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On a Manhunt #7

Man Spread

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I'm a famous TV star—how hard can it be to pretend that real love is fake?

To women around the world, I’m Dr. Dark and Dangerous, sexiest bachelor alive.
I meet the only one who has no idea who I am. To single mom Aspen, I’m just the guy who rocked her world one night. Nothing more.
With the tabloids out to destroy my career and a movie deal on the line, I need help. I need a girlfriend to improve my image. Since the only one I want won’t do a real relationship, she agrees to be my fake girlfriend. Except the more time we’re together, the more we blur the lines between what's real and what’s fake.
Because how I feel for her isn’t pretend at all.

380 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 21, 2024

109 people are currently reading
1203 people want to read

About the author

Vanessa Vale

243 books2,547 followers
A USA Today bestseller, Vanessa Vale has written over 100 cowboy and small town romances. She lives in the American West where she's always finding inspiration for her next story.

You can find out more about Vanessa at VanessaValeAuthor.com

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5 stars
479 (43%)
4 stars
387 (34%)
3 stars
188 (16%)
2 stars
41 (3%)
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14 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 222 reviews
Profile Image for Intel Chicky Reads Romance (Kara Merideth).
2,266 reviews1,534 followers
March 12, 2024
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: ONS
Angst: 😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥

Man Spread is the 7th book in the On a Manhunt series by Vanessa Vale. It is a complete standalone, but best enjoyed when read in series order. Well written and fast paced, there are some surprising twists and turns that will definitely keep your attention. Both MCs are really likable and have tons of chemistry and great banter. If you're looking for a lighthearted, ONS to he falls first, instalove, Man Spread will totally hit all the right spots ❤️.
Profile Image for Laura • lauralovestoread.
1,699 reviews291 followers
March 23, 2024
I was looking for my next spicy read and Man Spread delivered! This is the 7th book in the On a Manhunt series but can be read as a stand alone which is what I did, and I’m so hooked. 🤌🏻 It was fast paced, and gave me all the steam right away, and I couldn’t put it down. I love a fake dating storyline, and this had me laughing and swooning.

Aspen is a single Mom living in a small town, and not having any luck in love these days after being stood up on a blind date.

Luke Graham is a Hollywood heartthrob, and takes a chance striking up a conversation with the prettiest girl at the bar when he sees Aspen. She just happens not to have a clue who he is.

Sparks fly, and their chemistry is so hot! They both had such great character growth, and there were so many laugh out loud moments that hit so good, with plenty of dirty talk and all the spice.

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧
🎬celebrity x single mom
💘small town romance
💋one night stand
🗣️dual POV
🩷fake dating
🌶️all the spice
🐅 he calls her Tiger

*many thanks to Valentine PR for the gifted copy for review
Profile Image for Dul.
434 reviews259 followers
March 22, 2024
This intriguing plot follows the life of a famous TV star who faces the challenging task of pretending that his true love is fake. Known as Dr. Dark and Dangerous to his fans, this sexy bachelor encounters the one person who has no idea who he is. To Aspen, a single mother, he is simply the man who rocked her world one night. With tabloids determined to destroy his career and a movie deal at stake, he desperately needs help. To improve his image, he needs a girlfriend. Although the only person he desires is unwilling to have a real relationship, she agrees to be his fake girlfriend.

However, as they spend more time together, the lines between what's real and what's fake beginning to blur. Because what he feels for her isn't fake at all.

This story promises an irresistible blend of romance, drama, and suspense as the protagonist struggles to maintain his career and reputation while caught in a game of appearances and genuine emotions. The tension between the desire to keep up appearances and the growing emotional connection between the main characters will surely keep readers eager to discover how the plot unfolds and if true love will prevail over false appearances.
Profile Image for Kathy Heare Watts.
6,972 reviews175 followers
March 11, 2024
WHAT’S REAL AND WHAT’S FAKE

The story is an addition to the series, On A Manhunt, and will bring transplant to the area, Aspen Lane, and visiting Hollywood heartthrob, together at a local bar. Aspen is meeting a ‘blind date’ set up by her friends, and he is a no-show. Luke Graham is intrigued by the woman at the bar, and when she goes to pay her tab, he does it—and then they play trivia with the others in the bar—and win. Yes, this leads to a hook-up, but maybe to so much more.

Aspen loves her life in Hunter Valley, Montana, and feels it is a safe place to raise her daughter, Sierra. She never tries and change Sierra’s tomboy status, and does what she can to encourage her as she plays hockey. She lives in the upstairs portion of a home owned by Granny Waddle, who helps her out with Sierra. Aspen has a studio and teaches yoga.

Luke Graham, better known as Shep Barnes, or Derek Dashwood, star of NYC ER—aka Dr. Dark and Dangerous, the sexiest bachelor alive, will be in the bar and see Aspen. He watches her and realizes she seems out of place, and when she goes to pay her tab and leave, he pays and convinces her to stay. After winning trivia, they go to his hotel room for a hot night of sex, but come morning, she is gone.

The story has Luke not willing to just walk away from Aspen, he will find her studio, and attend her yoga class, then go out with her and her friends where she drinks too much. Gotta love Luke for watching out for her, and not taking advantage.

Luke: I want more, Aspen.
Aspen: What? Like boyfriend/girlfriend? Engagement? Marriage? You’re on vacation.
Luke: You can’t deny last night was amazing.

It seems Aspen may be one of the only people out there without television and knowing who Luke really is—even Sierra knows. When Luke learns his female co-star is telling lies to tabloids, it could ruin his chances at a movie deal that is in the works. He needs to prove to those who matter he isn’t in rehab, and he needs a girlfriend to add to the mix. Luke convinces Aspen to be his ‘fake girlfriend’ and come with him to LA. While he doesn’t want a fake relationship, he knows he must go slow with her, prove to her that he isn’t acting, that this is for real.

The pictures of them are out there, and Aspen surprises him with how well she handles people. But what happens at a party when she runs into her parents? Has she been used again but someone she trusted? How will Luke make things better? How far will he go to prove that she is the one?

The story has several twists and turns in the story plot. It was fun seeing so many people from previous stories and their friendships. Overall, I really liked Aspen and Luke together. She saw him as a man, not someone who plays a role on a television show. Together, they sizzle and work. The story does have the good, the bad, and the ugly of people—and in the end, those who have treated Aspen so poorly will hopefully get their comeuppance. But will Luke and Aspen find their chance at a happily ever after?

I haven’t read the ‘bonus scenes’ yet, but I always look forward to them (found in her newsletter.) This story, and what looks like several more, seem to revolve around the various men of Colorado and the town of Hunter Valley in Montana.
Profile Image for Sabrina.
206 reviews9 followers
March 21, 2024
Man Spread is the seventh book in the series On a Manhunt. While it say it’s a standalone, I suggest reading in order since previous couple appears (love that).

This time, it’s the story of Aspen, the yoga instructor and single mom of Hunter Valley. She guards her heart from everyone to avoid man to approaches her for the wrong reason till Luke appears in her life. One night with her and Luke wants more with her. She was really cute when he told her he wanted more. Luke become quick possessive, but he is also cute and dirty talker with her. I also loved that he didn’t make a big deal about her being a yoga instructor and her flexibility in bed. He didn’t brag about it. He will melt your heart with how fast he falls in love with her and how he accept her backstory and daughter.

Together they are very cute. They are supposed to be fake dating, but the line between fake and real blur fast with how natural they are with each other. I have favorite scenes: when she talk back to an actress creatin false information about Luke. Her realize all the picture Luke took of her and post on social media . The beginning of the book with wine and hike to bury an object (make sense at the end).

You will find in this book
🎬Celebrity X Single Mother
🏔️Small Town Romance
🐅He calls her «Tiger»
🌃One Night Stand
🤐Fake Dating
🥵Dirty Talk
✌️Dual POV
🌶️Spice

Thank you Valentine PR for this ARC in exchange of an honest review.
Profile Image for Apoorva Sharma.
834 reviews47 followers
March 21, 2024
What a fun book this was, hunter valley has a way of making people fall in love with the town. Luke saw Aspen for the first time in the Bar and he knew he had to get her. But what I loved was how persistent yet gone he was from the first moment. Aspen is burnt by the ones closest to her so she knows better than to trust someone at the very instant. When their one night together turns into a proposal of fake dating to clear the rumour created in the wake of Luke aka Derek going on a break but to also help him for a test audition he has to give for the movie.

The spice was perfect and the nickname- ooffff I loved it.

Seirra had a very little appearance even after being Aspen’s daughter which obviously made the connection between Luke and Seirra a little too strong for the limited interactions they had. But throughout there was enjoyment & drama.

Oh the third act breakup, it was well created but how he won her back was picture perfect ✨
Profile Image for Kristine.
110 reviews7 followers
March 21, 2024
Man Spread is book 7 in the On a Manhunt Series by Vanessa Vale, but it can also be read as a standalone. The tropes are:
- Celebrity/Actor
- Celebrity in Hiding
- Small Town
- Single Mom
- One Night Stand
- Fake Dating
- He Falls First

Although this can be read as a standalone, I think it will be a better reader experience to have read the other books in the series first. Because there were a lot of side characters that I had no connection with, and I struggled to keep track of them. There were some scenes that felt like they were created almost to include those characters and they felt unnecessary when there’s no knowledge of the other characters.

This was instalove in the sense that there was a one-night stand in the first chapters. The good thing about that, is you don’t have to wait around for the spice to happen. You can just jump right in.
I really loved the concept of this book. I mean, what’s not to love when there’s a rich, super-hot actor in hiding, a single mother and fake dating. For me the only reason this doesn’t get a higher rating is the writing style. I found there were a lot of repetitions and explanations which made it difficult for me to connect fully with the story and for the story to impact me.

However, if you’re looking for a quick, spicy romance and find the tropes interesting, you might like this book.
Profile Image for MJ's Book Blog and Reviews.
3,054 reviews65 followers
March 20, 2024
Review by: Jennifer
(5 Stars)

Vanessa Vale can spin a story that has you gasping and then laughing your butt off all on the same page. This is the seventh in the series and I ate this story up just like I inhaled the first. Luke and Aspen's story gives us some really great drama, some cuteness, a few OMG he is so sweet, and of course the naughty bits are the fanning my face from the heat type. I don't know if we are going to get more, but I will say this has been one of my favorite series in quite a while. I give this 5 stars.
Profile Image for turningthepageswithangela.
256 reviews26 followers
March 16, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

I couldn’t not put this one down! We get spice right off the bat! Aspen is a single mom who really struggles opening up to people. She is always on high guard and for very good reasons. Luke is a tv star, who falls in love with Aspen the moment he sees her. She is completely oblivious when it comes to who he actually is. They are instantly attracted too each other, despite Aspen’s intentions of it being just a one night stand.

Man Spread is a super cute, fun Romcom, I highly recommend you add it too your tbr. The entire book flowed perfectly, making it a very fast paced read. Both characters had phenomenal growth from start to finish. It did not take long to completely devour.

Tropes-
🏔️Small Town
🏔️Single Mom
🏔️He Falls First
🏔️Celebrity MMC
🏔️Alpha Hero
🏔️Fake Dating
Profile Image for KaÁfrica.
147 reviews7 followers
March 28, 2024
yo lo empecé porque single mom y un actor famoso de incógnito... y básicamente todo pasa en semana y media de la cual la niña pasa una semana entera de campamento
uf las últimas 100 pags más o menos yo solo quería que se acabase ya porque no me estaba gustando nada es que no me ha parecido que la trama estuviese pensada idk
1,844 reviews49 followers
March 12, 2024
I absolutely love this series…there are so many laugh out loud moments, swoon, passion and amazing characters. The newest edition, Man Spread, is fantastic! The banter, dialogue, cast of characters and the small town charm is fantastic!!

Aspen is wanting to prove her worth and stay away from her toxic family. She struggles with trust…demands that it’s earned.

Luke wants to get away from the rat race of Hollywood and just be. He has left a hot mess behind and just needs a fresh start.

Aspen and Luke are fun, delightful, full of sass and such an amazing couple. Their friendship/relationship is so easy and natural. They compliment one another and bring the heat.

Of course there’s a little drama but they work through it and become stronger as a couple.
Profile Image for Erinn.
569 reviews8 followers
March 22, 2024
Aspen and Luke

I loved them they are probably my second fave couple from this series.

This was fun and spicy and was great getting to see into aspens life after meeting her in the other books :)
Profile Image for Ashley.
529 reviews198 followers
April 5, 2024
“𝐈’𝐦 𝐋𝐮𝐤𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈’𝐦 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬. 𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐥𝐥 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐦𝐞.”

Vanessa Vale's Man Spread recounts the small-town romance between actor Luke Graham and Aspen Lane, a yoga instructor.

I'm not sure how I feel about this book. Like, there were times when things didn't add up, but there were also moments that I would cherish with Graham, Aspen, and her daughter Sierra.

Granted that this is meant to be fiction and an escape from reality, but Graham seemed way too laid back when he learned about Aspen's daughter. All I had hoped for was a bit of a reaction from him. Also, Sierra was only mentioned three or four times in the entire novel.

Graham turning down a movie to be with Aspen was the one thing that made me swoon.

I find Vanessa to be a hit or miss author, and this one falls in the middle because it was enjoyable.

*Thank you to the author, Vanessa Vale, for providing me with this e-arc in exchanger for an honest review.*
Profile Image for ash😈.
229 reviews16 followers
March 16, 2024
A Hollywood star with cowboy background meets a single mom who hid her shitty family and amazingly secret talent from everyone.

Aspen has to be my favorite from the series (I still need to read the others lol)

Booooy did I love me some Luke!😍🥵

Profile Image for Shana .
412 reviews68 followers
March 27, 2024
man spread ~ arc review ⛰️

3.95⭐️ | 4.5🌶

as always. a smutty good time. would definitely recommend it if you need something more than plot.
Thank you to Valentine PR for the ARC.
Profile Image for Sara.
124 reviews
April 20, 2024
BINGED IN 1 DAY!

This is my first book by Vanessa and I can say I will definitely being going back to read the rest of the books in this series. Man Spread is the 7th book in this series but each can be read as a standalone and as someone who has not read books 1-6 I did not feel left out or questioning if I missed something in the story.

Very well-written and fast-paced and I enjoyed how the chemistry between our two MC's really came through and felt real. This book is instalust but has lots of sweet moments, especially with how Luke (mmc) treats Aspen (fmc) and her daughter.
Profile Image for Father Lib.
435 reviews66 followers
March 28, 2024
Aspen is tired . Not only from being a single mom to the most adorable little girl, but tired of men . Men who keep standing her up on blind dates + just not being anything like they claim to be . That is until the sexiest man she has ever seen, walks up to her to talk and flirt . Aspen has no idea that she is actually talking to superstar Luke Graham . Luke loves that he can be just a normal guy talking to the most gorgeous girl he has ever seen . One thing leads to another + before you know it, the two of them are the best fake couple around . Now only time will tell if the two of them can stay true to the rules of fake dating or if they will cross into uncharted territory .

This is one of my all time favorite comfort series !! Every book is fantastic + Man Spread is no exception . Luke + Aspen has such a spark and out of the world chemistry together . They burn hot !!! And just like every other book in this series, I laughed out loud constantly ! Mixed amongst great banter, drama + spiciness .. I LOVED IT !

This is book seven in the On A Manhunt series . It can be read as a stand alone but I HIGHLY recommend reading them in order to learn the full dynamic of this charming small town + chaotic group of friends .

This book was given to me for honest review by Valentine PR + Literary Management .
Profile Image for Kelsi.
535 reviews26 followers
March 15, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

Woah! If you’re looking for some instalust followed by instant spice look no further because Man Spread has both! Don’t worry though because there is plenty of tender romance, hilarious banter, amazing found family, and just the right amount of drama to keep things interesting!

In Man spread we meet Aspen and Luke, both who are amazing characters! Aspen is a strong, independent, single mother who has split from her family due to a difference of opinion in what family should be, and now runs her own yoga studio… who just so happens to draw the eyes of tv star Derek Dashwood aka Luke Graham, who has taken a vacation to Hunter Valley to take a break from the world of celebrity. When exs strike though and both of them have something to lose they decide to join forces in a fake dating ploy to try and avoid the crash… but who knew faking things would be so hard when the chemistry is oh so real?!

I absolutely loved the 7th installment of the On a Manhunt series, and would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a quick instalust, sweet, fake dating romance between a single mother and a celebrity tv star, with the right blend of spice, drama, and hilarious characters!!

HAPPY READING 📖
Profile Image for Edea.
43 reviews5 followers
March 20, 2024
Man Spread

Book seven of the On a Manhunt series by Vanessa Vale—these characters are memorable, multi faceted, and have you cheering for them from the beginning. This book has the single mother, fake dating, billionaire, famous MC, small town, and found family tropes, and pairs them very well.

I enjoyed the intrigue of Aspen’s past, the disaster of Luke’s attempts to claim her, the spark of motherly ferocity when it came to Sierra, the found family, and of course, the spicy bits that start just pages in…

While mostly a romance, Man Spread tiptoes into romantic suspense through the third act, then settles firmly into the classic Hallmark HEA ending we look forward to. This one wraps beautifully and has a cast you root and roar for.

My one dissatisfaction with this book is I didn’t have the “AHA” moment on the title. It fits in well with the rest of the series, but I’m not positive what it was in reference to in story…Maybe a magazine spread of Like as Sexiest Man(or hair)? Either way, it was quick and fun!
Profile Image for Pavitra (For The Love of Fictional Worlds).
1,298 reviews81 followers
April 1, 2024

Also Posted on For The Love of Fictional Worlds
Disclaimer: An eARC copy was provided via Valentine PR and the author in exchange for an honest review. The Thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are therefore, my own.


The tropes I adore 🥰
☕️ Single Parent
☕️ Famous Actor
☕️ “She knows Me for Me”
☕️ He falls First
☕️ Fake Relationship

Hilarious Romance for a woman who didn’t want to fall for anyone, let alone a famous actor. Because she already has a past where she was “courted” for her mother’s connections.

Short chapters, which I wish were longer; but definitely worth to read within a single setting ✨

For more reviews visit For The Love of Fictional Worlds :)
Do come join us at For The Fictional Worlds Facebook Page
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Profile Image for Maryann.
562 reviews
March 15, 2024
4.5/5 stars

Tropes:
-small town
-fake dating
-single mom/celebrity
-one night stand
-rom-com

“I can’t believe you’re mine.”

Man Spread is book seven in the On the Manhunt series. I really enjoy Vanessa's work and this series! This book is Luke and Aspen's story. Luke is on a popular tv show and he meets Aspen after her blind date unexpectedly stand her up. They end up having a one-night stand, he wants more. They decide to have a fake relationship, but their chemistry is undeniable.

It definitely is a cute story and very entertaining. Vanessa does a great job with writing and keeps you engaged in the story you are reading. I definitely recommend this book and this series especially if small town is your thing.

Releasing March 21, 2024. I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Booked on Lattes.
540 reviews23 followers
March 21, 2024
POV: Dual
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️

Adding a TV star to the Hunter Valley crew was exactly what we needed! This was a fast read, and I loved how Luke was all in with Aspen from the beginning, even though she definitely needed some convincing. It can be read as a standalone, but we’ve had little glimpses of Aspen throughout the series so it was nice to see her get her HEA. Although it is spicy, I would say it is definitely less spicy than the other books in the series.

I loved Apen’s hockey playing daughter and just wish we could’ve seen more of her relationship with Luke. Man Spread is fast burn, fun and light, and a one night stand turned to much more and as always, it was great to be back in Hunter Valley!
Profile Image for Charlene.
1,542 reviews54 followers
July 16, 2024
Aspen and Luke were an awesome couple. This is typical fake dating, in that the lines quickly become blurred between what is real and fake. We got the added intrigue of a little suspense, which I think added to the story.

I thought Aspen and Luke were cute together and I loved Aspen's sassy daughter. Luke fell first and fell hard. I loved when Aspen discovered Luke's Instagram and all the real photos he took for her. It was so sweet.

This book was a quick, easy read that give you a happily ever after you love!

read if you like: single mom, celebrity, instalove, fake dating, he falls first
Profile Image for Joana | Khaleesiwithastarbuckscup.
858 reviews
March 17, 2024
Quando vi que era sobre a Aspen fiquei super contente de poder ver um bocadinho mais dela, dadas as pequenos cameos que ela vinha a ter ao longo dos outros livros. Também gostei de conhecer o Luke e acho que foi interessante igualmente ver uma pessoa que realmente é totalmente de fora e como ela se foi interligando à cidade e ao grupo.
A interligação deles foi boa e acho que a forma como a história evoluiu conseguiu ter uma proporção equilibrada e que ajudou ao desfecho final.
Profile Image for Tiffany.
147 reviews10 followers
March 19, 2024
It's important to note I have not read books 4-6 of this series but I don't feel as though it impacted my experience with this story in any way.

I did find it a little odd that the MMC (Luke) in this book was not connected to Hunter Valley in any way like the previous six MMC had been. With that common theme going through the first six books, it threw me off some that this character was just there on a short vacation. It's definitely not high on the spice scale but it was a short, cute read. I enjoyed Aspen's daughter, Sierra, but almost wish she had been more involved and we would've been able to read more about her relationship with Luke.

Thank you for letting me read this book!!
Profile Image for Lisa Petty (Book Bangers Blog).
2,300 reviews20 followers
March 22, 2024
Sometimes being an actor you just want some peace and quiet and for Luke Graham that is exactly what he wants. Aspen Lane has not had the best of luck in the dating world. She just wants something different. When she gets stood up in a bar Luke is there to try to make her smile. Their attraction is sparking for them both. And one night is what they will give each other. Aspen has so much going on in her life trying to raise her daughter to be who she wants to be. Aspen has been through a lot and she just wants simplicity. Aspen has no idea who Luke really is and I like that about this story. I liked that these two could be themselves. When things progress and their real lives start to make themselves known these two come out on top. I just loved this couple and watching them grow and flourish.
Profile Image for Melly.
407 reviews11 followers
March 30, 2024
Thank you Valentine PR and Vanessa Vale for the ARC! All thoughts are my own!

Man Spread is book 7 of the On a Manhunt Series of interconnected standalones.

Aspen and Luke had amazing chemistry from the start! Aspen is a single mom and a yoga studio owner and is dealing with some family drama. Luke is a famous actor who is taking a break from some drama of his own. After an amazing one night stand, Luke convinces Aspen to be his fake girlfriend to get the tabloids off his back and spin the narrative.

These two had amazing banter! There was so many swoon worthy moments! There was some parts that I was laughing out loud. I could not put this book down! I have loved the books that I have read from this series! I can’t wait to see what is next!!

What to expect:
Movie Star MMC
Single Mom
One Night Stand
Small Town
Fake Dating
Insta Lust
He Falls First
Profile Image for Dawn Herrera.
704 reviews11 followers
March 12, 2024
Man Spread was a fun and exciting read by Vanessa Vale. This is book seven and was just as great as all the stories that came first in this series. I have to say Luke and Aspen had some great chemistry from the beginning. Aspen is a small town single mom to a 9 year old daughter who is the light of her life but has no luck in the love department so when she is stood up for a blind date she is done or is she? Luke can’t believe his luck the prettiest woman in the bar has no idea who he is,he is the famous TV actor who plays Dr. Shep Barnes aka Luke is definitely okay with that since he is on vacation. There is some major attraction between Aspen and Luke and that is just the start. I absolutely loved this story and I highly recommend it.
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