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For Hire #1
Mariage à durée déterminée
Cherche JF sachant jouer la comédie.
L'heure de la revanche a sonné pour Owen. Il est temps de se venger de celui qui a causé le malheur de sa soeur. Pour mettre son plan à exécution, il a besoin d une fausse épouse. C'est alors qu il tombe sur Lindy, comédienne au grand coeur. Trois semaines dans un palace tous frais payés ? Voilà qui permettra à cette dernière de tenir bon en attendant de décrocher un job. C'est une affaire conclue. À moins que ces deux-là n'aient plus du tout envie de jouer.
L'heure de la revanche a sonné pour Owen. Il est temps de se venger de celui qui a causé le malheur de sa soeur. Pour mettre son plan à exécution, il a besoin d une fausse épouse. C'est alors qu il tombe sur Lindy, comédienne au grand coeur. Trois semaines dans un palace tous frais payés ? Voilà qui permettra à cette dernière de tenir bon en attendant de décrocher un job. C'est une affaire conclue. À moins que ces deux-là n'aient plus du tout envie de jouer.
285 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 7, 2012
110 people are currently reading
1848 people want to read
About the author
Christine Bell
52 books1,273 followersChristine Bell is a romance author and also writes erotic romance as Chloe Cole. She and her handsome hubby currently reside in Pennsylvania with a four-pack of teenage boys. If she gets time off from her duties as maid, chef, chauffeur, or therapist, she can be found reading just about anything she can get her hands on, from Young Adult novels to books on poker theory. She doesn’t like root beer, clowns or bugs (except ladybugs, on account of their cute outfits), but lurrves chocolate, going to the movies, the New York Giants and playing Texas Hold ‘Em. Writing is her passion, but if she had to pick another occupation, she would be a pirate…or, like, a ninja maybe. She loves writing steamy romance stories, but also hopes to one day publish something her dad can read without wanting to dig his eyes out with a rusty spoon. Christine loves to hear from readers, so please contact her through her website, www.christine-bell.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 217 reviews
December 2, 2021
Çok çabuk okunan çok tatlı bir kitaptı iyiki listeye almışım ilaç gibi geldi aslında 4 vericektim seni seviyorum olayından sonra biraz saçmaladılar herşey oldu bittiye geldi onun için 3.5🌟
January 28, 2014
Fuck it! Everything I knew about this one screamed a 4, not much sex, quite short, bit of a silly storyline (initially).
BUT honestly, it's a little gem and it made me smile!! LOL
Loads of perfectly written sexual tention.
Owen, an Irish Alpha to melt over
A strong heroine in Lindy (with a few quirks!)
And lines that gave me book butterflies
So, if I can't put a book down, if I devour every page, it's seriously well written, makes me laugh and tingle (even if it made me wait until 75% for some hot action!)...then it's a 5 for me!
It had genuinely touching, heart melting moments and a shit load of fantastic lines that I read and reread.
I loved it! It was well worth loosing hours of sleep for lol!
http://cariads-sizzling-pages.blogspo... - come visit me!
Sizzling Pages Romance Reviews
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Twitter:@Sizzlingpages
BUT honestly, it's a little gem and it made me smile!! LOL
Loads of perfectly written sexual tention.
Owen, an Irish Alpha to melt over
A strong heroine in Lindy (with a few quirks!)
And lines that gave me book butterflies
So, if I can't put a book down, if I devour every page, it's seriously well written, makes me laugh and tingle (even if it made me wait until 75% for some hot action!)...then it's a 5 for me!
It had genuinely touching, heart melting moments and a shit load of fantastic lines that I read and reread.
I loved it! It was well worth loosing hours of sleep for lol!
http://cariads-sizzling-pages.blogspo... - come visit me!
Sizzling Pages Romance Reviews
Sizzling Pages @ Facebook
Twitter:@Sizzlingpages
April 26, 2017
OMG, I struggled through this thinking it was an ARC from NetGalley only to discover that I paid good money for this pile of crap.
Lindy Knight is a total Mary Sue, she sets up a business delivering bad news to strangers with her brothers and then ends up giving a home to an elderly woman after she announces that her husband wants a divorce. Broke and trying to look after an elderly woman with Alzheimers AND seven puppies she has resorted to looking for jobs on Craigs List.
Owen Phipps' little sister was conned out of her inheritance by a smooth operator and left devastated, he is determined to exact revenge and has discovered that the ex has set up a retreat for married couples. In order to uncover the latest scam he needs a fake wife to accompany him to the retreat.
Lindy is a sap who falls in love at the drop of a hat, Owen looks at the example of his parents and vows never to fall in love. Together they are the worst amateur sleuths on record, probably because they spend most of their time lusting after each other.
We spend the entire book watching Lindy and Owen enter into various couples' activities more suited to a low-brow holiday camp than a retreat for the wealthy and discerning. Then at about 85% of the book my Kindle informed me that I only had four minutes reading time left AND NOTHING HAD BEEN RESOLVED. Then bish-bash-bosh the crucial evidence is produced by a PI, Lindy behaves like a moron TSTL heroine and all is resolved.
Very unsatisfactory all round.
Lindy Knight is a total Mary Sue, she sets up a business delivering bad news to strangers with her brothers and then ends up giving a home to an elderly woman after she announces that her husband wants a divorce. Broke and trying to look after an elderly woman with Alzheimers AND seven puppies she has resorted to looking for jobs on Craigs List.
Owen Phipps' little sister was conned out of her inheritance by a smooth operator and left devastated, he is determined to exact revenge and has discovered that the ex has set up a retreat for married couples. In order to uncover the latest scam he needs a fake wife to accompany him to the retreat.
Lindy is a sap who falls in love at the drop of a hat, Owen looks at the example of his parents and vows never to fall in love. Together they are the worst amateur sleuths on record, probably because they spend most of their time lusting after each other.
We spend the entire book watching Lindy and Owen enter into various couples' activities more suited to a low-brow holiday camp than a retreat for the wealthy and discerning. Then at about 85% of the book my Kindle informed me that I only had four minutes reading time left AND NOTHING HAD BEEN RESOLVED. Then bish-bash-bosh the crucial evidence is produced by a PI, Lindy behaves like a moron TSTL heroine and all is resolved.
Very unsatisfactory all round.
October 13, 2013
STOLE MY HEART!!
This is the story of Owen and Lindy – and it’s story with a lot of HEART! Owen Phipps is out for revenge. A man running a phony “Marital Retreat” stole Owen sister’s money and dignity. Placing an ad on Craigslist, Owen interviews numerous candidates to “play” the role of his wife in order to infiltrate the organization. Lindy, desperate for money to save her home accepts the job and travels with Owen to the resort. The only problem is she falls hard for Owen. THIS IS A GREAT STORY!! The plot moves fast, and there a little more than a romance here – a little mystery and suspense! The writing is witty and clever, and the characters are easy to care about. Their interactions are endearing and amusing! I chuckled all the way through this one.
I haven’t written this in a long time ….. I’m in love with these fictional characters Owen and Lindy!!
BOYS are just BETTER in BOOKS!!
This is the story of Owen and Lindy – and it’s story with a lot of HEART! Owen Phipps is out for revenge. A man running a phony “Marital Retreat” stole Owen sister’s money and dignity. Placing an ad on Craigslist, Owen interviews numerous candidates to “play” the role of his wife in order to infiltrate the organization. Lindy, desperate for money to save her home accepts the job and travels with Owen to the resort. The only problem is she falls hard for Owen. THIS IS A GREAT STORY!! The plot moves fast, and there a little more than a romance here – a little mystery and suspense! The writing is witty and clever, and the characters are easy to care about. Their interactions are endearing and amusing! I chuckled all the way through this one.
I haven’t written this in a long time ….. I’m in love with these fictional characters Owen and Lindy!!
BOYS are just BETTER in BOOKS!!
August 20, 2015
4 stars. What a fun, laugh out loud book! Owen was hot, but clueless, or at least in denial. Lindy was funny, caring and sweet. Really enjoyed this quick read!
Re-read via audible. Still really enjoyed this story. There were some hilarious moments. This books is pretty tame (not a lot of sexy times). But it was a fun, easy and sweet romance with a little intrigue on the side. Totally safe.
Re-read via audible. Still really enjoyed this story. There were some hilarious moments. This books is pretty tame (not a lot of sexy times). But it was a fun, easy and sweet romance with a little intrigue on the side. Totally safe.
December 4, 2012
Wife for Hire is a funny, sexy, charming and highly enjoyable read. It's cute and well-crafted with lots of humor, witty banter, sizzling attraction, a fast moving plot, a delightful heroine & a gorgeous hero.
September 24, 2014
Well.. this one was kinda cute and a pretty easy read. Then ending was wrapped up a little quick and pretty unrealistic.. but it is fiction so --- I'd give it a 2.5
July 25, 2015
Good Story. Terrible narration of the hero' voice. (audible whispersync review)
This was a fun story, but the narration of the hero was horrible!
The story line and plot were fun. The heroine, LIndy was just awesome, loved her. She was funny, smart, witty and a strong character. The hero Owen, was very sexy and likable. The chemistry between the two was great. There is a couple of great sex scenes.
There is lots of dialogue throughout the book. A very enjoyable read for sure. It wasn't a really long book so it wasn't full of filler nonsense. I enjoyed the couples retreat lessons. They were fun.
As for the narration. Well, the hero sounds like a high pitched old crone woman with a scottish accent. Absolutely horrendous. At 8% I stopped listening and just read the story.
The rest of her characters sounded fine. How can you think making the hero sound like this will make for a good listen? How anybody gave this narration more than 1 star is amazing to me. You ruin a book when the Hero or Heroine sound so bad.
Yeah I will be steering clear of Carly Robbins for sure! Sorry but I can't take a chance on wasting my money on an audible book if this is how she does her male voices.
This was a fun story, but the narration of the hero was horrible!
The story line and plot were fun. The heroine, LIndy was just awesome, loved her. She was funny, smart, witty and a strong character. The hero Owen, was very sexy and likable. The chemistry between the two was great. There is a couple of great sex scenes.
There is lots of dialogue throughout the book. A very enjoyable read for sure. It wasn't a really long book so it wasn't full of filler nonsense. I enjoyed the couples retreat lessons. They were fun.
As for the narration. Well, the hero sounds like a high pitched old crone woman with a scottish accent. Absolutely horrendous. At 8% I stopped listening and just read the story.
The rest of her characters sounded fine. How can you think making the hero sound like this will make for a good listen? How anybody gave this narration more than 1 star is amazing to me. You ruin a book when the Hero or Heroine sound so bad.
Yeah I will be steering clear of Carly Robbins for sure! Sorry but I can't take a chance on wasting my money on an audible book if this is how she does her male voices.
April 11, 2019
Owen Phipps needs a wife for three weeks. He is out to seek revenge against the man who ran a scam on his sister, stealing all her money and her dignity, as well.
Lindy Knight is interviewing for a three-week job that will earn her $20,000. She is desperate for money to hold off foreclosure on her home. This short job just may be the answer to her problems.
Owen and Lindy are quickly attracted to each other but Owen doesn't do relationships and he does not want to marry or have children. He watched his dear mother almost destroyed by the betrayal of his father who finally left them for another woman.
When Owen wants to change the rules and add sex to the mix Lindy quickly sets him straight. She is not interested in a sex-only relationship but wants the love, marriage, and children that go along with it, the whole package, if you will. After their three weeks are over Owen lets her go but will he be satisfied with his decision? Can he go back to the kind of life he led before he met her?
This is a very good story. I truly enjoyed it.
Lindy Knight is interviewing for a three-week job that will earn her $20,000. She is desperate for money to hold off foreclosure on her home. This short job just may be the answer to her problems.
Owen and Lindy are quickly attracted to each other but Owen doesn't do relationships and he does not want to marry or have children. He watched his dear mother almost destroyed by the betrayal of his father who finally left them for another woman.
When Owen wants to change the rules and add sex to the mix Lindy quickly sets him straight. She is not interested in a sex-only relationship but wants the love, marriage, and children that go along with it, the whole package, if you will. After their three weeks are over Owen lets her go but will he be satisfied with his decision? Can he go back to the kind of life he led before he met her?
This is a very good story. I truly enjoyed it.
August 21, 2012
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Not only is the writing great, but it had many laugh out loud moments. Loved it.
This is first time i read a book from this great Author, but definitely not the last one, can not wait to read her other books.
This is first time i read a book from this great Author, but definitely not the last one, can not wait to read her other books.
January 8, 2015
3-3.5 Insanin kafasını dağıtan, bir günde rahatlıkla bitirebileceginiz tarzda bir kitapti. Beyaz Dizi türü gibi bir şeymiş diyorlar gerçi o türden daha önce hiç okumadım ama :) Yazar konuyu hiç gereksiz yere uzatmadan güzelcene noktalamis. Bu aralar okuduğum kadın karakterlerin yaş ortalamalari ne kadar da yüksek böyle :D Onları okudukça 'birkaç sene sonra sende o kategoriye gireceksin Gamze' diye aklımdan gecirmiyor değilim hani :) Yazarla ilk tanismamizi sevdim. Kalemi keyifli. Süpriz Balayı diye bir kitabı daha çıktı. Artık onu da bir ara alıp okumak lazım bu durumda ^_^ Beğendiğim kitaba neden böyle puan verme gereği duyduguma gelince de kitapta öyle aman aman bir şey yoktu hani klasik bir hikayeydi. Beğenmiş olmama rağmen 4 veya 5 vermek, çok çok begenip bu puanları verdiğim kitaplara haksızlık olur diye düşündüğüm için bu puanla yetindim. Tavsiye ederim ;)
Kendi hikayenizden sıkıldığınızda, romantik bir kitap okumak iyi gelir.
Kendi hikayenizden sıkıldığınızda, romantik bir kitap okumak iyi gelir.
May 24, 2015
What a quick, fun read! This was the perfect book to improve my mood after a stressful day. One minute I was seconds away from road rage and the next, I'm almost choking on my gum laughing so hard at some of this lines in this story as I listened to the audio on my travels. The MC was adorable - picture Audrey Hepburn from Breakfast at Tiffany's. She was fun-loving and quirky. I would recommend this to anyone needing a quick pick me up!
July 16, 2013
I loved it!!!
I was not expecting much but it was surprised me. As if I was watching an old, sweet romance movie.
If I like heroine, I like story also. It was very well written, very sweet story its own theme.
I was not expecting much but it was surprised me. As if I was watching an old, sweet romance movie.
If I like heroine, I like story also. It was very well written, very sweet story its own theme.
April 9, 2013
deleting reviews if you want to take a look at them you can do so on my blog, link on my profile
July 20, 2014
Cute, Funny and Sweet!!
April 3, 2021
Gerçek hayatla ilgisi olmayan aşırı zorlama bir aşk hikayesi. Zengin adam fakir kız tutkulu ilk görüşte aşk bir tutam imkansız aşk durumu aniden gelen süper ötesi mutlu son bir ayda alınan evlenme teklifi
July 29, 2016
**For more thoughts on each book, see my full two-book review of the For Hire series at Ani's Book Abyss | Series Review: For Hire.
Book #1: Wife for Hire | Goodreads | Rating: 4.0 Stars
Book #2: Guardian for Hire | Goodreads | Rating: 3.5 Stars
Average Rating: 3.75 Stars
I'm going to be totally honest here: The two of these For Hire books were so small and bite-sized that they were done and over before I knew. But I enjoyed the heck out of them!
I definitely went into both books in this series expecting a standard fluff piece with the standard romance, the standard story line, and the standard characters. And they pretty much delivered in that sense. But at the same time, they were so much more! I don't know if it has to do with the characters, the writing style, or that subtle bit of humor.
Or maybe it happened to be that, despite the standard story, standard romance, and standard characters, our two leading ladies were also a bit different than the standard depiction of the standard romance novel heroine. And maybe that was what made all the differences.
Overall Thoughts
As I'd already stated, there was something pretty standard and clichéd about both books, but at the same time, the characters might have made me enjoy things much more. Also there was a lot of humor along for the ride.
Story-wise, neither of the two For Hire books are really much to write home about. Pretty typical stuff and the romances did lean towards the sap as the ending rolled around. But the couples were cute and sweet with each other, and their interactions were lots of fun.
It seemed this was a duo of books that is perfect to wind down with after a long few days of busy workload. Fun, sexy, cute, and comical.
There are a plethora of other characters in both books that I'm quite interested in. So I'm hoping that Christine Bell decides to continue this series. There are just too many potentially fun character who definitely need their time at center stage.
***
2016 Reading Challenges:
• Goodreads Reading Challenge
• BookLikes Reading Challenge
• Reading Assignment Challenge
• Bookish Resolutions Challenge
• Mount TBR Challenge
• COYER Summer Vacation 2016
-- Wife For Hire -- Bingo Board One | Square C21 -- Contemp
-- Guardian For Hire -- Bingo Board One | Square Y13 -- Rom Com
Book #1: Wife for Hire | Goodreads | Rating: 4.0 Stars
Book #2: Guardian for Hire | Goodreads | Rating: 3.5 Stars
Average Rating: 3.75 Stars
I'm going to be totally honest here: The two of these For Hire books were so small and bite-sized that they were done and over before I knew. But I enjoyed the heck out of them!
I definitely went into both books in this series expecting a standard fluff piece with the standard romance, the standard story line, and the standard characters. And they pretty much delivered in that sense. But at the same time, they were so much more! I don't know if it has to do with the characters, the writing style, or that subtle bit of humor.
Or maybe it happened to be that, despite the standard story, standard romance, and standard characters, our two leading ladies were also a bit different than the standard depiction of the standard romance novel heroine. And maybe that was what made all the differences.
Overall Thoughts
As I'd already stated, there was something pretty standard and clichéd about both books, but at the same time, the characters might have made me enjoy things much more. Also there was a lot of humor along for the ride.
Story-wise, neither of the two For Hire books are really much to write home about. Pretty typical stuff and the romances did lean towards the sap as the ending rolled around. But the couples were cute and sweet with each other, and their interactions were lots of fun.
It seemed this was a duo of books that is perfect to wind down with after a long few days of busy workload. Fun, sexy, cute, and comical.
There are a plethora of other characters in both books that I'm quite interested in. So I'm hoping that Christine Bell decides to continue this series. There are just too many potentially fun character who definitely need their time at center stage.
***
2016 Reading Challenges:
• Goodreads Reading Challenge
• BookLikes Reading Challenge
• Reading Assignment Challenge
• Bookish Resolutions Challenge
• Mount TBR Challenge
• COYER Summer Vacation 2016
-- Wife For Hire -- Bingo Board One | Square C21 -- Contemp
-- Guardian For Hire -- Bingo Board One | Square Y13 -- Rom Com
September 2, 2012
Description
He needs a wife for three weeks…
Owen Phipps is out for revenge. His mission? To expose the man who stole his sister’s money and dignity. All he needs is a “wife” who can play along. Too bad his last best hope is an actress who tries to mace him with perfume when he offers her the role of a lifetime.
Lindy Knight is a real sap. She loves too hard, feels too deep, and often finds herself saying yes when she should be saying “Let me think about it.” She can’t believe her good fortune when Owen offers her more than enough money to hold off foreclosure until she can find a job. Three weeks at a resort, money she desperately needs, and she gets to help bring a criminal to justice? Score.
It seems easy enough until the first time a couples bonding game turns intimate, and they realize how dangerous their mutual attraction could be. Can they keep their hands to themselves long enough to find the evidence Owen needs? Or are the close quarters more temptation than they can handle?
My Thoughts
Wow. I am…wow. I have no words, and I'm eating, and I'm overwhelmed, and it makes for a lame review starter. That's such a run-on.
Let me just start with, the temptation is definitely more than I can handle, that's for sure. Lindy must have a will of steel because if I had to live in close quarters with a man like that who has an amazing accent, better believe I would not last as long as she did. Lindy was a great character. Determined, strong, caring, passionate…I just loved her. Also, she loved animals! She had such a big heart, and she reminded me of one of my friends, which is probably why I like her so much. Owen…ah, Owen. The guy is damn fine, and he has a sexy accent. He's powerful, calm, and sinfully seductive. He's also very protective of his sister, and I love a man who cares about his family. He cares about Lindy so much, and I love that too.
"Mostly. We've got Sleepy, Sneezy, Doc, Bashful, Grumpy, Happy, and Steve." At his questioning gaze she shrugged, again dropping her voice low. "We didn't want to call him Dopey. Might hurt his self-esteem."
Obviously, there was humor in this book as well, and I enjoyed it a lot. The different things they said and their teasing banters made me grin like an idiot. I would never be able to pull off an acting job like this. ..Okay. Maybe I would, but I wouldn't be able to abide by the 'no sex' rule if I had to stay with a sexy guy like Owen.
I teared up at rejection like I always do, and I rarely cry while reading, which added the fifth star. I know, forty-something books is a lot to cry to, but out of the four hundred I've read, it seems like a little. Or, is that just me? …ANYWAYS…
Amazing read, and I highly recommend it! (:
He needs a wife for three weeks…
Owen Phipps is out for revenge. His mission? To expose the man who stole his sister’s money and dignity. All he needs is a “wife” who can play along. Too bad his last best hope is an actress who tries to mace him with perfume when he offers her the role of a lifetime.
Lindy Knight is a real sap. She loves too hard, feels too deep, and often finds herself saying yes when she should be saying “Let me think about it.” She can’t believe her good fortune when Owen offers her more than enough money to hold off foreclosure until she can find a job. Three weeks at a resort, money she desperately needs, and she gets to help bring a criminal to justice? Score.
It seems easy enough until the first time a couples bonding game turns intimate, and they realize how dangerous their mutual attraction could be. Can they keep their hands to themselves long enough to find the evidence Owen needs? Or are the close quarters more temptation than they can handle?
My Thoughts
Wow. I am…wow. I have no words, and I'm eating, and I'm overwhelmed, and it makes for a lame review starter. That's such a run-on.
Let me just start with, the temptation is definitely more than I can handle, that's for sure. Lindy must have a will of steel because if I had to live in close quarters with a man like that who has an amazing accent, better believe I would not last as long as she did. Lindy was a great character. Determined, strong, caring, passionate…I just loved her. Also, she loved animals! She had such a big heart, and she reminded me of one of my friends, which is probably why I like her so much. Owen…ah, Owen. The guy is damn fine, and he has a sexy accent. He's powerful, calm, and sinfully seductive. He's also very protective of his sister, and I love a man who cares about his family. He cares about Lindy so much, and I love that too.
"Mostly. We've got Sleepy, Sneezy, Doc, Bashful, Grumpy, Happy, and Steve." At his questioning gaze she shrugged, again dropping her voice low. "We didn't want to call him Dopey. Might hurt his self-esteem."
Obviously, there was humor in this book as well, and I enjoyed it a lot. The different things they said and their teasing banters made me grin like an idiot. I would never be able to pull off an acting job like this. ..Okay. Maybe I would, but I wouldn't be able to abide by the 'no sex' rule if I had to stay with a sexy guy like Owen.
I teared up at rejection like I always do, and I rarely cry while reading, which added the fifth star. I know, forty-something books is a lot to cry to, but out of the four hundred I've read, it seems like a little. Or, is that just me? …ANYWAYS…
Amazing read, and I highly recommend it! (:
October 10, 2012
Originally published at Book Lovers Inc
There's a reason the "pretending to be married" trope is a tried and true. Done right, it can be oh so much fun. The trick, in a contemporary romance, is to find a good enough reason to set up the scenario, and an equally good reason why the two principals can't just jump into bed to cut the sexual tension.
Christine Bell definitely latched onto a winning formula in Wife for Hire. The pretense is reasonable enough, Owen is getting revenge against the swindler who took his younger half-sister for $750,000. Yes, you read that right three-quarters of a million dollars. The problem is that the con artist has set up an expensive "couples marriage saving" retreat. Which means Owen needs a wife, and he hasn't got one.
Oh yeah, and his sister does not want him to do this. She'd much rather lick her wounds in private, thank you very much. So this entire thing is all very much on the QT. Owen needs someone outside his family circle, and away from his business.
Enter Lindy. She's very much an amateur actress. Very much an amateur everything. She needs the money for the job, because she gives everything of herself to everyone she meets. She takes in stray dogs and stray widows. She mentors stray kids. She wears her heart on her sleeve. Bleeding.
The one thing that Lindy is, is totally genuine, about everything. While she needs the money she'll earn by helping Owen settle the score, she takes the job because she can tell that he needs the help. He needs to fix things for his sister.
And because he's the sexiest man she's ever seen in her kitchen. Or anywhere. They are only pretending to be married when other people can see them. Not in private.
Because Lindy believes in love. And Owen doesn't. Which doesn't stop him from wanting, not just Lindy's body, but also the warmth she brings to every room, and the way her smile lights up the heart he's always sworn he doesn't have.
Verdict: Wife for Hire is just plain fun. If you're looking for a sweet, sexy story that will make you smile and laugh, and sigh over the happy ending, this is a terrific one. Owen and Lindy seem like opposites on the surface, the hard-nosed business tycoon and the bleeding heart, but underneath they are both lonely people who have found different methods to keep that loneliness at bay.
The reason that Owen initially hires Lindy involves some suspense that wraps very nicely around the romance, and gets resolved quite satisfactorily as well.
There's a reason the "pretending to be married" trope is a tried and true. Done right, it can be oh so much fun. The trick, in a contemporary romance, is to find a good enough reason to set up the scenario, and an equally good reason why the two principals can't just jump into bed to cut the sexual tension.
Christine Bell definitely latched onto a winning formula in Wife for Hire. The pretense is reasonable enough, Owen is getting revenge against the swindler who took his younger half-sister for $750,000. Yes, you read that right three-quarters of a million dollars. The problem is that the con artist has set up an expensive "couples marriage saving" retreat. Which means Owen needs a wife, and he hasn't got one.
Oh yeah, and his sister does not want him to do this. She'd much rather lick her wounds in private, thank you very much. So this entire thing is all very much on the QT. Owen needs someone outside his family circle, and away from his business.
Enter Lindy. She's very much an amateur actress. Very much an amateur everything. She needs the money for the job, because she gives everything of herself to everyone she meets. She takes in stray dogs and stray widows. She mentors stray kids. She wears her heart on her sleeve. Bleeding.
The one thing that Lindy is, is totally genuine, about everything. While she needs the money she'll earn by helping Owen settle the score, she takes the job because she can tell that he needs the help. He needs to fix things for his sister.
And because he's the sexiest man she's ever seen in her kitchen. Or anywhere. They are only pretending to be married when other people can see them. Not in private.
Because Lindy believes in love. And Owen doesn't. Which doesn't stop him from wanting, not just Lindy's body, but also the warmth she brings to every room, and the way her smile lights up the heart he's always sworn he doesn't have.
Verdict: Wife for Hire is just plain fun. If you're looking for a sweet, sexy story that will make you smile and laugh, and sigh over the happy ending, this is a terrific one. Owen and Lindy seem like opposites on the surface, the hard-nosed business tycoon and the bleeding heart, but underneath they are both lonely people who have found different methods to keep that loneliness at bay.
The reason that Owen initially hires Lindy involves some suspense that wraps very nicely around the romance, and gets resolved quite satisfactorily as well.
August 26, 2012
Reviewd by: HarlequinJunkie Romance Reviews
Wife for Hire is an entertainingly funny read from start to finish.
Lindy and Owen hook up when Lindy answers an advert posted on Craigslist. Owen is on a mission to expose and seek revenge on the man who stole his sister’s money and dignity and for that purpose he needs a pretend wife for three weeks to accompany him to a couples retreat. After a few failed business ventures Lindy could certainly use the money….and so starts the song and dance…..of a budding romance fraught with sexual tension.
I loved Lindy’s quirky, sappy character and our Irish lad Owen will certainly make your toes curl, the chemistry between these two sizzles of the pages and their banter will have you smirking to the end.
Wife for Hire is my first book by Christine Bell and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised with the writing and narrative in this book; definitely an author I look forward to reading again.
A quote from the book:
Wife for Hire is an entertainingly funny read from start to finish.
Lindy and Owen hook up when Lindy answers an advert posted on Craigslist. Owen is on a mission to expose and seek revenge on the man who stole his sister’s money and dignity and for that purpose he needs a pretend wife for three weeks to accompany him to a couples retreat. After a few failed business ventures Lindy could certainly use the money….and so starts the song and dance…..of a budding romance fraught with sexual tension.
I loved Lindy’s quirky, sappy character and our Irish lad Owen will certainly make your toes curl, the chemistry between these two sizzles of the pages and their banter will have you smirking to the end.
Wife for Hire is my first book by Christine Bell and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised with the writing and narrative in this book; definitely an author I look forward to reading again.
A quote from the book:
After two weeks of interviewing, he’d met nothing but nutters, sleazeballs, and people who were in the country illegally. It was like some twisted version of “The Twelve Days of Christmas”, except his rendition would be more like “Six hookers hooking, five homeless drunks! Four illegal immigrants, three ex-cons, two exotic dancers, and a bleeding-heart flake with seven puppies.”
“I do have some acting experience, though. Right now, I’m between businesses, so I got a job waitressing at Medieval Days. I spend my shift pretending the mutton’s delicious.”
He did a mental rundown of the other applicants and grimaced. Who was he kidding? With ten days left, she was his only choice.
“Miss Knight, I need a wife and I’d like to hire you. How would you like to be my wife for three weeks?”
February 23, 2013
4.5 stars
Owen Phipp wanted to revenge his sister's ex-boyfriend Nico who dumped his sister and stole money form her.
Nico started a company (from his sister money) to help wrecked marriage couple.
but Owen suspected that there's some illegible activity under that company. To be closer to Nico and his suspicious company.
He wanted a wife
Lindy I Love You
she need money, and when she found weird advertise on Craiglist.
she just tempted to call and found out what it is
at first, I also thought that she's little weird.
( who could come up with the nameThe Vagina Monologues as theater production when lied )
But after the story reveals more and I found that Lindy is awfully kind.
(ie. temporary adopt many dog, allow near-totally stranger to lived in her home.)
I love her instantly. : )) . She's so good, cute, sweet, and much more.
Owen is cute too
I love the character, love the line when they teasing each other
The story is also lovely, sweet, hilarious and much more. : )
this is great !
: )I love this book.
October 4, 2012
Written For Confessions From Romaholics
The scene where Owen Phipps and Lindy Covington meet is hilarious! I swear I almost couldn’t stop laughing.
Lindy’s seven puppies have destroyed the couch, so while cleaning the mess, she forgets her appointment with Owen. She found his advertisement by error, ad it was more than a bit strange, but she is in need of money, so she answers it and it leads to an appointment … this appointment.
From the moment Lindy opens the door, she fears Owen because of his advertisement. In her nervousness, she’d adopts some sort of weird, transcontinental accent like the actresses in one of those 1950s caper films she watched on Sunday afternoons; and she lies him that she has an audition for an upcoming community theater production and she is practicing for it… and its name is The Vagina Monologues. Lindy fears Owen could be a killer, rapist or kidnapper.
(full review)
The scene where Owen Phipps and Lindy Covington meet is hilarious! I swear I almost couldn’t stop laughing.
Lindy’s seven puppies have destroyed the couch, so while cleaning the mess, she forgets her appointment with Owen. She found his advertisement by error, ad it was more than a bit strange, but she is in need of money, so she answers it and it leads to an appointment … this appointment.
From the moment Lindy opens the door, she fears Owen because of his advertisement. In her nervousness, she’d adopts some sort of weird, transcontinental accent like the actresses in one of those 1950s caper films she watched on Sunday afternoons; and she lies him that she has an audition for an upcoming community theater production and she is practicing for it… and its name is The Vagina Monologues. Lindy fears Owen could be a killer, rapist or kidnapper.
(full review)
August 8, 2015
I am generous to be giving two stars to this book. I thought I could enjoy this book, but as usual it only worsens as the story develops. What would I expect from this type of New Adult stories? They are the same and they will keep on being the same. The male character is well-mannered and sweet in the begining, yet by the middle of the book he is a macho man with only one thought on his mind.
The female character doesn't improve much. She is quirky and a bit cuckoo, nonetheless she, too, only has one thought on her mind.
I forgive New Adult books, because the authors try to come up with an "original" story and try to develop it as good as they can. In the end, it is only necessary to throw in some sexy times and voilá! A New Adult book is born.
Perhaps I must be careful choosing New Adult books instead of falling for the sappy and cheesy story.
The female character doesn't improve much. She is quirky and a bit cuckoo, nonetheless she, too, only has one thought on her mind.
I forgive New Adult books, because the authors try to come up with an "original" story and try to develop it as good as they can. In the end, it is only necessary to throw in some sexy times and voilá! A New Adult book is born.
Perhaps I must be careful choosing New Adult books instead of falling for the sappy and cheesy story.
September 17, 2013
Une petite romance très sympathique, qui aurait mérité d'être un peu plus longue pour laisser aux sentiments des protagonistes de s'installer comme il faut. L'héroïne est une vraie pile d'énergie et son optimisme est rafraîchissant. Le héros est pas mal non plus et on peut dire que les héros irlandais sont aussi savoureux que les autres mâles alpha. L'histoire est plutôt crédible et bien écrite. Les scènes entre les deux héros sont chargées de tension agréable et on est heureux de les voir conclure. La scène finale est très mignonne et conclut une romance contemporaine savoureuse.
October 31, 2014
Painfully predictable, and completely unrealistic. I expect at least a bit of reality in contemporary fiction. I just could not get on board with this story. It felt bogus, and forced especially Owen's "Irish-ness."
I usually enjoy these kinds of stories, but I had no patience for the characters, plot, or romance. The writing was awkward, too. I couldn't tell you exactly why, but I could not get into it at all. This did nothing but bore me. The only good thing this had going for it was the length; it was pretty short.
I usually enjoy these kinds of stories, but I had no patience for the characters, plot, or romance. The writing was awkward, too. I couldn't tell you exactly why, but I could not get into it at all. This did nothing but bore me. The only good thing this had going for it was the length; it was pretty short.
August 26, 2012
At first I was a bit hesitant about the story line but almost immediately the heroine's wit and sarcasm drew me in. Lindy is a hopeless romantic and kind soul. Owen is hardened by life and to him love never last. Owen hires Lindy to pose as his wife in order to get revenge on his sisters ex. The attraction is there even though both fight it for different reasons. The story was lovely and I will read more by the author.
December 9, 2012
3.3 Stars!!!
Not a bad story. Owen needs a wife to attend a three week "relationship seminar" run by Nico, a slick business man who bamboozled his sister out of her money and broke her heart. Lindy needs the money and takes the job. But pretending to be married comes with having to fake affection, and living in some close quarters. Working together while fighting their growing desire and feelings they have for each other is difficult. 160 ebook pages end with a HEA.
Not a bad story. Owen needs a wife to attend a three week "relationship seminar" run by Nico, a slick business man who bamboozled his sister out of her money and broke her heart. Lindy needs the money and takes the job. But pretending to be married comes with having to fake affection, and living in some close quarters. Working together while fighting their growing desire and feelings they have for each other is difficult. 160 ebook pages end with a HEA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2012
Oh my gosh was this book too darn cute! I loved Owen and Lindy's story! It was cute, romantic, and way hot. I loved following them through their sleuthing and seeing how everything would play out. The romance was HOT. I seriously just loved their story and did not want the book to end! Christine Bell is one author I will definitely be checking out more from in the future!
September 14, 2012
Such a fun book!Lindy is quirky, emotional, and enjoys life to its fullest. Owen. *sigh* Oh, Owen. Irish, gorgeous, loyal, hot, and terrified of falling in love. What more can you ask for? Seeing him realize that while Lindy may not be the woman he wants for his life but is exactly what he needs is sigh-worthy.
October 29, 2012
The story was just like the one I read not long ago. But it was okay. I just don't get why women tend to profess their feelings first. Or why profess at all when you know the other party is afraid to commit. Why set yourself up for heart ache? But in books, all the stupidity pay off because in the end the male and female lead characters ended up together. So much for a fairy tale ending.
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