The FBI Bride

Undercover Bridesmaid Romance #1

by Kimberley Montpetit

A forbidden FBI romance, a wedding that never happens, and the tragedy that changes them forever.

The moment Chloe Romano meets Liam Esposito, sparks flare like lightning between them. But the handsome stranger disappears without so much as asking for her number. Shaking off her disappointment, Chloe continues on to the Quantico Training Academy with her best friend Jenna so they can pursue their life-long dream of becoming FBI agents.

Once she begins training, Chloe is shocked to find herself face to face with Liam again. But the more time they spend together, the harder they fall for one another, and the more frustrated they become with the FBI rules and protocols that keep them apart.

Just when Chloe begins to hope they can have something more than a professional relationship, a covert mission goes wrong, blowing her entire world apart, and changing the course of their future forever. Can Chloe and Liam overcome the terrible secrets that keep them apart, or will their love be destroyed forever during the night of the bombing raid?

THE FBI BRIDE is full of action, danger, and a forbidden love story that will keep you on the edge of your seat! From Award-winning and #1 Bestselling author, Kimberley Montpetit.

This is Book #1 of the story of Chloe and Liam, and it ends on a bit of a cliffhanger. Read the rest of their story in THE UNDERCOVER BRIDESMAID, Book #2 in the Undercover Bridesmaid Romance Series.

Genres: Romance, Suspense, Contemporary, Mystery, Clean Romance, Contemporary Romance, Second Chance

183 pages, ebook

First published March 19, 2019

About the author

Kimberley Montpetit once spent all her souvenir money at the La Patisserie shops when she was in Paris—on the arm of her adorable husband. The author grew up in San Francisco, another swoon-worthy city, loves all things Parisian and chocolate and lives in a small town along the Rio Grande with her family.

Kimberley has won many awards for her work, including the Southwest Book Award, the Whitney Award, the Arizona/New Mexico Book Award, is a Crystal Kite Finalist (SCBWI) and included in the Bank Street College Best Books of the Year.

She once stayed in a haunted castle tower room at Borthwick Castle in Scotland, sailed on the Seine in Paris, walked the beaches of Normandy, eaten in numerous French cafes, ridden a camel in Petra, Jordan, sunbathed on Waikiki, shopped the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, and spent the night in an old Communist hotel in Bulgaria.

She adores all baked goodies; brownies, éclairs, donuts, tarts, and pie, and makes a lot of chocolate chip cookies while revising.

Kimberley is, of course, hard at work on her next novel(s).

Reviews

[Shash · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read The Undercover Bridesmaid last year, and I wasn't sure if I wanted to read this prequel or not. Ultimately, I decided that I wanted to read about how Liam and Chloe's relationship began, even if I knew it would be a cliffhanger that I wasn't thrilled about. It was worth reading. I also loved seeing the friendship between Chloe and Jenna.

Note: This book ends with a cliffhanger.

[S.A. Krishnan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely story.
The story is a prequel to another story. While I did not read the second story, I had no problems in understanding the story.
It was a beautiful relationship between Chloe and Jenna and how they wanted to become FBI agents sicne they were kids. There were moments in the story which made me laugh and their bond was beautifully brought.
Liam and Chloe's chemistry is great.
However, the story ends in a sudden cliffhangar which is the only problem. Otherwise enjoyed it!

[Jenny]

DNF 20%

[Linnea · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 stars. Don't waste your time.

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my heavens! I had such a huge grin on my face while reading this one. The emotions jump off the pages and wrap you up in them while you read this story. This is a prequel to The Undercover Bridesmaid: Dangerous Affections. If you have or haven't read it, no worries, you're going to love The FBI Bride. The Undercover Bridesmaid is the story of Chloe and Liam and while reading it there are some references of when they met. I loved reading their story in that book and knowing what happens for them. But to have this prequel come out and be able to read about how they met...oh my, oh my, oh my, oh MY! I really didn't want the story to end. I wanted to keep reading about these two. I think I just need to go back and reread this one again, and again, and again. It's that good!

My daughter picked it up after me and she was also grinning from ear to ear. And occasionally she would let out these great giggles. If you're a Kimberley Montpetit fan then you will definitely want to read this one. Yes, it ends on a bit of a cliffhanger if you haven't read Undercover Bridesmaid but it is most definitely worth it!

I'm giggling just thinking about some of the situations that happened in this book. The book is also about two best friends, Chloe and Jenna. They have dreamed of joining the FBI since they were little and they're finally getting their chance. Some encounters occur and make for an interesting experience for them. Ha!

If you have read The Undercover Bridesmaid then you know that there are some struggles that happen. I'm not going to give any spoilers but I will say that I didn't just have happy and giddy emotions while reading. There were some tears shed as well.

Enough reading my thoughts, go grab a copy and read it. I highly recommend it!

Content: Clean. Some moments of peril and suspense. Some kissing but nothing further.

I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

She's dreamed of working with the FBI and has worked hard her whole life to be fit enough and smart enough to get into Quantico. Her best friend has been at her side through it all. Most of the story takes place at Quantico and the tests and trials and love that they experience there. When they become FBI rookies they get a posting at the same place as Chloe's love - ugh, no fraternization!
The story ends with a bang, literally!

This is a clean read.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

Two friends grow up with one goal in mind, becoming FBI agents. When they both get in at the same time it's wonderful. Jenna got engaged 2 day's before leaving for Quantico, and Chloe meets her one at the airport but he is a instructor at Quantico. While in training they plan Jenna's wedding. But things happen.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn’t realize this was a prequel to a pre existing series when I read it. It definitely leaves you in a cliff hanger.
It was just too unrealistic for me and I think I had to read the word “Quantico” 486 times. I didn’t like how some things went down and how she jumped to bad conclusions so easily. If she loved him so much, I would think she would have put a little more effort into discovering the truth.
It was clean with just some kisses.

[Maria Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the next book in the series before this one so I knew how this one would end. On the one hand I wish I hadn't known but on the other I'm glad I did or it would have been a very shocking ending. Not exactly your HEA ending... If you read this one, plan on reading the next because you need the whole story to get that HEA. I would kinda prefer it to be all one book but I'm not sure that the prequel was intended from the start. I think that was readers demand to know what had happened. I could be wrong. And I think the title of this book is a little deceptive.

I loved the way Liam responded as a trainer in a supportive manner. And the banter between Liam and Chloe was pretty fun. Maybe because we don't know much about his interactions with other NATS but I thought that it would be pretty obvious to anyone who paid any attention that there was some energy between the two of them.

I liked this book but I did wonder at the two main characters risking their goals/jobs in order to spend time together. Their relationship was pretty much insta-love or at least insta-attraction with love following quickly behind. I personally had a hard time relating to Chloe simply because I have no love of guns and would have absolutely no desire to be an FBI agent. I can appreciate the work the FBI does but I think I only think of them in place in their jobs and don't think about what they thought or felt before they got to that point. Or that they thought guns were such great things. But I'm not a gun lover at all. Still I could appreciate the story.

No sex or language
Violence: yes

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

A chance meeting at the airport, Chloe fights over baggage with Liam only to learn later that he is one of her superior officers at the Quantico Training Academy. This does not stop the sparks from flying though. There is a no fraternization policy, so the two cannot be together, but the stolen moments are worth the chance of getting caught. Now with a mission gone wrong, Chloe’s life is forever changed. Her best friend gone, and the blame is shifting to one person. Will Liam and Chloe find their change to be together or will this be the end? I was taken in by this book, and quickly fell in love with Chloe and Liam. They have a fun, flirty relationship and from scene to scene left me wanting more. Kimberly Montepetit masterfully weaves a suspenseful story into this budding relationship leaving me on the edge of my seat. I felt every emotion from the happiness of entering the academy to the grief at the end and quickly queued up book 2! It does leave you on a slight cliffhanger, so make sure you are ready!

Narrated by Jennifer Jill Araya, she brings out all the nuances in this book. I love her voices, each one fitting the personalities of the characters. She gives an amazing performance and can’t wait for the next in the series.

[Randy Tramp · Rating 5 out of 5]

A forbidden FBI romance. A wedding that never happens. The tragedy that changes them forever. Chloe Romano meets Liam Esposito. Sparks flare.

The moment Chloe Romano meets Liam Esposito, sparks flare like lightning between them. But the stranger disappears without asking for her number. Shaking off her disappointment, Chloe continues on to the Quantico Training Academy with her best friend Jenna so they can pursue their life-long dream of becoming FBI agents. There Chloe is shocked to see Liam again. They fall for each other, even though protocols and FBI rules say no. A covert mission goes wrong. Can Chloe and Liam overcome?

I loved the experience of Quantico training. It reminded me of Navy Boot Camp. (I suspect Quantico was much harder.) As in the book description, it's full of action, danger, and love that's forbidden. All elements that made an exciting read. I loved the characters, the plot, and the fast-paced reading.

Rating: Mild for mild (nonsexual) violence

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank goodness I was smart and read this book first. Yes it is a series and this book does end in a cliffhanger so to speak but it's an awesome read and I can't wait to read the next book. Jenna and Chloe have been excepted into the FBI academy, their life long dream realize. What they didn't expect is for Chloe to meet Liam and the fireworks that came with him. I love this intro of Chloe and Liam and all that goes with it. It's a sweet romance with just some kissing but there's danger and action as well. The author does a great job keeping the action flowing and adding some tragedy too. As their lives are turned upside down by the events, there may be some soul searching and re-evaluating life and goals. The heart wants what the heart wants, but after everything that happened can a heart that feels betrayed learn to beat the rhythm of love again.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The FBI Bride by Kimberley Montpetit

To start this review, beware that this book is a prequel to Undercover Bridesmaid. This book does not end, and you will want to have the the next book ready! This is a great two book series with mystery, intrigue and romance thrown in!

Chloe and Jenna were childhood friends, worked out rigorously, and prepared to enter Quantico and the FBI. They were excited to both be accepted at the same time, and were able to be in the training together.

Liam was in the airport as Chloe got off the plane and there was a misunderstanding over luggage. Even then, there was a spark. When entering Quantico, Chloe finds that Liam is her instructor and therefore off limits. That doesn’t keep the sparks from flying, though.

I inadvertently read the next book in the series first and knew what the ending would be, but the story was still compelling.

[Katrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are two books in this series. This first one is actually a prequel of the second one. This one ends in a cliffhanger and there are quite a few discrepancies in the other book which caused me to not particularly enjoy either book.

As for this book alone, I felt that the first half was written much better than the second half. The second half felt more like a telling of a story than being a part of it as it happened like the first half was. It has a sad ending as well. I still do not understand why the misunderstanding was not cleared up immediately. It seems like it would have been a priority and could have been accomplished fairly easily. Waiting to do so seems a bit heartless to me. I would think that a lot of heartbreak and pain could have been eased if this misunderstanding could have been cleared up immediately.

[Lillian Cummings · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing works out the exact way you want

Chloe & Jenna have always wanted to be FBI agents and now they have the chance. They just need to get through the training but it is especially hard for Chloe as she has fallen for her one trainer. Liam knows that it is wrong but he is drawn to her they just need to get through graduation. But they are both sent to the same office and Liam us now her boss their relationship is doomed. Chloe needs to concentrate on. Jenny's wedding that is coming up but everything changes when a raid goes wrong and Chloe loses them both. She believes that Liam left her behind so she has no choice but to move on. But can she leave Liam behind? Will he be able to win her back?

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow - this book! I had already read The Undercover Bridesmaid before this one but this book was so well done, I was enthralled & hardly recalled any of the previous information - I realised towards the end of the book that I had forgotten some fairly pertinent information but I’m not giving any spoilers! I do recommend you read this book first as it’s written as a prequel, but it has been done so well that even if you’ve already read the other one this will still pull you in & enthral you... you will want to read (or reread) the next one afterwards though! I was engrossed for every turn of the page.

[Bonnie Blackledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing, incredible book!
I was drawn into the story as soon as I started reading. You can tell that the author researched the training program for the New Agent Trainees at Quantico, the FBI training school. I found it fascinating to learn about the program and follow Chloe and Jenna as they completed their training. It was hard to put the book down and I finished it in two days. I was surprised by a lot of the events that happened and blown away by the raw emotions of the characters. It was so real, like I was there with them. I can’t wait to read The Undercover Bridesmaid, which is the next book in this series.

[Jen Smindak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with Chloe and Liam when I read the Undercover Bridesmaid, and when I finished it, I really wanted more information about their backstory. Ta da! Here you go! The FBI Bride shares a great deal of information about how Chloe and Liam met, the trials and tribulations that made their relationship so contentious. As soon as I was done reading it, I had to go back and re-read the Undercover Bridesmaid to capture the complete picture of their relationship. I always enjoy Kimberley Montpetit's writing, and her ability to create characters you become invested in is fabulous. While I was provided a preview copy of this book, the opinions expressed are completely my own.

[Tracey Steeves · Rating 2 out of 5]

Spoiler alert** While the story was very good I really dislike books where a main character dies. I also don't like "romance" novels where the couple are not together at the end. If you are going to label a book as "romance" we should at least have the anticipation of a happily ever after at the end, not have to buy/read another book just to get the end we are looking for. This book felt like it should have been the first chapters of a book, not a book in itself. I will read the next book in the series because I really liked the characters but I had to give this book a less than stellar rating.

[Tehteh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hm, not sure how I feel about this, now that I got to the end. The story starts out fun and cheerful, with Chloe coming into the FBI Academy with her best friend, and that fight over luggage.
The training was also fun, the dynamics waere great, both between Liam and Chloe and betweem her and other FBI trainees and agents.
But then, I get it, it is a two-part story, but the second half is just heartbreaking. At least that second epilogue explains some things. I wonder where the second part is going.
I have to point this out though - Esposito doesn't sound Italian, it sounds Hispanic. I would kbow.
Anyway, moving on to The Undercover Bridesmaid.

[Doni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed reading this book!
The FBI Bride is a engaging,
exciting & moving story.
Chloe, & her best friend Jenna,
dreamed of being an FBI Agent.
They trained & studied hard to be accepted. Then their dream came true.
I really liked reading the details
described, about what the NAT's go through at Quantico, to become an agent.
Chloe & Liam, steal your heart
from the very first pages to the last.
I loved everything about this Must
Read Story!!
💠 Recommend reading this book
before Undercover Bridesmaid 💠

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me turning pages right from the get go. This is a prequel to The Undercover Bridesmaid book, which I had not read yet. Chloe and Jenna have been friends since they were little and both get accepted to the FBI. You could tell that Kimberley researched the training the new recruits go through there. The title of the book made me think there would be a wedding -- but I was wrong. As soon as I finished this book, I started right in on the next book in the series. This book won't disappoint!

[LaRee Sutherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Friends, Secret Love, FBI

Action galore! The author grabbed the interest of the reader right away and held it throughout the book. Two best friends decided at a young age to become FBI agents, preparing from that day on to accomplish it. After college, they applied and were accepted. The training process was intense but interesting. In the process, Chloe and Liam, one of her instructors, become very attracted to each other. This is against FBI rules, so they meet in secret. They do pass at top of class and begin for real. I can hardly wait to read book 2.

[Misty Goan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing well written quick intense read. This is a prequel that was written after book 2 Undercover bridesmaid so ends on a cliffhanger but soo very glad to have listened and been given this incredible story . I loved it. It's a story thats engaging, faced paced, exciting, full of action, twists and turns, flirty fun banter, soo many emotions, forbidden restrained desired romance, with loveable fun well developed characters. It is beautifully narrated really bringing me into the story and feel all the joys, love  happiness, and sorrow. An incredible must experience romance. 

[TexasMomma · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun book! I listened to the audio book & Jennifer Jill Araya did an excellent job on all the voices, making it easy to keep up with who was speaking. Chloe is a spunky, fun heroine, & she & Jenna have the best friend relationship everyone wants. Liam is a dashing hero, and I found myself rooting for his & Chloe's happily ever after from their first meeting (an absolutely cute meet cute!) I am starting the sequel immediately because I need to know what happens! Excellent job again, Ms. Montpetit!

[Pascale’s*ARC,Unwind,Read,Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! I read the sequel to this prequel so long ago that now I have to read the sequel again... this train of thought is making me dizzy 🥴! Be prepared to read the Undercover Bridesmaid immediately after this one because this book leaves the reader on a cliffhanger. It’s totally worth it though because both books are so well-written. I loved both of them and I highly recommend them. Clean romance, action, humour, tragedy... A package deal!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll admit I wasn't really excited about reading this book, feeling like I already knew Liam and Chloe's story from the Undercover Bridesmaid, but boy was I wrong. I loved reading about their first meeting and how their relationship grew. It was fascinating learning about the FBI training program. This book pulled me in from the beginning. Even though I read the Undercover Bridesmaid last year, now I need to read it again.

[Nati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chloe and Jenna are heading to Quantico to fulfil their childhood’s dream: to become an FBI agent. In the airport, Chloe meets a handsome stranger over the wrong luggage and they fees an instant attraction. The stranger turns to be Special Agent Esposito, one of their trainers is Quantico. And even as the attraction is growing it’s against the rules to have a relationship with a superior. Something terrible will happen that will tear them apart. Can they have future together?

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chloe and Liam meet at the airport and it is pretty funny - sparks fly!! She is on her way to Quantico to start her training and who does she see? Yep. Sparks are still flying but there is fraternizing between trainer and trainee. Their banter was so funny. This one does end on a cliffhanger but the sequel is so good (I liked it even better). I had read the sequel first and loved that the author wrote a book about how they met.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chloe meets Liam at the airport on her way to Quantico. He knows her but she doesn’t know him since they had never met. Sparks fly. They have an instant connection. But when Chloe realizes that Liam is one of her instructors she wonders if there is any chance they could ever have a relationship. This story has a few details I find a bit off but it is a fun story that leads up to a feelings of distrust and abandonment.