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Counted
Their marriage will only last for three months. Eve Carlyle has known Jude Gregory most of her life as the odd, brilliant, reclusive son of her father's billionaire client, but he's never been important to her. Not until he proposes marriage out of the blue. He's not in love with her, but he's dying. He has only three months left to live, and getting married is one of the final items on his bucket list. She feels sorry for him, so she says yes. After all, it's only three months of her life, and it can be her final gift to him. They can get married, and she'll take care of him as he gets sicker. They can even consummate the marriage and act like husband and wife. But she's not going to fall in love with him. Love was never part of their agreement. His final days are counted, and loving him would be her biggest mistake.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 12, 2024
464 people are currently reading
465 people want to read
About the author
Noelle Adams
140 books2,677 followersNoelle handwrote her first romance novel in a spiral-bound notebook when she was twelve, and she hasn't stopped writing since. She has lived in eight different states and currently resides in Virginia, where she teaches English, reads any book she can get her hands on, and offers tribute to a very spoiled cocker spaniel.
She loves travel, art, history, and ice cream. After spending far too many years of her life in graduate school, she has decided to reorient her priorities and focus on writing contemporary romances.
She loves travel, art, history, and ice cream. After spending far too many years of her life in graduate school, she has decided to reorient her priorities and focus on writing contemporary romances.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
June 19, 2024
*4.5* The premise of a marriage started out of compassion rather than love, sets the stage for a deeply emotional story. It begins a little cold and clinical but soon morphs into such a beautiful love story.
He wasn’t sure how the human heart was capable of handling so many emotional ups and downs.
Eve and Jude are both somewhat indifference to deep, heartfelt connections. As always, this author captures the nuances of their evolving relationship, which made me cheer them on despite the looming inevitability of Jude's fate.
A bucket list
An intelligent, mature love story
Reclusive, grumpy author
Childhood family friends
Excellent communication
HEA
The emotional weight of the story is balanced with moments of tenderness and genuine affection. I really loved this couple and could feel every moment of their joy and sorrow.
This story felt like the author wanted to write a book about two almost strangers, learning to care for one another in extreme, yet realistic circumstances. It’s like a study in human behavior. It’s deep and introspective.
A slow, unconventional romance with a surprising happily ever after. Not quite five stars, because I felt the ending, and buildup a little unrealistic.
He wasn’t sure how the human heart was capable of handling so many emotional ups and downs.
Eve and Jude are both somewhat indifference to deep, heartfelt connections. As always, this author captures the nuances of their evolving relationship, which made me cheer them on despite the looming inevitability of Jude's fate.
A bucket list
An intelligent, mature love story
Reclusive, grumpy author
Childhood family friends
Excellent communication
HEA
The emotional weight of the story is balanced with moments of tenderness and genuine affection. I really loved this couple and could feel every moment of their joy and sorrow.
This story felt like the author wanted to write a book about two almost strangers, learning to care for one another in extreme, yet realistic circumstances. It’s like a study in human behavior. It’s deep and introspective.
A slow, unconventional romance with a surprising happily ever after. Not quite five stars, because I felt the ending, and buildup a little unrealistic.
February 10, 2025
Reread in 2025 for Content Pull
.
.
.
This was sweet and poignant and beautiful.
With only a few months to live, there are things Jude still wants to do. Like full fill some of his late mother's dreams for him. So he asks Eve, a family friend to marry him and live out his last days. He will try to pack as much into those days as he can.
What Eve isn't expecting when she says yes to this crazy scheme is how much she would come to care for Jude. But with their love doomed to end so soon... is it even worth the pain?
As always, Noelle Adams takes something mundane or painful and makes it beautiful. I ached for Eve and Jude and watching him suffer was so hard. I didn't understand how this could have an HEA but I trusted the process. It made the ending so joyful. Proving that love is always worth the risks.
Also, reminded me a bit of The Holiday with Queen Latifah. Haha!
4.5 stars
3 on the spice scale
CW: terminal illness, chronic illness, loss of a parent
.
.
.
This was sweet and poignant and beautiful.
With only a few months to live, there are things Jude still wants to do. Like full fill some of his late mother's dreams for him. So he asks Eve, a family friend to marry him and live out his last days. He will try to pack as much into those days as he can.
What Eve isn't expecting when she says yes to this crazy scheme is how much she would come to care for Jude. But with their love doomed to end so soon... is it even worth the pain?
As always, Noelle Adams takes something mundane or painful and makes it beautiful. I ached for Eve and Jude and watching him suffer was so hard. I didn't understand how this could have an HEA but I trusted the process. It made the ending so joyful. Proving that love is always worth the risks.
Also, reminded me a bit of The Holiday with Queen Latifah. Haha!
4.5 stars
3 on the spice scale
CW: terminal illness, chronic illness, loss of a parent
April 4, 2024
Oh my heart! What a heart wrenching, poignant, and utterly beautiful story.
Jude and Eve were characters that I found myself relating to and therefore, quickly falling in love with. I was so glad to see that we had not only Eve’s point of view, but Jude’s as well. I’m not sure I’ve ever felt so attached to one of this author’s heroes as I did Jude. The relationship development between these two felt authentic. These are not two perfect individuals and their romance was not instantaneous. Nevertheless, it is rich with emotion and rife with steamy goodness.
Counted skirts with an issue that can be triggering for me. However, I’ve read everything this author has written and I trusted her to take me on this journey with realism along with grace and assurance of a happy ending in the traditional sense. I was not expecting the struggle these characters are experiencing, not just physically, but each of them with their own emotions, to feel so true.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
Jude and Eve were characters that I found myself relating to and therefore, quickly falling in love with. I was so glad to see that we had not only Eve’s point of view, but Jude’s as well. I’m not sure I’ve ever felt so attached to one of this author’s heroes as I did Jude. The relationship development between these two felt authentic. These are not two perfect individuals and their romance was not instantaneous. Nevertheless, it is rich with emotion and rife with steamy goodness.
Counted skirts with an issue that can be triggering for me. However, I’ve read everything this author has written and I trusted her to take me on this journey with realism along with grace and assurance of a happy ending in the traditional sense. I was not expecting the struggle these characters are experiencing, not just physically, but each of them with their own emotions, to feel so true.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
April 13, 2024
4.75🌟
This book ripped my heart apart. It was heart warming, poignant and so addictive.
Eve and Jude knew each other since childhood but they were never close and didn’t have anything in common. Jude a typical introvert and Eve his opposite.
But when tragedy struck Jude turns to Eve and it’s because of her huge heart she agree to become Jude’s wife for three months.
Both Jude and Eve were matured and compassionate so it showed in their relationship too. The hardships they faced made me cry many times but they both were so strong and accepting.
I loved the progression of their relationship. First they were less than casual acquaintance then slowly they bonded and became friends and each other’s strength and somewhere along the way, they fell in love. They both worked for their bond.
It was really hard to see Jude’s suffering. It made me realise how blessed we all are and health is the greatest blessing of all.
So when the twist came I was so damn relieved and happy. Epilogue was so peaceful and much needed.
I read three more Noelle Adams books after this because I just couldn’t get enough of her writing and books.
Absolutely recommended
This book ripped my heart apart. It was heart warming, poignant and so addictive.
Eve and Jude knew each other since childhood but they were never close and didn’t have anything in common. Jude a typical introvert and Eve his opposite.
But when tragedy struck Jude turns to Eve and it’s because of her huge heart she agree to become Jude’s wife for three months.
Both Jude and Eve were matured and compassionate so it showed in their relationship too. The hardships they faced made me cry many times but they both were so strong and accepting.
I loved the progression of their relationship. First they were less than casual acquaintance then slowly they bonded and became friends and each other’s strength and somewhere along the way, they fell in love. They both worked for their bond.
It was really hard to see Jude’s suffering. It made me realise how blessed we all are and health is the greatest blessing of all.
So when the twist came I was so damn relieved and happy. Epilogue was so peaceful and much needed.
I read three more Noelle Adams books after this because I just couldn’t get enough of her writing and books.
Absolutely recommended
June 16, 2024
I was excited to find a marriage of convenience with an unusual twist—an MC fated to die in three months and yet get a HEA.
But not for long. This was some of the dullest writing I had ever come across. There was no way I could read dialogue with “Okay” 137 times, or “Good” 242 and stay focused. The use of “climax” 9, and “orgasm” 18, may compensate for the flat descriptive style for some, but not for me. I was in a 🔎 spiral.
Headache 94
Bathroom 68
Pill(s) 56
Pain 40
Sob 21
Pee 8
Blow job 3 (erm, maybe not enough?)
Shakespeare this ain’t.
As for how all the above could possibly conclude with a HEA, I solved it by page 28. I’m ashamed it took me so long.
But not for long. This was some of the dullest writing I had ever come across. There was no way I could read dialogue with “Okay” 137 times, or “Good” 242 and stay focused. The use of “climax” 9, and “orgasm” 18, may compensate for the flat descriptive style for some, but not for me. I was in a 🔎 spiral.
Headache 94
Bathroom 68
Pill(s) 56
Pain 40
Sob 21
Pee 8
Blow job 3 (erm, maybe not enough?)
Shakespeare this ain’t.
As for how all the above could possibly conclude with a HEA, I solved it by page 28. I’m ashamed it took me so long.
April 8, 2024
3⭐️
✨ terminal illness
✨ marriage of convenience
✨ religion/faith
This book posed an important question; if you were given three months to live, what would be on your bucket list to cross off during that time?
I’m typically a sucker for a marriage of convenience love story, but Counted was a bit heavy for my liking. Perhaps it’s because I have personal experience with losing a loved one to a similar illness, and this story hit a little too close to home. We all have unique experiences that books can expose, so I tried very hard while reading this one to not let my own sadness paint a dark cloud over this beautiful story.
✨ terminal illness
✨ marriage of convenience
✨ religion/faith
This book posed an important question; if you were given three months to live, what would be on your bucket list to cross off during that time?
I’m typically a sucker for a marriage of convenience love story, but Counted was a bit heavy for my liking. Perhaps it’s because I have personal experience with losing a loved one to a similar illness, and this story hit a little too close to home. We all have unique experiences that books can expose, so I tried very hard while reading this one to not let my own sadness paint a dark cloud over this beautiful story.
July 9, 2024
This is a marriage of convenience story about two people who were always acquaintances but not friends. Jude gets a diagnosis of a brain tumor and 3 months to live. He asks Eve to marry him to complete his bucket list, which includes marrying since his mom always wanted that for him.
It’s very sweet how the caring between them forges their bond. It’s not instalove, but they always have respect and attraction that grows to love. I also liked that their interactions, including sex, were a bit awkward in the beginning and felt realistic.
I did think it was a little lacking in terms of getting to know each other outside of their comfort and helping each other. I wanted a few more conversations or bonding moments about other things, but I suppose life and death will forge those connections quicker. I did like their travels and wished we saw a bit more scenes of that.
I found a few things a bit repetitive - I can’t tell you how many showers they took 😂 but overall it was cute, and I liked them together! Jude needed someone to get him back into the world, and Eve finds comfort and protection in him too even though she’s used to caring for him.
This is all under spoilers but huge spoiler here —- **he is misdiagnosed and isn’t dying after all! He just has terrible migraines he has to learn to manage. So obviously this is a little sappy, but I wanted him to live, so I didn’t care. Also it’s inspired by the Blue Castle, so it wasn’t a huge surprise if you’re familiar.
As someone who gets headaches, I swear I felt the twinges of one when they talked about his so often 😂 but I forged through and it was overall sad at times, and cute when they finally got a hea!
It’s very sweet how the caring between them forges their bond. It’s not instalove, but they always have respect and attraction that grows to love. I also liked that their interactions, including sex, were a bit awkward in the beginning and felt realistic.
I did think it was a little lacking in terms of getting to know each other outside of their comfort and helping each other. I wanted a few more conversations or bonding moments about other things, but I suppose life and death will forge those connections quicker. I did like their travels and wished we saw a bit more scenes of that.
I found a few things a bit repetitive - I can’t tell you how many showers they took 😂 but overall it was cute, and I liked them together! Jude needed someone to get him back into the world, and Eve finds comfort and protection in him too even though she’s used to caring for him.
This is all under spoilers but huge spoiler here —- **he is misdiagnosed and isn’t dying after all! He just has terrible migraines he has to learn to manage. So obviously this is a little sappy, but I wanted him to live, so I didn’t care. Also it’s inspired by the Blue Castle, so it wasn’t a huge surprise if you’re familiar.
As someone who gets headaches, I swear I felt the twinges of one when they talked about his so often 😂 but I forged through and it was overall sad at times, and cute when they finally got a hea!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2025
*4.5
Noelle Adams does it again! This woman can truly beat me over the head with her books and vanish away a stubborn, hopeless, reading slump! This wasn’t an exception. This was like The Fault in Our Stars meets The Blue Castle with an HEA. The hero finds out he has a terminal brain tumor, and has three months to live. He proposes to the heroine, a distant family friend, to be his wife for those 3 months. This story is incredibly romantic, melancholy, and also very hot. The sex scenes were delicious—as is the usual for Adam’s—and the emotional moments tugged at my cold, dead heart.
I was a little ehh on the final conflicts, but I saw them coming which was probably why. I also kind of missed the usual one POV that Noelle Adams tends to write. It wasn’t that I didn’t like Jude or anything, I just like the extra angst of not knowing what the hero is thinking. But these are minor complaints, and didn’t necessarily hinder my enjoyment. Overall, a fantastic story! Noelle Adams might be my favorite author at this point.
Noelle Adams does it again! This woman can truly beat me over the head with her books and vanish away a stubborn, hopeless, reading slump! This wasn’t an exception. This was like The Fault in Our Stars meets The Blue Castle with an HEA. The hero finds out he has a terminal brain tumor, and has three months to live. He proposes to the heroine, a distant family friend, to be his wife for those 3 months. This story is incredibly romantic, melancholy, and also very hot. The sex scenes were delicious—as is the usual for Adam’s—and the emotional moments tugged at my cold, dead heart.
I was a little ehh on the final conflicts, but I saw them coming which was probably why. I also kind of missed the usual one POV that Noelle Adams tends to write. It wasn’t that I didn’t like Jude or anything, I just like the extra angst of not knowing what the hero is thinking. But these are minor complaints, and didn’t necessarily hinder my enjoyment. Overall, a fantastic story! Noelle Adams might be my favorite author at this point.
July 15, 2024
It’s sooo good 💕. And for those who are afraid about the ending, it’s a happy ending and i liked it ❤️🩹.
Safety:
— Safe for me… No op drama, none virgins or manho.
— Triggers (Brain tumor)
The H is suffers from his illness throughout the book which may be unsafe for some.
Safety:
— Safe for me… No op drama, none virgins or manho.
— Triggers (Brain tumor)
The H is suffers from his illness throughout the book which may be unsafe for some.
June 18, 2024
I cried my way through this book and LOVED IT!
This is inspired by one of my favorite books from childhood; The Blue Castle by LM Montgomery (same author as Anne of Green Gables).
Similar to that book, this was also such a lovely, heartfelt story... but with a LOT more sexy times.
I'm not sure I can capture all my feelings right now so I'm going to bed and maybe I'll update this later. Or maybe I'll just bask in the glow of a really wonderful book.
This is inspired by one of my favorite books from childhood; The Blue Castle by LM Montgomery (same author as Anne of Green Gables).
Similar to that book, this was also such a lovely, heartfelt story... but with a LOT more sexy times.
I'm not sure I can capture all my feelings right now so I'm going to bed and maybe I'll update this later. Or maybe I'll just bask in the glow of a really wonderful book.
April 12, 2024
4.5-how-did-I-get-here-stars
First of all, I'm not crazy. Yes. I did read that blurb and noticed the probable impending death towards one of the main characters, I did continue to go ahead and reach out for an ARC.
I just feel dead lately. And oh Boy, this one helps.
This book took you on a journey. And less of the tumour diagnosis, let me tell you one thing about this book that won me over.
The communication. Or at least the start of it. I love how these two people interacted with each other, learning about one another. And how that slowly builds up that communication skill between them. Because let me tell you, some other books, they don't even know that a good communication could fix their relationship. I love their honest talks with each other, how caring and nurturing and how they perfectly complimented each other. Hell, this author has managed to convince me that these two have truly fallen in love and that yes they can definitely last.
Yeesh. Just love this couple and what a healthy pair also, considering I've just finished four books about fucked up relationships.
Anyhow, it's a sweet succinct with a tug of heart plot (that might squeeze out a few tears from you). But this couple? They got it guys. They have the thing to make it work.
*P.s. In case you missed it, I have received an ARC copy of this book from the publisher and willingly (given my sanity towards tearjerkers-type books) to review this. On my own volition. ✌🏻
First of all, I'm not crazy. Yes. I did read that blurb and noticed the probable impending death towards one of the main characters, I did continue to go ahead and reach out for an ARC.
I just feel dead lately. And oh Boy, this one helps.
This book took you on a journey. And less of the tumour diagnosis, let me tell you one thing about this book that won me over.
The communication. Or at least the start of it. I love how these two people interacted with each other, learning about one another. And how that slowly builds up that communication skill between them. Because let me tell you, some other books, they don't even know that a good communication could fix their relationship. I love their honest talks with each other, how caring and nurturing and how they perfectly complimented each other. Hell, this author has managed to convince me that these two have truly fallen in love and that yes they can definitely last.
Yeesh. Just love this couple and what a healthy pair also, considering I've just finished four books about fucked up relationships.
Anyhow, it's a sweet succinct with a tug of heart plot (that might squeeze out a few tears from you). But this couple? They got it guys. They have the thing to make it work.
*P.s. In case you missed it, I have received an ARC copy of this book from the publisher and willingly (given my sanity towards tearjerkers-type books) to review this. On my own volition. ✌🏻
October 27, 2024
I really enjoyed this book! It was very emotional, but I couldn’t put it down. Very interesting and heartbreaking premise.
April 17, 2024
Sometimes Noelle Adams' voice in books is so quiet and passive (not quite the right word but you know what I mean) that I feel like I'm observing the book through glass, not living in the heads of the MCs. You would think it would make for a less gripping reading experience, but this book had me hooked. I found myself going back and reading chapters again, just to stay in the moment.
The plot is the flip of one of her other books (which I didn't read bc MCs too young). Jude is dying, he wants to be married for Romance Reasons Promise to Dead Mom and marries family friend Eve. They both go into it as a contract, but the affection and caretaking (both ways) grows and grows. It's a romance, there's an HEA, I loved it.
The plot is the flip of one of her other books (which I didn't read bc MCs too young). Jude is dying, he wants to be married for Romance Reasons Promise to Dead Mom and marries family friend Eve. They both go into it as a contract, but the affection and caretaking (both ways) grows and grows. It's a romance, there's an HEA, I loved it.
August 12, 2024
Wow! I haven't felt this gooey inside in a mountain of Sundays.🥹 I'm speechless and it feels so, so good. Let's see, interesting premise, fascinating characters, a poignant love story for the ages. No condescension, fakery or silliness. No dumb sex scenes that make no sense. This is an intelligent, thought-provoking page turner. I've struggled with the same medical issue as Jude for over twenty years so I know the author is spot on in her depiction of Jude's suffering.
Just enough tension to keep it interesting. Not one single eyeroll as I got closer to the conclusion. And the Epilogue? Beautiful.
Highly recommended for lovers of an excellent romantic story.
***** You betcha stars. Ahh, I'm replete with happiness. It's a good feeling.💜🐦🔥
Just enough tension to keep it interesting. Not one single eyeroll as I got closer to the conclusion. And the Epilogue? Beautiful.
Highly recommended for lovers of an excellent romantic story.
***** You betcha stars. Ahh, I'm replete with happiness. It's a good feeling.💜🐦🔥
May 31, 2025
3.75 stars 🌟 what a book! it was a sweet, sad, and beautiful story all wrapped into one 💒🤕💍 i think judeeve were super cute and i loved how they grew to adore each other 🤗
this was unlike a lot of books i’ve read before mainly because of the more couple focused approach! it was very unique and i really enjoyed JUST reading about them and not having filler chapters where the couple wasn’t really interacting 🙌
i will say that there are subtle religious plot lines but nothing overwhelming. i’m really happy with the way this ended (thank goodness) and i may read more from this author!
this was unlike a lot of books i’ve read before mainly because of the more couple focused approach! it was very unique and i really enjoyed JUST reading about them and not having filler chapters where the couple wasn’t really interacting 🙌
i will say that there are subtle religious plot lines but nothing overwhelming. i’m really happy with the way this ended (thank goodness) and i may read more from this author!
May 14, 2024
Nicely written with heaps of steamy romance scenes. I enjoyed the background story. 3.5 stars.
April 18, 2024
I really liked this one. I don't read a lot of contemporary romances by Noelle Adams (I love her books under Claire Kent). But this one seemed interesting.
I love that her stories are very much focused on the MCs. There is a small cast of side characters. There were somethings that did get a bit repetitive in this story, but overall, I really liked it. I thought that Eve and Jude were so sweet and patient with each other. There was never any massive miscommunication between them. Everything was resolved pretty quickly.
Overall, a very sweet and easy read with some nice spice.
I love that her stories are very much focused on the MCs. There is a small cast of side characters. There were somethings that did get a bit repetitive in this story, but overall, I really liked it. I thought that Eve and Jude were so sweet and patient with each other. There was never any massive miscommunication between them. Everything was resolved pretty quickly.
Overall, a very sweet and easy read with some nice spice.
April 28, 2024
2.75 ⭐️ Overall cute and hit the marks on the tropes (marriage of convenience, age gap). I hadn’t read a Noelle Adam’s book in years and it reminded me why I had moved on. Why do all of her FMC’s giggle? Something about it annoys me. And wow, do we really need to know every time they need to pee? (That’s actually written in there numerous times) If I’m remembering correctly, there’s also always some “strangled” noise the characters make when realizing their feelings for each other:
May 13, 2025
3.5🌟
This was a really good book, but aside from the story telling, the romance for me fell kind of flat.
They agree to get married as one of his “bucked list”, and that she will travel with him. They start to get to known each other, and eventually falls for each other.
It was so good to read how they worked through his illness and supported each other, and you get to see they develop a good foundation of their relationship- but I missed the sparks.
Safety:
- H is kind of a loner, haven’t dated in 2 years, and even longer since he’s done something else
- H never had a serious relationship
- H asked her to marry him three years ago when he’s mother was dying bc his mom wanted to see him married. She said no bc she didn’t even like his so much. He after that started to isolate himself more and more
- h had bf, but she never felt sexy or wanted by them..? This was so sad to read, she never had descent sex with them, but with the H he eventually gets her out of her shell?
- H is not a manwhore or anything like that
Not completely my type of book.
What I didn’t like :
- How she’s constantly talking herself down saying that she’s not sexy and a girl man is attracted to
- The was they started have sec almost immediately, but not bc they were craving each other or bc of their attraction, but bc they were married and they could (they both wanted to be committed to the marriage)
- Felt like they fell for each other because of «they were just there» and didn’t Get the feeling it was true love or even that they would stay together long after everything got resolved
This was a really good book, but aside from the story telling, the romance for me fell kind of flat.
They agree to get married as one of his “bucked list”, and that she will travel with him. They start to get to known each other, and eventually falls for each other.
It was so good to read how they worked through his illness and supported each other, and you get to see they develop a good foundation of their relationship- but I missed the sparks.
Safety:
- H is kind of a loner, haven’t dated in 2 years, and even longer since he’s done something else
- H never had a serious relationship
- H asked her to marry him three years ago when he’s mother was dying bc his mom wanted to see him married. She said no bc she didn’t even like his so much. He after that started to isolate himself more and more
- h had bf, but she never felt sexy or wanted by them..? This was so sad to read, she never had descent sex with them, but with the H he eventually gets her out of her shell?
- H is not a manwhore or anything like that
Not completely my type of book.
What I didn’t like :
- How she’s constantly talking herself down saying that she’s not sexy and a girl man is attracted to
- The was they started have sec almost immediately, but not bc they were craving each other or bc of their attraction, but bc they were married and they could (they both wanted to be committed to the marriage)
- Felt like they fell for each other because of «they were just there» and didn’t Get the feeling it was true love or even that they would stay together long after everything got resolved
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2024
Honestly, I was so close to rating this book 4 stars and then I got to the ending. I'm not here to spoil anything, but I personally was so mad that I literally had to put my Kindle down. But that was just me and my opinion. Until then, I really enjoyed this story and the characters. I thought it was well written and the characters were enjoyable. I liked the chemistry that Jude and Eve had. The book had kept me interested throughout and wanting to know what was happening next between the two. I definitely see myself reading more from this author in the future.
Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing me an arc copy of the book in return for my honest opinion.
Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing me an arc copy of the book in return for my honest opinion.
April 2, 2025
3 constipated stars only because I loved the premises of this book. And the way the characters were meant to be. But the writing…dear Lord. That must have been chat GPT or something. Phrases without emotion. No story telling, just relating how they did this and that with very few dialogs in between.
The first book I read from this author was Second best. Wow, just wow. I loved it. I taught: This is my next Lydia Michaels right there. Thank heavens. Then I sapped on to the second book of the series: Third life, and let mit tell you how a brick fell on my head. Just as stupid as this one. So the real question here is: Was Second best written by another person, or were the other books written in collab with chat GPT? It cannot be the same author.
The first book I read from this author was Second best. Wow, just wow. I loved it. I taught: This is my next Lydia Michaels right there. Thank heavens. Then I sapped on to the second book of the series: Third life, and let mit tell you how a brick fell on my head. Just as stupid as this one. So the real question here is: Was Second best written by another person, or were the other books written in collab with chat GPT? It cannot be the same author.
May 24, 2024
Noelle Adams is such a comfort read for me. I haven’t read anything by her that I didn’t like even if it didn’t blow me away, it would be a solid 3 stars.
Her characters are more realistic, none of them is supermodel attractive and they live regular lives, they’re regular people rich and sometimes a girl needs that kind of stuff in the midst of rabid romance plots that flood the market (some of which I highly enjoy).
It feels like regular people falling in love. The falling in love bit here was sweet.
I enjoyed the plot twist in this one since I suffer from the same problem and legit had some bad headaches that I thought were going to hospitalize me.
Her characters are more realistic, none of them is supermodel attractive and they live regular lives, they’re regular people rich and sometimes a girl needs that kind of stuff in the midst of rabid romance plots that flood the market (some of which I highly enjoy).
It feels like regular people falling in love. The falling in love bit here was sweet.
I enjoyed the plot twist in this one since I suffer from the same problem and legit had some bad headaches that I thought were going to hospitalize me.
April 27, 2024
Not great, not terrible. I love the premise but there are several points where the characters do things no real person would ever do. Plus the author feels the need to tell you every time a character uses the bathroom. I’m not kidding.
June 28, 2024
another marriage of convenience gem from one of my favorite authors 🥰
April 16, 2024
As a quadriplegic, I'm drawn to stories featuring less than perfect characters. I'm drawn to the realities of their lives and the emotional high and lows that make up each day. With this new release Ms. Adams has crafted a book that pulled me in and spat me out a time or two. In presenting the harsh realities of life and death, she put me through the emotional wringer, leaving me teary-eyed and in the fetal position a time or two.
The premise of this book is simple as childhood friends, who are opposites in many ways, engage in a marriage of convenience after he's diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. Encouraged by his mother's dying words, he's determined to work through his Bucket List, all with the support of his new wife by his side.
Jude and Eve are thrown together quickly and it took me a while to warm up to them, especially Jude. He's studious and stoic, weighed down by the knowledge of the pain to come, so the care and warmth Eve brought to their pairing was much-needed and greatly appreciated. Their time together was teeming with harsh realities and tears over their time together racing towards a conclusion. Along with some moments of happiness and joy were moments depicting the ravages of cancer. These scenes broke my heart and it made me admire Eve all the more for her standing by Jude. From these emotional lows, to a few moments of smiles and affectionate interactions, this book was a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Knowing there was a time limit on their pairing added extra weight to this story. Though I knew what kind of conclusion was coming, I still kept hoping Ms. Adams would veer in a different direction. That's not to say that the ending was disappointing...at least not for me. It was an ending that pulled at my heartstrings, was realistic, and left me feeling at peace. On a whole this was a quick read taking readers on an emotionally intense journey of living life to the fullest, embracing love in all its forms, while actually communicating what's in your heart. It deals with the concept of religion and facing mortality head-on, it's bittersweet and poignant, and I'm still thinking about it long after reaching The End.
The premise of this book is simple as childhood friends, who are opposites in many ways, engage in a marriage of convenience after he's diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. Encouraged by his mother's dying words, he's determined to work through his Bucket List, all with the support of his new wife by his side.
Jude and Eve are thrown together quickly and it took me a while to warm up to them, especially Jude. He's studious and stoic, weighed down by the knowledge of the pain to come, so the care and warmth Eve brought to their pairing was much-needed and greatly appreciated. Their time together was teeming with harsh realities and tears over their time together racing towards a conclusion. Along with some moments of happiness and joy were moments depicting the ravages of cancer. These scenes broke my heart and it made me admire Eve all the more for her standing by Jude. From these emotional lows, to a few moments of smiles and affectionate interactions, this book was a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Knowing there was a time limit on their pairing added extra weight to this story. Though I knew what kind of conclusion was coming, I still kept hoping Ms. Adams would veer in a different direction. That's not to say that the ending was disappointing...at least not for me. It was an ending that pulled at my heartstrings, was realistic, and left me feeling at peace. On a whole this was a quick read taking readers on an emotionally intense journey of living life to the fullest, embracing love in all its forms, while actually communicating what's in your heart. It deals with the concept of religion and facing mortality head-on, it's bittersweet and poignant, and I'm still thinking about it long after reaching The End.
April 4, 2024
This book starts off seeming like a boilerplate marriage of convenience trope. Jude has an inoperable brain tumor with an estimated three months to live. His mother's dying wish was for him to be married, and now that he's facing his own mortality, he's able to convince lifelong family friend Eve to become his wife and see him through the end of his life. It would be easy to take the book from here, sprinkle in mutual pining, mutual attraction, and miscommunication until the book reaches its boiling point. Instead, Noelle Adams weaves in the ultimate hurt-comfort trope on *top* of everything else.
The way Eve takes care of Jude throughout this book is epic. His illness is the third main character, and it is relentless. Jude suffers physically, and that draws out the tension and angst as he and Eve fall desperately for each other, both in secret, knowing that their marriage has a very rapidly advancing end point. One might argue that Eve as an FMC is a bit too perfect; she's the ultimate caregiver. She has endless patience. She is small, timid, beautiful, and kind. I really loved her anyway, though if I were to give one criticism of this book, I guess it would be...maybe make her a little bit frustrated, a little bit impatient, maybe even once.
This book is small in that there isn't much to it beyond the way the characters confront and handle Jude's illness. There isn't much by way of secondary characters. You don't have a villain, you don't have side characters scheming or engaging in girl talk. But it's also expansive; the characters travel across continents, and the way Eve and Jude handle his bucket list is well-paced and interesting to read.
You'll really go for a ride on the emotional rollercoaster with this one; you'll want to smack the characters to talk to each other, and you'll want to pass them some tissues. I really enjoyed the ride.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The way Eve takes care of Jude throughout this book is epic. His illness is the third main character, and it is relentless. Jude suffers physically, and that draws out the tension and angst as he and Eve fall desperately for each other, both in secret, knowing that their marriage has a very rapidly advancing end point. One might argue that Eve as an FMC is a bit too perfect; she's the ultimate caregiver. She has endless patience. She is small, timid, beautiful, and kind. I really loved her anyway, though if I were to give one criticism of this book, I guess it would be...maybe make her a little bit frustrated, a little bit impatient, maybe even once.
This book is small in that there isn't much to it beyond the way the characters confront and handle Jude's illness. There isn't much by way of secondary characters. You don't have a villain, you don't have side characters scheming or engaging in girl talk. But it's also expansive; the characters travel across continents, and the way Eve and Jude handle his bucket list is well-paced and interesting to read.
You'll really go for a ride on the emotional rollercoaster with this one; you'll want to smack the characters to talk to each other, and you'll want to pass them some tissues. I really enjoyed the ride.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
April 14, 2024
If you knew that you only had a few months left to live, what would you do? Would you seek treatment to prolong your life, or would you embrace the inevitable and try to make the most of your remaining time? This is the question at the heart of the touching love story of Jude and Eve.
Jude Gregory is a man who has accepted his fate. He knows that he doesn't have long to live, and he has made peace with that fact. Instead of seeking treatment to prolong his life, he has decided to focus on the things that matter most to him. He has three wishes on his bucket list: to travel, to finish the book he is writing, and to get married to the girl he has known for a long time and is the feasible choice.
Enter Eve Carlyle, a smart and sensible woman who agrees to marry Jude in a marriage of convenience. At first, the two are awkward and stoic with each other, but as time goes on, they grow to care for each other deeply. They become attuned to each other's needs and fall in love for the first and last time.
What I love about this story is the way the characters communicate with each other. They start out as strangers, but they slowly open up to each other and become honest and caring adults. Their journey is awkward, sweet, and enlightening, and it will leave you feeling moved and inspired.
The plot of this love story is original and heart-wrenching, but don't worry, there is a surprise ending that will leave you feeling uplifted. This is a serious and sweet love story that tugs at the heart and lifts your spirits.
I highly recommend this book to readers who are looking for a touching love story that will make them think about what really matters in life. The characters are relatable and lovable, and the story will leave you feeling inspired to live your life to the fullest.
Thank you to Ms. Adams for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
Jude Gregory is a man who has accepted his fate. He knows that he doesn't have long to live, and he has made peace with that fact. Instead of seeking treatment to prolong his life, he has decided to focus on the things that matter most to him. He has three wishes on his bucket list: to travel, to finish the book he is writing, and to get married to the girl he has known for a long time and is the feasible choice.
Enter Eve Carlyle, a smart and sensible woman who agrees to marry Jude in a marriage of convenience. At first, the two are awkward and stoic with each other, but as time goes on, they grow to care for each other deeply. They become attuned to each other's needs and fall in love for the first and last time.
What I love about this story is the way the characters communicate with each other. They start out as strangers, but they slowly open up to each other and become honest and caring adults. Their journey is awkward, sweet, and enlightening, and it will leave you feeling moved and inspired.
The plot of this love story is original and heart-wrenching, but don't worry, there is a surprise ending that will leave you feeling uplifted. This is a serious and sweet love story that tugs at the heart and lifts your spirits.
I highly recommend this book to readers who are looking for a touching love story that will make them think about what really matters in life. The characters are relatable and lovable, and the story will leave you feeling inspired to live your life to the fullest.
Thank you to Ms. Adams for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
May 15, 2024
Favorite quotes:
“I don’t think you have any idea how silly and irrelevant most of my thoughts are. Why would you want to hear about them?”
His eyebrows lowered again in a thoughtful frown. “Because they’re yours? Because they help me understand you better? Because maybe I want to know more about you?”
He really was an incredibly sexy man—conveying intellect as well as physicality, depth as well as aesthetic appeal. His body was lean and hard, but his heart was soft and sensitive. He’d always tried so hard to be completely self-sufficient, but no one could be that as they died. He needed her. And all her attempts to distance herself emotionally kept failing because his need for her was genuine. Inescapable.
Dying would always mean suffering because the body never wanted to surrender. It would turn itself inside out to fight off possible threats.
Holding Eve that way was important. Significant. It changed and emphasized and defined him. He needed it. In a way he never could have predicted, it revealed to him who he was and who he was supposed to be.
“I’ll be left better because I loved you. Better because I got to be your wife. Better because I had the chance to truly connect with someone else on this level, when I used to wonder if I ever would. Jude, you have to believe me. I don’t have any regrets. I wouldn’t change a single thing. Yes, I’ll mourn when you’re gone, but I wouldn’t do anything differently even if I could. I wouldn’t have missed out on this marriage for anything. Not for anything.”
“I guess we all have things we don’t like about ourselves. So my theory is we should find someone who loves everything about us. Even our least favorite characteristics.”
“I’m so, so proud of you, Jude,” she told him, finally withdrawing so she could see his face. His features twisted slightly. He was emotional and trying not to be.
“Thanks. But you know I never would have been able to do it—do anything worthwhile—without you. Right?”
“I don’t think you have any idea how silly and irrelevant most of my thoughts are. Why would you want to hear about them?”
His eyebrows lowered again in a thoughtful frown. “Because they’re yours? Because they help me understand you better? Because maybe I want to know more about you?”
He really was an incredibly sexy man—conveying intellect as well as physicality, depth as well as aesthetic appeal. His body was lean and hard, but his heart was soft and sensitive. He’d always tried so hard to be completely self-sufficient, but no one could be that as they died. He needed her. And all her attempts to distance herself emotionally kept failing because his need for her was genuine. Inescapable.
Dying would always mean suffering because the body never wanted to surrender. It would turn itself inside out to fight off possible threats.
Holding Eve that way was important. Significant. It changed and emphasized and defined him. He needed it. In a way he never could have predicted, it revealed to him who he was and who he was supposed to be.
“I’ll be left better because I loved you. Better because I got to be your wife. Better because I had the chance to truly connect with someone else on this level, when I used to wonder if I ever would. Jude, you have to believe me. I don’t have any regrets. I wouldn’t change a single thing. Yes, I’ll mourn when you’re gone, but I wouldn’t do anything differently even if I could. I wouldn’t have missed out on this marriage for anything. Not for anything.”
“I guess we all have things we don’t like about ourselves. So my theory is we should find someone who loves everything about us. Even our least favorite characteristics.”
“I’m so, so proud of you, Jude,” she told him, finally withdrawing so she could see his face. His features twisted slightly. He was emotional and trying not to be.
“Thanks. But you know I never would have been able to do it—do anything worthwhile—without you. Right?”
April 8, 2024
This is a Standalone Marriage of Convenience Romance and it is Eve and Jude’s story and omg make sure that you have the tissues ready because you are definitely going to need them as this book is so emotional. Eve and Jude have known each other for years and when Jude is told that he is dying and only had a few months to live he asks Eve to marry him because it is one of the things on his bucket list but at first Eve is not sure but eventually she decides to help him and they get married so that at least one of his wishes is fulfilled and also Jude needs to finish his book that he is writing and even though it takes it’s toll on him sometimes he is determined to finish it like he promised. Eve and Jude start travelling to take more items of the list and even though sometimes he is so ill that he feels that he can’t go on but Eve is by his side helping and comforting him which sends your emotions all over the place and it completely breaks your heart but the more time that they spend together the more they connect and eventually fall in love but with time running out and no future neither tell each other exactly how they feel and just support each other through all the turmoil. This book takes you on a rollercoaster journey of your life and you will feel all the pain that they are going through as if you are there living through it all with them and it will pull you through the wringer while hoping for a different outcome and miracle. I couldn’t put this book down and read it in one sitting because it was full of surprises and totally addictive and inspirational. I definitely recommend you read this book and you will not be disappointed because Noelle Adams is a amazing author and writer and she certainly knows how to keep her readers on the edge of their seats while keeping their attention throughout the whole book and I can’t wait to read more books in the future.
April 2, 2024
ARC REVIEW- COUNTED
Stars: ♾️/5⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
____________________
🩵Marriage of Convenience
🩵Care Taking
🩵Forced Proximity
🩵Recluse MMC
🩵No Third Act Breakup
_____________________
Thanks to Noelle Adams and Wildfire Marketing for the ARC! I received an advance copy of the book and am leaving an honest review. All opinions are my own.
OMG. YOU GUYSSSS. You know I’m absolute trash for marriage of convenience stories, but this one? GUTTED ME. Noelle girl, you did not have to go that hard. This had me ugly crying but then begging for more.
This follows Jude, who is told that he has a brain tumour and has 3 months to live and Eve, who agrees to marry the guy who’s gonna die. Suuuure Eve, I’ll let you think you can get out of this unscathed and not falling in love.
This story was just beautiful. I loved Jude and Eve’s relationship and how much they both relied on one another. There was some back and forth with miscommunication but it never lasted long and they ended up really opening up to each other. They brought out the best in each other. I didn’t want the book to end. They were sooo sweet to each other and so supportive. I have nothing but amazing things to say about this book 😍
I don’t want to give anything away, but I did relate to Jude a bit in what he was dealing with (and NO, I don’t have a brain tumour). MOC stories always have some unbelievability to them but I thought this was realistic and so well written.
This isn’t my first book by Noelle Adams I’ve read and it won’t be the last. She just knows how to pull you in and tell a story. If you haven’t checked out her backlist, I highly recommend her Trophy Husband series after you read Counted!
Stars: ♾️/5⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
____________________
🩵Marriage of Convenience
🩵Care Taking
🩵Forced Proximity
🩵Recluse MMC
🩵No Third Act Breakup
_____________________
Thanks to Noelle Adams and Wildfire Marketing for the ARC! I received an advance copy of the book and am leaving an honest review. All opinions are my own.
OMG. YOU GUYSSSS. You know I’m absolute trash for marriage of convenience stories, but this one? GUTTED ME. Noelle girl, you did not have to go that hard. This had me ugly crying but then begging for more.
This follows Jude, who is told that he has a brain tumour and has 3 months to live and Eve, who agrees to marry the guy who’s gonna die. Suuuure Eve, I’ll let you think you can get out of this unscathed and not falling in love.
This story was just beautiful. I loved Jude and Eve’s relationship and how much they both relied on one another. There was some back and forth with miscommunication but it never lasted long and they ended up really opening up to each other. They brought out the best in each other. I didn’t want the book to end. They were sooo sweet to each other and so supportive. I have nothing but amazing things to say about this book 😍
I don’t want to give anything away, but I did relate to Jude a bit in what he was dealing with (and NO, I don’t have a brain tumour). MOC stories always have some unbelievability to them but I thought this was realistic and so well written.
This isn’t my first book by Noelle Adams I’ve read and it won’t be the last. She just knows how to pull you in and tell a story. If you haven’t checked out her backlist, I highly recommend her Trophy Husband series after you read Counted!
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