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Trophy Husbands #2
Practice Husband
In high school, I was in love with Hunter Ness, but he friend-zoned me. Time passed. I grew up. He went to prison. And now he's going to be my husband for a year.
There are reasons.
He's not going to be a real husband. Just a practice husband so he can have a job and a place to live and I can finally experience parts of life I've only read about before. We're just friends, and I'm helping him out.
But still... He's way too sexy, and he knows me far too well. It's hard to remember he's not the real thing. But I'm going to stay smart. I'm not going to fall for my ex-con husband who only sees me as a friend.
I hope.
There are reasons.
He's not going to be a real husband. Just a practice husband so he can have a job and a place to live and I can finally experience parts of life I've only read about before. We're just friends, and I'm helping him out.
But still... He's way too sexy, and he knows me far too well. It's hard to remember he's not the real thing. But I'm going to stay smart. I'm not going to fall for my ex-con husband who only sees me as a friend.
I hope.
276 pages, ebook
First published August 21, 2018
392 people are currently reading
571 people want to read
About the author
Noelle Adams
140 books2,684 followersNoelle handwrote her first romance novel in a spiral-bound notebook when she was twelve, and she hasn't stopped writing since. She has lived in eight different states and currently resides in Virginia, where she teaches English, reads any book she can get her hands on, and offers tribute to a very spoiled cocker spaniel.
She loves travel, art, history, and ice cream. After spending far too many years of her life in graduate school, she has decided to reorient her priorities and focus on writing contemporary romances.
She loves travel, art, history, and ice cream. After spending far too many years of her life in graduate school, she has decided to reorient her priorities and focus on writing contemporary romances.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
April 12, 2021
Reread:
I love this book so much! Sam and Hunter were so perfect together. While Sam’s insecurity regarding Hunter’s feelings provides some angst, I’d forgotten that this author writes Hunter in such a way that it was obvious he was struggling with the relationship as well. This time around, I was much more aware of the angst added due to him. Knowing how this ends did help to ramp up my emotions more this time around, overall, feeling much more angsty than my initial read.
Original Review:
Sam has always been the good girl, the perfect girl, the smart girl. When her grandfather continues to pressure her into marrying, and an old school friend needs help after being released from prison, she takes her first rebellious step. For one year, Sam and Hunter will be married. He will have a job with her grandfather’s company as well as a place to live and she will have a practice husband. Unfortunately, one of Hunter’s conditions is that she learn to take risks and open herself up to life. Easy, right?
Poor Sam. She was just so caught up in her method of staying safe, never rocking the boat or trying new things. Hunter has quite the challenge on his hands to pull her from her sedate lifestyle but her desire to experience hot sex is an enjoyable endeavor. I hurt for her inability to step out of the world she lived in and loved Hunter for pushing her limits although never running roughshod over her in the process.
Hunter was so kind and gentle and so very determined to be and do whatever was necessary to fulfill his side of the marriage bargain. I worried that he might lose himself in the process. However, it was his own past that held him captive. Without his point of view I was completely clueless regarding his true issues and emotions. Was he all in or just abiding by the outline he and Sam had set at the onset of their arrangement?
This was a great read, written in clean precise prose that never gave way to repetition or unnecessary details and introspection which resulted in a fast pace. The characters were so real and their conflict completely human. Despite Sam’s love of fiction she was living a new life, not that of a fairy tale, but one that consisted of all the pain and joy that could be expected in such a relationship. I loved watching this couple as they struggled together and independently.
The steam level is relatively high, the secondary characters mostly consisting of the heroine’s family, two which have their own stories. I would’ve liked to have seen what the future held for Hunter in regards to his own past issues but the epilogue was otherwise absolutely perfect.
Overall, an extremely enjoyable read and one I’d especially recommend to those who like a hero who rides the line between alpha and beta.
Heroine POV
Safe
Triggers
I love this book so much! Sam and Hunter were so perfect together. While Sam’s insecurity regarding Hunter’s feelings provides some angst, I’d forgotten that this author writes Hunter in such a way that it was obvious he was struggling with the relationship as well. This time around, I was much more aware of the angst added due to him. Knowing how this ends did help to ramp up my emotions more this time around, overall, feeling much more angsty than my initial read.
Original Review:
Sam has always been the good girl, the perfect girl, the smart girl. When her grandfather continues to pressure her into marrying, and an old school friend needs help after being released from prison, she takes her first rebellious step. For one year, Sam and Hunter will be married. He will have a job with her grandfather’s company as well as a place to live and she will have a practice husband. Unfortunately, one of Hunter’s conditions is that she learn to take risks and open herself up to life. Easy, right?
Poor Sam. She was just so caught up in her method of staying safe, never rocking the boat or trying new things. Hunter has quite the challenge on his hands to pull her from her sedate lifestyle but her desire to experience hot sex is an enjoyable endeavor. I hurt for her inability to step out of the world she lived in and loved Hunter for pushing her limits although never running roughshod over her in the process.
Hunter was so kind and gentle and so very determined to be and do whatever was necessary to fulfill his side of the marriage bargain. I worried that he might lose himself in the process. However, it was his own past that held him captive. Without his point of view I was completely clueless regarding his true issues and emotions. Was he all in or just abiding by the outline he and Sam had set at the onset of their arrangement?
This was a great read, written in clean precise prose that never gave way to repetition or unnecessary details and introspection which resulted in a fast pace. The characters were so real and their conflict completely human. Despite Sam’s love of fiction she was living a new life, not that of a fairy tale, but one that consisted of all the pain and joy that could be expected in such a relationship. I loved watching this couple as they struggled together and independently.
The steam level is relatively high, the secondary characters mostly consisting of the heroine’s family, two which have their own stories. I would’ve liked to have seen what the future held for Hunter in regards to his own past issues but the epilogue was otherwise absolutely perfect.
Overall, an extremely enjoyable read and one I’d especially recommend to those who like a hero who rides the line between alpha and beta.
Heroine POV
Safe
Triggers
August 13, 2018
4 stars.
Reading the blurb, I really wasn't expecting this story to be quite as sweet, entertaining and enchanting as I did in fact find it to be.
Hunter, may have been an ex-con but he wasn't a tough guy or a player and Sam is a sweet girl that tends to hold back her emotions and not really stand up for herself but I really liked her.
She believes that she is not the prettiest of her sisters and is somewhat insecure about her appeal to men. She definitely doesn't think that Hunter could really fall for her.
In high school, I was in love with Hunter Ness, but he friend-zoned me. Time passed. I grew up. He went to prison. And now he's going to be my husband for a year.
There are reasons.
He's not going to be a real husband. Just a practice husband so he can have a job and a place to live and I can finally experience parts of life I've only read about before. We're just friends, and I'm helping him out.
But still... He's way too sexy, and he knows me far too well. It's hard to remember he's not the real thing. But I'm going to stay smart. I'm not going to fall for my ex-con husband who only sees me as a friend.
Loved these two, this was such an enjoyable read and it is only my second book by Noelle Adams. The first one was a short story but I definitely like her writing style and will be reading more.
Now I want to go back and read the first book in this " Fake Husband" series.
ARC received from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Reading the blurb, I really wasn't expecting this story to be quite as sweet, entertaining and enchanting as I did in fact find it to be.
Hunter, may have been an ex-con but he wasn't a tough guy or a player and Sam is a sweet girl that tends to hold back her emotions and not really stand up for herself but I really liked her.
She believes that she is not the prettiest of her sisters and is somewhat insecure about her appeal to men. She definitely doesn't think that Hunter could really fall for her.
In high school, I was in love with Hunter Ness, but he friend-zoned me. Time passed. I grew up. He went to prison. And now he's going to be my husband for a year.
There are reasons.
He's not going to be a real husband. Just a practice husband so he can have a job and a place to live and I can finally experience parts of life I've only read about before. We're just friends, and I'm helping him out.
But still... He's way too sexy, and he knows me far too well. It's hard to remember he's not the real thing. But I'm going to stay smart. I'm not going to fall for my ex-con husband who only sees me as a friend.
Loved these two, this was such an enjoyable read and it is only my second book by Noelle Adams. The first one was a short story but I definitely like her writing style and will be reading more.
Now I want to go back and read the first book in this " Fake Husband" series.
ARC received from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 5, 2018
By DNF, I do mean I skimmed through this book from start to finish, and have forgotten most of it thanks my lucky stars!
Hero ruined this book. He was BEYOND pathetic. And was pathetically insecure. Do I get his reasons for insecurity? Yes. But that does not excuse his super asshole behaviour to the heroine who against all odds took a chance on him. And then being a stage 15 clinger.
You know the HP romance where heroine has something to hide and then every time hero opens his mouth she thinks he’s taunting her? This was just a role reversal. And it was tiring even before that started, so it was beyond bearable after the first time!
Also, this is an ex-convict we are talking about whom heroine took as he came but she wasn’t good enough him as she was. SHE has to change to be worth it for him. I have a distinct feeling heroine got a tattoo to please hero and get his approval. I PERSONALLY think that’s 50 kind of fucked up. Tattoos and plastic surgeries are something one should always do for themselves. Anything less than that to me is unacceptable. Therefore this book had no chance of ever being redeemed.
Hero was enough to shine through the book, so I’m not going to rant on what an awesomely soft, fluffy and fuzzy doormat our heroine was.
Hero ruined this book. He was BEYOND pathetic. And was pathetically insecure. Do I get his reasons for insecurity? Yes. But that does not excuse his super asshole behaviour to the heroine who against all odds took a chance on him. And then being a stage 15 clinger.
You know the HP romance where heroine has something to hide and then every time hero opens his mouth she thinks he’s taunting her? This was just a role reversal. And it was tiring even before that started, so it was beyond bearable after the first time!
Also, this is an ex-convict we are talking about whom heroine took as he came but she wasn’t good enough him as she was. SHE has to change to be worth it for him. I have a distinct feeling heroine got a tattoo to please hero and get his approval. I PERSONALLY think that’s 50 kind of fucked up. Tattoos and plastic surgeries are something one should always do for themselves. Anything less than that to me is unacceptable. Therefore this book had no chance of ever being redeemed.
Hero was enough to shine through the book, so I’m not going to rant on what an awesomely soft, fluffy and fuzzy doormat our heroine was.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2018
Hmmmm I liked it, but I didnt. The heroine, while she was obviously meant to be written this way, was beyond pathetic. Every time she had an insecure moment it was super cringy and I got second hand embarrassment from reading it. She was written as one of those girls who aren't a complete person unless if they have a boyfriend to pick up their baggage for them. While im all for different kinds of heroines, im for character development more. There was zilch from the h. And all of her inner ramblings about how she will never be the strong heroine hit you over the head that made her a character I didnt want to route for.
Hero was amazing. Would have given the book 5 stars just for him.
Hero was amazing. Would have given the book 5 stars just for him.
August 25, 2018
Ex-con H and nice likeable heroine.
Its a second chance but in their first chance H liked the h and even got a tattoo in her memory but he dated, was with other girls - while she was his for the taking/ friends with him, and he let her go, not making any effort to keep in touch.
Not cool.
3.5 stars
Its a second chance but in their first chance H liked the h and even got a tattoo in her memory but he dated, was with other girls - while she was his for the taking/ friends with him, and he let her go, not making any effort to keep in touch.
Not cool.
3.5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2018
Genre: Romance
Series: #2 in a trilogy about 3 sisters
Graduate student offers to marry an ex-con high school friend so that he can have a job.
I read the first two bks back to back and while Book #1 was more enjoyable, it was more conventional so probably easier to enjoy. The author took more chances with this one. It didn't work IMO, leading to a dull read, but I applaud her attempt, hence why I am writing this review.
Each chapter starts with the heroine recalling a scene from classic novels like The Lord of the Rings and Persuasion. In a way, this novel is a homage to Persuasion in that I believe the author is trying to capture some of Perusasion's intensity of repressed passions.
Unfortunately, she doesn't suceed. The MCs are too reticent. The H is one that you don't see often in romances: someone who fucked up and is having trouble supporting himself. He's no Danny Ocean who is back on his feet within a week of leaving prison. The h, meanwhile, reads about life but is slow to taking the steps forward to experience it. Most heroines in romances are a little more gong-ho if they are inexperienced. Again, different but I can see some readers might not have the patience for her.
Setting: Southern USA
Sensuality: X
Series: #2 in a trilogy about 3 sisters
Graduate student offers to marry an ex-con high school friend so that he can have a job.
I read the first two bks back to back and while Book #1 was more enjoyable, it was more conventional so probably easier to enjoy. The author took more chances with this one. It didn't work IMO, leading to a dull read, but I applaud her attempt, hence why I am writing this review.
Each chapter starts with the heroine recalling a scene from classic novels like The Lord of the Rings and Persuasion. In a way, this novel is a homage to Persuasion in that I believe the author is trying to capture some of Perusasion's intensity of repressed passions.
Unfortunately, she doesn't suceed. The MCs are too reticent. The H is one that you don't see often in romances: someone who fucked up and is having trouble supporting himself. He's no Danny Ocean who is back on his feet within a week of leaving prison. The h, meanwhile, reads about life but is slow to taking the steps forward to experience it. Most heroines in romances are a little more gong-ho if they are inexperienced. Again, different but I can see some readers might not have the patience for her.
Setting: Southern USA
Sensuality: X
December 18, 2018
yaniiii sanki ilk kitap daha güzeldi ama bu da tatlıydı
December 16, 2019
Always read about insecure heroines but reading an insecure hero is my first one. 🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️
Safety Issue: Safe.
Safety Issue: Safe.
December 23, 2025
Even with all the miscommunication (which lasted pretty much the whole book) and the insecure MMC and the people-pleasing FMC, I still had a good time with this story. 😅
Usually, these things would've turned me off from a book. But I just can't help but think the MCs are just frustratingly adorable dummies who have it so bad for each other but can't seem to get it together because of their own problems.
It was definitely aggravating at times, but I can see how much effort they put into working on their relationship and pushing themselves out of their comfort zones. That’s probably why I didn't stay frustrated for too long.
It's interesting how they might run away from certain things, but it feels like there's this invisible string that seems to pull them together to tackle their problems head-on instead. I really appreciate it when they're honest, even if it can be a bit uncomfortable.
So, it's overall alright, but there are definitely a lot of things that didn't sit well with me. But like I said, I liked it for the most part. 😄
Usually, these things would've turned me off from a book. But I just can't help but think the MCs are just frustratingly adorable dummies who have it so bad for each other but can't seem to get it together because of their own problems.
It was definitely aggravating at times, but I can see how much effort they put into working on their relationship and pushing themselves out of their comfort zones. That’s probably why I didn't stay frustrated for too long.
It's interesting how they might run away from certain things, but it feels like there's this invisible string that seems to pull them together to tackle their problems head-on instead. I really appreciate it when they're honest, even if it can be a bit uncomfortable.
So, it's overall alright, but there are definitely a lot of things that didn't sit well with me. But like I said, I liked it for the most part. 😄
October 12, 2018
Not so great as the first in the series but an entertaining read notheless.
November 13, 2019
Probably my least favorite of the three, but still a good marriage of convenience/friends to lovers type contemporary-- not sure why this one was so much longer than the other 2?
August 24, 2018
Not as good as the first one. The female MC, Sam Greyson, was annoying. For all of her supposed smarts, she was dumb, insecure and irritating. Would have been better if there was a dual POV as well. Not the best or the worst read.
August 13, 2018
Another great read in the Trophy Husband series. I liked the premise and both main characters in this story.
We meet Sam who is one of the three sisters whose Granddad aka Pop who is a real piece of work wanting his girls to marry. Sam is the brain of the sisters, 3 masters degrees and still in school studying pointlessly. When she runs into her high school crush Hunter Ness, newly released from jail and needs a home and a job to stay out of jail, Sam sees this as a good thing. She needs a man she can practice being a wife to. Hunter meets that need. So Hunter moves in with Sam and gets a job working with Melissa. Hunter is an extremely bright and talented with numbers, his job is a little beneath him, but he likes the job and is grateful. Sam lives in this storybook world, seriously. It was a little annoying at times, but I understood (maybe) where she came from with it, having no point of reference for most of these things in her life. She tended to overthink and overanalyze and it often presented some big problems for her with Hunter. Thankfully Hunter was a patient man and trying to deal with his own things. It was great to watch these two grow into a relationship with each other, not without a few misunderstandings, (Sam overthinking things) Never saw anyone keep a lockdown on her feelings the way this one did. I really love the three sisters and how they support each other but are blatantly honest also. It's Chelsea that calls Sam out on her problem. Hunter is such a great guy you can't help but love him. We get some backstory, just enough to understand what happened in his past, he's such a sweetheart and if you ask me and you didn't, far to patient with Sam. Even when he barks at her now and then. He's bossy in a cute way. Someone has to pull this girl out of her world.
Hunter does that. Man, I love that guy.
This is another great read from Noelle and I can't wait for Chelsea up next!!
4.5 stars.
*arc from NetGalley and publisher for an honest review*
We meet Sam who is one of the three sisters whose Granddad aka Pop who is a real piece of work wanting his girls to marry. Sam is the brain of the sisters, 3 masters degrees and still in school studying pointlessly. When she runs into her high school crush Hunter Ness, newly released from jail and needs a home and a job to stay out of jail, Sam sees this as a good thing. She needs a man she can practice being a wife to. Hunter meets that need. So Hunter moves in with Sam and gets a job working with Melissa. Hunter is an extremely bright and talented with numbers, his job is a little beneath him, but he likes the job and is grateful. Sam lives in this storybook world, seriously. It was a little annoying at times, but I understood (maybe) where she came from with it, having no point of reference for most of these things in her life. She tended to overthink and overanalyze and it often presented some big problems for her with Hunter. Thankfully Hunter was a patient man and trying to deal with his own things. It was great to watch these two grow into a relationship with each other, not without a few misunderstandings, (Sam overthinking things) Never saw anyone keep a lockdown on her feelings the way this one did. I really love the three sisters and how they support each other but are blatantly honest also. It's Chelsea that calls Sam out on her problem. Hunter is such a great guy you can't help but love him. We get some backstory, just enough to understand what happened in his past, he's such a sweetheart and if you ask me and you didn't, far to patient with Sam. Even when he barks at her now and then. He's bossy in a cute way. Someone has to pull this girl out of her world.
Hunter does that. Man, I love that guy.
This is another great read from Noelle and I can't wait for Chelsea up next!!
4.5 stars.
*arc from NetGalley and publisher for an honest review*
September 6, 2018
Practice Husband by Noelle Adams is a really enjoyable friends to lovers/marriage of convenience romance, and one of my favorite books by Noelle Adams! Hunter and Sam have been friends since high school and while Sam harbored deeper feelings, she was 'friend-zoned' by Hunter (though secretly he wasn't immune to their attraction). Hunter ended up with a bad crowd and went to jail for his involvement in a car theft ring during which time Sam stayed in touch with letters.
Sometimes writing is just as intimate (or even more so) than face to face conversations and Hunter was paying attention to things Sam was saying. Now, he's out of jail and looking for a job and a place to live after his plans with a friend fell through. Sam has her own issues, with a controlling grandfather pushing her to marry, and unwilling to give Hunter a job since he isn't family. Sam 'proposes' a solution - a temporary marriage to give Hunter a job, and have her grandfather off her back. It will give her a chance to see what marriage is like with a 'practice husband', without the pressure and stress of a real marriage. They know their friendship is strong and living together in a marriage of convenience should be no big deal. But Hunter also wants to help Sam with one of her deepest desires - to experience good sex. With nothing off the table, will they find their marriage to be real after all?
Sexy and emotional, this story has two really likable (though flawed) characters coming to terms with how they've changed since being teenagers, yet who've maintained a friendship strong enough to make a temporary marriage into something long lasting. Sam has some self esteem issues and Hunter is encouraging and pushes her to see herself as he sees her - as a strong and confident woman, one who is sexually desirable and a worthy partner. Hunter fully admits the mistakes he's made and is determined to keep a low profile at his new job while showing he's competent and worthy of a second chance.
It's a bit of a slow burn as they make the transition from friends to lovers, and then discover that those hidden teenage feelings have not faded. While the trope is familiar, Noelle Adams treats it with her own special touch to make a believable, heartwarming and sexy romance. Marriage of convenience is a fun trope to work with and I'm looking forward to the next in the Trophy Husbands series!
This review also appears at Harlequin Junkie: http://harlequinjunkie.com/review-pra...
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the author for review.
Sometimes writing is just as intimate (or even more so) than face to face conversations and Hunter was paying attention to things Sam was saying. Now, he's out of jail and looking for a job and a place to live after his plans with a friend fell through. Sam has her own issues, with a controlling grandfather pushing her to marry, and unwilling to give Hunter a job since he isn't family. Sam 'proposes' a solution - a temporary marriage to give Hunter a job, and have her grandfather off her back. It will give her a chance to see what marriage is like with a 'practice husband', without the pressure and stress of a real marriage. They know their friendship is strong and living together in a marriage of convenience should be no big deal. But Hunter also wants to help Sam with one of her deepest desires - to experience good sex. With nothing off the table, will they find their marriage to be real after all?
Sexy and emotional, this story has two really likable (though flawed) characters coming to terms with how they've changed since being teenagers, yet who've maintained a friendship strong enough to make a temporary marriage into something long lasting. Sam has some self esteem issues and Hunter is encouraging and pushes her to see herself as he sees her - as a strong and confident woman, one who is sexually desirable and a worthy partner. Hunter fully admits the mistakes he's made and is determined to keep a low profile at his new job while showing he's competent and worthy of a second chance.
It's a bit of a slow burn as they make the transition from friends to lovers, and then discover that those hidden teenage feelings have not faded. While the trope is familiar, Noelle Adams treats it with her own special touch to make a believable, heartwarming and sexy romance. Marriage of convenience is a fun trope to work with and I'm looking forward to the next in the Trophy Husbands series!
This review also appears at Harlequin Junkie: http://harlequinjunkie.com/review-pra...
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the author for review.
October 2, 2020
Oh no! My first Noelle Adams book that I did not enjoy :(
Actually I only made it thru the first few chapters and then quickly realised that I did not care for the two main characters at all, so I stopped. (Normally I devour Noelle Adams's books)
The hero was an ex-con just fresh out of the slammer, looking for a place to stay and job. Heroine is his former high school friend/tutor so he could stay on the sports team. Marriage of convenience for his sake to get back into society, a job, etc. Heroine took the gamble on the marriage to start experiencing life, to be adventurous and get out of her comfort zone.
Right away, the hero struck me as a beta, not your typical ex-con. (other readers report him being a complete asshole though, so that must have happened later in the story after I quit.) As for the heroine, she was constantly moaning and groaning about being a fuddy duddy that was safely making it thru life and never trying something adventurous. Well, anytime the hero tried to get her to do something adventurous and fun, she would get snippy, back out of it, complain it's too scary. Blah blah.
Not my fav type of characters.
Actually I only made it thru the first few chapters and then quickly realised that I did not care for the two main characters at all, so I stopped. (Normally I devour Noelle Adams's books)
The hero was an ex-con just fresh out of the slammer, looking for a place to stay and job. Heroine is his former high school friend/tutor so he could stay on the sports team. Marriage of convenience for his sake to get back into society, a job, etc. Heroine took the gamble on the marriage to start experiencing life, to be adventurous and get out of her comfort zone.
Right away, the hero struck me as a beta, not your typical ex-con. (other readers report him being a complete asshole though, so that must have happened later in the story after I quit.) As for the heroine, she was constantly moaning and groaning about being a fuddy duddy that was safely making it thru life and never trying something adventurous. Well, anytime the hero tried to get her to do something adventurous and fun, she would get snippy, back out of it, complain it's too scary. Blah blah.
Not my fav type of characters.
August 21, 2018
Practice Husband is the second book in the Trophy Husbands Series and it has the same recipe as the first book. I happened to like it, so I also liked this one and I wasn't bothered by the similarities, which extend beyond the fake husband trope. I found myself liking Sam a lot and I thought of her as one of us, so you can say that I could relate to her. Hunter was a good man and he was battling his demons and insecurities, which made him act like a douche sometimes. Both of them are likable and I liked their relationship. I loved the angsty parts towards the end of the book, how Hunter declared his love for her and misunderstanding they had. Overall, the book was good and it was as good as the first and dare I say, even better because for once the characters were trying to be financially independent and they were struggling with it. I liked that they decided not to depend on anyone else's money. We didn't see much of the third sister and to me, she is a mystery so I can't wait for her book. I want to see what kind of person she truly is.
August 22, 2018
Another good book from Noelle Adam's 'Trophy Husbands' series. I am enjoying this series but felt there was a little something missing in this story. I preferred book #1 of this series. For me, I didn't see the love from this hero like I did in the first book. I questioned most of the way through if he really cared for her or she was just a secure port in the storm.
In the scheme of things it was still a good story that could be read as a stand-alone.
In the scheme of things it was still a good story that could be read as a stand-alone.
Read
November 30, 2024I am not connecting with these characters at all.
August 24, 2018
I don't know if I was just feeling emotional but I teared up reading this. I really needed this book.
March 19, 2024
4.5🌟!
-friends to marriage of convenience.
-opposite attract.
-good girl x bad boy.
-pining, medium angst.
-safe, KU and recommended.
-friends to marriage of convenience.
-opposite attract.
-good girl x bad boy.
-pining, medium angst.
-safe, KU and recommended.
January 1, 2019
Sam has always been the good girl. She never ruffles feathers and always does what she thinks is expected of her. Her grandfather is pressuring her and her sisters into marriage. Having a harder time pushing him back, she decides to take matters into her own hands by offering a school friend in need of help a proposition.
Hunter has recently been released from prison. Having Sam as a friend is very important. She offers him a place to live and job if he marries her for a year. She just wants Pop off her back for awhile, but Hunter has a couple of conditions himself. Sam has to live life and take a few chances. Always being so proper, he wants her to just let go. He definitely has his work cut out for him, because Sam is settled in her ways.
Oh I felt for Sam! So caught up in doing the right thing, she doesn't know what SHE wants! I really enjoyed Hunter opening her up to new experiences. I felt he could have been a stronger hero, but he was right for Sam in the end.
Noelle Adams is the queen of contract marriage troupes and this one is a solid read! The characters are real and likeable. Their faults are easily common to anyone. I loved seeing their ups and downs and figuring a way to live their lives together the way THEY wanted.
I also love Sam's sisters! They have their own stories and it is good to see where they are during this book! Definitely looking forward to the next book in this series!
I voluntarily reviewed this book that was gifted by NetGalley. The rating and review are solely my opinions.
Hunter has recently been released from prison. Having Sam as a friend is very important. She offers him a place to live and job if he marries her for a year. She just wants Pop off her back for awhile, but Hunter has a couple of conditions himself. Sam has to live life and take a few chances. Always being so proper, he wants her to just let go. He definitely has his work cut out for him, because Sam is settled in her ways.
Oh I felt for Sam! So caught up in doing the right thing, she doesn't know what SHE wants! I really enjoyed Hunter opening her up to new experiences. I felt he could have been a stronger hero, but he was right for Sam in the end.
Noelle Adams is the queen of contract marriage troupes and this one is a solid read! The characters are real and likeable. Their faults are easily common to anyone. I loved seeing their ups and downs and figuring a way to live their lives together the way THEY wanted.
I also love Sam's sisters! They have their own stories and it is good to see where they are during this book! Definitely looking forward to the next book in this series!
I voluntarily reviewed this book that was gifted by NetGalley. The rating and review are solely my opinions.
August 19, 2018
It's tough to move away from the past when every step finds you within the same place. Hunter and Sam had a destiny. They were meant to be together, but life kept getting in the way. Practice Husband is a chance to start over for two people who never seemed to get it right. Hunter is so much more than his sordid past and with a helping hand from a valued friend, he has a chance to move away from the chains of prison and into the light of the real world. Sam is a bit naive, but her beautiful heart is a treasure just waiting to shine it's value. What began in heartache became an inspiring tale of hope and salvation.
April 24, 2021
it’s the same setting with the first book but guess who keeps eating this shit up :P where part-time husband is more of enemies-to-lovers trope, this one is a mix of bffs-to-lovers and teenage-crush tropes.
hunter is so hawt btw 🥵 i like sam less than melissa, though. it’s pitiful sometimes when she keeps stressing the point that hUnTeR WiLL nEVeR fEeL tHe SAmE wAy aBoUt Me hE dOEsn’T LoVE mE tHaT wAy gurl i read your interaction in chapter one and i already KNOW 💆🏻♀️💆🏻♀️💆🏻♀️
and while all the book references at the start of each chapter is nice and unique, i couldn’t relate much ‘cause i never read most of them? hmm.
hunter is so hawt btw 🥵 i like sam less than melissa, though. it’s pitiful sometimes when she keeps stressing the point that hUnTeR WiLL nEVeR fEeL tHe SAmE wAy aBoUt Me hE dOEsn’T LoVE mE tHaT wAy gurl i read your interaction in chapter one and i already KNOW 💆🏻♀️💆🏻♀️💆🏻♀️
and while all the book references at the start of each chapter is nice and unique, i couldn’t relate much ‘cause i never read most of them? hmm.
April 10, 2022
This was ok. It didn't really do anything for me.
+ I liked the little bits of literary references that Sam would think of to relate to her situation, since she was a bookish character
+ There was a sweet payoff at the end.
- I couldn't get into Hunter. He was a big, bearded, gruff character. One who did some stuff and got separated from his family (some more info and resolution there would have been nice). He was a nice guy under the gruffness. That's all I got out of him. Just also didn't find him a sexy character at all.
- I didn't like how her getting a tattoo was some great big thing that he was pressuring her to do when she wasn't certain. What.
+ I liked the little bits of literary references that Sam would think of to relate to her situation, since she was a bookish character
+ There was a sweet payoff at the end.
- I couldn't get into Hunter. He was a big, bearded, gruff character. One who did some stuff and got separated from his family (some more info and resolution there would have been nice). He was a nice guy under the gruffness. That's all I got out of him. Just also didn't find him a sexy character at all.
- I didn't like how her getting a tattoo was some great big thing that he was pressuring her to do when she wasn't certain. What.
March 14, 2024
I really enjoyed this well written, friends to lovers, fake marriage romance. Ms Adams always nails it when she writes purely from one character's perspective - in this case, the heroine's. As a reader, we get to know pretty much exactly how the hero thinks and feels by his actions, facial expressions etc, without getting into his head. I loved their chemistry and the reality of the situations and their romance. 😍
August 27, 2018
Konfliknya si cuma tingkan kepercayaan diri masing-masing aja si yg rendah, selebihnya si bisa dibilang ude saling suka dari lamaaaa banget..
tp masih make sense sih knp mereka berdua punya kepercayaan yg sangat rendah ke orang lain dan tingkat ke PD-an jg rendah XD
tp masih make sense sih knp mereka berdua punya kepercayaan yg sangat rendah ke orang lain dan tingkat ke PD-an jg rendah XD
April 5, 2021
I love it. I love that Hunter was both strong and vulnerable. He opened up to Sam in his own way while still holding back. Sam could get a little annoying with her lack of self-confidence. She kept reminding the reader that “she’s smart”. But I also love how the two characters needed each other and leaned on each other for support.
October 26, 2023
Good enough. Don't have much to say about this one.
August 11, 2018
Hunter and Sam have been friends since high school. When he's released from prison and needs a place to stay and a job and she needs something that will push her outside her comfort zone, they decide to get married. Just for a year.
This book had heat and humor. There was nothing fake about Hunter and Sam's marriage and watching them figure it out was so entertaining. I finished this book in one sitting. I missed the first book in this series but I'm definitely adding it to my TBR.
*This is my voluntary review of an advanced reader copy*
This book had heat and humor. There was nothing fake about Hunter and Sam's marriage and watching them figure it out was so entertaining. I finished this book in one sitting. I missed the first book in this series but I'm definitely adding it to my TBR.
*This is my voluntary review of an advanced reader copy*
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