Marry Me

by Karen Stivali

When British drummer Ben Davis lost his childhood sweetheart, he was certain he’d never love again. He focuses on music as his band rises to stardom. A never-ending stream of groupies satisfies his needs until he meets intriguing clothing designer Julia Jones.Julia’s career rocketed from seamstress to up-and-coming designer for the A-list, but her personal life didn’t fare as well. Her last boyfriend crossed from controlling to violent and she vowed never to be in that position again.Sparks fly the instant Ben and Julia meet, but she resists his intoxicating charms, certain a celebrity romance will bring only trouble. But before long the heat between them becomes undeniable and she allows him into her bed and her heart.The more in love Ben falls, the more he fears losing her. When Julia’s life is endangered, Ben’s reaction terrifies her, forcing them both to confront their biggest fears if they want a chance at a future together.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Music, Erotica, Erotic Romance, Steamy

107 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2012

About the author

Karen Stivali is a prolific writer, compulsive baker, and chocoholic with a penchant for books, movies, and fictional British men.

Reviews

[KristenReviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

2 1/2 to 3 stars

Marry Me is a sweet stereotypical read with a formulaic prose, a cliched plot, and somewhat lackluster characters. The sex scenes were good but nothing out of the ordinary. The rock star hero was quite swoon-worthy but more along the lines of the cute boy-next-door than the typical bad boy rocker (although I'm not sure he was ever intended to be a bad boy).

Overall, Marry Me wasn't a book to write home about but still held my interest while reading. It was a sweet and somewhat sexy romance with a touch of angst. The ending was a bit abrupt but still made me smile.

[Pelusa Rivera · Rating 3 out of 5]

Received an ARC for my fair review for netgalley This was a really short book, more like a novella, than an actual book, in my opinion. We have two poor individuals who luckily have found each other after having suffered from past relationships, even though they were different situations. Ben is a drummer who lost his wife and unborn child and does not ever expect to love again, and then he meets Julia and is instantly attracted. Julia, unfortunately suffered from an abusive ex boyfriend, who is still bothering her, but she is also instantly attracted to Ben. When Ben meets Julia, he laughingly asks her to "Marry Me", and does this on multiple occasions, and one day she actually breaks down and accepts a date. While I accept that they have to move on and get to know each other, I found (again my opinion) it was sex, mere sex, instead of actually getting to know each other, the book could have been longer if that would have happened. Of course, we have the necessary misunderstanding, take place, and the resolve, I do, (again my opinion) feel the ending was rushed. I did enjoy the secondary character, and hope to read more development in this early relationship, still did enjoy, what was of it.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heard about this one from AnneOK (Thanks Anne!). Short quick read, not exactly a novella but wish it had been longer. Marry Me – absolutely, I’d marry Ben! Sweet, sexy story about a British drummer and a seamstress/clothing designer. Besides wanting it to be longer the only negative is the $5.00 price for only...say....150 pgs!?!?! Would love to read KS’s bk Long Distance Lovers to see if I like her writing style just as well, but dragging my feet a bit on the price.

[Stella · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully heartwarming and romantic story. With fluent writing and likable characters I enjoyed Marry Me a lot and will definitely check out Karen Stivali's other works!

[Doris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a nice surprise for me. I love rock romances and you get just that with Marry Me. It is a quick read that packed in some heartache along with some hot chemistry between Ben and Julia. Ben is the drummer in his band and he has had to deal with a lot of heartbreak in his life already so when clothes designer, Julia was working on his clothes for a photo shoot he did what every love starved rock star would do…he asked her to marry him. Julia always gave him the big shut down but after spending more time around each other they both felt something special was beginning to happen. Julia had some baggage from her past relationship that made trust a huge issue for her and trust was just what you would need for a rock star heading out on tour. There were a few nice surprises in here that keep me reading this book in one sitting.

Bottom line is if you love rock romance and need a quick read this is a book for you. This was my first time reading this author and I have to say that I would look forward to another book for one of the guys in the band.

[Tami · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice contemporary romance. Extremely fast read.

This review is based on the ARC provided by the author and/or the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Jenny E · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked it enough to finish it.

It *read* just like a Twilight fanfiction, which I could have read for free. $5 for this novella via Kindle (not even in print) seems a little pricey, IMO.

There were some big "Twilight formula" similarities here IMO, and if you like that you'll probably enjoy this book.

Cute, fluffy, total and complete fantasyland for women who have ever dreamt of having a popular drummer fall at their feet at love at first site.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Ben is hopelessly romantic and he definitely wears his heart on his sleeve when it comes to Julia."

Full review on Sensual Reads
http://sensualreads.com/?p=10060

[Heather in FL · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this halfway through, but then it ended on just an OK note.

Ben is the drummer in a hot band. Julia is the fashion designer who has been dressing him. They have a playful, flirtatious banter, but they both feel a spark between them. Julia is super cautious because her last boyfriend became controlling and beat her. Once. To her credit, she got away from him that first time and never looked back. But it's made her skittish. Ben married his high school sweetheart and lost her and their unborn child many years ago. He became a man whore after that -- he is a member of a hot touring band and had lots of offers that he indulged in. But once he met Julia, that all stopped.

So this is about Julia and Ben both learning to love again. But near the end, Ben does something that Julia feels is (a) controlling and (b) violent. And she runs, thinking this will turn out like her last relationship. She overreacted. Big time.

When I read the blurb, I thought the "controlling" bit was going to be a much bigger deal. Maybe because I've never had a boyfriend hit me, I can't possibly try to feel what Julia felt when she saw Ben lose control, but I don't think I'd cut him off entirely. Especially once I heard the story, I'd probably more understand why he lost control.

So anyway, it ended on an HEA, but I just felt like the conflict was completely blown out of proportion. I felt like it shouldn't have been as big of a deal as Julia apparently felt it was. It felt like her reaction was so unnaturally out of proportion to Ben's actions that it just didn't fit. But maybe that's just me.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Marry Me by Karen Stivali is a fast paced, quick and steamy read.

The main characters, Ben and Julia really fit together well. The chemistry between them is sizzling right from the start. "Marry Me" is what Ben has been saying to Julia for a long time now, and only in semi jest. Since the death of his wife he's never had more than a passing interest in another woman. Until Julia. Julia's last relationship ended in violence, and she's determined to avoid the whole relationship scene now. Both of them are career driven, and through their careers are together a lot. Soon they are spending more than work time together and the sparks are Hot! But when Ben comes to Julia's defense , Julia isn't sure after all if he's the kind of man she wants to be with.

I liked Ben and Julia and how they don't let their pasts over shadow their present. I could feel the attraction between them, the want and desire they had for each other. But I could also feel doubt and fear...especially Julia's. I liked that there wasn't a lot of unnecessary angst, and the only real conflict was when Ben's actions surprised Julia. I felt like this was handled well in the plot of Marry Me. Overall I enjoyed watching Ben and Julia come together and hoped they could make it work, because they just seem like they are meant to be together.

There is a lot of explicitness and sex in Marry Me. This fits somewhat with the chemistry these two characters have, but there is so much that it almost takes over and blurs the main story line of Ben and Julia.

I'd recommend Marry Me to romance readers who like things steamy hot!

[Simply Love Book Reviews]

Rhayne's review posted on Guilty Pleasures

4.5 Stars

I always think it’s a true testament of an author’s talent when they can not only tell, but make you visualize a complete story in a novella format. That is what happens every time I read Ms. Stivali. She has once again delivered a delicious, steamy, highly erotic romance that you have to devour in one sitting.

Ben and Julia have so much chemistry together. They give this book tons of spark. Their dialog is packed full of emotion no matter what is going on in the scene. It really helps to build a connection with their characters.

They are both carrying around a tremendous amount of baggage that stems from past relationships. They have fun and enjoy each other but neither one is sure that they will be able overcome their pasts. I liked how the plot line revolved around both of them and their issues. It wasn’t just an obstacle for one to work through, but both. It made their relationship seem more solid in the end.

If you’re looking for a romance book that is crammed full of scorching sex, lots of laughs, and a well balanced, believable plot this is a definite must read!

[Bette Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one! Ben Davis may be drummer for a rock band but he's not your typical bad boy rocker. He's suffered a tremendous loss in his life and to recover he threw himself into the music. While there has been many women, no one has tempted him until Julia. With her he can see himself once again having the life he's always wanted. Now he just has to convince her to give him a chance.

This is a quick, light, sexy read that is perfect for a lazy afternoon read. I highly recommend it.

[Radiant · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet,fast and easy read.
Ben is the famous rock star who lost his childhood sweetheart in an accident and when he likes his fashion designer Julia..he wants to try again his chance at love.
Julia though first resists quickly falls for him and they have a great time.
But their fear of pasts make them difficult to move on..can they overcome and rise in love?
Nice read!
Sri.

[Bryanna Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a sweet book. Ben is just lovely.

[ML · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice, easy read. Sweet and sexy. Loved Ben and Julia. No complaints on this one :)

[Sonya · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fast and entertaining read. The ending was a bit quick, almost rushed. Nonetheless likable.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet love story sem grandes dramas nem grandes artefactos lê-se num ápice e deixa-nos no final com um sorriso no rosto.

[Tori · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally post at SmexyBooks-http://smexybooks.com/2016/05/review-...

en Davis, a drummer in a famous British rock band, hasn’t been interested in anyone romantically since he lost his wife in an auto accident. His interest from that day on was in nothing but his music and random hook ups until he meets the band’s beautiful new clothing stylist.

Julia Jones gave up on men when her ex-boyfriend went from controlling to violent. A very talented clothing designer, Julia chooses to put all her focus on her career until she meets the very determined Ben Davis. Gorgeous and sweet, Julia is powerless to resist his charms.

Innocent flirting turns into hot steamy nights of passion with both parties falling hard and deep. But when an incident endangers Julia, Ben’s reaction sends Julia running away. Can Julia trust Ben will never hurt her? Or will she close her heart off to the one man who opened it back up?

Marry Me is a short, sweet, and sexy novella that brings two love shy individuals to their happily ever after. Ben is a total sweetheart-a bad boy rocker whose stage persona is nothing like the one woman man he really is. I didn’t connect with Julia as well as I did Ben. She gave off a lot of mixed singles which made it hard to see what she really wanted. Witty dialogue helps to build the connection between them; allowing readers to see their growing attraction.

The romance is pretty straightforward and to the point. It has a very strong scripted feel to it. Couple meet, hero pursues, heroine is indecisive, they finally meet in middle, sexy shenanigans commence, the requisite misunderstanding, heroine finally listens to her heart, all is forgiven, the end. I think I would have enjoyed it more had we been able to see some emotion infused scenes from their respective pasts or their memories of what happened. Instead we get some light narrative on it that doesn’t match some of the extreme reactions the characters have (especially Julia)

Nicely written sex scenes round out the story. Stivali doesn’t skimp on the details and I liked that both parties were fully invested and sexually adventurous. It’s two people making love; a steamy emotional blend of give and take. This was the strongest element in the book.

Stivali wraps it up pretty quickly with a predictable conflict which is solved with minor fanfare. Marry Me is a decent enough romance and good for a quick pick me up but nothing I would write home about.

Grade: C

[Cocktails and Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love when two characters, who seem like they can't get over their past, find the right person to help them put the past behind them. That's exactly what we get in Marry Me.

Ben is a drummer in a British rock band. Julia is a fashion designer who helps with their wardrobe. While they are both attracted to each other, it never went past innocent flirting and Ben's jokingly asking Julia to marry him. But their relationship begin changing when Julia finally agrees to have a casual dinner with Ben. From that night, their relationship starts to build and forces both Ben and Julia to take a look at their past hurts and decide whether they can leave everything in the past and move forward with the person that makes them truly happy.

I loved Ben. He's how I wish all rockers were: total stage persona but when he drops his drum sticks, he's a man who only has eyes for one woman and would do anything to ensure she felt protected and loved. Despite the fact that he had lived the past few years through one night stands, we can immediately see that those actions are not the true Ben, but one trying to mask his pain. When Julia entered the picture, he immediately knew that she was much more than a fling and went at her pace to try and ensure the relationship staying on solid ground. It's that effort that makes you love Ben, because he was willing to put Julia's wants and needs first and hoped doing so would ensure his own happiness.

Julia was understandably gun-shy with Ben. But she also put Ben in the same box as her ex, even though she knew they were nothing a like. It took quite a bit for Julia to finally realize what she was doing and then traipse three thousand miles to make sure Ben knew exactly how she felt. I had been on the fence about Julia until that point. Once she willingly looked at what she was doing, fessed up to it and rushed to make amends, she became the heroine I rooted for.

While a short, quick, read, it was very charming and sexy, with a couple you could get behind and cheer to the last page.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

First let me say that this is my least favorite trope. Hero/heroine loses love of their life and meets someone new. In most every book I've read the widower is a complete ass/bitch that treats the potential love interest like crap because they are fighting their feelings out of loyalty to their deceased spouse. It isn't my favorite read. But, I always try to read it especially from authors that I normally like. I've mostly always been disappointed by the predictable way the story goes.

So, what a completely happy and refreshing surprise to read "Marry Me". I LOVED this book. Ben lost his wife in a car accident and she was pregnant too. He is a famous drummer for a rock band. He does grieve her and then goes on to lead a life full of non fulfilling sexual encounters. Until he meets Julia. Julia has been the band's wardrobe consultant for three years. We find out through the course of the book that Ben has been asking Julia to marry him in all those three years - which is supposed to be joke. But we later find out that he has been in love with her since he first saw her. He doesn't fight his feelings. He believes he deserves to love again and believes his wife would have wanted that for him. Of course it takes 3 years to work from being Julia's friend to something more. Julia had an abusive ex - she is suffering emotional scars but allows herself to love Ben. Ben asking Julia to marry him at the most random times in the story was so frickin cute, romantic, funny. I loved it. Of course there is minor angst but its not drawn out at all and they of course get a HEA.

It is more of a novella since it is a fairly short book but so worth the read.

[Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted at: http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/201...


I always enjoy reading stories about two people who have been hurt and then find another person to mend both their heart and soul. Marry Me is that type of book and I enjoyed it from beginning to end.

Ms. Stavali created two characters who were perfect for one another. I loved the opening and how she delved into both their characters and some of their background in the first chapter. Who could not love Ben? He’s funny, handsome, and comes across as a perfect gentleman. Although you know why Julia is being guarded around Ben, you still want to give her a nudge and tell her this is the guy for you. And I felt myself cheering for both of them. The sex isn’t rushed which heightens the sexual tension in this story. The two slowly fall into bed and in love.

I especially liked the dialogue in this story. It was natural sounding and moved along this short story at the ideal pacing. By the time I got to the end of it I was surprised that it was only 83 pages. It seemed like it had been a full length novel. Not that it dragged at any part but the author did a wonderful job presenting a solid plot with these two well rounded characters.

If you’re still looking for a quick read while lounging on the deck or even taking with you on summer vacation, Marry Me is one I can recommend to you.

[Janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bad boy rock star and a clothing designer should make for an unlikely pairing, but together Ben and Julia make the perfect pair in this steamy romance.

Julia Jones wasn’t interested in a relationship after her last one ended in violence. She never expected the next man she fell for to be a drummer for a rock band known for having a different woman every night. But she fell for Ben Davis and she fell hard and fast.

Ben never expected to fall in love again after losing his wife and unborn baby in a tragic car accident. When he met Julia, he knew she was different from the women he had been meeting lately. She was the designer for the band’s stage costumes and he was spending a lot of time with her. The first time Ben joked around with Julia asking her to marry him. He had no idea he would soon become serious about wanting to marry her. He will do anything to make Julia his wife.

If a book could become an addiction, this one would be mine. I was not ready for it to end. I wanted more. I wish it was a full length novel. The story was very well written. The characters had a lot of depth to them and worked well together. The secondary characters made their appearance but didn’t overtake the story. It was the perfect balance.

[Marsha Keeper Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I enjoyed Marry Me very much, I’m left with the odd feeling that I would have loved it if there had been less sex and more story. Odd, I agree – yet I honestly found myself skimming over the sexy bits and wanting more of the development of Julia and Ben’s story. No, I’m not a prude and I enjoy erotica as much as the next woman, but it really got in the way of the story – for me. Both characters were wounded in different ways and each found their recovery in the other. Yet, Julia was the more wounded of the two and I really wanted to see her grow beyond what her former boyfriend had made part of her life now. And even in the ending, I just didn’t see that … and in the back of my mind I wonder if these two would survive as a couple a few years down the road.

If you are looking for a sexy, quick read that will definitely give you a good story, then Marry Me should be on your radar. The characters are strong and believable (up to a point), and the secondary characters add a lot to the overall story. It’s a good romance, so don’t hesitate to dive right into Julia and Ben’s romance. This was a 3.5 star read for me rounded up for Amazon and Goodreads.

[Shelagh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ben and Julia both have a second chance at love in this short, fast paced and sexy novella from Karen Stivali.
Ben, a drummer in a rock band, married his first love while still very young then lost her and their unborn child in a car crash. Since then he's been happy to play the field, having convinced himself that he'll never find anybody to fill the hole left in his heart. Sinfully sexy, he has been jokingly asking Julia to marry him since they first met.
Julia has escaped a violent relationship and is not keen to risk getting hurt again, but Ben is persistent, and seriously cute. When she finally weakens and lets him take her out for a burrito she finds it hard to keep her defences up.
These two are likeable characters and I found it easy to warm to them both. There's plenty of sex in the book so if that offends you, maybe steer clear of this one, though I found it was appropriate to the story and well written.
All in all, this has been a light fun book to read, perfect for winding down after a long day or relaxing with on a lazy afternoon.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, I'm a sucker for Brits, this is a well known fact and then to have one proposing marriage at some point is the icing on my cake. This was what originally drew my attention to the book and boy was it worth it. Ben is incredibly sweet and won me over from the first page. Julia is very honetly written character and I appreciated the inner conflicts she had without being too whiny or mousy. It was the right mixture of steam, cute and endearing, and believeable conflict. And how can I forget to include the words utterly hot when describing this story. Ms. Stivali sure knows how to write some good steam and she's got the British formula down pat so if her others are like this, she's just gained a fan in me! I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I look forward to reading more of hers.

[Nina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marry Me by Karen Stivali was such an entertaining story I did not want to part from Ben & Julia & did not want their story to end. What a fabulous, deliciously sexy, and sweet story Karen has penned. Ben and Julia were characters who were realistically written. Both of them were likeable & Ben was just utterly charming! *swoons* Their chemistry was explosive and you can't help but cheer for these two lovebirds. I devoured this book within a day because I could not part from my Kindle.

Karen had me captivated by her storytelling and her writing was flawless. With that said, I greatly enjoyed reading 'Marry Me' and this is a definite recommended read from me. It is a feel good romance & the perfect book to curl up to if you're looking for an entertaining, sweet, and super-sexy read!

[BookSnuggle · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Marry Me" by Karen Stivali is the story of British drummer Ben Davis and clothes designer Julia Jones.

Ben and Julia both have experienced different types of lose or hurts in their lifetimes. They both are afraid of getting hurt again. Julia is a seamstress for Ben's band. She is the first woman that he is really interested in since losing his childhood sweetheart. Can Ben convenience Julia to give them a chance at a relationship?

I really liked Ben and Julia's characters. But I felt that some of the scenes didn't flow as well as they could have. For me, at times the intimate scenes took away from the romance. Overall, I enjoyed the book.

I received a copy of this book from Tule Publishing for an honest review. FYI, contains mature content.

[CoffeeTimeRomance andMore · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very short, quick read with adequate character development; however, I felt the characters could have been developed further. I would have liked to read more about Ben’s reaction to his wife’s death and the downward spiral that was briefly touched upon in the book. On at least two occasions in the book the point of view changed from third person to first person which was a little confusing. Overall it was a good read, however I think it could have been better if it was longer. The end of the book also seemed very rushed and left many questions unanswered.
Heather
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More

Official Review @ Coffee Time Romance & More

[Trader (RedHotBlueReads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this. Marry Me is a nice romance, just perfect when you want a quick fluffy read. While some aspects of this story are typical of any romance, I have to say I was pleasantly surprised with the end, and this falling-in-love story met my expectations in that it gave me two characters I cared enough about to want them to be together at the end. The novella size is just right for this. It's a quick read that you can probably finish in an afternoon, and sometimes that's just what you are looking for. Marry Me was light, fluffy, easy on the mind, and sometimes that's just what you are looking for in a book.

[Laura D · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this quick read we meet Ben and Julia. Ben has loved and lost a lot and has no interest in love. Julia had a violent hubby to be and is man shy. When she does some alterations on Ben's clothes for his concert they share a spark. The playful banter begins. While flirting with Julia, Ben asks her to marry him. Of course she says "No", but she does accept his invitation to dinner. As they spend more time together they find themselves having a fling of the heart. Sometimes a fling can turn into the real deal without being noticed. Then Ben has a reaction that threatens his happiness with Julia. Sometimes you have to release the past to live in the present. Great read.