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The Venice Reunion Arrangement
In the latest Harlequin Forever by Michelle Douglas, an artist gets more than she bargained for when she accepts a commission from her millionaire ex and winds up as his fake fiancée!
A diamond deal with the italian.
When artist Hallie is hired by her ex, millionaire Lucas, to paint a family portrait, she’s determined not to mix business with pleasure. But she’s unable to ignore Lucas in the confines of his luxurious Venetian palazzo, and their still-sizzling attraction threatens to resurface. So when Lucas changes the terms of their arrangement, asking Hallie to be his fake fiancée in order to fulfill his grandfather’s dying wish, she can’t say no. But while Hallie can’t erase the heartbreak of their past, can Lucas tempt her with a new future together — one that isn’t just for show?
Mills & Boon Forever — Be swept away by glamorous and heartfelt love stories.
A diamond deal with the italian.
When artist Hallie is hired by her ex, millionaire Lucas, to paint a family portrait, she’s determined not to mix business with pleasure. But she’s unable to ignore Lucas in the confines of his luxurious Venetian palazzo, and their still-sizzling attraction threatens to resurface. So when Lucas changes the terms of their arrangement, asking Hallie to be his fake fiancée in order to fulfill his grandfather’s dying wish, she can’t say no. But while Hallie can’t erase the heartbreak of their past, can Lucas tempt her with a new future together — one that isn’t just for show?
Mills & Boon Forever — Be swept away by glamorous and heartfelt love stories.
- GenresRomance
190 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2025
3 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Douglas
390 books95 followers"This is Mills & Boon/Harlequin romance at its best!" Goodreads reviewer
Michelle is an award-winning author who has been writing for romance publisher Harlequin Mills & Boon since 2007. "Truly funny and moving", “Poignant and absolutely impossible to put down,” and “Sparkling with warmth, humour and charm” is just a small sample of what the critics have had to say about her romances. In 2019 she graduated with her PhD (her topic area was Contemporary Romance and Feminism). She’s a sucker for happy endings, heroines who have a secret stash of chocolate, and heroes who know how to laugh. She lives in Newcastle on Australia's east coast with her own romantic hero, a house full of dust and books, and an eclectic collection of 60s and 70s vinyl.
Be sure to follow Michelle on:
Bookbub for the latest on sales: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/miche...
Facebook for book gossip: https://www.facebook.com/michelleDoug...
Instagram for pics of the beach: https://www.instagram.com/michelledou...
Michelle is an award-winning author who has been writing for romance publisher Harlequin Mills & Boon since 2007. "Truly funny and moving", “Poignant and absolutely impossible to put down,” and “Sparkling with warmth, humour and charm” is just a small sample of what the critics have had to say about her romances. In 2019 she graduated with her PhD (her topic area was Contemporary Romance and Feminism). She’s a sucker for happy endings, heroines who have a secret stash of chocolate, and heroes who know how to laugh. She lives in Newcastle on Australia's east coast with her own romantic hero, a house full of dust and books, and an eclectic collection of 60s and 70s vinyl.
Be sure to follow Michelle on:
Bookbub for the latest on sales: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/miche...
Facebook for book gossip: https://www.facebook.com/michelleDoug...
Instagram for pics of the beach: https://www.instagram.com/michelledou...
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 22, 2025
What a story, what a romance, what a trip to Venice, Michelle Douglas has again taken me on a beautiful, emotional and absolutely fabulous trip, I loved Hallie and Lucas, come along and meet them, make sure you have nothing else planned because you won’t want to put this one down once you pick it up.
Hallie has been back in Sydney for the last seven years and has quite a reputation for the wonderful artist she is, but when her ex-fiancé bids on her services as an artist at a charity auction she is going to make this all business and not personal at all, or that is what she was hoping but when Lucas also requests that she become his fake fiancé to make is beloved grandfather’s last wishes come true Hallie cannot refuse and so is whisked off to Venice and the beautiful palazzo with her own studio.
Lucas once loved Hallie but all of that changed seven years ago, so he thought but the more time they spend together with his grandfather Enrico matchmaking the more Lucas is seeing that maybe he never stopped loving her and that he was part of the past problems, but is there a chance that they can find the love they had, when Hallie is called back to Sydney urgently he goes with her and here the pull and chemistry ignites.
Hallie had her list to keep her reminded why she should not fall in love with Lucas again, but time together changed all of that, maybe she never stopped loving him and the road to true happiness does not always run smoothly will they get their HEA now after all of these years, are second chances better than the first?
I loved this one from start to finish, there were so many emotional moments that brought tears to my eyes and fabulous characters, and I loved Enrico, and of course I can’t forget the gorgeous setting of Venice, this is one that I would highly recommend to anyone who loves a gorgeous romance, it left me smiling.
Many thanks Michelle Douglas for another keeper.
Hallie has been back in Sydney for the last seven years and has quite a reputation for the wonderful artist she is, but when her ex-fiancé bids on her services as an artist at a charity auction she is going to make this all business and not personal at all, or that is what she was hoping but when Lucas also requests that she become his fake fiancé to make is beloved grandfather’s last wishes come true Hallie cannot refuse and so is whisked off to Venice and the beautiful palazzo with her own studio.
Lucas once loved Hallie but all of that changed seven years ago, so he thought but the more time they spend together with his grandfather Enrico matchmaking the more Lucas is seeing that maybe he never stopped loving her and that he was part of the past problems, but is there a chance that they can find the love they had, when Hallie is called back to Sydney urgently he goes with her and here the pull and chemistry ignites.
Hallie had her list to keep her reminded why she should not fall in love with Lucas again, but time together changed all of that, maybe she never stopped loving him and the road to true happiness does not always run smoothly will they get their HEA now after all of these years, are second chances better than the first?
I loved this one from start to finish, there were so many emotional moments that brought tears to my eyes and fabulous characters, and I loved Enrico, and of course I can’t forget the gorgeous setting of Venice, this is one that I would highly recommend to anyone who loves a gorgeous romance, it left me smiling.
Many thanks Michelle Douglas for another keeper.
April 2, 2025
Michelle Douglas is a guaranteed good read. Hallie and Lucas were once in love but split when they (thought they) wanted different things out of life. Now, seven years later, Lucas comes to Hallie for a favour. His dying grandfather wants a family portrait painted, and who better than his talented ex? Or maybe he knows Granddad is playing matchmaker, so to make the man they both love happy in his final days, Hallie and Lucas agree to a fake relationship. But as we all know, you only fake it until you make it, and with love and passion still burning bright, it won't be long until Hallie and Lucas rekindle their eternal flame.
There was so much I loved about this book. The dancing scene was super sexy, Venice the perfect backdrop for falling in love, and Sydney too as that's where Lucas really managed to unwind. The resolution was heart-wrenching and beautiful as the author wields words and internal conflict like no other. It was definitely an aww moment when Hallie and Lucas both confessed what they felt back then, and now, and realised that they still were each other's one and only.
I'm an honest ARC reader and leave this review voluntarily and with great pleasure.
There was so much I loved about this book. The dancing scene was super sexy, Venice the perfect backdrop for falling in love, and Sydney too as that's where Lucas really managed to unwind. The resolution was heart-wrenching and beautiful as the author wields words and internal conflict like no other. It was definitely an aww moment when Hallie and Lucas both confessed what they felt back then, and now, and realised that they still were each other's one and only.
I'm an honest ARC reader and leave this review voluntarily and with great pleasure.
April 7, 2025
My review is over on my Substack, Happily Ever After Him.
April 5, 2025
Artist Hallie, who’s career is finally taking off, has been commissioned to paint her ex fiancé, millionaire Lucas after her won the highest auction bid. Hallie and Lucas last saw each other seven years ago. Wasn’t a good ending. Both were hurt. They were struggling to make a go with their careers, when she miscarried their baby. She thought Lucas didn’t care about the loss of their child, so Hallie walked away. Lots of misunderstandings. Seven years later he’s in Sydney. She doesn’t know how she’s feel about it. Lucas finally tells her why he’s there. His grandfather is really sick. He wants her to paint a portrait of their family. Hallie can’t refuse because his grandfather was wonderful and loving towards her. Can the two put the past behind and act like adults? Lucas ask her to pretend to be in a fake relationship with him. Lucas would do anything for his grandfather, even pretend. Can they make it look real? Will his grandfather be upset with them for lying? This couple has so much going for them if only they would have communicated. Can Lucas tell her what he really felt at the loss of their child? Would she believe him? She never knew he had so much on his plate. Now that he succeeded can he make time her? Can he prove he’s a changed man. I was rooting for this couple. I didn’t want to put it down. I received this book for my honest review. I give it voluntarily
May 19, 2025
Readers wanting to read the very best category romance has to offer need look no further than Michelle Douglas’ gorgeous new Harlequin Romance, The Venice Reunion Arrangement.
When millionaire Lucas hires her to paint a family portrait, Hallie is unable to say no to him – even if he is her ex! Despite of their past together, Hallie is determined to keep things strictly professional between them and not let her feelings – or her history with Lucas – get in the way of the job at hand. However, that soon proves far easier said than done as keeping Lucas at arm’s length in his beautiful Venetian palazzo becomes increasingly difficult – and it doesn’t take long for long-buried feelings to resurface with a vengeance!
Hallie cannot afford distractions of any kind – especially from her ex! When Lucas asks her to act as his fake fiancée to fulfil his dying grandfather’s dying wish, Hallie finds herself with no other choice but to go along with this charade – even if there isn’t much play-acting involved! Acting the part of Lucas’s doting fiancée comes easily to her, however, Hallie can never forget the heartbreak of their past.
Is Hallie going to continue to let old ghosts and past sins to haunt her? Will Lucas be able to convince her to give him another chance? Or is a future for the two of them completely out of the question?
Michelle Douglas is one of my favourite romance authors, but she has exceeded all my expectations with her latest, The Venice Reunion Arrangement. Immensely enjoyable, wonderfully escapist and incredibly romantic, The Venice Reunion Arrangement is a poignant tale of second chances, undeniable attraction and love lost and found that made me laugh, cry and swoon.
I adored Hallie and Lucas and their love story had me biting my nails, cheering them on and melting into a puddle at the end as I was completely and utterly invested in their relationship.
Romantics everywhere will not want to miss The Venice Reunion Arrangement, a first-rate page-turner from the fabulous Michelle Douglas.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
When millionaire Lucas hires her to paint a family portrait, Hallie is unable to say no to him – even if he is her ex! Despite of their past together, Hallie is determined to keep things strictly professional between them and not let her feelings – or her history with Lucas – get in the way of the job at hand. However, that soon proves far easier said than done as keeping Lucas at arm’s length in his beautiful Venetian palazzo becomes increasingly difficult – and it doesn’t take long for long-buried feelings to resurface with a vengeance!
Hallie cannot afford distractions of any kind – especially from her ex! When Lucas asks her to act as his fake fiancée to fulfil his dying grandfather’s dying wish, Hallie finds herself with no other choice but to go along with this charade – even if there isn’t much play-acting involved! Acting the part of Lucas’s doting fiancée comes easily to her, however, Hallie can never forget the heartbreak of their past.
Is Hallie going to continue to let old ghosts and past sins to haunt her? Will Lucas be able to convince her to give him another chance? Or is a future for the two of them completely out of the question?
Michelle Douglas is one of my favourite romance authors, but she has exceeded all my expectations with her latest, The Venice Reunion Arrangement. Immensely enjoyable, wonderfully escapist and incredibly romantic, The Venice Reunion Arrangement is a poignant tale of second chances, undeniable attraction and love lost and found that made me laugh, cry and swoon.
I adored Hallie and Lucas and their love story had me biting my nails, cheering them on and melting into a puddle at the end as I was completely and utterly invested in their relationship.
Romantics everywhere will not want to miss The Venice Reunion Arrangement, a first-rate page-turner from the fabulous Michelle Douglas.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 29, 2025
Fall in love all over again!
I fell in love with Hallie and Lucas’ story as Lucas is on a mission to give his grandfather his last wish because he doesn’t have long to live. Lucas outrageously outbids for Hallie’s painting of a portrait at a fundraiser and the electricity starts to flow between the two from that moment on. When Lucas reveals that his grandfather wants Hallie to paint a family portrait back in Venice, Hallie agrees to fit it in after Lucas ups the incentive. Hallie has an uncanny ability to pull the tension out of Lucas’ family and the fun begins between the two! When an unexpected call forces Hallie back to Australia, Lucas is right there with her to help. Yet Lucas’ quick judgement over his grandfather’s request of Hallie and Hallie’s reminder list of why not to let Lucas back in to her life causes friction between the two. Will the two find their happily ever after? You have to read to find out and will be rooting for Lucas to trust his gut!
I fell in love with Hallie and Lucas’ story as Lucas is on a mission to give his grandfather his last wish because he doesn’t have long to live. Lucas outrageously outbids for Hallie’s painting of a portrait at a fundraiser and the electricity starts to flow between the two from that moment on. When Lucas reveals that his grandfather wants Hallie to paint a family portrait back in Venice, Hallie agrees to fit it in after Lucas ups the incentive. Hallie has an uncanny ability to pull the tension out of Lucas’ family and the fun begins between the two! When an unexpected call forces Hallie back to Australia, Lucas is right there with her to help. Yet Lucas’ quick judgement over his grandfather’s request of Hallie and Hallie’s reminder list of why not to let Lucas back in to her life causes friction between the two. Will the two find their happily ever after? You have to read to find out and will be rooting for Lucas to trust his gut!
April 16, 2025
I think this is one of my favourite books by this author. Hallie and Lucas are a fabulous couple who broke up 7 years earlier because of misunderstandings and misjudgments.
He bids a ridiculous amount of money for Hallie to paint him, but really, he wants to persuade her to accompany him to Venice to comfort his grandfather.
I enjoyed this book so much. Lucas and Hallie made mistakes, but they came across as such credible people with whom I'd engaged that I forgave them.
MD is a master of her craft and watching these two grow back towards each other was an absolute joy.
I received an advanced reader copy but my review is my own. I highly recommend this book - I enjoyed it so much, I read it twice.
He bids a ridiculous amount of money for Hallie to paint him, but really, he wants to persuade her to accompany him to Venice to comfort his grandfather.
I enjoyed this book so much. Lucas and Hallie made mistakes, but they came across as such credible people with whom I'd engaged that I forgave them.
MD is a master of her craft and watching these two grow back towards each other was an absolute joy.
I received an advanced reader copy but my review is my own. I highly recommend this book - I enjoyed it so much, I read it twice.
July 2, 2025
THE VENICE REUNION ARRANGEMENT by Michelle Douglas is a stand-alone second chance story between portrait artist Hallie Alexander and businessman Lucas Quinn. They had been blissfully happy until tragedy struck and their relationship was part of the fallout. When Lucas hires Hallie to help paint a family portrait and pays extra for her to consider faking an engagement for his ailing grandfather, maybe this time it can really work...
Michelle Douglas writes a beautifully sweeping story, balancing the lushly fabulous Venetian setting with Lucas and Hallie's all too real and still acute pain. Loved the sweetness of the family moments even as the agony of their past makes a reappearance. Another splendid read by Ms Douglas.
Michelle Douglas writes a beautifully sweeping story, balancing the lushly fabulous Venetian setting with Lucas and Hallie's all too real and still acute pain. Loved the sweetness of the family moments even as the agony of their past makes a reappearance. Another splendid read by Ms Douglas.
April 6, 2025
After winning the highest auction bid, Artist Hallie has been commissioned to paint her ex-fiancé, Lucas's portrait. They last saw each other seven years ago, and their parting wasn't good. They were struggling to make a go of their careers when she miscarried their baby. She doesn’t know how she’s feeling meeting Lucas again. Lucas tells Hallie that his grandfather is sick and wants her to paint a portrait of the family. They pretend to be in a relationship to make his grandfather happy. They need to deal with their past to proceed with their future.
March 27, 2025
Another beautiful romance from Michelle Douglas, set in Venice, surely the city of love! As it turns out, third book I've read this month set in Italy - maybe the universe is trying to tell me something?! This was lovely, a second chance at love, with the H&H struggling at times with a huge issue left unresolved from when they originally broke up. Emotional +++++, I loved it.
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April 2, 2025Fairy Tales, Folklore & Mythology, Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction
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April 29, 2025
The story in emojis: 🌈 👶🏼 💍
3 things about this book:
•Venetian setting
•Second Chance romance
•Rainbow baby
ℝ𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Venice Reunion Arrangement was a bit of an emotional read for me as it included a topic very close to my heart.
I don’t shy away from stories that include infertility or miscarriage, despite my personal connection and the topic of miscarriage played a very big and important part to Hallie and Lucas’ story and was very sensitively told.
The descriptions of the settings were so visual and the Venetian elements were my absolute favourite.
I love a Mills and Boon True Love story and this one with its second chance romance was absolutely perfect!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews