The F-Word

by Sandra Marton

So let’s get this straight.
This is a story about romance.
Well, it’s not a story. I mean, it’s not something somebody made up. It’s about me. And yeah, in case you’re wondering, I’m a guy.
Surprised? Sure you are. You figure those words just don’t go together. Romance, with a capital R. Guy, with a capital G. You’re probably sitting there and smirking. What could a dude possibly know about romance? You figure we’re big on sex. But romance?
You’re right. Romance is not a male thing.
And that’s exactly my problem.
The bottom line is that whatever you think you know about men and romance is pretty much correct. You figure we’re big on the F-word as long as it doesn't stand for Forever.
And you’re right.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Humor

268 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 17, 2017

About the author

I've been a writer, one way or another, all my life. Before I could read, I made up poems and my mom wrote them down for me. In elementary school, my teachers almost always let me write poems or stories instead of requiring me to do art projects. Always, I dreamed of becoming a published writer...and that dream came true! I write novels about sexy, powerful men and independent-minded women, and what happens when they find each other and fall in love. My books are sexy and romantic, and they've very often full of romantic suspense. I write the kinds of books I love to read, and I hope that makes my readers happy.

Reviews

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

So let me first start by saying that I really did enjoy this one. The writing was fantastic. It was fun and flowy and moved along at a nice pace. Both characters were likable (for the most part). I loved how the author wrote MATT and his POV. It had a sweet flirty overall mood to it.

So why the 3.5 Stars then? As much as I enjoyed Matt's POV, it is the ONLY POV we get through the entirety of the book. There were SO many times this left me frustrated because I wished we had gotten Bailey's POV. I wanted to know how SHE was feeling. What her thoughts were. In my opinion, this story could have been a 5 star read for me had we gotten even a TINY glimpse into what Bailey was thinking or feeling.



My other issue is really twofold. One, I did not like the thoughts Matt had about Bailey at the beginning of this book. He called her frumpy, and flat chested. He, and I quote "Don't see her as a woman" AND "She's not any kind of distraction for me. How could she be? She's not tall or stacked; she's petite and, well, let's just say she's not at all sexy" AND "She's definitely not my type of woman" Uhh OK, wow, I am already feeling the love. Which brings me to the second thing that I had an issue with. The ending was VERY rushed. One minute Matt is thinking "it was just sex" and the next he is saying "I've loved you for YEARS" Now hold the f@ck on. These two have known (worked together for over six years). Now go ahead and refer back to the above quotes, and let me add that this guy knew NOTHING about Bailey AT ALL. Other than she was a VERY good PA. He NEVER not ONCE in ALL those years asked her anything personal. NOTHING...and now I am supposed to believe he LOVED her for years?? Ya, NO...

Like I said earlier, this had the potential of being a 5 Star read for me. AND even with the issues above, I still found it an enjoyable way to spend a couple hours. So 3.5 Stars from yours truly.

[Alex ♈ · Rating 2 out of 5]

You could easily interpret this story as modern Cinderella fairytale. In order to feel the depth of passion and love aspect you might need to consider following:

- Don’t let it bother you that MC’s knew each other and worked together for over 6 years and the hero saw the heroine only as his PA and never as a woman; had zero desire for her and didn’t find her attractive. It’s totally believable that he had his eureka moment when she got the text message which distressed her and his worry broke free his hidden feelings and lust for her!

- Don’t let it irritate you, that the hero dated many OWs, slept with even more of them during all the years he knew the heroine. Because it’s only equitable and even-handed when a man enjoys casual sex and a woman waits patient for him to see her as his soul mate.

- Don’t judge the hero for thinking about OWs. It’s only proper for a guy to compare his now-girl with his previous ones. And since he established that heroine had better everything (e.g. lips) it was ok! And it makes the hero always look sexier and more alpha when you read about his sexual achievements.

- Please let the feeling of joy embrace you that the heroine was a virgin in her mid/late twenties, because it’s totally common in the 21st century! Feel free to be a little shy that you didn’t wait so long.

- Don’t judge double standards. Because it’s really right when a man has rich sexual experience and a woman doesn’t. See it as her gain: she can save her money and time by not buying and reading Kamasutra. A woman doesn’t need it when she has a sex God as her partner. And a good woman will never let herself doubt her man and will never be jealous of his previous sexual partners, because they meant nothing to him. So, it’s clear so far.

- Since the hero called the heroines his PA till approx. 94% of the book, don’t translate it as personal assistant, but as Princess Amazing!

- Don’t let it annoy you that he bought her clothes and shoes, because it made her look nicer and more feminine. He was just a great multitasking hero – not only Prince Charming but also her Godmother!

- See heroine’s cousin as her stepsister who mistreated Cinderella since they were kids and earned herself a worse life, worse husband, worse everything. Because only the hero was handsome, successful, smart, funny, caring – just perfect!

- Believe in the story of saving the heroine by attending the wedding of her cousin at her side so everybody will only goggle and envy her, because the hero was a great catch!!!

- Don’t let it bother you that the first time they had sex the heroine was a little tipsy, because it’s only honorable for a man to come after his desire and follow the instruction of a light tipsy woman. And a woman definitely needs a bit alcohol as courage to lose her virginity before her 50th birthday!

- Don’t be annoyed that they didn’t use condoms! Since the heroine told she was on the pill and the hero didn’t argue it was totally adequate! Because good-looking successful men don’t have any STDs! Because his numerous previous hook-ups could never give him any VD! Because only fugly poor guys have STDs and the romance-heroes are always clean!!!
(It might ruin the concept of my review, but, guys, I hope you understand that this point is total b*llshit? Please never ever sleep with a man without condom before you saw his STD test results!)

- Don’t let your OBGYN lie to you, that any birth control needs more than a couple of days to become effective!

- Don’t pity the heroine because she said she wanted the hero for years. It doesn’t make her weak and pathetic, but regardful and admirable! It’s only applaudable when a woman desires a man for years, knows about OWs and doesn’t lose her pure love and longing for him! Because it’s what a real woman would do!

- Don’t be mad at the hero for not wanting to call the heroine his gf in front of his mother’s acquaintance. Because it’s very manly to try to hide his relationship from his mother.

- Be proud of the heroine for not wanting to play the game anymore, for giving a notice and wanting to move to another city; but also for forgiving him immediately, because it’s really believable and realistic that he loved her for years.

- Don’t wonder why he said at the end that he loved her for years! Because it’s really lifelike to love a woman without knowing about it and screwing many OWs; because, common, a real man has a right to do it! It’s only appropriate to gain sexual experience with other partners (only?) to be able to satisfy the love of his life, who fortunately was a virgin, because the Barrier made it worth it!

- Be happy for the hero who was the one to get his HEA, because he got not only an untouched sweet woman who managed his business for years, but also a passionate life partner who will hopefully satisfy his standards and, if he’s really lucky, will also fold his underwear and iron his socks.

[Natalie ~ The Biblioholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a delightful story. It was about Matt and his rigid determination to avoid THE F-WORD and the reader got a front row seat to watch how he inevitably succumbed to it.

Told entirely from Matt's POV, I got to know his personality, his quirks, his hopes and dreams, his plans for the future... basically what made this man tick. He had an amazing family, an awesome best friend, and the best damn personal assistant in the world. His PA, Bailey, was oftentimes overlooked because she didn't present herself as a woman in the workplace, and despite knowing her for many years, Matt found that he knew virtually nothing about her as a person.

Bailey had a problem and Matt found himself willing to solve it. He was going to be her "fake lover" date to her cousin's wedding so that she could save face. Who knew that lurking behind those ugly suits lived a beautiful and sexy woman? One he can't get his mind off of. Or his hands.

THE F-WORD was an entertaining addition to the RomCom genre, complete with a sweet as candy ending!

Release Date: January 17, 2017
Genre: Romantic Comedy
POV: Male - 1st person
Steam: 3 out of 5
Series or standalone: Standalone

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

What could a dude possibly know about romance? You figure we’re big on sex. But romance? You’re right. Romance is not a male thing. And that’s exactly my problem.

Matthew O’Malley former Wall Street genius has his own contractor business. He has good self- esteem but not to the point where it comes over as being unbearable. As Cooper says it’s all about DNA. He knows how to pitch himself to us the readers.

Where was I? Chromosomes. Right. Well, mine gave me dark hair, kind of an inky black colour. Blue eyes. Fairly regular features. And for the past couple of years I’ve had what my Mom calls facial fuzz.

Matt has the best assistant in the world for six years everything has been smooth sailing. That is until he gets to see another side to the pragmatic PA he has.

Bailey is a wallflower constantly being compared to her cousin Violet and that she isn’t pretty enough only intelligent she has always accepted that fact. Although the relationship between her and Matt has always been professional that is about to change. Well and mainly one-sided.
While driving back to the office from a construction site, Matt can’t help but overhear a conversation Bailey has with her mother. She vehemently doesn't want to not go to cousin Violet’s wedding. She does what every person would do she lies.

“That’s right. A date. A man. A gorgeous, successful, fantastic man. He’s taking me away for a weekend of hot sex, not for a weekend at Cousin Violet’s wedding!” I can feel my eyeballs pop. Did my logical, always calm, always proper PA just drop the F-bomb? Did she say hot sex?

Only there is no man and Matt calls her on it. After explaining the whole situation to Matt he has the most wonderful idea ever. He wants to help and well also because Violet Who Once Killed A Doll Named Suzy and that is just plain mean. I personally think dolls were made by Satan and that they deserve to have their heads ripped off. Yes I don’t like dolls if you can’t tell. They are freaky. Getting back in his opinion it’s not because he has the hots for Bailey. Keep on telling yourself that there mate.

“Here’s my idea,” I say. “Why don’t I go with you?” – Matt that is a recipe for disaster.

There are so many things wrong with that plan. So many. Too many. Bailey constantly wants to back out but in the end caves. Thing is though Bailey knows everything about Matt and well Matt has a lot to learn in three days about Bailey because he knows nothing.

Sometimes it bothered me that Bailey changed so much with Matt’s help going from a wallflower to a beauty with the right clothing etc. Although he did see her for who she was from the beginning it is hard to realise that he can actually be that oblivious about his surroundings. But with is hearing his thoughts we know what he really feels although it does take a while.

And it isn’t because my ugly duckling has turned into a swan. I told you right away, I’m the kind of dude who’s always done just fine with women, so having a beautiful woman on my arm is nothing new. Yes, but this beautiful woman is Bailey. At the risk of sounding corny, she’s beautiful inside as well as out.

This is my first book by this author and I think that personally she did an outstanding job. What grabbed my attention the most about book is the blurb. Told from a male POV which let’s face it peeps how often does that happen?

I can count maybe on one hand how many books I have read with a Hero’s POV. But at the same time I was also thinking if it could really work?

I also liked that the author didn’t make the Hero to be a complete cocky bastard. Yes he had his moments but I really liked him. Okay so he was denial when it came to some things but his Mum set him right as Mum’s usually do.

This book is light-hearted and I loved reading it as it has a feel good vibe to it. I felt for Bailey when it went to shite and I would have liked to have seen Matt grovel a bit more than he did which was virtually nil. Zero grovelling involved.

All in all a hilarious read especially when you want something light after you have read something with a lot of angst. A pick me up for sure.

On a personal note oh what was in the book I think this is something a guy wouldn’t say I press my mouth to the petals of the pink flower her parted thighs reveal. So although the male POV was good it didn’t always quite hit the mark. I think I kind of contradicted myself there with what I said above.

Review can be found @ http://jerisbookattic-reviewblog.blog...

[Beneath The Covers Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging and completely charming!

The entire time I read this book, it felt like I had a smile on my face! Its story line is quirky, fun, and very entertaining. There were plenty of moments where I was laughing, and many times where I was anxious and confused. The build up of the relationship between the characters was perfect. But to me, it seemed like the turn from professional to personal went from zero to sixty too fast. I hesitated every now and then on whether the actions that were taken were truly genuine. That's what had me confused. But I was quickly put at ease. The story contains quite a bit of self-doubt, unspoken longing, and mixed up emotions. But I did very much like both characters, and their special (and maybe strange) relationship they have.

The writing was very unique, and I loved the fact that it was told entire from the male's POV. It's always fun to have unlimited access to a man's inner thoughts, even if it's only in a book. The dialogue flowed smoothly, and the entire plot was well thought out.

This may be my first read by Sandra Marton, but it won't be my last! Strongly recommended romantic comedy!

*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.* ~Kelly

[Stacey (sassysreadingnook) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This my first taste of Sandra Marton's work and it definitely won't be the last, another author to add to my ever growing stalker list. ^_^

I really enjoyed this book, from start to finished it was hard to put down. I did feel that the ending was a little rushed but that could just be me and my feelings.

I found the storyline to be refreshing and fun, I loved how it was told from a males POV, it made things very interesting indeed. With Sandra's beautiful writing everything just worked well together, well developed characters, chemistry that could bring a house down, quite a few laugh out loud moments and it will definitely bring out those emotions. It's a story I could see myself reading again and again.

Would I recommend this story? Why yes, yes I would. ^_^

[Kelly Emery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review can be found at Beneath The Covers Blog --> https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.*

[The Rock Stars of Romance]

Read a Steamy Excerpt @TRSoR: http://www.trsor.com/spotlights/the-f...

[J.E. Benoit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed on behalf of The Book Boyfriend Addict (www.bookboyfriendaddict.com). A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 Stars

“What happened to my prim and proper PA?”
“You set her free.”

Matt O’Malley has never had a problem with the ladies. Successful business owner and good looking, he finds he usually has his pick of women. However, he’s not looking for any sort of commitment. Bailey Abrams, Matt’s PA, is quite the opposite. She’s always played second fiddle to her cousin, Violet, and as a result she’s left with some self-esteem issues. Not at all experienced when it comes to men, she surprises herself when she uses the excuse of going away for a romantic weekend with a man as a way to get out of going to her cousin’s wedding. Matt overhears her plight and offers to help her out by posing as her date and accompanying her to the wedding in hopes of finally showing up her awful cousin. Matt’s never seen Bailey as more than his shapeless suit wearing, sharp as a tack personal assistant so he’s not worried that posing as her boyfriend will have any impact on their working situation. However, the more time he spends with Bailey, helping her find her confidence, the more he realizes what a beautiful and wonderful woman lies beneath that buttoned up shell of hers. The F-Word has always meant one thing to Matt, but after this weekend with Bailey, could it wind up meaning something entirely different?

I thought that overall this was a quick, enjoyable read. It’s told entirely from Matt’s POV which I found to be amusing. He seemed a little manic at first with all of the tangents he would end up on but I thought it was funny and pretty realistic. The male POV was definitely believable and provides some highly entertaining insights into the male brain. I liked seeing Bailey’s transformation over the course of the book. It was clear that she had it in her all along, but it took a little motivation from Matt to get her to act on it. Their friendship and their time together was sweet and it was fun seeing Matt’s feelings towards Bailey evolve. My only real grip with the story is that things wrapped up very quickly and they seemed to go from 0 to 60 in terms of their relationship in seemingly no time at all. I think this was made more noticeable than it would have otherwise been by the fact that we didn’t have Bailey’s POV so it wasn’t all that clear what her feelings towards Matt really were. I mean we could guess based on things we’re told but it was never really shown. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the ending, I just wished there was a little more leading up to it. But if you are looking for a quick, male POV, friends/co-workers to lovers story, give this one a try!

[Nerdy Dirty & Flirty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderfully entertaining book about a man named Matthew that doesn't believe in forever. But he really likes and enjoys women. He's a loving son and brother. He adores his niece. And his work life is run by his ever efficient PA Bailey. When Bailey finds her self in need of a date to a family wedding, Matthew steps in and offers to help. He assures her that they can convince everyone that they are a loving couple, and she hesitantly goes along with it. But soon, Matthew is spending evenings getting to know her, and finding out she's more than he ever imagined.

I really enjoyed this story. I don't often come across books that are told only in the leading man's point of view. But it was really well done and I loved the insight into Matthew's mind. Bailey was this amazing mix of contradictions. She was really smart but so naive. She was really efficient and organized at work, but a borderline mess at home. She was take charge but so insecure. I absolutely loved it.

This was a book that I finished in a little over two days because I only put it down to work and sleep. But it was well written, humorous, and had great characters. I definitely recommend this story.

[Vicky Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc received for an honest review

This is my first book by Sandra Martin and was lucky enough to receive an arc and it will not be my last. Sandra has a way with words that pulls you in from the get go.

The f word was written beatifully, I loved the main characters, the story line, the humor and all the feelings this book gave me. I especially loved that it was in the male POV as this is a favourite of mine, being a woman I'm sure I'm not the only one who wonders what's going on in a mans mind at certain points.

This was a refreshing read, minimal drama, lots of fun and lots of heat.

I can't say much more without giving away spoilers but this is definitely worth a read

[Jenny · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hero(s) rating: 3 stars
Heroine rating: 2.5 stars
Sexual tension rating: 3 stars
Sex scenes rating: 3 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 2 stars
Plot rating: 3 stars
Dialogue rating: 3 stars
Storytelling rating: 3.5 stars
Story ending rating: 3 stars
Other woman/men drama: No
Cheating: No
Cliffhanger: No
HEA: Yes
**********************************************
Overall rating: 2 stars

[Kathleen R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: The F-Word
Author: Sandra Marton

5 amazing stars



"A picture swims in my head of a guy standing in an elevator with a box of Tide in his arms."
Rarely do I find myself having to quiet myself down because I'm laughing too much, but that's exactly what happened when I read The F-Word by Sandra Marton. I laughed so much that the bed shook underneath me and more than once I was asked why I was laughing. Only, how could I explain that the antics of a business owner wanting to avoid a long term commitment whose thoughts were as blunt as those of so many I know, but with the humourous twist, and he's not afraid to help his friends, no matter how 'out there' the idea might be. So it's no wonder that when his personal assistant Bailey tells a lie to her mother, Matt jumps in to sole the problem the only way he can think about: pretend to be her lover and fool her family.

4 breath taking dreams



"I'm gonig away with her for the weekend to get even with Cousin Violet Who Once Killed A Doll Named Suzy, not beacause I have the hots for Bailey. I mean, Bailey's good people. She's sweet, she's smart, and she's efficient. What she isn't, is hot."

No matter what Matt first imagined about Bailey, he's the first to admit his mistake when he gets to know the true woman that is Bailey. Never would have he imagined that in a few short days he'd be taken for a ride trying to reconcile the woman who is his assistant and the woman who is sexual and beautiful. This was an absolute treat to read and I loved the F-Word. This only proved that I need to read more from Sandra Marton.

*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Kathleen, The Small Girl from A small girl, her man and her books

[A Book Lover's Emporium Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this standalone book, from the first word to the last. I've never read anything from this author but I'm going to look to see what is out there right now!
I love that it's from the male's point of view and his inner diatribe had me laughing so hard. Matt's relationship with his sister is funny too. Typical siblings. The writing is flawless and hilarious. The musings of Matt are just how I would imagine they should be. I wouldn't change a single word.
Bailey is such a great character too. She is shy but efficient at her job as Matt's PA. She positively blooms throughout the story. Fabulous.
The blurb sets the scene for the story and it unravels perfectly from there.
Definitely one I'd highly recommend.

[Cindy Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Sandra Marton captured my imagination by writing a book using the male POV with The F-Word. It took me a few minutes of reading to get my mindset that I am reading a male's thoughts but once I did, this book turned out to be great. Bailey a P.A and Matt her boss are highly entertaining and funny. Matt who does not have any self esteem problems helps Bailey out in a tight spot and also helps her to coming into her own, to discover the beautiful person she actually is. I encourage you to getting this book to see what happens, it has it all. The male mind and thoughts are highly entertaining and these two character are great together as they reach for the Forever!!
I received an ARC for an honest review.

[SassyLeg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so enjoyable!
Funny, quirky, fast read, that will having you laughing and swooning.
100% male POV.... a first for a HP author (to my knowledge).
Matt is a swoon worthy H: he gets into a fake-engagement with his PA to help her, but just get caught in the masquerade, revealing inner deeper feelings.
In his inner monologue, he tries to fight them and his thoughts are so funny: he tries to stay focused on the task and remain just a boss/friend but the attraction is overwhelming.
Heroine is the stereotype for these novels: shy/nerdy/demure/bullied in her teens by an evil cousin.
Cute - light read but a the perfect way to spend a couple of hours of relax.

[Lora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most people or critics wouldn't like the style of this writing, because it is written in a POV that would literally be taken right from your head. Bad grammar, run on sentences and side thoughts that go on for a page or two before you get back to the point. But i liked having that look into Matt's head. He seems to have seen Bailey as this shapeless/sexless second hand person to him for years, but through his eyes you get to see him start to see her as a woman and friend. And then that slowly morphs into seeing her more romantically. I just really liked it.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a fun, quirky, fast read, that will having you laughing and swooning. I loved that it was from the male's POV. Reading his thoughts as he fights his feelings for his PA, felt real. I loved his inner monologue when went off on a tangent.
While their may have been a few plot points I found questionable, all in all this book was highly entertaining and a fantastic way to spend my night.

[Cathy Egan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super funny

This is the first romance book I've read that was written from the man's point of view. It was funny and honest and realistic. I loved it!!! The language gets a little crass, but nothing offensive. I highly recommend this book and am gonna see what else Sandra Marton has written 😏

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet

Honestly I liked the book but there were some issues with how it unraveled.. too quick and not enough talking after everything came out . Their story was sweet & it was so funny how men can be so clueless on a women's feelings.

[Diana Kopszywa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Word

Business and friendship that has led to intimacy of the sweetest kind. Beautiful storyline and just the right amount of love scenes. Good read!!

[Lynn Mullan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read

[Clara Deoliveira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never read a book from a guys perspective, it was refreshing and hilarious.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

So probably not the f-word you were expecting...

This was very much a light read told entirely from Matthew's POV. It was told in very much a conversational style, which added to the charm of this story. For Matthew, what he has been needing could have been right under his nose the entire time.

When his strait-laced, plain PA Bailey needs help to get through her horrible cousin's wedding, Matthew doesn't hesitate to step up to the plate and help her. Their pretend relationship begins but Matthew actually starts to see Bailey for who she really is and not just his efficient PA: pretend becomes real.

I enjoyed the quirkiness and seeing Matthew look beyond the surface. He is tenacious and hot; she is strong, independent and beautiful inside and out but lacking in self-belief. It was certainly a fun way to spend a few hours.

***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***

[Nicole P · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting

A light quick read. Entertaining and different. Unusual to read from only the hero's narrative. I have no problem with him being the story well, but I felt that it would have been more cohesive if I knew the heroine's thoughts as well.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

review to come

[Maggie]

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This is my first time reading a book written by Sandra Marton.
This is also actually my first time reading a new book written in ONLY the males perspective.  I have read books before that are in addition to a previous book that was written in the guys eyes but usually the story is all the same, just a few added scenes or new facts. I tend to not read those, or skim through the book. 



The book starts off explaining how Matthew O’Malley does not believe in forever, he does however believe in the other F-word, F*ck. He runs a construction company for the last 6 years with his Personal Assistant Bailey. Bailey was a perfect fit, since she was unattractive in her professional non-form fitting outfits. One day on the way home from a job site, Bailey takes a personal call in front of Matt. Her cousin Violet is getting married that weekend and Bailey does not want to go dateless. She lies to her mother saying she and her boyfriend won't be able to attend because they have pre-planned weekend away to have all the sex. This of course is a lie, and Bailey for sure has to go to the wedding. So Matthew decides to be the nice guy he is and be her pretend date.

Over the next 4 days, they hang out every night outside of work for Matthew to get to know Bailey more. During this time he starts to realize what a gorgeous and wonderful women, Bailey really is. He finds it hard to keep his hands and lips off of her. When the wedding finally comes Matthew trying to be the fake boyfriend, doesn't seem so hard anymore. Which leads to something more to the both of them, where they spend a wonderful weekend together. Up until Monday morning comes and it's back to work and Bailey realizes she can't pretend anymore.


I liked the book, I do wish we could have seen more of Bailey's side of the story and how she felt about everything and how her feelings were. The ending to me was more fairy tale than normal books, but its Fiction so there's nothing wrong with that. I would recommend this book!

For a longer look at my review of this book and others please check out my blog at The Trashy Biblo Blog

[Eileen (Bangor Belles) Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read and Reviewed on behalf of my blog... Bangor Belle Book Besties
I received an arc of this book in return for an honest unbiased review



Kennedy Barnes has lived her life as the secret. Illegitimate daughter to a disgraced Senator and now at 23 working as an agent for a secret government body to infiltrate and bring down drug and illegal weapon traders. She loves her job which involves numerous alias’s and is right now working a club that is the deal capital for the biggest drug and weapon dealers.

Pheonix Ash is not only an extraordinary hacker and god of black collar crime, he is also suspected of stealing millions of dollars. He’s hot, sexy, and mysterious and hugely dangerous. The flames of the Pheonix are lit when “Nix” and Eva (Kennedy) meet whilst she is working a mark at the club. Their draw and attraction to each other is instant and the blaze begins when Nix becomes her next mark.

This is definitely one of those books that you really don’t know what to expect, but it doesn’t take long to be hooked! You are kept guessing from beginning to end, not knowing where this story is going or who to trust. Both these characters are strong, both wanting the upper hand and neither really achieving it. They both know the other is hiding secrets, they both are totally aware that their secrets and world could come crashing down at anytime. Both are fueled by mistrust, anger and passion!! Things get hot steamy and dirty, and through it all their attraction only grows stronger. The passion between these two is hot hot hot !!!! I loved Nix, even with all his strengths he was also vulnerable, yet his passion and love was obvious. Kennedy knew she was falling in love with him and her dilema was growing. It all comes crashing down on them, Nix’s young protege throws his whole operation right into the feds hands. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer, but sometimes enemies can be lovers too right???

Kennedy is left reeling and wanting to protect Nix as much as she can, but in his eyes its all down to her. How on earth can love even survive?

I loved the cat and mouse of this story, super writing, suspense, hot sexy Alpha, kick ass heroine, suspense, heartache and laughs. A book you need to read and hold on to not only the edge of your seat but your panties too !!!

[Michel Reinhard (Saucy Southern Readers) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The blurb for this book caught my attention and I was intrigued. The F-Word by Sandra Marton was a pure delight. From the very first page I was drawn in and held captive.

It all begins with a guy's point of view about sex, relationships, and the f-word. It's straight forward and a bit comical. He's clueless about love and how real relationships work. That is until his PA begins to enlighten him about the true meaning of the F-Word.

Matthew O'Malley didn't know what he was getting into when he agreed to be a plus one for his PA, Bailey Abram, at her despicable cousin's wedding in upstate New York. He thought it would be a weekend of a little bit of hand holding, maybe a few stolen kisses, and little bit of revenge. By Monday they would be back to work and business as usual. What he didn't factor into the plan was the preparations for the weekend. He has to get to know his PA outside of the office and make their relationship convincing. That shouldn't be too hard since they have worked together for years. The first thing he realizes is that he was clueless where his PA was concerned. Beneath the prim and proper behavior is a feisty but shy woman. Beneath the conservative suits is a smoking hot body he's dying to touch. Now it's time to put the plan into action and become a convincing couple.

Things never go as planned. What should of been a fun, easy weekend turns into moments of truth that neither one may recover from. The are both going to find out that there is more than one definition of the F-Word.

This book was a pure delight. I could not put it down until I finished the last page. It was the right kind of book that I needed to read. After reading so many dark, angsty books with very heavy subject matter it was great to read a light hearted traditional romance with ordinary characters. People like myself finding their happily ever after.

I would highly recommend reading The F-Word by Sandra Marton. It was a fun and delightful way to spend my precious reading time.

[Amber at WickedGoodReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5-4 WickedGoodStars!

Lemme just be honest from the get-go with you guys - you put Stuart Reardon on the cover of a book and call it "The F-Word"... oh yeah, im gonna read it. Throw in the fact that its written from the leading male's POV and im convinced already its going to be a knock out.
I love anything that is written in the male voice and Sandra Marton did an amazing job with Matt O'Malley. From the first few pages she had it down to an art and I was laughing right along as he described the little nuances in his life... his sister, his niece and his dumpy, frumpy PA Bailey Abrams. You know.. the one who wears colorless suits and has no figure and pulls her hair back so tight that it distorts the shape of her face. It was all fun and games until I figured out that poor Bailey was going to be Matt's love interest. That's when I got a little uncomfortable. Poor thing... I mean, I know SHE didnt know that Matt was making fun of her but still... *i did*. Anyway, moving on...
Once Bailey moved from ugly caterpillar to beautiful butterfly and Matt moved from hilarious frat bro to Prince Charming things in the book took a slightly more serious and romantic turn. The actual story revolved around Bailey having to attend her cousin's wedding and the two of them (Bailey and the cousin) having a lifelong rivalry in which Bailey's self esteem was always in the direct line of fire. As it turns out, Bailey found her back bone and the book had a very sweet, albeit rushed and somewhat confusing ending.
My opinion only, but maybe if there had been a few chapters from Bailey's POV or if the ending of the story hadnt been so abrupt this would have for sure been a 5 star read for me. Sandra Marton slayed it with Matt's hilarious descriptions and the witty banter between he and the other characters in the book and even the inner dialogue he kept running in his head.
This was my first introduction to the works of Sandra Marton and I will definitely be on the lookout for more from her. The story was funny, romantic and held my attention. I will be recommending it.