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Pacific Vista Ranch #3
For The Love of You
For a French soccer icon, and a gifted artist, a fake engagement is the perfect solution for their current dilemmas. But when last summer’s fling slips from lust to love, their pretend relationship becomes too hot to handle.
Gabriel DuVernay is heir to one of the oldest wineries in France, but his passion is playing soccer, not tending vines. When he signs a multi-million dollar deal with the Los Angeles Galaxy, he’s able to postpone his unwelcome duties and help his younger sister convince their old-fashioned father she should be their family’s first female winemaker. Another bonus of moving to California is reuniting with the striking redhead who snuck out of his apartment after the hottest night of his life.
Last summer, artist Dylan McNeill’s life on her family’s Southern California horse-breeding ranch was thrown into chaos and she escaped to Paris. One electrifying night with a gorgeous playboy athlete helped her forget her problems. She’s never forgotten Gabriel, but aspiring artists trying to break into the elite art world don’t have time for romance. She’s determined to get discovered without trading on her family’s famous name.
When Gabriel suffers a career-shattering injury, he needs to buy some time to figure out how to remain in America and choose his own future. His influential mother can open important doors in the art world and help Dylan fulfill her dreams ––for a price. A fictitious engagement seems like the simple answer until living at Pacific Vista Ranch and pretending to be in love starts to feel real.
Can last year’s one night stand and this year’s fake engagement turn into true love forever?
Gabriel DuVernay is heir to one of the oldest wineries in France, but his passion is playing soccer, not tending vines. When he signs a multi-million dollar deal with the Los Angeles Galaxy, he’s able to postpone his unwelcome duties and help his younger sister convince their old-fashioned father she should be their family’s first female winemaker. Another bonus of moving to California is reuniting with the striking redhead who snuck out of his apartment after the hottest night of his life.
Last summer, artist Dylan McNeill’s life on her family’s Southern California horse-breeding ranch was thrown into chaos and she escaped to Paris. One electrifying night with a gorgeous playboy athlete helped her forget her problems. She’s never forgotten Gabriel, but aspiring artists trying to break into the elite art world don’t have time for romance. She’s determined to get discovered without trading on her family’s famous name.
When Gabriel suffers a career-shattering injury, he needs to buy some time to figure out how to remain in America and choose his own future. His influential mother can open important doors in the art world and help Dylan fulfill her dreams ––for a price. A fictitious engagement seems like the simple answer until living at Pacific Vista Ranch and pretending to be in love starts to feel real.
Can last year’s one night stand and this year’s fake engagement turn into true love forever?
- GenresContemporaryRomance
284 pages, Paperback
Published March 17, 2020
46 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Claire Marti
27 books739 followersClaire Marti is an award winning and USA Today Bestselling author of swoonworthy Contemporary Romance novels set in Southern California, including the Pacific Vista Ranch series and the California Suits series. She lives in San Diego with her husband, silly dog, and two clever cats.
Claire started writing stories as soon as she was old enough to pick up pencil and paper. After graduating from the University of Virginia with a BA in English Literature, Claire was sidetracked by other careers, including practicing law, selling software for legal publishers, and managing a non-profit animal rescue for a Hollywood actress.
When Claire's not writing, she's teaching yoga. You can find her sixty+ online classes on the international website www.yogadownload.com. A breast cancer survivor, Claire is a sought-after speaker on the power of yoga and meditation. She's been published in numerous magazines with articles on wellness and is the author of a memoir, Come Ride with Me Along the Big C, on her experience beating breast cancer.
Claire started writing stories as soon as she was old enough to pick up pencil and paper. After graduating from the University of Virginia with a BA in English Literature, Claire was sidetracked by other careers, including practicing law, selling software for legal publishers, and managing a non-profit animal rescue for a Hollywood actress.
When Claire's not writing, she's teaching yoga. You can find her sixty+ online classes on the international website www.yogadownload.com. A breast cancer survivor, Claire is a sought-after speaker on the power of yoga and meditation. She's been published in numerous magazines with articles on wellness and is the author of a memoir, Come Ride with Me Along the Big C, on her experience beating breast cancer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
June 8, 2020
Rating: 3.5/5.0
The secondary characters add extra dimension to the tale. A fun read for a quiet afternoon.
Read full review in the 2020 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
The secondary characters add extra dimension to the tale. A fun read for a quiet afternoon.
Read full review in the 2020 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
March 8, 2020
Oohlala! From instalust to love that lasts. My catnip.
Full review at maidamalby.com on 3/18.
Full review at maidamalby.com on 3/18.
March 23, 2020
Last summer, artist Dylan McNeill broke free from her shyness and had a one-night stand with soccer superstar Gabriel DuVernay. It was the best night of her life and Gabriel stole a piece of her heart. He signs a huge deal to play soccer in L.A. and they reconnect. The chemistry between them is off the charts but neither of them foresees their circumstances when a career-changing injury devastates Gabriel. When his mother suggests a fake engagement to give Gabriel a reprieve from his familial obligations, they agree. But can they pull it off? Dylan’s never lied to her close-knit family before and she wears her heart on her sleeve. The more Dylan is in close quarters with Gabriel, the stronger her heart beats for him. She knows heartbreak is imminent yet cannot help but follow her heart. Can Gabriel show her he’s in love with her and would do anything for her? Or will they walk away when the time comes?
For the Love of You is a heart-wrenching romance filled with emotional turmoil. This is book three in the Pacific Vista Ranch and in my opinion, it’s the best in the series. I connected with Dylan right away. She’s an artist and sees the world through an artistic lens. Vivid descriptive narration allows the reader to dive deep into both Dylan and Gabriel. An accurate portrayal of the daily ins and outs of a soccer star, including injuries, paparazzi, and forced retirement, make this a must-read. Claire Marti adds sublime dramatic tension between Gabriel and his father, Gabriel and Dylan, Dylan and her family as well as Dylan and Gabriel’s family. I found myself glued to my e-reader as I whipped through the story. The romance between Dylan and Gabriel is blistering hot with a fair share of misunderstandings. The ending made it all worthwhile, though. An incredible romance not to be missed. Highly recommend!
Favorite Character/Quote:
“Run away with me. Run toward our future.”
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
For the Love of You is a heart-wrenching romance filled with emotional turmoil. This is book three in the Pacific Vista Ranch and in my opinion, it’s the best in the series. I connected with Dylan right away. She’s an artist and sees the world through an artistic lens. Vivid descriptive narration allows the reader to dive deep into both Dylan and Gabriel. An accurate portrayal of the daily ins and outs of a soccer star, including injuries, paparazzi, and forced retirement, make this a must-read. Claire Marti adds sublime dramatic tension between Gabriel and his father, Gabriel and Dylan, Dylan and her family as well as Dylan and Gabriel’s family. I found myself glued to my e-reader as I whipped through the story. The romance between Dylan and Gabriel is blistering hot with a fair share of misunderstandings. The ending made it all worthwhile, though. An incredible romance not to be missed. Highly recommend!
Favorite Character/Quote:
“Run away with me. Run toward our future.”
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
March 13, 2020
Marti does it again. Gabriel and Dylan go from strangers in the night to partners in crime. Love was never part of the plan until make-believe starts to feel all too real. For the Love of You sneaks up on the heart and steals it right out of you chest. Attraction runs hot. Emotions run high. Hopes and dreams are put at risk. Pacific Vista Ranch is a dreamers paradise. Home and heart collide.
April 19, 2020
I was really interested in the football background, that is soccer for some of you, unfortunately there wasn’t much of that.
I didn’t really feel the connection between the two main characters and I didn’t think the reason for the fake engagement was strong enough.
The relationship between Dylan and Gabriel was a bit annoying, I mean they carry on through their fake engagement and still it takes them the whole book to decide/confess they are in love.
It’s a personal preference and I don’t like books with instalust.
But I did like the ranch setting and the art talk.
This is the only book I read in this series so that might be why I wasn’t interested in the other characters.
This review is for a free copy courtesy of Netgalley and Backlit PR.
I didn’t really feel the connection between the two main characters and I didn’t think the reason for the fake engagement was strong enough.
The relationship between Dylan and Gabriel was a bit annoying, I mean they carry on through their fake engagement and still it takes them the whole book to decide/confess they are in love.
It’s a personal preference and I don’t like books with instalust.
But I did like the ranch setting and the art talk.
This is the only book I read in this series so that might be why I wasn’t interested in the other characters.
This review is for a free copy courtesy of Netgalley and Backlit PR.
April 19, 2020
I loved the instant connection that Dylan and Gabriel had. It was long lasting even though they were an ocean apart and mostly out of contact. I think their connection helped make their fake relationship more believable. It wasn't exactly as much fake as it was amped up. They had crazy chemistry and a sweet support system for each other. Loved it!
April 12, 2020
I loved the first two books in the Pacific Vista Ranch series, and Claire Marti has done it again with For the Love of You! Each time I read a book in this series, I think "this one is my favorite". But, I think For the Love of You is my favorite. I love the character of Dylan, and enjoyed reading her story. Marti's characters are always well-rounded and real. And I can see the gorgeous Pacific Vista Ranch when I read these books, and wish I was there. For the Love of You can be read as a standalone book, but seriously, the first two are excellent...so read them all! This was a fun, escapist read, especially for this strange time in the world.
April 14, 2020
I truly enjoyed every minute of this book. The characters just seemed to click. This story was sweet and lovely from beginning to end. Simply amazing and definitely recommended.
April 11, 2020
This book is a must read. The Characters Gabriel AND Dylan are great. Drama, Heartbreak and romance. Soccer player who has always dreamed of going that and not the family business. This story is about what happens when your dreams have stopped and now its time to start over and who will you be with when you do that.
April 10, 2020
Who knew when Dylan ran away to avoid life that it would be the best decision in her life? She met mer match in the sexy French soccer player. Their story is unique and beautiful. I love the setting of the ranch and the continuing of the sisters stories.
March 22, 2020
This was a sweet and powerful book. Dylan met Gabriel in Paris last summer. Their one night was magical that left both wanting more but not sure if they could. Dylan went back to the family ranch and worked on her painting while Gabriel was still playing football(soccer) around the world till he got a deal to play in America. He knew he wanted to see Dylan again so he called her and they felt the chemistry between them start like it did before. During a game Gabriel got hurt and won’t be able to play anymore but his father sees it as now he can start the wine business and stop playing games even though he doesn’t want it. His mother comes up with a plan to help him out and also Dylan but it can cost her, her heart and she not so sure she can handle that. Will they become more or will Dylan walk away you need to read this book.
March 20, 2020
With For the Love of You, Claire Marti returns readers to Southern California and her Pacific Coast Ranch series. Artist Dylan McNeill returns from France with a hot, sexy "fiance" French soccer star Gabriel DuVernay in hand. The latest star for the local pro soccer team is about to turn the world on fire when he is seriously injured in a hideous on-field incident. His uphill battle to recover from a career ending injury is matched only by the never-ending battle with his father whose old-fashioned ideas about who should take over control of the family business--based solely on gender--is enough to set any feminist heart to beating that much faster. And Dylan remains at Gabriel's side, fighting every step of the way.
This one's a beauty. Do not miss it.
Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Authors
This one's a beauty. Do not miss it.
Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Authors
March 20, 2020
I did not intend to finish the book when I sat down to read it... but the love story between Dylan and Gabriel is so compelling I stayed up way too late to finish. My bleary eyes this morning do not make me regret it though. I loved this book so much! I have read the others in the series, but do not feel you need to have read the others first to catch up with what is going on.
My favorite part is how you just *feel* their connection. Claire Marti is really great at making simple words on the page feel so real! Her descriptive language is also really beautiful and effective. It was almost like I could see the movie of this book - the imagery was so vivid!
I really love this author and am looking forward to whatever she writes next!
My favorite part is how you just *feel* their connection. Claire Marti is really great at making simple words on the page feel so real! Her descriptive language is also really beautiful and effective. It was almost like I could see the movie of this book - the imagery was so vivid!
I really love this author and am looking forward to whatever she writes next!
April 11, 2021
This is book 3 in Marti's Pacific Vista Ranch series. While I love to read a series from start to finish, this can be read as a stand alone and enjoyed just as much. A well written fake to real romance with our main characters Dylan and Gabriel. Dylan is artistic and shy who meets French soccer player Gabriel (swoon). Twists and turns will keep you riveted to the pages of this read as we find out if these two passionate characters can find more than the benefits of a fake engagement to a true HEA!
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
March 22, 2020
Pacific Vista is one of my favorite series! I absolutely fell in love with Dylan and Gabriele's characters and story! I couldn't put it down! I can't wait to read more from Ms. Marti!
March 17, 2020
Claire Marti does it again. She weaves a fantastic tale with characters and descriptions that make you feel you are part of the story.
Full review: March 19, 2020 at https://www.tenastetler.com/for-the-l...
Full review: March 19, 2020 at https://www.tenastetler.com/for-the-l...
March 18, 2020
Fake engagement trope, yes sign me up. A great read. Instant lust turned fake engagement turned true love. Definitely a must read.
March 11, 2020
First of all, I love the title of this book. For The Love of You fits so well, because I felt Dylan and Gabriel’s emotional connection immediately. Here are two people caught up in a world of fame, talent, accomplishment, and heartaches—who find and nurture each other. Dylan’s story is the last of the three McNeill sisters in the Pacific Vista Ranch series and I relished her blossoming as an artist and a woman. When famous soccer player Gabriel DuVernay suffers a devastating injury, his strength and vulnerability with Dylan is very heartfelt. Many challenges test their resolve, but the journey Dylan and Gabriel take feels like real love that endures through time. I adored this story and will read it again. I also look forward to more books in this series!
April 1, 2020
For The Love of You is a great emotional story. (It is the last of the three McNeill sisters in the Pacific Vista Ranch series.) Believe me, when I say, you want to start at the first story and just enjoy Ms. Marti’s fabulous storytelling. With this story, you get a heart-wrenching romance that will keep you reading until the end. Dylan. an intuitive, shy, and artistic woman has a sexy night with this smokin’ hot soccer star, Gabriel. (fan’s self) They're both vulnerable, and both deserve love. But roadblocks and their own emotional baggage make it challenging. This is the page-turner you've been waiting for!
April 18, 2020
I've followed Claire Marti since her debut novel, Second Chance in Laguna. I find myself waiting for her next book and I haven't done that in a while. Every book of hers I read, I say it's my favorite, but I really mean it this time. LOL.
I loved her last two books in the Pacific Vista Ranch series and with each book, she spins another great page-turner.
The brief passionate love affair between a French soccer player Gabriel, a shy Dylan Mcneil, and a fake engagement does not disappoint. Was love a part of the plan?
Thank you for writing about strong women, love and happily ever afters. I fell head over feet for all the characters in this series.
I highly recommend this book and her series.
I loved her last two books in the Pacific Vista Ranch series and with each book, she spins another great page-turner.
The brief passionate love affair between a French soccer player Gabriel, a shy Dylan Mcneil, and a fake engagement does not disappoint. Was love a part of the plan?
Thank you for writing about strong women, love and happily ever afters. I fell head over feet for all the characters in this series.
I highly recommend this book and her series.
March 28, 2020
This book has all the great makings of a romance!! Drama, sexiness, heartbreak, angst and romance keeps you totally invested in this read from beginning to end. Great characters and a easy to follow story line makes you not want to stop reading once you start. This one is a must read for all you romantics out there!!
June 7, 2020
Marti uses one of my favorite romance tropes - we are not a real couple but we would sure like to be a real couple - masterfully in For the Love of You. She subverts the trope in all the right and unexpected places and brings the reader along on a very satisfying journey from one-night stand to real couple. Fun, playful, and heartfelt. Highly recommend.
April 17, 2021
I've been a fan of Claire Marti's work since her debut novel, Second Chance in Laguna, the first of a trilogy set in Laguna Beach, California. This current work is her sixth romance and her writing gets stronger and more fun to read with each novel. This current series is also set in Southern California, a setting the author is familiar with and describes with depth and emotion so the reader practically feels like we're right there with the characters (quite the feat for me, since I live in New England!) Like her other books, this one is part of a series where each book can definitely be read as a standalone, and has a complete and unique storyline. But like with her Laguna series, the reader enjoys more depth of character if you read each of the McNeill sister stories.
This third novel focuses on Dylan, the most sensitive and shy of the three McNeill sisters. Her brief, passionate affair with a French soccer star was pretty far outside of her usual comfort zone, but the chemistry between them was too hot to be ignored. Does she want more from him? Sure - more dates, more kisses, maybe another tumble... and when he moves to the U.S. she's excited to see where it might go.
When his career abruptly ends, Gabriel DuVernay needs time... both to physically heal and to make a new plan for the future. Soccer is his life, but not the life his father wants for him. Dylan agrees to an arrangement that will give him the time he needs, but will spending time with her change what he wants to do with the rest of his life? And that leads to the ultimate question - can the white hot spark flaring between Dylan and Gabriel be coaxed into something sustainable?
Claire Marti turns this stock romance novel premise - the fake engagment - into a totally engrossing and fun to read novel! I loved every minute of the pair's uber-hot chemistry, and found the story extremely well-paced and believable. The descriptions of the settings, the characters and the overflowing emotions were all spot on and had me turning pages as fast as my Kindle could go, burning through this enjoyable story in record time.
If you've never read a novel by this author, what are you waiting for? And if you're already a Marti fan, grab this new novel as fast as you can! Totally recommend with five sparkling stars!
This third novel focuses on Dylan, the most sensitive and shy of the three McNeill sisters. Her brief, passionate affair with a French soccer star was pretty far outside of her usual comfort zone, but the chemistry between them was too hot to be ignored. Does she want more from him? Sure - more dates, more kisses, maybe another tumble... and when he moves to the U.S. she's excited to see where it might go.
When his career abruptly ends, Gabriel DuVernay needs time... both to physically heal and to make a new plan for the future. Soccer is his life, but not the life his father wants for him. Dylan agrees to an arrangement that will give him the time he needs, but will spending time with her change what he wants to do with the rest of his life? And that leads to the ultimate question - can the white hot spark flaring between Dylan and Gabriel be coaxed into something sustainable?
Claire Marti turns this stock romance novel premise - the fake engagment - into a totally engrossing and fun to read novel! I loved every minute of the pair's uber-hot chemistry, and found the story extremely well-paced and believable. The descriptions of the settings, the characters and the overflowing emotions were all spot on and had me turning pages as fast as my Kindle could go, burning through this enjoyable story in record time.
If you've never read a novel by this author, what are you waiting for? And if you're already a Marti fan, grab this new novel as fast as you can! Totally recommend with five sparkling stars!
June 14, 2020
For The Love of You
For the Love of You (Pacific Vista Ranch #3)
Claire Marti
This series just keeps getting better and better. This is Dylan's story, and who could have predicted that her running from the Ranch several years ago would lead her to find her love. Dylan is in Paris and goes out to forget things happening with her family in California, She meets Gabriel and they have some crazy chemistry which leads to them having a one night stand. Dylan leaves before morning, and Gabriel has never forgotten her, nor she him. She has pretty much given up dating after that night. So is fate bringing them together when Gabriel signs on with the Los Angelos soccer team? Gabriel invites her to one of his games, and as soon as they see each other again, the sparks start flying, but before they can have date #2, Gabriel is injured, and this leads to his mother requesting them to have a fake engagement or is she really just hurrying up the process for them? Dylan knows this will probably lead to her heart being broken, but she can't help but agree to the plan. Gabriel knows he has never had feeling like this for another woman, but really doesn't know if it's love, but not sure he has thought to much about it. Can Dylan pull this off? Can she make her family believe they are in love and this wasn't a rash decision on her part? You will need to pick this up and find out for yourself, but be prepared to swoon and get hot. Gabriel is a sexy beast, and knows how to please his woman in many ways. Their chemistry and sizzle factor is off the charts. I have loved all the couples in this series, but I really think Dylan and Gabriel are my favorites. Thanks for another great book Claire Marti. I look forward to reading more of your work and would love some more books in this series! These characters and the McNeill family feel like family to me too.
For the Love of You (Pacific Vista Ranch #3)
Claire Marti
This series just keeps getting better and better. This is Dylan's story, and who could have predicted that her running from the Ranch several years ago would lead her to find her love. Dylan is in Paris and goes out to forget things happening with her family in California, She meets Gabriel and they have some crazy chemistry which leads to them having a one night stand. Dylan leaves before morning, and Gabriel has never forgotten her, nor she him. She has pretty much given up dating after that night. So is fate bringing them together when Gabriel signs on with the Los Angelos soccer team? Gabriel invites her to one of his games, and as soon as they see each other again, the sparks start flying, but before they can have date #2, Gabriel is injured, and this leads to his mother requesting them to have a fake engagement or is she really just hurrying up the process for them? Dylan knows this will probably lead to her heart being broken, but she can't help but agree to the plan. Gabriel knows he has never had feeling like this for another woman, but really doesn't know if it's love, but not sure he has thought to much about it. Can Dylan pull this off? Can she make her family believe they are in love and this wasn't a rash decision on her part? You will need to pick this up and find out for yourself, but be prepared to swoon and get hot. Gabriel is a sexy beast, and knows how to please his woman in many ways. Their chemistry and sizzle factor is off the charts. I have loved all the couples in this series, but I really think Dylan and Gabriel are my favorites. Thanks for another great book Claire Marti. I look forward to reading more of your work and would love some more books in this series! These characters and the McNeill family feel like family to me too.
June 14, 2020
First, I want to thank Claire Marti for providing me with this book so I can bring you this review.
If you are a fan of Soccer, Wineries, Art, and Romance then For the Love of You is definitely for you! This is the third book in Claire Marti’s Pacific Ranch Series. I highly suggest if you have not read the other books in her series you do so first. This way you can get a better feel for the characters and the past storyline.
As with each cover in this series this one was just as breathtaking. Whomever designed this is very talented and creative. It also represented the book perfectly.
This book is dedicated to Claire’s Papa- the original French Soccer Star.
I loved how Claire put a part of herself into this book. Seeing that she is half French and grew up in France is a big part of who she is. This is why it was so easy writing about her French hero. However, she is very grateful for her own real life hero Todd.
Out of all three of the books in Claire’s series I think this one I enjoyed the most. It is not every day an author writes her character as a soccer player. A famous one at that. So, if you know me you know I love all things pop culture. So I loved the celebrity factor behind the sport. However, Dylan was very talented too as an artist. Another career you don't read much about.
There was some heartache in the story that pulled on my heartstrings. Claire did an incredible job describing what was going on in detail. She also pulled out all the emotions into the characters involved.
If you read closely you could see a hidden message in this book that made you think. At least it made me think.
If you are a fan of Soccer, Wineries, Art, and Romance then For the Love of You is definitely for you! This is the third book in Claire Marti’s Pacific Ranch Series. I highly suggest if you have not read the other books in her series you do so first. This way you can get a better feel for the characters and the past storyline.
As with each cover in this series this one was just as breathtaking. Whomever designed this is very talented and creative. It also represented the book perfectly.
This book is dedicated to Claire’s Papa- the original French Soccer Star.
I loved how Claire put a part of herself into this book. Seeing that she is half French and grew up in France is a big part of who she is. This is why it was so easy writing about her French hero. However, she is very grateful for her own real life hero Todd.
Out of all three of the books in Claire’s series I think this one I enjoyed the most. It is not every day an author writes her character as a soccer player. A famous one at that. So, if you know me you know I love all things pop culture. So I loved the celebrity factor behind the sport. However, Dylan was very talented too as an artist. Another career you don't read much about.
There was some heartache in the story that pulled on my heartstrings. Claire did an incredible job describing what was going on in detail. She also pulled out all the emotions into the characters involved.
If you read closely you could see a hidden message in this book that made you think. At least it made me think.
June 12, 2024
A fake engagement/relationship that start starts to feel a bit too real? Um, hello! YES! I adore how no matter how many times I read a fake-to-love plot, I fall harder and harder each time. Dylan and Gabriel are perfect for this trope, fulfilling my need for the characters to attempt to pretend that it’s all fake and for show.
These two already had a connection once, that’s why I love how they viewed their engagement as “fake”. Was Dylan emotionally overloaded and needing a release when they hooked up? Yes. But try as she might, she can’t get him out of her head. Funny! He thinks the same!
These two are passionate about their craft (her being an artist and him a soccer player) and that clearly shines through in their work as well as their desire for one another. I felt like perhaps Gabriel was her muse for coming out of her shyness a bit and pursuing her artistry with more confidence. In turn, she was Gabriel’s muse for finding his own source of true passion and happiness — even after his injury.
As always, the backdrop of Pacific Vista Ranch helps provide an enchanting place for people to fall in love!
These two already had a connection once, that’s why I love how they viewed their engagement as “fake”. Was Dylan emotionally overloaded and needing a release when they hooked up? Yes. But try as she might, she can’t get him out of her head. Funny! He thinks the same!
These two are passionate about their craft (her being an artist and him a soccer player) and that clearly shines through in their work as well as their desire for one another. I felt like perhaps Gabriel was her muse for coming out of her shyness a bit and pursuing her artistry with more confidence. In turn, she was Gabriel’s muse for finding his own source of true passion and happiness — even after his injury.
As always, the backdrop of Pacific Vista Ranch helps provide an enchanting place for people to fall in love!
April 5, 2025
A sweet, easy read, with a little steam.
Gabriel, a French football (soccer) player just got a record breaking deal to play with the LA Galaxy team. He’s excited to escape his father’s pressure to take over the family vineyard, and to play the sport he loves, and to reconnect with a one-night-stand from a year ago - Dylan.
Dylan is an artist who wants to get her shot at showing her paintings in galleries, she lives on her family ranch with two sisters, her father and a step-mom. They’re very close, and due to her dad’s former Hollywood directing career, have money, and unfortunately for Dylan, the spotlight sometimes. Dylan remembers Gabriel fondly too, and is excited to reconnect.
What start off as plans to meet up after his first then second games, turns into a rushed fake engagement after Gabriel’s knee is blown out during his match.
The deception on both their parts provides some stress but their chemistry and lust for each other is real.
It doesn’t dive very deep and is pretty superficial not getting angsty or anything. In the end the avoidance on Dylan’s part is pretty stupid but is resolved quickly. And then there’s an HEA.
Gabriel, a French football (soccer) player just got a record breaking deal to play with the LA Galaxy team. He’s excited to escape his father’s pressure to take over the family vineyard, and to play the sport he loves, and to reconnect with a one-night-stand from a year ago - Dylan.
Dylan is an artist who wants to get her shot at showing her paintings in galleries, she lives on her family ranch with two sisters, her father and a step-mom. They’re very close, and due to her dad’s former Hollywood directing career, have money, and unfortunately for Dylan, the spotlight sometimes. Dylan remembers Gabriel fondly too, and is excited to reconnect.
What start off as plans to meet up after his first then second games, turns into a rushed fake engagement after Gabriel’s knee is blown out during his match.
The deception on both their parts provides some stress but their chemistry and lust for each other is real.
It doesn’t dive very deep and is pretty superficial not getting angsty or anything. In the end the avoidance on Dylan’s part is pretty stupid but is resolved quickly. And then there’s an HEA.
May 27, 2020
I love this book I couldn’t put in down I love Dylan and Gabriel so much..they had a brief affair in Paris the year before .. Now in the US and Dylan about to go see Gabriel again after he sign a big contract with his new team. Then there a a accident that happen That may put end to his career and his that wants him in France . Him and Dylan has a hot and steamy chemistry.his mom come up with the idea to pretend to be engage ..will they be able to convince everyone and will it only be pretend or really fall in love ...I love all these characters ..I hope we get to read more of them this is a must read book.
March 22, 2021
Fake engagement or true love?
I loved this story, two strangers spend a steamy evening in Paris and a year later their paths cross again in California. For assorted reasons they decide to fake an engagement to benefit each of them but of course love blossoms. I enjoyed how the love, expectations, and pressure of family drive the story. I appreciated Gabriel’s desire to not follow tradition and Dylan’s wish to find success on her own terms. I thought their story was beautiful, I can’t wait to read more.
I loved this story, two strangers spend a steamy evening in Paris and a year later their paths cross again in California. For assorted reasons they decide to fake an engagement to benefit each of them but of course love blossoms. I enjoyed how the love, expectations, and pressure of family drive the story. I appreciated Gabriel’s desire to not follow tradition and Dylan’s wish to find success on her own terms. I thought their story was beautiful, I can’t wait to read more.
May 27, 2020
I loved this story from the beginning because even then you could see how much Dylan and Gabriel had a strong connection. Even though maybe he wanted more than she did for she was just trying to be an artist. As this story plays out it was very entertaining to read the interactions between these two. This book was well written which helped the follow of the story hold strong as it continued on. Loved every part of it.
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