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Christmas Fake Fiancé Romance #1
Engaged in Mystery
Can two clashing agents survive gunshots, murderous millionaires, and dangerous covert snooping? Most importantly, will their own hearts betray them in the end?
Our Heroine: Erin Steele, FBI Agent. Alias: Cassandra Fairfax, oil heiress.
Her Partner: Braden Moretti, CIA Special Ops. Alias: Marcus Romero, Erin’s drop-dead gorgeous date with a talent for driving her crazy.
Where: A fancy Christmas party at the mansion of the wealthiest man in San Francisco.
Undercover Assignment: Fake Fabergé jewels selling for ten million bucks. A sting operation to take down the bad guys, of course . . . it’s all in a night’s work.
Biggest Blunder: An encounter under the mistletoe that goes horribly wrong . . . or perfectly right?
◆ Fall in love with Romantic Suspense that includes intrigue and danger - all wrapped up in a red Christmas bow!
◆ Included in this romance: Agent Erin Steele's special Christmas morning recipe and pictures of a stunning Faberge jewel!
Our Heroine: Erin Steele, FBI Agent. Alias: Cassandra Fairfax, oil heiress.
Her Partner: Braden Moretti, CIA Special Ops. Alias: Marcus Romero, Erin’s drop-dead gorgeous date with a talent for driving her crazy.
Where: A fancy Christmas party at the mansion of the wealthiest man in San Francisco.
Undercover Assignment: Fake Fabergé jewels selling for ten million bucks. A sting operation to take down the bad guys, of course . . . it’s all in a night’s work.
Biggest Blunder: An encounter under the mistletoe that goes horribly wrong . . . or perfectly right?
◆ Fall in love with Romantic Suspense that includes intrigue and danger - all wrapped up in a red Christmas bow!
◆ Included in this romance: Agent Erin Steele's special Christmas morning recipe and pictures of a stunning Faberge jewel!
140 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 30, 2020
369 people are currently reading
172 people want to read
About the author
Kimberley Montpetit
66 books390 followersKimberley 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).
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).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
December 3, 2020
This book was fabulous! I love a good fake fiance story and this one added in the fun of some suspense, secret agents, a Faberge egg, lots of sparks and chemistry, fun banter between the main characters, an elaborate Christmas party and much more.
There are several books in this Fake Fiance Christmas Romance series. All of them are stand alone novels and look like a lot of fun. I have read a couple and own several.
Erin and Braden were a fun couple to read about. Especially their first encounter. Talk about a little bit of mix-up and mistaken identity. Maybe a little face palm moment afterwards when Erin realizes what she's done. And definitely nothing like making a blunder like she did only to turn around and find out that you have to work with the person. Haha! I chuckled over her predicament.
It was fun to tag along with this duo while they were searching out the bad guys and trying to find the egg as well as pretend to be engaged. They weren't super comfortable with each other at first. And I don't blame them. I would probably feel the same way as Erin. But as the party progressed these two found their rhythm and were a fun team. Some unexpected things pop up that have them navigating their assignment differently than planned.
The chemistry between them was well written. I kept cheering them on. I loved the ending. Not wanting to spoil anything I won't say what happens. Just that they don't know each other for long but they do have a connection and I really liked how the author portrayed their relationship at the end of the book (and let's be honest here, throughout the whole book). *Swoon*
Content: Clean. Some kisses. Some moments of peril but nothing graphic.
My own personal copy.
Happy Reading!!!
There are several books in this Fake Fiance Christmas Romance series. All of them are stand alone novels and look like a lot of fun. I have read a couple and own several.
Erin and Braden were a fun couple to read about. Especially their first encounter. Talk about a little bit of mix-up and mistaken identity. Maybe a little face palm moment afterwards when Erin realizes what she's done. And definitely nothing like making a blunder like she did only to turn around and find out that you have to work with the person. Haha! I chuckled over her predicament.
It was fun to tag along with this duo while they were searching out the bad guys and trying to find the egg as well as pretend to be engaged. They weren't super comfortable with each other at first. And I don't blame them. I would probably feel the same way as Erin. But as the party progressed these two found their rhythm and were a fun team. Some unexpected things pop up that have them navigating their assignment differently than planned.
The chemistry between them was well written. I kept cheering them on. I loved the ending. Not wanting to spoil anything I won't say what happens. Just that they don't know each other for long but they do have a connection and I really liked how the author portrayed their relationship at the end of the book (and let's be honest here, throughout the whole book). *Swoon*
Content: Clean. Some kisses. Some moments of peril but nothing graphic.
My own personal copy.
Happy Reading!!!
May 24, 2022
1st reading : 23rd May 2022
Rating : 3 out of 5
- 14th book in the month of May 2022
- 129th book in 2022 reading challenge
Rating : 3 out of 5
- 14th book in the month of May 2022
- 129th book in 2022 reading challenge
January 15, 2021
Her Secret Agent Fake Fiancé is a sassy, suspenseful romance. Erin and Braden are masters of snarky dialog! I had a lot of fun reading this fast paced con of the con men! The story grabbed me on page one and a few hours later I had finished this book. If you are looking for an escape from your routine, this book will be perfect. I loved all the details about the Faberge eggs!
December 21, 2021
DNF 15%
I know I probably didn’t give this book enough time but I just didn’t want too. There are too many Christmas books out there for me to spend time reading a book that cause me to roll my eyes so many times in the first 15%. The character Erin, I mean wow. She just jumps to all these conclusions so quickly I got whiplash. She automatically pins this guy as arrogant and cocky
She let out a disbelieving laugh. “You’re a piece of work.” Inwardly, Erin thought the man had an ego the size of the Golden Gate Bridge. Maybe the entire Bay Area peninsula.
By this point he had said maybe 4 full sentences and neither his actions or words have been condescending or arrogant in anyway. This just makes her look insecure and judgmental
I know I probably didn’t give this book enough time but I just didn’t want too. There are too many Christmas books out there for me to spend time reading a book that cause me to roll my eyes so many times in the first 15%. The character Erin, I mean wow. She just jumps to all these conclusions so quickly I got whiplash. She automatically pins this guy as arrogant and cocky
She let out a disbelieving laugh. “You’re a piece of work.” Inwardly, Erin thought the man had an ego the size of the Golden Gate Bridge. Maybe the entire Bay Area peninsula.
By this point he had said maybe 4 full sentences and neither his actions or words have been condescending or arrogant in anyway. This just makes her look insecure and judgmental
July 8, 2021
Cute story
This was a cute story. I liked the storyline. I also liked the little bit of romance.
Unfortunately, I really couldn’t stand Erin. She was such a brat at the beginning, and for like the first half of the book. The whole elevator scene made me want to slap her.I wanted to smack her like several times. Her snottiness at the beginning made me want to delete the book. Once I got about halfway through she improved, but she was still way too paranoid and bratty about being a fake fiancé. It was annoying. It was also a little frustrating that one really good kiss and all of a sudden she was his forever and he was hers forever. It was a little too fast.
But all in all the story was pretty good.
This was a cute story. I liked the storyline. I also liked the little bit of romance.
Unfortunately, I really couldn’t stand Erin. She was such a brat at the beginning, and for like the first half of the book. The whole elevator scene made me want to slap her.I wanted to smack her like several times. Her snottiness at the beginning made me want to delete the book. Once I got about halfway through she improved, but she was still way too paranoid and bratty about being a fake fiancé. It was annoying. It was also a little frustrating that one really good kiss and all of a sudden she was his forever and he was hers forever. It was a little too fast.
But all in all the story was pretty good.
July 22, 2021
I enjoyed this book. I found the idea of including a real art piece interesting. Erin seemed a little immature in the beginning, but she quickly stole the page as she showed her talents and humor. I always love a fake relationship trope. Erin and Braden were entertaining and smart as the story played out.
February 14, 2021
To quote a Trump. "You're fired!"
I am writing my review as I read the book only because already it is going to be silly. You can tell Erin is unprofessional and very immature. I am sorry. Could not finish. So so fake and silly. Her attitude needs an adjustment. Geez.
I am writing my review as I read the book only because already it is going to be silly. You can tell Erin is unprofessional and very immature. I am sorry. Could not finish. So so fake and silly. Her attitude needs an adjustment. Geez.
December 6, 2020
Loved it. Read it in one sitting and would happily read it again. Definitely recommend it.
July 1, 2023
Her Secret Agent Fake Fiancé was my first book by Kimberley Montpetit but it won't be my last. I really enjoyed her mix of Romantic Suspense, and the sparks surely fly between Erin and Braden, who work for the FBI and CIA respectively. It was fun getting to see these two opposites attract and try to work together on a mission involving a valuable Russian piece of art. It was interesting to me that while most of the timeline of the story happened within a couple of days, the development of their relationship still didn't feel rushed, thanks to all the action, high stakes, and suspense (though it also felt like it was over too soon, maybe that's because this was a novella). There are also some sizzling kisses between them, which are also the perfect balance to all the mystery going on. I did miss having Braden's POV, but the confession of love towards the end made up for it.
The narrator was great with her performance, giving each character a distinct voice. It may have taken me a couple of minutes to get used to Braden's but other than that, the experience was seamless, and she nailed pretty much every emotion.
Overall, a great Romantic Suspense between two law enforcement officers working undercover together. There's a HEA of sorts since they end up together, but there are also a few threads left unresolved, so I'll be sure to pick up the next one in the series. :) ~ 4.5 stars
The narrator was great with her performance, giving each character a distinct voice. It may have taken me a couple of minutes to get used to Braden's but other than that, the experience was seamless, and she nailed pretty much every emotion.
Overall, a great Romantic Suspense between two law enforcement officers working undercover together. There's a HEA of sorts since they end up together, but there are also a few threads left unresolved, so I'll be sure to pick up the next one in the series. :) ~ 4.5 stars
December 27, 2021
This is actually book 2 in this series. I didn't read the first one but I wasn't lost while reading this one. Erin is an FBI agent and her boyfriend is CIA agent, Braden. They met last year during an undercover operation. They are both disguised for a meeting about another undercover operation. They are given fake names but this time Erin is given another CIA agent to pose as her fiance. Luc is handsome and very attentive to Erin and tells her that he's falling for her. This is confusing her feelings of animosity towards him. She still loves Braden but is having mixed feelings about Luc. Someone is planning on stealing antique King Tut artifacts from the house where they are staying. They are to figure out who and when and try to stop it. There are many twists and turns in this story. I liked it and there's some action at the end. My only problem is that it ends abruptly with no indication that there may be another book coming. Otherwise, this is a good suspense book. I was given a free copy by the author and I'm leaving my honest review.
March 29, 2023
An undercover assignment at a big Christmas party in the San Francisco area is the perfect setting for a fast-paced romantic suspense. I listened to this one on audio and loved the exciting narration.
Erin and Braden are working together in a sting operation and I loved the give and take of their interactions. While there is an obvious attraction, these two seem to always be at odds, fighting and arguing their way through this assignment, sending off sparks from all the angles.
The history of the Faberge eggs, combined with a fake relationship with plenty of danger and intrigue had me hooked from the first page to the last.
I would recommend this one to readers/listeners who love a clean romantic suspense.
Content: mild romance; mild elements of intrigue and danger
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
Erin and Braden are working together in a sting operation and I loved the give and take of their interactions. While there is an obvious attraction, these two seem to always be at odds, fighting and arguing their way through this assignment, sending off sparks from all the angles.
The history of the Faberge eggs, combined with a fake relationship with plenty of danger and intrigue had me hooked from the first page to the last.
I would recommend this one to readers/listeners who love a clean romantic suspense.
Content: mild romance; mild elements of intrigue and danger
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
December 26, 2021
WHAT IT'S ABOUT
Can two clashing agents survive gunshots, murderous millionaires, and dangerous covert snooping? Most importantly, will their own hearts betray them in the end?
MY TAKE
This was a fun story about agents from two different organizations having to pose as an engaged couple to go undercover in a sting operation. They met before their official meeting and didn't hit it off. This story is full of fantasies of getting to dress up all beautiful and fancy while going to a party with a hot guy to mix with the wealthy. It also includes some fun information about Fabergé eggs and their history.
it's a case of insta-love but the the ending is a happily for now, so they'll have time to see if their connection is more than physical.
4 1/2 stars
Can two clashing agents survive gunshots, murderous millionaires, and dangerous covert snooping? Most importantly, will their own hearts betray them in the end?
MY TAKE
This was a fun story about agents from two different organizations having to pose as an engaged couple to go undercover in a sting operation. They met before their official meeting and didn't hit it off. This story is full of fantasies of getting to dress up all beautiful and fancy while going to a party with a hot guy to mix with the wealthy. It also includes some fun information about Fabergé eggs and their history.
it's a case of insta-love but the the ending is a happily for now, so they'll have time to see if their connection is more than physical.
4 1/2 stars
January 4, 2022
Even fiction has to have an element of believability in it. This story doesn't. The characters, especially the heroine(?) are beyond inept. She's not even likable, though it's hard to tell because she's not really developed very well. And while I don't have a problem with instalove, give us some real passion! This story feels like a cross between 'Young Adult' and 'Christian Romance' where nothing really happens in either. Unless we want to include the 'foodie' aspect. Every other paragraph has the heroine(?) eating something. She must weigh in at 300+ pounds. To sum up this story; cheesy, unbelievable drivel. Thankfully it was short.
March 29, 2022
A potentially exciting story line
But it didn't quite reach expectations. For one, the female mc was not convincing. From the opening sentence, she was whiney, argumentative, and insubordinate with superiors. Pretty sure a real FBI agent wouldn't have talked to her boss that way. The whole scene at the salon was cringey. And for all the talk about Braden being observant, he didn't notice the guards had guns? A quick read, which is what saved it. Way too cheesy and cliche for my taste. Totally predictable and unvelievable.
But it didn't quite reach expectations. For one, the female mc was not convincing. From the opening sentence, she was whiney, argumentative, and insubordinate with superiors. Pretty sure a real FBI agent wouldn't have talked to her boss that way. The whole scene at the salon was cringey. And for all the talk about Braden being observant, he didn't notice the guards had guns? A quick read, which is what saved it. Way too cheesy and cliche for my taste. Totally predictable and unvelievable.
May 9, 2022
Underwhelming….
Although I really enjoyed the premise and the history, after having read multitudes of FBI/CIA books, I found this book to be almost nonsensical. Agents are trained in their discretion. Even if it was her first undercover assignment, she might have been nervous, but she wouldn’t have acted like a teenager with a grudge. I’m going to read the next in the series, as I do enjoy the premise and got caught by the bait in the end of this book, but I really hope the character development is more realistic.
Although I really enjoyed the premise and the history, after having read multitudes of FBI/CIA books, I found this book to be almost nonsensical. Agents are trained in their discretion. Even if it was her first undercover assignment, she might have been nervous, but she wouldn’t have acted like a teenager with a grudge. I’m going to read the next in the series, as I do enjoy the premise and got caught by the bait in the end of this book, but I really hope the character development is more realistic.
April 18, 2023
Erin Steele, FBI and Braden Moretti, CIA end up together on a mission. Erin must play Braden's fiance at a society Christmas event in a home in New York.
Erin is very prickly toward Braden at first. This wasn't the way I thought a trained FBI agent would act. I understand and share the author's moral standards, but in the audiobook it made Erin come off as a witch.
The action was pretty interesting as was the thought process Erin went through to solve the mystery surrounding the Faberge egg.
The narrator was good.
Erin is very prickly toward Braden at first. This wasn't the way I thought a trained FBI agent would act. I understand and share the author's moral standards, but in the audiobook it made Erin come off as a witch.
The action was pretty interesting as was the thought process Erin went through to solve the mystery surrounding the Faberge egg.
The narrator was good.
January 14, 2022
Fake Fiance
Erin meets an overly confident handsome man in the elevator. She is quite annoyed with him. Later her boss informs her that he will be her fake fiance for a Christmas party.
As Erin and Braden work to uncover the stolen art, they must learn to depend on each other.
Fun book with suspense and mystery.
Erin meets an overly confident handsome man in the elevator. She is quite annoyed with him. Later her boss informs her that he will be her fake fiance for a Christmas party.
As Erin and Braden work to uncover the stolen art, they must learn to depend on each other.
Fun book with suspense and mystery.
January 15, 2022
As I got this book as a freebie and had only a few days left with KU, I read the second one first. I didn't know that it is a continuation. But it wasn't a big problem...
I liked the book. It's a cute romance with little action. Sure, they are FBI and CIA agents 😉 Art isn't my cup of tea, but this Farbagé egg (The Winter Egg) is really beautiful.
I liked the book. It's a cute romance with little action. Sure, they are FBI and CIA agents 😉 Art isn't my cup of tea, but this Farbagé egg (The Winter Egg) is really beautiful.
February 23, 2023
I loved Erin & Braden's story! Their first meeting was hilariously well done, and their interactions only got better as the story continued. Mrs. Montpetit's descriptions of the San Francisco bay area make you feel like you're there. The ending was hilarious & I laughed out loud many times. The Fabergé egg was gorgeous & I loved seeing pictures of it.
February 24, 2023
This was a fun undercover romance. I was a bit worried with how poorly our heroine kept her cover, but I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I really liked the Russian faberge egg angle. I loved watching an animated Anastasia movie when younger so this was right up my alley. The mystery of a missing sister was mentioned, but no further clues or info was given, which was surprising.
November 18, 2024
A Fun Read
Loved the MCs and the way they interacted! Such a fun book! I enjoyed the action and the pacing was spot on. It’s a clean read and reminds me of some portions of Indiana Jones movies and Romancing the Stone. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for an action packed sweet romance.
Loved the MCs and the way they interacted! Such a fun book! I enjoyed the action and the pacing was spot on. It’s a clean read and reminds me of some portions of Indiana Jones movies and Romancing the Stone. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for an action packed sweet romance.
December 10, 2020
Review of Her Secret Agent Fake Fiance
I absolutely loved this book and I will recommend her books to anyone who loves romance novels. I have read almost all of her books. She is a wonderful writer.
I absolutely loved this book and I will recommend her books to anyone who loves romance novels. I have read almost all of her books. She is a wonderful writer.
January 8, 2021
Quick, suspenseful novella
This book had a little of everything in it. There was suspense, romance, and a little about history. I enjoyed the chemistry between Erin and Braden and the plot line.
This book had a little of everything in it. There was suspense, romance, and a little about history. I enjoyed the chemistry between Erin and Braden and the plot line.
July 18, 2021
Fake forever
I love Ms. Montpetit 's exciting and romantic stories of strong men and even stronger women! Action and romance, misunderstanding and miscommunication are just the tip of the iceberg in her wonderful books!
I love Ms. Montpetit 's exciting and romantic stories of strong men and even stronger women! Action and romance, misunderstanding and miscommunication are just the tip of the iceberg in her wonderful books!
December 22, 2021
Hilarious
FBI meets CIA for a job posing as millionaire engaged couple. While solving the puzzle of the job, their banter and one liners had me laughing out loud. Good suspense and likeable characters.
FBI meets CIA for a job posing as millionaire engaged couple. While solving the puzzle of the job, their banter and one liners had me laughing out loud. Good suspense and likeable characters.
January 31, 2022
Her secret Agent fake fiance
A good read for people who are into the series recommended highly a good read but quick shaping up to be a enjoyable series must read the next one of the series
A good read for people who are into the series recommended highly a good read but quick shaping up to be a enjoyable series must read the next one of the series
November 28, 2022
What a sweet and enjoyable story. Started reading then couldn't put the book down. The characters turn out to be absolutely adorable. Would have liked to see a better ending. Enjoying the story and then it abruptly ends. Only my feeling, but you be the judge.
January 9, 2023
I enjoy this book very much the story line is great the book is clean with a little mystery suspense and lots of romance fast pace easy to read and grab my attention from the beginning I recommend it to anyone.
February 21, 2023
A very sweet book
Going undercover for the 1st time is not on Agent Steels vision board but her boss sends her anyway. She is partnered by an CIA agent and they got off on the wrong foot.
Going undercover for the 1st time is not on Agent Steels vision board but her boss sends her anyway. She is partnered by an CIA agent and they got off on the wrong foot.
April 18, 2023
Can Erin and Braden work together in a dangerous mission petending to be engaged when they've just met? Fighting bad people and the sparks between then to acomplish their goal. good audiobook with a good narrator, Elizabeth Walker make the story more intense
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews