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The Marriage Agenda
There's a scandal brewing in Washington...
Knox Hamilton wants his father’s recently vacated Senate seat, but the only way his conservative constituents are going to vote for Knox is if he loses his playboy reputation. Which means Knox needs a wife. There’s only one woman with whom he's willing to share his life, but after the way he broke things off with her, will she give him another chance?
Chloe Lochlan's job is on the line. If she doesn't grab a big headline, she'll be ousted from her gig at the major newspaper where she works as a reporter. Knox's offer of marriage chills her to the bone. He already crushed her heart once and she has no intention of letting it happen again. But being with him gives her the kind of access to top tier social events rarely granted to media, access that could land her the story of a lifetime. When the truth she uncovers threatens to destroy the man she still loves, will she bury the story...or his career?
Knox Hamilton wants his father’s recently vacated Senate seat, but the only way his conservative constituents are going to vote for Knox is if he loses his playboy reputation. Which means Knox needs a wife. There’s only one woman with whom he's willing to share his life, but after the way he broke things off with her, will she give him another chance?
Chloe Lochlan's job is on the line. If she doesn't grab a big headline, she'll be ousted from her gig at the major newspaper where she works as a reporter. Knox's offer of marriage chills her to the bone. He already crushed her heart once and she has no intention of letting it happen again. But being with him gives her the kind of access to top tier social events rarely granted to media, access that could land her the story of a lifetime. When the truth she uncovers threatens to destroy the man she still loves, will she bury the story...or his career?
223 pages, ebook
First published August 18, 2014
49 people are currently reading
832 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Ballance
33 books692 followersSarah and her husband of what he calls “many long, long years” live on the mid-Atlantic coast with their six young children, all of whom are perfectly adorable when they’re asleep. She never dreamed of becoming an author, but as a homeschooling mom, she often jokes she writes fiction because if she wants anyone to listen to her, she has to make them up. (As it turns out, her characters aren’t much better than the kids). When not buried under piles of laundry, she may be found adrift in the Atlantic (preferably on a boat) or seeking that ever-elusive perfect writing spot where not even the kids can find her.
She loves creating unforgettable stories while putting her characters through an unkind amount of torture—a hobby that has nothing to do with living with six children. (Really.) Though she adores nail-biting mystery and edge-of-your-seat thrillers, Sarah writes in many genres including contemporary and ghostly paranormal romance. Her ever-growing roster of releases may be found on her website.
She loves creating unforgettable stories while putting her characters through an unkind amount of torture—a hobby that has nothing to do with living with six children. (Really.) Though she adores nail-biting mystery and edge-of-your-seat thrillers, Sarah writes in many genres including contemporary and ghostly paranormal romance. Her ever-growing roster of releases may be found on her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
September 12, 2014
3.5 stars
This was a short read. An enjoyable albeit predictable marriage of convenience plot.
I wasn't too thrilled with the hero's reasoning behind dumping the heroine in the first place and then propositioning her with a marriage of convenience no less. And the heroine despite being so hurt by what the hero did, jumped into bed immediately with him without a second hesitation. I would have loved a bit more angst on that. But nope.
The angst was supposed to come their conflicting "jobs". He's a politician looking to be elected into office while she's a reporter. But that part of the story didn't really hook me at all. I dunno. The writing was great. The dialogue was often humorous but it just lacked that 'oomph' for me.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This was a short read. An enjoyable albeit predictable marriage of convenience plot.
I wasn't too thrilled with the hero's reasoning behind dumping the heroine in the first place and then propositioning her with a marriage of convenience no less. And the heroine despite being so hurt by what the hero did, jumped into bed immediately with him without a second hesitation. I would have loved a bit more angst on that. But nope.
The angst was supposed to come their conflicting "jobs". He's a politician looking to be elected into office while she's a reporter. But that part of the story didn't really hook me at all. I dunno. The writing was great. The dialogue was often humorous but it just lacked that 'oomph' for me.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
April 10, 2023
The Narriage Agenda is good. There is a pilitical plot thrown into the story. Miss Ballance entice her readers not just with romance.
But, for me I need more drama. More heat, more twist into the story. I feel the conclusion is too fast and too abrupt.
Overall it is an OK read.
3 stars
But, for me I need more drama. More heat, more twist into the story. I feel the conclusion is too fast and too abrupt.
Overall it is an OK read.
3 stars
did-not-finish
November 8, 2014
DNF @ 33%
Yeah....no.
I can't deal with this doormat of a heroine. Not now, not ever.
So the hero broke up with the heroine a year ago because "he wasn't interested in being tied down." And at the start of the book she spots him at a restaurant and instead of turning around and showing him her booty as she walks away she instead goes up to him. He's sitting there looking like he's waiting for a date and she just walks up to him. He says sit down, she sits. He says come up to my room I want to talk to you in private and she follows him up.
I was already shaking my head at this point.
Girl, where the fuck is your backbone? This is the same guy that broke your heart so callously a year ago. Now he comes waltzing back and she just goes with the flow. I needed her to give him more shit before giving in.
They go back to his hotel room and take a wild guess what happens? Chloe gives him a piece of her mind? Kicks him in the nuts? Nah. They jump in bed. And this is where I knew this book wasn't for me. I have never felt so detached reading a sex scene as I did with these two. They've dated before. They have history. Where the fuck is their chemistry? I felt nothing. I've felt more connection between two strangers hooking up than I did with these two.
The political aspect didn't interest me either. It actually bored me and we were just getting started.
Another thing that was just getting started and got old real quick was Knox's "I can't ever love you" spiel. I could already imagine how much it was going to annoy me if I had read on. I'm just really tired of reading about these heros that deny they want anything more until the very end. And that's usually where it ends.
July 31, 2014
This was NOT AT ALL what I was expecting, BUT IT BLEW MY ASSUMPTIONS OUT THE WINDOW!!!! Funny, engaging, emotional, snarky, political, sweet and HAWT!!!! I THROUGHLY ENJOYED IT!!!
*ARC courtesy of Netgalley and Entangled Publishing*
*ARC courtesy of Netgalley and Entangled Publishing*
August 7, 2014
Received an ARC for review from NetGalley
Read the blurb and thought this might be a good one. Boy was it ever. Great read, a little mystery, lots of romance, and hawt sex. Great characters and chemistry and story. I think the peeping tom, Toby, needs his own HEA.
Read the blurb and thought this might be a good one. Boy was it ever. Great read, a little mystery, lots of romance, and hawt sex. Great characters and chemistry and story. I think the peeping tom, Toby, needs his own HEA.
June 14, 2017
I feel as though I read this novel a month ago because of all the things I did in between which included writing one of my own. Inspiration perhaps?
Knox and Chloe aren't bad characters and their marriage arrangement is slightly different from the usual I have seen lately but there was no spark or memorable moment. At one point I started to wonder if anything at all would happen.
They seem to just be going through the motions until something did happen towards the end. I left not really knowing Chloe, Knox, their families or any extension outside of their newlywed bubble. For example, the father who was the base for their entire story, depending on who you ask, did not even exchange so much as a call with his son, wife or daughter-in-law. He was the proverbial Loch Ness monster.
I don't usually like insta anything but I understood how their previous history could segue into the current, even bypassing dates and such, but I am a sucker for those moments that make you feel apart of a relationship and those were either thought unnecessary or we were to make our own.
I believe this novel had a lot of potential, especially because it wasn't all fake marriage, there was an element of "mystery", that was solved and resolved way too easily, but this story barely left the ground floor.
Knox and Chloe aren't bad characters and their marriage arrangement is slightly different from the usual I have seen lately but there was no spark or memorable moment. At one point I started to wonder if anything at all would happen.
They seem to just be going through the motions until something did happen towards the end. I left not really knowing Chloe, Knox, their families or any extension outside of their newlywed bubble. For example, the father who was the base for their entire story, depending on who you ask, did not even exchange so much as a call with his son, wife or daughter-in-law. He was the proverbial Loch Ness monster.
I don't usually like insta anything but I understood how their previous history could segue into the current, even bypassing dates and such, but I am a sucker for those moments that make you feel apart of a relationship and those were either thought unnecessary or we were to make our own.
I believe this novel had a lot of potential, especially because it wasn't all fake marriage, there was an element of "mystery", that was solved and resolved way too easily, but this story barely left the ground floor.
July 27, 2014
What do you get when you have a politician who says he can't love and a reporter who wants a happily ever after life? Well you get Sarah's new book! I immediately fell in love with this book. The complex of the main character's was amazing, and you were easily able to connect with them. So does the reporter get what she wants? or Does the politician find out more about love and himself? Just read to find out, I guarantee you wont be sorry!
July 2, 2016
Argh, I'm obviously going through contemporary ennui!
Chloe Lochlan is an investigative reporter on a blind date when she runs into her ex, wealthy playboy Knox Hamilton. Despite her misgivings Chloe ends up in bed with Knox after he asks her to discuss a private proposition. Turns out the proposition is a marriage of convenience! Which is ironic since Knox broke up with her because he could never love her (or any woman). Or at least he never wanted to fall in love.
Knox Hamilton is the son and grandson of a politician. When his father steps down after his latest affair becomes public knowledge he wants to take over the reins but polls suggest he needs a wife. Now this requires the reader to understand a bit of 1984-esque doublespeak, Knox isn't willing to have a fake marriage with just anyone, the only person he could possibly consider entering into a loveless marriage with is his ex Chloe, anything else would be a lie (nope, I didn't understand that logic either).
At first Chloe refuses but Knox suggests that, as his wife, Chloe would have the inside scoop on politics and insider gossip. Little does he know that Chloe has suspicions about his own father's involvement in a company which bullied her grandmother out of the ancestral farm. Now again, Chloe is supposed to be too honest and moral to contemplate entering into a fake marriage, but when she sees the opportunity of investigating her father-in-law to be she jumps at the chance which seems pretty underhand to me.
I like Sarah Ballance and I like the marriage of convenience trope but this just didn't do it for me. I thought Knox's stance was plain stupid, you can't decide not to fall in love. I though Chloe's character was inconsistent, one minute she's better than everyone else, then she's doing something that can only cause great personal and professional harm to her husband, a man she loved, and then she's a saint again.
Maybe this would work for someone coming fresh to a contemporary romance or someone willing to accept the premise and move on.
I'm off to try some fantasy and see if it lifts me out of my book funk.
Chloe Lochlan is an investigative reporter on a blind date when she runs into her ex, wealthy playboy Knox Hamilton. Despite her misgivings Chloe ends up in bed with Knox after he asks her to discuss a private proposition. Turns out the proposition is a marriage of convenience! Which is ironic since Knox broke up with her because he could never love her (or any woman). Or at least he never wanted to fall in love.
Knox Hamilton is the son and grandson of a politician. When his father steps down after his latest affair becomes public knowledge he wants to take over the reins but polls suggest he needs a wife. Now this requires the reader to understand a bit of 1984-esque doublespeak, Knox isn't willing to have a fake marriage with just anyone, the only person he could possibly consider entering into a loveless marriage with is his ex Chloe, anything else would be a lie (nope, I didn't understand that logic either).
At first Chloe refuses but Knox suggests that, as his wife, Chloe would have the inside scoop on politics and insider gossip. Little does he know that Chloe has suspicions about his own father's involvement in a company which bullied her grandmother out of the ancestral farm. Now again, Chloe is supposed to be too honest and moral to contemplate entering into a fake marriage, but when she sees the opportunity of investigating her father-in-law to be she jumps at the chance which seems pretty underhand to me.
I like Sarah Ballance and I like the marriage of convenience trope but this just didn't do it for me. I thought Knox's stance was plain stupid, you can't decide not to fall in love. I though Chloe's character was inconsistent, one minute she's better than everyone else, then she's doing something that can only cause great personal and professional harm to her husband, a man she loved, and then she's a saint again.
Maybe this would work for someone coming fresh to a contemporary romance or someone willing to accept the premise and move on.
I'm off to try some fantasy and see if it lifts me out of my book funk.
August 18, 2014
Simply fabulous.I thoroughly enjoyed Knox and Chloe romance. I had several laugh out loud moments and man I even have favorite lines.
What a thoughtful ass (I so identified with this line here…have this thought many a times about the love of my life. Bawhahahaa)
“What is it you don’t want me to do?”
Do anything you want. I’ll figure out how to breathe again in the morning.
The only thing between them was his zipper, and she’d take it down with her teeth if it meant he’d drive into her until she couldn't breathe.
I loved Chloe and Knox equally! And I can honestly say I fell in love with Knox. He was charming, sweet, damn sexy and he had honor. The chemistry between him and Chloe sizzled, and while the sex was not brazen style, man the sexual tension leaped off the page and drew me in. Whenever they came together I found it scrumptious, sweet, endearing and so hot. The perfect combination that made me realized they were not just having sex, they felt each other, and they were invested in each other’s pleasures and emotions. Their banters and exchanges only pulled me deeper, and I saw them falling in love. I did not wonder how the heck they reached to such a state when “love” was declared. I was there the entire journey. :)
Chloe herself was this perfect blend of feminine beauty and courageous strength. Loved her snarky internal reflections, how she loved Knox without reservation, and how she stood for what she believed in. Chloe was a sexy smart woman with integrity… totally kick ass in my opinion. I quite enjoyed the plot. Fresh and entertaining. I have read this book twice in one week. Yep. I was feeling ill and miserable and this is the book I pulled up on my screen because I wanted to feel good, to laugh and to have my chest ache in that sweet way when you read a good romance. What can be better than that?
Loved it! Will be reading more of Sarah Balance’s work.
What a thoughtful ass (I so identified with this line here…have this thought many a times about the love of my life. Bawhahahaa)
“What is it you don’t want me to do?”
Do anything you want. I’ll figure out how to breathe again in the morning.
The only thing between them was his zipper, and she’d take it down with her teeth if it meant he’d drive into her until she couldn't breathe.
I loved Chloe and Knox equally! And I can honestly say I fell in love with Knox. He was charming, sweet, damn sexy and he had honor. The chemistry between him and Chloe sizzled, and while the sex was not brazen style, man the sexual tension leaped off the page and drew me in. Whenever they came together I found it scrumptious, sweet, endearing and so hot. The perfect combination that made me realized they were not just having sex, they felt each other, and they were invested in each other’s pleasures and emotions. Their banters and exchanges only pulled me deeper, and I saw them falling in love. I did not wonder how the heck they reached to such a state when “love” was declared. I was there the entire journey. :)
Chloe herself was this perfect blend of feminine beauty and courageous strength. Loved her snarky internal reflections, how she loved Knox without reservation, and how she stood for what she believed in. Chloe was a sexy smart woman with integrity… totally kick ass in my opinion. I quite enjoyed the plot. Fresh and entertaining. I have read this book twice in one week. Yep. I was feeling ill and miserable and this is the book I pulled up on my screen because I wanted to feel good, to laugh and to have my chest ache in that sweet way when you read a good romance. What can be better than that?
Loved it! Will be reading more of Sarah Balance’s work.
August 6, 2014
I insanely loved this book. Add a politician who has a family legacy being in politics and thanks to his father knows he can't love, and a reporter who only sees the man not the reporter, not the name, but the man who just wants happily ever after.
After a year....Chloe feels she has let go of Knox enough to move on and start dating. However what are the odds he's there waiting to intercept her blind date and make her an offer no woman would refuse?
Knox let her get away and hasn't thought of anyone since, he had to let her go before she got hurt. Now he needs her because he has to get married to win the election. No one will do though, he has to have Chloe.
It is a really good book, it keeps you pulled in because not only do you have the love part of the story, but there is a little mystery with Chloe looking for a story, and the mystery around Rex, Knox's father. I just really enjoyed it. The writing was great and kept your attention.
After a year....Chloe feels she has let go of Knox enough to move on and start dating. However what are the odds he's there waiting to intercept her blind date and make her an offer no woman would refuse?
Knox let her get away and hasn't thought of anyone since, he had to let her go before she got hurt. Now he needs her because he has to get married to win the election. No one will do though, he has to have Chloe.
It is a really good book, it keeps you pulled in because not only do you have the love part of the story, but there is a little mystery with Chloe looking for a story, and the mystery around Rex, Knox's father. I just really enjoyed it. The writing was great and kept your attention.
January 8, 2023
Audiobook
3.33 🌟
Narrator- ok.
Chloe and Knox
Very nice story.
Knox was just ok. If he wasn't wealthy he wouldn't really shine.
Chloe was a good person but no instinct for self preservation. It was shocking she would sit down at a table with an ex that walked away from her, then go to bed with him immediately . Nuts!
I liked the mystery better than the relationship.
3.33 🌟
Narrator- ok.
Chloe and Knox
Very nice story.
Knox was just ok. If he wasn't wealthy he wouldn't really shine.
Chloe was a good person but no instinct for self preservation. It was shocking she would sit down at a table with an ex that walked away from her, then go to bed with him immediately . Nuts!
I liked the mystery better than the relationship.
August 16, 2014
Entangled Publishing sent me a list of books to read for review and this one stood out because of the cover. I love a man in a suit. Yum! But it was the synopsis that really sold me. I'm all about fake to real relationship stories.
The characters were the best part of this book. Knox Hamilton is not your typical politician and his proposition to Chloe isn't your typical no sex, fake marriage arrangements. Knox is very upfront that he wants to marry Chloe, nobody else, and that he hopes it will last forever but that she should also know that he won't ever be able to give her his love. There is no cash payment involved in the arrangement, just the opportunity for Chloe to find her breaking news story.
Chloe and Knox have great chemistry and the way they interact with each other is hot, sweet, funny and even romantic. I am really glad that most of their scenes involved them at home eating pizza and relaxing, as opposed to off living a lavish political lifestyle.
I also really enjoyed that Knox's campaign manager, Toby wasn't your typical sleazy guy only out for winning and not for Knox's best interests. The peeping scene was really funny and showcased Chloe, Knox and Toby's easy going relationship. I wouldn't mind reading Toby's story, maybe with Lila?
I thought this book would be good but what I found is that is was REALLY GOOD! It was a really nice surprise how funny it was. I laughed as much as I swooned. I will definitely be picking up more from this author to read.
FAV QUOTES:
"Shut up and ride me, woman!"
"What is it you don't want me to do?" "That's an easy one, Knox. Just don't do anything you can't take back."
"I only agreed to this because of how I feel about you, and if you weren't so damn blind, you'd know it."
*I received an ARC from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review
The characters were the best part of this book. Knox Hamilton is not your typical politician and his proposition to Chloe isn't your typical no sex, fake marriage arrangements. Knox is very upfront that he wants to marry Chloe, nobody else, and that he hopes it will last forever but that she should also know that he won't ever be able to give her his love. There is no cash payment involved in the arrangement, just the opportunity for Chloe to find her breaking news story.
Chloe and Knox have great chemistry and the way they interact with each other is hot, sweet, funny and even romantic. I am really glad that most of their scenes involved them at home eating pizza and relaxing, as opposed to off living a lavish political lifestyle.
I also really enjoyed that Knox's campaign manager, Toby wasn't your typical sleazy guy only out for winning and not for Knox's best interests. The peeping scene was really funny and showcased Chloe, Knox and Toby's easy going relationship. I wouldn't mind reading Toby's story, maybe with Lila?
I thought this book would be good but what I found is that is was REALLY GOOD! It was a really nice surprise how funny it was. I laughed as much as I swooned. I will definitely be picking up more from this author to read.
FAV QUOTES:
"Shut up and ride me, woman!"
"What is it you don't want me to do?" "That's an easy one, Knox. Just don't do anything you can't take back."
"I only agreed to this because of how I feel about you, and if you weren't so damn blind, you'd know it."
*I received an ARC from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review
August 13, 2014
Chloe Lochlan is on the hunt for the story that will make her career. Being a political journalist in Washington is like being just another fish in the sea, but she has the drive to sniff out the next big break. Her friends decide that it's time for her to move on from her almost year long heartbreak left from Knox Hamilton. She gets set up on a blind date, only to have Knox crash it with a proposition that she can't refuse.
Knox Hamilton is said to be riding on the coattails of his father to move into office. While his last name has a role of getting his foot in the door, Knox has decidedly different political policies from his father, who is hunkering down after resigning from office after his latest scandal. Needing to polish his image, Knox decides to give Chloe an offer she can't refuse. Marrying Knox will not only give him a more wholesome candidate for voters, but it will also give Chloe countless of opportunities to get face time with the royalty of Washington. Knox never promises Chloe that he will learn to love her, but will she lose her heart when old feelings come rushing back?
I was pleasantly surprised with this one. I was expecting a steamy romance, but this story has more depth to it. While there was plenty of sexual tension, there was also some mystery surrounding Chloe's detective work, and quite a bit of humor.
If you need to have your romances to have a substantial plot, than give this one a try. I knocked a star off because of the cliché arranged marriage premise, but otherwise, this story was very well done.
4 stars - buy it.
**This book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
Knox Hamilton is said to be riding on the coattails of his father to move into office. While his last name has a role of getting his foot in the door, Knox has decidedly different political policies from his father, who is hunkering down after resigning from office after his latest scandal. Needing to polish his image, Knox decides to give Chloe an offer she can't refuse. Marrying Knox will not only give him a more wholesome candidate for voters, but it will also give Chloe countless of opportunities to get face time with the royalty of Washington. Knox never promises Chloe that he will learn to love her, but will she lose her heart when old feelings come rushing back?
I was pleasantly surprised with this one. I was expecting a steamy romance, but this story has more depth to it. While there was plenty of sexual tension, there was also some mystery surrounding Chloe's detective work, and quite a bit of humor.
If you need to have your romances to have a substantial plot, than give this one a try. I knocked a star off because of the cliché arranged marriage premise, but otherwise, this story was very well done.
4 stars - buy it.
**This book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
August 21, 2014
A politician and a reporter in a relationship much less getting married, who would have thought would even be possible. Well in the Marriage Agenda this unlikely alliance was brought to life.
Chloe, an investigative reporter for the Washington Tribune was trying to come to grips with her break up from budding politician Knox Hamilton, when he approached her with an offer that she could not fathom. The one thing she knew was that taking up this offer would provide her with the opportunity to obtain the story of a lifetime.
Knox also had his own agenda when he made his offer. He did not believe in love, however he was not above marrying Chloe in a bid to improve his chances of taking over his father's senate seat. however, what he did not count on was that in the process he would discover that love was real.
I enjoyed the banter between these two. It was evident that they cared about each other. Chloe was not afraid to let Knox know how she felt. He on the other hand was afraid to admit his feelings.
I found the romance between these two to be realistic. It was not forced and it happened gradually.
I loved how Knox came to accept that love was real, which showed that he had matured and was no longer focused on himself.
The ending was predictable as I expected the HEA, but what I was not expecting was the emotions that it would have evoked.
This is a quick, enjoyable and entertaining read. If you enjoy romance that is has humour and an element of mystery then you will enjoy The Marriage Agenda.
NB I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
Chloe, an investigative reporter for the Washington Tribune was trying to come to grips with her break up from budding politician Knox Hamilton, when he approached her with an offer that she could not fathom. The one thing she knew was that taking up this offer would provide her with the opportunity to obtain the story of a lifetime.
Knox also had his own agenda when he made his offer. He did not believe in love, however he was not above marrying Chloe in a bid to improve his chances of taking over his father's senate seat. however, what he did not count on was that in the process he would discover that love was real.
I enjoyed the banter between these two. It was evident that they cared about each other. Chloe was not afraid to let Knox know how she felt. He on the other hand was afraid to admit his feelings.
I found the romance between these two to be realistic. It was not forced and it happened gradually.
I loved how Knox came to accept that love was real, which showed that he had matured and was no longer focused on himself.
The ending was predictable as I expected the HEA, but what I was not expecting was the emotions that it would have evoked.
This is a quick, enjoyable and entertaining read. If you enjoy romance that is has humour and an element of mystery then you will enjoy The Marriage Agenda.
NB I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
August 18, 2014
I had expectations from the synopsis leading into this story, but I have to say, they were quickly blown out of the water. The synopsis may make you think “oh another marriage of convenience” But Nope, not your usual MOC book at all.
I LOVED Knox from the moment we meet him in the book. Yes at times he made me a little crazy but I found him to be very focused on his goals, not in a negative way just very sure of himself. He wanted things to go his way, or not have them go at all. Knox’s life has been affected both in good ways and bad by his upbringing. Being a child raised in a political home, and then going into politics himself have worked at shaping him to be a certain way. Knox grew on me more and more as the story progressed.
Chloe never got over Knox so when he comes to her a year later with this somewhat crazy idea of marriage, she eventually gives in and says Yes. Of course she does this knowing she loves him, but knowing as he’s told her that he won’t love her back. Chloe is sweet but sassy, hilarious, and she’s absolutely the kind of girl who you would want to be your friend. Being a reporter, Chloe is serious about her career, she wants to find the BIG STORY and make a big name for herself.
The Marriage Agenda is Fun quick read that is also filled with both Sweet and HOT moments too. I enjoyed the mix of politics and romance and touch of mystery as Chloe works towards a story and I loved how Sarah Ballance worked each of these elements as she wove this story together. Five stars from me for this one!
I LOVED Knox from the moment we meet him in the book. Yes at times he made me a little crazy but I found him to be very focused on his goals, not in a negative way just very sure of himself. He wanted things to go his way, or not have them go at all. Knox’s life has been affected both in good ways and bad by his upbringing. Being a child raised in a political home, and then going into politics himself have worked at shaping him to be a certain way. Knox grew on me more and more as the story progressed.
Chloe never got over Knox so when he comes to her a year later with this somewhat crazy idea of marriage, she eventually gives in and says Yes. Of course she does this knowing she loves him, but knowing as he’s told her that he won’t love her back. Chloe is sweet but sassy, hilarious, and she’s absolutely the kind of girl who you would want to be your friend. Being a reporter, Chloe is serious about her career, she wants to find the BIG STORY and make a big name for herself.
The Marriage Agenda is Fun quick read that is also filled with both Sweet and HOT moments too. I enjoyed the mix of politics and romance and touch of mystery as Chloe works towards a story and I loved how Sarah Ballance worked each of these elements as she wove this story together. Five stars from me for this one!
August 27, 2014
Reseña en español: http://soulbookblog.blogspot.mx/2014/...
Received an ARC copy provided by Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked this story, to be honest I didn´t expected I would, but I was surprised, it's one of those nice, romantic and easy to read stories.
Knox, first of all, I loved his name, there´s always the same names in most of the stories and it was good to have a different one, is a sexy, smart, honest man who knows what he wants and is going to make it by fighting fair, like Chloe said, is an honest politician, I liked it a lot and if were more of these kind of politicians, I swear I'd be more tucked in politics. Chloe is a cute, super romantic, hardworking, intelligent girl who loves her career, was someone very enjoyable to read. The dynamics between them was good and will leave you sighing a little.
As I said I really liked reading it, even though it´s not a short story, it didn´t feel long, it was very smooth, which is nice, I recommend it for those times you ended a heavy book or left you with a bunch of emotions and just want something light but good, this is the story for that.
It´s the first book I read from this author and I´ll definitely give a look at her other novels.
Received an ARC copy provided by Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked this story, to be honest I didn´t expected I would, but I was surprised, it's one of those nice, romantic and easy to read stories.
Knox, first of all, I loved his name, there´s always the same names in most of the stories and it was good to have a different one, is a sexy, smart, honest man who knows what he wants and is going to make it by fighting fair, like Chloe said, is an honest politician, I liked it a lot and if were more of these kind of politicians, I swear I'd be more tucked in politics. Chloe is a cute, super romantic, hardworking, intelligent girl who loves her career, was someone very enjoyable to read. The dynamics between them was good and will leave you sighing a little.
As I said I really liked reading it, even though it´s not a short story, it didn´t feel long, it was very smooth, which is nice, I recommend it for those times you ended a heavy book or left you with a bunch of emotions and just want something light but good, this is the story for that.
It´s the first book I read from this author and I´ll definitely give a look at her other novels.
August 18, 2014
The Marriage Agenda was delightful from start to finish. Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down.
Due to her lack of love life, down-on-her-luck reporter Chloe lets her BFF set her up on a blind date. Who does she bump into? Her gorgeous ex, Knox, who's desperate to fill his disgraced father's Senate seat.
The author's writing style is quite lovely, and I will be reading other titles by Sarah Balance. I adore books like this -- fast paced, with high stakes and characters one fall in love with. I know I did :)
Even the secondary characters, like Chloe's BFF and Jeff (the guy she was supposed to date! Lol!) add to the story. I also love the touch of intrigue; I don't want to give much away. But this book made Washington and the world of politics seem sexy :)
The Marriage Agenda is one of the best books I've read this year! :)
Due to her lack of love life, down-on-her-luck reporter Chloe lets her BFF set her up on a blind date. Who does she bump into? Her gorgeous ex, Knox, who's desperate to fill his disgraced father's Senate seat.
The author's writing style is quite lovely, and I will be reading other titles by Sarah Balance. I adore books like this -- fast paced, with high stakes and characters one fall in love with. I know I did :)
Even the secondary characters, like Chloe's BFF and Jeff (the guy she was supposed to date! Lol!) add to the story. I also love the touch of intrigue; I don't want to give much away. But this book made Washington and the world of politics seem sexy :)
The Marriage Agenda is one of the best books I've read this year! :)
August 11, 2014
This was a fantastic read from start to finish. I loved Chloe's ability to pull herself together and get things done. Knox frustrated me, because he so obviously wanted Chloe, but wasn't willing to admit he had any sort of feelings for her whatsoever. Chloe did what she thought was best and went into the marriage thinking she could keep her feeling from growing, but then again so did Knox. Once Chloe realizes what her story would do, she does the only thing she thinks she can. That brings Knox to a realization he wasn't prepared for, but still, once he acknowledged what it was that he truly wanted and felt he did what he should have done in the first place. I loved this book, it was insightful, funny at times, heartbreaking at others, but very well written all the way through. The ending was unexpected, but fantastic all the same. I loved it! Sarah's work is always on my to-read list.
November 26, 2014
I received this e-book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first free e-book I have received in advance for review and I was pleasantly surprised. My expectations were low but I thoroughly enjoyed it. The male protagonist was a politician in Washington DC, which was a nice change from the brooding millionaires and artists I have read countless times in contemporary romance. Knox sets up a marriage bargain with his ex-girlfriend Chloe, who he regrets ever dumping, in order to erase his playboy status and become a respectable married politician. I really enjoyed the relaxed writing style and original metaphors and phrases the author used. Contemporary romance isn't my preferred genre, but I would happily relent in order to read more of Ballance's great books.
This is the first free e-book I have received in advance for review and I was pleasantly surprised. My expectations were low but I thoroughly enjoyed it. The male protagonist was a politician in Washington DC, which was a nice change from the brooding millionaires and artists I have read countless times in contemporary romance. Knox sets up a marriage bargain with his ex-girlfriend Chloe, who he regrets ever dumping, in order to erase his playboy status and become a respectable married politician. I really enjoyed the relaxed writing style and original metaphors and phrases the author used. Contemporary romance isn't my preferred genre, but I would happily relent in order to read more of Ballance's great books.
August 5, 2014
To be honest, I only requested this book because I liked the sound of the plot and I was in the mood for a romance kind of read or something along those lines. But surprisingly, this book was not at all what I was expecting (which was a good thing in this case) and I actually ended up really, really enjoying this book which was the best surprise of all. Mostly because the book had great characters with great chemistry, a nice flowing plot, and not to mention that the book had a lot of entertaining moments in it so that only made me enjoy this book even more!
* Thanks to the publisher on net galley for providing me with a review copy of this book!
4.5 stars!
* Thanks to the publisher on net galley for providing me with a review copy of this book!
4.5 stars!
August 9, 2014
This book provoked so many emotions I don't know where to start. I wasn't sure what I would think about a book about politicians, but it was fantastic. I kept yelling at both Chloe and Knox throughout the book hoping each would wake up see what I could see about each of them. I felt that this book truly portrayed what could happen in a politician's life, even if books are supposed to be fantasy. I wished I was Chloe throughout the story, although I don't know if I could have handled all she went through.
August 15, 2014
*ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
A marriage of convenience when one is already invested? Honesty in politics? Hmmm...great premise and the book delivers. Know and Chloe are bot complex characters with hidden depths and unrealized agendas. What you see is not necessarily what you get...in a good way. Their journey was very entertaining and eye-opening...it was like a peep into the hidden lives of the rich and famous. I loved that both Knox and Chloe showed integrity - with each other and others around them. It didn;t hut that the love scenes were totally HOT!
A marriage of convenience when one is already invested? Honesty in politics? Hmmm...great premise and the book delivers. Know and Chloe are bot complex characters with hidden depths and unrealized agendas. What you see is not necessarily what you get...in a good way. Their journey was very entertaining and eye-opening...it was like a peep into the hidden lives of the rich and famous. I loved that both Knox and Chloe showed integrity - with each other and others around them. It didn;t hut that the love scenes were totally HOT!
August 18, 2014
Sarah Balance has taken a turn in her writing to try a more, shall we say, erotic approach. She has managed to create a modern-day old-fashioned bodice –ripper. It has all the makings, with a strong, beautiful woman, a man who is rich, strong, handsome and powerful in and out of the bedroom. If you know what romance novel should be, I don’t have to tell you what to expect from the ride to the end, and Sarah Ballance fulfills each and every requirement. If you like a good romance and don’t blush easily, you can’t do better than this. I give it a top rating for the genre.
August 3, 2014
I flat out loved this book! It’s entertaining and easy to read. It’s sexy and oh, so hot! I loved the characters and the dialogue between Knox and Chloe. At times I wanted to smack each one of them, yet overall the story made me smile. The Marriage Agenda is a lovely summertime read, one you won’t want to put down. Go get it – you won’t be disappointed!
The Marriage Agenda was received for an honest review.
The Marriage Agenda was received for an honest review.
August 18, 2014
This book drew me in from the start. The chemistry between Chloe and Knox is sizzling, and the story was fantastically written. Add in the fact that he's an alpha denying he can love anyone and she is a strong willed reporter who knows what she wants, and you've got the perfect book. There are a few secondary characters I would love to see get a story so I am hoping this will be a series :) Highly recommend to anyone looking for a great read
August 18, 2014
4.5 stars
The Marriage Agenda was such a great read, loved it :)
I enjoyed the storyline, I laughed, I swooned and I found my heart breaking for both Knox and Chloe.
Loved their chemistry and their love scenes were smoking hot! *fans self*
Thank you Sarah Ballance for writing this very entertaining story.
I highly recommend The Marriage Agenda.
Thank you Netgalley and to Entangled Indulgence for the advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
The Marriage Agenda was such a great read, loved it :)
I enjoyed the storyline, I laughed, I swooned and I found my heart breaking for both Knox and Chloe.
Loved their chemistry and their love scenes were smoking hot! *fans self*
Thank you Sarah Ballance for writing this very entertaining story.
I highly recommend The Marriage Agenda.
Thank you Netgalley and to Entangled Indulgence for the advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
August 18, 2014
I got this book in exchange for an honest review! The Marriage Agenda is amazing. I enjoyed reading it. You have many emotions you go through with this book, madness, hopefulness, happiness and love! You cant help but love Knox and have a hatred for his dad. While I thought I predicted some of the things that would happen others took me to surprise which made the book more interesting than it already was. I think this book is a definite must read!
November 25, 2014
the story was ok. but i found the characters sexually obsessed. kind of nymphomaniacs. but the end part good. thats y i gave it 4 stars. in the end the single mindedly focused hero risks his career for the heroine. which was quiet impressive , i must say. n he finally realises that ofcourse he can love n does the heroine frim the bottom of his heart. (sigh)
u can call me abnormal but i like these type if cheesy sacrificial events in love stories.
u can call me abnormal but i like these type if cheesy sacrificial events in love stories.
September 25, 2014
Is this real? I don't think so, running Senator isn't an easy thing, just blow up your family's bad to earn the vote? Or say something nice for women n get their vote?
In political world, I don't think it is real but I do admire their love, not great but not worse either
In political world, I don't think it is real but I do admire their love, not great but not worse either
May 2, 2023
I have no idea what the characters spent 7 hours worth of audiobook thinking/talking about, but whatever it was there was very little plot or character development. after all that, I still don’t feel like I know or understand the characters and very very little happened outside of the wedding negotiations, the wedding itself, a couple society events, and the scandal breaking. There was no depth to the characters or any juicy tidbits that really anchored me to their story or made it unique/memorable. I spent the entire book feeling like I was reading a sequel because the book had so little fleshy detail.
I like how the book didn’t start in the traditional place, so that is one positive.
For the most part I just pushed through this to say I finished it. Not horribly painful, but not particularly entertaining either. Too much talk of politics for none of it to actually come to fruition.
I like how the book didn’t start in the traditional place, so that is one positive.
For the most part I just pushed through this to say I finished it. Not horribly painful, but not particularly entertaining either. Too much talk of politics for none of it to actually come to fruition.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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