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Bachelors of Clear Creek #1
Fake Identity at Stake
Jake Mardell's quiet life is thrown into a flurry when the new neighbor’s Great Dane kills his late grandmother’s prize chickens. He’s outraged that the woman can’t control her yapping dog. And to think he was going to welcome her into the neighborhood.
Under a witness protection program, Kaitlyn Hughes (alias Charlotte), is shocked upon first meeting a furious Jake, on her porch in his boxer shorts returning her dog. He doesn’t accept her apology, so she calls him a Christian hypocrite and slams the door in his face.
To make matters worse, the next day Jake slashed an incorrect delivery on his porch, which cut through a wedding dress. Kaitlyn accuses him of revenge. The useless dress only reminded her of an ex-boyfriend, who had introduced her to church but fell away from his faith. She hadn’t returned to a church since the break-up.
Kaitlyn’s judgment on Jake’s character had stung him. He is determined to make it up to his neighbor and show her Christians can be trusted. He comes up with a plan despite the risk of being pricked by the cactus-flower.
Under a witness protection program, Kaitlyn Hughes (alias Charlotte), is shocked upon first meeting a furious Jake, on her porch in his boxer shorts returning her dog. He doesn’t accept her apology, so she calls him a Christian hypocrite and slams the door in his face.
To make matters worse, the next day Jake slashed an incorrect delivery on his porch, which cut through a wedding dress. Kaitlyn accuses him of revenge. The useless dress only reminded her of an ex-boyfriend, who had introduced her to church but fell away from his faith. She hadn’t returned to a church since the break-up.
Kaitlyn’s judgment on Jake’s character had stung him. He is determined to make it up to his neighbor and show her Christians can be trusted. He comes up with a plan despite the risk of being pricked by the cactus-flower.
250 pages, ebook
First published August 1, 2021
160 people are currently reading
346 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Renee
29 books174 followersLisa Renee’s first full-time job was as a marketing manager at 19 years of age. From there, she learned the ins and outs of small business and went on to create three business start-ups, including developing her own brand of organic smoothies and lattes.
When Lisa got the writing bug, she switched gears and now loves coming up with swoon-worthy stories filled with awkward moments, adding love and laughter to every page of her romantic comedies.
When she's not writing, you can find her enjoying nature, hiking, snorkeling or with her running buddies, jogging the great outdoors of her home country, Australia.
When Lisa got the writing bug, she switched gears and now loves coming up with swoon-worthy stories filled with awkward moments, adding love and laughter to every page of her romantic comedies.
When she's not writing, you can find her enjoying nature, hiking, snorkeling or with her running buddies, jogging the great outdoors of her home country, Australia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
March 2, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It had great humour, loveable characters and a story that kept me wanting to read more. Lisa Renee has a writing style that carries you along and keeps you in the moment. I always love animals in a story and Lisa gives them their own special character and role to play. Boris creates havoc but also adds so much warmth and humour. I enjoyed the developing romance between Kaitlyn and Jake and was on the edge of my seat, just waiting to see what would happen when Kaitlyn’s true identity was revealed. A very satisfying, well written story with a great ending.
October 24, 2021
Bookkeeper Kaitlyn Hughes finds herself in the witness protection programme after finding an error in the accounts at her new job and overhearing a conversation that implies she's about to have an unfortunate accident.
She is relocated from Denver to the tiny town of Idaho Springs, population under 1800, where she is set up with a house, job, and even a dog .. a dog who's first action is to break into the neighbour's chicken coop and kill two chickens.
Landscaper Jake Mardell is less than impressed that his new neighbour's dog has killed two of his dead grandmother's prize-winning chickens. It's a less-than-ideal first meeting, especially given her abrasive attitude towards him and towards his Christian faith.
Fake identity at Stake is an enjoyable small-town Christian rom-com. It's a fun, fast-paced read, and I enjoyed watching Kaitlyn form new friendships as Charlotte, her cover name. Jake was annoying at times, but that still lead to some funny scenes after he adds one and one to get nineteen, then tells his mother something in confidence that she "shares" with most of the church.
There was also the tension of what Jake was going to do when he found out his girlfriend wasn't a blonde travel agent called Charlotte, but a brunette bookkeeper called Kaitlyn. But this is a romance, so we know what's going to happen in the end ... and that's why we keep reading.
Overall, Fake Identity at Stake is an enjoyable small-town Christian romance, and a fun escapist read.
She is relocated from Denver to the tiny town of Idaho Springs, population under 1800, where she is set up with a house, job, and even a dog .. a dog who's first action is to break into the neighbour's chicken coop and kill two chickens.
Landscaper Jake Mardell is less than impressed that his new neighbour's dog has killed two of his dead grandmother's prize-winning chickens. It's a less-than-ideal first meeting, especially given her abrasive attitude towards him and towards his Christian faith.
Fake identity at Stake is an enjoyable small-town Christian rom-com. It's a fun, fast-paced read, and I enjoyed watching Kaitlyn form new friendships as Charlotte, her cover name. Jake was annoying at times, but that still lead to some funny scenes after he adds one and one to get nineteen, then tells his mother something in confidence that she "shares" with most of the church.
There was also the tension of what Jake was going to do when he found out his girlfriend wasn't a blonde travel agent called Charlotte, but a brunette bookkeeper called Kaitlyn. But this is a romance, so we know what's going to happen in the end ... and that's why we keep reading.
Overall, Fake Identity at Stake is an enjoyable small-town Christian romance, and a fun escapist read.
July 5, 2022
Cute…
A bit unrealistic, but you want that at times. In the end, the good guys win and bad guys lose.
A bit unrealistic, but you want that at times. In the end, the good guys win and bad guys lose.
December 8, 2021
Oh my goodness what is not to love about this !?
First there’s Boris , the Great Dane and having 2 of my own , I know and love these big lugs so I know the mischief they can get up but also when it comes down to it they’ll protect you with their lives 🐾❤️
Then there’s Princess and Honey and while I was crying I was also in stitches because I could just see it all playing off in my minds eye …
Ok so Jake just has me weak at the knees and he has a bit of baggage I agree but it’s baggage that can be dealt with if spoken about openly and again I feel Jake all the way …..
Kaitlyn got herself into a spot of trouble by doing the right thing and has to go into hiding for her own safety and while I’m on edge for her I can’t help myself but let the silver linings outdo the fear factor I mean she gains so much more than she had . She gains new friends , Boris and of course there’s Jake❣️
It just reminded me that sometimes God closes one door and opens another and He knows best , He know the plans He has for us and it’s plans not to harm us …..
I really enjoyed every page and now I can see what happens between Ethan and Emily
First there’s Boris , the Great Dane and having 2 of my own , I know and love these big lugs so I know the mischief they can get up but also when it comes down to it they’ll protect you with their lives 🐾❤️
Then there’s Princess and Honey and while I was crying I was also in stitches because I could just see it all playing off in my minds eye …
Ok so Jake just has me weak at the knees and he has a bit of baggage I agree but it’s baggage that can be dealt with if spoken about openly and again I feel Jake all the way …..
Kaitlyn got herself into a spot of trouble by doing the right thing and has to go into hiding for her own safety and while I’m on edge for her I can’t help myself but let the silver linings outdo the fear factor I mean she gains so much more than she had . She gains new friends , Boris and of course there’s Jake❣️
It just reminded me that sometimes God closes one door and opens another and He knows best , He know the plans He has for us and it’s plans not to harm us …..
I really enjoyed every page and now I can see what happens between Ethan and Emily
September 11, 2022
This book has me in two minds.
One hand, it had good characters and their romance was pretty good on the whole. But this was a Romance book with a crime subplot. Normally, you have a Crime book with a romance subplot, and that works really well. This didn’t. The crime/witsec elements weren’t woven into the story easily, and when it was brought up it either felt shallow, or rushed. I know it was the subplot, but really I didn’t think it worked as one.
I would have LOVED if this story had been fleshed out More, and the witsec and crime side of the story developed a bit. I also think the ending was really rushed as well - it felt disjointed with the rest of the story.
I really did like Lisa Renee’s writing and overall characters, and the plot idea was awesome. Just a few hiccups for a crime reader to overcome.
One hand, it had good characters and their romance was pretty good on the whole. But this was a Romance book with a crime subplot. Normally, you have a Crime book with a romance subplot, and that works really well. This didn’t. The crime/witsec elements weren’t woven into the story easily, and when it was brought up it either felt shallow, or rushed. I know it was the subplot, but really I didn’t think it worked as one.
I would have LOVED if this story had been fleshed out More, and the witsec and crime side of the story developed a bit. I also think the ending was really rushed as well - it felt disjointed with the rest of the story.
I really did like Lisa Renee’s writing and overall characters, and the plot idea was awesome. Just a few hiccups for a crime reader to overcome.
April 23, 2022
Lisa Renee doesn't disappoint in this romantic adventure. When Kaitlyn discovers white collar crime related to drugs, she is placed in Witness Protection and assumes the name Charlotte. Her new small-town hideaway comes with a handsome neighbor, Jake.
As a romance heats up with Jake, Kaitlyn cringes at what her coming clean about her fake life might mean for their relationship. A whirlwind of reveals at the end of the story has you second guessing how a happily-ever-after will take place.
A fun and engaging read.
As a romance heats up with Jake, Kaitlyn cringes at what her coming clean about her fake life might mean for their relationship. A whirlwind of reveals at the end of the story has you second guessing how a happily-ever-after will take place.
A fun and engaging read.
May 17, 2025
Not a fan of people being mean to each other
I appreciate authors who write low spice romance, so I gave this an extra star. The two man characters are not nice, and the author didn't make me love them enough to wait and see if it gets better. I only got through 3 chapters. I guess the nail in the coffin was the guy being a pushover and falling all over himself after the girl's such a jerk. I will check out this author's other books. But this one's just not for me.
I appreciate authors who write low spice romance, so I gave this an extra star. The two man characters are not nice, and the author didn't make me love them enough to wait and see if it gets better. I only got through 3 chapters. I guess the nail in the coffin was the guy being a pushover and falling all over himself after the girl's such a jerk. I will check out this author's other books. But this one's just not for me.
April 26, 2022
Warm Mystery
The “comedy” description threw me. It’s not, or I don’t think that’s a good description. It’s a really well written suspense story with some amusing dialogue that directs the developing romantic relationship. I didn’t want to shut my kindle down. I don’t think I’ve read anything by this author before, but I will be looking for other stories she’s written.
The “comedy” description threw me. It’s not, or I don’t think that’s a good description. It’s a really well written suspense story with some amusing dialogue that directs the developing romantic relationship. I didn’t want to shut my kindle down. I don’t think I’ve read anything by this author before, but I will be looking for other stories she’s written.
February 12, 2024
3.5 stars. Not very suspenseful but clean. Some minor humour. It was alright. I didn’t really like Kaitlin/Charlotte. Didn’t feel the chemistry between the MMC and FMC. Just okay. I don’t feel the need to read the next in the series. Wasn’t all that invested in the story. It was okay to read but easily forgettable.
August 4, 2025
Clean Standalone Rom-com Interconnected Series HEA
This is the first book of an interconnected series with characters that overlap with other books.
She's too good at her job and is forced to hide. Falling in love with her neighbor isn't wise.
Mischievous puppy
Secret identity
Enemy to lovers
Meddling townsfolk
This is the first book of an interconnected series with characters that overlap with other books.
She's too good at her job and is forced to hide. Falling in love with her neighbor isn't wise.
Mischievous puppy
Secret identity
Enemy to lovers
Meddling townsfolk
October 14, 2021
undercover brunette
It was for her protection she had to relocate. What came next was pure love. Lying to everyone was not her choice but it had to be done. Yet a true deep love overcame it all. Wonderful.
It was for her protection she had to relocate. What came next was pure love. Lying to everyone was not her choice but it had to be done. Yet a true deep love overcame it all. Wonderful.
December 3, 2021
Love it!
I fell in love with the characters, Boris is a sweetheart!
I enjoyed the humor and the banter in the book especially between Jake and Kaitlyn (aka Charlotte). That was probably my favorite element of the book.
I highly recommend it.
I fell in love with the characters, Boris is a sweetheart!
I enjoyed the humor and the banter in the book especially between Jake and Kaitlyn (aka Charlotte). That was probably my favorite element of the book.
I highly recommend it.
March 24, 2022
I loved Kaitlyn/ charlotte in this story with her and Jake so complicated their relationship was with misunderstandings that kept coming up as they knew each other. I also enjoyed the interaction with Ethan and Jake's mom and her best friend, Clarissa, and I am thrilled with how the story ended.
August 18, 2022
This was a pleasant surprise, my first book by this author. It hit the right notes, sweet, clean romance, suspense without being a stressful nail biter (thank you!), humor, likable small town characters, and Christian main and secondary characters without being preachy. Just right!
September 30, 2022
Enjoyed it
Tropes:
Fake identity (obviously)
Light suspense
What I enjoyed:
Light, easy read
Happy ending
I didn't this was actually a comedy, and a bit unrealistic, but reality is a bit crazy anyway so it was still a good read.
Tropes:
Fake identity (obviously)
Light suspense
What I enjoyed:
Light, easy read
Happy ending
I didn't this was actually a comedy, and a bit unrealistic, but reality is a bit crazy anyway so it was still a good read.
March 29, 2023
It is an okay book. For a christian romance, however, it contains way too much swearing. It is thought of words, but it is still identifiable as swearing like „holy x“ or something. While it is a cute story, the conflict resolution in the book is rather anticlimactic and unrealistic.
May 20, 2024
Fake identity
Lying is hard for this girl and she struggles hot neighbour from next door assumes she's ill and not in hiding.
One chapter has been reported as names have gotten confused.
Over all good story
Lying is hard for this girl and she struggles hot neighbour from next door assumes she's ill and not in hiding.
One chapter has been reported as names have gotten confused.
Over all good story
May 30, 2024
Cute idea but I couldn’t finish (14%). The grammar is just all over the place especially with tenses. Having an editor or someone go through and fix mistakes would make it much more enjoyable to read.
February 24, 2022
3.5 stars. A light read. Not my favourite but I do plan to read the sequel.
April 8, 2022
This book was hilarious, and I enjoyed it very much. I look forward to reading more from this author. :)
July 20, 2022
Very much enjoyed this. It’s my second book by this author and I definitely want to read more! I love the feel of authenticity I get.
December 18, 2022
A sweet, fun, romantic read. Well written, with lovable characters that felt real. Highly recommend.
Read
January 10, 2024DNF @ 27%
January 18, 2024
Fun Read
Fun read, with just enough action and suspense to keep the story going. You know how it’s going to come out, but the romance is back and forth
Fun read, with just enough action and suspense to keep the story going. You know how it’s going to come out, but the romance is back and forth
January 19, 2024
Enjoyable + sweet romance
This was a fun and sweet romance. A very enjoyable book to read with an interesting plot and intriguing characters.
This was a fun and sweet romance. A very enjoyable book to read with an interesting plot and intriguing characters.
January 27, 2024
That was a fun read thank you so much for a clean story.
April 26, 2024
DNF at 13%. The amount of writing errors was ridiculous. Using “my” instead of “your”, incorrect word tense. Way too much to be able to overlook.
April 5, 2025
Sweet romance
Romance level: kisses
Sweet story with Christian themes.
Enjoyed hearing about slowing down and enjoying a new place.
Not too deep of a story. Lighter read.
Romance level: kisses
Sweet story with Christian themes.
Enjoyed hearing about slowing down and enjoying a new place.
Not too deep of a story. Lighter read.
May 13, 2025
Cute!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews