Fake Engagement, Nashville Style

Dynasties: Beaumont Bay #3

by Jules Bennett

A fake engagement with her former fiancé?

Saying yes should be strictly business…
Since it’s only pretend, not a second chance.

Cassandra Taylor’s ex-fiancé owes her—big-time. Luke Sutherland shattered her dreams of happily-ever-after, and now she wants his help landing the wedding planning event of the year: his brother’s celebrity nuptials. But Luke demands her help in return—pretend to be in love with him so he’s no longer Country Beat’s most eligible bachelor. As their fake engagement rekindles real passion, will Cassie get her own fairy-tale wedding…or only more heartbreak?

Genres: Romance, Harlequin, Second Chance

190 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 29, 2021

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author Jules Bennett has written for multiple publishing houses and currently has books with Harlequin and Kensington.

She loves to chat with readers through Twitter or her Fan Page on Facebook. You can also contact her through her website as well as stay up to date on her latest releases, book events, and awards. julesbennett.com

Reviews

[Lynn Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delectable reunion! With the third book in the Dynasties: Beaumont Bay series Jules Bennett is bringing the angst with FAKE ENGAGEMENT, NASHVILLE STYLE and I loved every minute of this adorable couple! Fast paced and filled with witty banter.

Cassandra is self-assured and content with her life, but stepping back into the town to ask a favor of the man who broke her heart takes a lot of strength.

Luke is devoted to his business, but seeing Cass again reminds him of what he used to have before work became the know all and be all of his life.

I highly recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who enjoys watching a group of close knit brothers find their forever with a bit of family drama and country music in the background.

[Harlequin Books]

Categories
Contemporary Romance, Sagas
Miniseries
Dynasties: Beaumont Bay (Book #3)

[Melissa Johnson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel like I must have been reading a different book than the other reviewers, but sorry, this reunion story felt very repetitive in both the rehashing of the feelings from the past and the uncertainty both characters felt as to whether a second chance would work. Maybe it was all too "real" for me to root for them, if that makes sense, as in the breakup eight years ago was seemingly for no good reason other than growing apart -- until the misunderstanding is explained better in the end. That helped, so there's that, but I'm afraid I didn't feel the connection to the characters.

[CsBookstack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant book in this tag team series

Loved this! These are really quick, heartwarming good romances and I won’t ever knock that. Love the premise to this one, and seeing their emotions play out... seeing things that neither one has spotted yet! So many feels!! I’ve got quite attached to the Sutherland’s at this point and cannot wait to read the final book!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good second chance romance. Cassie and Luke knew each other years earlier but parted ways when their dreams seemed incompatible. After months of waiting for them to begin their lives together and constantly feeling that she came in second to Luke's work, Cassie left Beaumont Bay. Rather than go after her, Luke buried himself further in work to hide his heartbreak, eventually ending up with a successful string of breweries and brewpubs.

As the book opens, Luke feels hunted. Recently named Nashville's most eligible bachelor, he is the unwilling quarry of a multitude of marriage-minded women. Having been burned once, he avoids relationships and doesn't intend to marry. So picture his shock when Cassie walks into his office and asks him for a favor.

After leaving Beaumont Bay, Cassie went to work as an event planner. After several successful years working for someone else, she began her own wedding planning business. But she needs a high-profile wedding to give her the edge over other planners. When she hears about Hannah and Will's engagement, she decides to ask Luke to recommend her to them.

I loved seeing the rekindling of the relationship between Luke and Cassie. From the moment she appears in Luke's office, it is evident that the feelings between them never went away, though both try to deny them. Though disturbed by his reaction to her, rather than agreeing to her request and saying goodbye, Luke demands a favor in return. He wants Cassie to pretend to be his fiancée to discourage his pursuers. While Cassie doubts the wisdom of agreeing, she doesn't see that she has a choice.

I enjoyed seeing Luke and Cassie spend time together. They quickly realize that their attraction is as strong as ever, and they have no trouble remembering the good things about each other and their prior relationship. There are sweet scenes of them together and some very steamy ones when their attraction flares out of control. Both try to deny the growing feelings between them. I had to laugh as Luke's brothers do their best to make him see the light, and he stubbornly refuses to admit the truth. Even when Luke and Cassie can admit the truth to themselves, old fears and insecurities keep them from believing they have a future. It takes facing the impending end to their fake engagement for Luke to finally confess his feelings to Cassie and them to realize the misunderstandings that drove them apart eight years earlier. I loved seeing Luke's vulnerability as he took a chance and Cassie's shock as she realized she misinterpreted Luke's actions all those years ago. They still have details to work out, but their future looks bright.

[Shawnna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Luke Sutherland and Cassandra Taylor.

I am personally a huge fan of second chance romances, and of Jules Bennett, so I couldn’t wait to crack this one open and read. And read I did. From beginning to end, I was drawn in from page one and couldn’t put the book down until I finished it. As part of a series, you can still totally read this one as a standalone. It was the first of the series that I’ve read, and besides roping me into Luke and Cassandra’s story, Jules has captured my interest in reading the rest of the Beaumont Bay series. (More books inserted into my to be read pile!! YAY!!)

Luke was focused on his businesses and trying to ignore the fact that his brothers were being led down the isle one by one. He didn’t think it would ever be him, since his got away years ago. Then she walked into his office. She was back! Cassandra was back.

She didn’t think she would ever come back, but here she was in his office, preparing to ask him for a favor. A favor that would go a long way to helping her fledging business get a superior start.

What neither of them considered, was that it was their second chance. His family saw it. They did not. Until weeks later. The chemistry was still there. The attraction was definitely still there, and in the end, yes, the feelings were still there.

Second chance romance at it’s finest!

Now… I’m off to see if I can get my grubby little hands on the rest of the series! If you want a good read, you should do the same.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so loving this Beaumont Dynasty series.. The next Sutherland brother to meet is match, is Luke and his match is the girl he gave up to full fill his dreams in the hospitality business. When Cassandra Taylor shows back up in Beaumont looking for a favor from Luke, he has one of his own to ask. He will get her the Nashville Wedding of the year, if she will agree to a fake engagement to keep the ladies off his back after he was chosen as Bachelor of the Year by Country Beat magazine. To get her dream, Cassandra would do just about anything, even putting her heart on the line. She is still in love with Luke and has never stopped.

Luke and Cassie give you a look back at what went wrong, but what price is each of them going to have to pay when “that old feeling” comes along and sweeps them up in the passion they both want, but the end game for each of them is the same, or is it.

This was a hot and sexy story, just like all the books in this series, and you can’t help but keep turning the pages to see who is going to be the first to say “I love you” and make all their dreams come true. And as always Jules Bennett gives you the great characters and stories that her fans are always looking forward to reading.

I can’t wait for the next Beaumont Dynasty book...

Thank you to Jules Bennett for giving me the chance to read and review this great book.

[Stella Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fake Engagement, Nashville Style is the third in the Dynasties: Beaumont Bay series by Jules Bennett. Cassandra and Luke were together but Luke was focussed on work while Cassandra wanted more commitment to a life together. Now, Cassandra has started a wedding planner business, and she needs Luke to help her get the wedding event of the year, his brother’s! Luke wants to say no and go away, but he is convinced to hear what Cassandra is proposing. And then, he proposes that he will help her get the wedding event but only if she agrees to pretend to be his fiancé until after the wedding, thereby removing all the attention he is getting and allowing him to focus on his work.

As Luke and Cassandra spend time together, they realize their chemistry has never waned, but they also still see all the good qualities the other holds. However, all the old feelings of not being enough, and fear of being left behind while Luke focusses on his work also come back. But these two are older now, and they learn how to communicate their worries, to listen better, and how to deal with their issues.

Another wonderful book filled with charm, love and strong personalities that learn how to work together.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Carma · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Beaumont Dynasty continues with book three in the series. This time we follow Luke Sutherland and Cassandra Taylor. This is a second chance love story and can be read as a stand alone.

Luke and Cassie were once an item, possibly could have turned to more but at some point Luke set her free. She didn’t protest and he didn’t chase her so there it stood. For years. When Cassie shows up at his bar looking for a favor, he first thinks to decline. Then formulates a plan to help himself while he helps her, but will she agree?

Cassie didn’t think she would ever return to Beaumont Bay, and especially not return to Luke Sutherland again. But she needed his help, swallowing her pride she heads for his office and finds him looking just as good as always. But to help her, she must help him, will it be worth the memories?

Luke and Cassie both have lingering feelings and pain from their original time together. Can a second chance at a relationship, however “fake” it might appear, allow them to reflect, react and rekindle something they both thought lost?

4 1/2 stars for this latest trip to Beaumont Bay

[Julie Eichelberger-Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fake Engagement, Nashville Style is the third in the Dynasties: Beaumont Bay series but can be read as a stand alone. This is a story of surviving heartbreak and reclaiming a first love. Cassandra and Luke were together eight years ago but when she got tired of waiting for their life together to begin, she left and moved on by starting her own business. Luke was in love with Cassandra but when she walked out, he threw himself into his work and thought he was over her. Now she is back asking him to help her get the job of wedding planner for his brother's wedding. He agrees if she agrees to be his fake fiance for the duration. As the two spend time together, old feelings come to the surface along with all the old insecurities and fears. The story that follows is filled with family, fun, overcoming the past and finding the love that was always meant to be. This is a wonderfully written story with amazing characters that will keep you reading until the very last page.

I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher but all thoughts and feelings are my own.

[Riet De Bruin-Strijker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mixed feelings, when reading this book. I haven’t read the other books, and although this book can be read as a stand-alone, I think it is recommendable to read the rest of the series as well. Why mixed feelings you ask? Although I know and appreciate the pen-woman ship of Ms Bennett, I kind of had expected more character development or at least the qualities the hero and heroine seem to have, are not overly written into the story, that’s actually what I missed. I liked this book, otherwise I wouldn’t have read it until the end, but I am not overly excited.
What is the book about:
Cassandra Taylor’s ex-fiancé owes her—big-time. Luke Sutherland shattered her dreams of happily-ever-after, and now she wants his help landing the wedding planning event of the year: his brother’s celebrity nuptials. But Luke demands her help in return—pretend to be in love with him so he’s no longer Country Beat’s most eligible bachelor. As their fake engagement rekindles real passion, will Cassandra get her own fairy-tale wedding…or only more heartbreak?

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Satisfying read. Cassandra comes back to Tennessee from Kentucky to work as a wedding consultant for the brothers of her ex, Luke. Luke blackmails her into pretending they’re engaged so that not as many single women hit on him in his own bars and restaurants.
Two problems with this story, however: 1. This woman named “Mags” who is a known town troublemaker makes an uninvited appearance at Luke’s brother’s wedding. And then the author kind of forgets to use her to spoil the wedding in whatever way she was planning. “Mags” is just sent off to cause whatever trouble that we don’t hear about later. 2. The first time Luke and Cassandra get into the bedroom together, they discuss “protection” and realize they don’t have any. “I’m safe because I haven’t been with other people” is the conclusion they arrive at. Okay, that’s fine for protecting against STDs, but not for protecting against pregnancy. How come there aren’t any consequences for lacking reproductive protection? They didn’t discuss birth control at all.

[Avidreader · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story itself was ok. Cassandra goes back to secure a wedding contract for her business that will help promote her. Coincidentally the groom is related to her former boyfriend.

He is still unattached and both are wondering what might have been. They enter into an arrangement that is beneficial, the fake engagement.

Uh, I never really bought into the story. There was no real reason for them to get engaged, and since his family knew it was not real it just seemed a little pointless. If they all loved her the way it was emphasized in the book, she should have had no trouble getting the shot in the first place.

I felt like there was no real reason why they would have stayed apart for that number of years.

Also, I believe that Cassandra was supposed to be a woman of color. Other than vague references to her dark skin, I am not sure. What makes me sure is the lack of a family for her, the lack of friends for her, and the lack of a real description of her. This is what I have come to expect.

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow just wow..This books gets you from the first page. If you love reunion stories you are going to love this one. Luke is the next Sutherland boy up. Just when he didn't think things could bring him to his knees in walks Cassandra. The one that walked away years ago. Both successful in their own rights. Both moved on with their lives. She comes back begging him to give her an in with his brother Will? But he has a twist of his own if he is going to do this for her!

Jules Bennett has written a story that will have you sighing, falling in love and believing in love. It makes you want to hold your family closer. If you believe in love coming back around than this is the story you really need to read.

The story keeps your attention from the very first paragraph! I found the book so hard to put down. I just love the storyline. It kept hopping. You are left rooting for Luke and Cassandra to see what is right in front of them.

Please read this wonderfully crafted story!

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh how I love second chance romance! Ever wonder about the one who got away? Maybe you haven’t, but either way this book is for you!
This story is the third installment of the Dynasties: Beaumont Bay series and is a standalone. It quickly grabbed my interest as we first learn about our hero Luke Sutherland. He’s a handsome billionaire who owns bars/restaurants in the Nashville area and was most recently selected Tennessee’s Most Eligible Bachelor much too his dismay. We then meet Cassandra Taylor, wedding coordinator, who comes to Luke and asks for a favor for her new business. They have a tumultuous history and the sparks are still there!
Luke agrees to help Cassandra but only if she pretends to be his fiancée until his brother’s wedding. As we learn more about their previous relationship, things get hotter and their feelings can’t be ignored!
I felt for these two so much! They tugged at my heart so strongly. Buy this book and read their story!

[Cindy Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book #3 in Dynasties:Bay series is Fake Engagement, Nashville Style:An Exes to Lovers Nashville by Jules Bennett and is a wonderful book with great characters. Eight years ago Luke and Cassandra were in a relationship and in love but Cassandra felt things weren't going anywhere and left. Now 8 years later Cassandra is back needing a favor from Luke. Her objective is to land the job of wedding planner of Luke's brother wedding to a popular singer, reluctant at first to help Cassandra, Luke finally decides he will help her if in return she poses as his fiance', which of course is fake. The more time they spend together the chemistry between the two is off the charts but is it enough to reach a HEA. I enjoyed this book because it did have great chemistry, wonderful characters, family interaction, resolution of past feelings, love and a HEA. Jule Bennett weaves a great story!
I received an ARC in return for a honest review.

[Traci Westling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my!!! This third book in the Dynasties Beaumont Bay series is DEFINITELY a page turner! Luke & Cassandra have a deep past history & it’s clear that their chemistry still exists ! From the moment she gets back in town it’s clear that these two will BOTH do what’s necessary to accomplish their goals at hand which include a fake engagement that’s to benefit each party . Naturally they both feel compelled
To explore their chemistry & muddle through things until the end when the truths some out . The amazing family dynamics with this series will have you cheering for Luke & Cass until the end !! I loved the few surprises that Jules finagled into the storyline that made this such a beautiful read ! Highly recommended !
I was thrilled to read & review this in exchange for my ideas & thoughts !

[Phylis Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassandra and Luke used to be an item and then he spent so much time getting his bars up and running he didn't have time for Cassandra anymore so she left. Now she has started her own company as a Wedding Planner . She finds out that Luke's brother is in the music business and is engaged to a singer and now Cassandra wants to be their wedding planner.

She has Luke set up an appointment for her. But Luke wants something from her in return. He seems to be in a magazine as the most eligible bachelor and he has girls trying to call him and slipping their numbers in his pocket. He wants it all to stop.

So now Cassandra finds herself (Fake) engaged to Luke and also planning his brother's wedding.

A really cute story that I think you will enjoy I know that I did. I just could not put it down.

[Michelle Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second chance romances are one of my favorite type of books to read so this story was perfect. I liked this couple especially when they shared a past, and they were in a way blackmailing each other yet that underlying chemistry was still there, and Cassandra didn’t want to act on it, but Luke kept pushing the boundaries between them. I liked how they took an interest in each other’s careers and realized they had both changed while they were apart but were the changes enough to try to be together a second time. I am still not a fan of Mags and really hope that karma finds her in the next story. I liked how this story ended for Luke and Cassandra. I cannot believe this series is almost over, it has been a fun series to read. I also love how the twins bookend this series with Hannah starting the series and Hallie ending it. Great book!

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! The third installment of the Beaumont Bay series was so good, Cassandra and Luke had been a couple for quite a few years, when suddenly Cassandra left town because she thought Luke would never put her first. She wanted to get married and he wasn't ready. He was busy building his business. Eight years later, she comes back to town for a favor and he makes being his fake fiance a requirement. Both of them were surprised at the feelings they both still had and it was fun seeing them work through them. It did take them long enough though. They really needed to talk to each other better. A very enjoyable book and fun to see characters from the previous books.
I got this book from the author and am volunatarily leaving a review

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassandra and Luke get a second chance and love in this third installment of the Beaumont Bay series. It's been 8 years since they were together. Cassandra left when it appeared Luke wasn't ever going to ready for marriage and seem to put her in second place of his businesses. Luke wasn't ready 8 years ago but was hurt Cassandra seemed to have given up. Now she's back to try and nab the wedding planner gig for Luke's brother. It was fun to watch these two become reacquainted and figure out if the love is still there. A perfect summer beach read or a weekend on the couch if you're not a beach person. Part of a series but definitely can be read as a stand alone.

[Judyrudy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fake Engagement Nashville Style is the third book in the Dynasties: Beaumont Bay series. I love a good second chance romance and Jules Bennett did not disappoint me. I absolutely loved this book. From the moment Cassandra walked into Luke’s office asking for him to set-up an appointment with his soon-to-be sister-in-law to him requesting in return a fake engagement, I was hooked. Neither of the characters had forgotten their relationship that had ended eight years ago and their draw to one another was still strong. This is a fantastic book to read poolside. I highly recommend it and the series. I received an advance copy which I chose to read and review. This is my honest opinion.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cassandra shows up after eight years asking Luke for a favor, so he asks for one in return. She plans Will and Hannah’s wedding while pretending to be his fiancée.

I enjoyed this second chance romance as Luke and Cass reexplore their feeling for each other and work through why things fell apart years earlier.

I received this book to voluntarily read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Linda Rimer-Como · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an adorable second chance romance story. The characters have amazing connections and interactions, as well as intense chemistry between Luke and Cassandra. The story line moves quickly as feelings and doubts resurface. Will love win in the end?

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book; all opinions expressed are my own.

[Denise Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a book ! I loved having the Sutherland brothers back in this book . Cassandra had been Luke’s girlfriend eight years ago . But both of them went their different ways . Cassandra is a wedding planner and Luke owns some bars . When Cassandra needs help getting the business off the ground she goes to Luke and asks for his help which starts the whole plot in motion .

[Millie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fake Engagement Nashville Style by Jules Bennett is the first book I have read by this very talented author. I really enjoyed it. I like the chemistry between Luke Sutherland and Cassandra Taylor. They both come at this wanting something from each other, but if they play their cards right they can each get what they want and a happy ever after too.

[Nicole ReadingBetweenTheSheets · Rating 4 out of 5]

This wonderful second chance/fake relationship romance, and third book in the Beaumont Bay series, will fill your heart with happiness and love. I loved Luke Sutherland!!! His character was strong and hot. Cassandra is hard headed and determined and a good match for Luke. Fake Engagement, Nashville Style is a quicker read, but full of emotions!

[Christina Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Cass and Luke’s story. They got a second chance and they were great together. Sadly most of their problems could have been solved by talking about it, but these stubborn individuals swept it under the rug. This was a quick, steamy read that I read eagerly.

[T.K. Ambers · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is a great concept, but it felt quite repetitive regarding the main character's thoughts back and forth. It could have been developed more. I didn't feel a whole lot during the romantic scenes, but I am kind of curious about the other books in this series.

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this second chance story!!

Luke and Cassondra have a past. Now she needs a favor and he turns it to his advantage.

This story moved at a good pace and read quick.