The Deal

The Deal #1

by Z. Elizabeth

One feud.
Two families.
One secret.

What happens when you fall for the enemy?

Thanks to their fathers' feud, Nicole and Craig have been enemies since the moment they were born. But six years ago they fell in love... They just never told each other.

Motivated by their grandparents' money, they agree to a simple deal: Stay married for a year and unravel the secrets and lies surrounding their fathers. Bound together, they must figure out why the two former best friends have spent the last thirty years ignoring one another and prohibited any contact between Nicole and Craig.

Craig is more than happy to uncover their fathers' past if it means he gets Nicole for real.
Nicole wants to keep the past exactly where it is and she will fight Craig every step of the way.
With only limited time together, delving into their family history could be the mistake that will break both their hearts.

What happens when secrets and lies are revealed? Can Nicole and Craig live their Happily Ever After after waiting six long years to be together? Or will one secret be enough to break them apart, just like their fathers?

'I'm doing this for us, Nic'

*THE DEAL is suitable for 17+ due to graphic sex scenes and language*

*This is a STANDALONE novel. Book two is a companion novel.

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, New Adult, Adult

ebook

First published November 30, 2014

About the author

Z. Elizabeth debuted her first book in December 2014 but has since lost her mojo.

For now, she will stick to reading books, and hopefully, one day, she will get back to writing.

Reviews

[Zoe Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hope you love this book as much as I did writing it.

[Philomena Callan Cheekypee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really great debut novel. Personally this was a unique storyline for me that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Nicole and Craig's life changed when they get a phone call from their deceased grandparents lawyer. They were brought up with their families feuding and didn't know why . This is the story of what happens when these two are forced to be together for a year. While denying their feelings for each other will they find happiness?

This was a really enjoyable read. The light mystery of what caused the feud had me intrigued. I loved the steamy scenes between Nic and Craig. These two took me on a roller coaster of emotions. I loved it.

[Holly Reads Xx · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's time to start the game, begin the deal.
White dress. Black suit.
2 separate pieces of a chessboard.
Both playing the same game.
One little move
And
Checkmate.

***

Gah!!! I absolutely LOVE that quote that opened the story. It instantly filled me with excitment about what I was going to be reading in this book, and it still give me excited tingles just to see it now as I write my review.

One of my favourite things to read about in books at the minute is mysteries, and The Deal definitely had mystery. Why is this deal happening? What did the grandparents have planned? Why "the feud"? Craig found out fairly early on what was going on, and I thought, "oh, we're going to know already??" But we didn't! And dammit I was desperate to finally find out what this feud was, but at the same time, I loved not knowing until much later on.

There's are a LOT of sexy scenes in this book, which all you smut junkies out there will devour - the shower scene?? Hot damn!!!! And I loved the little nod to ZoHoKa, and Benjamin Chambers, the book boyfriend who way more people need to be aware of!! Seriously; go and look him up.

Through personal preference, I think it would have added a more gripping element had Craig and Nic been enemies for longer throughout the story timeline, and eventually develop feelings for each other, rather than jump right in to it considering their family feud, but there was a certain part of the book that the friends-to-lovers thing worked perfectly in, and I may have gotten a little teary-eyed!

The Deal was a good debut novel by Z Elizabeth, and I think that with a bit more work building on characters and plot, it could have been even better! I'm looking forward to seeing how this author grows with future books.

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*

[Cocktails and Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Cocktails

The premise of this story is what caught my eyes. Two people strong armed into a marriage in order to receive their inheritance. But the author did a great job of taking this circumstance, which could have gone very wrong, and made it work.

Nicole and Craig have been raised to be enemies due to some fight between their fathers when they were seventeen. No one speaks of what happened or why, but somehow fate has a way of bringing them together anyway. First, at college when their mutual friends overlapped and second, when their grandparents make a wild stipulation in order for them to each receive their inheritance. For Nicole and Craig, they can either make the best of it and do what they need to for a year to get their money OR they can discover they each have the same secret desire for more.

I really enjoyed Nicole and Craig together. Even when she was being a bit too bitchy in an effort to save her heart and he was a bit douchy trying to hide his feelings for his wife. But when these two finally start acting like a married couple. A real couple. Then they become a couple I was invested in seeing their HEA. Their parents secret, which spills over to them, doesn't do them any favors, especially when they have trouble saying what they wants and need from each other outside the bedroom. But when they're forced to really look at what's important, they learn from their parents mistakes and find that HEA.

THE DEAL was a great way to spend an afternoon. Nicole and Craig were very hot in the bedroom, but I truly enjoyed following the two of them as they realized they both wanted the same thing.

[✿kawehi.reviews]

[Emily Maynard · Rating 3 out of 5]

We need to thank Between the Sheets Promotions for providing an ARC of the Deal in exchange for an honest review.

Craig Thomas and Nicole Jones are bound together in more ways than one. Their fathers were once the best of friends, until something happened between them to turn them into enemies. What, exactly, is a mystery that goes back years before Craig and Nicole were born. Like the Hatfields and McCoys, the children were raised to hate each other. As children, they obeyed their parents, disliking each other on mere principal. They attended school together, and as they matured Nicole maintained her public dislike of Craig. Craig enjoyed teasing her, arrogantly making her speak to him even though he knew she had no use for him. Little did he know, Nicole had fallen in love with him years before, and hid it, knowing that her parents would have hit the roof, and certain that Craig himself had no feeling for her but contempt and a mean spirited love of getting under her skin. That might have been the end of it, until one day they are forced together by fate, and their deceased grandparents. They both receive a call to meet at a lawyer’s office, where they are told that they have a large inheritance coming their way, but only if certain conditions are met.



Despite the mysterious feud between their fathers, Nicole and Craig’s grandparents remained the best of friends. The condition that they set on their grandchildren’s inheritance was this: That they marry, and remain so for one year. Only then can they access the fortune waiting for them. They agree to marry, thinking that they can tough out one year and go their separate ways. They agree to maintain the facade of being in love to their friends, but intend to live just as roommates for the year.



Craig’s dad John and Nicole’s mom Kerry are the most vocal against the marriage, but the prospect of the money motivates them to live with it; after all, it’s Nicole and Craig’s money, and their decision to go through with the marriage. They marry in the first chapter, and it’s Nicole’s head that we live in for the better part of the book. Despite the fact that she loves Craig, she is determined to keep her distance from him. Craig comes off as a bit of an arrogant jerk at first, teasing her about taking his last name, about if he can “shag around” on her since their marriage is in name only. He gets off on making her react to him, and if he doesn’t already know that she’s in love with him I would be surprised. He is in love with her as well, having fallen for her years before as well. He just hides it better, and secretly goes into the marriage not for the money, but for the chance to be with Nicole, even if it is only for a year. Nicole tells herself that she only wants the money to open her own marketing firm, but her reasons for going through with it are pretty much the same as his.



Six weeks into their “fake” marriage they have given in, and are sleeping together. They find out that the bedroom is the one place that they no problems with each other. I wasn’t really surprised that they started sleeping together, given that they are maintaining the illusion of being newlyweds to everyone but their parents. What was surprising was the affection that Craig shows towards Nicole, because at this point we have not been told other than in the teaser that he has any feelings for her at all. At this point I liked the story so far, but was wishing for some backstory - I wanted to know why Nicole fell in love with Craig.



It was indirectly implied in the deal for the money that Nicole and Craig’s grandparents wanted them to find out the secret that has torn their families apart for so long. Nicole is content to just let it lay, having questioned her own parents as a teenager. She was smacked down every time she asked, mostly by her mother, and berated and guilted into never asking again. Everytime Craig mentions trying to find out what happened she blows him off. Craig is undeterred, and tired of his dad giving him hell about marrying Nicole, even if it was for the money. He outright asks his dad what happened, then rides over to talk to Nicole’s dad. I’m curious about it myself at this point, and having read a scene or two with Nicole’s mom Kerry, am not surprised to find out that the bustup of the friendship had something to do with her. I wondered if maybe Craig’s mom (who died years before this story started) and Nicole’s dad maybe had an affair, given the violent hate that Kerry has for Craig and John has for Nicole. We aren’t told the secret at this point. Nicole and Craig continue on in their “marriage” slowly becoming more and more attached to each other, the physicality morphing into true affection. They decide to spend Christmas together as a real couple, with their group of friends. They finally tell their parents that if they want to see them they will have to stop acting like children, and get along just for one day. They seemed to be coming together as a unit, realizing that they are stronger together than apart.



Then one day John calls the apartment for Craig and lets slip to Nicole that Craig knows what happened between their fathers. Nicole hits the roof, and leaves Craig to stay at her best friend Kelsie’s apartment. Craig is devastated, obviously in love with her. They speak on the phone and apologize to each other, but Nicole remains at Kelsie’s for the moment. Nicole finally confronts her parents about the secret, saying that if they will not tell her then she will go to John. Her mother goes completely nuclear, which only made me think that she had the most to hide. Her dad, Peter, escapes the house with the two girls with his wife’s voice ringing in his ears that if he tells the secret to not come back! Peter, Nicole and Kelsie go back to Nicole and Craig’s apartment. Nicole and Craig reunite, happy to see each other. Peter fills them in, revealing the big secret.



And nope, I’m not going to tell you what it is - only that I had it wrong. My other theory was that the two fathers were having an affair at some point….which would have been interesting, I think, but is not the case. It was good to see Nicole grow a backbone towards the end of this novel, and finally stand up to her mom. Kerry…...man, what a bitch. **shakes my head** But the real question that I’m sure you want to know is do Nicole and Craig stay together at the end of the book? Read it and see. **smiles**

[Sandra Shipman ~ Two Book Pushers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Z. Elizabeth's debut novel and I really enjoyed it. The storyline was different and it sure was a roller coaster of emotions for the characters.

Usually the story starts with falling in love and then the wedding but like I said this one is different. Craig and Nic are getting married because of a deal that was made by each set of their Grandparents. They were best friends and so were their boys but one day that came to an end and now it has been 30 years of this mysterious feud between Nic and Craig's Fathers. So the deal is that Craig and Nic would have to be married for one year before either of them would get their inheritance. The deal has been made and now two families, two enemies will be tied together. Except, Craig and Nic are not enemies, they are actually quite the opposite...

Craig and Nic grow up being told to stay away from one another. That was all fine and good until they were teenagers. They went 6 long years of seeing each other with other people. Craig was pretty much whoring around while Nic dated but nobody else would have her heart...she already knew it belong to Craig. She did not only agree to this deal for the money, it was so she could have Craig for 12 months. What she didn't see coming was that he might have been thinking the same thing! He wanted her just as much.

They had to pretend to be a couple in love. They did not have a problem with it since they were all over each other when it came to the marriage bed. They banter back and forth about it all being a fake marriage since both of them were scared to open up. What needed to be done was figure out what the feud was about. What would make such best friends just break up one day? Was it really that big of a deal, they were teenagers after all. Nic always wanted to know but now she wanted to leave it in the past but Craig just had to know.

This was not an easy year for this couple. They have to learn to trust, love and respect each other's wishes. They also have to deal with their families since they are sleeping with the enemy. Craig and Nic are only 22 years old and they have to figure out what to do with their future and stand up for themselves and one another. Can Craig and Nic uncover the secrets and stay together or will it tear them apart?

Overall, the book was good. I was intrigued but I also wanted to slap Nic on more than one occasion. But that means I was into it and well...wanted them to get their shit together. Lol. I did laugh many times, cried a few and of course had those I want to slap someone moments. And the sexy times were hot!! And finally, the friends were also a great bonus.

Quotes:

See through the fact that I didn't think I would ever love another man as much as I loved Craig - the enemy who stole my heart all those years ago.

I need to fall out of love with my husband.

"Come on, baby, let's get into bed. I'll even watch A Walk To Remember With you."

[Lustful Literature · Rating 3 out of 5]

Debbie's Review

This book started off really good with a love-hate relationship between the two main characters. The story is told in Nic and Craig’s POV and I really loved being in Craig’s head. He was cocky and sexy as hell and I loved all his dirty talking. Nic was a strong main character but towards the end of the book I found her to being a little over dramatic and whiny.

“If he wants to play this game, he can bring it the fuck on. I am not in the mood right now.”

Nic and Craig’s parents have been in a feud since before they were born. Neither knew why there didn’t talk but they were told that they were never to talk to each other. When Nic and Craig’s grandparents died their world was turned upside down with one phone call. They were to be married to each other for 12 months and at the end they could divorce and would inherit a huge sum of money. The problem with this deal is that they both had strong feelings for each other. They decided that not only was the money a good selling point they would actually be able to spend time with each other even if it is only for 12 months. Neither of them knew that the other one had true feelings and wanted to be together for real.

“Craig and I have gone from enemies to lovers, or should I say pretend lovers.”

The tension and banter between these two in the beginning of the book was great. I loved how they pushed each other’s buttons and let me say that the sex parts between them were fan-freaking-tastic. The problem I had was this book and why I can’t rate it higher was that this big secret didn’t really seem like such a big secret when it was revealed. I felt that Nic clearly over reacted when she learned about it and it seemed to me that the story moved away from their unique relationship and focused around the secret too much.

“I’m going to fuck you so hard, that every time you move, you’ll think I’m inside you. Every time you read your smut, you’ll think its me and you fucking.”

If you are looking for a cute and steamy book that will have you smiling and giggling while reading it than this is a book you want to check out.

“Who’d have thought a few years ago that Craig and I would get married for a deal? For money no less? And who would have thought we had loved each other since we were sixteen? Love has a weird way of showing itself and deep down, I know our grandparents pre-determined this, even if they didn’t know it would end this way. Two families. One secret.”

[Mandie Foxylutely · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the debut of Z Elizabeth and is set in Wales which is a nice change for a setting than the usual featured ones.

Nic and Craig have been brought up knowing that there is a secret feud between both of their families, after their fathers, who were once close as brothers, never spoke to one another after a mysterious incident that took place over thirty years ago. Nic and Craig are told never to associate with each other and no questions asked. However after the will of their grandparents are left, revealing a substantial amount of inheritance that can only be claimed once Nic and Craig are married and remain so for twelve months.

Both have secretly held feelings for each other since they were sixteen but nobody will ever know, but Nic is willing to be part of Craig’s life and walk away after the year is out if only to have lasting memories of being together with him.

This is a difficult review to do as there are parts of the book that I loved but others that just did not click for me. The subplot of the feud was highly over plotted when it did little if nothing for the romance storyline. I felt it detracted rather than added to the book. When the true reason is revealed it was a huge deflation and nothing at all to have any build up over. I also didn’t understand how a will written over thirty years ago could dictate for Nic and Craig to marry, when they were not born until eight years after. That had me scratching my head.

The romance, however, between Craig and Nic I absolutely loved and found this to be captivating and extremely hot! I liked how the forced togetherness gave them a chance to grow to know each other and put into perspective these yearning feelings they have had for each other since teenage years. It was nice to see how this developed with some seriously erotic sexy times thrown in.

I also loved the gang of friends that Nic and Craig have been part of, even though they kept at lengths from each other. The camaraderie and friendship from teenage years, through university to young adults was nicely executed in the storyline and fully believable. I could also imagine myself on some of their nights out!

Overall I did enjoy this book but it would have been better without the feud subplot. It wasn’t needed as the romance was strong enough to carry the storyline. Three sexy stars.

*Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Book-Bosomed blog · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Nicole Jones and Craig Thomas don’t have your ordinary marriage. They had a real wedding, they share a flat, and they even consummate the marriage, but their matrimony has a time limit—12 month and then the deal is up.

I liked the premise of this story—two people raised as enemies after a feud between their parents but secretly longing for each other, forced to marry to gain an inheritance. You could feel their tension in the opening pre-wedding scene where they prepare to seal the deal. It has a great set up. But then it felt as if some key scenes were skipped over—their wedding night for one. Some scenes are told in hindsight, some are more tell than show. As a result it felt like there could have been a little more build up that, if present, would have helped establish Nic and Craig’s characters a little better in the beginning and fueled their chemistry further.

Though not provided linearly, there still is no shortage of hot scenes! These two definitely behave like newlyweds. The erotic aspect is captured well. H-O-T :)

I especially liked Craig. He's one sexy, cocky, teacher. I had a little hard time connecting with Nic though. It seemed like she had a tendency to over-react. Communication was definitely not either of their strong points. I’m not a fan of misunderstanding for misunderstanding sake. I like when couples work through things together, a type of ‘us against the world’ approach, and that’s not what happens here enough, though they do pull it together eventually. Based off the synopsis, I was hoping the plot would be them sleuthing to find out the secret together, not just reacting to what it was and who knew first.

Now their friends on the other hand, they were often the voice of reason and had much stronger heads on their shoulders. They are a nice addition to the story. I found myself cheering “Go Kelsie”quite a few times.

Overall, if you’re looking for a hot little erotic tale, The Deal definitely serves up plenty of sexy scenes and ends on a romantic note.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a little while to get into the story, but once I did The Deal turned into a book that I couldn't put down! I had to know what the big secret was and if Nic and Craig would stay together in the end.

Nic and Craig's fathers used to be best friends but something happened that tore their friendship apart and when they had kids they forbid them to see each other. But when they were teenagers, Nic and Craig secretly fell in love with each other and have been loving each other from afar ever since. It reminded me a little of Romeo and Juliet, without the tragic ending of course.

Before they were born, both sets of grandparents added an inheritance into their will that stated that Nic and Craig had to stay married for a year then they'd get the money. Craig goes into the marriage hoping that they can figure out what the big secret is so he can keep Nic in the end. And Nic goes into it knowing that she gets to spend 12 months with the man she loves even though she'll be heartbroken when it's over.

What we get is an amazing love story between two people that are too afraid to admit their love to each other. And let's not forget the smoking hot sexy times! I love me a dirty talker and Craig does not disappoint in that department.

Of course the whole time I'm reading I'm wondering what this big secret is. I mean, it's gotta be pretty bad to make this feud last for 30 years, right?! Well, this is where I was a little disappointed. Don't get me wrong, it was definitely something that could make a couple teenagers hate each other, but I didn't really think it warranted a 30-year feud. Let's just say I was expecting something a little more dramatic.

That being said, I absolutely loved The Deal! I loved Craig and Nic and all their crazy friends. And the ending was absolutely perfect. I honestly can't believe that this was Z. Elizabeth's debut novel and I can't wait to see what else she has in store for us!

*ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.

[Sultan * Baby Mama Smut-a-teer* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me just start off by saying this is one of my favorite categories to read, what I like to call " faking it till you make it." I love relationships that start out fake for whatever reason, and watching them try to fight the chemistry and deny deny deny. The was kinda sorta like that. They still tried to deny their feelings at first, but came to realize soon on that they kinda liked this married business.

Both Nicole and Craig were crushing on each other for years!! And I'm so glad these two got over their issues and got down to consummating their fake marriage cause honey these two will set your sheets on fire! Seriously, keep a firefighter close cause you may need him... For more than one reason *wink wink, nudge nudge*


The big bad secret thou.... Kinda just " eh" I mean it just seemed to build and build and build an then it just was like " that's it? All that time lost...for that??!?" Now Don't get me wrong it made me so happy the way it ended, but I feel for as smart as those two men were they should of seen it coming. Anywho don't wanna ruin the secret cause even an " eh" secret is a juicy one!!

This book was really entertaining and what I loved about it was like it was just one story start to finish a complete book. No part two, no from his pov, no next installment. Don't get me wrong I love reading, any way you cut it. Short ones, long ones, big ones, small ones ( yes I'm still talking about books, pervs!) but I forgot how nice it was to just read a book beginning to end and not be left wondering what's to come. I really enjoyed this story and highly recommend it. You have got to meet Craig, he is a fine English muffin with kinds of hot nooks and crannies!!!

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

[Evette · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story started out strong, two people brought together to finally override a family feud that had torn best friends part? Count me in. Dirty talking, snarky comebacks and far-reaching passion make this a fun modern spin on Romeo and Juliet. The mystery of what happened all those years ago adds a slightly dangerous aspect to Craig and Nic making a real go of what was supposed to be a deal- twelve months of staged wedded bliss and they get their inheritance to go their separate ways. Seems easy enough, right?

Cue real feelings making it impossible to continue their farce, nosy and VERY observant friends and what is that secret?

The story fell apart for me during the last third of the book. Nic became this whiny and worrisome girl, determined to stand in the way of her own happiness. What should have been an easy to overcome issue became almost insurmountable. Her rational mind fled leaving a small ball of crazy that could have ruined all that Craig and she had built. Thank goodness for truth talking, no holds barred Kels!

Speaking of Craig- he broke my heart with the intensity of his feelings. His friends were amazing- best kidnapping scenario ever!

A sassy and sweet romance, with the tiniest dash of mystery thrown in. A fun debut from Z. Elizabeth.

[Ronda Bearden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great! These two go in to this deal not knowing they both hold the same feeling for each other. They have been taught from the day they came in this world they were enemies. Their grandparents have place terms on them receiving their inheritance. Craig and Nicole have to marry and stay married for a year. They also are to find out what has caused their fathers who were best friends to become mortal enemies. The antics that take place and the challenges that come keep the pages turning. Craig and Nicole are both very strong willed and refuse to give in to their feelings but yet they find a way to make it work. Once these two admit that there is more than just them getting the money their grandparents left them they find out that the road is not always easy to travel. Nicole just wants to make it through the year and get on with life. Craig is a little more interested in what the cause of the problem that broke out between their dads’ is. Will Craig interest be a deal breaker? Great read that keep you on the edge wanting to find out what the problem was and will Nicole and Craig find the happy ever-after they both want!

[Mallory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full review to come!

[Tracy Lundy-Munn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Deal was a solid read that was well thought out. Loved the storyline and it had me hooked from beginning to end. The characters had tons of chemistry and lots of depth and emotion.

[Michelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 81%. I kept reading with the hope it would get better. At 81%, I realized it never would, so I gave up. What a disappointing waste of my time. BOO HISS.

[100sweet · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 27%.

Horrible story about a h that is in love with the H but gives him attitude and tells him she hates him. He smirks and boasts about how much she wants sex with him. She sleeps with him and the love-hate cycle continues. The story was also ridiculous with the characters trying to figure out why there is a family feud. Plus, the h's father knows the mother is emotionally abusive but does NOTHING!!

[Gleidis · Rating 1 out of 5]

Things happened and characters interacted but overall, i didn't feel there was a plot or a point to anything, and the people in the story never took a real shape in my head, also I found myself rolling my eyes throughout the whole book.

[Marian · Rating 3 out of 5]

the plot had potential but this story had too many holes :(

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This book started out really strong with the love-hate dynamic between Craig and Nic. They had that sizzling tension and unconcealed lust because the 2 were locked into an agreement to marry for 12 months if they wanted their inheritance from their grandparents. The backstory is very Romeo and Juliet - their parents hated each other and have for the past 30 years with no explanation so Nic and Craig were not allowed to associate with each other. They did everything a married couple does and faked it in public except give each other their hearts. Nic was a strong female, she had a horrible mother who only said condescending things to her and it was so odd to me that her parents would stay married knowing how close Nic was to her dad and the way he was portrayed was nothing like her mother. Craig comes off cocky and arrogant on the outside and he is definitely confident, but he is really only that way with Nic. Otherwise, he's a good friend and has noble intentions. Although he and Nic don't have that established trust with one another, they do form a friendship within their marriage. I enjoyed the book up until the point where the supposed secret that tore their parents' friendship apart began to take over the story. Nic's reaction to Craig knowing before her seemed so over dramatic and then the secret itself was truthfully nothing earth shattering. Nic's mother was a cruel woman such that it seemed very out of character when she went to Nic for atonement. From there, it was all about rebuilding from the aftermath of the destruction and re-establishing trust. While this was all necessary, I began to skim the rest of the book and thought the book ended weaker than it started out even though the ending was very appropriate.

[Marina (Living In Our Own Story) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I genuinely wasn't sure what to expect from this book considering that this is a new author. Well, it wasn't the best book I've ever read but it was quite good and I think that Z. Elizabeth definitely has potential. So I will be definitely checking out her future books.

The Deal is a Romeo and Juliet kind of a story but with a happy ending (that part I enjoyed a lot ;) ). In the beginning things were a little bit monotonous and slow for me but it managed to catch my attention enough that I wanted to see what will happen with Craig and Nic :) The characters were well developed and I definitely liked them. I was getting frustrated from time to time with Nic as she was acting rather childish and impulsive at times. Although, considering that she is 22, I suppose it is understandable. Craig, on the other hand, is quite a yummy male, although he is not as alpha and dominant as I prefer my BBFs ;D Although, there are times in the book where he definitely shows promise in the dominant department :D And DAMN, there are quite a few hot scenes, that I definitely loved :)

I have to say that I really loved the supporting characters. It would be so great to get some more of Rob and Kelsie (that girl is just crazy funny with her antics). And I definitely want some more Matt. It would be great to read his story :)

In a few words, the book is quite good and I will be checking the author's future work. If you are a fan of Romeo & Juliet type of stories, then I think you will enjoy this one :)

This review was originally posted at Living In Our Own Story Book Blog. I received an ARC of the book in exchange of an honest review.

[Jo Hughes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to thank the author for sending me a copy of this in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The books starts as Nicole and Craig are about to be married nothing usual there you would think but their families have been feuding for over 30 years. The reason Nicole and Craig are getting married is because of their Grandparents will, written 30 years previously. This to be is the basis for a great story, why are they feuding? Why do they have to get married?

I’m sorry but for me the book was spoiled with the crudeness of some of the writing, some of the sex scenes are really well written but the statements Craig comes out with to Nicole are crude to say the least and if he had been my husband as he is Nicole’s, he would have got a kick in the balls on more than one occasion. This really spoiled the whole book for me.

What I did like about the book is the relationship both Craig and Nicole have with their friends having grown up with them through school and university. I also love that Nicole and Craig secretly loved each other despite their parents trying to keep them apart.

The sub plot of why the couple had to get married and why their fathers were feuding is what kept me reading, but in the end I was a little let down as to why it all happened. In parts I both loved and hated this book, especially when the author kept going over the feud and the will etc, I felt like screaming yes we know all that.

For me this is an acceptable debut for Z Elizabeth and I hope to see more from her in the future.

[Kel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nicole Jones and Craig Thomas had to be married for 12 months in order to receive their inheritance from their grandparents. Both Nic and Craig's fathers have hated one another for 30 years but for what reason?? All they know is that they are not suppose to like one another but chemistry has another plan.

Nic has been in love with Craig and vice versa but they haven't been around one another enough to express that. The book starts off with the wedding and you can feel how much both these characters were in turmoil. They are both doing this for one reason and one reason only. Well, that's what they are telling themselves anyway.

To me, the story started out very strong but fell a little flat. I felt like I missed out on some key points in the story. What I feel kept me interested was finding out what this big secret was that started the feud between the families. The chemistry between Nic and Craig was palpable and the sex scenes were definitely HAWT! I really enjoyed the secondary characters and felt like they brought a lot to the storyline.

All in all, this was an enjoyable read but not one where I would say, "I simply couldn't put it down." What I enjoyed the most about it was the events leading up to the big secret and finding out what it was! It wasn't what I thought it was but I leave it to you to find out :)

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicole and Craig have been raised to be enemies due to some fight between their fathers 30 years ago, no one speaks of what happened or why. Life seems to have other ideas though because they find their lives continuously maintained, first, at college when their mutual friends overlapped and second, when their grandparents make a wild stipulation in order for them to each receive their inheritance, they had to be married and live together for a year. For Nicole and Craig, they can either make the best of it and do what they need to for a year to get their money OR they can realize that they each have secretly loved each other for years. Their parents secret doesn't do them any favors, especially when they have trouble saying what they wants and need from each other outside the bedroom. But when they're forced to really look at what's important, will they learn from their parents mistakes and find that HEA, or will they lose the most important thing they have ever had?

I loved this, it had a good dose of mystery mixed with a bit of Romeo and Juliet style love. I love when authors come up with stories that are outside of what everyone expects and this one hits the head on the nail with this one.

Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog

[Zili]

I was lucky enough to beta read The Deal and I loved the story Z. Elizabeth has created. I'm never sure how to rate books I've beta read because it seems a bit unfair but I really enjoyed the banter in Nic & Craig's story & so I'm going for 4 Stars :)


I may never be able to look her in the eye after the smexy scenes because I blushed a LOT!! I'm officially campaigning for Jamie to get his own story!! #JamieIsMine

Full review coming coming soon :)

[Renee at Book Happiness · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this for an honest review. I have to say I fall in love with the marriage of convenience story line EVERY TIME!!! This book was no exception. I have to say that this is one of those books that I found myself saying OMG That was HOT!! This story I really liked because this is one of those books that absolutely pulls at your emotions. Although I did really enjoy the book I kept feeling like I wanted more... This is definitely one you do not want to miss!

[Danielle Goodwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Z. Elizabeth’s “The Deal” is a sweet read if you dig romances about fake weddings that turn into real marriages. The naughty bits are excellent. Nicole, the leading lady, is just like any of us gals and she’s been harboring a major crush on Craig since she was 16! Craig, the leading man, is the bad boy that everyone wants to tame. Some of the plot elements feel a little contrived, but overall, it’s a good structure for the story. The version I read needed a good bit of editing.

[Lyric Hussain · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet story! My favourite part of this book was the Welsh. It was my first time and I loved it.

Of course this book had a happy ending. But everything turned out just as it should have.

2 friends coming together due to love? What could be more perfect? Sometimes love opens your eyes and makes you see what real.

This book also helped me realise the relationship with my mum and how my feelings towards my parents are truly valid and that is a gift in itself.

[Kelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars