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An alternate cover edition can be found here.

Pretending isn't enough anymore.

If Ben is going to win Carrie's heart, he has to convince her once and for all that his feelings were real from the very beginning.

But after having her heart broken so badly, is Carrie even ready to love again?

And if she is, how can she prove to Ben that he's not too late?


*This is the final book of the Club Abbott Series and is intended for a mature audience

133 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 4, 2016

82 people are currently reading
130 people want to read

About the author

Hazel Kelly

57 books812 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
204 (54%)
4 stars
122 (32%)
3 stars
43 (11%)
2 stars
7 (1%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Rebecca.
757 reviews9 followers
September 20, 2016
This book was the last book in the series and I was so glad the characters finally got their happy ending that they both deserved equally.

The main characters were the same as in previous books; Carrie and Ben in this book they are very much a united front, Ben gets the Ok from his dad to use the family name for the club and the club finally opens. This book is very much the happily ever after that the couple needed to have. I have enjoyed this story from the start til the end and I am glad the couple finally come together so brilliantly.

The secondary characters are the same and I will read the series that is devoted to them.

The storyline was good although still not the most original series but I really have enjoyed reading it. And the pacing was again good.

4.5 stars a fantastic end to the series.
Profile Image for Born To Read.
816 reviews18 followers
September 17, 2020
is the last book in the Club Abbott series. All of them are very short so you can read the whole series pretty fast.
In this fifth book, we know the conclusion in Ben and Carrie's story.
Overall, it's a nice story. The characters are OK. Although I didn't really connect with Carrie.
I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
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 reviews176 followers
October 30, 2020
Yours is the fifth and final novella in the Club Abbott series written by author Hazel Kelly. As I started reading, I had mixed feelings for Carrie. I understood her fear of getting hurt again, but I didn’t particularly agree with her actions. I felt bad for Ben, especially after he put his heart out there. But when Carrie realized her mistakes, she decided to prove to Ben how she truly felt for him.

Carrie went to talk to Ben’s father, hoping she could help Ben achieve his number one wish for his club. That was definitely one of my favorite parts of this novella. Well, that and when Carrie and Ben reunited!

I truly enjoyed reading this series!

Voluntarily Reviewed a Gifted Copy
Profile Image for Michelle.
523 reviews2 followers
July 5, 2020
I received a free ARC from Hidden Gems for the promise of an honest review.

It was good. Ben is charming and confident. Carrie is vulnerable because of a failed relationship but she is stubborn and strong-willed. Both Ben and Carrie are likeable characters. The storyline is strong and well written.
9 reviews1 follower
January 27, 2018
loved this series

this is the second series I have read and I couldn't get enough they are addictive and I am going to read the rest Hazel Kelly is a new author for me but I will be putting her along with my other wave authors
Profile Image for Anita.
1,140 reviews1 follower
February 26, 2018
Good read

Totally enjoyed club Abbott series, another successful series, thanks Hazel brilliant read, totally loved the characters and it was nice the Ella and Will were also in the stories
Profile Image for Sharon Noble.
2,203 reviews6 followers
July 24, 2020
Carrie knows she did the wrong thing in blaming Ben for what his mother done, but she not sure how to make it right. Ben is being cold towards her, so she doesn't know where she stands, but she will tell him, even if he does not feel the same!
Profile Image for Crystal Denny.
334 reviews60 followers
January 21, 2021
Wonderful conclusion to the series. I like the way everything played out. It didn't feel too rushed or too insincere. I almost want another series to live out the next 5-10 years of Carrie and Ben's lives.
Profile Image for Sarah Gulyas.
631 reviews2 followers
July 13, 2020
I kind of didn't want this to end. I had a hard time in the first trying to get into it, but then it just sucked me and wouldn't let me leave.

This is a great story and I loved it!

Profile Image for emily.
111 reviews19 followers
June 15, 2018
Well worth a read

Fantastic read. Loved the relationship the Ella and Will along with Ben and Carrie. Wish it lasted a lift longer.
659 reviews
March 6, 2017
nice ending

I enjoyed the whole series. It was fast paced, with just the right amount of information. I only wish it was put into one book then all these little ones.
Profile Image for Louise.
20 reviews
January 5, 2017
Loved this but want more!!

Really loved this series but I would like to read more about them. Maybe seeing them get married or have a baby or see Ben expand his club empire. Quite disappointed that it ended where it did. Also, would like to read books about Christophe or Brooke and seeing old characters in them books.
Profile Image for Atlanta Whitlock.
907 reviews12 followers
February 6, 2016
For Ben after he learned that Carrie's ex fiancée isn't who he says he is, he isn't exactly sure whether he should tell her considering the last time they saw each other Carrie was rejecting him. After a few days of thinking what would be the best decision he decides that he should say something, so he rings her up arranging for her to come to the club to check it all out. He isn't exactly sure of what will happen or whether she has realised her true feelings for him at all but he knows that he misses her like crazy but he is refusing to do anything until she makes the first move.

Carrie is honestly in awe of what she see's she has done for his club to be amazing the way it is, inside she can't help but have the need to just hold him and kiss him but she isn't sure how well that will go down. Just before they leave as they are heading to dinner to celebrate all the hard work that she has put into his club she thinks that he is going to kiss her but is left a bit gutted when he doesn't. Even though Ben has warned her that he needs to tell her something and that she may be shocked at what it is, she can't help but wonder what it's about, and the last thing she was expecting was for it to be about Simon.

Ben feels really bad after revealing that Simon has been up to trouble for quite a while and whilst she thought that it was only twice, Carrie honestly feels sick when she learns that it has been going on longer than they both thought. Ben really wishes that he didn't know any of this but with the fact he does all he honestly wants to do is wrap her into his arms and just comfort her, however he knows that with the way things are between them he can't exactly afford to do that. When he reveals to her that he told her first before he has told his mother it's gets to her a little because she thought that with things going so badly he would have gone to his mother first but the fact he didn't she is extremely grateful for it. Now she feels that she can finally move on and decides to through Simon's iPod which she's been carrying for weeks into the gutters.

Carrie realises that despite everything that's happened she can't help but realise just how much she loves Ben and wants to be with him but she knows that in order to win his heart she needs to do something big. So when she decides to go to see his dad Will about letting him use his name for Ben's club, she must have made quite an impression because a few days later she receives flowers but isn't sure who.

Will Carrie be able to confess to her feelings for Ben before it's too late or will Ben have moved on. Also how well will Bens club rise when it comes to opening night.
Trust me this is an amazing series and you will want to know what will go down between Ben and Carrie. Hazel Kelly has not disappointed at all with this series, so give it a try and you won't regret it.
Profile Image for Nikki Brackett.
195 reviews18 followers
February 7, 2016
I received this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have loved the Abbott's since the story of Will (Ben's dad) and Ella. I loved Ben right from he get go when he was introduced in Will's story. At the beginning of this series I was so excited that Hazel was giving Ben his own story and I was not disappointed. I loved this series by far one of my most favorite. Ben and Carrie where absolutely fantastic together. Ben was good for Carrie in by being able to show her what true love was and that he could love and cherish her like a woman was supposed to be loved and cherished. Ben was yes, extremely arrogant but had a passion to him that no many got to see. He has a huge heart and was finally able to show his passion and love to a woman who strongly deserved it. Carrie was good for Ben in she didn't take his crap and could put Ben in his place if needed. She wasn't afraid. The only thing she was afraid of was giving her heart to someone else to have them only shatter it like Simon did. Carrie showed Ben that there was beauty in simple minded women. She was also strong in her ambitions and goals and Ben admired that and needed that in a woman. They where just simply one word: PERFECT for each other. I am glad Ben was honest with Carrie about what he found out about Simon... Not only did it give her the knowledge of what a low life piece of crap Simon was and that she needed to forget him once and for all but showed her that there was good, honorable and trustworthy men out there that she could have in her life that wouldn't be self centered but be selfless.
Hazel you did a fantastic job with Ben and Carrie's story but I wish there was more. I hated it ended.
17 reviews
February 7, 2016
This series has it All - Hazel Kelly did it again!

When I finish this last book in Club Abbott series, I just was feeling a little left and frustrated. Just thinking why is It already finish, I could have been reading all night about Ben and Carrie.

I am so pleased that Ben tells Carrie about what he found out about Simon. He knows it will hurt Carrie to know the truth about Simon, but Ben know it will hurt her more if she in found out Ben withholds the thus.

I loved that Carrie knew that Ben needed his club called after his family name, and that Carrie that if she was going to pursue Ben to believe that she really believed in them, she needed to show it in other ways that just telling Ben that she loves him.

Then I read a book I like that I can read about both head characters thoughts and feelings, that ways you feel that you know the characters in the story.

I am so happy that Ben got his girl, love at first sight.

I'm missing a epilogue again, but I think Hazel Kelly do it on purpose. I think that it is the reason I love Hazel Kelly's stories so much. I know that there is a chance that I can read about Ben and Carrie in one of Hazel Kelly's furniture series. Maybe about Nora and woody.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
16 reviews
Read
February 14, 2016
I’ve read all Hazel Kelly stories and this one is definitely on my TOP 3.
There’s no other way more perfect to finish this serie.

Ben and Carrie are just what each other need. I loved Ben since the beginning and loved the way he handled everything when Carrie messed up being afraid to give her heart to someone else, after what happened with Simon and discovering that his mother was the woman at her house when she found out that he was a d*ck.

By the way, Ben being completely honest about hiring someone to go after Simon and telling Carrie and his mother everything about what he found out was great. There’s no other way I expect him to handle this situation - he was flawless.

It warmed my heart think about Woody having another chance to have a happy life without struggling so much, and perhaps, having love in it?!? Ben’s idea of giving him a chance made me like him even more if it’s possible.

This series has the right amount of sweetness and sexiness that it should have to be perfect.
If you are a fan of Hazel Kelly's writing, don’t miss this one. If you are new on this world, prepare to not be ready to put this book down until it ends!

Well done, HK! Fantastic job!
16 reviews1 follower
February 7, 2016
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.

I could not wait for this final book and I was not disappointed. As soon as I received the book I started reading and couldn't put it down. (then was sad it was over)

The chemistry between Carrie and Ben is so obvious. Carrie realized she may have been wrong in how she treated Ben. She was not sure if he would forgive her or if he still had feelings for her. Ben was not sure how Carrie felt about him and if she would take a chance with him. Thank goodness for best friends....Brook is awesome! And was that a love connection for Nora?

Simon turned out to be a true loser and Carrie so dodged a bullet by not marrying him. Hopefully Ben's mother will finally walk away...and hopefully will change her ways now that she is the one cheated on.

You have to read this series to find out what happens with Carrie and Ben. Will the club opening be successful? Will Ben and Carrie let go of their pasts to give a future together a chance?
Profile Image for Netta Overhulser .
549 reviews1 follower
February 8, 2016
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
OMG! Hazel has really outdone herself on this series. It has it all from heartbreaking relationships, family drama, sweetest moments, a rollercoaster of emotions, and trying to figure out how a HEA ending is going to happen. Ben has a lot of things going on between his broken relationship with his mom, business at the hotel, opening the club, gaining a respectable relationship with his father, and falling in love with a woman who is is not sure that wants him. Carrie is keeping herself busy with designing the new club, and trying to keep a professional only relationship with Ben. This is the last book and probably the most revealing for Carrie's feelings. I absolutely fell in love with these characters, would love to see more in the future
Profile Image for Heidi Petersen.
334 reviews6 followers
February 7, 2016
Received an ARC copy for a honest review

In the last book do Ben and Carrie get there HEA?
There both too stubborn to talk about anything other than Ben's club.
Ben has things he needs to tell Carrie about her ex boyfriend Simon but is reluctant to do so.
Carrie learns some home truths thanks to Ben and wonders how she was deceived for so long.
With the past in the past they have a News Years Eve party to celebrate the opening of Ben's new club.
Will Ben and Carrie be kissing each other as the clock strikes midnight??

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and I hope it's not long until Hazel brings out the next one.
182 reviews4 followers
February 8, 2016
Ben has given Carrie time to realize that they are meant to be more than just co-workers? Or has he finally pushed her to far? Will Carrie finally come to terms that she is worthy of love, before Ben decides to move on? And finally Will Been ever prove he is good enough to carry the Abbott name or will he concede and name the club something else? These were all on the forefront of my mind going into book #5 of the Club Abbot Series, and am happy to say all were revealed as only Hazel Kelly can. On a side note I am hoping very much that we haven't heard the last of Woody, would love to find out more of his story...
Profile Image for Narelle Miller.
27 reviews
February 6, 2016
What a amazing end to a great series, at the start of the book you are left hanging into what is about to happen to this couple who seem to not be able to get it together or have a string of bad luck.

I have really enjoyed the way Hazel has wrote this series out from start to finish and has kept the readers hanging for the next book.
34 reviews2 followers
August 15, 2016
I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review. Another home run for Ms. Kelly!!!! Amazing complex characters and story line! I have to admit that I am a very particular as to which novels I will read more than once, that being said.....this series is one I will read many times over. I anticipated every book and was not disappointed. I very HIGHLY recommend this series!
Profile Image for Patty Vowell.
72 reviews2 followers
February 9, 2016
I received this book free as an Arc copy for an honest review. This final installment of The "Club Abbott" series was absolutely amazing! Hazel Kelly definitely has the skill of keeping you interested in each story she writes from start to finish. I am looking forward to reading this series multiple times.
Profile Image for Cecily Bonney.
1,057 reviews5 followers
February 18, 2016
I loved this series! I feel like I say that about all of Hazel Kelly's books!

She has a way of drawing you into the characters worlds and then leaves you there. Her writing is damn good too!

I have to say that she has turned me on to yet another book boyfriend!

This book was better sweet for me because I didn't want this story to end. I would read about these two all day long.
Profile Image for Rebecca Bonvillain East.
113 reviews1 follower
Read
February 16, 2016
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review. I just didn't want it too end! I loved this series Ben and Carrie are two strong willed people, and once Carrie realizes she can let Another man in things heat up between them. Would have loved for their story to continue. Hazel...great series!
Profile Image for ❤️Melanie G.&#x1f4d6;&#x1f49b;.
2,235 reviews
July 23, 2016
Wonderful Series. I adore Ben and Carrie. This book was filled with sexiness, fun, dirty talk and a bit of drama...Loved it. I must say that the only thing missing was an epilogue. I say that because I'm greedy and I just wanted more from them. Great read!!
316 reviews42 followers
July 31, 2016
I just feel like there are so many unresolved things.
51 reviews
April 6, 2017
Love love love!

Such a bittersweet ending! I love this series. I was so addicted I seriously couldn't put the series down! Amazing read! The chemistry was amazing! The supporting characters were awesome! The back story for Ben and Carrie was perfect! All in all I loved the story!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews

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