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Save the Date #2
Marriage of Inconvenience
Lights, camera, lies.
Kerry Pickering has a problem. As a publicist for Hollywood bad boy Jericho Knox, it’s Kerry’s job to keep Jericho in the news. So far, Jericho’s partying and public escapades have made it easy. But Jericho has a secret, and when that secret is revealed in the most spectacularly disastrous way, it’s up to Kerry to spin it.
The team decides the best course of action is to make the public fall in love—with Jericho’s secret committed relationship. The one that doesn’t exist. Yet.
The team wants someone they can trust. Someone in the inner circle. That someone is Kerry. But what will happen when Kerry realizes that for him, the romance is no longer pretend? Can Jericho love him back, or is he just playing a role?
Kerry Pickering has a problem. As a publicist for Hollywood bad boy Jericho Knox, it’s Kerry’s job to keep Jericho in the news. So far, Jericho’s partying and public escapades have made it easy. But Jericho has a secret, and when that secret is revealed in the most spectacularly disastrous way, it’s up to Kerry to spin it.
The team decides the best course of action is to make the public fall in love—with Jericho’s secret committed relationship. The one that doesn’t exist. Yet.
The team wants someone they can trust. Someone in the inner circle. That someone is Kerry. But what will happen when Kerry realizes that for him, the romance is no longer pretend? Can Jericho love him back, or is he just playing a role?
214 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 15, 2016
18 people are currently reading
319 people want to read
About the author
M.J. O'Shea
86 books948 followersMJ O’Shea has never met a music festival, paintbrush, or
flower crown she can stay away from. She loves rainstorms
and a perfect cup of tea, beach days, music, bright colors, and
more than anything a cozy evening with a really great book.
She is from the Pacific Northwest. While she still lives there
and loves it, MJ has the heart of a wanderer. So she puts all
her dreams of far off places and extraordinary people in her
books.
Except for every once in a while when she does what all
travelers have to do on occasion… come home.
flower crown she can stay away from. She loves rainstorms
and a perfect cup of tea, beach days, music, bright colors, and
more than anything a cozy evening with a really great book.
She is from the Pacific Northwest. While she still lives there
and loves it, MJ has the heart of a wanderer. So she puts all
her dreams of far off places and extraordinary people in her
books.
Except for every once in a while when she does what all
travelers have to do on occasion… come home.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
August 23, 2016
3.75 Hearts
I know this series is the literary equivalent of binge watching ALL THE chic flicks but they work for me. Who doesn't like a little escapist sugar fluff every now and again?
I'll wear my Dreamspun cotton candy tiara AND eat my cake while happily wallowing in all the squishy feels. Thank you very much.
This is yet another fake boyfriend turns into real boyfriend after a faux pas in a bathroom stall that threatens to tank Jericho Knox's fledgling movie star career. I know you are basically required to relinquish reality when it comes to this series and I eventually did, but the whole paparazzi not pursuing Kerry's identity like the rabid pack of dogs they are was a challenge. Just add a little alcohol to that cotton candy and press on. #protip
Kerry Pickering just a regular guy struggling to hang on to the bottom rung at his PR firm, relegated to tweeting banal updates for B-list celebs. He gets a bit of a break when the boss asks him to come up with a list of willing and wholesome arm candy for Jericho so he can improve his bad boy image and secure his role on a big name prime time show. Then gets an even bigger break when Jericho gets caught in flagrante delicto. At the gay club. Oops.
*cue gasps*
Jericho isn't really closeted, but Kerry is flabbergasted. Most in the celeb crowd know he's been trying to come out and stop with all this fake girlfriend business for quite some time. But this outing happened at an inopportune time and the show is threatening to dump him. Kerry actually comes up with the plan of making the faceless guy in the photo his longtime fiancé and spinning a privacy violation.
Great plan is great! Until Kerry's boss and all the others notice the resemblance and "volunteer" (read: strong arm) Kerry. I stuffed my face with this Dreamspun gold! I'm not even going to lie. Neither one is crazy about the situation for their own reasons, but the attraction is too fierce for either of them to deny.
Both of their families are adorable and contribute to the plot. Everyone can tell that they've moved beyond fake to real and their progression from one to the other was steady and believable.
The conflict was a bit flimsy in my opinion and I would've liked more groveling from Jericho. A lot more. Dick move, bro. Dick move.
But the ending was sweet if a little abrupt and the sex was hot so I'm not complaining too much.
Recommend to fans of this series. You know who you are.
An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
I know this series is the literary equivalent of binge watching ALL THE chic flicks but they work for me. Who doesn't like a little escapist sugar fluff every now and again?
I'll wear my Dreamspun cotton candy tiara AND eat my cake while happily wallowing in all the squishy feels. Thank you very much.
This is yet another fake boyfriend turns into real boyfriend after a faux pas in a bathroom stall that threatens to tank Jericho Knox's fledgling movie star career. I know you are basically required to relinquish reality when it comes to this series and I eventually did, but the whole paparazzi not pursuing Kerry's identity like the rabid pack of dogs they are was a challenge. Just add a little alcohol to that cotton candy and press on. #protip
Kerry Pickering just a regular guy struggling to hang on to the bottom rung at his PR firm, relegated to tweeting banal updates for B-list celebs. He gets a bit of a break when the boss asks him to come up with a list of willing and wholesome arm candy for Jericho so he can improve his bad boy image and secure his role on a big name prime time show. Then gets an even bigger break when Jericho gets caught in flagrante delicto. At the gay club. Oops.
*cue gasps*
Jericho isn't really closeted, but Kerry is flabbergasted. Most in the celeb crowd know he's been trying to come out and stop with all this fake girlfriend business for quite some time. But this outing happened at an inopportune time and the show is threatening to dump him. Kerry actually comes up with the plan of making the faceless guy in the photo his longtime fiancé and spinning a privacy violation.
Great plan is great! Until Kerry's boss and all the others notice the resemblance and "volunteer" (read: strong arm) Kerry. I stuffed my face with this Dreamspun gold! I'm not even going to lie. Neither one is crazy about the situation for their own reasons, but the attraction is too fierce for either of them to deny.
Both of their families are adorable and contribute to the plot. Everyone can tell that they've moved beyond fake to real and their progression from one to the other was steady and believable.
The conflict was a bit flimsy in my opinion and I would've liked more groveling from Jericho. A lot more. Dick move, bro. Dick move.
But the ending was sweet if a little abrupt and the sex was hot so I'm not complaining too much.
Recommend to fans of this series. You know who you are.
An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
December 4, 2016
A Hearts On Fire Review
THREE HEARTS--A lot of Dreamspun Desires have the fake-to-real relationship tropes.
I'm not mad at it.
You can find this in M.J. O'Shea's "Marriage of Inconvenience". What's this book's take on the classic trope?
Jericho Knox is a Hollywood actor that is trying to break from the teenbopper mold. He's thirty, handsome and is a decent enough actor. Just one thing, his public person as a womanizer is a lie, a carefully constructed lie to hide the fact that he's gay. He doesn't want to remain in the closet any more, and one night's foolish indiscretion causes him to finally come out to all. That's where our other protagonist steps in, 25 year old public relations assistant, Kerry.
A sweet guy who is starting to see how much of these celebs are merely puppets and his company are the ones pulling the strings. When he's called in to save Jericho's job, sparks fly between both men...and not in a sexy way. Jericho is an asshat and goes out of his way to be one. Kerry obviously has his work cut out for him. When Kerry and his company concocts a fake relationship and engagement to provide stability for the public, Kerry is forced to be the fake love interest.
What I've come to realize, M.J. O'Shea excels well asshole characters. I think all of my fave stories from her feature a jerk main character.
The story is readable. The ingredients are there to make a decent enough story. I think my contention is with the rougher first and last third. I'm #teamgrump all day every day, but any grump in a romance needs to have either believable turnover or at least show that they fully care about the person they care about.
Jericho Knox....I'm finding it difficult to buy his story and his HEA. He told the reader more than showed any redeemable qualities. He's a jerk but on a scale of despicable things to do to a person, he's not downright cruel. He's just spineless, a privileged weak person who takes and doesn't really give.
If there were ever a story that needed an epilogue, I think Marriage of Inconvenience does. This is my first time ever question the HEA of a Dreamspun Desire title.
Kerry despite his publicist job isn't as worldly, doesn't use vices as a crutch to self care and doesn't go out of his way to be bitter. I can easily see Jericho splitting because he gets triggered or he gets mad enough that he reverts right back to that bitter man we see for the majority of the book when he showed something.
I think Kerry deserved better, despite having a few things in common with Jericho. Kerry read more genuine. Jericho had the jerk part down but his growth or rush into a love that is told but I'm not co-signing on. I loved the secondary characters. They provided a nice cushion in this fluffy-ish mix. The story has a few love scenes (it read a little one sided since it meant more to one guy than the other)
Overall, it fits the Dreamspun mold. If Jericho gave an inkling of growth, I'd have totally rated the story higher.
An easy enough read with a fun trope. I do like the Hollywood spin on it, just not feeling Jericho. (Even though the guy on the cover is drool-worthy - it's one of my favorite so far from the house line)
THREE HEARTS--A lot of Dreamspun Desires have the fake-to-real relationship tropes.
I'm not mad at it.
You can find this in M.J. O'Shea's "Marriage of Inconvenience". What's this book's take on the classic trope?
Jericho Knox is a Hollywood actor that is trying to break from the teenbopper mold. He's thirty, handsome and is a decent enough actor. Just one thing, his public person as a womanizer is a lie, a carefully constructed lie to hide the fact that he's gay. He doesn't want to remain in the closet any more, and one night's foolish indiscretion causes him to finally come out to all. That's where our other protagonist steps in, 25 year old public relations assistant, Kerry.
A sweet guy who is starting to see how much of these celebs are merely puppets and his company are the ones pulling the strings. When he's called in to save Jericho's job, sparks fly between both men...and not in a sexy way. Jericho is an asshat and goes out of his way to be one. Kerry obviously has his work cut out for him. When Kerry and his company concocts a fake relationship and engagement to provide stability for the public, Kerry is forced to be the fake love interest.
What I've come to realize, M.J. O'Shea excels well asshole characters. I think all of my fave stories from her feature a jerk main character.
The story is readable. The ingredients are there to make a decent enough story. I think my contention is with the rougher first and last third. I'm #teamgrump all day every day, but any grump in a romance needs to have either believable turnover or at least show that they fully care about the person they care about.
Jericho Knox....I'm finding it difficult to buy his story and his HEA. He told the reader more than showed any redeemable qualities. He's a jerk but on a scale of despicable things to do to a person, he's not downright cruel. He's just spineless, a privileged weak person who takes and doesn't really give.
If there were ever a story that needed an epilogue, I think Marriage of Inconvenience does. This is my first time ever question the HEA of a Dreamspun Desire title.
Kerry despite his publicist job isn't as worldly, doesn't use vices as a crutch to self care and doesn't go out of his way to be bitter. I can easily see Jericho splitting because he gets triggered or he gets mad enough that he reverts right back to that bitter man we see for the majority of the book when he showed something.
I think Kerry deserved better, despite having a few things in common with Jericho. Kerry read more genuine. Jericho had the jerk part down but his growth or rush into a love that is told but I'm not co-signing on. I loved the secondary characters. They provided a nice cushion in this fluffy-ish mix. The story has a few love scenes (it read a little one sided since it meant more to one guy than the other)
Overall, it fits the Dreamspun mold. If Jericho gave an inkling of growth, I'd have totally rated the story higher.
An easy enough read with a fun trope. I do like the Hollywood spin on it, just not feeling Jericho. (Even though the guy on the cover is drool-worthy - it's one of my favorite so far from the house line)
February 9, 2020
Spend 30 minutes on any celebrity blog or tabloid website and you'll see the standard Hollywood PR machine in action. A quiet romantic dinner for two ... in the one Hollywood restaurant with permanent paparazzi outside? Check. Shopping with a stop at the frozen yogurt place where all the fangirls hang out? Yup. Secluded beach vacation with candid shots of the loving couple kissing in the water? Oh, yeah.
After he gets photographed in a compromising situation, Jericho Knox needs some PR magic fast to save his upcoming role in an gritty cop series that could take his career to a new level. Just like Rock Hudson marrying his publicist's secretary back in the day, Jericho's PR firm links their office assistant Kerry Pickering with Jericho in a short-term "committed relationship" to defuse the situation.
What follows is a sweet romance that slowly builds between Kerry and Jericho (with only a few on-page sex scenes that are not very explicit) once they each overcome their preconceptions of the other. The plot is fairly formulaic with a requisite break-up and heartfelt make-up but it holds your interest with its fresh new take on Hollywood PR with a M/M slant and how real love triumphs after all. "Marriage of Inconvenience" is an enjoyable addition to the Dreamspun Series series ... plus what a great cover!
I received an ARC of this book from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
After he gets photographed in a compromising situation, Jericho Knox needs some PR magic fast to save his upcoming role in an gritty cop series that could take his career to a new level. Just like Rock Hudson marrying his publicist's secretary back in the day, Jericho's PR firm links their office assistant Kerry Pickering with Jericho in a short-term "committed relationship" to defuse the situation.
What follows is a sweet romance that slowly builds between Kerry and Jericho (with only a few on-page sex scenes that are not very explicit) once they each overcome their preconceptions of the other. The plot is fairly formulaic with a requisite break-up and heartfelt make-up but it holds your interest with its fresh new take on Hollywood PR with a M/M slant and how real love triumphs after all. "Marriage of Inconvenience" is an enjoyable addition to the Dreamspun Series series ... plus what a great cover!
I received an ARC of this book from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
May 4, 2017
2.75 stars rounded up
I have never really been a fan of stories involving famous people -- but most especially with actors. I don't know why. Maybe because I'm not enjoying everything that happens around them, with all the image maintenance or whatever. BUT, it can be really good romance, especially if the famous person falls in love with a commoner. There is a reason why Notting Hill is one of my favorite rom-com *sigh*
In "Marriage of Inconvenience" I honestly think that the relationship was too one sided. I liked Kerry. I felt bad for him, having to getting involve in all the fake relationship with a douche. Yes, people, I thought Jericho was an ass. He didn't seem to appreciate what Kerry did for him. It felt like Kerry was getting all the disadvantages from dating a famous guy, and Jericho didn't grovel enough to win Kerry's affection.
They didn't have enough chemistry and I honestly couldn't see them having a happily 'ever' after in the land of Hollywood *shrugs*
I have never really been a fan of stories involving famous people -- but most especially with actors. I don't know why. Maybe because I'm not enjoying everything that happens around them, with all the image maintenance or whatever. BUT, it can be really good romance, especially if the famous person falls in love with a commoner. There is a reason why Notting Hill is one of my favorite rom-com *sigh*
In "Marriage of Inconvenience" I honestly think that the relationship was too one sided. I liked Kerry. I felt bad for him, having to getting involve in all the fake relationship with a douche. Yes, people, I thought Jericho was an ass. He didn't seem to appreciate what Kerry did for him. It felt like Kerry was getting all the disadvantages from dating a famous guy, and Jericho didn't grovel enough to win Kerry's affection.
They didn't have enough chemistry and I honestly couldn't see them having a happily 'ever' after in the land of Hollywood *shrugs*
August 23, 2016
It feels like it's been forever since I've read something from M.J. O'Shea! She's one of my favorite authors so to have read this beautiful story is such a treat because I feel like she's in her element with this one 100%!!!! I'm so ready to dance like there's no tomorrow because I fucking love it!!! My thirst has been quenched! M.J. is so back!!!
Okay, that's me fantarding over M.J. because I just totally adore this story!!! And this may just be the best one from the Dreamspun Desires Series! Whoot Hoot! There's nothing extraordinarily new about the story, it's just that the writing is overflowing with loveliness! I super-loved Kerry's character. He's a classic M.J. 's character - the all kinds of adorable kind of character. Jericho's character however was not as likable until he stops being a jerk to Kerry. There was no major conflict here but it didn't bother me one bit because it's just all kinds of lovely - what with Kerry and Jericho falling for each other during their supposed 'charade.' I liked that they didn’t fall for each other hours upon their meeting.
This is a book goodie all of you mm book lovers should get a hold of. Short, sweet, and just overall feelgood.
Okay, that's me fantarding over M.J. because I just totally adore this story!!! And this may just be the best one from the Dreamspun Desires Series! Whoot Hoot! There's nothing extraordinarily new about the story, it's just that the writing is overflowing with loveliness! I super-loved Kerry's character. He's a classic M.J. 's character - the all kinds of adorable kind of character. Jericho's character however was not as likable until he stops being a jerk to Kerry. There was no major conflict here but it didn't bother me one bit because it's just all kinds of lovely - what with Kerry and Jericho falling for each other during their supposed 'charade.' I liked that they didn’t fall for each other hours upon their meeting.
This is a book goodie all of you mm book lovers should get a hold of. Short, sweet, and just overall feelgood.
August 15, 2016
“Inconvenience” is definitely the way to describe both men’s reactions in this very entertaining novel about Jericho, a badass actor who urgently needs saving from his own image, and Kerry, the young publicist who is the only one who can pull off the stunt he comes up with. In a plot that twists and turns until neither man knows what the truth is anymore, Kerry and Jericho embark on an adventure of deception – only to find themselves caught in their own net of lies. With Hollywood and its celebrities, the paparazzi who follow them, and two men who “inconveniently” fall for each other, this is inconvenient romance at its best.
Kerry has always wanted to work in PR, and even though most of his entry-level job is boring, three years working for one of the top publicists in Hollywood have taught him a trick or two. So much so, in fact, that when one of the firm’s clients gets caught in a compromising situation, Kerry is the one who comes up with a way out of the mess. His boss approves, Jericho is made to comply, and the awkwardness starts. It was fascinating to see Kerry struggle not just with the fact that he barely knows the man he has supposedly been in a committed relationship with for a while, but with the effects of being a celebrity as well. Kerry is not one to like the limelight, but now that he has moved in with Jericho, few days go by that he isn’t photographed or interviewed.
Jericho just wants to act. He has learned to deal with the constant attention, but he does not like it. What he hates most is constantly being paired with some starlet or attractive female model – when a woman is not at all whom he wants by his side. He was told coming out would have to wait until he is a more established actor, so getting caught and now being “engaged” to Kerry at least solves the gender issue for him. It doesn’t mean he likes Kerry – at least not at first. Jericho has learned to be suspicious of attention-grabbing gold diggers to the point that it takes him several weeks before he believes Kerry when he says he’s not interested in seeing himself making appearances in the tabloids. Jericho as a lot to learn about his fears, his past, and what’s really important, and Kerry is just the man to teach him. If only Jericho would listen!
This relationship is not easy. Both men have masses of prejudice, assumptions, and skepticism against their so-called partner, and it takes them a while to learn to communicate on the most basic level. Trusting each other is such a tall order that they never really get there before disaster strikes. The heartbreak almost killed me! It looked as if nothing could save these guys from making the worst mistake of their lives. Very suspenseful!
If you like dramatic love stories with lots of obstacles and misunderstandings, if you think that two men who should be together deserve to figure out how to make it work - cameras and all, and if you’re looking for a read that is entertaining, hot, and ultimately very romantic, then you will probably like this novel.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Kerry has always wanted to work in PR, and even though most of his entry-level job is boring, three years working for one of the top publicists in Hollywood have taught him a trick or two. So much so, in fact, that when one of the firm’s clients gets caught in a compromising situation, Kerry is the one who comes up with a way out of the mess. His boss approves, Jericho is made to comply, and the awkwardness starts. It was fascinating to see Kerry struggle not just with the fact that he barely knows the man he has supposedly been in a committed relationship with for a while, but with the effects of being a celebrity as well. Kerry is not one to like the limelight, but now that he has moved in with Jericho, few days go by that he isn’t photographed or interviewed.
Jericho just wants to act. He has learned to deal with the constant attention, but he does not like it. What he hates most is constantly being paired with some starlet or attractive female model – when a woman is not at all whom he wants by his side. He was told coming out would have to wait until he is a more established actor, so getting caught and now being “engaged” to Kerry at least solves the gender issue for him. It doesn’t mean he likes Kerry – at least not at first. Jericho has learned to be suspicious of attention-grabbing gold diggers to the point that it takes him several weeks before he believes Kerry when he says he’s not interested in seeing himself making appearances in the tabloids. Jericho as a lot to learn about his fears, his past, and what’s really important, and Kerry is just the man to teach him. If only Jericho would listen!
This relationship is not easy. Both men have masses of prejudice, assumptions, and skepticism against their so-called partner, and it takes them a while to learn to communicate on the most basic level. Trusting each other is such a tall order that they never really get there before disaster strikes. The heartbreak almost killed me! It looked as if nothing could save these guys from making the worst mistake of their lives. Very suspenseful!
If you like dramatic love stories with lots of obstacles and misunderstandings, if you think that two men who should be together deserve to figure out how to make it work - cameras and all, and if you’re looking for a read that is entertaining, hot, and ultimately very romantic, then you will probably like this novel.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
August 11, 2016
Marriage of Inconvenience is a very good addition to the “Dreamspun Desires” series. Every romance is based on a classic trope which has been used a lot but the authors have put a very nice, entertaining M/M spin to it. This book was no exception. It was quick, light and a very fun and entertaining read.
Jericho Knox is tired of being paraded with endless starlets by his PR firm to improve his image. He is in line to get a very coveted role in a hit tv series for which he is perfect and Jericho needs to go along with whatever his PR people cooks up to keep his image clean. Jericho finds himself in a scandalous situation when he is caught with his pants down in camera. And the most damaging part is that he was caught with a guy. Jericho has always been gay but his PR firm had decided to keep his sexuality under wraps for obvious reasons. After the cat gets out of the bag Jericho’s PR team comes up with a fake fiancée for damage control. And who better to play the role than Kerry Pickering, a low level grunt in Jericho’s PR team. Kerry and Jericho have a rough start. Jericho is resentful towards Kerry and his intentions but he warms up to him eventually. Through the fake photo-shoots and hand holding, lines start to blur. They both fall in love but Jericho fucks it up big time. He eventually realizes his mistake and win his love back and get his HEA.
Jericho was the typical bad boy of Hollywood with his killer looks and moody countenance. He is not that accepting of Kerry invading his life at the start but his feelings change when he gets to know Kerry better. Kerry is an ordinary guy who is thrust into the opposite, unpleasant side of his job to clear up Jericho’s image. He is a normal guy who knows Jericho is out of his league but as he keeps discovering the loving and caring side of Jericho, he can’t help but fall in love.
The romance was slow building with a very nice ending. There was no steam as such but the chemistry between the guys was palpable and HOT. I enjoyed reading this book very much. The read was entertaining and not heavy and can be best enjoyed on a lazy, rainy day.
*This review has been cross posted at GayBookReviews*
Jericho Knox is tired of being paraded with endless starlets by his PR firm to improve his image. He is in line to get a very coveted role in a hit tv series for which he is perfect and Jericho needs to go along with whatever his PR people cooks up to keep his image clean. Jericho finds himself in a scandalous situation when he is caught with his pants down in camera. And the most damaging part is that he was caught with a guy. Jericho has always been gay but his PR firm had decided to keep his sexuality under wraps for obvious reasons. After the cat gets out of the bag Jericho’s PR team comes up with a fake fiancée for damage control. And who better to play the role than Kerry Pickering, a low level grunt in Jericho’s PR team. Kerry and Jericho have a rough start. Jericho is resentful towards Kerry and his intentions but he warms up to him eventually. Through the fake photo-shoots and hand holding, lines start to blur. They both fall in love but Jericho fucks it up big time. He eventually realizes his mistake and win his love back and get his HEA.
Jericho was the typical bad boy of Hollywood with his killer looks and moody countenance. He is not that accepting of Kerry invading his life at the start but his feelings change when he gets to know Kerry better. Kerry is an ordinary guy who is thrust into the opposite, unpleasant side of his job to clear up Jericho’s image. He is a normal guy who knows Jericho is out of his league but as he keeps discovering the loving and caring side of Jericho, he can’t help but fall in love.
The romance was slow building with a very nice ending. There was no steam as such but the chemistry between the guys was palpable and HOT. I enjoyed reading this book very much. The read was entertaining and not heavy and can be best enjoyed on a lazy, rainy day.
*This review has been cross posted at GayBookReviews*
August 22, 2016
3.5* I really loved the first half of the book, but I feel that it loses a bit on the second part. The “big” problem is so weak! and we needed MORE GROVELING here!
The famous actor Jericho Knox is in the closet until a dirty photo with a boy goes around the internet! He needs to CLEAN his image so his publicist team works in a fantastic PLAN: Tell to the world that the boy in the photo is his long time fiance and simulate a perfect romantic relationship with him.
But that boy was a random guy so they ASK KERRY , the team intern to do the JOB !!
Jericho thought that Kerry only accepts it because the fame so he treat him very BAD !!!!!
Until finally he realizes the real Kerry. (A total cinnamon roll)
Here is when the story goes a bit down in my opinion. We could get some more cute or repentance scenes but goes weird.
August 9, 2016
4 stars – After the recent slate of books I’ve read, M.J. O’Shea’s Marriage of Inconvenience looked like the perfect light and easy read. For the most part it was exactly that, and cute and sweet too. And if it hadn’t been for one plot decision made by the author, it would have been simply delightful. But even so, it’s a good and quick read if you’re looking for an M/M romance that’s light on the drama and easy to enjoy.
Jericho Knox has a reputation in Hollywood for two things: being hard to work with and being with a new woman all the time. It’s an image that makes it hard for him to find work, so when he lands a starring role on a hit television show on the condition that he clean up his image, he’s willing to do what he needs to in order to secure it. Well, maybe “willing” is the wrong word. Kerry Pickering is a publicist for one the most powerful PR firms in Hollywood. It’s all he’s ever wanted to do in life, but three years in, his fascination with the glamour has totally lost its shine. Grunt work has a way of doing that. So when he gets called in to be on the “fix Jericho” team, he isn’t sure what to think except that he’s attracted to the man, in spite of his being a womanizer. But it turns out that Jericho is also gay, a secret which gets revealed in the worst possible way in light of his need to clean up his public persona. The PR team’s decision to spin this disaster: set up a fake long-existing gay relationship for Jericho. They need the guy to have a particular look though, someone who looks like… Kerry. But Kerry’s no actor, so how can he pull this off? And worse, how will he deal with it when he realizes the romance isn’t an act anymore?
There’s a lot that’s easy to like in this novel. The setting is simple and portrayed in a manner that’s easy to believe. The characters are straightforward and largely uncomplicated: Jericho’s your typical moody, spoiled, and sexy-as-hell actor while Kerry’s a reserved, overworked, and geeky office worker. They’re both jaded by the necessary PR crap that’s a part of the Hollywood game. The premise of a fake-turned-real relationship is always fun too. As you would expect, there’s a good bit of hostility at the start, because Jericho can’t accept Kerry’s reason for participating in the hoax, and Kerry quickly realizes how much trouble it is actually going to be. But Kerry is Jericho’s type—there’s a reason Kerry was perfect for the role—so things do move from icy to cute and sweet before long. From a technical standpoint, there’s a lot to like too. The writing is smoothly executed and never suffers from the problem of confusion in point of view.
The only thing that kept me from rating this book higher than I did has to do with the final bit of drama in the story. I can say this much without spoiling it: the fact that there is a planned fake relationship that’s designed to clean up Jericho’s image makes it obvious that the plan has a scheduled ending that makes the whole thing believable without tying either man down. But instead of just working with that concept to make the real relationship that forms have a sense of fatalism, the author chooses a different way to handle it. It’s not so much that I disliked what she chose to do, it’s that I think she could have planted the seed earlier in the book in order to have more time for it to develop so that as a whole it would feel less gimmicky. As it turned out, I wasn’t as happy with the last quarter of the book, then, as I was hoping to be. Never fear, though. Things do work out for them in the end.
Despite this slight disappointment, I consider my first exposure to M.J. O’Shea’s writing to be good enough that I will read more. And I happily recommend Marriage of Inconvenience to anyone looking for a good, quick romance that’s filled to the brim with sweetness and a story that’s simple enough to enjoy on a lazy day.
The author generously provided me a complimentary copy of Marriage of Inconvenience in exchange for this fair and honest review.
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Jericho Knox has a reputation in Hollywood for two things: being hard to work with and being with a new woman all the time. It’s an image that makes it hard for him to find work, so when he lands a starring role on a hit television show on the condition that he clean up his image, he’s willing to do what he needs to in order to secure it. Well, maybe “willing” is the wrong word. Kerry Pickering is a publicist for one the most powerful PR firms in Hollywood. It’s all he’s ever wanted to do in life, but three years in, his fascination with the glamour has totally lost its shine. Grunt work has a way of doing that. So when he gets called in to be on the “fix Jericho” team, he isn’t sure what to think except that he’s attracted to the man, in spite of his being a womanizer. But it turns out that Jericho is also gay, a secret which gets revealed in the worst possible way in light of his need to clean up his public persona. The PR team’s decision to spin this disaster: set up a fake long-existing gay relationship for Jericho. They need the guy to have a particular look though, someone who looks like… Kerry. But Kerry’s no actor, so how can he pull this off? And worse, how will he deal with it when he realizes the romance isn’t an act anymore?
There’s a lot that’s easy to like in this novel. The setting is simple and portrayed in a manner that’s easy to believe. The characters are straightforward and largely uncomplicated: Jericho’s your typical moody, spoiled, and sexy-as-hell actor while Kerry’s a reserved, overworked, and geeky office worker. They’re both jaded by the necessary PR crap that’s a part of the Hollywood game. The premise of a fake-turned-real relationship is always fun too. As you would expect, there’s a good bit of hostility at the start, because Jericho can’t accept Kerry’s reason for participating in the hoax, and Kerry quickly realizes how much trouble it is actually going to be. But Kerry is Jericho’s type—there’s a reason Kerry was perfect for the role—so things do move from icy to cute and sweet before long. From a technical standpoint, there’s a lot to like too. The writing is smoothly executed and never suffers from the problem of confusion in point of view.
The only thing that kept me from rating this book higher than I did has to do with the final bit of drama in the story. I can say this much without spoiling it: the fact that there is a planned fake relationship that’s designed to clean up Jericho’s image makes it obvious that the plan has a scheduled ending that makes the whole thing believable without tying either man down. But instead of just working with that concept to make the real relationship that forms have a sense of fatalism, the author chooses a different way to handle it. It’s not so much that I disliked what she chose to do, it’s that I think she could have planted the seed earlier in the book in order to have more time for it to develop so that as a whole it would feel less gimmicky. As it turned out, I wasn’t as happy with the last quarter of the book, then, as I was hoping to be. Never fear, though. Things do work out for them in the end.
Despite this slight disappointment, I consider my first exposure to M.J. O’Shea’s writing to be good enough that I will read more. And I happily recommend Marriage of Inconvenience to anyone looking for a good, quick romance that’s filled to the brim with sweetness and a story that’s simple enough to enjoy on a lazy day.
The author generously provided me a complimentary copy of Marriage of Inconvenience in exchange for this fair and honest review.
Follow Me: Reviews by Tammy & Kim | Facebook | Twitter
August 9, 2018
For the most part, this went pretty well.
The writing was good, the dialogue was solid & the pacing was great and engaging enough not to leave you bored.
My only issue was with Jericho who for the most part was a “moody overgrown boy” and was unbearable till sometime in the book when he decided to change his ways.
Also,I believed he and Kerry cared for each other but not the “love” because I still felt Jericho didn’t deserve it especially after the stunt he pulled in the last couple of pages.
+++Review Copy Graciously Provided By Publisher In Exchange For An Honest, Unbiased Review+++
The writing was good, the dialogue was solid & the pacing was great and engaging enough not to leave you bored.
My only issue was with Jericho who for the most part was a “moody overgrown boy” and was unbearable till sometime in the book when he decided to change his ways.
Also,I believed he and Kerry cared for each other but not the “love” because I still felt Jericho didn’t deserve it especially after the stunt he pulled in the last couple of pages.
+++Review Copy Graciously Provided By Publisher In Exchange For An Honest, Unbiased Review+++
October 6, 2016
started off good, got really good...and then about 15 feet from the finish line decided to take a sharp right turn and fuck off to Canada.
(not that i've anything against Canada (except the Habs. Fuck the Habs) but that whole "random dude says a few sentences and suddenly Jericho has a full-on breakdown even though this crippling self-doubt had never been even mentioned once in the 180 pages previous" climax thing was fucking ridiculous)
3.5 stars
(not that i've anything against Canada (except the Habs. Fuck the Habs) but that whole "random dude says a few sentences and suddenly Jericho has a full-on breakdown even though this crippling self-doubt had never been even mentioned once in the 180 pages previous" climax thing was fucking ridiculous)
3.5 stars
April 17, 2022
I liked this one so much more than I thought I would. Full review to come.
October 30, 2016
**AUDIO REVIEW**
Well done, John Solo. I loved listening to this story as much as I loved reading it. Jericho’s southern drawl was done to perfection and encompassed everything from his initial assholery to his eventual loving tone. Kerry’s voice was spot on as well, as the kind, more quiet character, but he also came off strong when he needed to. The voices of the rest of the cast were not all that different, with Cole and Robby sounding a bit OTT as college frat boys, but I didn’t care much about them. All in all a total win in both plot and narration.
BOOK REVIEW**
Another hit for the Dreamspun Desires Series! I loved this!
It was totally unexpected too. I like this author and the blurb sounded okay, if not entirely predictable, but man was I in for a treat, and so will you when you pick this up!
The story revolves around Jericho, an actor whose publicist has been pushing the play-boy persona in the tabloids for years. Jericho screwed up big time and the PR company is at its wit’s end trying to restore his image so he doesn’t lose a big role in a hit TV show. Enter Kerry.
Kerry works for the PR company but he’s only a grunt. He doesn’t handle publicity for a client directly but is in charge of tweeting and updating facebook. Fun times right? Until he meets the description of the guy that forced Jericho to publicly come out and bam!
Jericho and Kerry are engaged and forced to play the happy couple for the cameras.
This was fantastic! I don’t know if it was the voyer in me, you know, the little bug that makes us all check celebrity gossip or what, but I absolutely loved reading about the fake photo shoots, the events they had to do, and all the staged stuff. I especially liked how true romance-y they had to be for the cameras when they hated each other’s guts.
Jericho was a big jerk to Kerry in the beginning, thinking Kerry conveniently placed himself in that situation to get his 15 minutes. Kerry also hated Jericho’s guts because Jericho was unnecessarily cruel to him.
But. It all started to change. They both actually developed feelings for one another and the touches starting coming even off camera. Jericho acted like he was courting Kerry, with long make-out sessions that ended in first base –on multiple occasions! When they finally became intimate, they were freaking explosive together! The sex scenes were detailed and mostly of the lovey-dovey variety but Jericho and Kerry’s chemistry was unbelievable.
This was a sweet, very low-angst romance that will hit the spot folks: True romance between two otherwise unlikely to have met people who fell in love and stayed in love. Sure, there was a little somepin somepin to cause a bit of drama towards the end but it was very obvious that it wouldn’t last long and it didn’t.
I am still shocked by how much I adored this and I will be rereading soon!
Pick this up to read about a hot, broody actor and the twinkie that sets him in his place!
Recommend!
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. See this review on Gay Book Reviews.
Well done, John Solo. I loved listening to this story as much as I loved reading it. Jericho’s southern drawl was done to perfection and encompassed everything from his initial assholery to his eventual loving tone. Kerry’s voice was spot on as well, as the kind, more quiet character, but he also came off strong when he needed to. The voices of the rest of the cast were not all that different, with Cole and Robby sounding a bit OTT as college frat boys, but I didn’t care much about them. All in all a total win in both plot and narration.
BOOK REVIEW**
Another hit for the Dreamspun Desires Series! I loved this!
It was totally unexpected too. I like this author and the blurb sounded okay, if not entirely predictable, but man was I in for a treat, and so will you when you pick this up!
The story revolves around Jericho, an actor whose publicist has been pushing the play-boy persona in the tabloids for years. Jericho screwed up big time and the PR company is at its wit’s end trying to restore his image so he doesn’t lose a big role in a hit TV show. Enter Kerry.
Kerry works for the PR company but he’s only a grunt. He doesn’t handle publicity for a client directly but is in charge of tweeting and updating facebook. Fun times right? Until he meets the description of the guy that forced Jericho to publicly come out and bam!
Jericho and Kerry are engaged and forced to play the happy couple for the cameras.
This was fantastic! I don’t know if it was the voyer in me, you know, the little bug that makes us all check celebrity gossip or what, but I absolutely loved reading about the fake photo shoots, the events they had to do, and all the staged stuff. I especially liked how true romance-y they had to be for the cameras when they hated each other’s guts.
Jericho was a big jerk to Kerry in the beginning, thinking Kerry conveniently placed himself in that situation to get his 15 minutes. Kerry also hated Jericho’s guts because Jericho was unnecessarily cruel to him.
But. It all started to change. They both actually developed feelings for one another and the touches starting coming even off camera. Jericho acted like he was courting Kerry, with long make-out sessions that ended in first base –on multiple occasions! When they finally became intimate, they were freaking explosive together! The sex scenes were detailed and mostly of the lovey-dovey variety but Jericho and Kerry’s chemistry was unbelievable.
This was a sweet, very low-angst romance that will hit the spot folks: True romance between two otherwise unlikely to have met people who fell in love and stayed in love. Sure, there was a little somepin somepin to cause a bit of drama towards the end but it was very obvious that it wouldn’t last long and it didn’t.
I am still shocked by how much I adored this and I will be rereading soon!
Pick this up to read about a hot, broody actor and the twinkie that sets him in his place!
Recommend!
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. See this review on Gay Book Reviews.
August 15, 2016
3.5 stars
This was my first book in the Dreamspun Desires series. I liked it. It took a while for me to get into it, but I definitely enjoyed it in the end. Jericho Knox is a man made to not follow rules. He's giving his PR firm a pretty big headache. He's been persuaded to appear "straight" for Hollywood. This is not a big shocker,because if he wants to be famous then he'll have to play by their rules. Well things go wrong for him when he's picture with a guy in a NSFW type of photo. Enter Kerry Pickering one of the publicist for Jericho. He makes a pitch on how to save Jericho's career and future job.
Sure enough Kerry's helpful advice comes back to bite him in the butt literally. Instead of a sweet girl next door, the firm tells Kerry it's his time to buck up and help out. By way of playing Jericho's fake fiancee'. I liked the steady climb of their relationship. Sure Jericho was a major douche in the beginning, but he doesn't have anyone in the same city he seems like he can trust. Kerry is so sweet. He's a little naive about things, and maybe sees the good in people to much, but I still enjoyed him for Jericho. When they both realize that they aren't really faking it, signals get crossed and actions happen that forced them apart.
This was a sweet, cheesy, low-angst story. I enjoyed it, and liked the OTT things that happened. I enjoyed seeing both guys happy and seeing them mend their relationship!
This was my first book in the Dreamspun Desires series. I liked it. It took a while for me to get into it, but I definitely enjoyed it in the end. Jericho Knox is a man made to not follow rules. He's giving his PR firm a pretty big headache. He's been persuaded to appear "straight" for Hollywood. This is not a big shocker,because if he wants to be famous then he'll have to play by their rules. Well things go wrong for him when he's picture with a guy in a NSFW type of photo. Enter Kerry Pickering one of the publicist for Jericho. He makes a pitch on how to save Jericho's career and future job.
Sure enough Kerry's helpful advice comes back to bite him in the butt literally. Instead of a sweet girl next door, the firm tells Kerry it's his time to buck up and help out. By way of playing Jericho's fake fiancee'. I liked the steady climb of their relationship. Sure Jericho was a major douche in the beginning, but he doesn't have anyone in the same city he seems like he can trust. Kerry is so sweet. He's a little naive about things, and maybe sees the good in people to much, but I still enjoyed him for Jericho. When they both realize that they aren't really faking it, signals get crossed and actions happen that forced them apart.
This was a sweet, cheesy, low-angst story. I enjoyed it, and liked the OTT things that happened. I enjoyed seeing both guys happy and seeing them mend their relationship!
December 7, 2017
Hollywood. It's life and people around it.
I'm not a fan.
But it's always interesting reading and watching the drama about Hollywood.
I felt sorry for Kerry for having that kind of life, to protect Jericho's reputation for being outed as gay.
Not that it was forbidden, but people who knows him as a ladies man of Hollywood, not so much fun.
The story must have been made. And Kerry was in the middle and he can't say no.
Good thing is he's also gay and had a crush on Jericho for a while. But he didn't know 'the real' Jericho.
But whatever he felt for Jericho after the 'engagement' he must doing it, for the sake of his job.
And Jericho? Well, actually he's being a douche and I didn't like him, for treating Kerry that way.
I also can't feel any strong chemistry between the two MCs, too bad.
The story has a potential to be so much fun. I don't know, maybe it's just me.
Or Jericho.
Overall, it was just an okay read for me, not much to tell. I still don't believe that Jericho and Kerry will be last. The ending was kinda in a gray area.
And I wonder where's 'married' came from, there's only 'engagement' and no ' marriage '.
Probably the 'plan' :)
*ARC was given by Publisher for a fair and unbiased review. Review made by Lilly for Lelyana's Book Blog*
I'm not a fan.
But it's always interesting reading and watching the drama about Hollywood.
I felt sorry for Kerry for having that kind of life, to protect Jericho's reputation for being outed as gay.
Not that it was forbidden, but people who knows him as a ladies man of Hollywood, not so much fun.
The story must have been made. And Kerry was in the middle and he can't say no.
Good thing is he's also gay and had a crush on Jericho for a while. But he didn't know 'the real' Jericho.
But whatever he felt for Jericho after the 'engagement' he must doing it, for the sake of his job.
And Jericho? Well, actually he's being a douche and I didn't like him, for treating Kerry that way.
I also can't feel any strong chemistry between the two MCs, too bad.
The story has a potential to be so much fun. I don't know, maybe it's just me.
Or Jericho.
Overall, it was just an okay read for me, not much to tell. I still don't believe that Jericho and Kerry will be last. The ending was kinda in a gray area.
And I wonder where's 'married' came from, there's only 'engagement' and no ' marriage '.
Probably the 'plan' :)
*ARC was given by Publisher for a fair and unbiased review. Review made by Lilly for Lelyana's Book Blog*
January 21, 2019
3.5 Stars
I think I would have rated this slightly higher if the reason behind Jericho's freak-out had been mentioned slightly earlier in the story. I felt like it came from out of the blue. OTT and kinda stupid seeing as his sexuality has been an open secret in Hollywood (for those in the know, anyway) and he's been pushing his agent/PR team to allow him to officially come out. Sure, falling for Kerry probably pushed the traumatic event memories forward, but I still think even a little bit of flashback earlier would have made it feel like less unnecessary tension.
I think I would have rated this slightly higher if the reason behind Jericho's freak-out had been mentioned slightly earlier in the story. I felt like it came from out of the blue. OTT and kinda stupid seeing as his sexuality has been an open secret in Hollywood (for those in the know, anyway) and he's been pushing his agent/PR team to allow him to officially come out. Sure, falling for Kerry probably pushed the traumatic event memories forward, but I still think even a little bit of flashback earlier would have made it feel like less unnecessary tension.
August 19, 2016
-3.5 stars- marked up because I enjoyed it a lot until after the 80% mark, then unnecessary silliness, lack of communication and a rushed ending brought the overall rating down for me from a potential 4-4.5. Great premis though, and I enjoyed both characters for the most part.
April 14, 2017
I really quite enjoyed this. There was good development of story although the final issue sort of popped up out of nowhere. I liked both MCS and how they fell in love over time :) Nice Harlequinesque work!
September 6, 2016
3,5 stars
It was 5 stars up until 80% then the story changed , questionable and pretty silly issues came. Shame
It was 5 stars up until 80% then the story changed , questionable and pretty silly issues came. Shame
July 12, 2018
It took me a while to warm up to this romance. I like pretend relationship romances but Kerry and Jericho take too long to spend any real time together.
And then Jericho is too big a jerk to Kerry for too long.
Once, they over that part of the plot, the book gets better and we have the fun of this troupe.
And then Jericho is too big a jerk to Kerry for too long.
Once, they over that part of the plot, the book gets better and we have the fun of this troupe.
August 10, 2016
*´¨✫)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨)✯ ¸.•*¨)
✮ (¸.•´✶ (¸.•Jericho Knox was an ass...and his secret #Exposed!
Hollywood's bad boy Jericho was already in deep mess when he was caught with his pants around his ankle and everything hanging out. The horror, he wasn't caught with a woman! About to lose the job he was fighting for, his team of spin doctors flew into action to clean up this latest disaster and without a care in the world, roped Kerry Pickering, a shy, hopeless publicist into helping them. Several months as the committed fake fiance and then Jericho could go off into the sunset...er -- Canada and continue his work.
#ItWasn'tSupposedToBeReal.
Nobody said it would be easy. There was no getting out of it. Kerry's hand was forced and he could see no way out of it. The fact that he had a crush/hate on Jericho and what he stood for made it all that much worst. Jericho was a bastard from day one and made it his mission to let it be known. But the more time the men spent together, the more they realized that things aren't always as they seem. And everyone was seeing a difference as time went on.
#FromFakingItToMakingIt.
There were some sweet moments and some rough patches, an explosive dramatic scene and the realest ending, I shed a tear. A happening ending had by all and two men who were willing to do whatever it took to make not seem as if it were a #MarriageofInconvienence.
Postscript: No marriage was harmed during the writing of this book. LOL.
ARC provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Cee from Alpha Book Club
¸.•´¸.•*´¨)✯ ¸.•*¨)
✮ (¸.•´✶ (¸.•Jericho Knox was an ass...and his secret #Exposed!
Hollywood's bad boy Jericho was already in deep mess when he was caught with his pants around his ankle and everything hanging out. The horror, he wasn't caught with a woman! About to lose the job he was fighting for, his team of spin doctors flew into action to clean up this latest disaster and without a care in the world, roped Kerry Pickering, a shy, hopeless publicist into helping them. Several months as the committed fake fiance and then Jericho could go off into the sunset...er -- Canada and continue his work.
#ItWasn'tSupposedToBeReal.
Nobody said it would be easy. There was no getting out of it. Kerry's hand was forced and he could see no way out of it. The fact that he had a crush/hate on Jericho and what he stood for made it all that much worst. Jericho was a bastard from day one and made it his mission to let it be known. But the more time the men spent together, the more they realized that things aren't always as they seem. And everyone was seeing a difference as time went on.
#FromFakingItToMakingIt.
There were some sweet moments and some rough patches, an explosive dramatic scene and the realest ending, I shed a tear. A happening ending had by all and two men who were willing to do whatever it took to make not seem as if it were a #MarriageofInconvienence.
Postscript: No marriage was harmed during the writing of this book. LOL.
ARC provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Cee from Alpha Book Club
July 16, 2016
First off I really loved this story even though there was really only 1 sex scene in it. This was a sweet and very well written love story between 2 opposites who were thrown together. Jericho is a star who parties and has his picture taken with all beautiful women. He gives off the bad boy image and it worked for him. He has always been gay but the public didn't know. The people close to him did and he was still in the closet. He gets caught with his pants down literally and his PR firm has to do damage control. Enter Kerry, he is a pr guy who looks like the twink in the picture with Jericho and he is hired to act like his fiance. Since he is part of his PR team Jericho and Kerry agree to act all in love for the media but it wont be real for with of them. It is rough going between them at first but eventually turns into more. They both fall in love with each other but don't say anything until it is too late. Jericho goes off to start a new series in Canada and breaks it off with Kerry. After a couple of months Jericho realizes he cant live with out Kerry and goes home to win him back. I would definitely recommend reading this even though it wasn't hot and steamy which is usually my style. Received an arc from publisher for a review. Reviewed by Jodi for Alpha Book Club.
October 25, 2016
Overall book ratings: 3.5 Stars
Audio book: John Solo (Narrator) 3.8
Book cover: 3.8 Stars
A nice little in-between. I liked the idea behind the story and the MC’s were likeable. The reasons behind Jericho’s “asshole” wasn’t’ all that well thought trough to me but who am I to complain.
Still enjoyed the read or listen. John Solo is good at what he does, but at times I felt that Jericho’s character could have used a little more emotion. He sounded like a surfer dude on a high at times where a little more emotions would have worked well. Still great voice and I would listen to his audio’s anytime.
Audio book: John Solo (Narrator) 3.8
Book cover: 3.8 Stars
A nice little in-between. I liked the idea behind the story and the MC’s were likeable. The reasons behind Jericho’s “asshole” wasn’t’ all that well thought trough to me but who am I to complain.
Still enjoyed the read or listen. John Solo is good at what he does, but at times I felt that Jericho’s character could have used a little more emotion. He sounded like a surfer dude on a high at times where a little more emotions would have worked well. Still great voice and I would listen to his audio’s anytime.
October 17, 2016
Kerry pretended to be Jericho's fiance, as part of his PR firm's plan to save Jericho's image. They fall in love for real, but of course it is never that easy. I liked the MC's, although it took a while to warm up to Jericho, but Kerry was a darling from the start. Their romance was all adorable, until the contrived crisis. That was so flimsy and unbelievable (and that in a book where my disbelieve was already totally suspended), it almost ruined the book for me. Almost. I still enjoyed the book, but i didn't loved it as I usually do a M.J. O'Shea book.
June 13, 2018
At 37% I wrote on GR, “Jericho had better get to being a better person. He’s a serious jerk at this point, and I’m really not liking him very much.”
Well, he did get better, but I’m still remembering how awful he was at the beginning. Also, I accept how the story played out, but would have preferred a different final conflict. Something that didn’t have Jericho return to being a jerk.
Because Jericho was such a jerk for so long and I am still thinking about it after I finished the book, a 4-star read is reduced to 3 stars.
Well, he did get better, but I’m still remembering how awful he was at the beginning. Also, I accept how the story played out, but would have preferred a different final conflict. Something that didn’t have Jericho return to being a jerk.
Because Jericho was such a jerk for so long and I am still thinking about it after I finished the book, a 4-star read is reduced to 3 stars.
August 19, 2016
Loved this one. I thought Kerry was sweet and Jericho was an a** at first. I thought they were perfect together they had great chemistry.
December 3, 2018
I was really loving this, but I have to say The story was cute, the characters likable, except when Jericho was an asshat. I liked cole a lot.
April 10, 2018
Oh how I like my fluffy stories. These are the type that are needed when RL sucks and you need a good HEA that is all fake and fluffy.
October 30, 2016
Overall 4.5*
Narration 5*
John Solo has become one of my favourite narrators. He holds my attention and draws me into a story with his excellent character voices and wonderful style. His pacing and emphasis are always spot on. He gets the emotions just right and portrays the chemistry between the main characters superbly. I especially loved how Jericho’s voice mellowed as he fell in love with Kerry.
Story 4*
You always have to suspend reality for these Dreamspun fake boyfriend stories. However, this one was very enjoyable and was relatively plausible. It’s set in the supposedly glamorous world of PR for naughty actors who want to portray a different and more wholesome image. The unassuming PR twink and the bad boy (and previously closeted) Hollywood star come out and pretend to be in a relationship to limit the damage caused by an uncompromising photo of the actor. Thus putting a positive spin on his indiscretion to save his career and his next movie role.
I especially enjoyed the story from when the guys started living together and their relationship began to develop positively. I adored when Jericho and Kerry started to show feelings for each other to the end of the story. Their wonderful chemistry was shown well and John Solo’s voice changed accordingly so their scenes together became hot. Explicit scenes are deliberately kept low in this series. In fact the requirements are that “Sexual content should be restricted to no more than two significant events” and M.J. O’Shea made the most of the lovers’ time together to create some lovely steamy scenes. The trip to Turks and Caicos was delightful.
I didn’t like the persona Jericho portrayed at the beginning of the story and how he treated Kerry so rudely. Although I liked how his character changed over the course of the story—thus fulfilling the enemies to lovers trope.
There were a few minor details that knocked off that fifth star because some things didn’t add up for me. I’m not sure why the paparazzi didn’t twig that Kerry was on the PR team and it was all a hoax. Surely they would have delved into Kerry's background? Plus I still can’t fully understand Jericho’s reasoning for ‘breaking up’ with Kerry after a summer of happiness. Surely those fearful thoughts would have arisen earlier and he should have gone with the original plan until he started his new acting role in Canada. However, I loved the angst the separation caused for our two love-struck heroes because of this. Jericho was sort of in the closet and pretending to be straight with fake girlfriends at the start of the story, yet he went to gay clubs and got caught out. We didn't get much of a hint of his future behaviour.
Having said all this, I still enjoyed this addition to the series. These stories are best not taken too seriously. Overall, it’s a sweet and well written love story between two very different guys, who turn out to be perfect for each other after all.
Review also posted on Gay Book Reviews:
http://gaybook.reviews/2016/10/30/lil...
Narration 5*
John Solo has become one of my favourite narrators. He holds my attention and draws me into a story with his excellent character voices and wonderful style. His pacing and emphasis are always spot on. He gets the emotions just right and portrays the chemistry between the main characters superbly. I especially loved how Jericho’s voice mellowed as he fell in love with Kerry.
Story 4*
You always have to suspend reality for these Dreamspun fake boyfriend stories. However, this one was very enjoyable and was relatively plausible. It’s set in the supposedly glamorous world of PR for naughty actors who want to portray a different and more wholesome image. The unassuming PR twink and the bad boy (and previously closeted) Hollywood star come out and pretend to be in a relationship to limit the damage caused by an uncompromising photo of the actor. Thus putting a positive spin on his indiscretion to save his career and his next movie role.
I especially enjoyed the story from when the guys started living together and their relationship began to develop positively. I adored when Jericho and Kerry started to show feelings for each other to the end of the story. Their wonderful chemistry was shown well and John Solo’s voice changed accordingly so their scenes together became hot. Explicit scenes are deliberately kept low in this series. In fact the requirements are that “Sexual content should be restricted to no more than two significant events” and M.J. O’Shea made the most of the lovers’ time together to create some lovely steamy scenes. The trip to Turks and Caicos was delightful.
I didn’t like the persona Jericho portrayed at the beginning of the story and how he treated Kerry so rudely. Although I liked how his character changed over the course of the story—thus fulfilling the enemies to lovers trope.
There were a few minor details that knocked off that fifth star because some things didn’t add up for me. I’m not sure why the paparazzi didn’t twig that Kerry was on the PR team and it was all a hoax. Surely they would have delved into Kerry's background? Plus I still can’t fully understand Jericho’s reasoning for ‘breaking up’ with Kerry after a summer of happiness. Surely those fearful thoughts would have arisen earlier and he should have gone with the original plan until he started his new acting role in Canada. However, I loved the angst the separation caused for our two love-struck heroes because of this. Jericho was sort of in the closet and pretending to be straight with fake girlfriends at the start of the story, yet he went to gay clubs and got caught out. We didn't get much of a hint of his future behaviour.
Having said all this, I still enjoyed this addition to the series. These stories are best not taken too seriously. Overall, it’s a sweet and well written love story between two very different guys, who turn out to be perfect for each other after all.
Review also posted on Gay Book Reviews:
http://gaybook.reviews/2016/10/30/lil...
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