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The Montebellos #5
It Started With A Lie
He's her boss and now her fake-boyfriend, which definitely makes him 100% off-limits. Doesn't it?!
Weddings are supposed to be a time for joy but when the guy who broke your heart is going to be there with his drop-dead gorgeous new girlfriend, it's also a time for dread. Bronte Hill can't avoid the happy event - it's her sister's wedding - but what she doesn't expect is her handsome Billionaire boss to step up to the plate, offering to spend the weekend posing as her new man.
It's all just a ruse to make her ex jealous but when this make-believe couple is pushed together, sparks fly and the lines between reality and pretend get all kinds of messy. Only Luca's a dedicated bachelor with no interest in settling down and Bronte's already had her heart badly broken. Can they remember this is all just for show before the weekend ends?
The fifth book in The Montebellos is a passionate fake-boyfriend romance with sweeping scenery and romance that will set your soul on fire. Coming soon!
Weddings are supposed to be a time for joy but when the guy who broke your heart is going to be there with his drop-dead gorgeous new girlfriend, it's also a time for dread. Bronte Hill can't avoid the happy event - it's her sister's wedding - but what she doesn't expect is her handsome Billionaire boss to step up to the plate, offering to spend the weekend posing as her new man.
It's all just a ruse to make her ex jealous but when this make-believe couple is pushed together, sparks fly and the lines between reality and pretend get all kinds of messy. Only Luca's a dedicated bachelor with no interest in settling down and Bronte's already had her heart badly broken. Can they remember this is all just for show before the weekend ends?
The fifth book in The Montebellos is a passionate fake-boyfriend romance with sweeping scenery and romance that will set your soul on fire. Coming soon!
- GenresRomance
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 31, 2020
389 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
Clare Connelly
517 books402 followersFor all things Clare Connelly, please see www.clareconnelly.co.uk, the official home of Clare Connelly on the web.
Clare Connelly grew up in a small country town in Australia. Surrounded by rainforests, and rickety old timber houses, magic was thick in the air, and stories and storytelling were a huge part of her childhood.
From early on in life, Clare realised her favourite books were romance stories, and read voraciously. Anything from Jane Austen to Georgette Heyer, to Mills & Boon and (more recently) 50 Shades, Clare is a romance devotee. She first turned her hand to penning a novel at fifteen (if memory serves, it was something about a glamorous fashion model who fell foul of a high-end designer. Sparks flew, clothes flew faster, and love was born.)
Clare has a small family and a bungalow near the sea. When she isn't chasing after energetic little toddlers, or wiping fingerprints off furniture, she's writing, thinking about writing, or wishing she were writing.
Clare Connelly grew up in a small country town in Australia. Surrounded by rainforests, and rickety old timber houses, magic was thick in the air, and stories and storytelling were a huge part of her childhood.
From early on in life, Clare realised her favourite books were romance stories, and read voraciously. Anything from Jane Austen to Georgette Heyer, to Mills & Boon and (more recently) 50 Shades, Clare is a romance devotee. She first turned her hand to penning a novel at fifteen (if memory serves, it was something about a glamorous fashion model who fell foul of a high-end designer. Sparks flew, clothes flew faster, and love was born.)
Clare has a small family and a bungalow near the sea. When she isn't chasing after energetic little toddlers, or wiping fingerprints off furniture, she's writing, thinking about writing, or wishing she were writing.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 4, 2021
Match made in Romanceland. H and h share the heavy lifting as big dumbies that are too clueless to come in from out of the rain.
Heroine has asked the gorgeous Italian H, her boss, to fake out the boyfriend that dumped her six months ago so she can save face at her sister’s wedding. She dithers and bleats for about 30-40% of the book about deceiving her parents, having to share a small room with Rico Suave, seeing her ex, seeing her ex’s new chick (I don’t recall reading about the OW and so we are deprived of an evil OW/h confrontation where I assume the OW would have come out on top). The H is calm, supportive and charms the socks off everybody proving the heroine has definitely traded up from her emo dressing ex.
Then we are deprived of any confrontation between the heroine and her family friend/nemesis that has envied her since pigtails as well as has spread lies about the heroine including she had an abortion in college. What the heck! Claire, these OW and mean girl scenes are what add pepper and spice to the leg of lamb of romance. (I’m channeling Julia James’s purple prose right now.)
A few rounds of epic Italian alpha sex straighten the heroine out, and the worm turns.
The H dumps her on the ride back because….he doesn’t do feeling just feelings if you know what I mean. But he’s a nice dumper. Some mooning around on the part of both H and h and more epic sex that puts a smile on her face temporarily. Then he dumps her again because he doesn’t do feelings. I guess he got the other kind of feelings out of his system which did not reflect well on him. But he’s basically a nice guy and feels bad about having sex and potentially leading her on because he did lead her on.
Then he’s in love. And all in. The end.
Despite my eye rolling, three stars for an essentially nice hero and a nice heroine. They really are made for each other.
Heroine has asked the gorgeous Italian H, her boss, to fake out the boyfriend that dumped her six months ago so she can save face at her sister’s wedding. She dithers and bleats for about 30-40% of the book about deceiving her parents, having to share a small room with Rico Suave, seeing her ex, seeing her ex’s new chick (I don’t recall reading about the OW and so we are deprived of an evil OW/h confrontation where I assume the OW would have come out on top). The H is calm, supportive and charms the socks off everybody proving the heroine has definitely traded up from her emo dressing ex.
Then we are deprived of any confrontation between the heroine and her family friend/nemesis that has envied her since pigtails as well as has spread lies about the heroine including she had an abortion in college. What the heck! Claire, these OW and mean girl scenes are what add pepper and spice to the leg of lamb of romance. (I’m channeling Julia James’s purple prose right now.)
A few rounds of epic Italian alpha sex straighten the heroine out, and the worm turns.
The H dumps her on the ride back because….he doesn’t do feeling just feelings if you know what I mean. But he’s a nice dumper. Some mooning around on the part of both H and h and more epic sex that puts a smile on her face temporarily. Then he dumps her again because he doesn’t do feelings. I guess he got the other kind of feelings out of his system which did not reflect well on him. But he’s basically a nice guy and feels bad about having sex and potentially leading her on because he did lead her on.
Then he’s in love. And all in. The end.
Despite my eye rolling, three stars for an essentially nice hero and a nice heroine. They really are made for each other.
November 28, 2020
An ok read acquired via KU, I didn't find myself drawn in. Wanted way more sizzle and spark between the MCs.
August 3, 2020
Heroine was the main pursuer in the story and that wasn’t attractive to me. I liked the over all story and characters.
Safe and recommended.
Safe and recommended.
August 7, 2020
A sweet billionaire romance, the third I've read in this series, though the other two are sitting waiting for my attention. I enjoyed this fake boyfriend story and how what was pretend turned into something real despite our leading man having sworn off love for life. Our leading lady did a lot of the perusing, but at the same time was riddled with self doubt due to a previous relationship, I would have liked her to have been a bit stronger, but she did get there in the end. An light and easy read, I like most of the men in the Montebello family and look forward to reading the rest of the series.
August 4, 2020
3.5 stars
A sweet read.
A sweet read.
September 2, 2020
I have enjoyed the Montebellos' series and look forward to Gabriel's story. This is a slow burn love story that will reel you in from the beginning.
Ms. Connelly has always delivered in this series and Luca and Bronte's story did not disappoint. Bronte and Luca are both people that have been unlucky in love swearing off from the possibility of actually finding "the love of their life. Their backstories and histories set the tone for a story full of angst, romance, and friendship while getting to know one another on a deeper level than just working together. It's a roller coaster ride for their hearts with each refusing to admit their true feelings for one another until Bronte comes to the reality that she loves him. Unfortunately, Luca is slower to come around because of an earlier relationship that involved a woman named Katie whom he had a relationship with. She got pregnant which leads him to take care of her by moving her in during the pregnancy. She falls in love with Luca but he's not in love with her. The child is stillborn and everything goes downhill from there.
Luca and Bronte's story is about finding love and the love of your life in the wrong place and claiming it. It's a lovely story as is all of The Montebellos series.
Ms. Connelly has always delivered in this series and Luca and Bronte's story did not disappoint. Bronte and Luca are both people that have been unlucky in love swearing off from the possibility of actually finding "the love of their life. Their backstories and histories set the tone for a story full of angst, romance, and friendship while getting to know one another on a deeper level than just working together. It's a roller coaster ride for their hearts with each refusing to admit their true feelings for one another until Bronte comes to the reality that she loves him. Unfortunately, Luca is slower to come around because of an earlier relationship that involved a woman named Katie whom he had a relationship with. She got pregnant which leads him to take care of her by moving her in during the pregnancy. She falls in love with Luca but he's not in love with her. The child is stillborn and everything goes downhill from there.
Luca and Bronte's story is about finding love and the love of your life in the wrong place and claiming it. It's a lovely story as is all of The Montebellos series.
July 26, 2020
Bronte Hill and Luca Montebello have no clue that Ms. Connelly is going to write them into such a phenomenal love story. They work together and know so much about each other but Ms. Connelly is going to have Luca and Bronte attend her sister's wedding as a couple so no one knows how hurt she is that her ex will be there with a new girlfriend. In true Ms. Connelly way you will be taken on an amazing journey following these two to their own HEA but not with lots of angst and hurt on the way. All I can say is this is such an amazing story as all hers are that if you don't grab it and all the Montebello's your missing out on books that are the true definition of romance, that are written by this super talented author. One word for this book. Awesome. And icing on the cake you get to see some of the previous Montebello's .
July 21, 2020
I don't usually like billionaire hero books, but I do love some fake boyfriend action (when it's not based on blackmail), so I thought I'd give this a go, and I'm glad I did.
The storyline is as improbable as you'd expect, but the characters are very likeable and their relationship is absolutely drenched with feeling, which really drew me in.
I haven't read any other books in this series, but based on this story, (which works perfectly well as a standalone), I'm going to check out the rest of the series.
The storyline is as improbable as you'd expect, but the characters are very likeable and their relationship is absolutely drenched with feeling, which really drew me in.
I haven't read any other books in this series, but based on this story, (which works perfectly well as a standalone), I'm going to check out the rest of the series.
August 16, 2020
Montebello blues
This is the fifth book of the series and although is its own complete shots best to the other books as well. This is the story of Luca and Bronte. Both have tortured love lives but learn that they can can hurt each other more deeply by denying what is developing between each other. This story sneaks up on you. Complex characters woven as only Clare Connolly could.
This is the fifth book of the series and although is its own complete shots best to the other books as well. This is the story of Luca and Bronte. Both have tortured love lives but learn that they can can hurt each other more deeply by denying what is developing between each other. This story sneaks up on you. Complex characters woven as only Clare Connolly could.
July 31, 2020
This was a perfect read - romantic, sexy, funny, and emotionally satisfying. I loved these 2 characters and as always the writer takes them on a fabulous journey to their happy ever after! I've dropped a star because the epilogue felt a little stiff to me. I liked seeing other characters return and the set up for the next 2 books but I felt our h/H got a little left out. But still a fab read.
May 22, 2021
It ended too soon …..
Great storyline with just the right amount of steam. But, like the previous book in the series, Luca’s epiphany came in the last chapters with the ending coming before I was ready for it. Highly recommended for a day when you need to escape for a while — something we need in today’s chaotic world.
Great storyline with just the right amount of steam. But, like the previous book in the series, Luca’s epiphany came in the last chapters with the ending coming before I was ready for it. Highly recommended for a day when you need to escape for a while — something we need in today’s chaotic world.
July 26, 2020
The Montebello’s never fail to deliver. Another flawed and gorgeous billionaire is saved by the love of a good woman. I loved getting to know Luca outside of his world. Good to see Yaya is still firing on all cylinders and bestowing her wisdom at just the right moment 🥰
January 22, 2022
That quite a lie!
These two are the best together. I really love their story. The sexual tension was tense in this one. There were tears, drama, happiness and love throughout. All of the emotions were felt in this one.
These two are the best together. I really love their story. The sexual tension was tense in this one. There were tears, drama, happiness and love throughout. All of the emotions were felt in this one.
February 13, 2022
I really like it, I would say the best from The Montebellos series so far. I would give it 5 stars but drama with hero and heroine after they come back to the office, their hot-cold treatment of each other....so annoying.
August 29, 2023
Wow
This was a great quick read, loved how much he fought the inevitable. How what she thought was love was friendship, till love come into her life in the form of her boss. Amazing read.
This was a great quick read, loved how much he fought the inevitable. How what she thought was love was friendship, till love come into her life in the form of her boss. Amazing read.
August 6, 2020
This is Lucas story and it’s great! Love seeing a guy who thinks he can’t fall in love find the perfect match and Bronte is his!
August 16, 2020
Intriguing, twisted plot, loved it!
From beginning to end, Clare wove you into the lives of H and h, could not put it down waiting to it all unfold.
From beginning to end, Clare wove you into the lives of H and h, could not put it down waiting to it all unfold.
October 12, 2020
Good
This book was good all five books were great I can not wait to read book six yes I would recommend.
This book was good all five books were great I can not wait to read book six yes I would recommend.
November 19, 2020
Love it
Good storyline and couldn’t put it down. Love the Montebello books, can’t wait for the next one. I like to read the books from Clare Connelly
Good storyline and couldn’t put it down. Love the Montebello books, can’t wait for the next one. I like to read the books from Clare Connelly
December 23, 2020
Heartfelt!
Bronte and Luca's story is a heart warming story of two people who have known pain but not necessarily the best way to deal with it. A very satisfying book.
Bronte and Luca's story is a heart warming story of two people who have known pain but not necessarily the best way to deal with it. A very satisfying book.
March 24, 2021
I can't believe but these books just keep getting better.
December 8, 2021
It Started With A Lie
Another good story about believable and likable characters. I have enjoyed reading this story and I look forward to reading more.
Another good story about believable and likable characters. I have enjoyed reading this story and I look forward to reading more.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews