The Man Test

The Marin Test #1

by Amanda Aksel

She’s out to prove he’s no good. He’s too good to be true. Will she prove her point or be swept off her feet?

Couples therapist Marin Johns is in love with love until she catches her fiancé in the act. Heartbroken and convinced her life is a lie, she’s determined to show that all men are double-dealing pigs. So when the handsome and sweet James Young asks her on a date, she sees the perfect chance to prove her theory to the world.

From snooping in his apartment to hiring a fidelity inspector, Marin sets trap after trap to expose James as just another cheating male. But the therapist didn't realize that the harmless experiment would put her friends at risk. And she certainly didn't expect her unsuspecting subject to make her heart beat three times as fast…

Head over heels and deeply confused, will Marin double down on her theory or take one last chance on love?

The Man Test is the laugh-out-loud first book in The Marin Test chick-lit series. If you like witty banter, comic hijinks, and the search for the perfect guy, you’ll love Amanda Aksel’s charming tale.

Buy The Man Test to get an A+ in love today!

Genres: Romance, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Rom Com, Drama, New Adult

308 pages, Paperback

First published March 24, 2014

About the author

Amanda Aksel loves anything that’s smart, sexy, and funny. She’s the author of Delia Suits Up, The Marin Test Series and The Londonaire Brothers Series. You’ll often You’ll often find her writing novels about fabulous, independent heroines, pretending to be Sara Bareilles at the piano, watching reruns of Sex and the City, or sprinkling a little too much feta on her salad.

Get FREE short story and smart, sexy, funny updates from Amanda. Just sign up at www.amandaaksel.com

Follow Amanda on Instagram www.instagram.com/amandaaksel
and Facebook www.facebook.com/amandaaksel

Reviews

[Paula M · Rating 4 out of 5]

MY REVIEWS ARE ALSO POSTED HERE.

When I first started reading The Man Test, a thought passed through my mind. Am I old enough to read this? ..Duh. Of course I am. What I was really concerned about is if I will connect with the character, be absorbed by the plot.. or if I will even relate to the story. Surprisingly, I did.

Can you believe I loved, enjoyed and cherished this story?! It's about Marin, she's a Couples Therapist and engaged to her 'man of her dreams' until he cheated on her



 

Yes people. HE cheated. A Man cheating? WHAT A SHOCKER. (HA.  No bitterness there at all)

And then Marin got so so sad and mopey of course, that I just wanna hug her. Honestly, she acted normal. And then she found a book that says that ALL MEN ARE LIARS AND IT'S ALL IN THEIR NATURE. THEY CAN'T HELP IT.  Now, how to know if this statement is true? Why, you try a dry run of course! By doing it and proving it. And that's exactly what Marin did.

It's a completely messed up concept, if you ask me. I mean, dating a guy so you can catch him cheating so you can prove your theory to your friends? Pretty comical and messed up, right? Marin was so sure to catch this guy she's currently dating because in her head, ALL MEN ARE LIARS. Well, what if she got a Faithful one?

I JUST LOVED IT! All of it! First of all, Marin is such a wonderful protagonist. With plotlines like this, MC's were usually down right annoying. But she didn't irritate me even a bit. I have nothing but love, sympathy and ... I adore her! Maybe because she's really mature. But then again, I've read some books before with adult as MC and let's just say that their MC's actions says otherwise. So, simply put... Alex made a brilliant character! Real, quirky, sassy and klutz! An adorable klutz. Side characters are no different. They're vibrant and full of authenticity. Even the love interest stands out.  Swoony and totally makes-my-heart-sigh swoony, which is so weird because he's old. For me, at least.

The way towards Marin's own definition of happily ever after wasn't easy of course. There were some begging that happened from her Ex. And I loved how Marin went all Taylor Swift on him.



But The Man Test really worked for me because of Aksel's writing. So humorous and honest. She has a way of making her readers laugh at Marin and feel for Marin. Her pacing was perfect. Not too slow but not too rushed either and OH! How I wished for more after reading the last page. It's a well thought plot because every woman has been on this stage. The doubts, the is there still a decent guy out there stage, or the I'll just be a Cat lady forever stage. But this story give us clarifications.. laughs.. and  a heartmelting experience. It's entertaining, engaging and heartfelt! Perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella!

[Jane · Rating 1 out of 5]

There are books that I actually quite like that start with the ex-boyfriend cheating on the heroine trope (e.g. Neanderthal Seeks Human), but unfortunately this book falls under the category of "I cannot force myself to read more". The plot and the characters made me feel bad as I didn't like them one bit. I felt that the plot was plain silly and the main character Marin was simply way too stupid to live. I simply am not in the mood to read about a psychologist with Ph.D. that believes a random book about all men being cheaters. I simply cannot force myself to read about a woman who's going to prove that all men are cheaters. And I also do not actually like reading about a character dating several people before coming to the conclusion that the right person for him/her has been right in front of their eyes the entire time (or at the very least I predicted that she's going to end up with her co-worker Andy, but if browsing other reviews is anything to go by, it's actually not so). Therefore this book is a DNF for me.

[Antonella · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very confusing, all over the place with characters that got on my nerves a lot.
Cute cover.
I don't plan on reading next in the series.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone knows I love Heather Hildenbrand. Well, one of her friends wrote a book and was looking for reviewers so I told Heather to pass my info along. Talk about best idea ever. Amanda Aksel wrote a charming debut that left me feeling a wide range of emotions and changed my view of some topics regarding men.

No woman ever thinks that her man will cheat... until they walk in on it. Marin Johns thought everyone had that one special someone out there waiting for them, that everyone could have what her parents have, a happily ever after.

There are no words that could convey how amazingly awesome this book is. Marin was amusing to say the least. When I say amusing I don't just mean her comments and actions, I'm specifically talking about her thought process. I couldn't help but laugh my way through her story. She was out to prove that all men are lying, cheating bastards (pardon my French), and in the process turned into a basket case and I could see all the ways every choice she made could go wrong. It doesn't help that she herself is a couples therapist and should know better. I LOVED it.

So what specifically did I enjoy about this book? I loved that Marin reacted exactly as I would have had I caught a guy cheating. I found it ironic that a couples therapist happened to be the one it happened to and it resulted in this huge ordeal. I also liked that one of her best friends was anti-relationship and fully supportive of her "test" while the pro-relationship/happily-ever-after-can-happen other best friend told her not to do this. It's like she had her own personal devil and angel on her shoulders.

While I am completely and entirely in love with the story, at times I felt like I lost faith in men. I mean, I know this is fiction and what not, but being a psychology major I'm starting to question whether humans, as a species, were made to be monogamous. While I questioned the ability of a man to stay faithful, I also thought about what spurred Marin's idea to prove all were cheaters. It all started with a suggestion and that just goes to show what the power of suggestion can do.

Overall, I highly recommend The Man Test to anyone who wants to be amused by a therapist. It was witty, clever, and ingenious. Definitely my favorite read so far this year.

[Gwen ~the Book Diva · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars!

*ARC Provided to G & the Book Divas Blog in exchange for an honest review*

This book was a trip! The entire time I just wanted to smack Marin then give her a hug. She was so fuel by hurt. She set to prove that all men were cheaters. She based this all on a book she found while in a post break up depression then she began to treat this book like the gospel. Instead of proving her point she ended up proving herself foolish. Being right doesn't always feel like victory. Tough lesson, great read!

[Maria Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Man Test falls short for me in the fact that I had a hard time relating to Marin. Hurt by the betrayal of her fiance, Marin decides to prove that all men will cheat given the opportunity. I went from feeling bad for her to disliking her and her indecisiveness. She starts out finding the evidence she needs until she meets James. After setting him up to fail, she might not get what she expects. I feel that Marin for a relationship therapist is childish and flippant with others feelings. She goes from beginning to have feelings for James to being inconsiderate when she finds that he too has been hurt. I felt like she should have been more compassionate at that point. He should not have been the target of her anger. That being said. I loved James and became invested in him receiving his HEA, therefore, I finished the story and now will read the others in hopes that he finds happiness and that Marin can redeem herself and prove herself not to be shallow and selfish.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Man Test is the first book in the Marin Test Series by Amanda Aksel. This was a tough book for me to read. Less than 2 chapters in and I hated the main character. She is bitter, childish and neurotic. For 70% of the book, she's complaining about why men suck and that they will all cheat and that its not worth it.
I just kept picturing her as a bitter old lady with 50 cats. She did however have a great group of friends that are in all honesty too good for her.
Besides having to pep- talk myself to finish this, the ending was quite nice.

[Coco.V]

💝 FREE on Amazon today (11/22/2017)! 💝

[Julie Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book from the initial intrigue of the inciting incident that leads to the quest: When Dr. Marin Johns, couples therapist, is cheated on by her fiancé, the hurt is so deep it manifests itself in a quest to prove all men are cheaters.

The juicy premise that there’s a “man test” is a refreshing twist on a relationship-gone-bad storyline. I found it realistic that she was crushed when she was wronged, and I rooted for her when she set out to get her groove back. I especially loved her instinct to fall back on insights she’s gained from her profession in the aftermath of finding out her fiancé, Chad, was cheating on her. I cheered for her watching how she handled Chad after learning about the affair. She was strong and decisive and immediately gained my admiration and respect.

So many times, romance books that open with a deceit simply follow a character’s journey to heal and find love again, but Aksel’s The Man Test uses a tell-all book as a vehicle the main character clings to in her “scorned woman” approach to getting over her fiancé. I, too, was intrigued by a book marketed like a secret FBI file that Marin found and that revealed “man secrets”. When she finishes the book, she says, “I get it now. It all makes sense.” The book, coupled with her occupation, solidifies Marin as a character on a quest with serious preconceptions about relationships. Marin, like so many women in her situation, is angry and disillusioned with men which makes her a very relatable character and one that readers will commit to reading. But locking her in as having a rock-solid point-of-view that flies in the face of finding love makes this a great read – because it “ups” the challenge for both the writer and the reader to get this girl turned around. Excellent premise for a book – great that it was developed so solidly and early on.

Enjoyed the first person narrative as it gave the reader immediate access to the thoughts and feelings of Marin, the main character. I think first person narratives add to the believability of the story because unlike third person narratives, in which someone is “telling” you the story, with first person, you experience the events alongside the main character.

A great vehicle for exploring and exposing relationship issues and gender differences is the occupation of the main character as a couples therapist. Here, we get to view her perspectives on not just her relationships, but the relationships of others which gives the story varied content for building upon the underlying questions about relationships. Interesting that her best friend, Telly, is a divorce lawyer. An exchange between them early in the book pegs Telly as a woman whose approach to relationships is more casual, more along gender lines of men. Marin acknowledges Telly is a bit blunt and opinionated, but this provides a useful tool for Marin to uncover the truth. Telly will be able not only to expose underlying truths, but be able to hold Marin accountable for choices she makes in the book. Idea for book #2: The two should start a talk show.

The plot thickens as a problem arises: Not everyone is as convinced as Marin is that all men are cheaters so she enters a fake relationship with James to prove her hypothesis. As we enter this storyline, Marin receives some good advice from an unlikely source: Holly.

Enter James, the love interest, and Marin’s internal struggle to reconcile her newfound belief system about men and their lack of fidelity with the man that stands before her. James is wonderful and readers will adore and root for him.

Rock-solid dialogue, strong characters, a well-edited book that is very enjoyable to read. I’d recommend this to anyone, and I’d definitely put it into the hands of someone who’d just been cheated on. It doesn’t dance around the hurt that comes with infidelity, not one bit, but it does give hope that the right guy is out there.

[Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
I picked up The Man Test because I thought the storyline sounded interesting and different and it was a new author to me.

We are introduced to couples therapist Marin Johns who is engaged and looking forward to married life and having her happily ever after. Unfortunately, when she returns early from a girls weekend away, she stumbles in on Chad, her fiance, having one last fling before he commits to Marin. Marin is understandably heartbroken, wondering why and how this happened and, more importantly wondering how, as a couples therapist, she didn't see the signs of this coming. She now has a very jaded view on love and goes looking for answers. When she comes across a book that details mens affairs and how men will always inevitably cheat, she begins her quest to prove that the book's theory is correct.

I felt the emotion of Marin's breakup and could relate to the feelings of loss and abandonment. I understood how she could have a very cynical view of relationships from this experience, and I had every empathy for her situation. When she 'picks' a man to help prove her new theory, and then proceeds to try to set him up, Marin started to lose me a bit. I kept waiting for her to realise that some of her methods were extreme, but it didn't come early enough for me. She had a very good group of girlfriends surrounding her that supported her when things got rough but she didn't heed their warnings either till it was too late.

Having said that I really enjoyed the ending, it was a realistic time line, it wasn't rushed, not tidied up too quickly. We saw Marin go back to the caring, thoughtful person she was and she went through her own growth and redemption on the way to her HEA. She really did have to have her own epiphanies, accept responsibility for the part she may have played in her breakup and for what she had done to James so she could move forward and I liked how that played out. I also really liked James and the rest of the supporting characters. They all played a valuable part in the storyline.

This was a quick read for me and I will be interested to see what this author writes next.

copy kindly provided by Netgalley and the publisher

[BestChickLit.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW… This is a brilliant, fast paced, hair-raising adventure during which I hardly had time to draw my breath!! I was completely enthralled in this story from the get go and I just loved the characters and the warmth that was developed amongst them. There is a bit of everything in here; true love (and we all love a bit of that, don’t we!), forgiveness, infidelity, really friendship, honesty and of course a major dose of complete stupidity. The main character in the book is written in a truly real and honest way, so she comes across as a well-rounded character with a lot of depth and you feel almost from the first few pages like you know her and want things to work out well for her. All of the people in the book are beautifully written and even the not so lovely ones are very sympathetically portrayed.

There was a whole roller-coaster of emotions that I was taken on, starting with a great deal of humour, both in the situations and also in the dialogue which had me laughing, smiling and sniggering along. But then I found I was crying along with them too because it was so easy to empathise with what they were all going through. Ms Askel has depicted these characters so well and woven the storyline around and through them, so I found it all irresistible and I had to keep turning the pages. This was all incredibly well thought out and put together, every character’s flaws and personality is out there for all to read, and the way they all intermingled with each other; the stupidity of some, the integrity of others, the warmth and hope the ending fills you with was to me just exactly how a good book should leave you.

Everyone should have this book on their shelves. I know this will be one I return to again and again and I cannot wait for the next release from this writer, as she has gone straight on my favourite writer list.

Reviewed by Noemie T Verlan on behalf of BestChickLit.com

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could secretly put others through a test to determine their dependability before engaging in a relationship with them? Although a bit impractical, that’s exactly what happens in this fabulous book!

If you know me or my reading habits, you probably know that my guilty pleasure is totally chick-lit. I don’t think these should be limited to the beach – I read them year-round! So when Amanda Aksel, author of The Man Test, contacted me about reading her book I jumped on the opportunity.

And boy was I not disappointed!

The Man Test is about a woman named Marin who, after catching her fiancé cheating on her, sets out to prove that all men are just lying, cheating pigs. And on top of that, she’s a relationship therapist herself, a supposed “professional” suddenly finding herself more in the role of patient than doctor. Whether it’s setting setting up potential suitors with every opportunity they need to cheat and prove her hunch right, or making men “pay” for their unfaithfulness, she makes sure that she is the one who has the last laugh. But between ruined relationships and questioning her own motives, Marin learns that it’s not always as cut-and-dry as you might wish.

If you’ve ever been in a serious relationship or been broken-hearted yourself, or even if you just enjoy a good laugh and fun read, this is a book that I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you check out for yourself! The characters will have you saying, “Oh my God, I know someone JUST like that!” and cracking up like a crazy person. Totally Worth it.


**I was provided with a free copy of this book in order to conduct this review**

If you would like for me to review + showcase your book on my blog TipsyWriter, contact me via email at megan@tipsywriter.com
Or check me out on TWITTER or FACEBOOK

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gosh I wish Goodreads would let you give half stars because this book really deserves 4.5 stars not 4 but also I am stuck. This novel surprised me. I was expecting another chick lit book and was excited to read about fluffy romance and how the girl gets everything her heart desires in the end. Boy was I wrong!!

Marin Johns is a couple therapist and is in love with being in love. She is currently engaged to Chad when she goes away on a long weekend with her girlfriends. Deciding to surprise Chad she comes home early. Not the best of ideas I'm afraid for Chad is in bed with another woman. Although he says he needed to get it out of his system, Marin is not buying it and throws him out. She soon begins the sadness of a breakup and stays in bed, stays home from work and generally cries a whole lot. Finally she decides all men must be cheaters. After all she has read it in a book. Yes that's right. There is not faithful men, just men that are good at hiding it. Soon Marin decides to play a game and get a man to fall for her and then prove her theory to all her girlfriends too. Men just can't be trusted.

A humorous and well written book "The Man Test" was a great read. It was a kick back kind of romance novel that I just love to read after reading an emotional charged book. Amanda Aksel does a great job at creating the characters. Marin is likable but also is the type of character you want to throw something at because you just can't believe how stupid she's being. I for one love these types of books. If I am not fired up, then the book is just not holding my interest well enough.

I would definatly recommend you get your hands on this book. It is a great contemporary fiction read.

[DJ Sakata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Favorite Quotes:

“My knowledge on the behavior of Great Danes was shallow, but this one was smart as hell and pain in my ass. My eyes searched his. Did he have a human soul somewhere in his oversized body? I tried to grab the computer out from under his paws, but he guarded it like it was his special bone.”

“The only thing I could ever stand for completely was love. I’m not talking about the butterflies, can’t eat, can’t sleep kind of love, but the morning breath, movie night in, grow old together love.”

My Review:

This author has smarts and a dry wit, I like that. I enjoyed the story, although I didn’t always like her main character. At times I wanted to smack her, other times I was embarrassed by her idiocy. And when she finally came around – I just knew she would eventually - my heart was heavy for her. Rather than deal with her personal issues, our heroine sinks her teeth into a flawed theory, then sets out to prove it with her own brand of empirical research. However, her plan is really an awful experiment, and a horrible thing to do to another human being. Despite being a well-educated mental health professional, she is still human and fallible, and aren’t we all? I understand this hair-brained thinking as I have been also been guilty of it myself. Well – it couldn’t actually ever be MY fault… could it? But just her luck, her test subject doesn’t seem to be fitting the pattern. Despite a slow start, I found this to be an entertaining read.

[T.A. Beasley · Rating 4 out of 5]

In The Man Test by Amanda Askel readers are introduced to Marin Johns, a therapist who discovers that her fiancée is having an affair. After going through her ordeal, Marin decides she is done with relationships until, she stumbles onto a book that explains the thinking process of men. Marin believes the book and that all men are cheaters that thrive on not getting caught.

Marin is soon on a mission to make a point so she starts a relationship with James from Montana. Marin is waiting for James to screw their fake relationship up and tries everything she can to prove her point. Will Marin succeed? Or will James prove there are a few good men left?

The Man Test was a funny contemporary book of the length a woman will go to prove she is right. The main character takes readers on a roller coaster ride as she tries every avenue to prove that men are no good. The author provides readers with well-developed characters with a consistent yet storyline even though I wanted Marin to let it go. I recommend The Man Test to others.

This book was provided by the author for review purposes only.
Teresa Beasley
A&RBC Reviews
4 Stars=Great Page Turner

[Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marin, Marin oh Marin!!!
What are you thinking? Oh yeah. All men are cheaters and you are out to prove just that.

After she catches her fiance in bed with another woman, Marin takes it upon herself to prove to the world that all men are liars and cheaters. Love is a one way street and dammit she will show us. How? well she needs a fake boyfriend yup. A victim is needed and she finds one or two.

This romance novel is honestly one that I have truly enjoyed. Love finds us when we aren't looking for it. We are so caught up in our own world that we miss the signs. Marin is stereotyping all men and when she starts to see that maybe her theory may be wrong you feel for her.

The characters in this book are very likable. The reader will find a connection with all of them. The story flows easily and what I loved about this book is that the characters are highly educated and yet are so normal. Even professionals have love issues. We are all in search of our HEA.

Love Amanda Aksel and her writing style. Can't wait to see what else she brings us.

[Littles Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good plot that flows smoothly and a writing style that makes for a quick read, this recently published romance will make you want to be done in one sitting. So prepare your reading chair/couch and immerse yourselves in Dr. Marin Johns’ quest for answers, and ultimately, love.

Marin is a psychologist, specialized in couples therapy, working in a successful practice in San Francisco, and is months away from becoming a Mrs when she finds out her fiancée is cheating on her. Carrying a broken heart, she stumbles upon a book that uncovers the truth about man. In an attempt to prove her friends that all men are cheating liars, she embarks on a quest to find a boyfriend and catch him cheating. She engages in a relationship with James Young, a seemingly good guy.

Continue reading “The Man Test by Amanda Aksel” at The Little Johanne Book World »

[Emily Poule · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Very funny and yet, emotional. I really connected with the leading lady...Marin is such a wonderful, multi-dimensional character. Looking forward to more from Amanda Askel

[Amy Fournier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review coming soon.

[Sandra Lopez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Marin (a therapist/marriage counselor): “I won’t be so bold as to say I’m a relationship expert, I’ve helped absent men become present husbands, set wandering eyes straight, and fueled fire back into sexless marriages.”

But Marin soon becomes one of those problematic couples when she catches her fiancé cheating on her. Her dream world is shattered in a matter of milliseconds. Would she ever love and trust again?

Then she reads a book that reveals the truth about men: All men cheat and all men lie. She soon learns that the male species carries a “man disease of deceit.” So then she spends her time researching and learning more about “the truth.” And to prove the truth to her friends, she comes up with The Man Test—she will date a man and show that he will lie and cheat.

If you go looking for trouble, you will find it. Was Marin going to find trouble on this Man Test? Of course, especially when she meets James, the perfect specimen, who actually seems to be a really nice guy. We’ll see.

Can she pretend to like someone while having an ulterior motive? Or will she fail the test?

I thought this was lovely, candid, and well-written. I liked the concept of the Man Test and how it all came to be. Of course, you undoubtedly knew that there would be some blunders and misunderstandings, but they were not as harebrained as I would’ve liked. What I didn’t like the most was that it gets too scientific on the statistics of cheating men. This goes to show that even a therapist can be crazy, especially when it comes to love. And I kind of figured that guilt was eventually going to set in and Marin would realize that she may not have all the answers. Story was interesting up until half-way through, then it sort of tapered off from there. Overall enjoyable though.

[Maria Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some version of trust

As women, we tend to get romantic version of relationships and sometimes don't see the reality of it,which is why we get all upset 😡 when we find out that our significant other isn't true. We blame ourselves for not being good enough when all it is an unconscious urge in men to seek something new.
I am one of those women that men consider ideal as a wife but that is not my entire person as I have other layers. I describe my ideal man as someone who besides physical attraction is accepting enough to let me walk by his side in all aspects of life. I can't deal with anyone who regulates me to a single role ( wife) and forget that I am a woman.
This book describes the passage of a woman into acceptance of her self worth through the pain of a loss of a relationship and her learning to trust. Great read, I recommend it to anyone who has ever dealt with relationship drama.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's no fury like a woman betrayed! Can Marin get past it?🤔

👍👍 I loved this tale of a smart woman who makes some bad choices in reaction to her fiance's bad behavior. Female lead Marin is so steeped in her own sense of unjust betrayal; too bad that her distrust warps her attitude and threatens not just her own ability to find happiness!😕

The writing is superb--effortless to read with a solid plot and interesting characters, making for an absorbing story. The romancing is mild in heat, mostly closed door, but male-female relationships are the heart of the story, served with a good side of quality time with close friends. Good development of the characters and a lovely, hopeful ending.😊

[Ana MK · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was OK.

I sympathize with Marin’s pain from heartbreak and, if it were me, I would probably jump into the same conclusions (all men are liars and cheaters, go to hell you f**ing bastards!). BUT, fake dating a guy waiting for him to cheat is ridiculous. A similar approach worked for me in How to lose a guy in 10 days but, hey, I was 15 at the time. Grown up Ana wants something more meaningful.

I did like Marin’s relationship with her girlfriends. It got me wishing I had friends like that too.

3 stars.

[BookLoverUpAllNight · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it was good and different story based on theme of cheaters. Funny laugh out loud moments and other moments of thoughts of "oh no". Marin is a successful therapist about to get married and her fiance cheats. She loses it and sets out to let the world know that all men cheat. James is a GOOD guy and Marin runs him through the wringer and the proverbial "Man Test". Well things taka a turn for the worst with Marin and her bestfiend, Holly; Holly's sister Rachel and David and of course James. Enjoyed it and look forward to reading the next book in the series.

[Taylor Pattice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Life is more than deception

The stiry was good but I knew women like Marin. They are wrong for doing hateful things to people no matter what happen to them. I am a therapist and everything she did would get her fired ifshe worked for me. I wish eriters would tell a story truethfully for once. You can still write more books and finish the storyline by making it a little harder to forgive her for her mess. I can't read on.

[Candice Waite · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love conquers all

What a cute book. I really loved the therapist angle and how even therapist need therapy sometimes,because let's face it,life can be hard. Sometimes we get hurt but we still need to have faith in love. Very nice story. Could do without some of the language but overall a nice read.

[Catherine K · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my favorite. I liked how the author wrote Marin's conversation with Chad after their split, but then she became completely irrational, cold hearted and even unethical in her attempt to prove a point. If it weren't for a few of the supporting characters I don't think I would have finished this. I don't intend to read Marin Test #2.

[Rosemary Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you have been cheated on, by a person you have trusted with your heart, it's not hard to be paranoid about any other friendship that may develop.
To read that 60% of men cheat, and will do anything to cover it up, well, you possibly have very deep trust issues.
So that's this young woman's issues. What she does about it, isn't right, but it is interesting.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just OK

I found the story line a bit too precious. I definitely won't be buying the next book in the series. For a couple's counselor, Marin is way too neurotic to be a believable character.

[Sandra Singleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://www.amazon.com/review/R1JMMBY...