Fake Bride Wanted

Billionaires of Europe #1

by Holly Rayner

Julian Meijer is a man who has everything—almost. A billionaire bachelor, and the youngest, hottest member of a long line of Dutch nobility, there’s just one thing that eludes him: the Meijer Ruby, a priceless family heirloom that’s been lost for generations. After a tip-off leads him to the vaults of an ancient bank, Julian thinks his quest for the ring is over, but a revelation stops him in his tracks: in order to inherit it, he must use it to propose to his future bride!

Shelby Bright has loved Julian since their schooldays together, but the two haven’t spoken in fifteen years. When a new job role lands her working at his company, she’s hoping only that he’ll remember who she is. Little does she know, he has much bigger plans in store for her!

It’s not long before Julian presents his offer: a sham marriage, in exchange for a cash sum large enough to change her life forever. Unable to resist the billionaire’s indecent proposal, Shelby finds herself falling head over heels for Julian all over again, even as it becomes clear that her old friend is not the sweet, kind boy she once fell for.

Can Shelby put her feelings aside for the sake of the deal? Will Julian ever realize that the true value of his quest, lies not in a priceless jewel, but in a very real, very fake fiancée?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Fiction

223 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 21, 2018

Reviews

[Alaina · Rating 4 out of 5]

OMG I LOVE HOLLY AND HER WRITING!

Fake Bride Wanted was definitely a second chance at romance. These two, Julian and Shelby, met in private school and have secretly had crushes on one another. Of course, the universe split them apart and they never really knew what happened to the other.

Well it's a small world after all because Julian ends up being her boss. It was a bit sad when they reconnected because all he kept saying was that he's seeing her in a new and different light. Whereas, Shelby's old feelings for him are coming back. It also sucks that Julian knows about these said feelings.. and how he knew back then and just pushed her away.

Throughout the book, he needs her to be his fake fiance because he needs a family heir loom. Which just happens to be a ring.. but of course, these two are falling for each other along the way. Now I will admit, these two did annoy me from time to time. I don't want to go into so much detail because then I will never leave this review. I did, however, end up enjoying these two towards the end.

These two had amazing chemistry but it did suck when they would push away from one another. I just wanted them to be happy for once. It eventually happened, which made my heart pitter patter.. but damn, I need another book from this author. Heck the second book of this series. I need more!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely ridiculous the titles I scrolled through to get to this one on this authors Goodreads account. I mean ridiculous for the number and the actual cheesy titles. Not snobby normally but seriously is author a little fond of Sheiks??

Ok, wishing I never saw that I'll stick to review on this book. It reads really fast. It's breezy and yet tight...it sticks close to the plot which is fairly simple. I love how they liked each other in high school age boarding school. You feel their connection. I think I understand how he did have regrets about missing her after high school. Quite plausible.
The ring seems like a treasure hunt and very exciting. I loved the description of the Netherlands. I've visited for a couple of days and loved the beers there plus the cheeses. Yum.

So the overall story isn't earth shattering new but it's done with the colorful backdrop of tulips and bicycles and a handsome man.
It's entertaining and sweet. He was close to book boyfriend but he made my boo cry. She disppointed me too so this left book boyfriend "unicorn" status to a straight out five star rating.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The problem with living on fairy tales is that there's always a does of reality waiting in the wings. Rayner gives readers a little bit of both. For Shelby and Julian love was no fantasy. It left Shelby with a broken heart and Julian chasing after a ghost in the clouds. Just when Shelby determines to put away her hopes of a happily ever after, the man of her dreams reappears. Fake Bride Wanted counts on the hands of fate and an age old heirloom to heal the cracks of a broken heart. Life has a way of coming full circle. Holly Rayner gets that dreams are a pleasure, but hope and faith are priceless.

[Elizabeth Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny how I went from not knowing Holly Rayner and now I have read 2 books in a short amount of time by her ... the other was the combo with Layla Valentine the book "A Baby For Christmas" both of these reads are awesome, oh wow this series has 6 books ... I don't get how some authors just come out of the woodwork and u have never heard of them ... i am sorry I am just getting into Holly's writing ... where have I been? I am so there now ... great writing style ... love these covers. way cool!! will read more from Holly soon enough. if you are an emotional person tissues are needed, guess we all have our emotional moments. Love finding a new series to me ... will read more. ( :

[Lisa Pate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC to give my honest opinion.
I have read quite a few fake bride stories, I like them because they plot is usually just another rendition of the same thing but different names different people, and easy read just to escape. However this book “Fake Bride Wanted” is so much more. It two childhood friends coming back together again, it is about denial, facing the truth about one’s self, a family heirloom ring worth a fortune, and finally being able to distinguish what is the real treasure to be found.
Julian Meijers lives in Amsterdam; he is the CEO and founder of Vermaa N V. Brewery. He has also been searching for the family heirloom the priceless Meifer Ruby Ring. It was said that his ancestor was in love with a noble woman but her was too poor to be worthy of her. So he search all over and when mining there he found the larges emerald he had ever seen. When he came back to present it to her as an engagement ring the king was so impressed by all that he had done to win her that the king had given him knighthood. However over the years the ring had become lost somewhere. Julian had been working on looking for if for several years. It was at his Grandfathers 90th birthday party that the Grandfather hoped that he could see the heir find the ring before his death. It was also at this time his cousin Fleur told Julian that she too had started looking for the ring. She had become competitive with Julian over the years and had become jealous of all that he had achieved.
Shelby Bright is from Massachusetts, her Mother was once an exclusive fashion consultant and they would sometimes travel to Europe for work that she had to do. Up until Shelby freshman year at college at Hillcrest; that is when it was discovered that her Mother had Lupus and she could no longer work. Shelby took on a full time job to continue her education to get a marketing degree, and to help her Mother. Then ended up selling most of what she had and including their home and moved her into an apartment while Shelby went to school and then worked up the corporate ladder. She supported her Mother by paying her rent, helping to get the medication she needed and having people look in on her during the week and take her to doctor appointments. Then she got hired on as the Marketing Manager of the US division of Vermaak Brewery and needed to go to Amsterdam for a meeting with the CEO Julian and the other managers from all the other divisions.
Shelby and Julian were once childhood best friends, they had met at the same boarding school in Paris. She was there while her mother had a consulting job to do there. People would make fun of Julian because he also was with Shelby who was a little younger than he was. But he didn’t care she was the one person that he felt a connection to. She also had developed strong feeling for him as well but neither of them would tell each other how they felt. Shelby was in love with him but he didn’t know what it was only that when her mother’ job was finish and Shelby had to go back to the state Julian felt and emptiness.
Julian was shocked to see Shelby on the grounds of his main headquarters in Amsterdam and then realized that she was working with his company now. He was also shocked by how beautiful of a woman she had grown to be. He finally found the family ring in a bank vault but there was a will that had stipulations to it. He had to present the right to his fiancée on proposal of marriage, it would his on loan until the wedding day then it would be his to keep. He was thrilled that he had found it and he knew instantly who would be the best candidate to be his fake bride. Shelby also lived by the rules but Julian presented her with an offer that would help her to take better care of her ailing mother. But then the lines of friendship and something else became blurred. One was in denial and confused, the other was confused as to what to do. While yet another one was trying to get the ring away from them. This story has so many levels to it towards the end that I cannot give it the full credit that it should be given. I can only say that you should read the book to see how things work out and find out what is and what happens to the priceless treasure.

[LMR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fake Bride Wanted - A Second Chance Billionaire Romance (Billionaires of Europe Book 1) By: Holly Rayner
What can I say...
I'm like a greedy little gnome just waiting to devour the next Holly Rayner book... That's RIGHT! I actively stalk upcoming releases just looking for the next opportunity to read more, More, MORE of this Absolutely Amazing author's work...
Whatever I don't own, I've ARC'ed, because I've suddenly grown Sooo impatient I couldn't wait anymore for her Stellar writing to be released, & like a good little greedy gnome, I tracked her work down to its source so I could get it sooner (Muhahahaha!).
Let me tell you a Secret, it's AWESOME being on the insiders team, especially for my Ms. Impatient Greedy Gnome, but most importantly because...
I LOVE Holly Rayner's books; she's my go to girl when I'm looking for a fairly Clean, yet certainly Se*y story! Whenever I see Holly's name on a cover, I know it's gonna be a good read :) It's gonna be a Feel-GOOD, let myself go piece of self-indulgence, & let me tell you... Holy HOTness...Has she ever hit it outta the ballpark again giving us another truly Spectacular performance! Okay, okay... When doesn't she! LOL :)
As I said before, I was granted an ARC of Holly Rayner's "Fake Bride Wanted - A Second Chance Billionaire Romance (Billionaires of Europe Book 1)," & of course I'm ecstatic to recommend it to others because it's an excellent read...Trust me, this is a One-Click selection for your inner greedy gnome library too. LOL You know you have one... Am I right, or am I RIGHT! Don't miss out, because NO Matter the settings & or character type she's writing with, Holly Rayner always brings it home for the readers. All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given.
Until next time... Happy Reading!

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked reading this very much. It was wonderful that the romance was based on a solid friendship. Shelby has known Julian since she was fifteen. She met him at her boarding school in Paris. He was seventeen at the time. They spent a lot of time together laughing and learning. Then Shelby moved back to the states and they lost touch. She however never forgot Julian. He was her best friend and she loved him. In the meantime, Julian had been on the hunt for the Meijer Ruby. A ring that has been in his family for hundreds of years. He finally found it. There was a stipulation in order to obtain the ring and it was that he had to be engaged to be married. He told the bankers that he was. They set up an appointment for one week to meet his fiancé. He was in over his head. At the same time Shelby got a marketing job at Vermaak. Vermaak is the brewing company that Julian owns in Amsterdam. She had to go to a meeting for the top executives and she knew that she would see Julian. It's been fifteen years since they saw each other. Julian was pleasantly surprised. While Shelby was nervous. They had a very warm reunion. They spent time together and reminisced of old times. The Julian had a brainstorm. He would ask Shelby to be his fake fiancé and then marry and be a fake wife for five hundred thousand dollars. She was hurt that he did not feel for her what she felt for him. But the money would be extremely useful in helping pay medical expenses for her mother who was sick and had lupus. She had a difficult time deciding, She was as straight laced as they come and believed in always doing the right thing. She however thought of her ailing mother and all she could do with the money. She said yes. Thus began the arduous time for both of them. Shelby wanted so much for Julian to care for her. But Julian's focus was on getting the Meijer Ruby. In their quiet time they both contemplated their feelings for each other. Julian just would not face any emotions he had for Shelby and forced himself to concentrate on getting the ruby. After a time Shelby could no longer deny her feeling for Julian and revealed all to Julian. He tried to gently let her down by stating they were only friends. Well Shelby became upset and spoke some truths to him and left his home and went back to her hotel. In the meantime, Julian's cousin Fleur had concocted a plan to get the ruby for herself and contacted Shelby to help her. Will Shelby help Fleur? Will Julian open his heart up to Shelby. Who will get the ruby? This definately was a different type of romance. This is a must read. I highly recommend it. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Terrib · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julian is a single billionaire running his company when he attends his grandfather's birthday. His grandfather has been searching for a family heirloom. A ruby ring . There is a legend attached to the stone. Julian decides to try and find it for his "Opa". Shelby Bright knew Julian years before when she was 12. They became BF's until she had to go home to the states.Years passed and they grew apart. Shelby knew he was her first love and never got over him. She is offered a job doing marketing at his company and they reconnect. Julian seems to want to be friends again and she wants more. Julian Hanes to find out that the ruby has been under lock and key at a bank along with other family treasures. Unfortunately he is informed that the heir who placed it in the vault left strict instructions. It must used.as an engagement ring! His cousin Fleur, the only other family member in line to claim it, wants it also. Julian decides to strike a deal with Shelby. He will pay her to marry him. She agrees because she needs help looking after her sick mother. It is a good story. I received an ARC and I am writing this review voluntarily. See what happens!

[Raecharmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julian and Shelby knew each as kids but Shelby moved away. Now years later Julian runs back into Shelby when she comes overseas for a work thing. Julian is shocked to find out that she is his company's US contact. Julian has been looking for the Meijer Ruby a family heirloom and just when he finds it there's a hoop he must jump in order to claim it. In order to get the ring Julian has to provide a fiancé and proof its a real relationship. When he sees Shelby again he starts a plan to get her help to get the ring. Shelby has always had feelings for Julian and when he offers her money that could help with her mother's care she agrees. However she never expected for all her old feelings to come back will Julian realize he has feelings for her too before its too late?


This is a great story once I started it I couldn't put it down. The chemistry between Julian and Shelby is sensually sweet. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this to any book lover.


I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.

[Meghann Alford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book! Holly Rayner really brought something special to the table with this one. Julian has been searching for a family ring for years and he thinks he finally found it. The catch? He has to be married to get it! Just then, Shelby comes back into his life. They were best friends in school but lost touch when she moved. She has always been straigh laced and doesn't like lying. Will she help? This was a great book about friends, lovers, and the true meaning behind some things. Loved it! I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Hero, Julian = 5/5
Heroine, Shelby = 5/5
Chemistry, = 5/5
Sex = 5/5
Plot = 4/5
Mystery = 3/5
Action = 1/5
Darkness = 1/5
Humor = 2/5
POV = dual
Would I recommend this book = yes
Would I Re-read this book = yes
Would I read future books by this author = yes

[Pontiki · Rating 4 out of 5]

A unique take on fake bride stories. Julian is after the Meijer ruby, which has an interesting legend. He and his cousin are competing for it, but he finds it at a bank at The Hague. In order to claim it, he must use it to propose to his girlfriend. Which he doesn’t have. But pretends he does.

Shelby is a new hire from the US, and was Julian’s best friend at boarding school. She arrives for a meeting, and they reconnect. She agrees to be his fake fiancée, but for her, the lines become blurred. She loved Julian at school, and she’s falling in love with him again.

They both shy away from their feelings, but Shelby comes forward first. It takes losing her for him to realize how he feels, and the ruby theme resurfaces to complicate things a little more in the story.

Fun, interesting read.

KU

[K. Smock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holly Rayner has written another exceptional book There is Shelby and Julian in this story. They've known each other for quite awhile. Both are in love with each other but won't admit it to themselves or each other. He decides to search for his family heirloom and he thinks he has it but learns he has to marry in order to inherit. He asks Shelby to go in on the deception with him in order to get what he wants. Or is it? There are lots of twists and turns in this story as well as an ultimatum that make break a heart. Both are very likeable characters with issues they are each working through. Once you start this book, you will want to read it until you finish. An easy one-click.

I voluntarily wrote this review from an advanced copy of this book.

[Géraldine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC to give my honest opinion.
Even though I've read many books about the same topic, I liked this one. I think the little twists enforced the story and help it to differentiate from the rest.
Julian, the successful heir of the Meijer family is on a quest to find the lost ruby ring, but he needs a bride. Destiny helps him and reunite him with a long lost friend Shelby, offering her a very attractive offer in exchange for her playing the bride role. Life circumstances make Shelby accept and there is where the adventure begins.
An unexpected rival and a "magic spell" regarding the ring give me an interesting and easy story.
I also liked that the book give some descriptions of Amsterdam, I think I would like some more.

[Shelly Celli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is adorable. These two were in love in School, but didn’t tell the other. Here they are, years later, and fate has brought them back together. With his search of the family heirloom, he’s discovered he has to be truly in love and ready to be engaged to get his hands on it. He’s brought her in to the deception as his best friend since they have a past and already know one another so well. Only problem? They’re still in love and neither is ready to admit it...until she finally decides it’s her or the heirloom and he shatters her heart...for the moment. I’m voluntarily reviewing an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Nancy Silk · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A Sweet Story Of Lasting Love"

Julian Meijer is a billionaire bachelor of Dutch nobility. There is one thing he is searching for: the Meijer Ruby, a priceless family heirloom which has been missing for generations. He now gets a tip which leads him to the vaults of an ancient bank. But then he is stopped in his tracks. In order to inherit it, he must use it as a proposal of marriage. He thinks back to his schooldays and thinks Shelby Bright might be the one to support his wishes. He'll propose a sham marriage in exchange for a large sum of money. This is a delightful story to read. We all know ... love always wins. But the trail always has ruts and ridges. Loved it.

[Modern · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fake Bride Wanted is not about a s Sheikh.. finally. Nothing against them but after the first couple it got a but stale.
Though the aristocratic titles in this story could have easily been changed, but I’m glad they weren’t.
This is the story between Julian and Shelby. Long time friends turned... lovers? Friends? Enemies? This book has some twists and turns to keep the plot interesting. The characters are good and keep the plot flowing. 3.75 stars for me.
I received this book for a voluntary, completely honest and non incentivized review.

[Daniella · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true slow simmer, Shelby and Julian met at boarding school. She'd had a crush, but nothing much came of it, although they did build a great friendship. 15 years down the line, Julian finds himself in unique situation which calls for a fake fiancee. And his old friend Shelby happens to be just the person he needs. It's fantastic to see these friends get to see one another in a new lights, and there is a lot of intrigue around that ruby. It's an exciting read and a great romance that I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend. This is a voluntary review of an advance reader copy.

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julian Meijer is desperate to get his hands on a family heirloom. Shelby Bright longs to get to know the boy she once knew. He needs her help. Will Shelby be able to keep feelings out of it? Will Julian be ready to open up before it is to late?

Loved the fact that these two were tight knit when they shared their years together previously. There were times that I wanted to shake both characters, but I was happy that in the end they found what was important. Good second chance friends-lovers romance!

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julian and Shelby have a history having gone to boarding school together. When she gets a job working for him, she is elated. Julian is a busy businessman who is also looking for a lost heirloom. When he finds it, he learns that the only way to retrieve it is to marry. Thinking about how to o that it comes to him during a meeting with Shelby. Fate has a way of messing with you and rearing its head when you least expect it and Julian's along with Shelby's feelings start to blur the lines into reality.

[Rosali · Rating 3 out of 5]

Julian finds the lost familiy ruby-ring in a safe deposit box. But his ancestors set up the instruction, that the ring may only be taken out, if used immediately for a marriage proposel. Is it fate, that just when he’s in need to present a fiancée, his childhood best-friend Shelby steps back into his life…

All in all a nice book to read on the beach. The story and the characters are quite shallow, but it could still draw me in. The language is simple and the story easy to follow. It’s a lovestory with hardly any explicit content.

I enjoyed the brief moment to switch off and delve into this book.

[Joyce Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful romance that smoothly flowed out over the course of the story. Of course there were hurdles to overcome for the two main characters on their pathway to love. Each had their own insecurities to deal with but a firm foundation of friendship lent itself to their happy every after. A touch of whimsy, a touch of the mystical and large doses of love for every romance reader to enjoy.

I received an advance review copy of this novel and I am leaving an honest review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The search for the Meijer Ruby ring that has been lost for a hundred years will bring about a meeting between Julian Meijer and Shelby Bright who have not seen each other in fifteen years when they were in Paris at a private school. A well-written story that kept my interest throughout. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Phylis Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fake Bride Wanted by Holly Rayner. A wonderful story full of banter, laughing, some crying, and opening up, from putting up walls their past lose of each other. Coming to understand what true treasure is. My free opinion. Thanks.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick simple read with and easy storyline to follow. Not one of my favorites but that doesn't mean it won't be one of yours. If you choose a book by reading the reviews, please look at all of them and the authors synopsis. Just because it wasn't one that I thoroughly enjoyed, it might be that one book you're looking for.

[Laila Viking · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just had to read this in one setting. It was an amazing and easy read. Nice length of the story. Well written with nice storyline and plot. Likeable characters and unexpected twists. It kept me on the edge and it flows nicely of the pages.
I like it is written in dual POV which gives the reader more of the thoughts and feelings of the main characters.
Captivating and enjoyable read.

[Patricia Koch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take Bride Wanted- A Second Chance Billionaire Romance ( Billionaires of Europe Book 1)

Awesomeness, Romantically, Passionate, Drama, and Sexual. This book contained all of those things described in writing this story! Excellent story about how, to amazing people who knew each other when they we're younger , then fell in love allover again! Excellent story! Enjoy

[SuzyHD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet Story

A second chance at falling in love with her childhood first love, Julian, seems like a dream to Shelby. Julian persuades Shelby to go along with a fake engagement and wedding to get a priceless family ring into his possession. In this delightful love drama you'll discover the challenges the two face.

[ShellD · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay read but a bit slow for me. Too much detail and time given to less important parts of the story and not enough to the more interesting aspects. Julian was cold for most of the book but seemed to switch too fast & change completely. I found the introduction of Shelby’s father odd and unnecessary. No explanation why he’s been absent forever so why bring him back but have no interaction?

[Kim F · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book. Extremely entertaining, captivating, and interesting read. I could not put it down. Wonderfully written with strong characters. I want to read more from this author. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun and engaging second chance romance. The storyline is well-written, entertaining and has good character interactions. The developed characters are relatable. I liked it. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review.