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Begrudgingly Engaged: A fake fiancé novel
Amelia Grayson is propelled into an unlikely match with Montana cowboy Garrett Strong when they bid against each other for the Double J Ranch. Financing is tight for Garrett, but he is determined to preserve his beloved rodeo mentor’s historic ranch—the place he considers a second home. Amelia’s dream of starting a teen addiction recovery ranch is within grasp, but first she needs the money from her trust fund. Unfortunately, her grandmother included a marriage clause in the irrevocable trust, stating Amelia must be wed before she sees a dime.Private investigators, past secrets, and a land-hungry oil and gas company threaten both of their dreams. When it appears neither will secure a contract for the ranch, can they agree to a marriage of convenience for the sake of the Double J?Fans of sweet romance and rom-coms will enjoy the elements of humor and mystery in this novel by award-winning author Kelly Nelson.
- GenresContemporary
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2023
6 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Nelson
9 books83 followersKelly Nelson was raised in Utah and now resides in the heart of the beautiful Pacific Northwest. She enjoys life on a ten-acre horse property with her husband and of course lots of horses. Kelly has a bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University. As a young girl she was an avid reader and had a passion for creative writing. Her travels to England, France, Egypt, Israel, West Indies, Mexico and across the United States sparked a love of history, adventure and exotic places. This led to the inspiration behind her debut novel, The Keeper's Calling.
She is an award-winning author of seven published titles.
She is an award-winning author of seven published titles.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 30, 2023
Begrudgingly Engaged
Crooked Creek Romance Series
By: Kelly Nelson
Narrated by: Meghan Kelly
Engrossing, Angsty, Special, and Beautiful!
Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed: 10-30-23
Amelia’s grandmother is a sucker for love, so she attached a few “strings” to Amelia’s trust fund. Nothing an ultra convincing “business arrangement marriage” masquerading as a love match won’t fix! Garrett Strong’s the perfect candidate for Amelia’s scheme; he’s handsome, cranky, protective, believable, and already the foreman at the ranch they both want! What could go wrong! Oh Amelia! Picture me shaking my head here! Looking for a captivating, deliciously angsty story? Sit back, grab some snacks and listen to “Begrudgingly Engaged”! It’s not a spoiler to say that neither Amelia or Garrett WANT to be engaged, much less get married, but with the conditions imposed by Amelia’s grandmother, a happy love match is the ONLY way she’ll get the funds she needs to purchase the ranch she wants for reasons that WOULD be a spoiler, so we’ll just skip over that! Garrett also wants the ranch, so he’s the likely best choice co-conspirator, for reasons we’ll be skipping for the same reason. Along the way to the altar there are obstacles aplenty, nefarious characters pursuing their own agendas, a nice amount of twisty angst, a ton of emotion and some mystery and intrigue! One could say never a dull moment, and THIS wedding is one NOT to be missed! I’ll duck as I say “no spoilers “. I laughed, and yes, there were a few tears! All of this goodness was beautifully brought to life by magnificent narration! Every character had their own uniquely identifiable voice, making following the story not only easy, but extremely pleasing! Vocal inflections flawlessly cued me into the emotional mindset of the character’s so I not only knew what they were saying, I knew how they were really feeling! I can’t tell you how much that adds to bringing the author’s vision alive, especially in a romance where the characters have the level of growth they had in “ Begrudgingly Engaged”. No spoilers! Grab a copy and see if YOU agree! Five special stars!
Crooked Creek Romance Series
By: Kelly Nelson
Narrated by: Meghan Kelly
Engrossing, Angsty, Special, and Beautiful!
Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed: 10-30-23
Amelia’s grandmother is a sucker for love, so she attached a few “strings” to Amelia’s trust fund. Nothing an ultra convincing “business arrangement marriage” masquerading as a love match won’t fix! Garrett Strong’s the perfect candidate for Amelia’s scheme; he’s handsome, cranky, protective, believable, and already the foreman at the ranch they both want! What could go wrong! Oh Amelia! Picture me shaking my head here! Looking for a captivating, deliciously angsty story? Sit back, grab some snacks and listen to “Begrudgingly Engaged”! It’s not a spoiler to say that neither Amelia or Garrett WANT to be engaged, much less get married, but with the conditions imposed by Amelia’s grandmother, a happy love match is the ONLY way she’ll get the funds she needs to purchase the ranch she wants for reasons that WOULD be a spoiler, so we’ll just skip over that! Garrett also wants the ranch, so he’s the likely best choice co-conspirator, for reasons we’ll be skipping for the same reason. Along the way to the altar there are obstacles aplenty, nefarious characters pursuing their own agendas, a nice amount of twisty angst, a ton of emotion and some mystery and intrigue! One could say never a dull moment, and THIS wedding is one NOT to be missed! I’ll duck as I say “no spoilers “. I laughed, and yes, there were a few tears! All of this goodness was beautifully brought to life by magnificent narration! Every character had their own uniquely identifiable voice, making following the story not only easy, but extremely pleasing! Vocal inflections flawlessly cued me into the emotional mindset of the character’s so I not only knew what they were saying, I knew how they were really feeling! I can’t tell you how much that adds to bringing the author’s vision alive, especially in a romance where the characters have the level of growth they had in “ Begrudgingly Engaged”. No spoilers! Grab a copy and see if YOU agree! Five special stars!
November 9, 2023
This is my first Kelly Nelson book and I really didn't know what to expect I went in blind to what kind of book this was.This is a sweet romance so if you want steam and sexy times this is not what this book is about.
I thought it would bother me that there was no sexy times but it actually didn't bother me at all, the plot is the whole focus of the book.Which is Amelia and Garrett need eachother to purchase a ranch,but in order to do that and access her trust fund.Amelia must be married and this is were ranch manager Garrett comes in.
But their initial meeting didn't go well and they get off on the wrong foot,making assumptions about one another.Still they come to an arrangement and plan to get married and try to fool everyone around them that they are in love...Which after a while isn't that hard because pretending feels more real than ever...and they form a friendship.
Amelia and Garrett are opposites a Cowboy and a City girl it shouldn't work but they work well together and Garrett respects Amelias vision for the future of the ranch,and falling for one another becomes too easy.
But there is a threat towards their offer on the ranch a rival wants it too and they are willing to play dirty to get it.
I pleasantly enjoyed listening to this story.
Meghan Kelly is the solo narrator telling this story and she did an excellent job at portraying ALL the male and female characters within this story.
I loved the way she changed her voice for each character she is super talented,I enjoyed listening to her narration.
Kelly Nelson has written a very engaging story that will keep you intrigued from the start,and a lovely romance between Amelia and Garrett.
An entertaining book.
Good listen.
I thought it would bother me that there was no sexy times but it actually didn't bother me at all, the plot is the whole focus of the book.Which is Amelia and Garrett need eachother to purchase a ranch,but in order to do that and access her trust fund.Amelia must be married and this is were ranch manager Garrett comes in.
But their initial meeting didn't go well and they get off on the wrong foot,making assumptions about one another.Still they come to an arrangement and plan to get married and try to fool everyone around them that they are in love...Which after a while isn't that hard because pretending feels more real than ever...and they form a friendship.
Amelia and Garrett are opposites a Cowboy and a City girl it shouldn't work but they work well together and Garrett respects Amelias vision for the future of the ranch,and falling for one another becomes too easy.
But there is a threat towards their offer on the ranch a rival wants it too and they are willing to play dirty to get it.
I pleasantly enjoyed listening to this story.
Meghan Kelly is the solo narrator telling this story and she did an excellent job at portraying ALL the male and female characters within this story.
I loved the way she changed her voice for each character she is super talented,I enjoyed listening to her narration.
Kelly Nelson has written a very engaging story that will keep you intrigued from the start,and a lovely romance between Amelia and Garrett.
An entertaining book.
Good listen.
November 6, 2023
Begrudgingly Engaged
Crooked Creek Romance Series
By: Kelly Nelson
Narrated by: Meghan Kelly
What a fun listen! This is my first Kelly Nelson book, and now I can't wait to get back to Crooked Creek! Double J Ranch is up for sale and Garrett Strong, the ranch foreman would love to buy it. It's in his blood, but he just can't get enough money up to get it. Amelia Grayson is looking for the perfect place to start her teen addiction recovery ranch, and Double J fits the bill. But when she goes to her trust to make the purchase, she finds a caveat that changes everything. She has to be married! So what is the solution? These two are like oil and water to start, but once the plan is put into place to marry and both have the ranch, their push pull chemistry is put to the test! Danger, greed, rustling, pleasing family, crazy exes, you name it, Nelson works it all in and it's a blast to listen to! I loved this story, the feel of the small town and the characters. I cannot wait to see what is in store next.
Meghan Kelly is such a talent and every time I hear her, I know I am in for a treat. This book is packed full of amazing voices and so many emotions that Kelly shows her expertise! She goes from male to female, from mad to passionate, from scared to angry with such ease that it sounds like a full cast performance. She keeps the danger flaring and the passion high. Perfect weekend listen and it was a pleasure to hear.
Crooked Creek Romance Series
By: Kelly Nelson
Narrated by: Meghan Kelly
What a fun listen! This is my first Kelly Nelson book, and now I can't wait to get back to Crooked Creek! Double J Ranch is up for sale and Garrett Strong, the ranch foreman would love to buy it. It's in his blood, but he just can't get enough money up to get it. Amelia Grayson is looking for the perfect place to start her teen addiction recovery ranch, and Double J fits the bill. But when she goes to her trust to make the purchase, she finds a caveat that changes everything. She has to be married! So what is the solution? These two are like oil and water to start, but once the plan is put into place to marry and both have the ranch, their push pull chemistry is put to the test! Danger, greed, rustling, pleasing family, crazy exes, you name it, Nelson works it all in and it's a blast to listen to! I loved this story, the feel of the small town and the characters. I cannot wait to see what is in store next.
Meghan Kelly is such a talent and every time I hear her, I know I am in for a treat. This book is packed full of amazing voices and so many emotions that Kelly shows her expertise! She goes from male to female, from mad to passionate, from scared to angry with such ease that it sounds like a full cast performance. She keeps the danger flaring and the passion high. Perfect weekend listen and it was a pleasure to hear.
April 2, 2024
"...I have to convince my grandmother my marriage is a love match rather than a...marriage of convenience." "That shouldn't be too hard. This marriage is anything but convenient."
We went to Montana a few years ago and I was ready to pack up and move. I don’t know about those winters though. 😆 Amelia and Garrett both have their sights set on buying a Montana ranch and when they realize neither of them can do it alone, they make a plan to do it together.
Their first couple of meets were hilarious, as they rubbed together like a burr in a saddle, but it was an entertaining adventure to watch them mesh and mold their worlds together. Amelia is a fairly straight-forward type of person, a therapist, who sticks to the rules but I was surprised by the hard-working and simple cowboy. He had some secrets up his sleeves that were massive, which made him seem a little clueless. The undeniable chemistry made everything worth it.
I love a fake fiance/marriage of convenience trope, especially when it’s contemporary, and the touch of mystery delivered a rewarding tale.
Content: kissing; off-page cheating; very mild language; mild moment of peril.
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
We went to Montana a few years ago and I was ready to pack up and move. I don’t know about those winters though. 😆 Amelia and Garrett both have their sights set on buying a Montana ranch and when they realize neither of them can do it alone, they make a plan to do it together.
Their first couple of meets were hilarious, as they rubbed together like a burr in a saddle, but it was an entertaining adventure to watch them mesh and mold their worlds together. Amelia is a fairly straight-forward type of person, a therapist, who sticks to the rules but I was surprised by the hard-working and simple cowboy. He had some secrets up his sleeves that were massive, which made him seem a little clueless. The undeniable chemistry made everything worth it.
I love a fake fiance/marriage of convenience trope, especially when it’s contemporary, and the touch of mystery delivered a rewarding tale.
Content: kissing; off-page cheating; very mild language; mild moment of peril.
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
October 25, 2023
It's Been Amelia's dream to open a drug therapy ranch for teens..On her 28 birthday she can get het trust fund . Well her grandma had stipulations,..Married, no contract of convenience.
Garrett is the foreman of the JJ Ranch that's for sale. He doesn't have all the funds to buy it.
Amelia and Garrett form a partnership under false pretensions of being engaged.
Can they pull it off?
Threats, danger, accidents,mysterious dealings behind the scenes, put them to the test, if this is what they really want.
does the sweet talking cowboy win over his city girl?
I loved how Kelly Nelson put their thoughts, dreams, and doubts about their relationship to the test in this story.
Meghan Kelly portrayed all characters very good. Giving each one their own voices and personality . very well done.
Garrett is the foreman of the JJ Ranch that's for sale. He doesn't have all the funds to buy it.
Amelia and Garrett form a partnership under false pretensions of being engaged.
Can they pull it off?
Threats, danger, accidents,mysterious dealings behind the scenes, put them to the test, if this is what they really want.
does the sweet talking cowboy win over his city girl?
I loved how Kelly Nelson put their thoughts, dreams, and doubts about their relationship to the test in this story.
Meghan Kelly portrayed all characters very good. Giving each one their own voices and personality . very well done.
November 20, 2023
Great Story to start the series! Audiobook Review 🎧
Amelia wants to buy the Double J Ranch, but so does Garrett. Amelia needs her trust fund but finds out that she needs to be married to get the money, but it needs to be a marriage of true love, and not to just get the money. I loved the journey of their relationship and how sweet Garrett was. It was also a suspenseful story with danger from the other group that wanted to buy the ranch. This was my first book by this author and I really loved it and look forward to listening to another book by her. Meghan Kelly was great at narrating all of the characters and represented all their personalities perfectly.
Amelia wants to buy the Double J Ranch, but so does Garrett. Amelia needs her trust fund but finds out that she needs to be married to get the money, but it needs to be a marriage of true love, and not to just get the money. I loved the journey of their relationship and how sweet Garrett was. It was also a suspenseful story with danger from the other group that wanted to buy the ranch. This was my first book by this author and I really loved it and look forward to listening to another book by her. Meghan Kelly was great at narrating all of the characters and represented all their personalities perfectly.
October 25, 2023
Loved this one! The storyline and the characters are very well done. This has some chuckles and smiles throughout. It is a sweet romance that has a little mystery and humor throughout. There are many moments the I laughed out loud at..so be prepared.
The author does a wonderful job and really transported me to their world. This is the first in the series and I can see a few characters that could carry the next couple books. I look forward to the next! Meghan Kelly is the narrator for this one. She does a wonderful job on the characters voices and is easy on the ears.
The author does a wonderful job and really transported me to their world. This is the first in the series and I can see a few characters that could carry the next couple books. I look forward to the next! Meghan Kelly is the narrator for this one. She does a wonderful job on the characters voices and is easy on the ears.
November 3, 2023
🎧AUDIOBOOK REVIEW🎧
I'm not usually one to listen/read clean romances. I'm usually into stories a little dirtier, but I really enjoyed this one.
Meghan Kelly does an amazing job as usual bringing the characters to life.
I enjoyed listening to how Amelia and Garrett start off prickly towards each other but the attraction, the chemistry soon takes over.
This story is full of some mysteries, and suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat to know what is going on. How will they get through this? Will they succeed? I really enjoyed it and definitely recommend it.
I'm not usually one to listen/read clean romances. I'm usually into stories a little dirtier, but I really enjoyed this one.
Meghan Kelly does an amazing job as usual bringing the characters to life.
I enjoyed listening to how Amelia and Garrett start off prickly towards each other but the attraction, the chemistry soon takes over.
This story is full of some mysteries, and suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat to know what is going on. How will they get through this? Will they succeed? I really enjoyed it and definitely recommend it.
February 10, 2024
A gripping romance! Once I started it, I didn’t want to put it down. Amelia and Garrett were very likeable characters, and I looked forward to any moment on the page when they were together. I loved the country setting, fast pace, intriguing plot, and the reluctant romance that turned into so much more. Truly a swoon-worthy cowboy romance!
October 26, 2023
These characters are so likeable. I absolutely fell in love with their chemistry. This isn’t just an arrangement, there’s something between them that you can tell will be more. A fantastic performance that really helps you connect with these characters.
November 8, 2023
Amelia and Garrett may have started their arrangement for the purpose of monetary gains, but after all the adversity they endured they found true love. This sweet romance has all the great feels and wonderful characters. Meghan Kelly did a wonderful job with the narration.
October 17, 2023
Such a fun book! Well written and interesting. Plenty of unforeseen twists and turns. The handsome main character, Garrett is absolutely swoon worthy and totally adorable.
October 21, 2023
great book
This story is packed full of twists and turns. It has a fake engagement, a sinister bad guy, family struggles and good friends. I really enjoyed reading it. I was pulled into the story and was engaged in it until the end. I highly recommend it.
This story is packed full of twists and turns. It has a fake engagement, a sinister bad guy, family struggles and good friends. I really enjoyed reading it. I was pulled into the story and was engaged in it until the end. I highly recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews