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Smart Cupid #2
Unexpectedly His
A match made in Manhattan...
By-the-book Marianne McBride wants to prove she's more than a computer geek in a pair of horn-rimmed glasses. But how did she end up hiding in a cake, waiting to sing "Happy Birthday" to Nick Wright, a sexy and arrogant serial-dater? Not exactly part of her plan. Especially when she finds herself kissing the birthday boy, and then running like hell...
Nick falls for no woman. No strings, no commitments, and no relationships. Not even with the sweetly curvaceous bombshell from his birthday. But then he's hit by a bombshell of his own. He needs to find the perfect faux fiancée, or kiss his key to the executive washroom goodbye. Fortunately, his matchmaker sister has the perfect girl in mind.
Now Nick and Marianne have to pretend they're in love for six weeks. No dating. No sex.
And definitely no acting on the wickedly-hot chemistry that could ruin everything...
198 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 17, 2015
186 people are currently reading
612 people want to read
About the author
Maggie Kelley
10 books79 followersAfter ten years of survival, aka working, in Hollywood, this former actress and current author of sexy contemporary romance is living happily-ever-after in Pittsburgh with her longtime sweetie and their two punky kids. When not carpooling to birthday parties or testing her gourmet cooking skills by throwing a frozen pizza into the oven, Maggie daydreams about sneaking off to the Vegas or Napa, or even just the movies. A love of red wine, Italian food, and music round out her list of life's greatest joys. Oh, and Tuesday night karaoke, totally underrated fun.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
March 29, 2021
3.5 It Was Pretend and Then Not Stars
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
What Fun! A geeky, nerdy professional Gal and the hot, on the fast-track for partner Guy. Both need a pretend partner; she to throw off an ex-fiance, the other to make that partner position at his firm.
What to do???
Why become pretend fiances, of course... But there was more than this. There was the discovery of caring about someone... and the releasing of a sexual being who captured his heart... so the journey was enjoyable and rewarding. A quick read which touched on letting yourself feel everything... and risking enough to fall in love.
Breaking the Bachelor (Smart Cupid, #1)
Unexpectedly His (Smart Cupid, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
One Little Kiss (Smart Cupid, #3)
A gifted copy was provided by Entangled Publishing, LLC via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
What Fun! A geeky, nerdy professional Gal and the hot, on the fast-track for partner Guy. Both need a pretend partner; she to throw off an ex-fiance, the other to make that partner position at his firm.
What to do???
Why become pretend fiances, of course... But there was more than this. There was the discovery of caring about someone... and the releasing of a sexual being who captured his heart... so the journey was enjoyable and rewarding. A quick read which touched on letting yourself feel everything... and risking enough to fall in love.
Breaking the Bachelor (Smart Cupid, #1) Unexpectedly His (Smart Cupid, #2)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
One Little Kiss (Smart Cupid, #3)A gifted copy was provided by Entangled Publishing, LLC via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
September 16, 2015
This book was a mostly enjoyable read. The H was the typical manwhore- no overnights, new woman every other week, etc. the h was the typical curvy, insecure, only had bad sex with one cheater boyfriend. So from the start I lowered my expectations and then I was able to enjoy what happened. They enter into a fake engagement at the start of the book and then we see them fall in love. They are sweet together and I did believe they loved each other. The author also did a good job making me believe the h was different from the many, many, many OW the H had been with. Even with all the typical cliches this could have been a 4 star if the writer had mentioned the H's manwhore ways fewer times. The h thought about his reputation, his job was in jeopardy because of his reputation, and I lost track of how many times he thought about how he had a new OW every other week. I got the point the first time and didn't need to keep hearing it especially when they are developing feelings and we are more than 50% thru the book. I understand he was a whore, please stop reminding me because I am trying to see him as a boyfriend. safety gang safe
August 10, 2015
I really enjoyed this sweet and sexy romance. Nick and Marianne are opposites. Marianne is kind of geeky and shy. Nick is a playboy who doesn't do relationships. When Nick needs a fake fiance for a promotion at work, his sister suggests Marianne. I really liked the chemistry between these two and the sexy scenes were really steamy. The story is predictable but this is the perfect book if you are looking for a light and sexy romance.
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
August 7, 2015
Unexpectedly His was a middle of the road novel for me. I genuinely enjoyed it and it did have it's funny moments. I would certainly recommend it to others if they wanted something to curl up with and escape for a few hours. The writing is well done and the book can be read as a stand alone novel.
I particularly enjoyed Marianne with her horn-rimmed glasses and geeky attitude, the woman basically just needed a shot of self confidence. She seems pretty down on herself at first, but then she channels her inner Marilyn and tends to find her courage. She's always been aware of Nick, in fact, she's had a crush on him she started working for his sister.
Nick is one heck of a playboy. He goes through women like most of us go through body soap. He's never noticed Marianne beyond calling her "new girl", and he's definitely not expecting to feel attracted to her. What amused me about Nick, is that with his attitude, he though he could just go in, be okay with what was going on, and walk away. I have to laugh at that, because when he gets to actually know Marianne, she's the very last thing he expected.
While I absolutely enjoyed this book, I did have a hard time writing the review. My biggest problem with it was that after three days, I couldn't even remember what it was about. Mind you, that didn't play into my rating, I tend to rate my books on GR before I ever write the review. That was a problem, however, it clicked quickly back into place once I read the book synopsis, which does a spot-on job of covering the books contents.
All in all, it's a solid three stars for me, leaning toward a 3.5 and I would recommend it! It's a big of a different spin on the woman popping out of the cake, fake fiancee trope.
I particularly enjoyed Marianne with her horn-rimmed glasses and geeky attitude, the woman basically just needed a shot of self confidence. She seems pretty down on herself at first, but then she channels her inner Marilyn and tends to find her courage. She's always been aware of Nick, in fact, she's had a crush on him she started working for his sister.
Nick is one heck of a playboy. He goes through women like most of us go through body soap. He's never noticed Marianne beyond calling her "new girl", and he's definitely not expecting to feel attracted to her. What amused me about Nick, is that with his attitude, he though he could just go in, be okay with what was going on, and walk away. I have to laugh at that, because when he gets to actually know Marianne, she's the very last thing he expected.
While I absolutely enjoyed this book, I did have a hard time writing the review. My biggest problem with it was that after three days, I couldn't even remember what it was about. Mind you, that didn't play into my rating, I tend to rate my books on GR before I ever write the review. That was a problem, however, it clicked quickly back into place once I read the book synopsis, which does a spot-on job of covering the books contents.
All in all, it's a solid three stars for me, leaning toward a 3.5 and I would recommend it! It's a big of a different spin on the woman popping out of the cake, fake fiancee trope.
August 6, 2015
This was a cute little fast paced read about a nerdy girl who is looking for her inner siren and a hot lawyer playboy.
I have to say this story started off very interesting. Marianne works for a match making service with her best friend. Her best friends asks for her to jump out of a cake for her brother Nick for his birthday. Although Marianne has a crush on Nick from the first moment she met him months ago see doesn't plan to kiss him and runaway.
Now that the party is over Nick can't get the cake girl out of his mind. He is about to become partner in his firm but his boss needs him to have a commitment instead of him being such a playboy. Now looking for a fake fiancé. When he asks her sister she suggested Marianne because the fact of the matter is Marianne needs him as a date as well for a family function.
These two have great chemistry and even though they agreed on no sex the more the time starts to pass they both get past that rule. I loved how they both grew in the short time they were together and how close they actually got. Nick made some tough choices with his job just to be with Marianne which was super sweet.
Just a few things that I wish were different. I would have loved to see them go with the original plan of six weeks. I also wish the story would have been longer. It was like one minute I was starting it then it was over. I think if the author put in the extra weeks I would have felt more fulfilled at the end.
I have to say this story started off very interesting. Marianne works for a match making service with her best friend. Her best friends asks for her to jump out of a cake for her brother Nick for his birthday. Although Marianne has a crush on Nick from the first moment she met him months ago see doesn't plan to kiss him and runaway.
Now that the party is over Nick can't get the cake girl out of his mind. He is about to become partner in his firm but his boss needs him to have a commitment instead of him being such a playboy. Now looking for a fake fiancé. When he asks her sister she suggested Marianne because the fact of the matter is Marianne needs him as a date as well for a family function.
These two have great chemistry and even though they agreed on no sex the more the time starts to pass they both get past that rule. I loved how they both grew in the short time they were together and how close they actually got. Nick made some tough choices with his job just to be with Marianne which was super sweet.
Just a few things that I wish were different. I would have loved to see them go with the original plan of six weeks. I also wish the story would have been longer. It was like one minute I was starting it then it was over. I think if the author put in the extra weeks I would have felt more fulfilled at the end.
December 3, 2018
ARC
Unexpectedly His begins when Marianne McBride wants to shake up her world a little bit. She is tired of being the good girl. So, when her friend and boss asks her to jump out of a cake for her boss's brothers birthday and the man Marianne has been crushing on for a long time she takes this opportunity to let her little vixen out. But it goes down a little differently then she pictured. Now, Nick needs her for something more, and she must play along in order to get back at her ex and show everyone she isn't at all like they thought she was. However, she didn't plan on falling for Nick along the way. And she knows that he may never feel the same way she does..
This book was very good! I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved the whole plot line from start to finish. It was really fun and excited. And of course extremely humorous as well.
Then the characters were just as great! Marianne was a buttoned up good girl, with an extremely daring side that needed to be let out. And Nick was just the perfect man for her. I loved the way Nick's views on everything changed and how we got to see it from his point of view at times as well.
Then the epilogue was just awesome too! I really liked this book! It had me laughing, and entertained the entire time I read it. I look forward to more from this author!
Unexpectedly His begins when Marianne McBride wants to shake up her world a little bit. She is tired of being the good girl. So, when her friend and boss asks her to jump out of a cake for her boss's brothers birthday and the man Marianne has been crushing on for a long time she takes this opportunity to let her little vixen out. But it goes down a little differently then she pictured. Now, Nick needs her for something more, and she must play along in order to get back at her ex and show everyone she isn't at all like they thought she was. However, she didn't plan on falling for Nick along the way. And she knows that he may never feel the same way she does..
This book was very good! I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved the whole plot line from start to finish. It was really fun and excited. And of course extremely humorous as well.
Then the characters were just as great! Marianne was a buttoned up good girl, with an extremely daring side that needed to be let out. And Nick was just the perfect man for her. I loved the way Nick's views on everything changed and how we got to see it from his point of view at times as well.
Then the epilogue was just awesome too! I really liked this book! It had me laughing, and entertained the entire time I read it. I look forward to more from this author!
September 11, 2015
Lovestruck never disappoints when I need a sexy/fluffy/funny book. If you love the fake dating/engagement trope, this is a book for you. Plus it has some pretty sexy scenes (aka there's roof sex *wink wink*)
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I really really liked this book. Maggie Kelley enchanted me with the story and the characters. Marianne and Nick were so fun to read! They were funny and adorable together and had voices for themselves. One minute I was filled with joy for the two of them, next I was crying. I loved Marianne; she wants to get out of her skin for a while and I totally get that. Sometimes people need to let out their inner selves. I also really liked Nick and how Marianne tore down his walls and layers.
I'm so into the fake dating trope, just give me ten thousand books of this I wouldn't mind AT ALL. Maggie Kelley did a fantastic job making me fall in love with this relationships and story.
Ps. The level of hotness is off the charts! I loooved.
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I really really liked this book. Maggie Kelley enchanted me with the story and the characters. Marianne and Nick were so fun to read! They were funny and adorable together and had voices for themselves. One minute I was filled with joy for the two of them, next I was crying. I loved Marianne; she wants to get out of her skin for a while and I totally get that. Sometimes people need to let out their inner selves. I also really liked Nick and how Marianne tore down his walls and layers.
I'm so into the fake dating trope, just give me ten thousand books of this I wouldn't mind AT ALL. Maggie Kelley did a fantastic job making me fall in love with this relationships and story.
Ps. The level of hotness is off the charts! I loooved.
August 17, 2015
What's a charming, commitment-phobic investment lawyer on the fast track to a partnership to do when his playboy reputation is the only thing standing between him and a coveted promotion? Find himself a fake fiancée! And it helps when his sister is the perfect Cupid with just the perfect woman to fit the bill - a buttoned-up computer geek on a quest to find her inner vixen and in need of a date to a family event. A little bit of quid pro quo!
Nick Wright and Marianne McBride are very different in every way that counts. While Nick is the fun-loving ladies' man, cutting an impressive swath through the females in the Big Apple, Marianne is the girl who always obeyed all the rules and her inner bad girl is looking to break out. Her crush on Nick is her best-kept secret. Or so she thinks. Until she finds herself agreeing to a temporary six-week engagement at the urging of her boss, a professional matchmaker and Nick's sister.
The relationship/marriage of convenience trope is a favorite of mine and UNEXPECTEDLY HIS checks off all the right boxes for me. Nick and Marianne had such great chemistry that their no-sex in the relationship clause was a non-starter. I absolutely love it when the shy, sweet woman blossoms and unleashes her inner vamp under the attention of the attractive, experienced guy. I loved that Nick was all in as soon as he realized he was in love with Marianne and did not spend time fighting his feelings.
UNEXPECTEDLY HIS is sweet, sexy and funny, with great characters and a very enjoyable story and I enjoy Ms. Kelley's writing style.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
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Nick Wright and Marianne McBride are very different in every way that counts. While Nick is the fun-loving ladies' man, cutting an impressive swath through the females in the Big Apple, Marianne is the girl who always obeyed all the rules and her inner bad girl is looking to break out. Her crush on Nick is her best-kept secret. Or so she thinks. Until she finds herself agreeing to a temporary six-week engagement at the urging of her boss, a professional matchmaker and Nick's sister.
The relationship/marriage of convenience trope is a favorite of mine and UNEXPECTEDLY HIS checks off all the right boxes for me. Nick and Marianne had such great chemistry that their no-sex in the relationship clause was a non-starter. I absolutely love it when the shy, sweet woman blossoms and unleashes her inner vamp under the attention of the attractive, experienced guy. I loved that Nick was all in as soon as he realized he was in love with Marianne and did not spend time fighting his feelings.
UNEXPECTEDLY HIS is sweet, sexy and funny, with great characters and a very enjoyable story and I enjoy Ms. Kelley's writing style.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Want more? Subscribe to my Newsletter on The Sassy Bookster.
Follow me on Twitter | Tumblr | Bloglovin’.
Like my page on Facebook.
August 28, 2015
Reviewed by Kim
Simply put...I loved Unexpectedly His. Marianne McBride is a nerdy geek girl who is so into numbers, it isn’t even funny. For exactly, five months, fifteen days and six or seven hours she has been crushing on her best friend and boss’ brother, Nick Wright. But Nick is the love them and leave them, no back to back dates kind of guy.
When Nick is told he’s a shoo-in for partnership at his firm, he’s also told that his bachelor ways may keep him from having his dream job. In a panic, he admits to having a fiancée. Desperate to find someone to fill the bill, he calls his sister who just so happens to be one of the top matchmakers in Manhattan. Jane comes through immediately with Nick’s perfect match, her assistant, Marianne or new girl as Nick likes to call her.
Being in a bind of her own for a date to a family event, Marianne agrees, as long as he will play the role of her boyfriend with her family. Nick and Marianne agree to a six week fake engagement that includes living together, not seeing other people, and absolutely no sex.
Things change when Nick and Marianne are forced to kiss each other and he realizes she’s the woman who jumped out of his birthday cake and kissed him. The same woman he hasn’t been able to stop thinking about.
Unexpectedly His was one of those feel good stories. You have the Marilyn Monroe loving, computer nerd girl getting the hot sexy bachelor. Over the course of the book, Marianne and Nick became friends who cared about each other to lovers with Nick letting Marianne see parts of himself he doesn’t show people.
I will admit to thinking the book was going to be predictable but I was pleasantly surprised by a little twist. Maggie Kelley has written extremely likeable characters that allow you to become invested in their story and their journey to a happily ever after. Unexpectedly His is the second book in the Smart Cupid series but is totally a standalone read. There wasn’t anything about this book I didn’t like.
**Received a copy from Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest unbiased opinion.**
Simply put...I loved Unexpectedly His. Marianne McBride is a nerdy geek girl who is so into numbers, it isn’t even funny. For exactly, five months, fifteen days and six or seven hours she has been crushing on her best friend and boss’ brother, Nick Wright. But Nick is the love them and leave them, no back to back dates kind of guy.
When Nick is told he’s a shoo-in for partnership at his firm, he’s also told that his bachelor ways may keep him from having his dream job. In a panic, he admits to having a fiancée. Desperate to find someone to fill the bill, he calls his sister who just so happens to be one of the top matchmakers in Manhattan. Jane comes through immediately with Nick’s perfect match, her assistant, Marianne or new girl as Nick likes to call her.
Being in a bind of her own for a date to a family event, Marianne agrees, as long as he will play the role of her boyfriend with her family. Nick and Marianne agree to a six week fake engagement that includes living together, not seeing other people, and absolutely no sex.
Things change when Nick and Marianne are forced to kiss each other and he realizes she’s the woman who jumped out of his birthday cake and kissed him. The same woman he hasn’t been able to stop thinking about.
Unexpectedly His was one of those feel good stories. You have the Marilyn Monroe loving, computer nerd girl getting the hot sexy bachelor. Over the course of the book, Marianne and Nick became friends who cared about each other to lovers with Nick letting Marianne see parts of himself he doesn’t show people.
I will admit to thinking the book was going to be predictable but I was pleasantly surprised by a little twist. Maggie Kelley has written extremely likeable characters that allow you to become invested in their story and their journey to a happily ever after. Unexpectedly His is the second book in the Smart Cupid series but is totally a standalone read. There wasn’t anything about this book I didn’t like.
**Received a copy from Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest unbiased opinion.**
August 18, 2015
***A gifted copy was provided by the publisher for my honest review***
Unexpectedly His starts when Marianne McBride decides she wants to change her world because her life is boring and she wants to change her life. Mari thinks people see her as a good girl and she just wants to be a bit of a bad girl. She thinks of Marilyn Monroe whenever she wants to be bad so when her boss wants her to do her a favor and jump out of a birthday cake for her brother Nick. Marianne has always had a huge crush on Nick so when her boss asked her to do this, she was totally willing but very nervous. Then she immediately thought of Marilyn and went thru this semi make-over to because this new Mari to impress Nick when she popped out of the cake. So the moment comes and when she pops out of the cake, she sings Happy Birthday and BOOM she kisses Nick on the mouth. Mari secretly cant believe she did this but it felt good.
Nick Wright has never really noticed Marianne McBride before but now, WOW, he does. He goes thru women like crazy ,yes, but hey he is a guy. Now in order to make partner he has to settle down. Into his life comes Mari and wow yes she is it. His sister introduces the two and the faux fiancée works for him but they cannot have sex or even kiss but that doesn’t happen. They have crazy chemistry that sets them both on fire. Nick thought with everything that when the 6 weeks was up he would walk away and they both would be ok. Unfortunately that wasn’t going to be the case. Mari has crazy good feelings for him. She also has a problem-her ex boyfriend is aware of what’s going on and is threatening to turn this into the big boss of Nick’s unless she walks away. The twists and turns in the final pages of the story is wonderful and the epilogue makes this story wonderful. I highly recommend this story because it is so sweet and romantic. I like how the author finishes up this great story.
My rating: 4.5 stars ****
Unexpectedly His starts when Marianne McBride decides she wants to change her world because her life is boring and she wants to change her life. Mari thinks people see her as a good girl and she just wants to be a bit of a bad girl. She thinks of Marilyn Monroe whenever she wants to be bad so when her boss wants her to do her a favor and jump out of a birthday cake for her brother Nick. Marianne has always had a huge crush on Nick so when her boss asked her to do this, she was totally willing but very nervous. Then she immediately thought of Marilyn and went thru this semi make-over to because this new Mari to impress Nick when she popped out of the cake. So the moment comes and when she pops out of the cake, she sings Happy Birthday and BOOM she kisses Nick on the mouth. Mari secretly cant believe she did this but it felt good.
Nick Wright has never really noticed Marianne McBride before but now, WOW, he does. He goes thru women like crazy ,yes, but hey he is a guy. Now in order to make partner he has to settle down. Into his life comes Mari and wow yes she is it. His sister introduces the two and the faux fiancée works for him but they cannot have sex or even kiss but that doesn’t happen. They have crazy chemistry that sets them both on fire. Nick thought with everything that when the 6 weeks was up he would walk away and they both would be ok. Unfortunately that wasn’t going to be the case. Mari has crazy good feelings for him. She also has a problem-her ex boyfriend is aware of what’s going on and is threatening to turn this into the big boss of Nick’s unless she walks away. The twists and turns in the final pages of the story is wonderful and the epilogue makes this story wonderful. I highly recommend this story because it is so sweet and romantic. I like how the author finishes up this great story.
My rating: 4.5 stars ****
September 12, 2015
First off, I came to the conclusion I was Marianne right out of the gate. I can hardly see anything without my glasses (or contacts) and the interaction with her and Nick in the first scene just made me cringe and sigh at her lack of vision. I had to laugh. I knew this book would be more than just a guy and girl making a contract and falling helplessly in love.
Marianne is the girl who doesn’t get guys like Nick and even he admits that. She isn’t the typical woman he would pick up. Ever.
But that doesn’t seem to matter when Marianne just continues to be herself and Nick can’t help but see what a beautiful woman she is on the inside. This, in turn, makes him see her in a radiance he never expected and recognizes his attraction to her.
Marianne could be an inspiration to a lot of women. The women that are skimmed over in large crowds because they don’t fit the “Hot”, “She’s a 10” mold. But men fall in love with them once they know their heart. These are the women worth falling in love with.
And Marianne was worth it all to Nick. I enjoyed seeing these two change slowly and realistically throughout the book. Their banter was fun and the their ability to still be their true selves was wonderful. I applaud their attempt at not making their relationship more than a contract that was going to expire. But it is inevitable that both of their eyes are opened because of love.
Love for each other and love for themselves.
#BookReviews @ www.fictionmusings.com
Marianne is the girl who doesn’t get guys like Nick and even he admits that. She isn’t the typical woman he would pick up. Ever.
But that doesn’t seem to matter when Marianne just continues to be herself and Nick can’t help but see what a beautiful woman she is on the inside. This, in turn, makes him see her in a radiance he never expected and recognizes his attraction to her.
Marianne could be an inspiration to a lot of women. The women that are skimmed over in large crowds because they don’t fit the “Hot”, “She’s a 10” mold. But men fall in love with them once they know their heart. These are the women worth falling in love with.
And Marianne was worth it all to Nick. I enjoyed seeing these two change slowly and realistically throughout the book. Their banter was fun and the their ability to still be their true selves was wonderful. I applaud their attempt at not making their relationship more than a contract that was going to expire. But it is inevitable that both of their eyes are opened because of love.
Love for each other and love for themselves.
#BookReviews @ www.fictionmusings.com
August 4, 2015
Awesome sexy fun read that is a great spin on the fake fiancee trope. I really enjoy this author's writing style. A bit of humor, a bit of angst, and a lot of fun make this one I would definitely recommend.
Nick is a no commitments kind of guy and perfectly happy, thank you very much. When he's hit with the ultimatum of settle down if you want to make partner, Nick knows he needs to do something. And fast! Going to his sister for help may have been the craziest thing he's ever done!
Marianne has always lived life by the book. Just this once she wants to do something crazy. That's how she finds herself jumping out of a giant birthday cake and laying a solid kiss on the birthday boy! Her best friends brother may be the sexist man she's ever seen. So far out of her league, but just this once.....
Nick is a no commitments kind of guy and perfectly happy, thank you very much. When he's hit with the ultimatum of settle down if you want to make partner, Nick knows he needs to do something. And fast! Going to his sister for help may have been the craziest thing he's ever done!
Marianne has always lived life by the book. Just this once she wants to do something crazy. That's how she finds herself jumping out of a giant birthday cake and laying a solid kiss on the birthday boy! Her best friends brother may be the sexist man she's ever seen. So far out of her league, but just this once.....
July 27, 2015
Nick he likes to make sure that his woman knows that he's a negotiable guy, “well, Marianne, anytime you want to add sex to our six-week agenda, let me know.” Nick will take his woman any way he can get her, “I’ll take you as a present anytime, honey.” He pulled on the fabric and she turned, unwrapping the dress in the process." Nick is a good man he spoils his woman, “breakfast in bed, or rather, on the sectional . I didn’t know what you liked so I brought you a little bit of everything… three tea options, orange juice, yogurt, two kinds of granola, scrambled eggs, French toast and a fruit cup— and me, of course.” Another grin as he leaned in close. “But I already know you like me over easy.” I liked this book Marianne and Nick were perfect for each other.
August 6, 2015
I received this from Netgalley/ Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This is a book in what is rapidly becoming one of my all-time favorite genres books dealing with marriages of connivence. Now, this one was about an engagement of connivence but I can deal with it. This was actually a pretty good read. I think most girls can relate to Marianne in this story and that is always a plus. I enjoyed the romance and the story was actually pretty good. Not awesome but still a good read.
August 3, 2015
I found this book to be a fun little read. This was my first book by this author from entangled. I will say, that it's not "off the charts" in the sexy time category but, Nick, he was a good guy. Tried to play it off like he was a player but deep down he wasn't. Not when he meets his cake girl. Character development was ok as was the story. I gave it 4 stars and I will probably read more from this author. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 5, 2017
I received this book via NetGalley and the publisher as an ARC.
I read this series out of order. I started with book 3 because the blurb caught my eye. When i was finished I knew I wanted to read the others in the series because this was an interesting bunch of characters.
This book is about Marianne and Nick. Nick, brother to cupid, I mean Smart Cupid owner Jane Wright. He is your typical playboy with commitment issues. Those commitment issues threaten his career. What do you do but get that kind of pressure? You get engaged, even if it's for perception. But what happens when cupid's arrow strikes and you can't find the girl who gave you an unexpected spark?
Marianne is the shy numbers girl whose insecure about herself thanks to a loser ex-fiance. Jane Wright is her boss and cons her into helping out with her brother's birthday party. Stepping outside her comfort zone, Marianne is taken over by some spark and kisses Nick. But then runs in a typical cinderella style.
So when Nick and propositions her to be his fake fiance she's reluctant because she doesn't want him to find out. Yet this is just want she needs to prove her ex-fiance wrong. But will she be able to fight that spark? Or will her secrets threaten their careers?
I enjoyed this book. Marianne was just so loveable. I found myself rooting for this couple. Don't get me wrong there were times when I just wanted to scream at them. But overall I love this couple. The author, Maggie Kelley did them justice with a well written story and and slow burn build up but she brought me closure with the ending. Although after that slow burn beginning, it resolved pretty quickly. But it was still worth the read.
I read this series out of order. I started with book 3 because the blurb caught my eye. When i was finished I knew I wanted to read the others in the series because this was an interesting bunch of characters.
This book is about Marianne and Nick. Nick, brother to cupid, I mean Smart Cupid owner Jane Wright. He is your typical playboy with commitment issues. Those commitment issues threaten his career. What do you do but get that kind of pressure? You get engaged, even if it's for perception. But what happens when cupid's arrow strikes and you can't find the girl who gave you an unexpected spark?
Marianne is the shy numbers girl whose insecure about herself thanks to a loser ex-fiance. Jane Wright is her boss and cons her into helping out with her brother's birthday party. Stepping outside her comfort zone, Marianne is taken over by some spark and kisses Nick. But then runs in a typical cinderella style.
So when Nick and propositions her to be his fake fiance she's reluctant because she doesn't want him to find out. Yet this is just want she needs to prove her ex-fiance wrong. But will she be able to fight that spark? Or will her secrets threaten their careers?
I enjoyed this book. Marianne was just so loveable. I found myself rooting for this couple. Don't get me wrong there were times when I just wanted to scream at them. But overall I love this couple. The author, Maggie Kelley did them justice with a well written story and and slow burn build up but she brought me closure with the ending. Although after that slow burn beginning, it resolved pretty quickly. But it was still worth the read.
May 18, 2018
Fake relationship is one of my favorite romance tropes. I’ve read several recently that use it but completely miss what I think most people like about it: mutual pining. The trope gives you forced domesticity, people getting comfortable together, learning routines, but maintains the will-they-won’t-they angst of mutual pining. That’s all lost when the two characters decide “we are pretending to be engaged for six weeks, might as well bone the whole time!”
Where’s my only one bed in the hotel room? Where’s my smelling her shampoo bottle in their shared shower and realizing that’s the scent that’s been driving him crazy? Where’s her spilling something and wearing his tee and it wells up emotions he didn’t realize he had?
Now I know there’s a market that demands sex before the halfway point of a book and this one does some good stuff like have the hero realize her “secret identity” pretty quickly and then tell her so, but for me, I want a little more slow burn in my fake relationship. Nick was alright but Marianne kept running away and I was more frustrated than anything.
Where’s my only one bed in the hotel room? Where’s my smelling her shampoo bottle in their shared shower and realizing that’s the scent that’s been driving him crazy? Where’s her spilling something and wearing his tee and it wells up emotions he didn’t realize he had?
Now I know there’s a market that demands sex before the halfway point of a book and this one does some good stuff like have the hero realize her “secret identity” pretty quickly and then tell her so, but for me, I want a little more slow burn in my fake relationship. Nick was alright but Marianne kept running away and I was more frustrated than anything.
October 16, 2022
Romantic
Marianne has had a crush since the moment she met him. He made her speechless and took her breath away. However, she felt that she would never catch his eye because she felt she was too plain. On the night if his birthday party, she decides to mix things up. Things work out and she does catch his eye. Only thing is, he doesn't know who the "cake girl" is. When a situation occurs at his job, Nick is in need of a temporary fake fiancee. His sister sets him up with Marianne because she has her own motives. With blackmail and corruption going against them, it seems like they're doomed to fail. Love ends up being the thing that binds them together. One of the reasons why I enjoyed reading this book is because it was nice to read a book without the excessive language. It shows that a book can be steamy without all of that.
Marianne has had a crush since the moment she met him. He made her speechless and took her breath away. However, she felt that she would never catch his eye because she felt she was too plain. On the night if his birthday party, she decides to mix things up. Things work out and she does catch his eye. Only thing is, he doesn't know who the "cake girl" is. When a situation occurs at his job, Nick is in need of a temporary fake fiancee. His sister sets him up with Marianne because she has her own motives. With blackmail and corruption going against them, it seems like they're doomed to fail. Love ends up being the thing that binds them together. One of the reasons why I enjoyed reading this book is because it was nice to read a book without the excessive language. It shows that a book can be steamy without all of that.
June 1, 2017
Nice story.
This was a nice story. There was enough here to keep me coming back, but it was easy enough to put down. The romance was sweet though predictable. The story seemed to plod aong, than rush to the end. The hea was just there making it to much of a faerie tale for what I was reading. That left me a bit flat rather than fulfilling potential.
This was a nice story. There was enough here to keep me coming back, but it was easy enough to put down. The romance was sweet though predictable. The story seemed to plod aong, than rush to the end. The hea was just there making it to much of a faerie tale for what I was reading. That left me a bit flat rather than fulfilling potential.
July 17, 2017
I LOVED Marianne AND Nick!!! I was mad when Marianne left Nick because she thought she would save him like that but I mean he to and he knew what she doing and he had it figured out but she was stubborn but it worked out. As for Marianne Ex- Fiancé, Jason, I wish he got what was coming to him!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2018
Not my kind,I like fresh,romantic and mostly clean stories.New adult tends to be a bit too sexy for my liking, I feel like reading porn.Set aside that, the story was pretty darn sweet.Cliched of course, but sweet. No angst, at all.Just some very steamy scenes, that well...I aint no prude ,but I rather not read this type of lit.
August 22, 2023
COMPUTER GEEKS RULE
Mizz Natalie delighted me with this charming & sizzling read. A hero was a commit phobia & computer geekess who is awakening her inner Biden clash & dash into multiple surfaces. I lived the secondary characters that helped to build this wacky Smart Cupid world. Mizz Natalie definitely deserves my top score of 5 fingers up & 10 toes!!
Mizz Natalie delighted me with this charming & sizzling read. A hero was a commit phobia & computer geekess who is awakening her inner Biden clash & dash into multiple surfaces. I lived the secondary characters that helped to build this wacky Smart Cupid world. Mizz Natalie definitely deserves my top score of 5 fingers up & 10 toes!!
November 21, 2017
So romantically sweet almost like a cake 😘
Sweet, romantic and so very sexy. I loved this book. I ohh and aww all thru it. It was one of those that wrapped itself around your heart. I definitely need to read the others.
Sweet, romantic and so very sexy. I loved this book. I ohh and aww all thru it. It was one of those that wrapped itself around your heart. I definitely need to read the others.
June 28, 2020
Buy the series!
I just want to put that out there! You will not be sorry I'm reading this series backwards and it is just as good this as from the right way! funny, sexy and memorable.
I just want to put that out there! You will not be sorry I'm reading this series backwards and it is just as good this as from the right way! funny, sexy and memorable.
January 21, 2022
Enlightening Read!
I enjoyed reading this book. The characters are engaging and amazing the connection is undeniable throughout the pages. The storyline flowed easily throughout the pages. A must read!
I enjoyed reading this book. The characters are engaging and amazing the connection is undeniable throughout the pages. The storyline flowed easily throughout the pages. A must read!
May 29, 2017
Cute read
I loved this little read. I do recommend.
Quirky girl meets hunky man and they fall deeply in love. The End.
I loved this little read. I do recommend.
Quirky girl meets hunky man and they fall deeply in love. The End.
June 8, 2017
Eating your cake to
It all started with the cake. Cupid decided to have some fun. And putting Nick and Marianne together was the best plan ever.
It all started with the cake. Cupid decided to have some fun. And putting Nick and Marianne together was the best plan ever.
December 25, 2017
The premise is really interesting but somehow I feel it is like lust at first kiss, rather than love
December 17, 2019
excessively cute, and exactly what i need from a romance.
December 4, 2022
Cute, sexy, romantic!
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