Love 'N' Marriage

by Debbie Macomber

As Stephanie Coulter discovers, sometimes you find it in the most ordinary places — and what could be more ordinary than the office? Stephanie, who works as an assistant at Lockwood Industries in Minneapolis, is temporarily assigned to the boss — Jonas Lockwood himself. Jonas lives up (or down!) to his reputation as a tyrant, dictator and grouch. But Stephanie’s colleagues, romance readers all, decide that he’s really the classic lonely hero. What he needs, they say, is Love ’n’ Marriage. And the woman they have in mind for him is…Stephanie.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary

169 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 1987

About the author

Debbie Macomber is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of today’s most popular writers with more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide. In her novels, Macomber brings to life compelling relationships that embrace family and enduring friendships, uplifting her readers with stories of connection and hope. Macomber’s novels have spent over 1,000 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Fifteen of these novels hit the number one spot.

In 2023, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publication includes Must Love Flowers (July). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, three adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.

Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.

She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.

Reviews

[Kelley · Rating 2 out of 5]

there are very few Debbie Macomber books I have not liked, but this is one of them. It may just be because it was one of her earliest works when the romance genre and her stories were different than they are now. It could be it just doesn't stand up to the times we live in now. However, it all boils down to I did not like this at all. It was so full of stereotypes that I just cringed every time a new one popped up. Also, while I suspect the women obsessed with romance novels and turning the life of one of their own into a story from one of their books was supposed to be funny, I was just annoyed. I finished it though, only because it was a Macomber romance.

[Garnet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read many of the author’s books, I seem to sense her development as a writer. She is skilled at character development, even with her earlier books.

[Jenna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I haaaaaaaaate it. Stephanie and Jonas are both idiots and irked me so much. Why are you putting up with him being such an asshole? Over and over and over again. Then just immediately bowing back down to him. Absolutely not. Nope. Have a little bit of respect for yourself. Did I mention how big of an asshole he is? I don’t care what happened in your past, quit being a fucking douche.

[Fizzydrinks · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Half a point for the super sloppy ending.


Okay so this was a romance book that made fun of itself and its tropes. But I still loved it. I loved Stephanie a lot. And I did feel like Jonas was attractive. That cane made him attractive. I hope that's not ableist or sth.

SO. Loved the slow burn romance, how he was trying to fight it. The h's emotions and experiences were beautifully described; I smiled when she smiled, I got sad when she did. I love that he brought her home to meet his mother. I did want to hear a bit about his previous love but the author never mentioned her again

The ending is where the book lost the plot. The H was actually a bit cruel to the h when they first met so much so that I frankly gave him a middle finger at one point lol. But over the course of the book I had totes forgiven him.
So what does he do after a fairytale proposal and a gorgeous ring? Mega-screw it up by becoming a typical H and misunderstand everything and then frankly humiliate the h. The h absolutely went all out, forgetting her pride, to get him back, and she spelled it out to him too that he would regret it, but his pride ruined that for them.

I didn't like his semi apology and that he had to be given a push to come for her. Heck, he didn't even know she was leaving the city after selling her apartment and all her belongings! He absolutely needed 2 more pages worth of grovel. and maybe a sheen in his eyes or something.

This book would have been one of my top favs of this year if the ending hadn't been so botched but at least we have an HEA!

[Adilee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read it in one sitting, which is easy for a Macomber book. Like normally I would not enjoy these types of books since they are pretty cheesy and basic, but I swear something is in this. It was simply addicting, like all her others.

It was short and sweet. Super clean. Not incredibly memorable but seriously you can't go wrong with her books. My only complaint was the ending. I hate when characters who are supposedly deeply in love just jump to conclusions without trusting their partner. (Looking at you Jonas.) Like, TALK IT THROUGH please. Be the adults you are. We don't need all of this drama, especially when it only lasts 10 pages. Very pointless. Just saying, I would've been happy if they stayed happy!

[Makayla · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a quick and easy read. It came with 2 books in 1. It was just okay. Its fast paced and I thought the characters were aggravating and childish. I also hated the ending. Jonas fires Stephanie right after they got engaged, he asks for the ring back all because of a bet he found out his employees had. He doesn’t want to talk/listen to her and then he shows up out of the blue a few days later and tries to hire her back and then admits he was wrong. I finished it but it wasn’t my favorite and I wouldn’t recommend it.

[Cathie McManus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story. I really enjoyed the scenes where Stephanie stands up to Jonas. Unfortunately, I didn't like the ending. After he fires her, he shows up a few days later trying to hire her back and more. She said to Jonas when he fired her that the trust was gone. When he comes to her, she doesn't stand up to everything they said to each other. She gave in so quickly.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story office romance between an admin asst and the boss. Jonas has an injury walks with a limp from a skiing accident. Stephanie’s falls m long ve with Jonas on his hectare’s business trip. He proposed then breaks up he engagement when he thinks there was a plot in the office for Strphanie to win him. Stephanie clarifies the mistake. Goes back to work for him and does leave

[Lis Sigona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love ‘n’ Marriage. Delightful and a great story to read in a time of uncertainty and challenges. Took my mind off a lot of the angst I have been dealing with and letting me go into the world of romance and fantasy. Enlightens the heart and soul

[Once Upon A Book by Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was quite a good book. I wasn't too sure when I started it. But I love Macomber and her stories so I stuck with it. I wasn't disappointed. The "hero" of the book kinda irritated me at the end. Although things worked out for the best, still a good book and he ends up going back to her.

[Kristen Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good, sappy romance :) Clean, well-written content and well-developed characters definitely earn this book 4 stars; Love me some Macomber!

[Sunshyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. But yeah uh Jonas would have been very alone. I don’t think I could have accepted his non apology ever.

[Sosa Coleone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is sacred

[Kim Truckenmiller · Rating 2 out of 5]

So cheesy! Both main characters were so annoying. Good thing this was so short or I wouldn’t have finished.

[Linnea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This had two stories and both were cute.

[Sue · Rating 2 out of 5]

A disappointing formula romance

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good romance, lots of ups and downs. A good beach read.

[Sara Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

FMC was so immature! Ughhh She was always looking for the bad in everything and getting upset over nothing but the stuff in her head.

[HTP Books]

Young Adult Romance, Contemporary Romance

[Nancy McCourt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty lame. Predictable.

[Coco · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, a bit of angst. Nice

[Julie Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love n' Marriage
Stephanie has to work for Jonus who uses a cane and he is the president of the company. She is just a temp as the regular secretary is out of medical leave.
She tries to kill him with kindness to throw him off.. She meets with her other secretary friends for a drink after work and they are gearing up to make the boss meet someone to love.
One of her jobs is to accompany the boss to Paris because she knows French and will be an asset in the meetings there.
They do share some of their pasts with one another and then they return to the states.
She has a thing for him and the women give her romance novels to get her in the mood so they can read his signals... Things go wrong after that til she loses her job..
.

[Monica Gearhart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. But I don't understand why it was out with another book. This, like others, was left open for another one but I'm not sure if there is a next one. I felt the story was left open. My heart broke when they got engaged and then the next he fires her and wants her to return the engagement ring. What an ass!

[♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stephanie and Jonas

Another quick, fun, but short read. I enjoyed reading this. Loved all the characters. I just wish we could've read a bit more.

[Lee Savino · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another romance novel to read at work. Trying to get through my stack of Debbie Macomber books this summer.

[Haley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh. It was cute ;) I enjoyed it.

[Jane Drager · Rating 4 out of 5]

A worthwhile read. Debbie Macomber does it again.

[Kayrene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute! of course, a DM romance!

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

A somewhat dated romance and you can tell that it is an early Debbie Macomber.

[Sue Klasing · Rating 3 out of 5]

Light romance, easy read