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Pretending she was mine seemed so harmless in the beginning...

Carrie Callihan is doing her best to keep it together.

Sure, she may have shared an inappropriate kiss with her client, but it was only one little kiss, and he was only doing her a favor.

No big deal.

Or at least that's what she keeps telling herself while Ben's busy dealing with a few bombshells of his own across town.

But when a chance meeting brings them together outside the office, Ben asks Carrie to return the favor.

And he doesn't stop there.

**This new adult romance series contains mature content, adult language, and several characters who also feature in the Tempted Series by Hazel Kelly, namely Will & Ella.

138 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 15, 2016

118 people are currently reading
158 people want to read

About the author

Hazel Kelly

57 books810 followers
Hazel Kelly is an Amazon bestselling author who writes sweet and steamy romance that will make you smile all over.

When she's not traveling the globe in search of cozy hammocks to write in, she enjoys tackling her tbr list with a nice big glass of anything will do. She lives in Dublin with her favorite Irishman and their three-legged cat.

For updates (and warm fuzzies!) follow Hazel on:
Instagram➜ www.instagram.com/hazelkellyauthor
And join her Inner Circle @ ➜ www.hazelkelly.com/innercircle

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5 stars
180 (48%)
4 stars
135 (36%)
3 stars
47 (12%)
2 stars
9 (2%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for Aղցela W..
4,519 reviews320 followers
July 28, 2016
Spoiler Ahead This was book 2 in the "Club Abbott" series. Carrie is trying her hardest to keep it together but after the encounter at the shop with Ben she has no idea what to feel, the fact his kiss was amazing in her opinion but she knows it's different considering for a long time she has only kissed one guy. Ben is pretty impressed with himself even though he does feel a little guilty lying about the fact her ex boyfriend was behind her when he kissed her but he didn't want to let the opportunity go so he did what he could. Ben decides to go and see his dad to congratulate him on asking Ella but he can't help but wonder why his dad and mom never lasted and when he asks Will the last answer that was expecting was for it to be that his mom cheated on his dad. When he hears this he is so mad at his mom for lying to him that when she does call him he goes mad at her and then realizes that she's not the person he thought she was as she revealed that she didn't want to hurt him but he tells her that she was more worried about herself. This was a pretty good book. It was well written like the first book with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Born To Read.
806 reviews18 followers
August 22, 2020
This is the second book in the Club Abbott series.
Ben and Carrie go on with their lives after that wonderful encounter in the supermarket. Carrie is a little bit mortified because she really wants to be the designer in Ben's club. And she thinks that she could have missed her opportunity.
But the truth is that Ben is smitten. And his intentions, regarding his club and Carrie, are pretty clear.
This book is really short. And even though Carrie and Ben's relationship moves forward, it's not enough!! I want more!
I know I said this when I finished the first book. But I really need to know what happens next. Things are getting interesting.
I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
16 reviews1 follower
January 18, 2016
I received an ARC for an honest review.

I have to admit that I really enjoy the way Hazel writes. Her writing pulls you into the story and it is never boring. The way some books are written you may find yourself looking ahead or not finishing cause you lose interest in even knowing the ending. I have never felt that with any of Hazel's books. Read this series.

I again have to say how I enjoy reading the story from Carrie and Ben's point of view. Carrie thought thru the reasons why she could not go backwards in her relationship decisions and each reason made sense. I felt myself agreeing with her and silently chearing for her strength and understanding how hard it was.

It was good to see Ben's character and how he felt about respect and being faithful. It was unfortunate that his mother did not have the courage to tell him the truth and that it may have a negative impact on their relationship. I love how the story is developing, love how part 2 ended and can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
757 reviews9 followers
September 20, 2016
This book was a great addition to the series.

The main characters are Carrie and Ben, Carrie is still concerned with with her mixing business and pleasure by kissing her client. Ben is still reeling from the kiss and desperate to get more from Carrie, he keeps on trying to see her and her cancelling plans. The two run into each other at a night club and Ben initiates a deal and Ben doesn't want to stop there.

The most noteworthy secondary characters in this book are Will and Ella, but I would like to read more in the series to make my final judgements.

The storyline is not brilliantly original but it was well written so easily enjoyable. The pacing was good and I loved the cliffhanger at the end.

4 stars a decent addition to the series
Profile Image for Behind Closed Doors Book Review.
1,243 reviews175 followers
September 7, 2020
Amount of sex 2.5 / 5
How explicit are the sex scenes 3 / 5
Story 4.5 / 5
Overall: 4.5 / 5

The Deal is the second novella in the Club Abbott series, which is written by author Hazel Kelly. This series has a continuous storyline. Therefore you’ll need to read the books in order. Oh, and since this is only the second, be prepared for it to end with another cliffhanger!

The Deal continues where we left off with Carrie walking home from the store. She can’t seem to stop thinking about the kiss with Ben, and she’s even more confused about her feelings. The one thing she knows for sure is that she needs this job opportunity that Ben is offering. Although before he can show her the building, he finds himself in a situation, and this time, it’s him asking Carrie to help him out.

I really love Carrie and Ben’s banter, and their chemistry is pretty hot! I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series!

Voluntarily Reviewed a Gifted Copy
Profile Image for MelissaReads7997.
156 reviews
September 14, 2018
Each part of the 'Club Abbott" series was so short that I am going to review the series as a whole.

This series is a spin-off from Ellie and Will's story (which I did not read) but I did enjoy getting to know them in the context of this story. Carrie and Ben were both likable. They had their flaws and overall came through as realistic and whole characters. Ben goes after what he wants and usually gets his way and Carrie gets lost overthinking things, but her thought process makes sense for her character and the things she has been through. Overall the story was funny, sexy and exciting. Christophe, Nora and Woody were interesting side characters and I wanted more of them (especially Nora!). One thing I did notice that I found a little off putting is the timeline. Will mentions Ellie is planning a big event for "this winter" but there is no context as for where we are. Is it October? November? Then all of aa sudden their event is upon us. Then Ben wants to open his club New Year's eve, as the reader, I understood this caused some time constraints, but I had no idea how long it was (I do realize this is a strange thing to get stuck on, but it nagged at me). As for the story being told in five parts, I understood from a business standpoint what was being done here but felt it was unnecessary. Each part was so short I was able to get through the entire series relatively quickly and it was annoying to have to stop, load the next part to my Kindle, and continue. Also, I got part one for free (bookbub email notification) and based on its length, I would not have paid for the next installment. I only continued the series because it was on Kindle Unlimited.
Profile Image for Crystal Denny.
330 reviews62 followers
January 21, 2021
Ahhh so amazing! More like a 4.7 stars. I rarely give 5 stars so I feel like just under that speaks to how much I liked this. Carrie is still feeling some kind of way about Simon which is normal and having doubts and insecurities too. I think Ben is so charming and I love that he is very forward and somewhat honest but also funny and he is really a good guy.
Profile Image for Sarah Gulyas.
629 reviews2 followers
July 9, 2020
Ok, this one took.me a little longer because, wrll, I just couldn't get into it. The writing was great and it was solely my issue.

I really like Carrie and Ben. I think they make a great fake couple. There is a lot of chemistry there and I cant wait to start book 3.
Profile Image for Sharon Noble.
2,186 reviews6 followers
July 22, 2020
After Ben pretended to be Carrie's boyfriend at the supermarket, he wants her to pretend to be his girlfriend in front of Ella so it gets back to his dad. Thing get even more real after they make their deal!
67 reviews
August 29, 2023
Loads of Fun!

I like Hazel Kelly! Really, I do. And I really do like her books. Ben and Carrie are such a cute couple. I enjoy their chemistry and the fun they have together. They have their humorous personalities and their hot romance. I recommend Hazel’s fine work.
659 reviews
March 4, 2017
Finally together

I loved that most of this book they were together, even if it was "fake". Although the book wasn't very long, I feel like more was accomplished in this book then the first.
Profile Image for Atlanta Whitlock.
907 reviews12 followers
January 17, 2016
Carrie is trying her hardest to keep it together but after the encounter at the shop with Ben she has no idea what to feel, the fact his kiss was amazing in her opinion but she knows it's different considering for a long time she has only kissed one guy.

Ben on the other hand is pretty impressed with himself even though he does feel a little guilty lying about the fact her ex boyfriend was behind her when he kissed her but he didn't want to let the opportunity go so he did what he could. To him nothing could get his mood down so when he gets back to his apartment he learns from his roommate that his dad asked Ella to marry considering her answer was all over the news, he is shocked that his dad did it this early as to him he thought he would wait a while. The next day Ben decides to go and see his dad to congratulate him on asking Ella but he can't help but wonder why his dad and mom never lasted and when he asks Will the last answer that was expecting was for it to be that his mom cheated on his dad. When he hears this he is so mad at his mom for lying to him that when she does call him he goes mad at her and then realises that she's not the person he thought she was as she revealed that she didn't want to hurt him but he tells her that she was more worried about herself.

Carrie is honestly worried about her new business, she knows that she needs to impress Ben in order to achieve great things but the last thing that she was expecting when she decides to head to The Nest was that she would have to pretend to be Ben's girlfriend as Ben's dad's Fiancé is running the shift at the nest and the fact that Ben has told his dad that he was seeing someone. So Carrie comes to his rescue but she is shocked that she gets along so well with Ella that she is helping her plan her wedding.

Will Carrie be able to give Ben what he's after for his club or will it be a mistake in his eyes. What will happen when an opportunity arises for Ben and will he take things to the next level with Carrie even though he knows that he should keep it professional. What will come of Ben's feelings for Carrie.

The only way you're going to know is by reading it. You'll want to continue reading this book once you start, I have fallen in love with this series. You will be gripped from the start. Hazel Kelly you have done an amazing job so far with this series, keep it up.
16 reviews
January 20, 2016
OMG! I can’t believe that Carrie doesn’t see how good she is with Ben! They belong together, for Christ’s sake!

I love the way HK always surprise us... She has the magic to make you fall in love with every male character she writes, even the ones who has everything to be the worse guy based on all bad stereotype you can imagine. She wins in showing the fragile aspects of these characters when you are reading by their point of views.

In book 2, Ben make a deal with Carrie and I can imagine how it’s gonna end: the best way possible because their chemistry is undeniable.

I said it on book 1 review, but I’ll say it again: I love live a little of Will and Ella’s story and loved the opportunity to know Wood better. He is a good guy and I can’t wait to see what a cupid he could be for these 2.

You can expect a few things in this book: a really hot scene in a bare warehouse, a classical playboy turning into a sweet guy, a 20-something guy facing the truth about a brake-up that shows the truth about his parents and a sweet girl discovering herself in a way she doesn’t know exists.
17 reviews
January 18, 2016
What the heart wants, and the head tells is not always the same, but the heart always wins.

It's like you just know, that when Ben and Carrie first met, fate had something to say. Carrie just had her heart broken, Ben a playboy, but with alot of hitten feelings.
But it is like petenting boyfriend/girlfriend is okay, as long as they don't have to understand their growing feelings for each other.

When Ben says: "But you're not ready for me yet", I think the mening is dobbelt. And I loved it.
And a little later in the love act, Ben gets worried, that he might be in love with Carrie already.

I can't wait to read book 3, I am dying to know, how Ben and Carries relationship is going, and if pretend boyfriend and girlfriend is in the end, can live without each other.

I really enjoyed reading this book.

I received an ARC in return for my honest review!

Profile Image for Nikki Brackett.
195 reviews18 followers
February 11, 2016
I received this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

HK always knows how to suprise that's for sure. I'm loving Carrie and Ben's story. Both have had bad things to happen to them... His mom lieing to him keeping his father away and Carrie's ex fiancé cheating on her... She is trying to hold it together but then sweeps in Ben who throws her life so out of balance. She then throws his off because his feelings for her is really confusing him when he didn't plan on this becoming real.
I love how HK always keeps the story edge of your seat quality and the characters are extremely well developed. Love HK's work and always leaves me wanting more. These two are so meant for each other I'm eager to see how it continues and what happens next.
A must read series!
Profile Image for Netta Overhulser .
549 reviews1 follower
January 17, 2016
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Things are getting steamy in this book, I'm certain it will only hotter from here on in. This book picks right up where book one left off, that beautiful and gentle kiss between Carrie and Ben. Ben is struggling with the deception his Mother has been spinning his entire life. Carrie is still rebuilding her life after Simon as she continues to face both emotional and financial challenges. Carrie and Ben find their way together and find that they really get along well and their sexual chemistry is off the charts! Hazel has really outdone herself on this series.
34 reviews2 followers
February 6, 2016
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The chemistry between Carrie and Ben is OFF THE CHARTS!!!!! I couldn't put it down and was totally lost in the story. The build of emotions leave you begging for more. Both main characters have been devastated by past relationships and are NOT looking to start one now, but haven't we all heard that it's when you aren't looking for love that is when it finds you. I can't wait to see where the story goes as their "fake" relationship starts to give roots to real feelings. Dying to see what happens next!!!! LOVE this series!!!!
Profile Image for Crimson Grey.
56 reviews3 followers
January 18, 2016
Flaming hot stairway sex. Need I say more?

In the second book in Club Abbott Carrie and Ben's relationship advances a little further.

We get to meet Will's fiancée Ella and see the dynamic between her and Ben.

This storyline is one any romance reader is well familiar with, the faux girlfriend/ fiancée. However this story differs in Hazels writing of these characters. They become endearing and at times frustrating but in a good way that keeps the reader flipping pages and craving more.

You know a disaster is bound to happen, but you can wait to see how the author lets the story unfold.
Profile Image for Heidi Petersen.
334 reviews6 followers
January 17, 2016
Received an ARC copy for a honest review.

Book 2 carries on the story of Ben and Carrie.
Carrie is confused after her kiss with Ben. It doesn't help they she's only ever kissed Simon.
Ben is happy about the kiss but owners if he should of done it considering there possible working relationship.

Does their possible romance stand a chance? Read to find out.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
106 reviews
January 16, 2017
Entertaining

Entertaining, quick read. I found myself smiling and laughing out loud. The characters are likable and well developed. I like the alternating viewpoint style of writing, however there are parts where I found myself rereading to figure out who was talking. With kindle unlimited it's not an issue that the 5 books are really 1 full novel they have to be read in order, and all 5 Or you don't get the entire story
Profile Image for Narelle Miller.
27 reviews
January 18, 2016
Ben Abbott is a georgous man who is trying to impress his father by opening a club the only problem now is the personal designer he has hired (Carrie) he is slowly starting to have feelings for and it looks like the little lie they are playing may lead to trouble as Carrie is slowly starting to have feelings for him too.

Hazel has nailed this book and left us busting for the next book
Profile Image for Cecily Bonney.
1,045 reviews5 followers
January 28, 2016
Sweet baby jesus......Ben Abbott is going to be the death of me.

He is a man who knows what he wants and clearly gets what he wants.

Carries has no idea what she is in for.

This series is so flipping addicting and Hazel Kelly will leave you wanting more.

I can't wait to devour book three.

So damn good!
182 reviews4 followers
January 17, 2016
I love this twist to Club Abbotts the deal book two.. I def didn't see that coming, and am now hooked, and waiting for more of Carrie & Ben. I am intrigued to see if the character of Woody evolves into anything more as well
Profile Image for Tammy.
284 reviews1 follower
January 18, 2016
Wow great book, amazing how Carrie and Ben meet up at the homeless shelter and the hot hot sex scene at his potential club, can't wait to see what happens with the fake girlfriend deal Ben made with Carrie.
Profile Image for Rebecca Bonvillain East.
113 reviews1 follower
January 19, 2016
I received this book for my honest opinion...there are so many reasons Carrie needs this job, and she is trying really hard not to let her attraction to Ben get to in the way. When fate keeps bringing them together, no matter how hard they try, they cannot fight their attraction for each other.
Profile Image for Patty Vowell.
72 reviews2 followers
January 17, 2016
I can't seem to get enough of this story. I fell completely in love with the characters from the very beginning and I find their interactions so exciting! I look forward to read what happens next!
248 reviews2 followers
January 20, 2016
Loved it! Can't wait to find out what happens with Ben and Carrie.
The pull between Ben and Carrie will draw you in, the sparks are flying and things are getting hot.
Hazel Kelly has done it again!
Profile Image for koy saephanh.
29 reviews
January 21, 2016
The kiss was what they both kept thinking about. Ben wanted wanted Carrie to help with the club. She needed the business. What kind of deal will they make. Read to find out. You don't want to miss it
38 reviews
September 4, 2016
I loved this book!!!!

I can't wait to read the next one. I love Carrie and Ben as a couple even if it's only pretending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews

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