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The Cannon Brothers #1

The Weekend Proposition

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No-nonsense businessman Spencer Cannon has a dilemma. He’s headed to Connecticut for the weekend to attend his cousin’s elaborate wedding. His whole family will be there in addition to his obsessed ex-girlfriend Ava. According to Spencer’s brother, Ava has been telling her friends she’s planning a magical reunion with her favorite ex-boyfriend. Spencer’s not in the mood to deal with her, but he can’t miss the wedding. He needs a plan.

Struggling Brooklyn waitress and aspiring graphic designer Dakota Vercelli has fallen on hard times. College debts, pending eviction, and her sick mother are taking a toll on her. A chance encounter with Mr. Cannon, CEO of Cannon and Carrington Advertising, leads to a proposition that may be just the thing to solve both of their problems. Spencer’s offer—spend four days with him during the wedding festivities and keep his ex off his trail. In return, he’ll compensate her generously for her time. He needs a weekend girlfriend, and Dakota needs the cash.

It was just supposed to be a business deal, but after sharing a room, kissing under the stars, and attending a wedding, their attraction is undeniable. Will the illusion end when the weekend is over or is the proposition just the beginning?

Content contains mature language and graphic sexual content

118 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 13, 2013

46 people are currently reading
325 people want to read

About the author

Ella Jade

68 books944 followers
USA Today Bestselling Author Ella Jade has been writing for as long as she can remember. As a child, she often had a notebook and pen with her, and now as an adult, the laptop is never far. The plots and dialogue have always played out in her head, but she never knew what to do with them. That all changed when she discovered the eBook industry. She started penning novels at a rapid pace and now she can’t be stopped.

Ella resides in New Jersey with her husband, two boys and two feisty Chihuahuas named Roxie and Macy. She can often be found creating sexy, domineering men and the strong women who know how to challenge them in and out of the bedroom. She hopes you’ll get lost in her words.

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5 stars
152 (38%)
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141 (36%)
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76 (19%)
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14 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
Profile Image for Dora Koutsoukou .
2,264 reviews721 followers
December 12, 2020
2 😔😔⭐️s

Spencer was in need for a date at his cousin’s wedding as to discourage his ex-girlfriend’s thoughts of having a future together.
Coda agreed to accompany him and within four days they had fallen for each other.

Although the story and the characters had potential, they were not adequately developed and felt flat and unexciting.
Profile Image for Jamie.
1,048 reviews935 followers
December 23, 2015
So cute! And sweet and steamy! Very teeny angst for about a chapter then more sweet! Quick easy enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Karen.
5,385 reviews74 followers
July 12, 2016
Very sweet and sexy. I liked Coda. She was a strong and true woman. She was talented and loyal. She was so much classier than Ava.
Profile Image for Zakirrah BookBlogger.
319 reviews180 followers
September 1, 2013
One proposition..One weekend..no strings attached..
what could possible go wrong?


4 short, sweet, I-want-more Stars!!


This is a story of Spencer Cannon and Dakota Vercelli..
Spencer is a no nonsense business man a total workaholic who has his cousins wedding to attend at the weekend, everything is all fine until last minute he find out that his obsessive ex-girlfriend Ava, has told everyone how she wants to be back with him and will try her best on the weekend to sort things out between them..

This is a big no-no for Spencer as he doesn't think they were compatible and he isn't interested.To get Ava to stop bothering him and move on he has to think of something and fast..then his brother suggests he bring a date but at such short notice where will he find her from?

Dakota Vercelli (Coda) is having a bad night she is struggling with money issues.College debts, pending eviction, and her sick mother are taking a toll on her.After being overheard by Spencer on the phone to her mother who is worried about money, she leaves thinking nothing of it..

After seeing Coda, Spencer is intrigued by her. She is beautiful and he is shocked he has never seen her before.A plan pops into his head and he goes to where she works..

A proposition for Coda to spend the weekend with him for money..Its a win win situation right? So what could go wrong?

I enjoyed this book even though I felt it was too short! I wanted more, the ending felt like things were just getting started..
I enjoyed how Coda teases Spencer, he really needed to loosen up and she was perfect for him.I hope this turns into a series!!

**ARC provided by author for an honest review**

Check out my blog for more reviews!
http://zakirrahsbookblog.blogspot.co.uk/

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Profile Image for AnnMarie .
318 reviews36 followers
September 19, 2013
Oh I really liked this story! Very sweet, romantic easy read. Definitely not what I was initially expecting at all.

I was expecting a cross between Pretty Woman and The Wedding Date based on the premise and the initial chapters. But then the whole story made a sharp turn and veered in to happy land for me.

I love a happy story without all the typical cliches. There were some definite tight spots going on, namely the ex-girlfriend who doesn't know how to take "no" for an answer, but they were done very smoothly, very believably.

I loved how the "money" for the proposition was dealt with as a business transaction initially, but then how the terms starting changing and evolving making the story that much more realistic. The fact that the money was not an issue and it was "what it was", a business deal, was handled very well. At no time did Coda feel like she was bought nor did Spencer look at her that way. Definitely no cheap vibes from the story at all.

Really good flow, strong characterizations, fun story line.

And Spencer's mother, you will lover her!!

Definitely a must read for the fan of romantic fun contemporary stories with some really good characters without the same old typical cliches.

A story that will leave a smile on your face.
Profile Image for Zoë Miranda.
613 reviews10 followers
February 4, 2021
I'm wavering between four and five stars for this one. Ultimately I'm going to go with four because while I loved it, and it delivered the exact story I expected and wanted, it didn't knock my socks off.

I've read a couple "fake relationship" books lately but it's the first one I've read where it was the hero who needed the heroine to pretend to be in a relationship with him and I thought it was a refreshing twist.

I liked that both Spencer and Coda had all the cards on the table when they set out. Spencer is a rich, privileged, workaholic CEO of a marketing company. Coda is a recent college grad with a sick mother and mountain of debt, working two jobs to stay afloat. Spencer finds himself in need of a girlfriend to dissuade his ex, Ava, from trying to rekindle their on-again, off-again relationship and approaches Coda with a business proposition; $250,000 for five days of her time (and her acting ability to fake their relationship).

I was glad they the drama of one of them misrepresenting themselves to the other was avoided. I was also glad that the author didn't focus solely on their physical attraction to each other as the basis of building their relationship. I enjoyed the exchanges between all of the characters and how personal information about our hero and heroine were revealed naturally rather than as an information dump. I really liked both characters and how authentic and genuine they were and how they didn't wallow in their flaws, it was nice to read such about such strong, confident, determined people.

This was my first Ella Jade novel but it won't be my last, she'll be a solid palate cleanser for after disappointing books from here on out.
Profile Image for Debra McEathron.
1,783 reviews2 followers
January 28, 2021
A rags to rich love story.

This is a really good story about two characters finding love and their passion. Coda is just trying to keep a roof over her a d her mom's head. She is trying to find a graphic designer job while working two jobs already. Spencer is sick of his ex girlfriend a d needs a date for a major wedding he is going to. He hears Coda on the phone and then makes a proposition she can't refuse.
Profile Image for Erika.
367 reviews
January 6, 2017
Ella Jade does it again she grabs you at page 1 and doesn't let go until the very end. I literally finished this book in one day because I couldn't put it down, I loved it so much I nearly burnt my dinner because I was so hooked. Spencer was an absolute sweetheart he's one recluse I wouldn't mind spending all day at home with.
1,656 reviews11 followers
March 21, 2021
Excellent

I loved this story. What starts as a convenient business arrangement quickly becomes more between Coda and Spencer as they spend time at his cousin's wedding. Part of me really really wanted to see Ava get her comeuppance in public for being so bitchy!!!! Looking forward to reading Tyler's story next.
Profile Image for Deanna.
1,083 reviews19 followers
January 8, 2021
Love at first impression

These two had a chemistry that was off the charts. The may life in different circles but they are a power couple waiting to happen. He sees the best in her and she brings out what he has tamped down for years. But together they shine
Profile Image for J Lundsten.
965 reviews39 followers
March 14, 2021
Spencer

This was a fun story! Coda and Spencer agree to a fake relationship so Spencer can have a date to a wedding. Their feelings quickly turn all too real. I am looking forward to reading Tyler's book.
218 reviews
June 11, 2019
💓💓💓💓💓 a lovely read ,all character s speak s their 💓
Even the bitchy ex was also snubbed directly by H and his mom..
Very loving family
A nice uncomplicated read🤗
Profile Image for Karri Henley.
455 reviews
March 14, 2021
Oh boy!!

I could not put this book down!! I want to live in the story! It grabbed ahold of me and did not let go!!
Profile Image for Karen.
582 reviews4 followers
February 27, 2022
Spencer and Coda's story was cute. I loved how strong Coda was to stand up to everyone and how she was able to open Spencer's eyes to his passion and to her. Looking forward to Tyler's story.
Profile Image for BethBetweenThePages.
97 reviews11 followers
March 25, 2025
Another knock out book from Ella Jade!!
This novella is a fun, spicy read. There hasn't been a book or main characters from this author that I haven't loved. I will come back to complete my review.
2,006 reviews10 followers
March 24, 2023
From a weekend to the rest of your life

I love this proposition to romance story. The characters are great together and you feel their simmer of passion. This is one of those quick reads that hits all the right marks to satisfy your romance needs. You won’t be disappointed!
Profile Image for Kym.
694 reviews
January 20, 2022
Fun, enjoyable story! A little bit of Pretty Woman feel to it which is JUST FINE with me!
Profile Image for Jody.
2,089 reviews61 followers
September 27, 2013
When I first started reading this book the overall theme felt familiar, but as each page was turned Ms. Jade brought new life into a tried and true storyline. From its memorable characters to crackling chemistry an indelible mark was left that kept a smile on my face throughout and sad when I reached the end knowing there was no more. Fans of the theme of opposites attracting will be drawn to Spencer and Coda and rooting for them every step of the way as they realize they're more alike than they thought.

Spencer is a tough businessman who gave up his personal dreams to run the family business as he's devoted to his family. He's also a workaholic who gives everything to his work leaving little time for happiness. Part of his past involves Ava, the woman he broke up with after realizing she was completely wrong for him. Unfortunately Ava doesn't want to take no for an answer and promises to win him back at an upcoming wedding he's attending. His brilliant plan to convince Ava they're over involves another woman pretending to be his girlfriend. That woman, cleaning woman Coda, appears to be his complete opposite but as the wedding weekend progresses he realizes she's exactly right and he just needs to convince her of it too.

Coda too is dedicated to family working two jobs to keep a roof over her and her sick mother's head. She desperately wants a career in advertising but college debts and a pending eviction leave her no choice but to work and put her future on hold. One night she gets an unexpected offer and the chance to finally live her life in exchange for playing the pretend girlfriend to a serious-minded yet sexy man for one weekend. Their weekend ends up being more than they counted on as the sexual tension mounts and their supposed differences become a match made in heaven. Once the weekend's over though do they have faith in a future together to grab their HEA?

This was a sweet story with immensely likable characters. Coda was a delightful heroine who stood her ground against Spencer. She took pleasure in goading him into having fun and relaxing and it drew her to him even more than his initial attraction. Spencer was a different man in her presence, playfully laid-back and even more sexy. Their banter was crisp and delightful to witness. The issue of money was handled in a completely business-like manner so as to not sully their burgeoning relationship. As they got closer together their contract evolved to reflect their deepening feelings. Though their relationship is sweet that doesn't mean there's no steaminess. The connection between them starts out as a slow burn but the fireworks soon arrive in some very sensual moments. The only issue I had with the story was the annoying Ava who acted as the stereotypical villain bent on uncovering the truth about Coda in a vindictive way to pull the lovebirds apart. For me she put a damper on every scene she was in. Overall though I found this a heartwarming story that was immensely entertaining and satisfying and lovers of true romance will find this the perfect read.
Profile Image for Cara.
852 reviews11 followers
August 17, 2015
No-nonsense businessman Spencer Cannon has a dilemma. He’s headed to Connecticut for the weekend to attend his cousin’s elaborate wedding. His whole family will be there in addition to his obsessed ex-girlfriend Ava. According to Spencer’s brother, Ava has been telling her friends she’s planning a magical reunion with her favorite ex-boyfriend. Spencer’s not in the mood to deal with her, but he can’t miss the wedding. He needs a plan.
Struggling Brooklyn waitress and aspiring graphic designer Dakota Vercelli has fallen on hard times. College debts, pending eviction, and her sick mother are taking a toll on her. A chance encounter with Mr. Cannon, CEO of Cannon and Carrington Advertising, leads to a proposition that may be just the thing to solve both of their problems. Spencer’s offer—spend four days with him during the wedding festivities and keep his ex-off his trail. In return, he’ll compensate her generously for her time. He needs a weekend girlfriend, and Dakota needs the cash.
It was just a temporary business deal, but after sharing a room, kissing under the stars, and attending a wedding, their attraction is undeniable. Will the illusion end when the weekend is over or is the proposition just the beginning? This is such a sweet (hot) love story. Spencer has a crazy ex-girlfriend who wants to get back with him and to make matters worse she is his Grandfather’s business partners Granddaughter.
Ava (the ex) plans to use Spencer’s cousins wedding as a platform to entice Spencer back into her life. Spencer thankfully become aware of Ava’s plans and decides to get a pretend girlfriend. Spencer just so happens to come across Dakota (Cota) while she is working as his office cleaner. After tracking her down at Cota’s second job at a diner in Brooklyn, Spencer offers Cota; The Weekend Proposition.
Great book 9 out of 10
Profile Image for Marianna.
341 reviews531 followers
October 2, 2013
View this and other reviews at A Lust For Reading. I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Spencer Cannon is a wealthy CEO of one of the top advertising firms. He lives and breathers his work, leaving little time for a personal life. And now he has a problem. Spencer has to attend his cousin's four day wedding extravaganza where his viper of an ex will be waiting to sink her fangs into him. Perhaps bringing a date would keep her away; if only he had a girl he could ask

Dakota "Coda" Vercelli has wanted to be a graphic designer for so long and she is damn good at it. But nearly five months after graduating from NYU, she still hasn't been able to get a job. With her mother's medical expenses adding up and her own student loans to pay off, she is working two jobs as a waitress and corporate housekeeper.

When Spencer overhears Coda's situation one night, he knows he has found the solution to his problem. He needs a pretend girlfriend and she needs the money. It i just a business arrangement, isn't it?

Soon it becomes clear that they are extremely attracted to each other. While Spencer tries to fight it and keep sex out of the equation, Coda is determined to enjoy whatever time she has with him. But if they take it to the next level, what will happen when the four days are over?

I loved how sure of herself Coda was, even when thrown into a fray of high society snobs. She refused to let them get her down and she went after what she wanted. Spencer. She wasn't shy about her attraction to him and basically refused to take no for an answer. This was a quick, sweet and sexy read that I enjoyed.
Profile Image for Victoria Rainey.
512 reviews8 followers
October 23, 2013
Ella Jade has done it again. I have yet to read a bad story by Ms. Jade. I loved the premise of this story a lot. Spencer Cannon has a problem. He needs a date to accompany him to his cousin’s big wedding. He needs to ward off his ex-girlfriend, Ava, who seems to be planning a reunion that Spencer does not want to happen. So what does a guy do? He finds and pays for a date. Spencer is a man who does not spend enough time relaxing, work consumes most of his time. Spencer is a nice guy who tries not to be rude or mean to those around him.

Dakota Vercelli graduated from college and like many new college grad’s she can’t find a job. Therefore, she works two jobs, one as a waitress, and the other as a cleaning lady. Her mother is also sick so she helps her out financially as well. Dakota takes Spencer up on his offer. The problem is Dakota starts to fall for Spencer so she tries to get Spencer to fall in love with her.

The chemistry between Dakota and Spencer is sizzling hot. The have a lot of common interests even though they are from different worlds. Spencer did not flaunt his wealth in Dakota’s face or anyone’s. He had that quite grace that comes from someone who grew up with money and know better than the flaunt it. The sex scenes were hot. Dakota’s and Spencer’s emotions were apparent even though they did not talk about it until much later in the story.

I loved the supporting characters; they added spice to the story. While I found Ava pathetic, I wonder what motivates her? I wonder if we will see more of these characters in the future? I hope so! Overall, I loved the story and read it in one sitting.
Profile Image for Liz ~ Liz's Reading Life.
857 reviews32 followers
October 29, 2017
This was my first Ella Jade book but defiantly not my last. When I first heard of this concept, I thought, wow now that sounds interesting. Therefore when it was released, I grabbed it right away. Once I started it, I couldn't put it down because I was head over heals in love with Spencer Cannon.

This story is about the very handsome and extreme workaholic, Spencer Cannon. He's cousin is getting married this weekend and his ex-girlfriend, Ava, has been going around telling people that they are getting back together. He's brother, Tyler, advises him to either be strong and tell Ava no or bring a date. Spencer is at a loss as to what to do until a brief encounter with the lovely Coda, who happens to be part of the cleaning crew. After their meeting, he makes a decision that will not only keep Ava at bay, but also change his whole life.

Spencer and Coda try at first to fight their attraction to each other, but after spending so much time together, it is inevitable that they will get together. All the flirting was just a tease compared to the electricity these two cause when they finally give into their desires. Although there is some angst that could drive these two apart, neither is willing to give up and will fight to find a way back together.

I truly loved this quick yet captivating story; Ella knows how to tell a story that touches your heart. Spencer Cannon is by far my favorite Ella hero; he's smart, talented, caring and handsome both in and out of a suit. Next to the definition of swoon worthy, you will find Spencer Cannon! I've said it before and I'll say it again, Spencer can proposition me any time he chooses and I will gladly accept.
Profile Image for Sassy Moms Say Read Romance.
781 reviews16 followers
Read
January 31, 2014
Thanks to Ella Jade for the chance to read this story before it came out. I am honored that I was able to be included on your street team. I am glad that the beginning of the semester didn't prevent me from reading this as I thought it would.

The concept of this story had me hooked from the first time Ella mentioned it. Each teaser made me even more excited about this story. I think what drew me in was me wondering what I would do if that happened to me.

Right from the beginning I liked Spencer. I liked the way that he was respectful of Dakota, even though she was part of the cleaning staff. He was compassionate about Dakota's situation. He wanted to help her and found a way to do it.

Dakota, or Coda, is a struggling recent college graduate and working two jobs. She is taking care of her sick mother as well. When Spencer shows up at the diner where she works and presents her with an opportunity to get $250k, just for a weekend of her time, she does realize just how much her life was about to change.

Oh the nasty, spiteful bitch of an ex-girlfriend needs a dose of reality and I wanted to smack her several times. Spencer's mom, Jenna was a trip and I love the way she accepted the situation even though she didn't know the whole story. Tyler, Spencer's brother, deserves his own story. (hint, hint, Ella!!)

This story had made me feel like I was part of it, not just a reader. I felt like I was falling in love based on how these two characters interacted. For me, that doesn't happen. I feel emotions while reading, but this one was different. I can't really explain it.
Profile Image for Brandi.
32 reviews79 followers
July 31, 2014
One Weekend,... One Business Deal,.. life changing results. I adored the character of Coda the first moment Spencer encounted her in his office Kitchen.

Spencer overhears Coda speaking to her mom on the phone & knows she's hit some financial problems. He finds out she is the cleaning lady in the office & working at a dinner during the days just to pay her bills & help out her mother. He is having some bad luck shaking an ex that plans to get him back at his cousin's wedding so he hires Coda to be his pretend girlfriend and makes it clear no sex would be involved. He offers $250,000 for the 5 day event & really, who could turn down a job like that!? Handsome guy, nice clothing, & a way to help pay the bills,... it's hard to say no to that!

Watching Coda & Spencer play their charade & getting to know each other was nice to watch play out. She charmed his family in a matter of minutes, & there was more to her than just being the cleaning lady/waitress from Brooklyn. She was smart, pretty, & sweet. And there was more to Spencer than just being the rich, handsome, workaholic CEO. <3

I won't spoil everything in my review,... if you want to know what happens in this story I suggest you read it. If you like romance stories, this book would be for you. I give it 5 stars! I couldn't put the book down & read it in less than a few hrs. =)
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