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Fake Engagement Collection #1
Something Old
Emilie Carter never wants to return to Danvers, Massachusetts, but when her childhood home needs to be sorted for sale, she’s forced to tie up loose ends. Her hopes to abandon all ties to the place fails when she’s roped into being a bridesmaid for her ex-best friend and Emilie’s high school sweetheart. No big deal, right?
Wrong.
Dean Wright has worked hard to make a name for himself and continue his father’s fishing business. After years of feeling empty, enter long-time crush, Emilie. When she needs a date for a wedding to show her ex she’s moved on, he takes it a step further by proposing a fake engagement. Her presence stirs up old feelings, and Dean is determined not to let her go this time.
Wrong.
Dean Wright has worked hard to make a name for himself and continue his father’s fishing business. After years of feeling empty, enter long-time crush, Emilie. When she needs a date for a wedding to show her ex she’s moved on, he takes it a step further by proposing a fake engagement. Her presence stirs up old feelings, and Dean is determined not to let her go this time.
- GenresClean Romance
255 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 20, 2020
28 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
About the author
Jenny Rabe
27 books109 followersAfter going on over 150 first dates, Jenny has a a wealth of dating experience. She lives with her husband and three kids near the mountains, drawing inspiration from the constant ups and downs of relationships. When she's not writing clean, swoony romances, she's following some other dream to make a difference in the world.
Check out her inspirational romances under the penname of June B. Anderson.
Check out her inspirational romances under the penname of June B. Anderson.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
April 7, 2021
Content: clean romance
This book might be closer to 3.5 stars. I really enjoyed the authors writing. The story flowed well and was sweet and romantic. My problem was I didn’t really connect with the main characters Emilie and Dean. Emilie was really hurt her senior year in high school. Her mother died, her boyfriend broke up with her and started dating her best friend. A lot happened and she was still hung up over it. I understand that and I really tried to have patience with it. However they way she treated Dean just kind of pulled the story down for me. He almost felt like a doormat. He did EVERYTHING for her and he was always there for her but it felt very one sided. Then when he did make a mistake she just lost it on him. And he did make a couple of mistakes but to me her mistakes were much worse. Yes he dated her ex best friend. YEARS ago, after Emilie just up and left. How can that be so big a deal to her? It’s not relevant to their relationship so why did she blow it so out of proportion. His thoughts sum it up nicely
“The back-and-forth from her and her topsy-turvy actions and reactions over the last couple of weeks emotionally and mentally drained him. Hadn’t he proved himself time and time again? For heaven’s sake, he was on her side. Everything he did was for Emilie. But he deserved some happiness, too. With her. So why was she so hot one moment and cold the next? He wasn’t perfect. Far from it. But he was a good guy, and he loved her.”
So even though I enjoyed the writing I just did t fall in love with the main characters.
This book might be closer to 3.5 stars. I really enjoyed the authors writing. The story flowed well and was sweet and romantic. My problem was I didn’t really connect with the main characters Emilie and Dean. Emilie was really hurt her senior year in high school. Her mother died, her boyfriend broke up with her and started dating her best friend. A lot happened and she was still hung up over it. I understand that and I really tried to have patience with it. However they way she treated Dean just kind of pulled the story down for me. He almost felt like a doormat. He did EVERYTHING for her and he was always there for her but it felt very one sided. Then when he did make a mistake she just lost it on him. And he did make a couple of mistakes but to me her mistakes were much worse. Yes he dated her ex best friend. YEARS ago, after Emilie just up and left. How can that be so big a deal to her? It’s not relevant to their relationship so why did she blow it so out of proportion. His thoughts sum it up nicely
“The back-and-forth from her and her topsy-turvy actions and reactions over the last couple of weeks emotionally and mentally drained him. Hadn’t he proved himself time and time again? For heaven’s sake, he was on her side. Everything he did was for Emilie. But he deserved some happiness, too. With her. So why was she so hot one moment and cold the next? He wasn’t perfect. Far from it. But he was a good guy, and he loved her.”
So even though I enjoyed the writing I just did t fall in love with the main characters.
December 28, 2021
This was like TORTURE but I liked it 😃 like these people were so immature but all wanted to get married, I was more interested in the other Main couple here I didn't like how they relationship ended and didn't like the epilogue and Finding out what happened to any of them, I wanted to know more about why Ava was the way she was even when she was toxic. The heroine here was insufferable and her doormat of fake boyfriend was too much, this author writes very determined heroes I like that even when I know they're immature but I suppose that there are a lot of men like that out there. Didn't care for the Main couple I was more interested in the drama with the other couple. I liked the drama when the hero was dating Ava I was like okay that's girlfriend code or whatever he was like throwing in the heroine's face everytime he had a chance how rude Ava was to the heroine meanwhile knowing he used to fucked her for two years!!! WTF?? 😂Hahaha I liked that conflict it was kind of like cheating but here it wasn't just that it felt like it in a way, must be because of the betrayal and the lies to cover things up and the fact that he wasn't such a good guy after all and he had a lot of chances to come clean and explained what happened to the heroine but TWO years!!! Hahaha😁😁😂😂🤣🤣 that's too much. I'm not over that to be honest I guess that's why I didn't like this one that much not the hero either it's just that I have this thing reading about cheating or betrayal and I guess I liked it here but still it's I'm not fine with it if it make any sense. I wouldn't have give him a pass but that's because I'm also immature and I'm a resentful bitter bitch so.
But I do like The pining for the Best friend trope so I take whatever I can get my hands of.
You know I woman writing from a guys perspective is usually more succesful than when I man writes from female perspective I can honestly see I man acting this way like his relationship with a woman he really didn't like just wanted to fuck in his mind was nothing and only lasted like a couple of times but in reality they were dating for two years
TWO YEARS!!!! Hahahaha, ridiculous 😂😂😂🤣
But I do like The pining for the Best friend trope so I take whatever I can get my hands of.
You know I woman writing from a guys perspective is usually more succesful than when I man writes from female perspective I can honestly see I man acting this way like his relationship with a woman he really didn't like just wanted to fuck in his mind was nothing and only lasted like a couple of times but in reality they were dating for two years
TWO YEARS!!!! Hahahaha, ridiculous 😂😂😂🤣
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2025
5 ⭐️
I am not a big romance reader, but Jenny Rabe is the queen of sweet (& clean) romances so I had to give this a read. I love Jenny’s writing, and I feel like I’m stepping into a Hallmark movie every time I pick up one of her books.
This book covers some difficult and heavy topics, but Jenny wrote this with grace and lots of consideration in a way that felt very mindful of the topics and how they impact the individuals experiencing these issues/their families and friends who are impacted by this.
The characters in this book felt very real, and I found myself stressed out for these characters as I was reading the book (in a good way haha). I was really rooting for them to have happy endings, and I feel like the book wrapped things up very well. I am hoping a character or two will be revisited later in the series to have a chance at more redemption, but we will see!
I am glad that I went ahead and ordered the next book in the series before finishing this one- I am excited to see how things unfold in the second book of the series as well.
Again- I want to note I am not a big romance reader, but I feel like Jenny Rabe books are always a safe, positive pick for me when I want a book I can depend on to brighten my day and not include any content I would feel uncomfortable reading in terms of overall content.
Potential spoilers ahead in the content review:
Content:
•mental health issues discussed
•schizophrenia, not taking meds, hallucinations/positive symptoms
•suicide/assumed suicide discussed
I am not a big romance reader, but Jenny Rabe is the queen of sweet (& clean) romances so I had to give this a read. I love Jenny’s writing, and I feel like I’m stepping into a Hallmark movie every time I pick up one of her books.
This book covers some difficult and heavy topics, but Jenny wrote this with grace and lots of consideration in a way that felt very mindful of the topics and how they impact the individuals experiencing these issues/their families and friends who are impacted by this.
The characters in this book felt very real, and I found myself stressed out for these characters as I was reading the book (in a good way haha). I was really rooting for them to have happy endings, and I feel like the book wrapped things up very well. I am hoping a character or two will be revisited later in the series to have a chance at more redemption, but we will see!
I am glad that I went ahead and ordered the next book in the series before finishing this one- I am excited to see how things unfold in the second book of the series as well.
Again- I want to note I am not a big romance reader, but I feel like Jenny Rabe books are always a safe, positive pick for me when I want a book I can depend on to brighten my day and not include any content I would feel uncomfortable reading in terms of overall content.
Potential spoilers ahead in the content review:
Content:
•mental health issues discussed
•schizophrenia, not taking meds, hallucinations/positive symptoms
•suicide/assumed suicide discussed
June 16, 2020
You’ll already know I don’t read enough romance, choosing instead to binge on feel good rom coms. So when this came up, a romance that was pure romance, as part of the Hungry Readers challenge, I eyed it with interest, seeing that actually it had everything I usually love in a book, with a will they won’t they, as well as having to convince people that our lead characters are married. Uh yes, totally in!!!
This is the story of Emilie and Dean. Both were best friends years back, and were separated when Emilie left their small town of Danvers (which was so vivid I felt I was right there!). Emilie is a dancer (swoon) and returns with talk of opening a dance studio but actually we realise that with her backstory comes secrets and little lies she has to tell, as she doesn’t intend on staying around (I loved that there were a select few she confided in).
I beyond enjoyed this book! From the fake pda’s that were too real, to dealing with Ava, a spoilt ex-friend, and Finn HER fiance, I inhaled the whole book, wondering if we could trust Ava OR Finn, how I felt about Dean, and at times Emilie, and wondering if there would be any weddings at the end of it all!!! Definitely a series I’ll be following with interest and a reminder that I need to broaden my reading horizons!
Rating: 4.5/5
This is the story of Emilie and Dean. Both were best friends years back, and were separated when Emilie left their small town of Danvers (which was so vivid I felt I was right there!). Emilie is a dancer (swoon) and returns with talk of opening a dance studio but actually we realise that with her backstory comes secrets and little lies she has to tell, as she doesn’t intend on staying around (I loved that there were a select few she confided in).
I beyond enjoyed this book! From the fake pda’s that were too real, to dealing with Ava, a spoilt ex-friend, and Finn HER fiance, I inhaled the whole book, wondering if we could trust Ava OR Finn, how I felt about Dean, and at times Emilie, and wondering if there would be any weddings at the end of it all!!! Definitely a series I’ll be following with interest and a reminder that I need to broaden my reading horizons!
Rating: 4.5/5
November 28, 2024
Author Jenny Rabe does not disappoint in the first of her Fake Engagement Collection. Female main character Emilie nervously returns to her hometown which she left when her mom lost her battle with mental illness. She fled leaving her home along with everything and everyone near and dear to her. she returns with plans to tie up some loose ends. What she does not plan on is a fake engagement to Dean, a close friend during her younger life in her hometown. They play this charade during the actual engagement leading up to the wedding of former best friend Ava and ex-boyfriend Finn. Playing this game seems to lure Emilie and Dean closer together than either had planned. Character development is believable and deeper than what is often written in some sweet romance novels. Jenny Rabe created a world in which I felt I was a part of, and I was rooting for this could-be-couple! This author's ability to create plausible conflict and resolution is always above par. I recommend this book and look forward to "Something New"!
June 2, 2020
Reading this book reminded me of painful memories from high school that I think I'd rather not relive. Friends who aren't really friends, guys that are cruel even if they don't mean to be, and relationships that are just dead end. Everything is made to be more dramatic than it needs to be and most of the time, years bring perspective and forgiveness.
Sometimes, though, the cuts run deep. I enjoyed reading this but still cringed at the parts that were painful. For example, don't hide things. Don't keep secrets. Don't trust people who have an ulterior motive.
This was a great story of maturity coming to an old friendship, friendship becoming more, forgiveness and healing pasts. I like how the personalities were developed through the story and I'm glad we have more sides to the story than just one.
Clean romance, worth reading and an interesting look back at the past. What would you change? What would happen if you ran into old friends from when you were a teenager?
Sometimes, though, the cuts run deep. I enjoyed reading this but still cringed at the parts that were painful. For example, don't hide things. Don't keep secrets. Don't trust people who have an ulterior motive.
This was a great story of maturity coming to an old friendship, friendship becoming more, forgiveness and healing pasts. I like how the personalities were developed through the story and I'm glad we have more sides to the story than just one.
Clean romance, worth reading and an interesting look back at the past. What would you change? What would happen if you ran into old friends from when you were a teenager?
April 9, 2020
-‘“Look, one of the reasons I moved back was to put my past to rest. I just want to feel at peace and get on with my life.”’-
Emilie just wants to move on with her life. She hopes to leave painful memories behind, to move forward. She’s not sure whether her future lies in her childhood home or whether she’s just going to renovate and move away again. Dean has been in love with Emilie for a long time and hopes she will decide to stay, despite the big secret he’s keeping about having had a relationship with Emilie’s nemesis, who is currently engaged to Emilie’s ex-boyfriend who broke her heart. To help protect her heart, Dean offers to act as her fake fiancé. Yikes! So many complications! It reminds me of the old tv show “Felicity” with all the various relationships intertwining.
A well-written, clean romance with depth of characters. I recommend it.
Emilie just wants to move on with her life. She hopes to leave painful memories behind, to move forward. She’s not sure whether her future lies in her childhood home or whether she’s just going to renovate and move away again. Dean has been in love with Emilie for a long time and hopes she will decide to stay, despite the big secret he’s keeping about having had a relationship with Emilie’s nemesis, who is currently engaged to Emilie’s ex-boyfriend who broke her heart. To help protect her heart, Dean offers to act as her fake fiancé. Yikes! So many complications! It reminds me of the old tv show “Felicity” with all the various relationships intertwining.
A well-written, clean romance with depth of characters. I recommend it.
April 21, 2020
I really enjoy a clean good romance novel. I am particular about the romance novels I read. They have to be clean, relatable, realistic, with real human flaws type of characters . "Something Old" had all that for me. Even the book cover is beautifully done.
I was immediately drawn into the story and couldn't put the book down. The relationship between Emilie and Dean was real and heartwarming. There was a beautiful attraction between them that was presented tastefully.
I also absolutely loved how the author wove the characters past experiences and relationships into their present day character. It made the read intriguing and relatable.
I highly recommend this romance book. It had a great plot, relatable main characters as well as the secondary characters. I am eager to read the rest of the series.
I was immediately drawn into the story and couldn't put the book down. The relationship between Emilie and Dean was real and heartwarming. There was a beautiful attraction between them that was presented tastefully.
I also absolutely loved how the author wove the characters past experiences and relationships into their present day character. It made the read intriguing and relatable.
I highly recommend this romance book. It had a great plot, relatable main characters as well as the secondary characters. I am eager to read the rest of the series.
January 29, 2021
Loved the way it wrapped up
I really did not like Emilie (the leading lady) in the beginning. I liked Dean and was cheering for a Emilie to become more loveable. I felt Emilie was overly dramatic in some incidences even having gone through intense hardships. That said, she grew on me and became more bold (and less of a doormat). All this said, the characters did feel real. They stood out. I also got to the point toward the halfway point that I really didn’t want to put the book down. The book wasn’t my very favorite I have ever read but I really enjoyed it overall. This ultimately ended up being a really good sweet romance.
I really did not like Emilie (the leading lady) in the beginning. I liked Dean and was cheering for a Emilie to become more loveable. I felt Emilie was overly dramatic in some incidences even having gone through intense hardships. That said, she grew on me and became more bold (and less of a doormat). All this said, the characters did feel real. They stood out. I also got to the point toward the halfway point that I really didn’t want to put the book down. The book wasn’t my very favorite I have ever read but I really enjoyed it overall. This ultimately ended up being a really good sweet romance.
April 21, 2020
An absolutely wonderful book to begin a series! I found myself unable to put the book down. I always like a good clean, romance with no innuendos to anything more. Emilie and Dean’s relationship developed beautifully throughout the story and the other characters filled their roles nicely. I appreciated the maturity and sensitive way Ms. Rabe approached the topic of mental illness and the stigma attached to it, she did a good job with that aspect of the story.
Overall, very well written and I look forward to the next. Highly recommend...
Overall, very well written and I look forward to the next. Highly recommend...
April 21, 2020
Something Old is a well-written romance. The plot has lots of twists and turns. Dean and Emilie are likable and complex characters. One mark of a good book is if it engages the reader's emotions. This one most definitely did that for me. There were more than a few times that I wanted to reach into the book and slap the antagonist, and I'm not at all a violent person! This is a great friendship to romance and fake relationship story all in one.
I received a complimentary copy and also got a copy through KU.
I received a complimentary copy and also got a copy through KU.
May 16, 2020
Sometimes Old Friends are the best kind
This is a story of healing and redemption, oh and a fake engagement. This story was well written and our heroine was dealing with some difficult issues in her life. It's a good thing she has Dean. He is just what the doctor ordered. Together the two of them can overcome everything especially since the town thinks they are engaged. What happens next is heartwarming and healing.
This story is fun and light, but touches on some serious issues. There are a few surprises in store and it is a great summer read.
This is a story of healing and redemption, oh and a fake engagement. This story was well written and our heroine was dealing with some difficult issues in her life. It's a good thing she has Dean. He is just what the doctor ordered. Together the two of them can overcome everything especially since the town thinks they are engaged. What happens next is heartwarming and healing.
This story is fun and light, but touches on some serious issues. There are a few surprises in store and it is a great summer read.
June 3, 2020
Fake engagement, friend to lover, second chance romance
There was a lot going on in this story. There were times I didn't know who to trust or like. Emilie had a terrible time during her teenage years and it has haunted her. High school is bad enough. I can't imagine going through the things she did as well. This is a book about learning from your past and once Emilie is able to do that she is able to grow and become a wonderful strong woman. I loved Dean. He definitely made some mistakes, but he did so much right. He and Emilie definitely deserve a HEA.
There was a lot going on in this story. There were times I didn't know who to trust or like. Emilie had a terrible time during her teenage years and it has haunted her. High school is bad enough. I can't imagine going through the things she did as well. This is a book about learning from your past and once Emilie is able to do that she is able to grow and become a wonderful strong woman. I loved Dean. He definitely made some mistakes, but he did so much right. He and Emilie definitely deserve a HEA.
June 12, 2020
Just the type of book I really enjoy - clean romance with a happy ending! I enjoy reading about the rekindling of high school friends/relationships. This book flowed easily between the alternating viewpoint in the chapters. I really enjoyed the story of Emilie and Dean! I hope the best for Ava and thankful that Dean found someone he deserves (not just interested in him for his money). Can't wait to see what happens next!
Thank you to the author for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
Thank you to the author for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
July 18, 2020
This was an especially good story. It wasn't all fluff, though. There was heartache, misunderstandings, and previous friends who inflicted pain on others. This story brought out the difficulty of living with a mentally ill parent, the hurt of an ungrateful and scheming daughter, and the hidden love of a best friend. The book left me with a mix of feelings. This book didn't sugarcoat real life - it drew a picture of the good, the bad and the ugly, and showed that healing is possible.
May 3, 2025
This sweet fake engagement story was actually more than I expected! (in a good way!) Jenny Rabe created a beautiful love story with an AMAZING golden retriever MMC.
She also wrote the most aggravating villian I’ve ever read in a wholesome romance novel! As a woman I was sad for what happened to her but as a reader I was so happy to see her get what she honestly deserved!
I definitely recommend this story to anyone who loves a good sweet romance!!!
She also wrote the most aggravating villian I’ve ever read in a wholesome romance novel! As a woman I was sad for what happened to her but as a reader I was so happy to see her get what she honestly deserved!
I definitely recommend this story to anyone who loves a good sweet romance!!!
April 25, 2020
The moment the romance started between Dean and Emilie I was hooked. I read the book in a day and stayed up till midnight because I HAD to finish it. What a fun read to leave you with the feel good feels all over!
"To fix my dancing, I have to fix my heart." Favorite line, and totally true for many people.
"To fix my dancing, I have to fix my heart." Favorite line, and totally true for many people.
June 8, 2020
It’s hard to find a good clean romance book but “something old” definitely was that! Emilie and Deans story was so sweet and had you sitting on the edge of your seat! Good clean book with good language and clean book all around! I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a food romance book!
February 12, 2021
Emilie goes home to put her childhood home up for sale. Little did she know, she would find herself and make amends with her past. This book was a little hard to get into at first but after getting to know the characters I flew through the chapters. Can't wait to see what comes next in this series.
April 21, 2021
This was a sweet romance, and, for the most part, I enjoyed it. It was well-written and well-edited.
Faith was mentioned briefly a few times, but it wasn't much of a focus in this story.
I had some difficulty relating to the main character and felt she used her 'best friend,' the hero of the story. In the end, she sees his value, but I never developed much of a fondness for her.
This story deals with the effects of psychological disease (specifically schizophrenia) on families.
Faith was mentioned briefly a few times, but it wasn't much of a focus in this story.
I had some difficulty relating to the main character and felt she used her 'best friend,' the hero of the story. In the end, she sees his value, but I never developed much of a fondness for her.
This story deals with the effects of psychological disease (specifically schizophrenia) on families.
May 28, 2021
This was such a refreshing read after all the heavy, suspenseful and sometimes brutal mystery and suspense books I usually spend my time on. "Something Old" was light-hearted, fun and just a delight. Of course, I've always enjoyed fake engagement and fake marriage stories.
I believe this is the first Jenny Rabe that I've read, but no1 I'd like to check out more of her stories!
I believe this is the first Jenny Rabe that I've read, but no1 I'd like to check out more of her stories!
October 11, 2025
O Dean!! What a great book boyfriend. He never got over his first love, Emilie, even after she moved away from their hometown. She came back in town to take care of some unfinished business after her mom’s death and ended up in a pretend relationship with Dean. This kindled the buried flames of her love for him that leads to their HEA.
Want to read
April 20, 2020Loved this book!!! Realistic characters, fun plot line and a great read. Highly recommended!!! We all have ties to our home town, some with great memories, others not so much. There is something relatable for everyone in this book.
April 20, 2020
Emilie goes home to put her childhood home up for sale. Little did she know, she would find herself and make amends with her past. This book was a little hard to get into at first but after getting to know the characters I flew through the chapters. Can't wait to see what comes next in this series.
April 21, 2020
I picked up my phone to read a couple of chapters before bed, and before I knew it, I was halfway through and it was 1 am! I enjoyed the story, the characters were likable, and the pacing was good. It was a good easy read. <3
April 21, 2020
Love fake engagement stories and this one didn’t disappoint. The character development was on point and had me rooting for Emilie and at times wanting to shake her due to her kind heart. It’s a clean romance and a fast read
May 5, 2020
While not a unique story line, I appreciated the portrayal that just loving someone for a long time doesn't always mean its right. This would definitely be classified as a drama story - complete with a bridezilla - but Jenny kept it upbeat with humor and a great knight in shining armor.
June 13, 2020
Great characters! There are ones to love and ones not to love. Good romance with several bumps and hurdles. Love a good rekindled love! Would recommend!
Thanks to the author for an advanced copy. Thoughts and comments are my own and I voluntarily give my review.
Thanks to the author for an advanced copy. Thoughts and comments are my own and I voluntarily give my review.
February 19, 2021
Couldn’t put it down!!
Could not put this book down. From the second I started reading this enchanting story I was hooked. I had so much anticipation for what would come next and intrigued with all the ups and downs throughout. I can not wait to read the next.
Could not put this book down. From the second I started reading this enchanting story I was hooked. I had so much anticipation for what would come next and intrigued with all the ups and downs throughout. I can not wait to read the next.
November 28, 2025
Great Brain Candy
I met Jenny at a market recently and bought one of her books. After reading it in a day, I had to find some more to read. I love they’re well written, fun and clean romances.
I met Jenny at a market recently and bought one of her books. After reading it in a day, I had to find some more to read. I love they’re well written, fun and clean romances.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews