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Game for It #1
Game for Marriage
A sexy category romance from Entangled's Brazen imprint...
He’s going in deep to make her his…
Struggling artist Sheridan Harper never imagined she’d spend a sizzling night with Jared Quinn, the smoking-hot star quarterback of her local professional football team, the San Jose Hawks. And she’s even more shocked when Jared’s publicist offers her a proposition: a fake marriage to keep Jared out of the gossip mags. Being that close to Jared would be too tempting, so to protect her heart, she insists on secretly including a clause forbidding sex between them.
Jared just wants to keep his starting QB job and keep it in San Jose. His reputation as a ladies’ man has landed him in the headlines one too many times, but there’s something about his kind, passionate new wife that tempts him beyond reason. Any sort of intimacy between them is completely forbidden, but as their bodies fall in deep, will their hearts follow suit?
He’s going in deep to make her his…
Struggling artist Sheridan Harper never imagined she’d spend a sizzling night with Jared Quinn, the smoking-hot star quarterback of her local professional football team, the San Jose Hawks. And she’s even more shocked when Jared’s publicist offers her a proposition: a fake marriage to keep Jared out of the gossip mags. Being that close to Jared would be too tempting, so to protect her heart, she insists on secretly including a clause forbidding sex between them.
Jared just wants to keep his starting QB job and keep it in San Jose. His reputation as a ladies’ man has landed him in the headlines one too many times, but there’s something about his kind, passionate new wife that tempts him beyond reason. Any sort of intimacy between them is completely forbidden, but as their bodies fall in deep, will their hearts follow suit?
170 pages, ebook
First published January 11, 2013
250 people are currently reading
5574 people want to read
About the author
Karen Erickson
98 books1,436 followersUSA Today bestselling author Karen Erickson lives in central California with her family. Being a romance writer and bringing her characters to life is her greatest dream come true.
She also writes as NYT & USA Today bestselling author Monica Murphy.
Sign up for Karen's newsletter!
https://www.karenerickson.com/newsletter
She also writes as NYT & USA Today bestselling author Monica Murphy.
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https://www.karenerickson.com/newsletter
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January 27, 2015
FREE on Amazon US today (1/26/2015)
BLURB:
A sexy category romance from Entangled's Brazen imprint...
He’s going in deep to make her his…
Struggling artist Sheridan Harper never imagined she’d spend a sizzling night with Jared Quinn, the smoking-hot star quarterback of her local professional football team, the San Jose Hawks. And she’s even more shocked when Jared’s publicist offers her a proposition: a fake marriage to keep Jared out of the gossip mags. Being that close to Jared would be too tempting, so to protect her heart, she insists on secretly including a clause forbidding sex between them.
Jared just wants to keep his starting QB job and keep it in San Jose. His reputation as a ladies’ man has landed him in the headlines one too many times, but there’s something about his kind, passionate new wife that tempts him beyond reason. Any sort of intimacy between them is completely forbidden, but as their bodies fall in deep, will their hearts follow suit?
http://www.amazon.com/Game-Marriage-E...
November 3, 2013
Are you tired of all the angst normally contained in every romance book? Coming off a drama filled read that still makes your head hurt? Are you looking for sweet and spice and everything nice? Well look no further because Game For Marriage is the book for you!
Sheridan, meets Jared, the hunky and famous quarterback at her gallery during an event. He is absolute hotness and too difficult forme Sheridan to resist:
His hair was rich brown, tinged with gold, and a tad overgrown so it waved at the nape. Movie-star handsome with the rabid female fans to confirm it, he was a major reason women watched football.
There’s immediate attraction and she ends up spending a passionate night with him. Unbeknownst to her, Jared is in need of a fix for his reputation. He was set up to look like a home wrecker by a rival team member, and unfortunately, the tabloids ran with the story putting Jared's career on the line. Sheridan is the perfect solution. She’s a beautiful artist, constantly working with charities, and a long-time local fixture. She has just what Jared is looking for: stability and family appeal. Not to mention they have off the charts chemistry.
Sheridan is in a fix as well, struggling to keep her art studio afloat. She reluctantly agrees to a fake marriage to Jared in order to keep her family studio in business. Sheridan realizes that that she is in danger of falling hard for Jared so she has a “no-sex” clause put in the contract so she might keep some space between her heart and a painful break.
The concept of this story was a bit like fantasy for me, but it made for some nice tension filled scenes:
”I know. You’re my wife Sheridan.” He leaned in, as close as he could get to her, his lips brushing against the delicate skin of her ear. “And I’m ready to make a bet I could seduce you with words alone.” A little shudder moved through her.
I’ve heard rumors that this sort of thing (a fake marriage) does happen in the entertainment world, for reasons I can’t even fathom, but not in my boring life. I say, who cares? Whether it’s realistic or not, I sure had fun reading this! There was just the right amount of witty banter, sweet gestures, and spicy goodness to make for a satisfying read. Did I mention the spicy?!! Karen Erickson definitely knows how write a scene that gets your heart racing!
I can’t wait to read the next in this series! I’m thinking we’ll get Nick and Willow’s story? That sounds like all kinds of fun.
Sheridan, meets Jared, the hunky and famous quarterback at her gallery during an event. He is absolute hotness and too difficult for
His hair was rich brown, tinged with gold, and a tad overgrown so it waved at the nape. Movie-star handsome with the rabid female fans to confirm it, he was a major reason women watched football.
There’s immediate attraction and she ends up spending a passionate night with him. Unbeknownst to her, Jared is in need of a fix for his reputation. He was set up to look like a home wrecker by a rival team member, and unfortunately, the tabloids ran with the story putting Jared's career on the line. Sheridan is the perfect solution. She’s a beautiful artist, constantly working with charities, and a long-time local fixture. She has just what Jared is looking for: stability and family appeal. Not to mention they have off the charts chemistry.
Sheridan is in a fix as well, struggling to keep her art studio afloat. She reluctantly agrees to a fake marriage to Jared in order to keep her family studio in business. Sheridan realizes that that she is in danger of falling hard for Jared so she has a “no-sex” clause put in the contract so she might keep some space between her heart and a painful break.
The concept of this story was a bit like fantasy for me, but it made for some nice tension filled scenes:
”I know. You’re my wife Sheridan.” He leaned in, as close as he could get to her, his lips brushing against the delicate skin of her ear. “And I’m ready to make a bet I could seduce you with words alone.” A little shudder moved through her.
I’ve heard rumors that this sort of thing (a fake marriage) does happen in the entertainment world, for reasons I can’t even fathom, but not in my boring life. I say, who cares? Whether it’s realistic or not, I sure had fun reading this! There was just the right amount of witty banter, sweet gestures, and spicy goodness to make for a satisfying read. Did I mention the spicy?!! Karen Erickson definitely knows how write a scene that gets your heart racing!
I can’t wait to read the next in this series! I’m thinking we’ll get Nick and Willow’s story? That sounds like all kinds of fun.
June 21, 2016
4 Sexy Stars.
After an unexpected and crazy night with the hot and famous NFL player Jared, Sheridan thought it would be a one-time thing. But when his publicist, in an attempt to clean Jared’s public image, makes her an insane proposition, she can’t say no. After all, she’s struggling with an art studio that she has every intention to keep. They have to pretend to be a happily married couple for one year and then they’ll part their ways. But when things between Jared and Sheridan start to feel too real and their agreement starts to look like a real marriage, lines start to blur and contracts are bound to be broken.
Sometimes, when I need a quick pick me up book, I always end up choosing one of these Brazen’s books. Not very long, sexy and sweet they are just the perfect distraction. This one was no exception.
Well written, really steamy, with a likable couple, not much angst and just enough drama to keep me interested through the whole reading, this book was the perfect afternoon distraction.
If you need a pick-me-up, this is definitely a good choice.
Rating: 4 Stars.
Steam: Hot.
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
After an unexpected and crazy night with the hot and famous NFL player Jared, Sheridan thought it would be a one-time thing. But when his publicist, in an attempt to clean Jared’s public image, makes her an insane proposition, she can’t say no. After all, she’s struggling with an art studio that she has every intention to keep. They have to pretend to be a happily married couple for one year and then they’ll part their ways. But when things between Jared and Sheridan start to feel too real and their agreement starts to look like a real marriage, lines start to blur and contracts are bound to be broken.
Sometimes, when I need a quick pick me up book, I always end up choosing one of these Brazen’s books. Not very long, sexy and sweet they are just the perfect distraction. This one was no exception.
Well written, really steamy, with a likable couple, not much angst and just enough drama to keep me interested through the whole reading, this book was the perfect afternoon distraction.
If you need a pick-me-up, this is definitely a good choice.
Rating: 4 Stars.
Steam: Hot.
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
January 23, 2015
Quick read. Freebie! Not much to say about it really. I dip into these Brazen books now and again. Usually lighter than my usual reads. Liked both characters.
August 6, 2013
4 stars
Little did Sheridan know, that one brief date changed her life forever. Can you picture it, a powerhouse panty dropping superstar football player making a risky play to clean up is far from perfect public image???.... No ?!? Okay, well here he is
Jared meets a classical beauty, an artist by her own right, and for the brief amount of time they spend together he throws his plan away, to have one night with this woman who looks at him as if he is like any other man … crazy right !?! who could ever look at this god and think normal ??? need another reminder, okay here he is again
After one night, he decides Sheridan is the one he wants for the job, with her he can clean up his image and keep everyone happy. It also doesn’t hurt that she needs him as much as he needs her, not wanting to give up her only link to her Grandmother, Sheridan has no choice but to say "Yes" to this crazy proposal. Knowing how sensitive her heart is she includes a “No Sex clause “ in their contract, thinking that her mind, body and heart would be protected from this muscled god.
How could I seriously not love this book with my imagination running wild, it made me just imagine this fine specimen being naughty, sweet and loveable. Sheridan may have been scared but she was exactly what this superstar needed. I can’t wait for Willow and Nicks story next, those two were secretly delicious.
"Once upon a time, my children, I went on a brief date with a very famous, Super Bowl– winning football player. It was magical. And boy, the man could kiss, though that’s another story for another time…"
Little did Sheridan know, that one brief date changed her life forever. Can you picture it, a powerhouse panty dropping superstar football player making a risky play to clean up is far from perfect public image???.... No ?!? Okay, well here he is
"The man was some sort of miracle orgasm fairy, delivering them with shocking ease."
Jared meets a classical beauty, an artist by her own right, and for the brief amount of time they spend together he throws his plan away, to have one night with this woman who looks at him as if he is like any other man … crazy right !?! who could ever look at this god and think normal ??? need another reminder, okay here he is again
“I want you, Sheridan,” he whispered near her ear. “I want to fuck you until you can’t walk. I want to hear you moan my name when you come, like you did that night in the motel room. I want to lick that swollen little clit of yours until you scream and pull my hair and beg me to stop.”
After one night, he decides Sheridan is the one he wants for the job, with her he can clean up his image and keep everyone happy. It also doesn’t hurt that she needs him as much as he needs her, not wanting to give up her only link to her Grandmother, Sheridan has no choice but to say "Yes" to this crazy proposal. Knowing how sensitive her heart is she includes a “No Sex clause “ in their contract, thinking that her mind, body and heart would be protected from this muscled god.
"The Mighty Jared Quinn was a fucking superstar. His star might be a little tarnished, but she was just the right amount of shine to make him bright again."
How could I seriously not love this book with my imagination running wild, it made me just imagine this fine specimen being naughty, sweet and loveable. Sheridan may have been scared but she was exactly what this superstar needed. I can’t wait for Willow and Nicks story next, those two were secretly delicious.
January 24, 2015
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
Game for Marriage by Karen Erickson
Book One of the Game For It series
Publisher: Brazen
Publication Date: January 11, 2013
Rating: 4 stars
Source: Copy from Amazon
***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***
Summary (from Goodreads):
He’s going in deep to make her his…
Struggling artist Sheridan Harper never imagined she’d spend a sizzling night with Jared Quinn, the smoking-hot star quarterback of her local professional football team, the San Jose Hawks. And she’s even more shocked when Jared’s publicist offers her a proposition: a fake marriage to keep Jared out of the gossip mags. Being that close to Jared would be too tempting, so to protect her heart, she insists on secretly including a clause forbidding sex between them.
Jared just wants to keep his starting QB job and keep it in San Jose. His reputation as a ladies’ man has landed him in the headlines one too many times, but there’s something about his kind, passionate new wife that tempts him beyond reason. Any sort of intimacy between them is completely forbidden, but as their bodies fall in deep, will their hearts follow suit?
What I Liked:
YAY for more Brazen novels! I was planning on reading a different book for today's review, but I was in the mood for a super steamy romance novel. Brazen books rarely let me down. I liked Erickson's Game for Trouble, which is book two of this series. It was interesting how I read the second book - Willow's story - before this one. I was like, I recognize the names Willow and Nick... so some of the characters were already familiar. I liked this book even more than I liked Game for Trouble!
Jared's reputation is slowly deteriorating, thanks to several ill-timed photos and false rumors. As a star NFL quarterback, he has talent, but the new owner of the team wants him to clean up his act. When he meets Sheridan at a fair, the team's publicist dreams up a perfect solution to Jared's problems. Sheridan and Jared could get married, live as a married couple for a while, and Jared's reputation would be secured - and Sheridan would have plenty of money to bail her business out of the red. A perfect, tantalizing, steamy arrangement...
This book starts off sizzling and picks up steam (all puns intended hehe). Jared and Sheridan meet, and the chemistry sparks between them immediately. They can't keep their hands off each other, and one things leads to another, and the same night, they've gotten seriously intimate. The next day, Jared's publicist (and Jared) paid Sheridan a visit at her studio, and make her the offer. Jared feels so bad, but somehow, Sheridan agrees. They get married, she moves into his giant home, and that's that. Oh, but wait, there's a catch - Sheridan asked her lawyer to sneak in a no-sex clause for the duration of the marriage, and Jared has to agree. But the two of them have really hot chemistry, so you and I both know that line is going to be toed. And possibly some.
I love the banter and tension between Jared and Sheridan. The no-sex clause doesn't stop Jared from teasing Sheridan, and doesn't stop Sheridan from wanting to take back the clause. The foreplay is alive and sizzling throughout the book, until things happen. Because you know they will. Erickson definitely knows how to build a steamy romance, and keep the romance alive after the characters come alive and come together.
I liked Sheridan a lot. I feel like I could identify with her - she's quiet and a bit shy and sometimes lost in her head. But she's not a naive dreamer - she has ambitions and dreams, and works hard for what she has. But she's also bold when pushed, and Jared definitely pushes her.
I liked Jared a lot too. He's a very dedicated football player. I really like that passion towards anything, but it really comes out in a man and his sport. Apparently that's totally my type (driven athlete), but hey, they're usually in FANTASTIC shape. Exhibit A (Jared)! But he's more than a hot body and pretty face - he's sweet and caring and diligent.
The story is lovely to read, even though I'm not usually a fan of the stories built on deception (a fake marriage). I like how Erickson constructs Jared and Sheridan's story, showing readers the characters, their passions, their relationship. Erickson handles the climax and ending very well, in my opinion. It's not extravagant or too cliche, in my opinion, and even involves the sports plot. I'm quite pleased with this romance novel!
What I Did Not Like:
I have no immediate complaints! It's a four-star read for me, but there was nothing that really stuck out to me that I didn't like.
Would I Recommend It:
To all romance lovers that want a steamy romance, smart and witty character, and the ever-important HEA, definitely go for Erickson's novels. This is an excellent start to a great series. I wish I had read this one first, but I like that I read the first two books in the series out of order.
Rating:
4 stars -> more like 4.5 stars. I might read the third novel in the series - Foley wasn't a favorite character of mine, but he was definitely an interesting one. Plus I love Erickson's romance novels!
Game for Marriage by Karen Erickson
Book One of the Game For It series
Publisher: Brazen
Publication Date: January 11, 2013
Rating: 4 stars
Source: Copy from Amazon
***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***
Summary (from Goodreads):
He’s going in deep to make her his…
Struggling artist Sheridan Harper never imagined she’d spend a sizzling night with Jared Quinn, the smoking-hot star quarterback of her local professional football team, the San Jose Hawks. And she’s even more shocked when Jared’s publicist offers her a proposition: a fake marriage to keep Jared out of the gossip mags. Being that close to Jared would be too tempting, so to protect her heart, she insists on secretly including a clause forbidding sex between them.
Jared just wants to keep his starting QB job and keep it in San Jose. His reputation as a ladies’ man has landed him in the headlines one too many times, but there’s something about his kind, passionate new wife that tempts him beyond reason. Any sort of intimacy between them is completely forbidden, but as their bodies fall in deep, will their hearts follow suit?
What I Liked:
YAY for more Brazen novels! I was planning on reading a different book for today's review, but I was in the mood for a super steamy romance novel. Brazen books rarely let me down. I liked Erickson's Game for Trouble, which is book two of this series. It was interesting how I read the second book - Willow's story - before this one. I was like, I recognize the names Willow and Nick... so some of the characters were already familiar. I liked this book even more than I liked Game for Trouble!
Jared's reputation is slowly deteriorating, thanks to several ill-timed photos and false rumors. As a star NFL quarterback, he has talent, but the new owner of the team wants him to clean up his act. When he meets Sheridan at a fair, the team's publicist dreams up a perfect solution to Jared's problems. Sheridan and Jared could get married, live as a married couple for a while, and Jared's reputation would be secured - and Sheridan would have plenty of money to bail her business out of the red. A perfect, tantalizing, steamy arrangement...
This book starts off sizzling and picks up steam (all puns intended hehe). Jared and Sheridan meet, and the chemistry sparks between them immediately. They can't keep their hands off each other, and one things leads to another, and the same night, they've gotten seriously intimate. The next day, Jared's publicist (and Jared) paid Sheridan a visit at her studio, and make her the offer. Jared feels so bad, but somehow, Sheridan agrees. They get married, she moves into his giant home, and that's that. Oh, but wait, there's a catch - Sheridan asked her lawyer to sneak in a no-sex clause for the duration of the marriage, and Jared has to agree. But the two of them have really hot chemistry, so you and I both know that line is going to be toed. And possibly some.
I love the banter and tension between Jared and Sheridan. The no-sex clause doesn't stop Jared from teasing Sheridan, and doesn't stop Sheridan from wanting to take back the clause. The foreplay is alive and sizzling throughout the book, until things happen. Because you know they will. Erickson definitely knows how to build a steamy romance, and keep the romance alive after the characters come alive and come together.
I liked Sheridan a lot. I feel like I could identify with her - she's quiet and a bit shy and sometimes lost in her head. But she's not a naive dreamer - she has ambitions and dreams, and works hard for what she has. But she's also bold when pushed, and Jared definitely pushes her.
I liked Jared a lot too. He's a very dedicated football player. I really like that passion towards anything, but it really comes out in a man and his sport. Apparently that's totally my type (driven athlete), but hey, they're usually in FANTASTIC shape. Exhibit A (Jared)! But he's more than a hot body and pretty face - he's sweet and caring and diligent.
The story is lovely to read, even though I'm not usually a fan of the stories built on deception (a fake marriage). I like how Erickson constructs Jared and Sheridan's story, showing readers the characters, their passions, their relationship. Erickson handles the climax and ending very well, in my opinion. It's not extravagant or too cliche, in my opinion, and even involves the sports plot. I'm quite pleased with this romance novel!
What I Did Not Like:
I have no immediate complaints! It's a four-star read for me, but there was nothing that really stuck out to me that I didn't like.
Would I Recommend It:
To all romance lovers that want a steamy romance, smart and witty character, and the ever-important HEA, definitely go for Erickson's novels. This is an excellent start to a great series. I wish I had read this one first, but I like that I read the first two books in the series out of order.
Rating:
4 stars -> more like 4.5 stars. I might read the third novel in the series - Foley wasn't a favorite character of mine, but he was definitely an interesting one. Plus I love Erickson's romance novels!
May 11, 2015
4 Let’s Get Married Stars
Game for Marriage is a standalone and is part of the Game for It series. Game for Marriage has two things I love in a read, okay three, it has a cute storyline, there’s a sexy football player and plenty of steam! YAY!
Sheridan is a struggling artist. She doesn’t have much, except for her studio. Jared can change everything for her. Jared is a quarterback with a not so great reputation. He’s a ladies man and he was caught recently flirting with a lady, who he shouldn’t be flirting with. His image needs a make-over.
Jared needs a wife to bring back his reputation. He needs to look good again and he needs this quick. So Jared propositions Sheridan with his plan.
Jared will legally marry Sheridan for a year to bring back his reputation and in exchange Sheridan will be paid. A lot.
This is a business transaction Sheridan can’t refuse.
I love the storyline! I’m a sucker for these. I love that Sheridan doesn’t have any money and she needs a tall, dark, handsome guy to help her out. But he’s not just any tall, dark, handsome guy, he’s a professional football player! Hello.
There’s a kicker to this story, they can’t have sex during the marriage or the marriage will be considered dissolved. You are probably wondering how can there be steam if there’s that clause? Well, there is and it’s a lot and you will be blushing.
Sheridan works hard to view it as a business transaction. She doesn’t want to be famous or have anything to do with the lime light, but Jared’s flirtatious ways makes it hard for her to refuse his charms. Jared is slowly realizing settling down isn’t such a bad thing. There’s plenty of tension and banter between the two to keep you entertained.
Audio
I love audio books and I love listening to steamy audio books. There’s something naughty about listening to my favorite reads while I am working. It’s a fantastic thing. This is my first audio book where it’s told in third person POV. It took me a bit to get into. I’m use to first person POV and the difference between the two is that first POV seems more personable. As if I am the character. I usually prefer this method because I like to be emerged into the read.
Overall, if you like happy books with cute storyline, you should get this one.
What did you love best about Game for Marriage?
The thing that I loved best about Game for Marriage is the storyline. I found the whole thing cute. I liked that the Heroine was poor. I liked that she had to marry the Hero and for money at first, but of course things change and it’s just adorable.
What did you like best about this story?
The thing I liked best about the story is that it was really light, sweet and short. I love to listen to these types of books because it always brings a smile to my face and keeps me in a good mood. There’s hardly any angst and the chemistry between the main characters was good.
Did Deanna Hurst do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?
This is my first Deanna Hurst audio narration. I found her voice to be a bit deeper than what I am use to in listening to a Heroine. Also, this is my first book listened from a third person’s POV. It took me a bit to get use to this. I loved it when Deanna was reading the Heroine parts, it felt more personable and I felt closer to the character. I also wished there was the Hero’s POV, because I love male narrators, but Deanna did a good job in differentiating the Hero’s voice from her own.
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
Yes, I could easily listen to this book in one sitting. As I said before, it was short, sweet and kept me happy.
AN Audio copy was kindly provided
AMAZON
November 2, 2017
The press has played Jared off as a womanizer. The last straw is when an ex-team mates wife hits on Jared and tells everyone he is the reason for her failed marriage. The new owner of the team wants to clean up his reputation and what better way than to have Jared get married.
In the beginning, Jared isn't on board with the marriage idea. When he meets Sheridan, he is genuinely interested in her and invites her out for a drink. When the publicist finds out, he researches her and decides she would make a great candidate for Jared's new wife.
This one started out really good. The heat between Jared and Sheridan felt natural. They have a really hot night together but then Sheridan sneaks out. She wasn't expecting Jared and his publicist to show up at her gallery the next day to propose a fake marriage deal.
Sheridan is on the verge of losing her grandmothers gallery and that's the only reason she says yes. To keep her safe, she adds a no sex clause to the contract. This is where their natural chemistry kind of waned for me. I think it's just hard to start a story out when the couple is hot in the beginning then cool them down after.
The writing is good and overall, it wasn't a bad story. I'll read more from this author.
In the beginning, Jared isn't on board with the marriage idea. When he meets Sheridan, he is genuinely interested in her and invites her out for a drink. When the publicist finds out, he researches her and decides she would make a great candidate for Jared's new wife.
This one started out really good. The heat between Jared and Sheridan felt natural. They have a really hot night together but then Sheridan sneaks out. She wasn't expecting Jared and his publicist to show up at her gallery the next day to propose a fake marriage deal.
Sheridan is on the verge of losing her grandmothers gallery and that's the only reason she says yes. To keep her safe, she adds a no sex clause to the contract. This is where their natural chemistry kind of waned for me. I think it's just hard to start a story out when the couple is hot in the beginning then cool them down after.
The writing is good and overall, it wasn't a bad story. I'll read more from this author.
January 22, 2013
This was a little like The Marriage Bargain by Jennifer Probst but still different in its own way.
Loved it and throughly enjoyed it. :D
Where’s your new wife? the reporters would ask.
I melted her with my lips! Jared would cheerily reply.
Loved it and throughly enjoyed it. :D
Where’s your new wife? the reporters would ask.
I melted her with my lips! Jared would cheerily reply.
January 13, 2013
I devoured this book! Karen Erickson writes the kind of hero I love: sexy, confident with the right amount of Alpha. Jared Quinn (isn't just his name sexy??) had me smiling and fanning myself multiple times during this book. Sheridan was a great heroine too, spunky and strong. This was a great story.
May 1, 2015
Audio Book Review provided by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review
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Game for Marriage was a lighthearted predictable read but it was entertaining to get lost in a sweet romance about Jared, a football quarterback trying to clean up his public image. So when he meets Sheridan, an artist, who is hired to be his fake wife to clean his image, she agrees to be his wife for a year so she can be paid a huge sum of money to take care of her mother and keep her art studio afloat.
This book was predictable since it was inevitable for these two to fall madly deeply in love with each other. Game for Marriage was a sweet, light, sexy read. So if you are in the mood for a quick sports romance read then this book is for you.
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Game for Marriage was a lighthearted predictable read but it was entertaining to get lost in a sweet romance about Jared, a football quarterback trying to clean up his public image. So when he meets Sheridan, an artist, who is hired to be his fake wife to clean his image, she agrees to be his wife for a year so she can be paid a huge sum of money to take care of her mother and keep her art studio afloat.
This book was predictable since it was inevitable for these two to fall madly deeply in love with each other. Game for Marriage was a sweet, light, sexy read. So if you are in the mood for a quick sports romance read then this book is for you.
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November 8, 2014
4 - "I can keep a secret if you can." Stars.
Extremely enjoyable, even if wholly predictable. I liked Sheridan's sass, and Jared has a dirty, dirty mouth, backed up with a footballers physique, so whats not too like!
A true panty melter if ever she saw one.
I have always liked Karen Erickson's writing, she has a great style, and knows how to put enjoyable and sexy together with great skill.
"One night," ... "No strings. Just... fun."
Another thoroughly indulgent Brazen treat!
Extremely enjoyable, even if wholly predictable. I liked Sheridan's sass, and Jared has a dirty, dirty mouth, backed up with a footballers physique, so whats not too like!
A true panty melter if ever she saw one.
I have always liked Karen Erickson's writing, she has a great style, and knows how to put enjoyable and sexy together with great skill.
"One night," ... "No strings. Just... fun."
Another thoroughly indulgent Brazen treat!
November 10, 2013
3.5-4 HOT-SEXY Stars
It was ok. I think the author could have done a better job. I am a sucker for anything love and football. Especially a SEXY HOT quarterback.
It was ok. I think the author could have done a better job. I am a sucker for anything love and football. Especially a SEXY HOT quarterback.
January 20, 2013
Review originally posted at http://fictionvixen.com/review-game-f...
Sheridan Harper is an artist trying to make ends meet after inheriting her grandmother’s art studio. Jared Quinn is a famous quarterback for the San Jose Hawks football team who needs to straighten up his bad boy reputation after some bad publicity. When these two meet at a local event the sparks fly and they end up in a motel room having hot, steamy sex, never expecting it to last more than one night. That is until Jared’s publicity manager for the football team becomes involved and a fake marriage is suddenly born. Jared needs the stability a wife will add to his image and Sheridan only agrees to the marriage in order to have the funds to save her art studio and bring in more business, but she doesn’t want her heart to become involved, so she has a no-sex clause included in the contract. Their marriage is to last for a year and if they enter into a sexual relationship it will be void immediately.
When reading this blurb two things jumped out at me that made me want to review… smoking hot star quarterback and fake marriage. I had a lot of fun with Sheridan and Jared, they had incredible chemistry right from the opening scene. After spending a sizzling night together they embark on a marriage without really knowing what they are doing. They are still incredibly attracted to each other, but can’t do anything about it. Sheridan is thrown into a completely different lifestyle and now has the media’s attention and a famous husband who she is trying to resist, but as she spends more and more time with him she finds herself not really wanting to resist him anymore. Jared knows his wife is a sexy, beautiful woman when he marries her, but he really starts to fall for her after getting to know her. One of my favorite parts was that these two call each other husband and wife as an endearment. For some reason that worked better for me than a bunch of sweethearts and babies and honeys. I could almost feel their affection for each other grow.
Jared and Sheridan look like they have the perfect marriage to the outside world, but at home they struggle with how to interact with each other and build trust when they both have so much to lose. Eventually their desire for each other draws them into bed and that leads to a closeness that gradually becomes a real marriage. This book seemed a little sexier, a lot dirtier, with more sex than some of the previous titles I’ve read from Entangled’s Brazen line. This couple really burned up the pages. When the truth of their marriage hits the media these two have to figure out what this marriage really means to them. There is a wonderful grand gesture at the end that leads to a believable HEA.
Another plus for me was the secondary romance of Sheridan’s best friend Willow with Jared’s best friend Nick. They’ve got something going on and they sneak on and off the page with each other throughout the story until I became really invested in this couple. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I won’t have to wait too long to read their romance and love story. Game for Marriage was a fun, sexy read that I would recommend to anyone looking for a romance with a lot of heart and some smoking hot loving. Final Grade: B
Favorite Quote:
“I think you’re trying to fuck me to death,” he said.
Lifting her head, she studied him. Saw that he looked completely serious. “I think that’s the other way around. You grabbed me first.”
“You’re the one who always looks too good to pass up, ” he returned, his brows raised. “I wake up and find you all snuggled close and naked, that perfect ass of yours pressed against me, well guess what? I can’t resist that.”
Sheridan Harper is an artist trying to make ends meet after inheriting her grandmother’s art studio. Jared Quinn is a famous quarterback for the San Jose Hawks football team who needs to straighten up his bad boy reputation after some bad publicity. When these two meet at a local event the sparks fly and they end up in a motel room having hot, steamy sex, never expecting it to last more than one night. That is until Jared’s publicity manager for the football team becomes involved and a fake marriage is suddenly born. Jared needs the stability a wife will add to his image and Sheridan only agrees to the marriage in order to have the funds to save her art studio and bring in more business, but she doesn’t want her heart to become involved, so she has a no-sex clause included in the contract. Their marriage is to last for a year and if they enter into a sexual relationship it will be void immediately.
When reading this blurb two things jumped out at me that made me want to review… smoking hot star quarterback and fake marriage. I had a lot of fun with Sheridan and Jared, they had incredible chemistry right from the opening scene. After spending a sizzling night together they embark on a marriage without really knowing what they are doing. They are still incredibly attracted to each other, but can’t do anything about it. Sheridan is thrown into a completely different lifestyle and now has the media’s attention and a famous husband who she is trying to resist, but as she spends more and more time with him she finds herself not really wanting to resist him anymore. Jared knows his wife is a sexy, beautiful woman when he marries her, but he really starts to fall for her after getting to know her. One of my favorite parts was that these two call each other husband and wife as an endearment. For some reason that worked better for me than a bunch of sweethearts and babies and honeys. I could almost feel their affection for each other grow.
Jared and Sheridan look like they have the perfect marriage to the outside world, but at home they struggle with how to interact with each other and build trust when they both have so much to lose. Eventually their desire for each other draws them into bed and that leads to a closeness that gradually becomes a real marriage. This book seemed a little sexier, a lot dirtier, with more sex than some of the previous titles I’ve read from Entangled’s Brazen line. This couple really burned up the pages. When the truth of their marriage hits the media these two have to figure out what this marriage really means to them. There is a wonderful grand gesture at the end that leads to a believable HEA.
Another plus for me was the secondary romance of Sheridan’s best friend Willow with Jared’s best friend Nick. They’ve got something going on and they sneak on and off the page with each other throughout the story until I became really invested in this couple. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I won’t have to wait too long to read their romance and love story. Game for Marriage was a fun, sexy read that I would recommend to anyone looking for a romance with a lot of heart and some smoking hot loving. Final Grade: B
Favorite Quote:
“I think you’re trying to fuck me to death,” he said.
Lifting her head, she studied him. Saw that he looked completely serious. “I think that’s the other way around. You grabbed me first.”
“You’re the one who always looks too good to pass up, ” he returned, his brows raised. “I wake up and find you all snuggled close and naked, that perfect ass of yours pressed against me, well guess what? I can’t resist that.”
February 14, 2013
I think pretend marriage, or marriage of convenience stories in a contemporary are a hard sell, although in the past I’ve found a few that have really worked for me. Unfortunately, this wasn’t one of them. As a reader, you obviously have to be convinced that these two people have no other option than to marry. I was never convinced of this. Jared is a professional quarterback who has a reputation as a ladies man. The team has a new PR guy who is on track to get the reputation of the players changed. We are even told the owner would have no problem kicking his star quarterback to the curb if his reputation doesn’t turn around. But I have to stop right here because this is a problem for me. I watch a lot of professional football. I honestly don’t think this is a realistic situation at all. And by no means is Jared some wild guy. An ex-teammate’s wife sat on his lap in a club, and the picture hit the internet, and all of a sudden, if he doesn’t get married he is off the team? This is not how professional sports work.
Worse, I was totally not convinced Sheridan, our heroine would go through with this scheme. Sheridan is a struggling artist, and after a one night stand with Jared, he strolls in with his PR guy and asks her to sign a confidentiality agreement (which she does) to then say hey – be my fake wife and we’ll give you enough money to keep your art studio. And she pretty much agrees right away. Why? She has to be married to practically a stranger for a year for all of this to go down. Her personality just didn’t seem to match something this spontaneous.
Their romance builds up slow, at least the actual love does take awhile to develop which I appreciated. Sheridan demanded a no sex clause in their marriage contract, so after they marry they can’t have sex. This is really the only conflict in the book, which I found a bit lame. But when they do get to the actual sex, there are some hot scenes.
The lack of a true professional football aura and the unconvincing reasons to pretend to get married really had me disappointed.
Rating: C-
Worse, I was totally not convinced Sheridan, our heroine would go through with this scheme. Sheridan is a struggling artist, and after a one night stand with Jared, he strolls in with his PR guy and asks her to sign a confidentiality agreement (which she does) to then say hey – be my fake wife and we’ll give you enough money to keep your art studio. And she pretty much agrees right away. Why? She has to be married to practically a stranger for a year for all of this to go down. Her personality just didn’t seem to match something this spontaneous.
Their romance builds up slow, at least the actual love does take awhile to develop which I appreciated. Sheridan demanded a no sex clause in their marriage contract, so after they marry they can’t have sex. This is really the only conflict in the book, which I found a bit lame. But when they do get to the actual sex, there are some hot scenes.
The lack of a true professional football aura and the unconvincing reasons to pretend to get married really had me disappointed.
Rating: C-
January 17, 2013
I'm a publicist with Entangled, but Karen Erickson is not my client. I'm writing this disclaimer because her book is published by Entangled.
I've been a pretty active book reviewer for years, but I wanted to make all the above clear before you read my review. Many might say my opinion is swayed because of my affiliation, but I'll leave that up to you to judge.
She had me with the tagline, "He’s going in deep to make her his…"
I swear, every time I read a contemporary romance and love it, I'm shocked. You can tell by my review history, I read mostly fantasy. Not to mention, I own the Fantasy Book Addict website. I guess you could say my tastes are evolving. When I need a change of pace, I go into these contemporary romance binges. That's how I ended up reading, Game for Marriage.
Can I just say I loved this book and leave it at that? No, okay, I'll elaborate. The story was the first aspect that peeked my interest. Ever since reading, Tempting the Player by J. Lynn, I've been looking for a romance with an athlete. Since this is football season, this book totally grabbed my attention.
Once I got into the story, I fell hard for Jared Quinn. He's my kind of guy: tough, tortured, and sexy-as-hell! I flew through the pages. Actually, I finished reading it in one afternoon. In the past, I've always steered clear of contemporary romance because of the crappy, weak female characters. This is so not true with Sheridan Harper. She has her own opinions and she doesn't take any of his crap. She wasn't interested in him for his fame or money (although she was down on her luck by no fault of her own). She was worth cheering for!
Bottom line: If you love sexy contemporary romance, you absolutely must read this. I've already been bugging Karen for information on the next book in the series.
I've been a pretty active book reviewer for years, but I wanted to make all the above clear before you read my review. Many might say my opinion is swayed because of my affiliation, but I'll leave that up to you to judge.
She had me with the tagline, "He’s going in deep to make her his…"
I swear, every time I read a contemporary romance and love it, I'm shocked. You can tell by my review history, I read mostly fantasy. Not to mention, I own the Fantasy Book Addict website. I guess you could say my tastes are evolving. When I need a change of pace, I go into these contemporary romance binges. That's how I ended up reading, Game for Marriage.
Can I just say I loved this book and leave it at that? No, okay, I'll elaborate. The story was the first aspect that peeked my interest. Ever since reading, Tempting the Player by J. Lynn, I've been looking for a romance with an athlete. Since this is football season, this book totally grabbed my attention.
Once I got into the story, I fell hard for Jared Quinn. He's my kind of guy: tough, tortured, and sexy-as-hell! I flew through the pages. Actually, I finished reading it in one afternoon. In the past, I've always steered clear of contemporary romance because of the crappy, weak female characters. This is so not true with Sheridan Harper. She has her own opinions and she doesn't take any of his crap. She wasn't interested in him for his fame or money (although she was down on her luck by no fault of her own). She was worth cheering for!
Bottom line: If you love sexy contemporary romance, you absolutely must read this. I've already been bugging Karen for information on the next book in the series.
July 27, 2013
This was just the story I was looking for today!
Jared Quinn is the sexy, wholesome quarterback for the San Jose Hawks. He attends a local event where he comes across an alluring artist, Sheridan Harper. Their chemistry is immediate, intense & mutual!
Sheridan is taken aback when she receives an offer from the teams publicist; to enter into a fake marriage with the holy hottie, Jared. This will help his flagging, womanising reputation that graces the media currently. In exchange, she will be financially rewarded, which in turn will help her support her struggling Art studio she inherited from her Grandmother.
She agrees to go along with it, but with a stipulation designed to guard her heart; no sex else the contract is null & void.
I thoroughly enjoyed the obvious attraction between these two. Sheridan was feisty & creative, pushing buttons Jared hadn't experienced before..and he loved it! The secondary characters were a great enhancement to the story, and I think Nick and Willow will be starring in their very own story next time.
There were difficulties to face & barriers to cross, but no real angst, making it an enjoyable, steamy, satisfying read.
Thank you Karen!
Jared Quinn is the sexy, wholesome quarterback for the San Jose Hawks. He attends a local event where he comes across an alluring artist, Sheridan Harper. Their chemistry is immediate, intense & mutual!
Sheridan is taken aback when she receives an offer from the teams publicist; to enter into a fake marriage with the holy hottie, Jared. This will help his flagging, womanising reputation that graces the media currently. In exchange, she will be financially rewarded, which in turn will help her support her struggling Art studio she inherited from her Grandmother.
She agrees to go along with it, but with a stipulation designed to guard her heart; no sex else the contract is null & void.
I thoroughly enjoyed the obvious attraction between these two. Sheridan was feisty & creative, pushing buttons Jared hadn't experienced before..and he loved it! The secondary characters were a great enhancement to the story, and I think Nick and Willow will be starring in their very own story next time.
There were difficulties to face & barriers to cross, but no real angst, making it an enjoyable, steamy, satisfying read.
Thank you Karen!
January 27, 2015
This was exactly what I was needing..hot, rich playboy pot football player and a sassy regular girl..cute, a little angst and hot 22ounce Pepsi bottle sized loving and it was free..win win! Enjoyed it!!
January 20, 2013
Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads
Blog rating: B+
Jared’s image is going downhill and if he wants to keep his spot on his hometown NFL team as their starting quarterback, he needs to clean things up, owner’s orders. Jared’s publicist comes up with the idea of Jared getting fake-married to a solid, respectable woman. Jared says no, but after meeting and spending one sexy night with Sheridan, his focus shifts and he goes to Sheridan with a proposal she never saw coming. Marry Jared for one year, pretend to be his wife in public and she’ll be paid more than enough to help keep her artist’s studio alive and with the extra publicity her marriage will bring, her business will be going strong for years to come. She’s hesitant, but her studio means everything to her, it being the last link she has to a Grandmother she was close to and lost a year ago. She agrees but secretly asks her lawyer to include a no-sex clause in their agreement – their one night together hit her hard and she knows that being in close contact with Jared for a year means her heart is at risk and it’s a chance she doesn’t want to take. They become husband and wife and start their year long, sexless (yeah, right!) marriage.
I found both Jared and Sheridan to be so charming together. Their no sex clause doesn’t last long and even though they’re both still learning to trust the other person, they make it about a month before the attraction becomes too much and they go from a two bedroom house to one. Karen Erickson can write some very sexy scenes, but it was the sweet moments between these two that got me. Whether it was Sheridan taking care of Jared after a tough game or Jared surprising Sheridan at her studio during a night she was hosting breast cancer survivors, those little moments added up and that’s what made them a couple I completely enjoyed.
They have a few bumps along the way, their arrangement doesn’t stay secret for long and once the press finds out their world comes crashing down. But I liked how they handled it. They needed a little space, but they didn’t let it drag out, they didn’t have a huge fight about it, they got through it and it was drama well done without a bunch of overly angst filled scenes.
We get a small introduction to another potential, future couple in Sheridan’s best friend Willow and Jared’s best friend and teammate Nick. Nick has it bad for Willow, but she’s already proving to be a challenge for him. I can’t wait to see how that plays out.
Game For Marriage is a charming romance with a lead couple that I really enjoyed getting to know. I loved seeing Jared on the field and Sheridan in her element at her studio. But together, they brought the story to life and had a ton of chemistry. A very fun, hot read and I’ll be coming back for more.
Blog rating: B+
Jared’s image is going downhill and if he wants to keep his spot on his hometown NFL team as their starting quarterback, he needs to clean things up, owner’s orders. Jared’s publicist comes up with the idea of Jared getting fake-married to a solid, respectable woman. Jared says no, but after meeting and spending one sexy night with Sheridan, his focus shifts and he goes to Sheridan with a proposal she never saw coming. Marry Jared for one year, pretend to be his wife in public and she’ll be paid more than enough to help keep her artist’s studio alive and with the extra publicity her marriage will bring, her business will be going strong for years to come. She’s hesitant, but her studio means everything to her, it being the last link she has to a Grandmother she was close to and lost a year ago. She agrees but secretly asks her lawyer to include a no-sex clause in their agreement – their one night together hit her hard and she knows that being in close contact with Jared for a year means her heart is at risk and it’s a chance she doesn’t want to take. They become husband and wife and start their year long, sexless (yeah, right!) marriage.
I found both Jared and Sheridan to be so charming together. Their no sex clause doesn’t last long and even though they’re both still learning to trust the other person, they make it about a month before the attraction becomes too much and they go from a two bedroom house to one. Karen Erickson can write some very sexy scenes, but it was the sweet moments between these two that got me. Whether it was Sheridan taking care of Jared after a tough game or Jared surprising Sheridan at her studio during a night she was hosting breast cancer survivors, those little moments added up and that’s what made them a couple I completely enjoyed.
They have a few bumps along the way, their arrangement doesn’t stay secret for long and once the press finds out their world comes crashing down. But I liked how they handled it. They needed a little space, but they didn’t let it drag out, they didn’t have a huge fight about it, they got through it and it was drama well done without a bunch of overly angst filled scenes.
We get a small introduction to another potential, future couple in Sheridan’s best friend Willow and Jared’s best friend and teammate Nick. Nick has it bad for Willow, but she’s already proving to be a challenge for him. I can’t wait to see how that plays out.
Game For Marriage is a charming romance with a lead couple that I really enjoyed getting to know. I loved seeing Jared on the field and Sheridan in her element at her studio. But together, they brought the story to life and had a ton of chemistry. A very fun, hot read and I’ll be coming back for more.
February 6, 2013
What a sweet and sexy book! It had everything I love in a good romance - with the added element of football, another favorite passtime of mine!
Sheridan Harper is a struggling artist, trying to make ends meet while keeping open the studio she inherited from her grandmother. Jared Quinn is the star quarterback for the local NFL team, who has the reputation of a ladies man. They meet at a local event where the sparks fly and they end up spending the night together, not expecting anything more.
But Jared's publicist has other ideas. He proposes that Sheridan poses as Jared's wife for a year to help clean up his image, before he gets fired from the team. Sheridan sees it as an opportunity to pay the bills and grow her business and she agrees - with the stipulation that they include a no-sex clause in the their agreement. This prevents her from getting too close and falling for the womanizer who inevitable will break her heart.
These two have a chemistry that's so sweet and sexy they can barely resist each other. And while they get to know each other - Sheridan finds out just how much she respects Jared for how strong and loyal he is. Not to mention sexy, possessive, and gorgeous! And Jared sees in Sheridan the sweet, caring, and talented person that she is and falls deeper and deeper for her. Of course, as expected, complications will arise that put a damper on their arrangement - but the angst in this book is so short-lived and painless that it didn't bother me at all! It was well worth it to have the perfect, wonderful ending.
This book had a great combination of romance, steam, and wit - without the cheesy lines or over-the-top descriptions of their sexual encounters. It was just perfect enough to get your heart pumping and make you swoon. I adored these two and their story - and can't wait for the next book in the series, which I expect will be about their friends, Nick & Willow.
A wonderful smutty read - thanks, SMC ladies!
Sheridan Harper is a struggling artist, trying to make ends meet while keeping open the studio she inherited from her grandmother. Jared Quinn is the star quarterback for the local NFL team, who has the reputation of a ladies man. They meet at a local event where the sparks fly and they end up spending the night together, not expecting anything more.
But Jared's publicist has other ideas. He proposes that Sheridan poses as Jared's wife for a year to help clean up his image, before he gets fired from the team. Sheridan sees it as an opportunity to pay the bills and grow her business and she agrees - with the stipulation that they include a no-sex clause in the their agreement. This prevents her from getting too close and falling for the womanizer who inevitable will break her heart.
These two have a chemistry that's so sweet and sexy they can barely resist each other. And while they get to know each other - Sheridan finds out just how much she respects Jared for how strong and loyal he is. Not to mention sexy, possessive, and gorgeous! And Jared sees in Sheridan the sweet, caring, and talented person that she is and falls deeper and deeper for her. Of course, as expected, complications will arise that put a damper on their arrangement - but the angst in this book is so short-lived and painless that it didn't bother me at all! It was well worth it to have the perfect, wonderful ending.
This book had a great combination of romance, steam, and wit - without the cheesy lines or over-the-top descriptions of their sexual encounters. It was just perfect enough to get your heart pumping and make you swoon. I adored these two and their story - and can't wait for the next book in the series, which I expect will be about their friends, Nick & Willow.
A wonderful smutty read - thanks, SMC ladies!
January 22, 2013
One of the best contemporaries I have read in awhile (and I don't read many anymore but really enjoyed this one!). Fast paced, super sexy, with fun, likable characters. Loved watching the sexual tension mount until one of them breaks but emotions quickly become involved. Even though Jared and Sheridan's marriage contract doesn't stay secret for long, they have to deal with the fall out and I really liked how that was handled. Can't wait for the next book in this sexy, fun series!
January 23, 2013
Slick's review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
5 Stars
Hot damn, Karen Erickson has done it again with her new story, Game For Marriage! She takes an often used plot and turned it into a sexy delightful story that will leave you breathless and cheering for more. To say I feel this way about a story that centers on a star quarterback of an NFL team is saying something because I’m not a huge football fan and I rarely read stories about football players.
However, because I enjoy Karen’s work, I decided to give it a chance and I’m so glad I did. Not only that, I’m already looking forward to the next book in this series…so, yes after one book I am hooked on the Game For It series!
Sheridan Harper is an artist trying to hold on to her grandmother’s legacy. She’s talented, smart, and gives back to the community over and over. She’s also about to lose her studio and store if business doesn’t pick up. When San Jose Hawks quarterback, Jared Quinn, strikes up a conversation with her at an event she never imagines how much this encounter will change her life.
Jared Quinn has a reputation problem and the team’s new owner isn’t happy. He knows he needs to change his hound dog ways but when he spots the beautiful but quirky artist, he decides tomorrow will be soon enough to start. He’s shocked when he wakes up alone but then he remembers the plan to fix his reputation and he decides Sheridan is just right for the role.
So yes, Sheridan and Jared agree to enter into marriage to fix his reputation and to garner publicity for her struggling business. I really loved how they tried to keep to their contract, how each of them berated themselves for saying or doing things that ruined a moment, and how they began to learn so much about each other. What I loved most about this story is that it wasn’t an “internal” problem that tore them apart; jealousy, family, friends, or money. It was the media and their relentless pursuit to get a story. Was I disappointed in the way they both reacted? Absolutely. Did I want to knock both of them over the head? Without a doubt. They were both hurting so while the reaction wasn’t out of line and was very real; it drove me nuts. It was worth it though because the ending of this book is quite spectacular.
Now because I know most of you will want to know; yes there are sex scenes in this book. There are many and they are wonderfully written as Karen is a master at writing these types of scenes. Some are sexy as hell and some are blissfully romantic. What is so obvious is that despite both people trying not to engage their hearts, it happens and they find themselves very much in love. So much so that when they are apart they are both hurting and while they are both to proud to admit it, all they want is each other.
It would be awful of me if I didn’t mention Sheridan’s friend, Willow and Jared’s friend, Nick. They both provided much needed emotional support to their friends but there is obviously some history between them that Willow can’t get past and Nick is trying to change her mind. I’m so hoping we’ll see them soon, because for what little time they spent together the chemistry is there and their story is bound to be scorching!
I loved this story from beginning to end; I started it and could not put it down. I loved watching Sheridan blossom and grow more confident when she was with Jared. It was equally exciting to watch Jared realize that he no longer cared about all women, he wanted just one.
The fact that they both learned so many little things about each other throughout their time together, things that most people would overlook made their relationship even stronger and more realistic. I’ve read just about everything that Karen Erickson has written and Game For Marriage is one of her best; it’s funny, emotional, sexy, and full of heart. It is a must read for anyone who loves a great romance!
5 Stars
Hot damn, Karen Erickson has done it again with her new story, Game For Marriage! She takes an often used plot and turned it into a sexy delightful story that will leave you breathless and cheering for more. To say I feel this way about a story that centers on a star quarterback of an NFL team is saying something because I’m not a huge football fan and I rarely read stories about football players.
However, because I enjoy Karen’s work, I decided to give it a chance and I’m so glad I did. Not only that, I’m already looking forward to the next book in this series…so, yes after one book I am hooked on the Game For It series!
Sheridan Harper is an artist trying to hold on to her grandmother’s legacy. She’s talented, smart, and gives back to the community over and over. She’s also about to lose her studio and store if business doesn’t pick up. When San Jose Hawks quarterback, Jared Quinn, strikes up a conversation with her at an event she never imagines how much this encounter will change her life.
Jared Quinn has a reputation problem and the team’s new owner isn’t happy. He knows he needs to change his hound dog ways but when he spots the beautiful but quirky artist, he decides tomorrow will be soon enough to start. He’s shocked when he wakes up alone but then he remembers the plan to fix his reputation and he decides Sheridan is just right for the role.
So yes, Sheridan and Jared agree to enter into marriage to fix his reputation and to garner publicity for her struggling business. I really loved how they tried to keep to their contract, how each of them berated themselves for saying or doing things that ruined a moment, and how they began to learn so much about each other. What I loved most about this story is that it wasn’t an “internal” problem that tore them apart; jealousy, family, friends, or money. It was the media and their relentless pursuit to get a story. Was I disappointed in the way they both reacted? Absolutely. Did I want to knock both of them over the head? Without a doubt. They were both hurting so while the reaction wasn’t out of line and was very real; it drove me nuts. It was worth it though because the ending of this book is quite spectacular.
Now because I know most of you will want to know; yes there are sex scenes in this book. There are many and they are wonderfully written as Karen is a master at writing these types of scenes. Some are sexy as hell and some are blissfully romantic. What is so obvious is that despite both people trying not to engage their hearts, it happens and they find themselves very much in love. So much so that when they are apart they are both hurting and while they are both to proud to admit it, all they want is each other.
It would be awful of me if I didn’t mention Sheridan’s friend, Willow and Jared’s friend, Nick. They both provided much needed emotional support to their friends but there is obviously some history between them that Willow can’t get past and Nick is trying to change her mind. I’m so hoping we’ll see them soon, because for what little time they spent together the chemistry is there and their story is bound to be scorching!
I loved this story from beginning to end; I started it and could not put it down. I loved watching Sheridan blossom and grow more confident when she was with Jared. It was equally exciting to watch Jared realize that he no longer cared about all women, he wanted just one.
The fact that they both learned so many little things about each other throughout their time together, things that most people would overlook made their relationship even stronger and more realistic. I’ve read just about everything that Karen Erickson has written and Game For Marriage is one of her best; it’s funny, emotional, sexy, and full of heart. It is a must read for anyone who loves a great romance!
January 18, 2013
SENSUOUS AND ROMANTIC
Jared Quinn hot and sexy quarterback for the Hawks, is in trouble with the new team owner. His off field antics with the ladies are causing bad publicity for the team.
So publicist Harvey comes up with a plan to clean up Jared's image, and save him from being sold on. That's where struggling artist Sheridan Harper comes in. Jared had met Sheridan at a function. The chemistry between them was hot. After spending an explosive night together, Sheridan didn't think she would see the hot quarterback again. So when Jared and the teams publicist turn up at her art studio with an outrageous proposition. She's lost for words. Jared wants Sheridan to marry him. The marriage is to last for a year. She will be rewarded financially. How Sheridan has allowed herself be persuaded to agree to this she's not really sure. But she insists a no sex clause is added into the contract.
Having read just two books from this author, this one my third. She is fast becoming a firm favourite. I loved the sexual tension between Jared and Sheridan. The author has a way of drawing the reader into the story. I loved the secenes between the two leads, I really liked the way Jared was able to get to Sheridan with such little effort. The man was a walking talking sex machine.
I am hoping that this is not just a one off story, and that the author will write about more of those sexy Hawk players.
Jared Quinn hot and sexy quarterback for the Hawks, is in trouble with the new team owner. His off field antics with the ladies are causing bad publicity for the team.
So publicist Harvey comes up with a plan to clean up Jared's image, and save him from being sold on. That's where struggling artist Sheridan Harper comes in. Jared had met Sheridan at a function. The chemistry between them was hot. After spending an explosive night together, Sheridan didn't think she would see the hot quarterback again. So when Jared and the teams publicist turn up at her art studio with an outrageous proposition. She's lost for words. Jared wants Sheridan to marry him. The marriage is to last for a year. She will be rewarded financially. How Sheridan has allowed herself be persuaded to agree to this she's not really sure. But she insists a no sex clause is added into the contract.
Having read just two books from this author, this one my third. She is fast becoming a firm favourite. I loved the sexual tension between Jared and Sheridan. The author has a way of drawing the reader into the story. I loved the secenes between the two leads, I really liked the way Jared was able to get to Sheridan with such little effort. The man was a walking talking sex machine.
I am hoping that this is not just a one off story, and that the author will write about more of those sexy Hawk players.
April 1, 2013
4.5 - 5 stars
I loved Jared and Sheridan's story. It's is sweet and sexy, light and intense all in one.
Jared is a bad boy QB football player with a bad reputation that threatens to put an end to his career. Sheridan is a struggling artist, trying to make ends meet while keeping open the studio she inherited from her grandmother.
Jared and Sheridan meet at a local event and from the first encounter the sparks fly and they end up spending the night together. His PR comes up with a plan . A fake marriage between Jared and Sheridan for a year to help him clean his image. Sheridan will be able to keep her studio and extend her business. But she insists on adding a no- sex clause to the contract. A simple plan on paper. but in reality ? not really. It seems these two had bitten off more than they can chew. Their chemistry is off the charts.Their sexual frustration is to the hilt on both sides. And they struggles against emotions they haven't expected to feel for each other.
The premise may be predictable but its perfectly done and the end is just perfect.
I loved Jared and Sheridan's story. It's is sweet and sexy, light and intense all in one.
Jared is a bad boy QB football player with a bad reputation that threatens to put an end to his career. Sheridan is a struggling artist, trying to make ends meet while keeping open the studio she inherited from her grandmother.
Jared and Sheridan meet at a local event and from the first encounter the sparks fly and they end up spending the night together. His PR comes up with a plan . A fake marriage between Jared and Sheridan for a year to help him clean his image. Sheridan will be able to keep her studio and extend her business. But she insists on adding a no- sex clause to the contract. A simple plan on paper. but in reality ? not really. It seems these two had bitten off more than they can chew. Their chemistry is off the charts.Their sexual frustration is to the hilt on both sides. And they struggles against emotions they haven't expected to feel for each other.
The premise may be predictable but its perfectly done and the end is just perfect.
April 5, 2017
This is the first book in the “Game for It” series by Karen Erickson. It can be read as part of the series or as a standalone.
Sheridan Harper, a struggling artist, has a one-night stand with Jared Quinn, the starting quarterback for the San Jose Hawks. Or, at least she thought it was a one-night stand…
Jared Quinn’s womanizing ways have landed him in the tabloids one too many times and now his future with the team is at stake. His publicist proposes a scheme that is sure to improve Jared’s public image – a temporary marriage. Sheridan is surprised by this “proposal” but she’s desperate at the moment to save her studio and the offer is enticing so she agrees.
This is a fun and fast, very steamy read. Also, totally predictable but entertaining.
Rating: 3.25
Sheridan Harper, a struggling artist, has a one-night stand with Jared Quinn, the starting quarterback for the San Jose Hawks. Or, at least she thought it was a one-night stand…
Jared Quinn’s womanizing ways have landed him in the tabloids one too many times and now his future with the team is at stake. His publicist proposes a scheme that is sure to improve Jared’s public image – a temporary marriage. Sheridan is surprised by this “proposal” but she’s desperate at the moment to save her studio and the offer is enticing so she agrees.
This is a fun and fast, very steamy read. Also, totally predictable but entertaining.
Rating: 3.25
January 20, 2013
"Like, his dick is the size of a twenty-two-ounce Pepsi bottle."
I don't know about you but when I read this I laughed my ass off. I've never heard this saying before and I don't think I'll be forgetting it anytime soon. I read it to my husband who could only smile and shake his head.
"Game for Marriage," a well-written story that is fun and entertaining; full of hot sexual chemistry between the Jared and Sheridan making them such a great couple. I like that both Jared and Sheridan acknowledged that they both wanted each other sexually, instead of thinking too much into it, always questioning motives. The sex scenes, written with taste, is definitely hot and steamy without going overboard becoming crude. I think football players are quickly becoming a favourite of mine. I look forward to reading more in this series.
I don't know about you but when I read this I laughed my ass off. I've never heard this saying before and I don't think I'll be forgetting it anytime soon. I read it to my husband who could only smile and shake his head.
"Game for Marriage," a well-written story that is fun and entertaining; full of hot sexual chemistry between the Jared and Sheridan making them such a great couple. I like that both Jared and Sheridan acknowledged that they both wanted each other sexually, instead of thinking too much into it, always questioning motives. The sex scenes, written with taste, is definitely hot and steamy without going overboard becoming crude. I think football players are quickly becoming a favourite of mine. I look forward to reading more in this series.
July 31, 2013
I really enjoyed this. I loved how the story unfolded between Jared and Sheridan it was a nice romantic read.
I will definitely be reading more Karen Erickson books.
I will definitely be reading more Karen Erickson books.
September 11, 2017
This is the second time I've attempted to read anything by this author, and I think it will be my last attempt, as I don't believe I am a good fit for her writing style. I had a very hard time connecting to Jared and Sheridan, and while I knew that their relationship was fake, it felt that way too, even when their guards were down and you could tell that they were falling for one another. I didn't really see a lot of romancing going on, more insta-lust and sex than anything else. I wasn't impressed enough to continue with the series.
January 22, 2013
Reviewed on: http://readyourwrites.blogspot.com
For Read Your Writes Book Reviews
Mmmmm....Where do I start? I haven’t read a Karen Erickson book that I haven’t liked. Add a starting QB to the mix and you have a recipe for a really good read. Add in Entangled Publishing’s Brazen line and you have a H-O-T read. I’m talking you need a shower or twoq while reading the book.
The concept of two people getting married and pretending to be madly in love in order to save someone's job or reputation isn't new. One thing I liked about this book is that it doesn’t follow the standard storyline that other books like this does. I can't say what that is exactly, because that would be giving away too much.
Jared Quinn is the hot and sexy NFL quarterback for the San Jose Hawks. He’s a guy who has been known to have a one-night stand a time or two. Okay, more like a lot. His team has just been purchased by a new owner who wants Jared to clean up his image. As it appears Jared’s name has been mentioned as the reason a former teammate's marriage ending.
Sheridan Harper (I love that name.) is a young twenty-five year old woman who owns and operates an art studio in a popular section of downtown Carmel. Sheridan inherited the studio from her grandmother a year ago, after her death. For Sheridan, the studio means everything to her. Unfortunately, she’s having a hard time meeting her expenses. She’s pretty close to having to sell the studio.
Jared and Sheridan meet by chance at an expo where she’s literally painting a live picture of what’s going on. One thing leads to another and they have drinks. Sheridan is the kind of girl who NEVER does anything outlandish. So she decides to. One night and one night only with Jared Quinn. Easier said than done.
Jared’s people, you know, his agent and publicist decide he needs to clean up his image and Sheridan is just the woman to make it happen. They suggest Jared and Sheridan get married, even though they don’t know each other, for one year. The goal in mind is that Jared gets a nice wholesome girl that people will love and she gets enough money so she doesn’t have to worry about having to sell her studio, plus an increase in business profit from being married to Jared.
I know...too easy right? What could possibly go wrong? Well for starters, Sheridan secretly has her lawyer put in a no sex clause, as a way of protecting herself from Jared. Unfortunately, she didn’t realize at the time how much she wanted a repeat performance of what should have been their one-night stand.
Jared is ALL kinds of hot. He says things like, “And I’m ready to make a bet I could seduce you with words alone.” Ah, yeah, with the hot sexy voice I’m hearing in my head. I can’t even tell you what my most favorite line is... Oh my gosh!
Check out this mini excerpt:
Sheridan chewed on her lower lip. “What do you want if you win? And how are you going to prove it?”
“Oh, I’ll know.” She was halfway there already, though she didn’t even realize it. Damn, his wife was hot. “If I win, I get to do whatever I want to you tonight when we get home.” His seduction had already begun, with those particularly chosen words.
Her eyes widened the slightest bit.. “But we’re not supposed to...”
“I can keep a secret if you can,” he murmured, reaching out to trace her lower lip with his thumb. “Game on, wife.”
Oh, game on yes indeed!!!!!
I could NOT get enough of Jared and Sheridan. They are a great couple and the love they have for each other comes through this book. I'm pretty lucky because this is the first book in the series. I can't wait for the next one. Since the second book will feature Willow Cavanaugh, Sheridan's best friend, and Nick Hamilton, Jared's best friend, I'm sure we'll get a little bit of the Quinn's as well.
Source: Author Contest Win
For Read Your Writes Book Reviews
Mmmmm....Where do I start? I haven’t read a Karen Erickson book that I haven’t liked. Add a starting QB to the mix and you have a recipe for a really good read. Add in Entangled Publishing’s Brazen line and you have a H-O-T read. I’m talking you need a shower or twoq while reading the book.
The concept of two people getting married and pretending to be madly in love in order to save someone's job or reputation isn't new. One thing I liked about this book is that it doesn’t follow the standard storyline that other books like this does. I can't say what that is exactly, because that would be giving away too much.
Jared Quinn is the hot and sexy NFL quarterback for the San Jose Hawks. He’s a guy who has been known to have a one-night stand a time or two. Okay, more like a lot. His team has just been purchased by a new owner who wants Jared to clean up his image. As it appears Jared’s name has been mentioned as the reason a former teammate's marriage ending.
Sheridan Harper (I love that name.) is a young twenty-five year old woman who owns and operates an art studio in a popular section of downtown Carmel. Sheridan inherited the studio from her grandmother a year ago, after her death. For Sheridan, the studio means everything to her. Unfortunately, she’s having a hard time meeting her expenses. She’s pretty close to having to sell the studio.
Jared and Sheridan meet by chance at an expo where she’s literally painting a live picture of what’s going on. One thing leads to another and they have drinks. Sheridan is the kind of girl who NEVER does anything outlandish. So she decides to. One night and one night only with Jared Quinn. Easier said than done.
Jared’s people, you know, his agent and publicist decide he needs to clean up his image and Sheridan is just the woman to make it happen. They suggest Jared and Sheridan get married, even though they don’t know each other, for one year. The goal in mind is that Jared gets a nice wholesome girl that people will love and she gets enough money so she doesn’t have to worry about having to sell her studio, plus an increase in business profit from being married to Jared.
I know...too easy right? What could possibly go wrong? Well for starters, Sheridan secretly has her lawyer put in a no sex clause, as a way of protecting herself from Jared. Unfortunately, she didn’t realize at the time how much she wanted a repeat performance of what should have been their one-night stand.
Jared is ALL kinds of hot. He says things like, “And I’m ready to make a bet I could seduce you with words alone.” Ah, yeah, with the hot sexy voice I’m hearing in my head. I can’t even tell you what my most favorite line is... Oh my gosh!
Check out this mini excerpt:
Sheridan chewed on her lower lip. “What do you want if you win? And how are you going to prove it?”
“Oh, I’ll know.” She was halfway there already, though she didn’t even realize it. Damn, his wife was hot. “If I win, I get to do whatever I want to you tonight when we get home.” His seduction had already begun, with those particularly chosen words.
Her eyes widened the slightest bit.. “But we’re not supposed to...”
“I can keep a secret if you can,” he murmured, reaching out to trace her lower lip with his thumb. “Game on, wife.”
Oh, game on yes indeed!!!!!
I could NOT get enough of Jared and Sheridan. They are a great couple and the love they have for each other comes through this book. I'm pretty lucky because this is the first book in the series. I can't wait for the next one. Since the second book will feature Willow Cavanaugh, Sheridan's best friend, and Nick Hamilton, Jared's best friend, I'm sure we'll get a little bit of the Quinn's as well.
Source: Author Contest Win
January 17, 2013
Originally on What I'm Reading
First off, LOVED this book. Oh my! To be honest there isn't going to be much left of your brain after reading Game for Marriage by Karen Erickson. Seriously, but worth the sacrifice.
Right from the beginning I was drooling over the hero, Jared Quinn. Come on he's freaking HOT and a star quarterback for the San Jose Hawks. If that doesn't scream WANT, I don't know what will. Plus, he tends to have a reputation for being a tad bit of a ladies man and that's putting it kindly.
One quote that describe Jared:
His reputation with women preceded him, in any case-- he went through them as often as he changed underwear. Maybe even more.
Maybe a manwhore would better describe him, but hey nothing wrong with that if you have the bod for it. Just need to be on guard with a guy like that.
Then you have Sheridan Harper who is an artist in the community and just happens to catch the eye of Jared Quinn. Lucky girl. Who knows she might the one right? Harvey Price (team publicist) sure does, but the one to save Jared's career. So, begins the fake marriage for a year to save Jared from scandal and possibly his career.
Seriously, OH MY! Talk about a book that will keep you warm on a cold winters night. Sheridan and Jared have so much chemistry, and I'm seriously wondering why it did not combust. However, I'm not going to lie I thought Sheridan was silly to put in the clause that states the no sex during there time together otherwise the marriage is null and void. Really. How could she survive living under the same roof with that man and not have sex? Floored me. Fortunately, the girl came to her senses.
Still amazed with the book. Seriously loved every moment of the book and so worth the read. Really, who needs a fire when you have Game for Marriage to keep you warm. Seriously, if you are looking for a quick read with a hot football player and could melt anything, you might want to get your hands on this book. See you all later.
Copy provided by author and publisher
First off, LOVED this book. Oh my! To be honest there isn't going to be much left of your brain after reading Game for Marriage by Karen Erickson. Seriously, but worth the sacrifice.
Right from the beginning I was drooling over the hero, Jared Quinn. Come on he's freaking HOT and a star quarterback for the San Jose Hawks. If that doesn't scream WANT, I don't know what will. Plus, he tends to have a reputation for being a tad bit of a ladies man and that's putting it kindly.
One quote that describe Jared:
His reputation with women preceded him, in any case-- he went through them as often as he changed underwear. Maybe even more.
Maybe a manwhore would better describe him, but hey nothing wrong with that if you have the bod for it. Just need to be on guard with a guy like that.
Then you have Sheridan Harper who is an artist in the community and just happens to catch the eye of Jared Quinn. Lucky girl. Who knows she might the one right? Harvey Price (team publicist) sure does, but the one to save Jared's career. So, begins the fake marriage for a year to save Jared from scandal and possibly his career.
Seriously, OH MY! Talk about a book that will keep you warm on a cold winters night. Sheridan and Jared have so much chemistry, and I'm seriously wondering why it did not combust. However, I'm not going to lie I thought Sheridan was silly to put in the clause that states the no sex during there time together otherwise the marriage is null and void. Really. How could she survive living under the same roof with that man and not have sex? Floored me. Fortunately, the girl came to her senses.
Still amazed with the book. Seriously loved every moment of the book and so worth the read. Really, who needs a fire when you have Game for Marriage to keep you warm. Seriously, if you are looking for a quick read with a hot football player and could melt anything, you might want to get your hands on this book. See you all later.
Copy provided by author and publisher
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