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Married for a Month
WHAT'S THE SECRET TO EVERLASTING LOVE? Taylor McGuire, a hardworking single mom with a Ph.D. in psychology, believes that compatibility is the key to a successful marriage. Bestselling relationship guru Jonathan Kirby believes it's sexual chemistry. So when these two former lovers meet up on national TV, it's more than just a difference of expert opinion that sets the sparks flying between them. And when Taylor puts forth her theory on love, Jonathan can't help but challenge: "Want to bet?" So begins an unconventional contest -- forty couples involved in a monthlong mock marriage for a chance to win one million dollars -- which puts Taylor's and Jonathan's professional reputations on the line. As the competition heats up, so does the attraction. And as they fall for each other, the two experts realize that love is not a science...sometimes it's just magic.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 27, 2001
411 people are currently reading
1209 people want to read
About the author
Susan Mallery
862 books15.4k followers#1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery writes heartwarming and humorous novels about the relationships that define women's lives—family, friendship, romance. She's best known for putting nuanced characters into emotionally complex, real-life situations with twists that surprise readers to laughter. Because Susan is passionate about animal welfare, pets play a big role in her books. Beloved by millions of readers worldwide, her books have been translated into 28 languages.
Critics have dubbed Mallery "the new queen of romantic fiction." (Walmart) Booklist says, "Romance novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and RT Book Reviews puts her "in a class by herself!" It's no wonder that her books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list.
Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool's Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.
Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.
Critics have dubbed Mallery "the new queen of romantic fiction." (Walmart) Booklist says, "Romance novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and RT Book Reviews puts her "in a class by herself!" It's no wonder that her books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list.
Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool's Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.
Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
January 26, 2023
Perfection!
Rarely do I finish a book without wishing some detail had been different, or a character had said something different at an important crossroads. But this book is an exception! Honestly there's nothing that happens or is said that wasn't absolutely perfect for this outstanding story!
Characters were genuine, sometimes speaking in anger or haste, but it was exactly what needed to be said. This is not to say that all the individual characters were perfect, but as in life, they had good and bad qualities.
I loved the contest and especially the winning couple. Of course the shocking realization and declaration made near the end left me smiling and overjoyed at how perfect it was! I wish I could give it 5+ stars! Don't miss the opportunity to read "Married for a Month" by Susan Mallery!
Rarely do I finish a book without wishing some detail had been different, or a character had said something different at an important crossroads. But this book is an exception! Honestly there's nothing that happens or is said that wasn't absolutely perfect for this outstanding story!
Characters were genuine, sometimes speaking in anger or haste, but it was exactly what needed to be said. This is not to say that all the individual characters were perfect, but as in life, they had good and bad qualities.
I loved the contest and especially the winning couple. Of course the shocking realization and declaration made near the end left me smiling and overjoyed at how perfect it was! I wish I could give it 5+ stars! Don't miss the opportunity to read "Married for a Month" by Susan Mallery!
April 29, 2023
Not going to lie ,it took me a few chapters to get into this one,but then I was hooked until the end! My guess as to who was going to win the contest was correct….YaY me! Great book Susan Mallery
March 17, 2023
Cute reunion story with a few more hooks. The hero and heroine are both psychologists with a past connection, who wind up on the same psychology talk show where he challenges her to a competition. He believes strongly in "opposites attract" and she believes the best marriages are between people who have similarities. The book was written before the days of reality TV, but the contest has much of the atmosphere. There are several romances in the story in addition to the main one. It's a fun read. I liked it.
January 29, 2024
This was a good book.
February 17, 2024
A fairly cheesy romance for the most part, but the ending is SO SWEET. There’s a love story here for everyone <3
December 23, 2024
4 instead of a 3 for me because miscommunication is my least favorite trope and it was a breath of fresh air to have communicative MCs😮💨
4 instead of a 5 for me since it was a bit cheesy
4 instead of a 5 for me since it was a bit cheesy
May 6, 2024
This book was originally published in 2001 and later revised (not sure exactly when) to bring it up to date. It is an interesting concept based somewhat on reality shows and dating apps, it starts with the, not so surprising, meeting of two people in the same field, psychology. A contest ensues and several scenarios involve a variety of couples trying to find “the one”, not to mention a $1,000,000.00 prize. Altogether a fun read that I actually finished in a day.
January 5, 2025
It was an easy read, very cute.
March 9, 2016
German Review
INHALT :
Je mehr Gemeinsamkeiten ein Paar hat, desto besser läuft die Beziehung. Davon ist Paartherapeutin Taylor McGuire überzeugt. Ihr Ex-Lover, der erfolgreiche Psychologe Jonathan Kirby, behauptet mal wieder genau das Gegenteil – nur auf viel Sex kommt es an. In einer Talkshow fordert er Taylor heraus, um zu beweisen, dass er recht hat: Für eine Realityshow sollen Singles aus der kleinen Stadt Marriageville einen Monat lang zusammenleben. Dann wird sich schnell zeigen, was wichtiger ist: Verlangen oder Verständnis. Vor laufender Kamera bleibt Taylor nichts anderes übrig, als zuzustimmen. Doch das Experiment droht, sich zu verselbständigen: Nicht nur die Einwohner von Marriageville werden hart von Amors Pfeil getroffen. Auch zwischen Taylor und Jonathan beginnt es wieder zu knistern.
MEINUNG :
In " Weiter geht's nach der Werbung "geht es um Paartherapeutin Taylor, die glaubt das eine Beziehung je mehr Gemeinsamkeiten sie hat, desto besser ist es. Ihr Ex aber behauptet das Gegenteil als Psychologe. Um es zu beweisen will er sie herausfordern. Er will in einer Reality Show Singles einen Monat wie ein Ehepaar leben. Es wird sehr interessant als bei den Kandidaten als auch bei Taylor und Jonathan wieder Gefühle auftauchen..
Jonathan Kirby ist ein bekannter Psychologe und glaubt das Sex viel mehr wichtig ist in einer Beziehung. Er will dies beweisen indem er seine Ex die das Gegenteil behauptet herausfordert.
Taylor ist Paartherapeutin und glaubt das je mehr Gemeinsamkeiten es gibt bei Paaren in einer Beziehung, das es um so besser ist. Sie nimmt die Herausforderung an als ihr Ex sie zu einer Reality TV Show herausfordert.
Marnie ist eine Freundin von Taylor und hat einen Beauty Salon und hat ihren Mann verloren. Sie sehr sich nach einem Mann und har auch schon ein Auge auf jemanden doch dieser bemerkt sie nicht.
Daneben gibt es noch andere Charaktere die auch mitwirken wie zum Beispiel Marnie oder ihr Ex Man, der leider nicht immer so gut mithilft wen es um die Kinder und deren Unterhalt geht.
Der Schreibstil ist angenehm flüssig und hat mich direkt in das Buch gezogen. Das Buch wird aus der Sicht von Taylor und Jonathan aber auch von anderen Figuren erzählt die auch eine entscheidende Rolle spielen und zum Beispiel auch eine Liebe suchen. So kann man als Leser sich noch mehr ins Buch verlieren und verschiedene sichten kennen lernen. Vor allem bei Taylor und Jonathan gibt es viele Dinge die neugierig machen und ob sie wieder zusammen kommen?
Die Spannung und Handlung hat mich je mehr ich in der Geschichte war mitgenommen. Die Autorin legt ein langsames Tempo das sich je mehr man im man im Buch ist immer mehr steigert. Taylor und Jonathan versuchen beide sich mit ihren Behauptungen zu beweisen und wollen zeigen das sie recht haben. Als Jonathan sie dann herausfordert nimmt sie direkt an. Es wird wie eine Art Reality Show und Paare sollen für einen Monat zusammen leben. Dafür gewinnen diese dann einen Geld Betrag sollten sie es schaffen. Das sich dabei Paare verlieben und auch bei Taylor und Jonathan wieder alte Gefühle hochkommen war nicht geplant. Werden sie vielleicht wieder einen Weg finden zusammen zu kommen? Und was ist mit den anderen Paaren wie Marnie die auch jemanden finden will? Lasst euch überraschen und taucht auch in dieses Buch ein.
Das Cover hat mich schon in der Verlags Vorschau neugierig gemacht und da ich schon ein paar Werke kenne von der Autorin musste ich dieses auch lesen.
Das Ende hat mich bis zuletzt gut unterhalten und ich fand es hat gepasst zum Schuss.
FAZIT :
Mit " Weiter geht's nach der Werbung" schafft Susan Mallery eine schöne Geschichte die durch ihre Charaktere, aber auch durch die tolle Handlung den Leser immer weiter in dieses Buch zieht.
Die Geschichte ist romantisch und zeigt große Gefühle.
INHALT :
Je mehr Gemeinsamkeiten ein Paar hat, desto besser läuft die Beziehung. Davon ist Paartherapeutin Taylor McGuire überzeugt. Ihr Ex-Lover, der erfolgreiche Psychologe Jonathan Kirby, behauptet mal wieder genau das Gegenteil – nur auf viel Sex kommt es an. In einer Talkshow fordert er Taylor heraus, um zu beweisen, dass er recht hat: Für eine Realityshow sollen Singles aus der kleinen Stadt Marriageville einen Monat lang zusammenleben. Dann wird sich schnell zeigen, was wichtiger ist: Verlangen oder Verständnis. Vor laufender Kamera bleibt Taylor nichts anderes übrig, als zuzustimmen. Doch das Experiment droht, sich zu verselbständigen: Nicht nur die Einwohner von Marriageville werden hart von Amors Pfeil getroffen. Auch zwischen Taylor und Jonathan beginnt es wieder zu knistern.
MEINUNG :
In " Weiter geht's nach der Werbung "geht es um Paartherapeutin Taylor, die glaubt das eine Beziehung je mehr Gemeinsamkeiten sie hat, desto besser ist es. Ihr Ex aber behauptet das Gegenteil als Psychologe. Um es zu beweisen will er sie herausfordern. Er will in einer Reality Show Singles einen Monat wie ein Ehepaar leben. Es wird sehr interessant als bei den Kandidaten als auch bei Taylor und Jonathan wieder Gefühle auftauchen..
Jonathan Kirby ist ein bekannter Psychologe und glaubt das Sex viel mehr wichtig ist in einer Beziehung. Er will dies beweisen indem er seine Ex die das Gegenteil behauptet herausfordert.
Taylor ist Paartherapeutin und glaubt das je mehr Gemeinsamkeiten es gibt bei Paaren in einer Beziehung, das es um so besser ist. Sie nimmt die Herausforderung an als ihr Ex sie zu einer Reality TV Show herausfordert.
Marnie ist eine Freundin von Taylor und hat einen Beauty Salon und hat ihren Mann verloren. Sie sehr sich nach einem Mann und har auch schon ein Auge auf jemanden doch dieser bemerkt sie nicht.
Daneben gibt es noch andere Charaktere die auch mitwirken wie zum Beispiel Marnie oder ihr Ex Man, der leider nicht immer so gut mithilft wen es um die Kinder und deren Unterhalt geht.
Der Schreibstil ist angenehm flüssig und hat mich direkt in das Buch gezogen. Das Buch wird aus der Sicht von Taylor und Jonathan aber auch von anderen Figuren erzählt die auch eine entscheidende Rolle spielen und zum Beispiel auch eine Liebe suchen. So kann man als Leser sich noch mehr ins Buch verlieren und verschiedene sichten kennen lernen. Vor allem bei Taylor und Jonathan gibt es viele Dinge die neugierig machen und ob sie wieder zusammen kommen?
Die Spannung und Handlung hat mich je mehr ich in der Geschichte war mitgenommen. Die Autorin legt ein langsames Tempo das sich je mehr man im man im Buch ist immer mehr steigert. Taylor und Jonathan versuchen beide sich mit ihren Behauptungen zu beweisen und wollen zeigen das sie recht haben. Als Jonathan sie dann herausfordert nimmt sie direkt an. Es wird wie eine Art Reality Show und Paare sollen für einen Monat zusammen leben. Dafür gewinnen diese dann einen Geld Betrag sollten sie es schaffen. Das sich dabei Paare verlieben und auch bei Taylor und Jonathan wieder alte Gefühle hochkommen war nicht geplant. Werden sie vielleicht wieder einen Weg finden zusammen zu kommen? Und was ist mit den anderen Paaren wie Marnie die auch jemanden finden will? Lasst euch überraschen und taucht auch in dieses Buch ein.
Das Cover hat mich schon in der Verlags Vorschau neugierig gemacht und da ich schon ein paar Werke kenne von der Autorin musste ich dieses auch lesen.
Das Ende hat mich bis zuletzt gut unterhalten und ich fand es hat gepasst zum Schuss.
FAZIT :
Mit " Weiter geht's nach der Werbung" schafft Susan Mallery eine schöne Geschichte die durch ihre Charaktere, aber auch durch die tolle Handlung den Leser immer weiter in dieses Buch zieht.
Die Geschichte ist romantisch und zeigt große Gefühle.
May 30, 2013
I thought it was a fun concept - two psych “experts” with opposite views of what makes love/marriage work try to create the most “matches.”
But what made it interesting was that the characters had a past history (which is a theme I enjoy and even write myself). I was pleased to find that history included an extra complication that Jonathan was not aware of for all those years (which I hesitate to mention so as not to spoil the book for someone else). But it WAS my favorite part of the storyline, the most powerful, and (I think) the best catalyst for the character change over the course of the book. (And is THE reason I rated it a 4 instead of a 3.)
At first I didn’t like Jonathan much; but his character did make the biggest changes (though at times he seemed to move through them faster than would be realistic), which is what I like in a novel. And Taylor… I probably would have struggled to warm up to her except for that ‘complication’ I mentioned earlier (then I was all-in with her).
At first I didn’t care for the point-of-view from the three pairs of contestants (but I generally don’t care for more than 3 or 4 points of view in a book, so it might be my own bias). I felt they were a bit too cliché, and took attention away from the main characters’ story. If those stories had impacted the main characters or caused them to change or grow personally, it would have been a much tighter story “weave.”
But what made it interesting was that the characters had a past history (which is a theme I enjoy and even write myself). I was pleased to find that history included an extra complication that Jonathan was not aware of for all those years (which I hesitate to mention so as not to spoil the book for someone else). But it WAS my favorite part of the storyline, the most powerful, and (I think) the best catalyst for the character change over the course of the book. (And is THE reason I rated it a 4 instead of a 3.)
At first I didn’t like Jonathan much; but his character did make the biggest changes (though at times he seemed to move through them faster than would be realistic), which is what I like in a novel. And Taylor… I probably would have struggled to warm up to her except for that ‘complication’ I mentioned earlier (then I was all-in with her).
At first I didn’t care for the point-of-view from the three pairs of contestants (but I generally don’t care for more than 3 or 4 points of view in a book, so it might be my own bias). I felt they were a bit too cliché, and took attention away from the main characters’ story. If those stories had impacted the main characters or caused them to change or grow personally, it would have been a much tighter story “weave.”
December 23, 2009
A little predictable, but still a funny and engaging book. The premise revolves around two ex-lovers who are both psychologists, Taylor and Jonathan. They each have their own idea as to how couples stay together, one thinks it's the sexual chemistry and one thinks it's compatibility. They decide to put their theories to test, and get 40 couples to live together for one month, half put together by a survey created by Taylor, and half put together by a survey created by Jonathan. Whoever has the most couples in the end wins. Of course, that's not all to the story, and there's more going on with Taylor and Jonathan than just being ex-lovers.
As I said, some of the details were a little predictable, and some things jumped out at me but I really liked the concept of the book. It was witty, and I loved all the side characters. They focused on about 3-4 couples that were involved in this one month contest, and then there was the relationship with Taylor and Jonathan, plus Taylor's mom making appearances and all of this added up to a really quick book. I flew through it in about a day, similar to how fast I go through Mallery's other books.
I've found it few and far between when I dislike a book written by Mallery, she's pretty much my "go to" author when I want to read a romantic comedy.
As I said, some of the details were a little predictable, and some things jumped out at me but I really liked the concept of the book. It was witty, and I loved all the side characters. They focused on about 3-4 couples that were involved in this one month contest, and then there was the relationship with Taylor and Jonathan, plus Taylor's mom making appearances and all of this added up to a really quick book. I flew through it in about a day, similar to how fast I go through Mallery's other books.
I've found it few and far between when I dislike a book written by Mallery, she's pretty much my "go to" author when I want to read a romantic comedy.
July 30, 2023
Nope. I stopped highlighting or making notes after like "100 pages" when I realized I do NOT like this book. The only reason I continued you was for Will and Marnie, but it dawned on me that they weren't worth the torture this story was. Okay, I might be exaggerating a tad bit, but FR!! I hate the main characters. Taylor never told Johnathan (who names their kid that anymore, much less AN AUTHOR naming their character???) that they had a kid, as she might've risked trapping him in a marriage. I call BS. He had a right to know. Now, their kid went 16 years without a father. Johnathan left Taylor because he wasn't ready to settle down. He was 19, and she was 16. (Was that sexual relationship even legal? News flash: it's NOT. It's statutory rape.) Wtf? Dont worry, it gets worse. Not telling him he has a kid, her being absolutely pathetic when he broke up with her, AND him okay with leaving her. BABE, NO! You can do co much better than a man, and I'm happy to leave you for no good reason. I will have to say that including POVs of other characters was an intelligent move. It did demonstrate how these psychologists were affecting them and how more than one couple is affected. It also increases interest. But clearly not enough since I DNF.
did-not-finish
May 9, 2012Only read this if the "hidden baby" plot doesn't bother you. Personally, I can't stand it. And unless the heroine is unable to contact the hero to tell him she's having his baby, or he's abusive and telling him could put her life in danger, I don't think a woman has the right to keep a child a secret.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2023
Really struggled to get through this one. Almost DNF. The characters all lacked any reasonable insight into their feelings, so it felt tedious waiting for them to realize the obvious state of their own emotions. The gravity of keeping a child a secret for so long was hard to reconcile, and just felt kind of icky.
February 7, 2023
Originally published in 2001, it unfortunately shows every bit of its age. While some of the couples were easy to root for, some of the outdated storylines were hard to read and the characters hard to like.
April 30, 2023
Cute but a bit dated.
February 22, 2023
Married for a Month by Susan Mallery
This book was so much fun to read. The premise is competing views on relationships, who would stay together longer opposites attracting, or those compatible due to common interests and goals. Take those two theories and throw forty couples matched based on them and put them into a competition for a million dollars. The story focuses on three couples from the "matches" and the well-known Dr. Jonathan Kirby and relative newcomer Dr. Taylor McGuire.
Jonathan and Taylor have a past and dealing with the contest and seeing each other for the first time in seventeen years is opening up all the old wounds and feelings. Secrets are uncovered and decisions from the past are hard to ignore. Yet the draw is still there as that first love burns brighter.
Rio and Chris had issues, there was love, but with three kids a relationship needs trust and support to last, and that's why they're divorced. But a chance at a million dollars and some therapy could change their lives.
Marnie is beautiful and so tired of being looked at only for her appearance. She's hopeful the nerdy man she's crushing on will see what's on the inside. And Will is painfully shy and has his insecurities. Can they overcome preconceived notions and horrible miscommunication to find happiness?
Grace is lonely and looking for companionship. She's terrified of making a mistake and trust is difficult for her. Nelson is looking for someone as well and his compassionate nature is a perfect balance.
This book was so much fun to read. The premise is competing views on relationships, who would stay together longer opposites attracting, or those compatible due to common interests and goals. Take those two theories and throw forty couples matched based on them and put them into a competition for a million dollars. The story focuses on three couples from the "matches" and the well-known Dr. Jonathan Kirby and relative newcomer Dr. Taylor McGuire.
Jonathan and Taylor have a past and dealing with the contest and seeing each other for the first time in seventeen years is opening up all the old wounds and feelings. Secrets are uncovered and decisions from the past are hard to ignore. Yet the draw is still there as that first love burns brighter.
Rio and Chris had issues, there was love, but with three kids a relationship needs trust and support to last, and that's why they're divorced. But a chance at a million dollars and some therapy could change their lives.
Marnie is beautiful and so tired of being looked at only for her appearance. She's hopeful the nerdy man she's crushing on will see what's on the inside. And Will is painfully shy and has his insecurities. Can they overcome preconceived notions and horrible miscommunication to find happiness?
Grace is lonely and looking for companionship. She's terrified of making a mistake and trust is difficult for her. Nelson is looking for someone as well and his compassionate nature is a perfect balance.
February 28, 2023
This book was so incredibly cute!
It was just a very sweet romance. It was really interesting to read from the perspective that they're both romance "professionals".
What I really enjoyed the most about this book was the fact that The two main characters had history. Taylor and Jonathan had previous connections to one another. And it was really interesting to read how that plays into the future and the challenge that they both embark on.
When they set out to be married for a month to each other, they're both determined to be winners and their own rights. But of course with any romance book, it's very clear that they are going to find feelings and connections to one another and end up in love.
The difference in this one is that they're passed together definitely contributes to what will happen in their future. And it was really great to see how much Jonathan changed and grew as a character.
There was a very huge catalyst to this change that I won't say because it's a spoiler. But it was definitely heartwarming to see the true change in his personality and him looking inwardly to see himself for who he has become.
It was just a very sweet romance. It was really interesting to read from the perspective that they're both romance "professionals".
What I really enjoyed the most about this book was the fact that The two main characters had history. Taylor and Jonathan had previous connections to one another. And it was really interesting to read how that plays into the future and the challenge that they both embark on.
When they set out to be married for a month to each other, they're both determined to be winners and their own rights. But of course with any romance book, it's very clear that they are going to find feelings and connections to one another and end up in love.
The difference in this one is that they're passed together definitely contributes to what will happen in their future. And it was really great to see how much Jonathan changed and grew as a character.
There was a very huge catalyst to this change that I won't say because it's a spoiler. But it was definitely heartwarming to see the true change in his personality and him looking inwardly to see himself for who he has become.
April 26, 2023
This was a fun romance from Mallery but it was different too. Theoretically, it was all about Taylor and Jonathan being pushed into a second chance at a relationship. But I found as I read the book, that I was more interested in the other relationships--those of the contest contestants, especially Marnie & Will. And while I'm curious about some of the contestants that we didn't see, I appreciate her not trying to include them all. I enjoyed seeing Grace & Nelson, and Chris & Rio, and I was even happy that not all of the couples in the contest found a happily ever after together (it made it so much more fun and believable). I thought Mallery did a good job of showing the development of Taylor and Jonathan's relationship with each other and with her family. Overall, it was a fun, lighthearted read that will appeal to romance readers.
September 25, 2023
I’m not sure why I keep reading romance. There’s nothing at all wrong with this book, but it annoyed me. So many romance stories are based on the fact people are bad at talking to each other about how they feel. And that’s valid, because people are usually bad at talking to each other, but somehow when it’s a plot, it annoys me.
This book was written before reality TV shows were so plentiful, and before phones were smart. It’s about two psychologists who have a contest where 20 couples who are opposites and 20 couples who have lots in common love together for a month. The story follows three of the couples and the two psychologists who were a couple years before.
There’s a good bit of gender nonsense (“women have a nesting instinct”) and some being Christian is the “normal” default, and everyone seems to be white. But, if you like romance, you might be able to overlook those things and enjoy the story.
If romance is your thing, you might like it.
This book was written before reality TV shows were so plentiful, and before phones were smart. It’s about two psychologists who have a contest where 20 couples who are opposites and 20 couples who have lots in common love together for a month. The story follows three of the couples and the two psychologists who were a couple years before.
There’s a good bit of gender nonsense (“women have a nesting instinct”) and some being Christian is the “normal” default, and everyone seems to be white. But, if you like romance, you might be able to overlook those things and enjoy the story.
If romance is your thing, you might like it.
November 19, 2023
This book is shallow, all the discriptors of the people for the first 50 pages are about their looks, and If you think consent is important you won't like Kirby.
Spoiler
"Hey, I’m using my best material and you just shot me down. My sense of self-worth has been shattered and it’s all your fault. This is many things, Taylor, but easy isn’t one of them.”
“I suspect no permanent damage has been done. You’ll recover nicely and without my help.”
“You think?”
And then he kissed her.
There was no warning, no chance for her to prepare. Taylor sat immobilized by shock as his mouth settled on hers."
And now I hate him and have a serious case of ick so I'm dnf'ing this book. I was barely hanging on prior to this anyway, I don't like the writing your attention is split between too many characters, it's kind of boring and I also hate the heroine for hiding the fact that he has a child from him for 16yrs. They are both terrible people.
Spoiler
"Hey, I’m using my best material and you just shot me down. My sense of self-worth has been shattered and it’s all your fault. This is many things, Taylor, but easy isn’t one of them.”
“I suspect no permanent damage has been done. You’ll recover nicely and without my help.”
“You think?”
And then he kissed her.
There was no warning, no chance for her to prepare. Taylor sat immobilized by shock as his mouth settled on hers."
And now I hate him and have a serious case of ick so I'm dnf'ing this book. I was barely hanging on prior to this anyway, I don't like the writing your attention is split between too many characters, it's kind of boring and I also hate the heroine for hiding the fact that he has a child from him for 16yrs. They are both terrible people.
January 20, 2024
When two psychologists with differing theories of what makes a marriage are paired in a contest to see whose theories pan out in real life with real couples, what results is a frothy fun tale that turns the two protagonists on their respective heads, not least because they used to be lovers and now are the acknowledged parents of the teenager that Taylor has raised as a single mother. Little did Jonathan know about his parenthood until confronted by the girl, so what is he going to do about it now?
Especially fun is the older couple who find love instead of continued loneliness even as the reality of a divorce becomes clearer for the couple with three children. Then there's the unlikely pairing of the extreme nerd and the woman who looks like a showgirl. But what is most fun is how Taylor and Jonathan finally come to terms with their own feelings for each other. As I said a frothy fun tale.
Especially fun is the older couple who find love instead of continued loneliness even as the reality of a divorce becomes clearer for the couple with three children. Then there's the unlikely pairing of the extreme nerd and the woman who looks like a showgirl. But what is most fun is how Taylor and Jonathan finally come to terms with their own feelings for each other. As I said a frothy fun tale.
January 21, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up
This was a cute, fluffy and fast read. It is showing its age which make it a bit problematic in parts but since it is almost 25 years old, I am going to cut it some slack and decided to just enjoy the story without questioning it too much.
My biggest problem with the book was that I couldn't stand the love interest. Jonathan is such a jerk, cocky and full of himself and clearly of the opinion that no means yes (the book showing its age again). Taylor's actions when she found herself pregnant might not have been great but I found her decision understandable in her situation.
I enjoyed the other couples in the contest, their stories made up for the lack of plot between the MCs. But this many characters resulted in everything barely touched beyond the surface. As I said, light and fluffy and mostly enjoyable.
This was a cute, fluffy and fast read. It is showing its age which make it a bit problematic in parts but since it is almost 25 years old, I am going to cut it some slack and decided to just enjoy the story without questioning it too much.
My biggest problem with the book was that I couldn't stand the love interest. Jonathan is such a jerk, cocky and full of himself and clearly of the opinion that no means yes (the book showing its age again). Taylor's actions when she found herself pregnant might not have been great but I found her decision understandable in her situation.
I enjoyed the other couples in the contest, their stories made up for the lack of plot between the MCs. But this many characters resulted in everything barely touched beyond the surface. As I said, light and fluffy and mostly enjoyable.
February 7, 2023
Never forget your first love
Taylor meets up with Jonathan on a talk show each talking about their theory of love. They agree to have 20 couples live together for 30 days to test the love theory.
Taylor has raised her daughter alone with the help of her mother. Taylor has hidden Linnie from Jonathan but one look and Jonathan knew Linnie was his daughter.
By going through some couples and how they are compatible and also do not work. Some finding love and the journey to happiness.
Taylor and Jonathan find that they want the happiness and to be a family.
Taylor meets up with Jonathan on a talk show each talking about their theory of love. They agree to have 20 couples live together for 30 days to test the love theory.
Taylor has raised her daughter alone with the help of her mother. Taylor has hidden Linnie from Jonathan but one look and Jonathan knew Linnie was his daughter.
By going through some couples and how they are compatible and also do not work. Some finding love and the journey to happiness.
Taylor and Jonathan find that they want the happiness and to be a family.
June 20, 2023
Obviously I like the book. It is not what I expected when I get the book but much better. I love happy endings and some paychology analysis on what I read. I couldnt agree more that the longevity of a couple is not base on anything else but if you want the same thing - the main consideration is you want to stay together because you are better together than not. All else are irrelevant. There is no concept on either mind that there’s a greeener place somewhere so if you have that you can make adjustment to make the marriage last.
September 22, 2020
3,5*
It's a fun book to read and it flows easily. I enjoyed it and I always like it when the main characters have a past together.
Why I didn't give 4 stars is because I wasn't a big fan of all the side stories. The older couple one was really cute but the others were for me a little bit too much, I would have preferred if she would have sticked with the main couple.
Still it's a fun book to read and I would recommend it to anyone :)
It's a fun book to read and it flows easily. I enjoyed it and I always like it when the main characters have a past together.
Why I didn't give 4 stars is because I wasn't a big fan of all the side stories. The older couple one was really cute but the others were for me a little bit too much, I would have preferred if she would have sticked with the main couple.
Still it's a fun book to read and I would recommend it to anyone :)
July 13, 2023
This was a really really slow burn second chance romance. I felt the progress was way too slow and even other couples were moving faster than Taylor’s and Jonathan’s relationship were.
I skimmed the details of the show and other couples’ progress as I only wanted to see Taylor and Jonathan. Unfortunately I felt the author did not give them enough focus. Too little scenes between them. I was not fully invested in the hero and heroine and their stories.
I skimmed the details of the show and other couples’ progress as I only wanted to see Taylor and Jonathan. Unfortunately I felt the author did not give them enough focus. Too little scenes between them. I was not fully invested in the hero and heroine and their stories.
March 23, 2024
I’d say 3.5 for this one.
I was more interested in the side stories of Marnie and Will and the cute older couple Nelson and Grace than in the main characters Taylor and Jonathan, you basically just annoyed me. He was too overbearing and she just didn’t know what she wanted. And hiding a daughter for this long is a big deal. It wasn’t treated like a big deal in the story. Basically all the characters needed to be fleshed out more. Light forgettable entertainment is what this was.
I was more interested in the side stories of Marnie and Will and the cute older couple Nelson and Grace than in the main characters Taylor and Jonathan, you basically just annoyed me. He was too overbearing and she just didn’t know what she wanted. And hiding a daughter for this long is a big deal. It wasn’t treated like a big deal in the story. Basically all the characters needed to be fleshed out more. Light forgettable entertainment is what this was.
May 21, 2024
This was a 1-star read for me, but I'm giving it two because it was originally published in 2001 and it didn't age well. Maybe it would have been slightly better back then. The author "updated" it, she says in the foreword, but it could have stood much more updating.
The premise was cute, but the stereotypes of women, men, and people in the computer science field were borderline offensive. It was also very hard to connect with any of the characters, as so many of them gave me an ick feeling.
The premise was cute, but the stereotypes of women, men, and people in the computer science field were borderline offensive. It was also very hard to connect with any of the characters, as so many of them gave me an ick feeling.
August 14, 2024
Taylor McGuire, PhD is a single mom who believes that compatibility is the key to a successful marriage. Jonathan Kirby believes that sexual chemistry is the key as a relationship guru. These former lovers meet up on national TV as a bet. A contest with forty couples with a prize of one million dollar is proposed for a month mock marriage. The doctors fall for each other and Jonathan discovers tbat he is a father. It is a very interesting story.
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