Undercover with the Heiress

Fitzgerald House #5

by Nan Dixon

What's behind her beautiful mask?
FBI agent Kaden Farrell is on a mission. He's undercover at Fitzgerald House in Savannah, where a little girl is the key to his investigation. And that's what he needs to focus on, not a down-and-out heiress whose jeweled eyes haunt his dreams. Courtney Smythe might be spoiled, but when Kaden notices her ease with the children at the B and B, he sees the beauty beyond her looks. Getting close to Courtney will help his case, and giving in to attraction is the right thing to do. Even if it means perpetuating a lie

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Suspense

278 pages, Paperback

Published August 1, 2017

About the author

Nan spent her formative years as an actress, singer, dancer and competitive golfer. But the need to eat had her studying accounting in college. Unfortunately, being a successful financial executive didn’t feed her passion to perform. When the pharmaceutical company she worked for was purchased, Nan got the chance of a lifetime—the opportunity to pursue a writing career.

She’s a five-time Golden Heart finalist and lives in the Midwest where she is active in her local RWA chapter and on the board of a dance company.

Reviews

[Ally Swanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is book five in the “Fitzgerald House,” Book Series. Even though, I hadn’t read any of the other books in this series prior to reading this book; I didn't have any problems keeping up and wasn’t at all lost or confused at any point. I will admit there seemed to be like some drama or unresolved tension between certain characters like Courtney and her brother, Gray; Gray and his wife, Abby; and Kaden and his dad, and so on. Perhaps this is further explained in the series. Regardless, this book can absolutely be read on its own, as a stand-alone.

This book is about Courtney, a dainty and spoiled heiress who gets financially cut off from the family fortune. Courtney heads to Savannah to move in with her brother, Gray and his wife, Abby at their B&B, The Fitzgerald House. Trying to fit in with her hardworking family she starts working as the nanny.

This book is about Kaden, an undercover FBI agent, working as a handyman at the Fitzgerald House. The key to his big investigation is a little girl, Issy, who is now under Courtney’s care.

So in order for Kaden to get close to Issy he must first get close to Courtney. Kaden sees Courtney as the spoiled and selfish princess he assumes her to be, but the more time he spends with her and sees the way she interacts with the kids he realizes he may have been too quick to judge her. It isn’t long before emotions and feelings are developing, but is this all just about the case or is he actually falling for her?

Wow! Yes! I really enjoyed reading this book! It was such a fun, exciting, suspenseful, and intriguing read! I wasn’t quite sure how it was going to play out, but I loved every minute waiting in anticipation!

This was definitely a book that I was not able to put down! I took that tablet with me everywhere lol!

I really liked the main characters, Courtney and Kaden! They were enjoyable, relatable, and realistic!

Courtney is the perfect example of a character we love to read about! Maybe not the best person, but over the pages that person works really hard to grow and improve, and become a better person overall. Perhaps like the villain or unliked character at page one, but by the end of the book we have totally been won over by them and we are rooting and cheering for their success!

That is exactly what Courtney did! She wasn’t one of my favorites at first, but wow all her hard work, dedication, growth, improvement – I was impressed! She definitely has my respect!

I really liked the scenario of Courtney being cut off and having to push her herself and decide what she wants to do with her life. Sometimes we all need that extra push to show what we can truly accomplish and what our full potential is capable of.

This book touches on so many topics such as romance, love, second chances, change, dedication, perseverance, growth, humor, suspense, mystery, and so much more! There is sure to be something here for pretty much all types of readers!

All in all, I really enjoyed reading this book and would absolutely recommend this book to all readers!! As I mentioned, this book covers so many topics that even non-romance or non-Harlequin readers would still also love it! Also, I will totally be checking out the other books in the Fitzgerald House Book Series and I recommend you do the same as well!

**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations.**

[Kathleen Booker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good read. Felt bad for Courtney for the way her Father treated her so glad she found Kayden and helped save Issy.

[Christine Gevas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!!!! I would highly recommend this book. So much more than a romance novel! This is not my usual genre but I am now a great fan of the Fitzgerald series and cannot wait to read the rest of the books in this series!! I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by this author and I really enjoyed it. It is the 5th book in a series but it read very closely to a stand-alone. There are obviously backstories to the other characters in the book that I didn't know due to not reading the previous books but they weren't imperative to the development of this story and these main characters. At first I disliked the lead female character but she grew and changed as the story progressed and became a character I really enjoyed getting to know. Having read and enjoyed this book, I will likely go back and read the other books in this series.

[E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

“Undercover with the Heiress” by Nan Dixon is a lovely romantic suspense story that centers around privileged and decorative Courtney Smythe as she is forced to deal with a personal upheaval and join the working class. Desperate enough to flee to Savannah and seek sanctuary with her brother and sister-in-law, Courtney struggles to find a niche to fit into among her hard-working and highly capable in-laws, the Fitzgeralds. Her rapport with children finally starts paving the way for her to make a new life, but her progress is complicated by the sexy handyman, Kaden Farrell, who mysteriously manages to reject her but insinuates himself into her life. Too bad he’s working undercover and she’s only a means to an end…or is she?

This addition to the ‘Fitzgerald House’ series is an entertaining look at the concept of redemption and restitution as two disparate characters pursue very different goals. Courtney is almost a caricature and it is a little difficult to be sympathetic to her at first but the author did a great job of gradually softening her abrasive edges, especially when she deals with the very personable kids, Issy and Josh. I love the close relationship Kaden has with his grandfather and I was delighted in the warm family group formed by the Fitzgeralds and their significant others. Those who are squeamish should be aware there are a couple of traumatic scenes, one of which is alluded to as having occurred but is still chill-inducing, as it involves an innocent bystander. Despite this being part of a series, there was no problem reading it as a stand-alone story, and the blend of tragic pasts, redemption, suspense, and budding romance made this a fun and engaging read. I am intrigued by the other sisters in this family and would definitely like to read their stories as well.

A copy of this title was provided to me for review

[Kate Vale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Fitzgerald House novel, it was fun to get reacquainted with the sisters and their wonderful friends. In this story, FBI agent Kaden Farrell goes undercover to try to catch a drug-using mother and to protect her child from further trauma after the child has been dropped off with her father, just just happens to be part of the Fitzgerald House family.

Courtney Smythe is the spoiled sister of the man who has bought into the Fitzgerald House group after marrying one of the sisters. Courtney has never worked a day in her life--except to get her nails done. But her father's had it with her out-of-control spending and sends her to spend time with her big brother, Gray, and maybe to learn what it's like to work for a living. Courtney is certain she hasn't the skills to do anything. But she likes to read to children and play with them. Trouble is, what kind of job does that prepare her for?

When she's certain she's never going to make it and hates being in Savannah, she's asked to babysit two small children. By whom? Kaden, who's watched her with the kids and knows if she takes care of them, he'll be able to watch over all of them and maybe even catch the woman he's trying to find and bring to justice.

His plan is a good one, except that his interest in Courtney evolves into something more than simply keeping those children safe. And when she reciprocates--in spite of how different their backgrounds are--all is well until she is convinced that his only interest in her was to get to the criminal, not because he might actually like her. How all this is resolved involves a variety of injuries, guns, several frightening incidents, BUT a child who ends up safe after all. Whew!

[Jess Lawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Undercover with the Heiress is the fifth book in the Fitzgerald House series. Nan Dixon did an absolutely remarkable job with this one just like the rest of the series. If you haven't read any of the previous books in the Fitzgerald House series than you are unaware of the fact that it is a B&B ran by the Fitzgerald family. Kaden and Sophie are complete polar opposites but you know how the old saying goes opposites attract. Neither of them are a direct family member of the Fitzgerald family but both have ties to the household.

Sophie is an absolute spoiled princess who has always lived on daddy's dime. She has no idea what it means to earn her own money or actually work for that matter. She was raised to be a spoiled pampered princess, well that is until daddy gets a little too tired of her shopping sprees among other things. Her brother Gray is married to Abby one of the Fitzgerald's, so when things get a little rough at home with daddy Sophie runs to Gray. Yet Gray isn't as accepting as she expects and he makes her go to work.

Nathan is an undercover FBI agent whose father works at the Fitzgerald House. Nathan has to come to Savannah because of a family emergency but finds a witness to one of his cases while at the home. Can he keep his cover intact while spending time with the Fitzgerald family and not fall for the nanny of his witness? He doesn't understand why he is even attracted to her in the first place he can tell she is one of those spoiled rich girls who are completely shallow and expects men to fall at her feet.

Sophie and Nathan surprise me so much through out "Undercover with the Heiress". I absolutely enjoyed watching Sophie grow as the novel progressed. As well as watching Nathan soften up just a bit as sweet little Issy melts his heart. You will not regret this purchase get your copy today. It is one of those reads you absolutely can not put down.

[Amy Shelton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Independent Reviewer for Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!

This was overall, a surprisingly good read. It started out a little rocky and slow, but ended well. The story line picked up and the characters grew on me. It was, overall, an enjoyable read.

This is the fifth book in the series and this book is considered a standalone. I would agree with that for the most part, however, there were times where I felt like I was missing out on some information. It wasn’t enough to ruin the story or to leave me completely in the dark though. It was just enough to notice.

The female lead starts out as quite a prissy character – my least favorite. However, as the story progresses, her character seems to grow and mature, and becomes my favorite. Her love for all little kids is quite her saving grace to say the least.

I would recommend the story to you. It was enjoyable and I’d even venture out to say that I’d check out the other books in the series. I’m intrigued to say the least!


* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.

This is the first book that I have read by Nan Dixon. It's number five in the Fitzgerald House series, but is a stand alone.

The author is talented, no doubt about it. However, I had to push myself past Courtney. Her character was like nails on a chalkboard to me. I know that Nan Dixon would have to redeem her in someway, but until that moment... The character was too vein and condescending for me to care about. I also felt that Kaden's issues were never aired with Courtney or completely resolved, maybe just a line or two?

Now having said that, would I read more by the author? Yes, I will be getting the rest of the series.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. The pacing was good and the setting was beautiful. Courtney is an intriguing character who made tremendous personal growth over the course of the book. I changed my mind about her during the course of the book as she discovered previously untapped depths to her personality. I liked Kaden and found him to be a worthy match for Courtney. I would have liked to been given a little more insight into the villain and her organization. It would have made her despicable actions a bit more believable as the events played out in my head while I was reading.

This book deals with serious issues, but it is not heavy reading. There is plenty of humor and funny moments throughout to go along with the suspense. It is entertaining, easy to digest, and well-written.

Reviewed by Laurie-J

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since I have never read anything Nan Dixon before, I was a little nervous picking up and reading Undercover with the Heiress. I was not sure what to expect. Well, let me just say that it will not be the last I will read by Nan Dixon. Undercover with the Heiress is a good, fun, and romantic read. FBI agent Kaden Farrell is so likable from the start. The heiress Courtney Smythe? Not so much. I did not care for her spoiled ways at first but then she grew on me as she became more mature as I got further into the story. She and Kaden were so fun together. And I love the setting of the beautiful city of Savannah, Georgia. Just an all-around great story. I recommend it and I look forward to reading the others from the Fitzgerald House series and catch up what happened previously.

4 1/2 stars.

I received this book from Goddess Fish Promotions. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

[PinkPiratePanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first you would honestly hate Courtney, but as you read on you find out that there is more to her than meets the eye. You watch her grow and become who she wants to be instead of what others see and expect her to be.

Kaden is a total hunk, he works hard at everything he does. His past has shaped his present sometimes it gets in the way and keeps him from seeing whats in front of him that matters.

When these two collide, watch out, you really do not know who is going to win, or get hurt in the process.

I really enjoyed reading this book. Is it the last one? I had a few laughs watching/ reading the process of the 'path of Courtney'.

I received this book from Goodreads giveaways and I am not obligated to provided a review.

Thank you Nan Dixon for my autographed copy! :)

[Barbara Quintin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb

This book was awesome. Kept me on my toes. Just the right amount of tension, love and family. I am sad that there are no more Fitzgerald books and hope there will be more similar.

[Wendy Bunnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first romance I've read by this author, but I'll definitely read more. Having not read the prior books in the Fitzgerald House series, I wasn't sure that Courtney was an insufferable brat. Until I started reading. It doesn't take long of listening to Courtney interact with her dad to see in all of her buying $5,000 pairs of shoes, no job-having, irrepentant luxury car-crashing ways.

And then, she leaves her parents house. Thank God. That was awful. I could not have read a whole book about Courtney whining to her parents who treat her like a fancy lace doily or something else completely useless but pretty.

She heads down to Savannah, where we encounter people from previous books, including her brother, who has married into the Fitzgerald clan of strong, sassy, independent women. We know because they own and operate a B&B together. And they are not big fans of Courtney. And why would they be? She shows up and is rude to everyone, is incompetent at every task they give her, and complains a lot. Charming.

But, for some reason, she likes hanging out with kids. And this is intriguing to a man who seems to be terrified of children while simultaneously clueless. Kaden is a man of mystery, and contradictions. He wants to be the crusader who saves every child in the Atlanta / Savannah regional area from the evil of drugs, specifically drug-addicted parents. Like his were. But he freezes up every time there is a child involved in one of his FBI cases. His cases on the drug cartel investigation unit. Good grief. He seems to have no clue about letting a young boy climb all over a boat suspended high on a lift over the water (while wearing no life jacket). Seriously, that seemed very odd for the protector of children.

But he's hot. And she's hot. And first Courtney is all miffed because he isn't responding, and she gets into serious game-player mode. But then, he's leading her on to further his case. And sparks fly.

Ok, what works well in this book?
Courtney's redemption story, from bitch to babysitter.
Courtney finding her true calling (though I do hope someone else is doing the books).
Kaden redemption story, from the little boy who failed to protect his baby brother to the protector of all small humans.
Oh, and also his redemption story of the guy who pretended to like Courtney to further his case to the guy who had some explaining to do. I liked that part.
And Kaden's relationship with his grandfather. That was sweet.
Not sure exactly how Kaden knew instinctively how to be a handyman though. Unless his Grandpa had this job when he was a kid living with him, but I didn't gather this place has been around that long. Or maybe "general handyman skills" is a required course at Quantico. Actually, I took it as Kaden is practical and handy. Whereas Courtney is neither of those things.

What isn't quite as good - the weird relationship between Courtney and her brother. I missed the prior books, but her brother still isn't thrilled to have her around.
Spoiler question - So why stick around in the business that your brother and his wife and her sisters run then? Go to Atlanta. There are daycares in all big cities, you know. And Kaden's job is in Atlanta, isn't it?
And, granted, I'm joining this series partway through, but they're NOW building a restaurant at this B&B. Where were people eating before? And if that was so awesome, why do they need a restaurant now? I thought they were supposed to be at some remote location, but then, hard to bring in non-B&B traffic. Oh who knows. Not important.

Anyway, fun exploration of redeeming a rather miserable character. I still don't think I'm leaving my kids with her though. Or any filing, or wood furniture, or a very newly constructed building . . .

[Bec · Rating 5 out of 5]

FBI agent Kaden Farrell has an important mission to accomplish and doesn't have time for distractions. But heiress Courtney Smythe is proving more and more tempting every time he's around her. However, she may be the only one capable of helping him get the little girl who is the key to his investigation to open up about things she could possibly know to do with her criminal mother. Will Kaden put his trust in Courtney, or will he destroy their chance at happy ever after before they've even begun getting to know more about each other than the fact Courtney is a spoiled brat who is good with children?

This is the first book I've read by Ms. Dixon, and it was a wonderful read that I thoroughly enjoyed, despite the way it started and my thinking the heroine was nothing more than a rich girl that was too spoiled and definitely needed what her father does to finally become the woman she's meant to be. A woman that can be independent and find her way in life, instead of relying on her father's money to give her everything she wants. Yet, in saying that, I liked how she realized she might not get her old life back and began to become this totally different person. Someone that could live without being spoiled and learn to become independent. Will she realize that money isn't everything; that money isn't the key to happiness?

As for the dialogue, it was very entertaining, fast-paced and had me enjoying the hero and the heroine due to the suspense of this story; the way they interact with each other that illustrates the strong chemistry between them; and the way Kaden begins to see that Courtney is more than just a spoiled rich girl the more she gets to know her. Moreover, I loved how strong and brave the heroine is once she realized her father won't change his mind when it comes to what he's done to make her finally start to take control of her life. I also liked how good she is with the children she cares for and that she would do anything to protect them, which is proven by what she does for the little girl that is the key to Kaden's investigation. While the hero, he's confident, determined to his job no matter the consequences of keeping the fact that he's undercover a secret, and I liked how protective he was of the heroine, because he knows how dangerous things could get with the people he was after.

Overall, Ms. Dixon has delivered a fantastic and riveting read in this book where the secondary characters were just as good as the main ones and really help the heroine to find the direction she wants her life to take. The way this story ended had me worried for the main characters, but I liked the way it brought the hero and heroine together after everything that happens between them. I would recommend Undercover with the Heiress by Nan Dixon, if you enjoy the sexy protector trope, the opposites attract trope or books by authors Julianna Morris, Stephanie Doyle, Kathy Altman and Rachel Brimble.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually steer clear of "poor rich girl" books but I was pleasantly surprised by the heroine of Undercover with the Heiress and found myself emotionally rooting for her and her happy ending. I'm going to admit that I cried through parts of it. I think that part of my emotional response was due to the fact that the story was a "fish out of water" story and almost everyone can relate to a time when he or she didn't fit in. Courtney isn't a completely likable person at the beginning of the story. She is spoiled and resents her banishment to her brother's house, but she grows throughout the story into the person she always was deep down inside. I think the book had some interesting things to say about the life roles that people get stuck in and the psychological need that those needs fill. I also liked the suspense plot that ran through the story.

[MK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Courtney is a princess through and through. She does not know why Kaden isn’t falling for her charms. She leaves for Savannah because her father is being unresonable. She soon learns a big lesson while staying at the Fitzgerald house with her brother, and his wife Abby.
Kaden comes to the Fitzgerald house because his grandfather had an accident. But theres more to his stay in Savannah. He needs to find Heather and her little girl Isabella. He needs to protect the little girl from her mother. He soon learns something that puts his mind at ease. However he still needs to find Heather.

This book was nail biting, and heartwarming. Funny for sure.
Could not get enough of it.

[Laura McLoughlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really closer to 2.5

[Harlequin Books]

Received 4 stars @ harlequin.com (as of 9/27/17). To view reviews, go HERE>https://www.harlequin.com/shop/books/...

Miniseries: Fitzgerald House