Darcy White can't believe she's answering a help wanted ad from someone looking to hire a wife, but she's hit rock bottom and is on the verge of being evicted from her apartment. When she learns that the guy she had a crush on in high school is the one looking to hire, she'd be crazy not to live out her fantasy.
Steven McDonald needs a wife, or at least a fiancée, before his grandfather retires or else he won't inherit the family business. He knows not just any woman will do, and in a desperate attempt to find a solution, he places a help wanted ad in the local paper. The day Darcy White answers it, his dreams begin to come true.
As Darcy and Steven pretend they're engaged, they make a promise to keep things platonic. But the more time they spend together, the harder it is to keep their hands off one another. With his grandfather's retirement approaching, and the possible end to their fake engagement, can Steven and Darcy admit their feelings to not only themselves but each other?
Content Warning: contains adult language and sensual love scenes
Lacey Wolfe has always had a passion for words, whether it’s getting lost in a book or writing her own. Her goal as an author is to have a romance for everyone, whether it’s sweet, sensual, or spicy. She’s had several books on the Amazon best seller lists. When she isn’t writing, she can be found running, talking to her pets, spending time with her family, or lost in some sort of craft. Oh, and she takes kindly to anyone who feeds her cookies.
Lacey lives in Georgia with her husband, son and daughter, their herd of cats and one black lab who rules the house.
(NO SPOILERS) QUICK REVIEW -mature content reader discretion is advised. 3.5 STARS out of 5 Genre: Contemporary Romance
Sweet & Predictable with a small touch of Steam.
“So tell me, why would a guy who had all the girls in high school dropping to their knees have to hire someone to be their wife? Don’t you still have a line a mile long of girls wanting you? Why not just grab one of them up to be this wife you need?” ~Darcy
When Steven McDonald’s grandfather decides he is ready for retirement, he puts the screws to Steven by telling him he must marry OR at least be on track to marriage before inheriting the family business. This prompts Steven to place an ad for a wife/fiancée in the paper and he strikes gold when Darcy White responds.
While Steven stands to inherit a family business, Darcy does not. After years of struggling to make a living she is about to face eviction. When she spots an ad in the paper that may be the answer to her prayers.
At the meeting with Steven, Darcy immediately recognizes him as her high school crush. The guy every girl wanted. She has no clue that she was on his radar in high school and that he was just too scared to make a move. After all, the girls came to him he’s never had to work for it.
As the meeting concludes Darcy decides she will think on whether or not she will become his fake fiancée, however things quickly take an unexpected turn. She ends up accepting the role and it’s just in the nick of time; because her landlord was looking for the rent money. Money Darcy does not have.
While she and Steven try to put on for their parents and his grandfather by faking the whole “we’re in love story” real feelings slowly begin to develop. And even though they both agreed to keep the relationship platonic to reach their own goals, lust takes root and they give in to temptation.
Can these two survive after skeptics speak up and an ex makes a reappearance to get back the one that got away?!
Can Steven officially make Darcy the Queen of his apple orchard?!
My Thoughts This was a very cute story and a pretty quick read that could be read in one sitting. Most will appreciate this for exactly what it is; a light fluff romance. You will get dual povs and a HEA. Yes, it was predictable at times but I did not feel it ever took away from the enjoyment of the story. Readers will enjoy Darcy and Steven and get a real kick out of their families I’m sure. Heck some readers may even relate to Darcy and her predicament.
Overall the writing is fair and the story flow was nice. If you’re looking for a light read with romance this is for you.
My Ratings Characters- Sweet Writing Style- Fair Plot/Storyline- Unexpected love Steam Factor- Medium/Moderately Steamy Overall- I liked it! Check it out! Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it on Goodreads! For more reviews got to http://realitybites-letsgetlost.blogs...
2.5 stars ****This book was part of a blog tour I was given a copy for my honest review****
Steven McDonald finds himself placing an add in the paper for a wife. After his crazy grandfather stipulated that he needed to settle down or he will never inherit the family business when he retires. Darcy is down on her luck, totally broke, no job and too prideful to go back to her parents to ask for help (why would she, they didn't believe in her in the first place). Scanning the job adds she sees a sign, Wanted: Wife, and the add was placed by Steven McDonald...... her high school crush. This book started out with a familiar and comfortable story. Two people that secretly liked each other years ago, through weird circumstances being given a chance at love. I find these sorts of stories are great for a lazy afternoon where you can just slide into the book and let the story lead you away for a few hours. Wife: Wanted is short, and easy to digest. I like the business arrangement type romance, but I did feel in this one that nothing really new was added to the story. The characters were easy to read, my favourite was Steven. He was a uncommon gentlemen in the standards of todays book heroes. The story was sweet although maybe a bit to fast. I wanted a bit more detail especially into Darcy's family who seemed to have an unexpected change of heart at the end of the book, or maybe Darcy's perceptions of them just changed? Although the scenes are described as sensual they were really quite innocent and in many it read like a fade to black type scene. Still, this book was a pleasant way to pass time
“What kind of hours are you looking for?” “Twenty-four a day.” “That’s a lot of hours.” “It is, but I aim to please.” “How many days a week are you wanting to work?” “Seven, of course.” “You do realize that the hours you’re requesting are well outside the usual forty hour work week, right? There is no overtime.” “Oh, I think there is overtime.”
All Steven wants is to inherit his grantfather's business.
All his grantfather wants is for Steven to get married.
All Darcy wants is financial support for a little time.
In the end they all get what they want!
Due to his age and his declining health Steven's grandfather decides to retire and give his business to Steven, provided that he gets married.Currently single, Steven decides to place an ad to his local newspaper... WANTED: WIFE.
Darcy needs money.Immediately! Having bills to pay and in the danger of loosing her apartment, Darcy is determined to make it on her own. So, when she comes across the ad, she can't but accept!
But what comes as a surprise to both is the fact that they already know each other from high school.In fact, Steven had a crush on Darcy all through school.
Determined to make this "engagement" work they decide to keep things between them friendly and platonic so no one gets hurt in the end. But the chemistry between them it too intense to be denied...
I love what the author has done with this book.The storyline may not sound convincing but if you read it you will easily be persuaded.
All in all, I totally recommend this book and I can't say how much I loved their HEA.
If this book isn’t Karma at work, I don’t know what is! Darcy and Steven went to school together but didn’t hang out. Darcy crushed on Steven and Steven crushed on Darcy but neither knew it. Fast forward a few years and Darcy is struggling to make ends meet after having lost her business. Enter the want ads. I have seen some funny, creepy and downright outrageous ads in my time but this one took the cake. Wanted: wife. I think I would have been curious enough to answer it myself. When she meets the man at a restaurant and realizes that it the Steven she wanted in high school, Darcy wonders what the deal is. Steven crushed on this girl so bad in high school and to now have the chance to be with her? Not going to pass it up. Like anything, close and accessibility leads to emotions and its not long before the tangled web the wove becomes a huge balled up mess! I really enjoyed this story and can’t wait for more lovely stories from Lacey!
A just okay romance which borders on steamy at times but pulls back again and again afraid to commit which leaves this reader a tad...um...unsatisfied. Truthfully, it reads a bit like a first draft, everything is there, but it's just adequate rather than stellar. I really liked Steven, but Darcy, not so much. She's insecure and her aggressive sexuality rubbed me wrong for some reason. It's readable in one sitting, so it's not time wasted, it just could have been so much more.
Could love, based off of a lie, turn into the real deal? That’s what the book, “Wanted: Wife” by Lacey Wolfe tries to prove to the reader. In the book we find Darcy White down on her luck and coming to the realization that the growing mountain of bills and a possible eviction is just not going to evaporate into thin air. So what does she do? She answers a HELP WANTED ad to get herself back on track. And boy, is this ad a doozy:
“Wanted: Wife $1,000 weekly and all expense paid...”
Now, like any reasonablely sane person you are going to have your misgivings and concerns, but with just having closed down her restaurant and parents that have completely cut her off...what more does she have to lose? Enter Steven McDonald, the cutie that placed the ad! Steven is close to running his grandad’s apple orchard company. In order to do so his granddad wants him to settle down and start a family. After Darcy answers the ad and they have a meeting they decide to give this “charade” a go. I think what makes it easy for them to make this happen is because they knew of each other many years ago in high school. Each having a crush on the other, but never acting on it because they both ran in different crowds.
I found this book to be such a fun and interesting read. Is it possible for two people who are faking it to actually fall in love? This book proves anything is possible. A few things that I felt were off with the book was that they barely had any conflict. Not every relationship needs to be filled with drama or angst. Just kind of found it hard to believe they played house so easily without any bit of disagreement. Before my hubby and I married, we played house and let me tell you, it wasn’t easy! Another thing that bothered me with the book, was that I felted a bit disconnected with the characters, Steven and Darcy. Liked I mentioned in my previous review, “Three Daves”. Third person narration always seems to throw me off. I love hearing from either the male or female POV. I feel like I truly get to know the characters and how they feel inside and out when the story is told in either point of view.
Darcy and Steven were a good book couple. Darcy is funny, witty and a strong character, loved her. Steven is handsome, confident and with a bit of alpha in him (yay!). They made the author’s story rather enjoyable and a fun read. However two people fall in love shouldn’t matter. The fact that they know in their hearts that the love they share is geniune and pure is what’s most important. Overall, a sweet and fun story. 3 ½ stars from me!
SMIBookClub received an ARC of Wanted: Wife in exchange for an honest review.
A guy who placed an advertisement looking for a fake wife to ensure his business. A girl who has it all but chose to make it on her own. Control freak parents. There is the best friend. The jealous brother and the bitchy ex -girlfriend and of course love all around. This story is a wild case of craziness!
During this week, this is the second time that I’ve read a story wherein characters get attracted with a certain newspaper advertisement. Is that an omen that maybe I could also find my happily ever after on a newspaper classified ads? LOL.
Well, the concept of Wanted: Wife is nothing new for me, in fact I’ve read several stories with people hiring fake fiancés, wife or even husbands but as always it’s the way that you never really know what would happen or if it would lay you a different plate as to others that would hold you into reading it. Fortunately, even though the concept of this book was really not on the original side, I find myself still engaged with Steven and Darcy’s story.
I’m also thinking that this is another case of insta-love but I don’t think that’s really the case here because basically the characters already know each other in High School, its just that they don’t belong in the same social class during that time that they didn’t have the opportunity to dwell with each other. With them seeing each other once again – even in a very weird and awkward situation – they’ve known that they both harbor the same feeling for each other during their school neither do anything to act on it.
I like Darcy and Steven. They both gave me pure positive vibes throughout the story even though I wanted to smack the both of them for they lack on the communication aspect of their relationship. It’s really obvious they’re really into each other even though they’re only pretending it all. You could easily how they grow in each other.
It was a pretty short and easy read! So, if you're into simple contemporary reads, pick this one up!
Darcy was a sweet girl trying to make her own way and finds an answer to her desperation by answering a want ad for a wife.
Steven wants to take over the family business but needs a new wife since he only has a bed partner not a love match her puts out an ad for a temporary wife.
Low and behold Darcy and Steven happen to already know each other and are instantly drawn to one another.
At first it is easier to play it safe and just be friends but chemistry is chemistry and it can't be denied. Once the let the fire burn emotions come to the surface but what do you know but another case of you guessed it not communicating and assuming has left them in a quandary.
Love is a fickle thing and doesn't want to be ignored.
I was looking for something super fluffy and this fit the bill perfectly. Nothing to heavy and an easy sweet read about love, hope and new beginnings.
This book was just loads of fun. Sometimes, the best books are the ones that are like your favorite guilty pleasure on TV. You pick them up and just devour them in the course of a couple hours. This is EXACTLY what I did with Wanted: Wife.
There is plenty to love about this book. It's romantic, it's sensual, it is just tons of fun. Wolfe knows how to craft a tale that makes you feel like its a decadent dessert. It feels a little naughty, but oh, so good.
I think one of the elements that was most successful about this book was that it deals with real issues wrapped up in a silly premise. Do hot, eligible bachelors really advertise for fake wives in the newspaper? Still that silly, little ad leads to something really excellent. Darcy had a crush on the popular Steven in high school, but has not seen him sense.
Down on her luck, and desperate to chase her dreams, Darcy answers the ad in a last ditch effort to save herself. Sparks fly between the two, and as they navigate tricky family issues, business deals and plenty of heat, is it possible that there is actual love at bloom?
I do not want to give away the book, but it is safe to say that Ms. Wolfe weaves a wonderful tale. By the time you close the book, you will believe in love, even in the most awkward situations.
Disclaimer: I was gifted a copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review. However, all opinions expressed are my own.
Steven wants to inherit his grandfathers company/business but grandpa isn't willing to hand over the company unless Steven has a wife. With no one really serious in his life he decides to place a help wanted ad in the local newspaper... WANTED: WIFE.
Darcy is really low on her luck, she is estranged from her parents and family and has been for the last year. She has no job and has had no luck in finding one, she can't afford her bills and is about to lose her apartment. Looking through the wanted ads for a job she comes across this crazy ad for someone needing a wife. Deciding that she can't stoop much lower than that, she decides to find out more.
Darcy and Steven meet up for an interview to find out they new each other from high school. Steven had crushed on Darcy all through school. Deciding to try and make this fake engagement work shouldn't be to hard. They need to keep things friendly and platonic so no one gets hurt in the end. That proves to be quite hard with all the time they spend together and the little charade they are forced to put on with kissing and being "in love".
Lacey did an AMAZING job with this book, I didn't want it to come to an end.
I love marriage of convenience stories and Ms Wolfe’s knocked my socks off!
After the very smexy Steven places an ad for a wife, with a huge salary, Darcy can’t resist finding out more, especially since she’s in a bit of a pickle. Thankfully the guy isn’t some weirdo – in fact it’s her high school crush!
I really fell for both Steven and Darcy. They were stuck between a rock and a hard place, but neither let it get them down. They made the most of what they had to do, fighting a slow burning attraction all the way.
When they do give in, their emotions are laid bare for the reader, ramping up the sensuality and keeping me whipping through the chapters, desperate to find out if it ends for better or for worse.
A raw, highly emotive, well-written story from one of my favourite authors. Keep them coming Ms Wolfe!
I LOVED this book from the start right through to the end. Farcy comes from a rich family but wants to make something of her life for herself so she makes the decision to move away from home as her parents, especially her father, don't understand. Unfortunately things don't go to plan and one evening whilst looking thorough the job sections she finds one that holds her interest, 'Wanted:Wife' Is she REALLY desperate for that money or could she wait??? In the end Darcy decides to apply for the job and her life changes completely. Read this brilliant book to find out what happens to Darcy and Steven, the writer of the advert. Another fantastic book Lacey, thank you. :) xx
Darcy White is down on her luck, cut off from her family, with a closed down restaurant, no job and pretty soon with no home. So what does jobless and soon to be homeless Darcy decide to do to pay the bills? You probably read the synopsis so I'm going to get on with it. She answers a Help Wanted ad that pays really well. All she's got to do is pretend to be someone's wife!
Now here's where Steven McDonald enters, the hottie who posts the wacky ad. Steven loves working for his grandpa's apple orchard company. And he's soon to inherit the business himself! But ofcourse granddaddy sets an ultimatum, settle down and get married or get nothing. Desperate to please and not lose the orchard, he places an ad in the paper.... for a wife.
As it turns out Steven and Darcy know each other from high school and happened to be each other's crushes. Never acting on it ofcourse. Now that they have to act out the charade of being engaged, they grow close, feelings develop, sparks fly and certain sensuous scenes take place.
Hurdles come along the way and threaten to separate them. But will love conquer all? You'll just have to read it won't you? ;)
This book was pretty fun really! It was an interesting premise certainly. The title is what really drew me to the book. There are quirky bits and funny bits that make you smile. Steven was ADORABLE!! Darcy was........nothing special really. She wasn't a bad character not at all. I'd knock down a star if she was. I just couldn't deal with her sometimes. Let's just say I adored Steven.
The concept and dialogs etc. were pretty enjoyable. The thing that held me back from enjoying this completely would have to be the slight disconnect I felt from the characters and book. I wasn't completely invested all the time. Also Darcy and Steven seemed to minimal arguments. They had arguments, yes. But as much as I thought they really should? No. They do move in together I was expecting a LOT of arguments. But they seemed to take most of it in stride. Maybe that's just them. Darcy and Steven as a couple were good. Darcy ever witty and strong and undeniably stubborn. Handsome, caring, confident Steven. Overall the couple made the story a good read. Despite my negatives and enjoyable read for sure! Two people falling in love. What's not to love?
Review for Wanted: Wife by Lacey Wolfe ARC copy provided for honest review- no spoilers.
We all know that I love smut. Paranormal smut, regular smut, raunchy smut, sweet smut, smut- smut everywhere and this is one happy book whore. One thing I don’t make known often is that I like happy-go-lucky sweet romance novels that are NOT dripping in smut too. Yep, now you all know my secret…. This is Miranda… I am a book whore… and sometimes it is just not about the smut. Wanted: Wife by Lacey Wolfe is one of those books that is not dripping in smut it is about the story first and foremost. (I’m not saying that there isn’t smut involved, because there is… oh yes, there will be smut.)
I am in love with the way that Lacey Wolfe writes her stories. This is the second book I have had the pleasure to review for her and I can say it is a wonderful change of pace from the norm for me. Her effortless writing style has you hooked from the first page. The characters are hilarious, sexy, and spirited. Another piece of this story that I love is that the main character Bethany is “normal” yeah she comes from a richy rich family and could have the world on a silver platter, but she doesn’t. She takes the harder road and makes mistakes; she stumbles and falls then has to learn how to stand back up again. Quick-witted and funny, Bethany is an easy character to love.
Okay, beefcake time, Max. Rich? Check. Buff? Check. Smart? Check. Sweet? Check. Sexy? Check. Hot? Check. Charming? Check. Sexy? Check. Wait… I said that one already right? Oh well, it’s worth saying again! Max is the exact opposite of all of those other bad boy BBFs we fall in love with. Max doesn’t need to be fixed he is perfect just how he is… MAX is the man we SHOULD want as our BBFs because lets face it whores we deserve a man who wants OUR dreams to come true not just his own. I might have falling a tad bit smitten with Mr. Max. I would be happy to spend my days picking apples with him and my nights heating up the sheets. *wink wink
All in all, this is an incredibly enjoyable read. It has everything you want in a romance. Drama, humor, love, hot steamy sex, family drama, love, hot steamy sexy sex… I give this one a solid four stars!! Can’t wait to read what Lacey Wolfe has cookin’ up next.
4.5 Lightning Bolts from Storm Goddess Book Reviews
An ad in the paper....for a wife? Unheard of! Crazy! Yet....intriguing. One would have to wonder what makes someone put a wanted ad out like that. Call it desperation, call it- fate? Call it an unforgettable journey for two people that go into a deal with one idea, but could possibly come out with something even better- love.
The title and blurb alone caught my attention. I love stories like that! And the book itself delivered just what I'd hoped for- a sweet, engaging story with a lot of fun, a bit of heat, and a well deserved happily ever after.
Ahh, Darcy and Steven. They knew each other in high school..or at least, knew of each other. They ran around in different circles. Steven was the kind of guy Darcy only dreamed about being near. Darcy was the girl Steven always wanted to know, but never pursued. Now fast forward into adulthood, and who knew when he put that ad out how things would change?
Steven just wants to run a company, and of course, a family member has put a stipulation. He's had enough heartache and isn't really looking to settle down. Darcy is down on her luck and needing a fresh start. She's all out of money, and frankly out of options. That one ad changes their lives. It's all a game of charades until real feelings get involved. Then, things heat up as the two begin to fall in love, but the obstacles of life and their inner demons could keep them apart.
Wanted Wife is a sweet story that grabbed me from the start. I love Darcy and Steven! I love the story line and the easy flow of the book. I read it in just a few hours. The characters are memorable and I can relate to both of them on many levels. It's emotional, engaging and fresh and I enjoy Lacey Wolfe's writing style. I think I need to kick myself in the butt for not picking up a book by this author sooner. Well, no worries now, because I'm not going to stop at just one.
I recommend this book to anyone looking for a lighthearted romance that grabs the reader by the horns and says "Hold on, we're going in for the long haul *aka the end* because that's exactly what happened to me.
Marriage of Convenience has been one of my favorite plots in contemporary and regency romance. But Lacey Weatherford wrote Wanted:Wife in a way that made it stand out from the rest. It was sweet, sexy and just the right amount of drama.
Darcy is not really poor. Her parents were rich but she had moved out from their home. She wanted to be independent and make it on her own. She didn’t want to be like her mother who plans charity parties and stay at home. She had opened a business, but due to slow economy it closed and now, she found herself running out of cash. So despite being independent and strong – she needs to be practical. Out of sheer desperation, she answers an ad in the newspaper. She’s applying to be someone’s wife.
Steven McDonald is as desperate as Darcy. He needs a wife. He’s handsome, successful and wants the business. But his grandfather wouldn’t allow him to do so not unless he find himself a wife. But he didn’t want any attachment or commitment – he just wants the company. He wrote an ad in the newspaper, but what he didn’t expect is the person who answered the ad. Darcy White. He hired her immediately and thus begins their re-acquaintance.
From the moment they met they are both fighting their long-time attraction with one another. It was a dream came true for both. Darcy happened to have a crush on Steven in high school and so does he. But the question is: are they willing to take the risk? What will happen if their charade be exposed? Can their hearts not be involved in their agreement?
I had a grand time reading this novel in one sitting, watch how these two people fight off their attraction and feelings for one another, make amends with their family, changed and finally fell in love.
*ARC Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.
I read this book for a Blog Tour. Sometimes a book you never heard of or seen can become an unexpected Great read.
Wanted Wife is was sweet,sexy and had just the right amount of Drama. Have you ever wondered about high School friends and what they are doing with their life now. Ever had a High School friend that you had a major crush on , but never pursued in school?
This is the story of Darcy, who is down on her luck and decides to answer and ad in the paper for a Wanted Wife. What she does not realize is the person who put the add in the paper is an old High School crush.
Steven is set to inherit his grandfathers company , but his grandfather has set a stipulation in order for Steven to get it when he retires. He wants Steven to be settling down with a wife and starting a family.
Steven decides to take out an Ad in the newspaper for a Wanted Wife. He wants someone to fill the position and play the part until his grandfather hands the company over to him when he retires.
When Darcy and Steven meet for the interview they realize that they know each other from high School. Steven has always had a thing for Darcy but never approached her through School.
Can these two pull this off and walk away once Steven inherits the company? Or will feelings come to the surface from when they were in High school? Will love conquer all? Can they get through the Hurdles that come their way during their little agreement?
This was a fun read, it was sweet,I read it in one sitting!!!!!
Darcy White is jobless and soon to be homeless...........unless she can find a way to make money.
Steven McDonald helps run the family business, an apple orchard, with his grandfather. His grandfather has announced that he will be returning soon and has given Steven an ultimatum; either get married and settle down or the business will be sold. Steven loves being a part of the family business and will do anything it takes to keep in the family, even if that means putting an ad in the paper.......for a wife.
It is quite the surprise when Darcey decides to apply for the "wife" job and finds out that it is for the man that she had a huge crush on and even fantasized about all through high school.
Will Steven and Darcy be able to make their high powered families believe that their engagement is for real? And what happens when Steven's ex girlfriend comes back into the picture and will do anything to get him back? And of course the big question......will both of them be able to keep their hearts from being involved with this business arrangement???
This story will tug at the reader's heartstrings but will definitely be a story to read over & over.
If you have not read any stories by Lacey Wolfe....well, what have you been waiting for??? You will not be sorry and will find a new favorite author!!
This story was initially a short story that was included in the Love, Again anthology. However, Lacey Wolfe expanded this story immensely. I loved the concept of this story for the simple fact that you never know what will happen and the opportunities that may come about. While I can't see myself ever doing it, I also don't know if I could turn down the opportunity if given the chance.
What I enjoyed the most was that Steven and Darcy grew as people and began to feel real emotions about each other, yet they were both scared that the other was only in it because of the "deal" that was made. While it is understandable that both had similar feelings, I wanted to smack them both and tell them to talk to each other. I guess I understood the fear that it was just a "deal" and probably would have reacted in a similar way as Darcy, but I haven't been in that position.
I loved most of the family members, except for Steven's brother and Darcy's parents. While Darcy's parents slightly redeemed themselves, Steven's brother did not. Steven's grandfather was the type that seemed like he was better than everyone else, but he proved different, in my opinion, when he didn't raise a fuss over pizza and soda for a family dinner. I didn't like that Darcy's parents tried to control the engagement party, but Steven encouraged Darcy to stand up for what they wanted.
I can't say when the concept of a man looking for a bride, or a pseudo-bride, in order to secure his inheritance originated, but it's been revived, revamped, and updated because it's such a crowd-pleaser. My guess is it predates the 1916 play (which spawned the 1925 Buster Keaton silent film, Seven Chances) and all that followed.
In Wanted: Wife, author Lacey Wolfe is serving up her own delightful course, the recipe tweaked and updated for the modern palate. Darcy is more than a prop or a gag, for starters. She's strong, independent, and the arrangement - odd as it seems, even to her - is a pragmatic one. She needs the cash.
Steven is a decent guy, handsome and successful, though more focused on learning the family business and taking over for his aging grandfather than actively pursuing a social life. His focus on business is what raises the old man's red flag. Whether the old gent has the energy or the sound mind to stay at the helm, he decides to hang in there until he's sure his grandson is taken care of on the personal front. Only then will he hand over the reins. What follows is a charming story that explores both characters, their motivations and evolving emotions.
The question that's always lurking is this; what happens if their charade is exposed? Will everything evaporate or is there something substantial behind the smoke and mirrors?
This story was initially a short story that was included in the Love, Again anthology. However, Lacey Wolfe expanded this story immensely. I loved the concept of this story for the simple fact that you never know what will happen and the opportunities that may come about. While I can't see myself ever doing it, I also don't know if I could turn down the opportunity if given the chance.
What I enjoyed the most was that Steven and Darcy grew as people and began to feel real emotions about each other, yet they were both scared that the other was only in it because of the "deal" that was made. While it is understandable that both had similar feelings, I wanted to smack them both and tell them to talk to each other. I guess I understood the fear that it was just a "deal" and probably would have reacted in a similar way as Darcy, but I haven't been in that position.
I loved most of the family members, except for Steven's brother and Darcy's parents. While Darcy's parents slightly redeemed themselves, Steven's brother did not. Steven's grandfather was the type that seemed like he was better than everyone else, but he proved different, in my opinion, when he didn't raise a fuss over pizza and soda for a family dinner. I didn't like that Darcy's parents tried to control the engagement party, but Steven encouraged Darcy to stand up for what they wanted.
I loved this book! Marriage of Convenience books are one of my favorites and Wanted: Wife by Lacey Wolfe is an absolutely perfect story for this romance type.
Darcy White is down on her luck and out of cash. Due to the poor economy, her restaurant could not be sustained and she had to close it. Desperate and unable to find a job, she answers an ad for a temporary wife. Unbeknownst to Darcy, the gentleman that placed the ad is a former classmate of hers that she happened to have a crush on during high school.
Steven McDonald is need of a wife, or at least a fiancee in order to take over his grandfather's company. As soon as his personal life is somewhat settled, his grandfather will retire and Steven will officially be in charge. Once Steven recognizes and interviews Darcy, he hires her immediately and they begin to get reacquainted.
Darcy and Steven were already fond of each other way back when. Now their feelings are developing and they are falling in love. However, a few hurdles have to be jumped in order for them to be a couple. Luckily, love conquers all.
I was gifted this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Just like Bidding Wars I fell in love with this book. It took me two hours to read and I never wanted to put it down. Basically, who wouldn't love a book about a guy who places an ad for a fake wife so he could get a job. Craziness ensues in this book. You have the control freak mother who thinks about money and presentation over anything else. You have the girl who was brought up in a better off family but is trying to make it on her own. You have the best friend. You have a jealous brother and ex girlfriend. You have the employer who falls for his employee, and vice versa.
Lacey Wolfe has become one of my favorite story tellers. She weaves stories like nobody else. She knows just where to put a happy scene and a sad scene and a laughable scene. She has an enigmatic style about her and well she is just awesome!! I'm not just saying that because I am on her street team either, it is actually why I joined her street team. I love how you never know what her characters will do next, it is difficult to guess what will happen next in the story. I love books like that!
This is the story of Darcy who is just about to hit rock-bottom and be evicted from her apartment. Darcy is searching the Want Ads and comes across one that says Wanted: Wife. She decides to answer the ad. She finds out that the ad is for real, that he is looking for a wife. She decides to meet him and realizes that it is someone that she went to school with and has a crush on. Steven is in need of a wife. His grandfather is dying and his stipulation is that he needs to be married to take over the company. Steve meets up with Darcy and realizes they went to high school together and that he had the biggest crush on her. They decide to go through with the pretend dating and engagement so that way he can have the company he loves so well. They have decided to keep things platonic, but that is harder than they think. Especially when they like each other.
This is a great story. I love Darcy & Steven's characters. I loved the Grandfather. I can't wait for the next book of Lacey's.
Darcy is a girl that comes from a prominent family, her dad is a hotshot lawyer and her mom is the very well behaved society wife. She on the other hand does not want to follow in her mom's footsteps. She has her own dreams and aspirations to actually become someone in life and not just someone's wife.
Steven is has the best attributes. Tall, dark hair, deep meaningful eyes and a smile that shows that yummylicious dimple on his cheek. Every girls wet dream come true. He finds himself in a bind and in need of a wife ASAP.
When these two get together you feel the sparks flying. From their first date you can feel the sexual tension between these too. Let's just say that I am never going to think of a kiss, home cooked meal and a shot of whiskey the same way.
Over all Lacey Wolfe made me not want to put this book down... Not even at work! Get it, get to reading and enjoy a nice cold glass of "soda...
2 Just OK Stars. There were some good laughs, a few good moments, and a lot of things that could've been developed way more than they were. This seemed more like a draft of a novel than the finished product.
Darcy comes from money, but she's given it all up for freedom and independence. Her father is too controlling and her mother is nothing but socialite. She wants nothing to do with that lifestyle. Steven comes from that lifestyle and has been given an ultimatum by his grandfather: find a girl, settle down, become a family man and you can take over the family business. Steven will do anything to make that happen, including putting an ad in the paper. The storyline isn't anything new and neither are the characters or the events that unfold. There's a jealous ex who teams up with a jealous brother, parents who realize maybe they've been too hard on their child, and a grandfather who is laughing through it all.