Staff Sergeant Austin Hall has a brilliant record in the Special Forces—except for one disastrous decision that cost his best friend’s life. Now he’s heading home to Chance Creek, Montana, where he’d like to spend the rest of his days in the obscurity of his family’s ranch. Too bad Great Aunt Heloise won’t hand the ranch over unless all four of the Hall brothers marry and one of them produces an … an heir within the year. Austin is too broken to marry for love, so he places an online ad for a fake wife. What could possibly go wrong?
Ella needs to leave Hollywood—fast. It’s bad enough another actress stole her fiancé—on national television. Now she’s ruined her comeback by decking her ex on a morning talk show. Pursued by paparazzi, Ella needs a new life, a new name and someplace to hide. When she reads Austin’s ad for a stand-in wife, she knows she can act this part perfectly. To the rest of the residents of Chance Creek, they’ll be a happily married couple. In private, they’ll just be roommates. In a year when she’d old news and the Hall brothers secure the ranch, she and Austin will quietly divorce and she’ll go on her way.
Or will she?
Austin’s already finding it hard to remember his promise never to love again. Ella’s finding it hard to keep her hands to herself. But when they’re asked make a back-up baby, Ella realizes she may have stepped into a lifetime role.
Can this pretend marriage go the distance?
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A sweet, intimate story!
Staff Sergeant Austin Hall is about to leave the army but he can’t leave behind his guilt for not having saved an army buddy during combat. The last thing he wants is a relationship with a woman, but terms of his still-living Great Aunt’s inheritance require him (and his brothers) to marry in what ends up being less than a year if they want to get the ranch that has been in the family for generations. Austin’s online ad for a wife differs from his brothers’, but whoever marries him has to accept his terms, some of which requires the fake marriage to last only one year, while appearing to be real. That suits Ella just fine—or so she thinks. Things keep getting more complicated, including her revised wishes for her future. A returning soldier’s transition into civilian life and how to heal a broken man makes this an interesting and original story. My only criticism that downgraded it a bit is that it drags on. I enjoyed the characters.
A wonderful story. A wonderful series. The Hall’s storyline keeps me interested from page 1 through to the end.
Hits close to home for me!
This is the 1st book I read by Cora Seton. I loved this book’s story line. I loved the dialogue in this story, it made me laugh. Some parts of this story was very touching. I loved the hot & steamy scenes. I loved Ella’s character. I loved Ella’s strength in this story. I loved Ella’s toughness in this story. I loved Austin’s character. My heart broke for Austin. I loved Richard’s character. I was happy & my heart broke for Richard. I didn’t like Anthony or Heather. I loved ending. Awesome job Ms. Seton.
This writer doesn’t disappoint.
Cute story. Kept me engaged and reading long into the night
A really good addition to the series. This book improved on the story set up in the first book.
More depth to the story. Some surprises.
Ella & Austin were good characters. I liked the inclusion of some of the people from the community.
Enjoyed the return of Mason & Regan from the first book. Can’t wait to see what happens when all 4 brothers reunite–an obstacle course run!
I thought it was a nice twist on the mail order trope to have the female character as a famous Hollywood actress. not the typical person answering a mail order ad.
and yeah…that “no sex” really didn’t last long did it? and for keeping their distance, there was a lot of sex in the book but not overwhelming to the story. Nor too graphic. And on an obstacle course-that was a new one. Clever!
While this is a light romance it touches on the real issue of military vets returning from war to civilian life. It’s a relevant issue that i thought the writer dealt w/very respectfully, while still in context to fit in w/the genre
Great story and characters. Loved this sexy sweet and joyful story.
Liked it. Will read others in the series
Thoroughly enjoyed this story
If it’s written by Cora Seton, it’s going to be a good read.
I really enjoyed the whole series. Each book is a stand alone, but I kept going with the series —- something I do not do very often.
Wonderful story and some great surprises. Wishing it didn’t have to end.
Terrific book!
A cora seaton success.
A complete page turner. I couldnt put it down. I’m thoroughly enjoying the series
Funny, steamy and sexy keep pulling you back to the end. The intertwine of characters to a series is intriguing.
Loved it
Loved this book. Couldn’t put the book down. Very romantic in a way – love at first site really does exist!