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An alternate cover edition can be found here.

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

When Carrie and Ben's wedding fun comes to an abrupt end, it's anybody's guess what will happen next...

**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.

136 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 28, 2016

96 people are currently reading
132 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 (51%)
4 stars
118 (33%)
3 stars
45 (12%)
2 stars
7 (1%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Rebecca.
757 reviews9 followers
October 26, 2016
This is the book about the aftermath of the discovery at the wedding.

The main characters are as in the rest of the series Carrie and Ben. In this book the couple are dealing with the feelings they've discovered they have for each other and the complication that is Ben's mothers partner. The two are keeping things mainly professional to complete the club or at least are trying to but with that much tension between them they are struggling to keep their hands off each other. With Ben making a huge statement of his love to Carrie by the end we can only hope that this relationship sticks.

The secondary characters are the same and as soon as I'm finished this series I will read their series.

The storyline was not entirely original but it was enjoyable all the same. The pacing was again good leaving us with a much happier cliff hanger than in previous books.

4 stars
38 reviews
August 29, 2016
Another great read I can't wait to read the next one!

I can NOT get enough of the Abbott series. I am on the fourth book in like 3 days I can't put it down. I look forward to the next book.
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 Behind Closed Doors Book Review.
1,243 reviews175 followers
October 26, 2020
The Fight is the fourth novella in the Club Abbott series, written by author Hazel Kelly. So you’re aware, this series has a continuous storyline. Therefore, you’ll need to read the books in order. Oh, and since this is the fourth book, be prepared for another cliffhanger.

The story picks up where we were left off, with Carrie waking up after she fainted at Ben’s father’s wedding. She didn’t handle the situation very well, and her first reaction was to run. Sadly, Carrie pushed Ben away, and I felt really bad for him. Ben kept trying to talk to Carrie, but she really didn’t want to hear it.  But is that what she really wants? Did she push him too far?

I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series!

Voluntarily Reviewed a Gifted Copy
Profile Image for Born To Read.
806 reviews18 followers
September 9, 2020
Carrie is really upset about what happened in the wedding she attended with Ben.
She is not really sure if they should continue their relationship. Things are getting more and more complicated. But Ben wants to forget about it and move on with Carrie.
And then again, this book is finished with a massive bomb. What is the truth?
Well, one more book to know everything.
This is the fourth book in this series. And it can't be read as a standalone.
I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Crystal Denny.
330 reviews62 followers
January 21, 2021
I enjoyed reading about how things unfolded. I mean; that was a whopper of a circumstance! Simon is such a disgusting person and I can understand Carrie’s reservations towards Ben bc of the kind of person Simon is (although she doesn’t even know the half of it). I think Carrie is being really unfair to Ben and to herself and everyone is telling her what’s up but she just can’t let herself be happy. Ugh
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sarah Gulyas.
629 reviews2 followers
July 13, 2020
Gah!!! Why is Carrie like this?!?!?! She hurts my head. It's not like he could help it or even knew!!

On to the final book...
Profile Image for Sharon Noble.
2,186 reviews6 followers
July 24, 2020
I can't believe that Ben's mother is the other women that broke Carrie's repayment Simon up & Carrie ends up taking it out on Ben!
659 reviews
March 5, 2017
I want a HEA, please

The beginning of the series was like a fairytale and I was so happy they were finally together. Then something had to get in the way of their happiness. They both deserve it and I'm rooting for them to find their way back together.
Profile Image for Atlanta Whitlock.
907 reviews12 followers
July 23, 2017
I was so excited when I started reading this book, we already know from the previous books that Ben has managed to convince Carrie to become his fake girlfriend but now that we have read what happened back at the end of book three I honestly couldn't wait to find out what was in store for both of them.

The last thing that Carrie remembers is that she is at Will's and Ella's wedding brunch and Ben has just took her over to say hi to mother, she thought that it can't possibly be the women that she caught with her ex Simon but when she wakes up after fainting she sees that it is indeed the women she caught Simon out with. She doesn't say anything to Ben at all, but when she see's that Simon is next to her she can't take anymore and just heads back to the hotel room to grab her belongings. Ben tries his hardest to get her to stop for a moment and to just sit there and talk to him but she won't have it, she's not even sure that Ben realises that the his mother is the woman she caught with Simon.

After having Carrie storm out on him, he is so mad because he put two and two together and the fact that he thought that his mother only did this to his family now that she's done it to someone else and ruined their happiness he is so angry it's unbelievable. A knock on the door makes him come back to reality and after hoping that it's Carrie he is honestly not impressed when it turns out to be his mother, he honestly doesn't want to hear anything that she has to say because he knows that she has ruined everything for Carrie and that the fact there is a slight chance that Carrie won't want to come back to him because of what his mother has done. After deciding that he is done with his mother completely he walks away from her and then ends up with Ella speaking to him about it all because he is so unsure of what to do.

Carrie is so hurt, she can't even focus on much and as much as she admits that she has feelings for him she doesn't want to get hurt again so even though she tells Ben that she doesn't want to talk to him she can't help but miss him even more. So when Simon rings her she is honestly mad at the fact he thought she would consider taking him back, and continues to tell him so that she won't be back with him after everything that's happened.
Ben is trying his hardest to show Carrie that he wants to be with her for real but she won't have any of it and she somehow manages to push him to walk out. So when his roommate Christophe suggests that in order to get Simon out of his mother's life then he should get someone to follow him and gives him a number for a guy named Rick. Ben wasn't expecting for Rick to find much out but what he does find is honestly shocking.

Will Carrie give into her feelings for Ben and go back to him or will she continue to put on this shield just to protect herself. Also what will Rick have in store for Ben about Simon. Trust me you won't want to miss anything, this book will keep you on the edge of your seats and will leave you wanting more. I have fallen in love with this series, it is so well written. Honestly you don't know what your missing.
16 reviews1 follower
November 27, 2016
The twists and turns in this series are so good. Just when you think that Carrie is getting her deserved happy ending Simon shows his gross face. Simon sucks! I can't wait for him to be caught in his lies.

So it comes out that Ben's mother is still up to her old tricks and that she and Simon have been going at it for quite some time. Ben's mother has no idea how crooked he is and she thinks she is the one in control.

I am so hoping the next book reveals the truth about Simon and that not only he but also Ben's mother get what they deserve for breaking Carrie's heart. I also am hoping Carrie will give Ben a chance and give herself another chance. I am so rooting for them! Read this series, you won't be disappointed.

Bring on the next book....I can't wait!

Merged review:

The twists and turns in this series are so good. Just when you think that Carrie is getting her deserved happy ending Simon shows his gross face. Simon sucks! I can't wait for him to be caught in his lies.

So it comes out that Ben's mother is still up to her old tricks and that she and Simon have been going at it for quite some time. Ben's mother has no idea how crooked he is and she thinks she is the one in control.

I am so hoping the next book reveals the truth about Simon and that not only he but also Ben's mother get what they deserve for breaking Carrie's heart. I also am hoping Carrie will give Ben a chance and give herself another chance. I am so rooting for them! Read this series, you won't be disappointed.

Bring on the next book....I can't wait!
17 reviews
Read
January 31, 2016
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book I just says WOW! You just read, and you know your near the ending, and you just no no no this book can't end here! It just leaves you frustrated - big time!
You just want, who is Simon really? I wanna know. The clock was one in the morning when I finish this book, and if I had book five, I had continued reading, because this series is good!

But I don't understand Carrie. She knows she is in love with Ben, and I know the shocked about who his mother is, was massive. But that is not Bens fault. I hope it is not to late for Carrie to get her knight in shining armor, when she realized her mistake, because Ben is her man.

Ben is just trying so much, but when is it enough? Carrie is just so stubborn. They are both scared about being hurt again, but Ben will do anything for Carrie. Love Ben.

Hazel Kelly is a fantastic author. I love her stories.
16 reviews
February 4, 2016
I have to confess that I hated Carrie (a little) in this book…
Clearly it was a shock when she saw Ben’s mother with her ex but Ben didn’t deserve the way Carrie handled the situation after she woke up.

Ben is a really good guy that is willing to put down all the walls to show her his true colours and I think she… she… she is not smart enough for him. That’s it! I’m done with her.
Ben, I’m here! Forget Carrie! LOL

When I finished this book, I was left imagining a 100 stories in my head about Simon. He is such a player… From the beginning I didn’t believe that he was in love with anyone… Not with Carrie, not with Ben’s mother… I’m really curious to know what this PI found out! I have to know what is his goal! I can’t stop imagining possibilities…

I really like the writing and the way you can’t stop reading til get o the end.
Profile Image for Crimson Grey.
56 reviews3 followers
January 29, 2016
Just when you think Ben and Carrie's chemistry can't get any hotter Hazel goes and turns it up another notch! I thought I had the storyline all figured out from book one, but Hazel has kept me guessing. With the realization that Ben's mother is in fact "the other woman" who caused her engagement to end we are left to see if Ben and Carrie can make it through and trust in the real feelings they have for each other. And yet again Hazel has left us with a cliffhanger. Who is Carrie's ex-fiance' really? And what is he all about? Will Ben and Carrie finally admit that they love each other? Will Club Abbott ever open its doors? This story is captivating, thrilling, and steamy. I cannot wait to see how Hazel finishes this story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Nikki Brackett.
195 reviews18 followers
February 11, 2016
I received this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

OH MY!!!! OH MY!!!! Man can Hazel throw in a twist....LOVE
I am just in love with this series. Love Ben and Carrie. I am so glad Ben stands his ground and tells his mom off. Cheaters are so self centered and Ben makes sure she knows it too...even if its his mom. Ben is such a good hearted guy and is the complete opposite of what his mom is. I am so glad that Ben doesn't view life like she does nor SImon does. Carrie deserves the best and I truly believe Ben is it. She just needs to find herself and realize there are good guys out there. Glad Ben continues to show her that regardless of what she does...just hope she doesn't push him away for good.
Profile Image for Netta Overhulser .
549 reviews1 follower
January 30, 2016
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The last book left me saying, OMG; this book has just as much of an epic shaking of the head ending. It will leave you on the edge of your seat for certain. This book is the story of the struggles that Carrie is trying to get through, can she be happy or does she even deserve to be? Ben is a fighter, trying to show Carrie he has true feelings for her but she just won't listen. Will Ben and Carrie be able to move past the ultimate betrayal his mother and Simon have done? This is a very emotional book, and I still have hope for Ben and Carries's HEA. As always Hazel has outdone herself with this series so far.
Profile Image for Heidi Petersen.
334 reviews6 followers
January 30, 2016
I received an ARC copy for a honest review

Carrie can't believe what's she's seeing and goes into flight mode and leaves Ben.
It doesn't take Ben long to figure out why Carrie ran but how many times can he chase after her???

Does Carrie actually realise that Ben isn't playing a game anymore and he wants her for real??

I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series as I've just shouted No at my kindle!!!!!!
Profile Image for Patty Vowell.
72 reviews2 followers
November 27, 2016
I received this book as a Arc copy for an honest review. Oh my, this series just keeps getting better and better! I can honestly say that I am left on the edge of my seat with anticipation of finding out what will happen next. This book ended with another mouth dropping situation that has me so very anxious to start the next one so I can find out what happens next.
34 reviews2 followers
November 27, 2016
I received this book as an ARC copy for an honest review..
Frustratingly good!!!! I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one and now I am feeling the same way about the next one. The inner struggle that Cassie and Ben go thru is all consuming. Anxiously waiting to see if these two will find their way to be together. Ms.Kelly draws you in again with this one and doesn't let go.
Profile Image for Cecily Bonney.
1,045 reviews5 followers
February 4, 2016
What? Why? Who is he really?

OMG this book.....book four can you say holy cliffhanger.

I knew Simon was a big ugly snake and Ben's mother, how could she.

I have no idea what is going to happen next. There is a twist and my gut says it is going to be huge. I need the next book really darn bad....really darn bad.
Profile Image for Narelle Miller.
27 reviews
November 27, 2016
What can I say? It definitely deserves 4 stars, Hazel has left this next book in another cliffhanger. Ben has tried his best to convince Carrie that he has feelings for her and wants to be with her, but Carrie just has to get past the fact that Ben's mum is the woman she caught with her fiancé and her broken heart. Ben has hired a private investigator to look into Simon but what has he found?
Profile Image for Rebecca Bonvillain East.
113 reviews1 follower
February 13, 2016
I received this book for an honest review. With that said...Carrie just get over it already! Simon's a douche he didn't deserve her and she's better off, yes I'm sure it was horrible seeing both of them, but that should prove he was never worth it. Now what is Simon up to...loving this series so much!
182 reviews4 followers
January 30, 2016
After a shocking encounter at a wedding, I cannot wait to see how Carrie & Ben will move passed it! I am anxious for what lies ahead for them, will it be all business, or is there room for mixing business and pleasure...only time and the hopes of a healing heart will tell..
Profile Image for koy saephanh.
29 reviews
February 3, 2016
WOW! I couldn't believe what happened. There is a plot twist that will make you want to hurt the people responsible for breaking up Carrie and Ben. My heart aches for them to get back together. Ben is trying to fix things. Find out what he will try to do.
Profile Image for ❤️Melanie G.&#x1f4d6;&#x1f49b;.
2,235 reviews
July 23, 2016
Simon, your a douchebag. Carrie your are totally being unreasonable and Ben is just wonderful. Book 4 was awesome and I am so sad that book 5 is the ending. I'm starting book 5 now and I just don't want it to end.
51 reviews
April 6, 2017
Totally hooked!

Seriously I can not get enough of these two! I love Carrie and Ben! They are beyond a match made in heaven if everything else around them would work its way out of being in their way! The chemistry and the emotions these two have for one another are off the pages! I love the twists added here and there to keep you on the edge of your seat. Definitely glad I didnt pass this one up!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews

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