films

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