What do you think?
Rate this book
Bachelors of Clear Creek #0.5
Fake Engagement Mistake
Paul agrees to a fake proposal with his friend's younger sister, Becca to appease her parents instead of sending her to college. As as teen, he often annoyed her, but now the five year age gap between them has changed how they see each other.
When Becca pushes for them to kiss to convince the locals that the relationship is real, she gets way more than she bargained for.
Prequel Novella to the Christian Romcom series set in Clear Creek County.
When Becca pushes for them to kiss to convince the locals that the relationship is real, she gets way more than she bargained for.
Prequel Novella to the Christian Romcom series set in Clear Creek County.
76 pages, ebook
First published June 1, 2021
142 people are currently reading
334 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Renee
29 books176 followersLisa Renee’s first full-time job was as a marketing manager at 19 years of age. From there, she learned the ins and outs of small business and went on to create three business start-ups, including developing her own brand of organic smoothies and lattes.
When Lisa got the writing bug, she switched gears and now loves coming up with swoon-worthy stories filled with awkward moments, adding love and laughter to every page of her romantic comedies.
When she's not writing, you can find her enjoying nature, hiking, snorkeling or with her running buddies, jogging the great outdoors of her home country, Australia.
When Lisa got the writing bug, she switched gears and now loves coming up with swoon-worthy stories filled with awkward moments, adding love and laughter to every page of her romantic comedies.
When she's not writing, you can find her enjoying nature, hiking, snorkeling or with her running buddies, jogging the great outdoors of her home country, Australia.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
January 6, 2026
Fake Engagement Mistake by Lisa Renee is a sweet, clean novella about Paul and Becca, who agree to a pretend engagement so Becca can appease her parents’ wishes instead of heading off to college, only to discover that their old annoyances and the five year age gap between them have softened into something unexpectedly tender and genuine as they navigate their small town’s expectations together. This story is a prequel to the Bachelors of Clear Creek series and blends light Christian romcom energy with heartfelt character moments.
Reading this felt like visiting with old friends during a summer evening full of laughter and honest confessions. Becca’s playful scheming to convince everyone that their fake engagement is real made me smile often, and Paul’s willingness to go along with it revealed a layer of care beneath his steady, composed exterior that I didn’t expect but genuinely enjoyed.
Their interactions, though brief given the novella’s short length, carried a warmth that made their growing closeness feel authentic and comforting. I especially appreciated how the story allowed both characters to reflect on who they are and what they truly want without rushing the emotional beats even in a compact narrative.
The faith elements are more like soft light guiding the story than overt preaching, and they added a lovely sense of hope and grounding to Becca and Paul’s journey. While I sometimes wished the novella had room for even deeper exploration of their connection, what is here is sincere, tender, and full of quiet joy that lingered with me after I finished.
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
This was a refreshing, feel‑good read with charming characters and a genuinely sweet fake engagement arc that made me root for them both. It’s perfect for a cozy afternoon when you want something light, uplifting, and emotionally satisfying.
Reading this felt like visiting with old friends during a summer evening full of laughter and honest confessions. Becca’s playful scheming to convince everyone that their fake engagement is real made me smile often, and Paul’s willingness to go along with it revealed a layer of care beneath his steady, composed exterior that I didn’t expect but genuinely enjoyed.
Their interactions, though brief given the novella’s short length, carried a warmth that made their growing closeness feel authentic and comforting. I especially appreciated how the story allowed both characters to reflect on who they are and what they truly want without rushing the emotional beats even in a compact narrative.
The faith elements are more like soft light guiding the story than overt preaching, and they added a lovely sense of hope and grounding to Becca and Paul’s journey. While I sometimes wished the novella had room for even deeper exploration of their connection, what is here is sincere, tender, and full of quiet joy that lingered with me after I finished.
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
This was a refreshing, feel‑good read with charming characters and a genuinely sweet fake engagement arc that made me root for them both. It’s perfect for a cozy afternoon when you want something light, uplifting, and emotionally satisfying.
January 20, 2022
This was super cute and I liked the author's writing style. I wish it had been a little longer with maybe a bit more of the "dating" going on before the characters wrapped things up with a happily-ever-after. However, for a novella, it had a good, solid start for the characters since they were friends and Paul was even Becca's older brother's best friend. So these two knew each other. The build up of the attraction was definitely realistic feeling, I just wish it had built up for a bit longer. This was a very fun story.
I listened to the audio book version of this novella and really enjoyed the narrator. Perfect voice for the story.
I listened to the audio book version of this novella and really enjoyed the narrator. Perfect voice for the story.
October 16, 2024
This was cringeworthy sweet! I really enjoy the friends to lovers trope and the fake engagement scenario.
The characters each have their own personal dilemma which requires them to agree to a fake engagement. These reasons are relatable for some people and therefore, allows readers to easily connect with them.
This novella is a quick and easy read (only 74 pages) and it truly melts your heart.
I managed to get this novella for free during the December 2023 Stuff Your Kindle Day and don’t regret it one bit!
Cheesy but super cute! 🥰
The characters each have their own personal dilemma which requires them to agree to a fake engagement. These reasons are relatable for some people and therefore, allows readers to easily connect with them.
This novella is a quick and easy read (only 74 pages) and it truly melts your heart.
I managed to get this novella for free during the December 2023 Stuff Your Kindle Day and don’t regret it one bit!
Cheesy but super cute! 🥰
August 21, 2021
Novellas aren't usually my thing. Usually because there isn't any backstory with the characters. I did like that there was backstory to these characters and it wasn't a just met and fell in love instantly situation.
My biggest issue with the books aren't huge. One thing, the author uses the word "irises" like three times instead of just saying eyes. Which was weird. Then, when Becca has her hand on Paul's chest instead of just saying something about his chest being firm or hard under her hand, it said, "She tried not to notice how hard his pecks were." I literally LOL on the use of "pecks". It just seemed way too corny.
Otherwise, cute story and I do like the authors writing style so I will probably give one of her full length novels a read!
My biggest issue with the books aren't huge. One thing, the author uses the word "irises" like three times instead of just saying eyes. Which was weird. Then, when Becca has her hand on Paul's chest instead of just saying something about his chest being firm or hard under her hand, it said, "She tried not to notice how hard his pecks were." I literally LOL on the use of "pecks". It just seemed way too corny.
Otherwise, cute story and I do like the authors writing style so I will probably give one of her full length novels a read!
September 6, 2022
This was a cute little love story. It was short, sweet and to the point. No frills. Becca is happy with her life, but her parents think she needs a "grown-up job". Paul leads a very serious life. He is a very successful accountant who is the polar opposite of Becca. Becca is also the "little sister" of Paul's best friend. When Becca comes up the wild scheme of "pretending" they are dating, Paul agrees. You can guess where this is going, but that is what makes this story and this book fun to read. What is wrong with reading about happily ever after? As a reader, I enjoy reading something happy for a change. If you want to read a sweet romance and have a little time, you will enjoy this one.
March 17, 2022
This is a sweet short story by Lisa Renee. It’s the first book I have read by this author, and it left me wanting to read more.
Becca wants to stay working in the outdoors, but her parents want her to go to college. She and her bothers best friend Paul come up with an idea for a fake engagement. I really felt for Becca as I know what its like to have a parent want you to do something different to what you want. Becca also wants to please her parents and struggles with confrontations and the feeling of disappointing them. I love how the story goes from a fake relationship to both questioning their feelings. Good way to start the box set.
Becca wants to stay working in the outdoors, but her parents want her to go to college. She and her bothers best friend Paul come up with an idea for a fake engagement. I really felt for Becca as I know what its like to have a parent want you to do something different to what you want. Becca also wants to please her parents and struggles with confrontations and the feeling of disappointing them. I love how the story goes from a fake relationship to both questioning their feelings. Good way to start the box set.
March 23, 2025
Finally Acknowledging the Inevitable -
This was such a great clean slow build romance about two people who had feelings for each other, but lacked the confidence to admit it. Even though the chemistry between Becca and Paul shone through the pages an£ was evident to everyone around them, they seemed to be oblivious. However, I had fun reading how they bumbled around what to do and when to do it, especially fumbling around kissing, but the part I enjoyed the most was the heartwarming moment in the snow at the end of the story. This is a feel good romance that you will definitely enjoy reading as much as I did.
I received a copy of this book free and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was such a great clean slow build romance about two people who had feelings for each other, but lacked the confidence to admit it. Even though the chemistry between Becca and Paul shone through the pages an£ was evident to everyone around them, they seemed to be oblivious. However, I had fun reading how they bumbled around what to do and when to do it, especially fumbling around kissing, but the part I enjoyed the most was the heartwarming moment in the snow at the end of the story. This is a feel good romance that you will definitely enjoy reading as much as I did.
I received a copy of this book free and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 28, 2025
This is part of the Bachelors of Clear Creek series. It says this book is #0.5 which to me means a prequel but then in the contents it shows it as Volume 1 so is it really book 1 or is it a prequel? Honestly, it probably doesn’t really matter.
I liked the book and I liked the characters. The one thing I didn’t like was the fact she was 23. I don’t care about the 5 year age gap but at 28 he’s got a thriving business and she seems so young. I mean, she couldn’t even tell her mom and dad she didn’t want to go to college but she’s ok with her crazy plan to get engaged? - and rather quickly at that. Other than that, I really enjoyed the story.
I liked the book and I liked the characters. The one thing I didn’t like was the fact she was 23. I don’t care about the 5 year age gap but at 28 he’s got a thriving business and she seems so young. I mean, she couldn’t even tell her mom and dad she didn’t want to go to college but she’s ok with her crazy plan to get engaged? - and rather quickly at that. Other than that, I really enjoyed the story.
October 5, 2022
This was a cute, adorable story to read.
It flowed smoothly and the characters were delightful to get to know.
It was one of those books that could be read in one day.
Lisa Renee is a sweet author who I'm just getting to know. Her books are lovely to read.
They will touch your heart and give you sweet things to think about.
If you want a light, fun, quirky, and all-around simply enjoyable book to read this is one you might want to pick up.
I genuinely recommend this book.
I was given this book by the publisher and in no way did it influences my review, all opinions are my own.
It flowed smoothly and the characters were delightful to get to know.
It was one of those books that could be read in one day.
Lisa Renee is a sweet author who I'm just getting to know. Her books are lovely to read.
They will touch your heart and give you sweet things to think about.
If you want a light, fun, quirky, and all-around simply enjoyable book to read this is one you might want to pick up.
I genuinely recommend this book.
I was given this book by the publisher and in no way did it influences my review, all opinions are my own.
February 8, 2023
Anytime a girl pretends to be in a relationship, I want to warn her that she WILL develop deep feelings for the guy, but hey, fictional characters don't listen to me. (Go figure. My kids don't half the time, either.) Yet Lisa still had a bunch of great, unpredictable moments and places where I wanted to laugh (okay, did laugh) at the awkward situations they got themselves into. It was a great, enjoyable read.
July 4, 2021
This is a very cute story. Becca's parents want her to go to college, but she didn't want to leave her job in Clear Creek County. Paul's parents were after him to get married, which he wasn't really ready for. They devised a plan that would make both sets of parents happy.
I received an ARC, and this is my honest opinion.
I received an ARC, and this is my honest opinion.
October 18, 2021
This was a sweet novella. The progression of the relationship seemed very quick and at one point I thought I had accidentally skipped further along in the book because I thought I had missed some of the building blocks of the relationship. Overall, I really enjoy the writer’s style and would certainly love to read her full-length novels.
January 22, 2022
I listened to this book and found it enjoyable. It is a short read/listen and does not have details on all the characters but does give a description for the main characters. Will a fake engagement be the best for both parties. Please read or listen to the book. I do not believe you will be disappointed. I did receive a copy and am giving my honest review.
March 12, 2022
A solid story with a lot to like. No false advertising, and it is clear right from the start what motivates two Christians to embark on this "fake engagement". I liked the way both romantic leads were honest with themselves, and the way they navigated the situations that arose was both realistic and satisfying.
May 4, 2022
Short and great fun, this romcom story was really enjoyable!
The story dives right into the action with Beca and Paul agreeing to fake date. However, the fake may not be so fake after all!!
Enjoyed this as Christian values are mentioned along with showing that honesty is definitely the best policy!
Highly recommended!
The story dives right into the action with Beca and Paul agreeing to fake date. However, the fake may not be so fake after all!!
Enjoyed this as Christian values are mentioned along with showing that honesty is definitely the best policy!
Highly recommended!
October 6, 2022
Cute but needs more
Could be fleshed out a little more. The characters are nice enough but forgettable. I wanted to know more about Paul and his family, Rebecca's brother Tommy and her bestie, Sarah. I knew the story was short, but the lack of details left you without a fulfilling story. I liked the premise and enjoyed that it was clean and sweet.
Could be fleshed out a little more. The characters are nice enough but forgettable. I wanted to know more about Paul and his family, Rebecca's brother Tommy and her bestie, Sarah. I knew the story was short, but the lack of details left you without a fulfilling story. I liked the premise and enjoyed that it was clean and sweet.
February 28, 2023
Awesome book this is a new author to me. I can't wait to read more books by this wonderful author. You well fall in love with the characters. Once you start to read the book you won't be able to stop reading the book. To learn more about this author (Lisa Renee) please check out her Newsletter and you can find her on Facebook as well.
September 11, 2025
Very short and very disappointing story about a girl who is looking for a way to not go to college. She proposes fake dating and breaking up after the college deadline is past. It doesn't give me any warm feelings even after the ending. Just disappointed that I wasted time to read this unsatisfying story that had potential.
September 5, 2021
Fake Engagement
Sounds like a time when a fellow employee and I told our boss we were pregnant as an April fool's joke and the joke ended on both of us. We were pregnant and didn't know it.
Sounds like a time when a fellow employee and I told our boss we were pregnant as an April fool's joke and the joke ended on both of us. We were pregnant and didn't know it.
May 21, 2022
In order to get parents off their backs about the future, long-time friends decide to fake a relationship. She was always his ‘kid sister’ since he was best friends with her older brother. It worked – or did it?
First time reading this author but I look forward to more.
First time reading this author but I look forward to more.
February 22, 2024
Quick and easy read
I like these short readers because I don't always have a lot of time to read. When it is short, I can keep the story line in my mind.
Lisa has done a wonderful job writing this and making it come to life.
I like these short readers because I don't always have a lot of time to read. When it is short, I can keep the story line in my mind.
Lisa has done a wonderful job writing this and making it come to life.
April 19, 2024
A fun read
Trying to please your parents isn't always easy as these two discover. However in the attempt they discover that in pleasing their parents they are actually getting exactly what they want! A fun read.
Trying to please your parents isn't always easy as these two discover. However in the attempt they discover that in pleasing their parents they are actually getting exactly what they want! A fun read.
August 5, 2025
Clean Standalone Rom-com Interconnected Series HEA
This is the prequel of sorts to an interconnected series. It can be read as a standalone but some of the characters will appear in other books.
BIg brother's best friend
Fake to real
This is the prequel of sorts to an interconnected series. It can be read as a standalone but some of the characters will appear in other books.
BIg brother's best friend
Fake to real
June 13, 2021
Adorable. Good friends make the best friends. And som fall into love too. A great story in store for you reader
June 29, 2021
Sweet Romcom about a girl who doesn't want to go to college despite her parents' wishes. Good story, fun read
August 25, 2021
Loved this cute quick read novella! Great fake engagement turned not so fake. Just bought the next in the series.
July 16, 2022
Great romance
This was a great clean, short romance. I love how they both started with feelings for each other without the other knowing.
This was a great clean, short romance. I love how they both started with feelings for each other without the other knowing.
July 18, 2022
A short but fun read. Really like the Christian values and standards. Enjoyed it.
July 22, 2022
The writing was very rough but I enjoyed the scene where Paul was asking permission. It is unusual to have a love interest so mature.
September 14, 2022
This is a fun, clean, sweet read. Romance and friendship go hand in hand.
This is a forbidden second chance type romance.
All's good in the end.
This is a forbidden second chance type romance.
All's good in the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews