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One Night to Forever #1
Fiancé for the Night
An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.
She needs a fiancé--for only one night.
Cassandra Daniels’ parents want to meet her fiancé. They’ve driven hours to have dinner with the man who stole their daughter’s heart. The only problem—he doesn’t exist. She made him up because her mom and dad are concerned about her. Cassandra could tell the truth, but she’s tired of always disappointing her family. Now, she must find a handsome, respectable-looking guy to be her fake fiancé.
Troy McKnight can’t believe a gorgeous blonde wants to pretend to be engaged for the night. Why him? She’s his total opposite—impulsive, adventurous, and a risk-taker. He should say no. He’s not the type to go along with crazy schemes and drama, yet he can’t deny her pull. Giving into his attraction, he agrees to be her fiancé. What’s the worst thing that can happen?
Turns out Cassandra’s father is a powerful venture capitalist who could make or break Troy's career, so they continue the ruse. But as their fake engagement spirals, their attempts to stop the madness fail. Troy wants to spend more time with Cassandra, but she fears losing her heart…to him. The charade must end, even if she wishes her fiancé for the night could be her perfect husband for life.
* This second edition has been rewritten and updated. 8000 words have also been added. *
She needs a fiancé--for only one night.
Cassandra Daniels’ parents want to meet her fiancé. They’ve driven hours to have dinner with the man who stole their daughter’s heart. The only problem—he doesn’t exist. She made him up because her mom and dad are concerned about her. Cassandra could tell the truth, but she’s tired of always disappointing her family. Now, she must find a handsome, respectable-looking guy to be her fake fiancé.
Troy McKnight can’t believe a gorgeous blonde wants to pretend to be engaged for the night. Why him? She’s his total opposite—impulsive, adventurous, and a risk-taker. He should say no. He’s not the type to go along with crazy schemes and drama, yet he can’t deny her pull. Giving into his attraction, he agrees to be her fiancé. What’s the worst thing that can happen?
Turns out Cassandra’s father is a powerful venture capitalist who could make or break Troy's career, so they continue the ruse. But as their fake engagement spirals, their attempts to stop the madness fail. Troy wants to spend more time with Cassandra, but she fears losing her heart…to him. The charade must end, even if she wishes her fiancé for the night could be her perfect husband for life.
* This second edition has been rewritten and updated. 8000 words have also been added. *
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 1999
1000 people are currently reading
714 people want to read
About the author
Melissa McClone
286 books2,471 followersI live in the Pacific Northwest with my husband, two daughters, son, dog and too many cats! I write "sweeter" contemporary romance novels for Harlequin and Tule Publishing.
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October 8, 2017
RATING 4.5 STARS
Fiance for the Night is by Melissa McClone. It was originally published in 1999. Melissa decided to update the book and added about eight thousand words to it. Melissa’s books never fail to make me happy, to swamp me with warm and fuzzies. This one did not fail. The characters instantly wound themselves into my heart and I couldn’t wait to see what happened.
Troy McKnight is twenty nine years old and has a plan for his life. He was raised on a farm and knew what it felt like to be poor, not to be able to have Christmas gifts under the tree. He decided early on that this was not the life he wanted for himself. He put himself through college and now works for a venture capital firm where he is hoping to become partner. Work is his life, there isn’t time for anything else. It’s been a rough day and he is drinking a beer at a pub before he heads home when a beautiful blonde woman approaches him. She’s not the normal woman he would date. He usually goes for well put together, business type women. This woman is in unconventional clothes, obviously a free spirit. And she is asking him to pose as her fake fiance, just for one night. When she offers him a free meal at a very upscale restaurant, he can’t refuse.
Cassandra Daniels tried the corporate life and it wasn’t for her. Now a book store owner, she is living the life she pleases. But her parents still can’t seem to let her be. They think she needs a man in her life and have been constantly trying to set her up. She decides the way to get them off her back is to invent a fake fiance. Only now they want to meet him over dinner. So Cassie will have to find someone to stand in for the evening and one look at the man at the bar and she’s sure he is perfect for the role. Just what will make her parents happy.
To Troy’s shock, Cassie’s father is a legend in the capital venture arena. So when her parents invite them to their weekend home, he can’t resist the opportunity to spend some time with a man that could teach him so much. But as he and Cassie spend time together, he begins to realize that there is so much more to her than he realized. Feelings begin to develop between them and there is a definite chemistry. Only Cassie’s parents aren’t done meddling in their daughter’s life. Now they want her sister to throw them an engagement party.
“With her, he could loosen up and relax. Being with her made him feel free and more alive than he’d felt before. She made him laugh and want to be a better man.”
As I said earlier, I just fell in love with Cassie. She has been deeply hurt by her sister and brother-in-law. But she held the hurt inside, never letting anyone else know what happened. Her parents are lovely, even though they tend to try to meddle in her life. Their actions are always out of love.
Troy was a work in progress. He was so sure he was on his way to what he wanted his life to be. His feelings toward Cassie are true and real but he is still so willing to do whatever it takes to meet his life goals. Will he sacrifice the woman that is coming to mean so much to him for the career he thinks he needs?
This was such a sweet story and I was completely invested from the start. Once again, Melissa has managed to make me smile. I loved this and hope you will too.
Fiance for the Night is by Melissa McClone. It was originally published in 1999. Melissa decided to update the book and added about eight thousand words to it. Melissa’s books never fail to make me happy, to swamp me with warm and fuzzies. This one did not fail. The characters instantly wound themselves into my heart and I couldn’t wait to see what happened.
Troy McKnight is twenty nine years old and has a plan for his life. He was raised on a farm and knew what it felt like to be poor, not to be able to have Christmas gifts under the tree. He decided early on that this was not the life he wanted for himself. He put himself through college and now works for a venture capital firm where he is hoping to become partner. Work is his life, there isn’t time for anything else. It’s been a rough day and he is drinking a beer at a pub before he heads home when a beautiful blonde woman approaches him. She’s not the normal woman he would date. He usually goes for well put together, business type women. This woman is in unconventional clothes, obviously a free spirit. And she is asking him to pose as her fake fiance, just for one night. When she offers him a free meal at a very upscale restaurant, he can’t refuse.
Cassandra Daniels tried the corporate life and it wasn’t for her. Now a book store owner, she is living the life she pleases. But her parents still can’t seem to let her be. They think she needs a man in her life and have been constantly trying to set her up. She decides the way to get them off her back is to invent a fake fiance. Only now they want to meet him over dinner. So Cassie will have to find someone to stand in for the evening and one look at the man at the bar and she’s sure he is perfect for the role. Just what will make her parents happy.
To Troy’s shock, Cassie’s father is a legend in the capital venture arena. So when her parents invite them to their weekend home, he can’t resist the opportunity to spend some time with a man that could teach him so much. But as he and Cassie spend time together, he begins to realize that there is so much more to her than he realized. Feelings begin to develop between them and there is a definite chemistry. Only Cassie’s parents aren’t done meddling in their daughter’s life. Now they want her sister to throw them an engagement party.
“With her, he could loosen up and relax. Being with her made him feel free and more alive than he’d felt before. She made him laugh and want to be a better man.”
As I said earlier, I just fell in love with Cassie. She has been deeply hurt by her sister and brother-in-law. But she held the hurt inside, never letting anyone else know what happened. Her parents are lovely, even though they tend to try to meddle in her life. Their actions are always out of love.
Troy was a work in progress. He was so sure he was on his way to what he wanted his life to be. His feelings toward Cassie are true and real but he is still so willing to do whatever it takes to meet his life goals. Will he sacrifice the woman that is coming to mean so much to him for the career he thinks he needs?
This was such a sweet story and I was completely invested from the start. Once again, Melissa has managed to make me smile. I loved this and hope you will too.
March 5, 2025
DNF at 36%.
This story started off ... weird. I thought I had accidentally skipped a few paragraphs. It started with the heroine asking the question, "Will you be my fake fiancee?" to a complete stranger in a bar. There was no getting to see her enter the bar, scan the bar patrons, and us being inside her thoughts to know why she picked HIM to be her fake bf.
After him replying to her with a "Why? What?!" and her replying with some sort of vague answer, he replies with concern, "this means a lot to you, doesn't it?" (and so then he agreed to her request). I was like What? What a corny reply from one stranger to another.
Then they take a taxi to hurry and meet her family for an expensive dinner, and the heroine starts to describe herself so that they could be "on the same page". She listed off her favorite color, foods and... that she sleeps nude. What a stupid bit of info to share with a strange guy that you do NOT want to have a relationship with and are trying to NOT encourage any growth of feelings, and at what point would this guy need to know this bit of info? Are her parents going to quiz him if he knows that their daughter sleeps nude, to determine if they are legit engaged?..... It was a sorry attempt for flirtatiousness in my eyes.
Lastly, the dinner was ridiculous. The heroine's sister and husband were way out of line with their comments to the heroine and the heroine's parents just sat and listened to the verbal abuse. I, without a doubt, would have gotten up, apologised to my parents that I will meet them for dinner another time under better circumstances, and left.
I abandoned ship during the weekend at the parents, as there got to be even more ridiculousness... how did the father remove a queen bed, purchase twin beds, and have the twin beds set up in a room... all without his housewife knowing about it?? Just stupid.
This story started off ... weird. I thought I had accidentally skipped a few paragraphs. It started with the heroine asking the question, "Will you be my fake fiancee?" to a complete stranger in a bar. There was no getting to see her enter the bar, scan the bar patrons, and us being inside her thoughts to know why she picked HIM to be her fake bf.
After him replying to her with a "Why? What?!" and her replying with some sort of vague answer, he replies with concern, "this means a lot to you, doesn't it?" (and so then he agreed to her request). I was like What? What a corny reply from one stranger to another.
Then they take a taxi to hurry and meet her family for an expensive dinner, and the heroine starts to describe herself so that they could be "on the same page". She listed off her favorite color, foods and... that she sleeps nude. What a stupid bit of info to share with a strange guy that you do NOT want to have a relationship with and are trying to NOT encourage any growth of feelings, and at what point would this guy need to know this bit of info? Are her parents going to quiz him if he knows that their daughter sleeps nude, to determine if they are legit engaged?..... It was a sorry attempt for flirtatiousness in my eyes.
Lastly, the dinner was ridiculous. The heroine's sister and husband were way out of line with their comments to the heroine and the heroine's parents just sat and listened to the verbal abuse. I, without a doubt, would have gotten up, apologised to my parents that I will meet them for dinner another time under better circumstances, and left.
I abandoned ship during the weekend at the parents, as there got to be even more ridiculousness... how did the father remove a queen bed, purchase twin beds, and have the twin beds set up in a room... all without his housewife knowing about it?? Just stupid.
i-may-or-may-not-read-this
October 8, 2017Needs more reviews. And needs couple more reviews besides ARCs.
(Nothing against ARCs, however, I personally struggled giving a book 1 star when I read an ARC, yet on the second read it took me a significantly less emotional struggle to decide the book deserved way less than even a one star and definitely didn’t deserve the polite 3 stars rating I initially gave. So I’m a little reluctant here.)
(Nothing against ARCs, however, I personally struggled giving a book 1 star when I read an ARC, yet on the second read it took me a significantly less emotional struggle to decide the book deserved way less than even a one star and definitely didn’t deserve the polite 3 stars rating I initially gave. So I’m a little reluctant here.)
April 11, 2019
So Much Chemistry!
I loved the build up of feelings and attraction in this story. It was sparky but also had some depth to it. The main characters were both easy to like and I loved watching them grow toward each other.
Content: kissing, make out scenes, innuendo, references to cheating
I loved the build up of feelings and attraction in this story. It was sparky but also had some depth to it. The main characters were both easy to like and I loved watching them grow toward each other.
Content: kissing, make out scenes, innuendo, references to cheating
October 16, 2017
This was the first time I have read a book by Melissa McClone and I have to say it definitely will not be my last. Even though you absolutely knew that the fake fiance scenario would lead to love, I really enjoyed the journey for Cassie and Troy. It was absolutely impossible not to sympathize with everything that had happened with Cassie and to see why she was obviously reluctant to let her heart get hurt again. But then again how could you not fall for Troy???
I loved the characters, even the "evil" twin by the end (although not the brother-in-law). Definitely will look for more from this author.
Please note that this book was originally published in 1999 but updated and re-released.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel.
I loved the characters, even the "evil" twin by the end (although not the brother-in-law). Definitely will look for more from this author.
Please note that this book was originally published in 1999 but updated and re-released.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel.
October 6, 2017
✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ FOUR-STAR ✩ REVIEW ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩
> > Judging a Book by it's Cover < <
Sweet young couple in endearing pose. Synopsis sounds enjoyable.
> > Looking Deeper < <
POV ~> Third Person
Troy is an up & coming talent in the corporate world, so far removed from the farm life he grew up with. He has a life plan and intends to have those goals met within the next 10 years. Cassie has been there, done that. She bears the emotional scars to prove it and will do anything to avoid being part of that world again. But an impromptu plan gets out of control and neither Troy nor Cassie seem able to stop it. Before too long, they'll be raising some kids and paying on a mortgage that neither knew they had.
FIANCE' FOR THE NIGHT is a sweet romance about a desperate proposition and the series of inconvenient events that take over their lives as they try to get to know each other enough to even pass off as a dating couple, let alone an engaged one. The characters were endearing and charming. There was a little more heat in this one than previous books I've read by the author, but still no nakedness or sex. It was all still quite PG, edging towards PG-13.
I never had the opportunity to read the original version of this story, but can say that I enjoyed the plot. The story flowed smoothly and had enough energy to keep the pages turning. The characters and their interactions felt believable and natural. The conflict was understandable and relatable. There was very little predictability.
While the conclusion provides a solid HEA for the couple, the ending, in general, felt a little rushed and left me with a few questions about what happened next, ie: Vanessa went to make excuses, but did they stay on anyway? Does she ever adopt a cat? Does he implement the remodel ideas? None are crucial to the story, but it would have been nice to know.
.
Rating: [2.5] ~ Score: 4.125 ~ Stars: 4
==========================
⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of this book from the Author/Publisher with the hope that I would voluntarily leave unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐
> > Judging a Book by it's Cover < <
Sweet young couple in endearing pose. Synopsis sounds enjoyable.
> > Looking Deeper < <
POV ~> Third Person
Troy is an up & coming talent in the corporate world, so far removed from the farm life he grew up with. He has a life plan and intends to have those goals met within the next 10 years. Cassie has been there, done that. She bears the emotional scars to prove it and will do anything to avoid being part of that world again. But an impromptu plan gets out of control and neither Troy nor Cassie seem able to stop it. Before too long, they'll be raising some kids and paying on a mortgage that neither knew they had.
FIANCE' FOR THE NIGHT is a sweet romance about a desperate proposition and the series of inconvenient events that take over their lives as they try to get to know each other enough to even pass off as a dating couple, let alone an engaged one. The characters were endearing and charming. There was a little more heat in this one than previous books I've read by the author, but still no nakedness or sex. It was all still quite PG, edging towards PG-13.
I never had the opportunity to read the original version of this story, but can say that I enjoyed the plot. The story flowed smoothly and had enough energy to keep the pages turning. The characters and their interactions felt believable and natural. The conflict was understandable and relatable. There was very little predictability.
While the conclusion provides a solid HEA for the couple, the ending, in general, felt a little rushed and left me with a few questions about what happened next, ie: Vanessa went to make excuses, but did they stay on anyway? Does she ever adopt a cat? Does he implement the remodel ideas? None are crucial to the story, but it would have been nice to know.
.
Rating: [2.5] ~ Score: 4.125 ~ Stars: 4
==========================
⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of this book from the Author/Publisher with the hope that I would voluntarily leave unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐
October 18, 2017
This was a very entertaining sweet romance. Cassie is tired of her parents constant meddling in her affairs. When she needs a date to a party, she invites a total stranger to dinner then asks him to be her "pretend" fiance.
Troy is stunned by Cassie's proposition but intrigued just enough to accept. What neither one of them counts on, however, is having to extend their charade for a couple of weeks as Cassie's mom begins planning their wedding in earnest.
They also don't expect to fall in love.
Breezed through this in a couple of hours. Really liked the characters. The ending felt a bit rushed, both of them suddenly having a change of heart in order to live happily ever after. Still, it was worth the time it took to read.
Troy is stunned by Cassie's proposition but intrigued just enough to accept. What neither one of them counts on, however, is having to extend their charade for a couple of weeks as Cassie's mom begins planning their wedding in earnest.
They also don't expect to fall in love.
Breezed through this in a couple of hours. Really liked the characters. The ending felt a bit rushed, both of them suddenly having a change of heart in order to live happily ever after. Still, it was worth the time it took to read.
November 11, 2019
3.5
I'm not sure how I came across this one, but I had downloaded a sample on my Kindle awhile ago and when I was looking for something to read this one caught my eye. After reading the sample I had to hurry and buy it to see what was going to happen next. This is my first book I've read by Melissa McClone, and I am looking forward to reading more of her books.
I always a enjoy a good faux-romance story and thought it was handled well here. Our hero/heroine are total opposites, but are really drawn to each other. It was fun to see how a simple night of "pretending" can snowball into a much bigger endeavor. I liked the H/h, but didn't really connect to them like I like. I thought some parts were a little rushed I thought it was a fun, quick read.
Content: Clean romance, mild innuendo. No language or violence
Rating: PG-13
I'm not sure how I came across this one, but I had downloaded a sample on my Kindle awhile ago and when I was looking for something to read this one caught my eye. After reading the sample I had to hurry and buy it to see what was going to happen next. This is my first book I've read by Melissa McClone, and I am looking forward to reading more of her books.
I always a enjoy a good faux-romance story and thought it was handled well here. Our hero/heroine are total opposites, but are really drawn to each other. It was fun to see how a simple night of "pretending" can snowball into a much bigger endeavor. I liked the H/h, but didn't really connect to them like I like. I thought some parts were a little rushed I thought it was a fun, quick read.
Content: Clean romance, mild innuendo. No language or violence
Rating: PG-13
October 13, 2017
When I think of Melissa McClone, I picture sweet and sassy. She embodies stories that lighten your heart and uplift the spirit. With Fiance for the Night, she adds to her arsenal with a hint of sexy drizzled in humor. Troy and Cassandra take a common place theme and make it feel brand new with a delightful portrayal of a relationship of convenience. The constant with any story from this author is that the talent never lies and the stories never disappoint. Another winner has just been born.
October 18, 2017
Received an Advanced review copy in exchange for my honest review for Hidden Gems. We meet Cassie and Troy, two people attracted and fighting the their feelings thinking that they want something else. Cassie has been hurt before and refuses to go there again, and wanted to get parents off her back goes to bar and gets a "fiance for the night". That would be Tony, he agrees and has a plan for his life, and then he meets Cassie..the fun and issues begin. Do they give love a chance?
Want to read
March 27, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/27/2019)! 🎁
May 1, 2019
This one started off good but fizzled out for me because of the characters. It's too bad, because I actually enjoy the 'fake fiance' trope when it's done in a lighthearted way. This would have been much more enjoyable if there were more screwball comedy moments and less mopey, wishy washy arguments between the 2 MCs. There was so much bickering about careers and personalities I don't see how they could have fallen in love. I definitely didn't feel the chemistry. Also, Cassie complains about her sister's big betrayal for 80% of the book and then it all gets swept under the rug with one brief conversation. Really?
November 1, 2019
I've only ever left one other terrible review. I can't fathom the overall rating of 4 stars. The book was shallow with wimpy characters and soooooo much repetition of "I'm not the right one" sniveling. The sisters relationship is pathetic. Ugh. Normally, I just dont bother reviewing but I'm hoping to save someone else.
October 16, 2017
I read an ARC copy.
I liked this book. I'm glad that she got to be happy. Especially after what her sister did to her. That was so horrible. It was nice that after everything that was happening between Cassie and Troy that they were able to actually fall in love. They both deserved their happily ever after.
I liked this book. I'm glad that she got to be happy. Especially after what her sister did to her. That was so horrible. It was nice that after everything that was happening between Cassie and Troy that they were able to actually fall in love. They both deserved their happily ever after.
March 4, 2019
Loved it!! I originally started in the middle of this series and just had to go back and read Cassie and Troy’s story. So glad I did because this story was engaging, romantic and a fun read. Cassie is the rich girl who doesn’t want to be rich and conform to her families wishes. Troy is working towards his dream of becoming big in the finance world. Enemies turned lovers, my favorite kind of romance!
October 8, 2017
Melissa McClone blessed me with an ARC of this fun story in exchange for an honest review. I could not read this story fast enough as the unexpected love story of Cassandra and Troy hooked me from the very beginning. Can a free spirited woman find love with a man who is everything she isn't looking for? Can a goal driven career man make time to find love and will it be worth sacrificing his dreams for? Will Cassandra find love by choosing a fiance for the night at a place she wouldn't normally visit? Find out the answers in this story you won't want to put down!
October 17, 2017
Fiance´ For The Night
by Melissa McClone is a delightful story.
I loved this book, & thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
Cassandra walks into a bar, & asks a complete stranger, to be her Fiance´
for the night. Troy asks her to repeat herself. She explains that she needs a Fiance´ for one night, to have dinner with her parents. She wants them to back off. She doesn't want a relationship, or to get married.
Cassandra is a free spirit. Lives life how she chooses. Troy is after the brass ring. Lives by the rules. He grew up poor,
& plans on being very successful.
Total opposites. Wrong for each other.
But what she didn't expect is, her parent's love him. And what they didn't expect is,
their chemistry is undeniable.
A MUST READ FOR EVERYONE!!!
by Melissa McClone is a delightful story.
I loved this book, & thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
Cassandra walks into a bar, & asks a complete stranger, to be her Fiance´
for the night. Troy asks her to repeat herself. She explains that she needs a Fiance´ for one night, to have dinner with her parents. She wants them to back off. She doesn't want a relationship, or to get married.
Cassandra is a free spirit. Lives life how she chooses. Troy is after the brass ring. Lives by the rules. He grew up poor,
& plans on being very successful.
Total opposites. Wrong for each other.
But what she didn't expect is, her parent's love him. And what they didn't expect is,
their chemistry is undeniable.
A MUST READ FOR EVERYONE!!!
July 1, 2019
**3.5 Stars**
Read
April 19, 2019Dnf at 50%
(From my updates.) There is an undercurrent running through the story that I don’t particularly like. I don’t really like Troy or Cassandra either for some reason and I think I’m going to drop this one.
I soldiered on for a while longer but the overall premise just didn't work for me which was surprising as I enjoy a good 'fake-fiance' novel. Cassandra was stupid. What woman goes up to a total stranger in a bar and asks him to be her fake fiance for one night? And then the 'happily engaged couple' head straight off to meet her parents?? (who are the most obnoxious, overbearing, interfering, rude couple)
Troy is focused on work and making a decent career, but there was something about him that creeped me out a little. He was just too 'perfect'. I wanted him to have some vulnerabilities. Cassandra acted like a spoilt teenager, her sister was no better and the whole family came across as dysfunctional and uncaring.
Checking up on this novel, I saw that it was originally published in 1999 which may account for the rather weird attitudes portrayed in the book, but apparently the author has revised it and added several thousand words. I still didnt find the characters engaging enough to carry on reading.
Not rating at this moment
(From my updates.) There is an undercurrent running through the story that I don’t particularly like. I don’t really like Troy or Cassandra either for some reason and I think I’m going to drop this one.
I soldiered on for a while longer but the overall premise just didn't work for me which was surprising as I enjoy a good 'fake-fiance' novel. Cassandra was stupid. What woman goes up to a total stranger in a bar and asks him to be her fake fiance for one night? And then the 'happily engaged couple' head straight off to meet her parents?? (who are the most obnoxious, overbearing, interfering, rude couple)
Troy is focused on work and making a decent career, but there was something about him that creeped me out a little. He was just too 'perfect'. I wanted him to have some vulnerabilities. Cassandra acted like a spoilt teenager, her sister was no better and the whole family came across as dysfunctional and uncaring.
Checking up on this novel, I saw that it was originally published in 1999 which may account for the rather weird attitudes portrayed in the book, but apparently the author has revised it and added several thousand words. I still didnt find the characters engaging enough to carry on reading.
Not rating at this moment
October 10, 2017
This book was a lot of fun to read. I could not help but have "OHHH NOOO" moments throughout the book. I also was entertained by the situations Cassie and Troy kept getting into. LOL!!!! A quick read and like I said a lot of fun to read.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
Merged review:
I thought this book was full of "OH NOOOO"s the deeper the ruse went on between Cassandra and Troy and Cassandra's family. There were also times I whooped with laughter at the hijinks that ensued. I felt the characters were well developed and the story well thought out. I love a happily ever after and this definitely has it. I felt bad for Troy for realizing that all his hard work at his job was not really going to get him his dream. He realized before it was too late that Cassandras happiness was all that mattered. So instead of only for one night they got forever.
I voluntarily received and reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy from Hidden Gems.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
Merged review:
I thought this book was full of "OH NOOOO"s the deeper the ruse went on between Cassandra and Troy and Cassandra's family. There were also times I whooped with laughter at the hijinks that ensued. I felt the characters were well developed and the story well thought out. I love a happily ever after and this definitely has it. I felt bad for Troy for realizing that all his hard work at his job was not really going to get him his dream. He realized before it was too late that Cassandras happiness was all that mattered. So instead of only for one night they got forever.
I voluntarily received and reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy from Hidden Gems.
October 20, 2017
A silly, kind of sweet romance. If you are looking for an easy read that doesn't require much effort, This may be for you. A quick read on a cool, rainy weekend afternoon.
A far fetched story to say the least, but they can often be entertaining. Troy and Cassie's fake engagement predictably results in real feelings.
The one thing I really did not like about this book was that Cassie's sister and her sister's husband suffered no repercussions from their behavior.
I received this book via Hidden Gems and voluntarily read and reviewed it.
A far fetched story to say the least, but they can often be entertaining. Troy and Cassie's fake engagement predictably results in real feelings.
The one thing I really did not like about this book was that Cassie's sister and her sister's husband suffered no repercussions from their behavior.
I received this book via Hidden Gems and voluntarily read and reviewed it.
April 27, 2019
Two Thumbs Up!
This story's so good, i finished reading in one sitting! Omg, no joke every single page excites me, made me laugh and smile so much. My heart goes out to Cassie feeling hurt and betrayed by two important people in her life. Troy admirable for being hardworking, determined, ambitious yet honorable and sweeeet! Yup ideal fiance, i would fall in love anytime with this kind of guy. Good writing Mel! Thank you!
This story's so good, i finished reading in one sitting! Omg, no joke every single page excites me, made me laugh and smile so much. My heart goes out to Cassie feeling hurt and betrayed by two important people in her life. Troy admirable for being hardworking, determined, ambitious yet honorable and sweeeet! Yup ideal fiance, i would fall in love anytime with this kind of guy. Good writing Mel! Thank you!
April 12, 2019
3.5
This one was a surprise! I'm not sure why but I've fallen out of love with the fake dating trope recently. I'm glad I gave this one a try, though.
The development of the relationship between Cassandra and Troy felt natural- even though they'd only known each other for about 2 days, I could totally believe that they could love each other! It wasn't even insta-love, though- both were pretty wary of each other- so I'm still wondering how the author pulled that off.
Another thing I loved about this book was the characters. They were them throughout most of the book, and that's always a plus. It's funny because I actually read another book recently with the same kind of hero- grew up struggling and is now focused on success. In that book, the hero seemed to just magically realise that money wasn't all that mattered. But this book gave me the character development that I missed from that book, so thank you, Melissa McClone!
Cassandra was the perfect mix of strong and vulnerable, and I'm so happy she got her happy ending :')
Two people I was surprised to love, though, were Cassandra's parents. I went into the book thinking they were going to be those parents that didn't care for their child and just wanted them to put up a good image. I was so wrong! Of course, they did prefer Cassandra to be more "like them" but they still accepted her. I could feel the love Vanessa and Dixon had for Cassandra and vice versa, and the nice relationship between Cassandra and them definitely added to my enjoyment of the book.
Overall, it was a cute, low-drama read and I'll definitely consider giving more of Melissa McClone's books a read.
This one was a surprise! I'm not sure why but I've fallen out of love with the fake dating trope recently. I'm glad I gave this one a try, though.
The development of the relationship between Cassandra and Troy felt natural- even though they'd only known each other for about 2 days, I could totally believe that they could love each other! It wasn't even insta-love, though- both were pretty wary of each other- so I'm still wondering how the author pulled that off.
Another thing I loved about this book was the characters. They were them throughout most of the book, and that's always a plus. It's funny because I actually read another book recently with the same kind of hero- grew up struggling and is now focused on success. In that book, the hero seemed to just magically realise that money wasn't all that mattered. But this book gave me the character development that I missed from that book, so thank you, Melissa McClone!
Cassandra was the perfect mix of strong and vulnerable, and I'm so happy she got her happy ending :')
Two people I was surprised to love, though, were Cassandra's parents. I went into the book thinking they were going to be those parents that didn't care for their child and just wanted them to put up a good image. I was so wrong! Of course, they did prefer Cassandra to be more "like them" but they still accepted her. I could feel the love Vanessa and Dixon had for Cassandra and vice versa, and the nice relationship between Cassandra and them definitely added to my enjoyment of the book.
Overall, it was a cute, low-drama read and I'll definitely consider giving more of Melissa McClone's books a read.
August 23, 2019
I've read a few of Ms McClone's books before and I liked them. But this one took me by surprise, and I mean that in a good way.
To my "clean romance" book lovers don't be deceived by the cover. I was too in the beginning but checking out the reviews helped me know that this is, in fact, clean. There's some kissing and idea of sleeping around, but there's no graphic scenes so I'm grateful for that.
But what really made me give this 5 stars and add it to my favorites pile were the main characters. I really enjoyed Cassie and Troy. Their personalities were very relatable. I also liked the trope of "strangers into lovers" and "opposites attract". This story started off with Cassie propositioning Troy to be her fiancee for the night. She had created a fake fiancee with her family in hopes that they'd stop their meddling with her love life only to be forced to find someone when the family came to town to meet her "guy". Troy accepted the proposal only to realize that Cassie's father is someone that could make his career dreams come true.
Like I said, I really liked both characters. I can totally understand why both would think that since they're opposites, that they wouldn't work. But we all know that the differences between us and the people we love makes for a richer relationship. As long as both parties are accepting and willing to love, things will work out.
I really enjoyed this book and devoured it in a couple of days. I can't wait to read the next one in this series.
To my "clean romance" book lovers don't be deceived by the cover. I was too in the beginning but checking out the reviews helped me know that this is, in fact, clean. There's some kissing and idea of sleeping around, but there's no graphic scenes so I'm grateful for that.
But what really made me give this 5 stars and add it to my favorites pile were the main characters. I really enjoyed Cassie and Troy. Their personalities were very relatable. I also liked the trope of "strangers into lovers" and "opposites attract". This story started off with Cassie propositioning Troy to be her fiancee for the night. She had created a fake fiancee with her family in hopes that they'd stop their meddling with her love life only to be forced to find someone when the family came to town to meet her "guy". Troy accepted the proposal only to realize that Cassie's father is someone that could make his career dreams come true.
Like I said, I really liked both characters. I can totally understand why both would think that since they're opposites, that they wouldn't work. But we all know that the differences between us and the people we love makes for a richer relationship. As long as both parties are accepting and willing to love, things will work out.
I really enjoyed this book and devoured it in a couple of days. I can't wait to read the next one in this series.
November 22, 2017
Cassandra needs to find a fake fiancé for the night to take to dinner to please her parents and get them to stop setting her up on dates. She meets Troy at a bar and he looks just like the kind of guy that her parents would pick out for her, but he does not look like someone she would pick so she could end the fake engagement quickly. Cassandra tried the financial scene and dressing in business suits, but it just didn't fit her since she is more of a free spirit and against the attainment of higher financial status. Troy is in finance and had planned out his career. She was betrayed by her sister and former fiancé and had strained relationships with her family. Their one night engagement kept growing out of control and now they were not sure how to stop the madness from growing. Cassandra was not what Troy was looking for in a girlfriend, but she eventually grew on him and wanted to learn more about her and spend more time with her. Troy was not the type of man she would have chosen for herself, but the more she learned about him the more she wanted to keep him in her life. He had to finally choose between the goal he thought he wanted to achieve or have Cassandra in his life. The is a sweet romance with family issues that needed to be repaired to move on in other relationships. I voluntarily reviewed this book.
October 17, 2017
What started out as a little white lie soon spirals out of control. But in the end, every fib was well worth it.
Black sheep of the family, Cassandra Daniels needs a fiancé for a family dinner. And she needs him fast. She finds Troy McKnight at a brewpub and asks if he would help her out. After some persuasion, he agrees. It is a free dinner with a beautiful woman. But after dinner, they find out Cassandra's family is in town for the weekend and they want Cassandra and Troy to stay with them. When Troy finds out Cassandra's father is the well known venture capitalist Dixon Daniels, he knew it would be to his advantage to stay the weekend to get to know Dixon better. Just knowing him might help Troy get promoted to partner at his company. But what will happen when the truth finally comes out?
My heart went out to Cassandra and what she went through with her ex and her sister. So I could understand why she lied about being engaged. And even though Cassandra and Troy were complete opposites, they made a good team. This was an enjoyable sweet romance. It shows how love can be found in the most unexpected way.
My favorite quote from the book:
Being with her drove him crazy, but being away from her made him feel on edge. He couldn’t win.
Black sheep of the family, Cassandra Daniels needs a fiancé for a family dinner. And she needs him fast. She finds Troy McKnight at a brewpub and asks if he would help her out. After some persuasion, he agrees. It is a free dinner with a beautiful woman. But after dinner, they find out Cassandra's family is in town for the weekend and they want Cassandra and Troy to stay with them. When Troy finds out Cassandra's father is the well known venture capitalist Dixon Daniels, he knew it would be to his advantage to stay the weekend to get to know Dixon better. Just knowing him might help Troy get promoted to partner at his company. But what will happen when the truth finally comes out?
My heart went out to Cassandra and what she went through with her ex and her sister. So I could understand why she lied about being engaged. And even though Cassandra and Troy were complete opposites, they made a good team. This was an enjoyable sweet romance. It shows how love can be found in the most unexpected way.
My favorite quote from the book:
Being with her drove him crazy, but being away from her made him feel on edge. He couldn’t win.
October 25, 2017
Cassandra was looking for a fiancee for the night at the bar. She didn’t think much of type, as long as they are looking good and wearing appropriate attire for her dinner with her family. What she didn’t know was Troy McKnight was perfect and more. He had everything Cassandra would like in a person but she wanted to enjoy her freedom after break up from her previous fiancee who happens to be her brother-in-law.
Troy thought Cassandra was nuts when she was asking for a Fiance but he thought he might enjoy the good dinner at nice restaurant plus Cassandra was beautiful.
Now, they have to face family each other without knowing about each other. They run into some issues. Cassandra finds he is Venture Capitalist (her ex fiance was one of them and her father is big in VT world) and Troy has his model in his head and she is way too liberal. However, Cassandra’s family really likes him and offer them a weekend at her home in Carmel.
Now everything is snowballing and her sister is throwing an engagement party now they have to play the loving and doting couple for longer than both have imagined. They are slowly learning about each other and they are falling for each other.. Yet both are not ready to reveal their true feelings.
It was fun and cute story of opposites attract and it was really sweet story. I enjoyed it from beginning to the end. If you like romance books, this won’t disappoint.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
Troy thought Cassandra was nuts when she was asking for a Fiance but he thought he might enjoy the good dinner at nice restaurant plus Cassandra was beautiful.
Now, they have to face family each other without knowing about each other. They run into some issues. Cassandra finds he is Venture Capitalist (her ex fiance was one of them and her father is big in VT world) and Troy has his model in his head and she is way too liberal. However, Cassandra’s family really likes him and offer them a weekend at her home in Carmel.
Now everything is snowballing and her sister is throwing an engagement party now they have to play the loving and doting couple for longer than both have imagined. They are slowly learning about each other and they are falling for each other.. Yet both are not ready to reveal their true feelings.
It was fun and cute story of opposites attract and it was really sweet story. I enjoyed it from beginning to the end. If you like romance books, this won’t disappoint.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
September 19, 2019
I will be honest and say the fake fiancé trope is not a favorite of mine, unless there’s already a connection between the leads...like they have worked together, grew up together, have mutual friends, etc.
So, the idea of someone walking into a bar and asking a random stranger to pretend to be engaged seemed very implausible and kind of dangerous. I get that Cassandra doesn’t want to hurt her family, but grow some cajones and tell them to butt out! Oh, and tell them the secret you’ve been hiding! But in spite of all that, I really did like Cassandra!
Troy was a different story. He started out all nice and supportive of this chick he just met but when circumstances made their temporary little playacting a feather in his cap, Troy’s the one who wanted it to continue. To me, that was bad form...he’s trying to climb the career ladder, she just wants some peace from the budinsky family!
The writing was great, the dialogue was funny in a lot of places and our leads really did have chemistry. So for that, it’s gets 3.75 stars from me. I know it’s a clean romance, so no bedroom stuff. But that shouldn’t stop Cassandra from punching her sister’s lights out! That would have boosted the star count at least a half point!
So, the idea of someone walking into a bar and asking a random stranger to pretend to be engaged seemed very implausible and kind of dangerous. I get that Cassandra doesn’t want to hurt her family, but grow some cajones and tell them to butt out! Oh, and tell them the secret you’ve been hiding! But in spite of all that, I really did like Cassandra!
Troy was a different story. He started out all nice and supportive of this chick he just met but when circumstances made their temporary little playacting a feather in his cap, Troy’s the one who wanted it to continue. To me, that was bad form...he’s trying to climb the career ladder, she just wants some peace from the budinsky family!
The writing was great, the dialogue was funny in a lot of places and our leads really did have chemistry. So for that, it’s gets 3.75 stars from me. I know it’s a clean romance, so no bedroom stuff. But that shouldn’t stop Cassandra from punching her sister’s lights out! That would have boosted the star count at least a half point!
December 29, 2021
Cassandra está harta de que sus padres se metan en su vida, así que les dijo que conoció a un hombre y que se enamoraron tanto que se comprometieron en poco tiempo. Cuando ellos quieren conocerlo, la única solución que se le ocurre es ir a un bar y elegir a un chico para pedirle que sea su prometido por esa noche. Troy trabaja muy duro y eso le deja poco tiempo para su vida personal, pero cuando Cassandra le hace esta petición tan particular, decide aceptar para salir un poco de su zona de confort. Ella lo escogió porque es muy guapo y parece que tiene una carrera importante, seguramente es un abogado, y sabe que eso dejará tranquilos a sus padres. Pero, Troy reconoce enseguida que el papá de Cassandra es un empresario que puede marcar su carrera como inversor de proyectos y, como el señor Daniels está tan emocionado con la nueva relación de su hija, es difícil orquestar su rompimiento falso sin que perjudique a Troy. Cassandra, por su parte, está decepcionada de que esa sea la profesión de su prometido por una noche, pues es la misma carrera de su ex novio, y ella siente un profundo rechazo por ese mundo. Además, ambos están inseguros sobre si es buena idea mantener esa mentira, pues la química entre los dos es innegable y eso podría llevar su situación a mayores complicaciones.
Lo que me gustó: Este fue un libro muy divertido de leer. Las partes que claramente eran convenientes para la trama no se sentían forzadas, los personajes tenían justificaciones coherentes para su modo de actuar, y la química entre Cassandra y Troy era muy buena. Esta comedia romántica me gustó mucho más que otras que he leído y volvería a leer obras de esta autora.
Lo que no me gustó: El final, como me pasa muchas veces con las comedias románticas, me pareció un poco intenso y eso quita la sensación de realismo de la historia. También, varios de los obstáculos eran causados por problemas básicos de comunicación, pero como disfruté del libro en general, los perdono.
Lo que me gustó: Este fue un libro muy divertido de leer. Las partes que claramente eran convenientes para la trama no se sentían forzadas, los personajes tenían justificaciones coherentes para su modo de actuar, y la química entre Cassandra y Troy era muy buena. Esta comedia romántica me gustó mucho más que otras que he leído y volvería a leer obras de esta autora.
Lo que no me gustó: El final, como me pasa muchas veces con las comedias románticas, me pareció un poco intenso y eso quita la sensación de realismo de la historia. También, varios de los obstáculos eran causados por problemas básicos de comunicación, pero como disfruté del libro en general, los perdono.
October 14, 2017
Venture capitalist Troy McKnight is having a drink at a brewpub when a pretty blonde asks him “Would you be my fiancé? Just for tonight.” The pretty blonde explains that it's only one dinner with her family and her father's paying. Troy needs a little adventure in his life, so he says yes. Bookshop owner Cassandra Daniels told her parents she has a fiancé so they'd stop interfering in her personal life, but now they want to meet him. Cassandra goes to a brewpub and finds the perfect fake fiancé her parents would approve of, the well-dressed and model-handsome Troy. Cassandra is looking forward to her parents leaving her alone after meeting Troy ... but Cassandra's parents love Troy so much that they're invited to spend the weekend with them. And from there, things start spinning out of control. Cassandra and Troy start falling for each other even though they're not each other's types and are determined to end things ... but can they ... and more importantly ... do they want to?
Melissa McClone delivers a funny, sweet and steamy story that you won't be able to put down
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book
Melissa McClone delivers a funny, sweet and steamy story that you won't be able to put down
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book
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