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Club Abbott #1

Pretend You're Mine

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This is an alternate cover edition for B01AIXIKNC

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

Carrie Callihan's life is finally coming together. Not only has she launched her own interior design business, but she has a loving fiance she wouldn't trade for anything.

But when she realizes he's not the man she thought he was, she finds herself in a desperate situation that just goes from bad to worse.

Now the only person that can save her from losing everything is her new client, Ben Abbott, the sexy son of one of the most powerful men in New York City.

But as Carrie's luck would have it, he wants her for a lot more than her good taste.

***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.

180 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2016

229 people are currently reading
583 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
264 (41%)
4 stars
209 (32%)
3 stars
116 (18%)
2 stars
28 (4%)
1 star
23 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for Aղցela W..
4,518 reviews320 followers
August 11, 2016
Spoiler Ahead This was a pretty good book. Carrie Callihan has taken the plung and started her own designer business thanks to a little push from her fiancé Simon. Getting her business in to the public eye, organize a wedding and move into her new office has left little time with Simon. She has a surprise for Simon when he comes home, a reservation to a very expensive restaurant. Hurrying to get home before he does to surprise him only but instead she gets a surprise him in bed with another woman. Ben Abbott has not been close to his father and their relationship is strained. After their divorce Ben went to live with his mother in London. Now Ben is back in New York learning the family hotel business but is not very comfortable with it. He buys the building for Club Abbott and goes in search of a designer so when he sees Carrie's ad he calls her. When Ben looks into her eyes for the first time he can't help but see the hurt and pain. This was a pretty good read that I liked a lot. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
67 reviews1 follower
July 20, 2016
Worst cliffhanger

This didn't even have enough to be considered a novella. The relationship between the Abbott men was never explained. This book was lacking...everything.
Profile Image for Born To Read.
805 reviews18 followers
August 16, 2020
Carrie has a happy life. She has started her own business and she is engaged to her long time boyfriend. But all that is utterly and totally destroyed when she is forced to open her eyes 💔.
Ben wants to open his new club. So he hires Carrie to be the designer. As we can see they have a mutual attraction since the moment they meet.
This is the first book in the Club Abbott series. So we only see how the characters are introduced and the chemistry they are able to create. It looks good.
I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for SweetSweeede.
385 reviews11 followers
Read
September 12, 2019
I'm not rating this "book" as it's not a complete book, nor is it a short story, a novella, or anything of the sort. It's the start of a book. This strategy of selling books is so frequently used and it annoys me every time. If the first "book" in a series actually has something of substance (I'm thinking about erotica here, where you usually have a first sex scene in the first part) then I can be more forgiving towards an author forcing me to buy several more installments to get the full story. But you won't find that here. Instead, you get the introduction part of a book, and I wouldn't even call the ending a cliffhanger, because it's more of a hint that there is more to the story.

My biggest issue with this #1 is the grammar and formatting, though. If an author hasn't made the effort to even run the text through a proofreading program (Grammarly is free, FYI) before publishing, I'm not going to be spending my money and my time on that text.

Some examples that you may find useful to keep in mind going forward:

Two men are finishing up a game of tennis, and one is taunting the other for losing. The older man refers to the younger as "son", making the reader understand their relationship (the younger man's name is at the top of the page to indicate POV).

"Is this how you act when you beat, Frank?" I asked, following my dad up the stairs to the clubhouse.

Okay. So the dad's name is Frank, and there must be a word missing after "beat". Next sentence. Dad speaks.

"No. The gloating got old a long time ago with Frank, whereas beating you is still a novelty."

Wait, what? So Frank is someone the dad plays tennis with? I need to re-read the prior sentence again.

"Is this how you act when you beat, Frank?"

Ah. The sentence wasn't missing a word - it had a comma that shouldn't be there!

Moving on to a different issue: confusing labels. The POV character speaks of the other character as "my dad", and then all of a sudden, a dialogue tag says "Will said". Now I'm looking around to see where this new character speaking is. And then I realize it's the dad's name. How to avoid this type of confusion? Introduce characters with a line that connects their name to their status. For example, the POV character could have 'said' something like "following my dad, the great Will Abbott, up the stairs" (the 'great' would be ironic, or replaced with some description that makes clear the POV character's feelings about the man).

Another thing on commas... I noticed a pattern of the author placing a comma right before a name in any situation. While this is correct when addressing someone, a comma should not be used when you're talking about someone (see the Frank-example above).

Third, paragraphs should indicate a change - change of scene, scenery, or POV character. Here, there were just random paragraph breaks inserted willy-nilly, and that makes it difficult to follow.

Why does it matter? Well, much like music, reading (and writing) is about flow. Commas cut up the flow. Paragraphs shift the flow. If you want your readers to keep reading, think about flow.
Profile Image for Behind Closed Doors Book Review.
1,243 reviews175 followers
August 22, 2020
Amount of sex 1.5 / 5
How explicit are the sex scenes 3 / 5
Story 4 / 5
Overall: 4 / 5

Pretend You’re Mine is the first novella in the Club Abbott series, which is written by author Hazel Kelly. This quick read tells the story of Carrie Callihan, who has just launched her interior design business. The story begins with Carrie trying to decide the layout of an advertisement that she’s going to put in the paper. Then, she’s planning on going home early to celebrate, although things soon take a turn.

Ben Abbott wants to open a nightclub and is really excited when he finds a building in a great location. He contacts Carrie’s office, after seeing her advertisement, to help with the design. The two hit it off great, and they plan to meet up again soon to go over more details. Although they soon bump into each other at the store. Carrie soon finds herself in a situation, and she quickly asks Ben to help her out.

Pretend You’re Mine is a great start to the series! The story ends with a cliffhanger, and it has us wanting more! I’m looking forward to reading the next one 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 Sharon Eikenberry-Deary.
732 reviews5 followers
November 15, 2019
She got a surprise of her life

Carrie was looking forward to her fiancee being home. Planned a welcome home for him. When she arrived home something was off. Well yes it was as soon as she stepped down the hall. Her fiancee and a girl in her bed. She just started a design company and Ben saw the add he wanted her to do his new club. When he saw her he had to have her in more ways than one. She was hungover and saw him at the store but the ex was showing up. She asked Ben to show he was her boyfriend now. Of course he obliged.
Profile Image for Crystal Denny.
330 reviews62 followers
January 21, 2021
Short story, but I liked it and it kept me wanting to know more. While it almost felt rushed; it wasn’t. I’m actually glad there weren’t too many drawn out details and felt there was just enough to set the basis for the storyline to come. Obviously it ends on a major cliff hanger as this is a multiple book series; but I love Carrie and Ben already and am looking forward to see how their story progresses.
Profile Image for Heather.
950 reviews7 followers
October 5, 2021
Good

Carrie just started her own business and is planning her wedding. Upon coming home early she catches him with another woman. Heart broken she decides to move on but he wont take the hint she is done. With her new client who is good looking helps her out in avoiding her now new ex. So far good but is a cliffhanger
.. Cant wait read what happens next
118 reviews1 follower
May 29, 2017
Good read but...

Good read hate that it's a cliff hanger. The characters are well written. Carrie is intelligent yet attractively vulnerable. Ben is cute without being arrogant or obnoxious.
22 reviews
July 17, 2017
Eh

It was not good I don't usually give bad ratings but I really didn't like this book it was boring, short, and you couldn't get into it. Although this is just my opinion I did not like it.
1,834 reviews3 followers
October 8, 2017
Good

This book (?) Is well written, but when an author calls several chapters an unfinished book I give a lower rating. The story is good but leaves the reader wondering. I won't be buying any more of this series.
Profile Image for Sarah Gulyas.
629 reviews2 followers
July 6, 2020
I really liked this book. I had a hard time figuring out who Will was, at first. I kind of wish that situation was written a little better.

Other than that, I really liked the characters Carrie and Ben. Nora seems like she's fun.

Profile Image for Michelle.
115 reviews
July 15, 2020
Ben & Carrie are the cutest couple ever! I instantly fell in love with Ben. I read the complete series in one sitting. 4 Stars for Hazel for her excellent writing.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.
1,405 reviews
December 2, 2017
Grr

Another part of a series book, which means this one ends far before the story does, meaning buy more books in the series.
Profile Image for Karen.
382 reviews1 follower
January 10, 2018
Not a book

But a few chapters so readers have to buy future chapters in what are mistakenly called novels. Has potential but the partial story makes this a one star.
59 reviews
February 10, 2018
Brill

I have enjoyed reading this book and following the characters through their lives and hope to read more by the same author
Profile Image for Lucy Roderick.
384 reviews10 followers
April 30, 2018
Delightful

Five stars for this delightful romance! Hard working Carrie is hurt by her long term fiance. Then she meets Ben.
Profile Image for Sharon Noble.
2,186 reviews6 followers
July 21, 2020
Loved this book. Ben has just brought a old warehouse for his club & now he's met Carrie to do the work on it!
Profile Image for Pat Prentice.
34 reviews2 followers
November 22, 2021
Tongue in cheek time

Cannot wait to see how this pans out Carrie and her ex and then there is Ben I like Ben even though he is a rake.I expect there will be a twist to this tale.
67 reviews
January 30, 2023
Fun Book!

I always enjoy Hazel’s books! This one is no exception. I was surprised it was so short. I’ll just have to keep going to the next one!
659 reviews
March 4, 2017
Good start

I liked hearing both POV's. The book was so short that we really didn't see Ben and Carrie interact until the last 2 chapters. I think they are going to be good together, just too soon to tell.
Profile Image for Atlanta Whitlock.
907 reviews12 followers
January 14, 2016
Now a year later after Will's son Ben moved to New York, we are seeing things from his perspective but also we are seeing things from Carrie Callihan's perspective as well.

Carrie feels that her life is finally coming together, she is engaged to her boyfriend who she has been with for a long time and is also planning their wedding. She has just started up her own interior design business but whilst she is hoping to make her business a huge success the last thing that she was expecting was for the man of her dreams to completely up and turn her life around.

Ben has been living in New York for about a year and since he's been living there he has been working at his dad's hotel to get to know how the business works but the only problem is that now he seems to have gotten bored with the hotel. Whilst he is grateful for his dad letting him work there, he wants to be able to put all the skills that he's learnt into a club but even though he has planned everything apart from the design of it he already knows what he wants to call it but there's just his dad stopping him from using Club Abbott as the name of it.

Now that Carrie is single and free to live life how she wants considering she no longer has to worry about what any guy thinks, the last person she was expecting to reply to her advert in the paper was Ben Abbott, so when he walks in she struggles a little to hide her emotions. When Ben looks into her eyes for the first time he can't help but see the hurt and pain amongst her beautiful eyes, he is also swept away by her beauty, so much that whilst he is talking about her work and whether she would be adequate to do the design layout for his club he completely forgets to ask for references and if she has a portfolio of any of her previous work.

Will Carrie end up falling back into the arms of her ex boyfriend or will Ben be able to save the day and then things start to lead somewhere else. If you've already read the Tempted Series then you will know that this book will not disappoint you and for those of you that haven't read it I recommend you do that because you are missing a hell of a lot. When I found out that was going to be a book from Ben's perspective I was so excited as I wanted to know more about him, Hazel Kelly you have not disappointed us with this book.
17 reviews
January 16, 2016
Loved it! Just read it already.

I received an ARC in return for my honest review!

What a cocky, hot playboy Ben is, but I love him anyway. When you first met him in tempted series, you think he is a spoiled young man, but you learn in this book, that there is more to him as a man.
I think it is also a little bit sad, that Ben and Will only has had a father and son relationship the last year, because Will don't know all about Ben. But Them again Ben is his fathers son, with he business mind and playboys ways, - should have known it.

I love Carrie, she is a strong independent woman, she has her own interior design business and she love her life. But her World turn up side Down, when she walks in on her fiancé with another woman in her Owen bed, she is strong, hold on to her belives and kicks him out, and then deals with her broken heart on her own. Even when the fiancé want her back, she just tells him to shut it and leave - loved it!

Same day Ben showes up in her Office, I think it's fate. And Ben don't know what hit him, loved it when he tells Will, that he is dating Carrie - priceless. And I loved the ending, when Ben tells one little White Lie, so he can kiss Carrie.

I like that this series is a follow up from the tempted series and that you follow the carachter Will and Ella.

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Netta Overhulser .
549 reviews1 follower
January 14, 2016
I received an ARC in return for my honest review!
I must say that I really hate giving spoilers in my reviews, but it just can't be helped this time. Carrie is proven to herself that she is strong and determined, with starting up her designing business with a fresh break up from Simon her fiance. It's difficult enough to start a business with nothing but to find your fiance in your bed with another woman can send a girl reeling. Ben is Will Abbott son and he has been in New York now for about a year and wanting to start his own business 'Club Abbott' however, Will has put his foot down on the name but not the end gave his blessings for the business still a firm no on the name. Ben does not want to cause any unnecessary friction between the two because they are building a father - son relationship they never had. Ben contacts Carrie for her help in designing his new club, and unexpected sparks start to fly on both sides. The grocery store scene is worth reading and it was a genius idea for Carrie on the spot. I cannot wait to see how the sparks grow between Carrie and Ben throughout the series!
Profile Image for Crimson Grey.
56 reviews3 followers
January 16, 2016
Cute and Easy Read if a bit predictable. This is not a standalone with a HEA ending. In book one of Club Abbott the main characters meet over a business transaction.

Ben, your typical young wealthy New York playboy has decided to open his own nightclub. Needing his estranged father's permission to use his name as the name for his club has to try to prove himself this father as an entrepreneur and just a manwhore.

Carrie, is starting up her own design firm. Beautiful young career woman engaged to the perfect man who is a pilot. Well perfect until Carrie walks in on him banging another chick in their bed.

Ben finds Carrie through an ad she placed for he design firm in the Tribune, and hires her to design her new club. They have instant chemistry although they both try to deny it in the name of being professional.

Like I said a lot of the story thus far is a bit predictable, however Hazel's writing gives the storyline a sense of freshness and will keep you flipping the pages. Carrie is relatable and somewhat endearing. And well Ben, you will want to make him yours. I am looking forward to the next book and seeing how their chemistry unfolds.

Well done Hazel!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
16 reviews1 follower
January 15, 2016
I received an ARC for my honest review.
I was not disappointed and you won't be either. I can't wait for the next book.

I love how it is written from both Ben and Carrie's point of view. I kept wondering how Carrie and Ben's world's would intersect. I also admire the independence of each character.

When Carrie went home early to surprise her fiance and the scene was described slowly I felt as though I could see what she was seeing, feel what she felt. I am hoping she can remain strong and hold onto the logical answer regarding her fiance.

Ben is a playboy who seems very business savvy but doesn't want a serious relationship. ...or does he and just doesn't know it yet. When he meets Carrie to discuss possibly working together all the things he knows he should be doing business wise go out the window.

I love what happens in the market.....could it be the beginning of something great or are these two too stuck on past hurts to do anything?

Will Ben's dad bend and give him a chance? I can't wait to see what happens next.
16 reviews
January 16, 2016
I read the Tempted Series almost a year ago, but when I started reading this series I was transported to the same scenario for a few pages and loved remembering about Will and Ella. I’m really enjoying to see what is happening to them as a side story.

Ben, Will’s son, is everything you expect from a playboy that enjoys life and isn’t taken seriously by his father, but in fact… this is not who he is - and I love him already! The one scene when Ben meets Woody - a homeless guy - says a lot about who he is. When you read that part you will remember me and this click will happen for you too! ;)

Carrie is a sweet girl. She is independent and strong but she is living with a broken heart and the mission to learn how to get her sh*t together after discovering that her fiancé is not the guy she believed he was.

I’m on #TeamBen from the first page and I can't wait to see what will happen to these 2.
34 reviews2 followers
May 10, 2016
I received this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Fantastic! I have read many of Hazel Kelly's books and this has become a favorite! I was quickly drawn into the characters and am excited to see how both Carrie and Ben pursue their own dreams and develop their relationship. Love the alternating POV definitely gives great insight and how you really get to know each character. I am dying to get my hands on the second one. If you are looking for heartache, humor and lots of chemistry this is a book not to be missed.
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