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The Substitute Wife
When Luke Quintain's fiancee dumped him, Catherine Lang understood immediately that she was the perfect solution to his problem. Leggy, flame haired and wise beyond her years, she decided that he should marry her instead.
But even though Luke needed a wife by his thirty-sixth birthday or he would lose his inheritance, he had to say "No!" Well, that was what he tried to say, but somehow Cat left with a ring on her finger and a wedding date on her calendar. And Luke could only curse his grandfather's positively medieval blackmailing scheme...and count the seconds till the wedding night.
Cat, of course, knows her own mind -- and her own heart -- and she wants Luke. Meanwhile, Luke is wondering how long this will play out, and hoping that it might be a little longer with each passing day. The problem is, he's quite capable of doing something very stupid -- like falling for Cat.
Because sometimes love just doesn't take no for an answer.
But even though Luke needed a wife by his thirty-sixth birthday or he would lose his inheritance, he had to say "No!" Well, that was what he tried to say, but somehow Cat left with a ring on her finger and a wedding date on her calendar. And Luke could only curse his grandfather's positively medieval blackmailing scheme...and count the seconds till the wedding night.
Cat, of course, knows her own mind -- and her own heart -- and she wants Luke. Meanwhile, Luke is wondering how long this will play out, and hoping that it might be a little longer with each passing day. The problem is, he's quite capable of doing something very stupid -- like falling for Cat.
Because sometimes love just doesn't take no for an answer.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 1, 2003
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1186 people want to read
About the author
Dallas Schulze
89 books70 followersBorn and raised in Colorado, Dallas Schulze now lives in California. She sold her first book in October 1983. It was published under her pseudonym Dallas Hamlin in the Candlelight Ecstasy Romance line. She loves happy ending and wrote category romances, contemporaries and historicals for Harlequin, Silhouette, Dell and Mira. Her latest title was published in 2004.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
December 29, 2014
Really well written but hero was just not a romance hero. Hero is a whiny, selfish child. Not masculine, powerful or alpha, or a tender beta, and not loveable (heroine's love for him is inexplicable). The ending left me left me cold, and really sorry for the heroine.
July 6, 2013
3.5 Could've Been 4 Stars
I really enjoyed this story up until the 80% mark when the hero reverted back to his lowest denominator and pretty much stayed there. I loved Cat but Luke needed some serious growth, even by 2003 standards. No grovel after a major fuck up means no bueno for me.
I really enjoyed this story up until the 80% mark when the hero reverted back to his lowest denominator and pretty much stayed there. I loved Cat but Luke needed some serious growth, even by 2003 standards. No grovel after a major fuck up means no bueno for me.
June 30, 2016
Ok wtf! These books are aimed at women right? So why would I want to hear how some guy wants to bite another guys ass or lick his nipples. Just not my thing. Sorry if you wanted to cross theme your book but it should fall under bisexual reading! However, the heroine was awesome liked they way she talked and was soooo funny fav line " why don't you pee on me? To make your territory". Other awesome lines too many to count.
The whole gay angle could have been overlooked by me if the hero was not a complete asshole. He knew she was pregnant by no fault of her own and he was going to have sex with the stepsister anyways just to prove he was the man in charge and she forgives him without so much as a grovel. I hated that. The writing was excellent just the whole story sucked. I hated most of it. The end was not satisfying. Too bad cause I have liked most of her books so far.
The whole gay angle could have been overlooked by me if the hero was not a complete asshole. He knew she was pregnant by no fault of her own and he was going to have sex with the stepsister anyways just to prove he was the man in charge and she forgives him without so much as a grovel. I hated that. The writing was excellent just the whole story sucked. I hated most of it. The end was not satisfying. Too bad cause I have liked most of her books so far.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2016
I enjoyed this very much until I got to the ridiculous behavior of the hero with the OW. I think he got off too easily. While we, the reader, knew the emptiness and fear that drove him to that action, I don't see how the heroine could have understood based on what he told her. More grovel, please. This is a story where I would have liked to see an epilogue with the hero finally understanding what a family could be and seeing him comfortable in that role.
BTW, I loved all the found families littering this book. The "step parents", the owners of the vineyard, the grandfather and his chef, the new maid and housekeeper, etc . . Keith and Jack's journey was adorable. And the heroine's musings on karma and other new age philosophies were fun to read. This is a fluffy read for the most part. There wasn't much drama until the end, but you knew something was coming because everything was going *too* well.
BTW, I loved all the found families littering this book. The "step parents", the owners of the vineyard, the grandfather and his chef, the new maid and housekeeper, etc . . Keith and Jack's journey was adorable. And the heroine's musings on karma and other new age philosophies were fun to read. This is a fluffy read for the most part. There wasn't much drama until the end, but you knew something was coming because everything was going *too* well.
March 21, 2017
a horrible read with a disgusting hero who clearly accepted that he would have cheated on his pregnant wife if she hadn't interrupted him just because he was angry and feeling trapped!what a jerk!!And the best part is he doesn't even grovel one bit and just starts putting blame on others for his actions .I don't understand how the authors have the audacity to call such a book a romance novel!I didn't feel bad for the heroine coz after accepting the hero after cheating she dug up her own grave!the hero didn't even offer her complete fidelity,so we all know what is gonna happen when the poor hero is angry and feels trapped again!a complete waste of time!
June 8, 2018
He nearly cheats on her with her stepsister. She catches him in the act or it would have happened. He mildly grovels, eventually, and she takes him back. She will have to see the OW for the rest of her life now, and know what nearly happened.
This book made me think about my own attitude towards cheating IRL, which is that I could probably forgive it and come to peace with it if I didn't know the other person involved (and maybe if I received a "get of jail free" pass in exchange, which I would not use but might occasionally consider using). But in a case like this, NEVER. In fact, I would spend a specific amount of time torturing both the H and the OW at every opportunity, then once I had broken them, I would leave.
This book made me think about my own attitude towards cheating IRL, which is that I could probably forgive it and come to peace with it if I didn't know the other person involved (and maybe if I received a "get of jail free" pass in exchange, which I would not use but might occasionally consider using). But in a case like this, NEVER. In fact, I would spend a specific amount of time torturing both the H and the OW at every opportunity, then once I had broken them, I would leave.
August 5, 2023
So I should be happy that the hero, a loser of the first water, eventually gets the heroine who by the way, is as it often happens, a much better and worthier person than he is?
He cheated on her because he wanted to prove he didn’t feel anything for her, and would have gone all the way but for the heroine who interrupted him midway.
And eventually his great declaration of love was that he was willing to try but. He could not give any guarantees.
Just what a reader expect from a romance.
Minus 100000000 stars.
He cheated on her because he wanted to prove he didn’t feel anything for her, and would have gone all the way but for the heroine who interrupted him midway.
And eventually his great declaration of love was that he was willing to try but. He could not give any guarantees.
Just what a reader expect from a romance.
Minus 100000000 stars.
February 12, 2023
The Substitute Wife is a modern-day marriage of convenience romance. This book is well written, a nice length (384 pages), and has great secondary characters with their own side plot. I knew heading in, it wouldn’t be a super serious book, but it has a quirky feel to it. The h reminded me a tad of Daisy in Kiss an Angel, but the H is no Alex. The MC’s banter a lot, and some might find it cute or funny, but I found it a bit neurotic with the dialogue bouncing all over the place…and the endless references to Naomi got old.
The story starts with Cat delivering a message from her step sister (Devon) informing Lucas (Luke) that she is calling off their engagement. Luke Quintain’s grandfather is forcing him to marry before his 36th b-day, or he will sell his beloved winery. Kate offers to take Devon’s place; Luke is initially against it because Cat is so young (almost 21), but she talks him into it.
Cat has layers. She’s wacky, but serious. She’s very young and naïve, but also very mature. She’s had a non-traditional upbringing, but has traditional values. She’s kind, hardworking… a bit of a dreamer.
Luke is equally complex. He’s older and has tons of experience, but seemed pretty clueless about relationships. He was alpha and possessive, but could also be whiny.
We also get quite a bit from Jack (Cat’s gay BF) and Keith (Luke’s lawyer and BF), and I found their side plot enjoyable.
I felt the first quarter of the book moved slow, and found myself wanting to skim. After that, the couple’s relationship moves along, and for the majority of the book the couple is very kind, and loving (but don’t call it love) to each other. I want to clarify, because there are several reviews out there about Luke being a cheater, and I felt a bit mislead. There is one situation, but it doesn’t occur until 86% into the book. Up to that point, it’s safe. I totally understand why reviewers are upset, especially with the OW choice; I’ll put it in spoilers at the end.
My only complaint is that it happened so late in the book, that it isn’t really hashed out like it should/could have been. We only get the one real conversation on the next to last page.
Overall, I liked the book, and found it enjoyable for the most part. I thought certain parts were a tad slow moving, but good.
Spoilers
The story starts with Cat delivering a message from her step sister (Devon) informing Lucas (Luke) that she is calling off their engagement. Luke Quintain’s grandfather is forcing him to marry before his 36th b-day, or he will sell his beloved winery. Kate offers to take Devon’s place; Luke is initially against it because Cat is so young (almost 21), but she talks him into it.
Cat has layers. She’s wacky, but serious. She’s very young and naïve, but also very mature. She’s had a non-traditional upbringing, but has traditional values. She’s kind, hardworking… a bit of a dreamer.
Luke is equally complex. He’s older and has tons of experience, but seemed pretty clueless about relationships. He was alpha and possessive, but could also be whiny.
We also get quite a bit from Jack (Cat’s gay BF) and Keith (Luke’s lawyer and BF), and I found their side plot enjoyable.
I felt the first quarter of the book moved slow, and found myself wanting to skim. After that, the couple’s relationship moves along, and for the majority of the book the couple is very kind, and loving (but don’t call it love) to each other. I want to clarify, because there are several reviews out there about Luke being a cheater, and I felt a bit mislead. There is one situation, but it doesn’t occur until 86% into the book. Up to that point, it’s safe. I totally understand why reviewers are upset, especially with the OW choice; I’ll put it in spoilers at the end.
My only complaint is that it happened so late in the book, that it isn’t really hashed out like it should/could have been. We only get the one real conversation on the next to last page.
Overall, I liked the book, and found it enjoyable for the most part. I thought certain parts were a tad slow moving, but good.
Spoilers
May 12, 2017
Revisited this one and I wanted to give it another star because the writing is good and the characters have depth, but the ending was just so abrupt it could never be more than an HFN. He barely says the ILY and then it ends on a small joke. I mean this is supposed to be a romance isn't it?
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I admit that I skimmed through a fair bit of it. Yep, the H is a complete ass. I think his gesture of contrition at the end was supposed to be humorous, but really just came off as lame to me. Too little, too late and I'm unconvinced that the reasons for it were from genuine regret and love. Once again, the OW doesn't get her comeuppance. SOoo no satisfaction there either. The one think I liked about the story was the heroine, Catherine. She has a sense of humour and she's no doormat. Leaving with flair while the getting is good. It was also delicious how everyone was in her corner and blamed Luke quite vocally. How does the reader know he won't do it again? There's no epilogue to assure us. It was all just so sordid! How can you respect a man who would bump uglies with such a despicable person??
#####################
I admit that I skimmed through a fair bit of it. Yep, the H is a complete ass. I think his gesture of contrition at the end was supposed to be humorous, but really just came off as lame to me. Too little, too late and I'm unconvinced that the reasons for it were from genuine regret and love. Once again, the OW doesn't get her comeuppance. SOoo no satisfaction there either. The one think I liked about the story was the heroine, Catherine. She has a sense of humour and she's no doormat. Leaving with flair while the getting is good. It was also delicious how everyone was in her corner and blamed Luke quite vocally. How does the reader know he won't do it again? There's no epilogue to assure us. It was all just so sordid! How can you respect a man who would bump uglies with such a despicable person??
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2011
Loved this book, have reread many times. The heroine is just so comfortable in her own skin, she doesn't pretend to be something else even though she is so different from the hero. The hero starts out as a self-centered jerk, but it was so fun to watch him fall as he was fighting it all the way. There is a very emotional ending and I loved how the heroine, completely heartbroken remains strong and moves on- to the hero's shock. Great groveling! Highly recommend this book!
avoid
June 17, 2017What Becky said:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
May 8, 2011
I have been wanting to read The Substitute Wife by Dallas Schulze for a long time. And whilst I enjoyed this book immensely, I had to bring down the rating from 5-stars because I felt that the hero did not really grovel enough to win back the affections of the heroine.
Catherine Willow Rain Skywalker Lang (I know, its a mouthful but it suites her well and good) grows up with a hippie for a mother whose wanderlust nature provided Cat with a very unique sort of childhood. Thus Cat had learnt at a very young age to become an "adult" and a responsible child with her unconventional education that nevertheless grows up to be a beautiful woman inside and out. It had been a gangly 13 year old Cat that had met her beautiful 20 year old sort of step-sister Devon whose father Larry had been the only family that Cat had known through her transformation from a teenager into womanhood.
When Cat finds out that Devon is running away with her first love and breaking off her engagement to Luke Quintain with whom Cat had fallen in love at first sight, Cat's tender hearted nature refuses to let Luke hear about the broken engagement just mere weeks before the wedding via the post. So it is because Cat wants to deliver the news of the broken engagement in person that she finds herself on the doorstep of the ultra rich real estate tycoon for whom her heart clamors for something fierce.
Somehow Luke finds himself at the receiving end of the news of a broken engagement and Cat somehow leaves with a ring on her finger after proposing that she take Devon's place instead. Luke agrees because he can't help his reaction to the tall and red-haired beauty with the green eyes who calls to his baser instincts in a way that has never happened before. Though its a marriage of convenience to which Luke agrees to with a tight prenuptial to neatly tie things up, their marriage from the first moment itself becomes something much more than Luke bargained for.
Though Cat enters a marriage that has its divorce date already decided upon, her heart cannot help but yearn for Luke and his love to be hers till death does them apart. Trouble comes calling when Devon returns and Cat finds herself carrying Luke's baby, something that wasn't included in Luke's agreement with his delectable wife whom he can't seem to get enough of.
Luke who is definitely scarred on the inside from the trauma of witnessing the roller coaster of a marriage between his parents is a man who knows he is not the right material for a happily ever after. And with the earth shattering news about his imminent fatherhood, Luke does the unforgivable and finally manages to drive Cat and her love out of his life, taking him back to the bleak existence his life was before Cat lit it up with her love and her giving nature.
I loved so many things about this book right from the very first page itself. There is so much humor packed into this story that I swear that I couldn't help but laugh out loud several times. Luke's grouchy grandfather Nick who forces Luke's hand in getting married is an interesting character who lends the story a charm of its own kind. Cat is such a wonderful, wonderful heroine that I absolutely fell head over heels in love with. I know, weird right? But you would have to read this one to understand what I am talking about. Cat has so many endearing qualities that you can't help but be drawn towards her character. She is so comfortable with who she is that she continues to astound Luke, Nick and everyone who doesn't know her that well and continually surprised me with her quirky comebacks and teasing nature. She is so very vulnerable when it comes to Luke who hurts her in the worst way possible, but still she manages to stand up for herself and work things out. And let me not forget Cat's best friend Jack whose relationship with Luke's best friend was an interesting facet of the novel as well.
And alas, I come to the part where my rating for this novel had to be brought down from a solid 5-stars to the 4-star rating it received. Mainly because I don't think Luke really did enough towards the end to make up for what he did to Cat. I wanted him to grovel a bit more, and with more sincerity than that he showed. And Cat being the wonderful woman she is and because she loves Luke to distraction, she takes him back upon his one attempt at groveling and apologizing to her for what he did. Totally didn't sit well with me. But, nevertheless Luke still makes for a sexy hero whose reluctant reactions towards Cat was one that I savored to the max.
Recommended for fans of contemporary romances with the marriage of convenience setting.
Original Review Posted At: Link to MBR's World of Romance
Catherine Willow Rain Skywalker Lang (I know, its a mouthful but it suites her well and good) grows up with a hippie for a mother whose wanderlust nature provided Cat with a very unique sort of childhood. Thus Cat had learnt at a very young age to become an "adult" and a responsible child with her unconventional education that nevertheless grows up to be a beautiful woman inside and out. It had been a gangly 13 year old Cat that had met her beautiful 20 year old sort of step-sister Devon whose father Larry had been the only family that Cat had known through her transformation from a teenager into womanhood.
When Cat finds out that Devon is running away with her first love and breaking off her engagement to Luke Quintain with whom Cat had fallen in love at first sight, Cat's tender hearted nature refuses to let Luke hear about the broken engagement just mere weeks before the wedding via the post. So it is because Cat wants to deliver the news of the broken engagement in person that she finds herself on the doorstep of the ultra rich real estate tycoon for whom her heart clamors for something fierce.
Somehow Luke finds himself at the receiving end of the news of a broken engagement and Cat somehow leaves with a ring on her finger after proposing that she take Devon's place instead. Luke agrees because he can't help his reaction to the tall and red-haired beauty with the green eyes who calls to his baser instincts in a way that has never happened before. Though its a marriage of convenience to which Luke agrees to with a tight prenuptial to neatly tie things up, their marriage from the first moment itself becomes something much more than Luke bargained for.
Though Cat enters a marriage that has its divorce date already decided upon, her heart cannot help but yearn for Luke and his love to be hers till death does them apart. Trouble comes calling when Devon returns and Cat finds herself carrying Luke's baby, something that wasn't included in Luke's agreement with his delectable wife whom he can't seem to get enough of.
Luke who is definitely scarred on the inside from the trauma of witnessing the roller coaster of a marriage between his parents is a man who knows he is not the right material for a happily ever after. And with the earth shattering news about his imminent fatherhood, Luke does the unforgivable and finally manages to drive Cat and her love out of his life, taking him back to the bleak existence his life was before Cat lit it up with her love and her giving nature.
I loved so many things about this book right from the very first page itself. There is so much humor packed into this story that I swear that I couldn't help but laugh out loud several times. Luke's grouchy grandfather Nick who forces Luke's hand in getting married is an interesting character who lends the story a charm of its own kind. Cat is such a wonderful, wonderful heroine that I absolutely fell head over heels in love with. I know, weird right? But you would have to read this one to understand what I am talking about. Cat has so many endearing qualities that you can't help but be drawn towards her character. She is so comfortable with who she is that she continues to astound Luke, Nick and everyone who doesn't know her that well and continually surprised me with her quirky comebacks and teasing nature. She is so very vulnerable when it comes to Luke who hurts her in the worst way possible, but still she manages to stand up for herself and work things out. And let me not forget Cat's best friend Jack whose relationship with Luke's best friend was an interesting facet of the novel as well.
And alas, I come to the part where my rating for this novel had to be brought down from a solid 5-stars to the 4-star rating it received. Mainly because I don't think Luke really did enough towards the end to make up for what he did to Cat. I wanted him to grovel a bit more, and with more sincerity than that he showed. And Cat being the wonderful woman she is and because she loves Luke to distraction, she takes him back upon his one attempt at groveling and apologizing to her for what he did. Totally didn't sit well with me. But, nevertheless Luke still makes for a sexy hero whose reluctant reactions towards Cat was one that I savored to the max.
Recommended for fans of contemporary romances with the marriage of convenience setting.
Original Review Posted At: Link to MBR's World of Romance
July 14, 2011
Very nice book. I laughed out loud in places. The heroine was of a type I enjoy, very laid back and sure of herself even though she was very young. The secondary characters were great and I really enjoyed the other romance that developed during this story. Well written and well plotted. The only thing that pulled a star away is I didn't really like how long it took the hero to realize he loved the heroine. He did something pretty appalling before he wised up that dropped it a star for me. Realistic but...
Still I recommend it.
Still I recommend it.
November 13, 2011
This is a classic example of How too much of goodness can be destructive for yourself,
liked Cat a lot but her too much of goodness gave her so much pain,hurt and humiliation,through the story she kept on forgiving Lucas and when she did stood for herself at the end but she gave in too easily
Luke disliked him through the story,absolutely hated his attitude towards Cat and his marriage and dear god his attitude with what he did with Devon just cause he did'nt complete the deed it makes it alright,if Cat had not come he would have done the deed his mind was made
most disappointing was no grovelling,Luke even after being caught he is like i did'nt do the deed so what have i done wrong,she took her so easily back and also forgive him so easily
What i can't forgive is when he was having this argument with himself before starting the deed he knew it will hurt Cat and he even said "i know i am married but if i am getting a easy lay why should'nt i take it"
The secondary characters and their plot was good to read,the story was good but that thing at the end it spoiled the book for me
Okay read
liked Cat a lot but her too much of goodness gave her so much pain,hurt and humiliation,through the story she kept on forgiving Lucas and when she did stood for herself at the end but she gave in too easily
Luke disliked him through the story,absolutely hated his attitude towards Cat and his marriage and dear god his attitude with what he did with Devon just cause he did'nt complete the deed it makes it alright,if Cat had not come he would have done the deed his mind was made
most disappointing was no grovelling,Luke even after being caught he is like i did'nt do the deed so what have i done wrong,she took her so easily back and also forgive him so easily
What i can't forgive is when he was having this argument with himself before starting the deed he knew it will hurt Cat and he even said "i know i am married but if i am getting a easy lay why should'nt i take it"
The secondary characters and their plot was good to read,the story was good but that thing at the end it spoiled the book for me
Okay read
January 7, 2025
Забавна и сладка старомодна история, където едната годеница офейка и в рамките на час беше заменена от следващата. Старото клише “дядо-ме-кара-да-се-женя-за-да-получа-лозето” е изненадващо забавно, преплетено с хипи мотиви. Е, не се мина без няколко идиотии, но те бяха тревожно реалистични. Накрая героят заслужаваше лопата по главата, но понеже сам си го разбра, краят беше достоверен.
September 25, 2020
3.5 stars Cat and Luke. Side characters romance (Jack an Keith) This one is hard to rate, because it was an engaging story about two couples until that abrupt ending. I enjoyed both couples and would have loved to read more of their journey.
Cat is a "Mary Sue" type character and does not expect much from those who love her. However, I do. I need much more convincing groveling from this hero and a couple more chapters to see if he really does love her.
Since the hero was caught in the middle of attempting to have sex with her "step sister" Devon I need more than some manure delivered as an apology. Luke was in a snit because Cat is now pregnant and insists on thinking that she is only after the money. Even though Cat tried to reduce the amount of money owed to her in the marriage contract and it was Luke who would not let her.
Some lingering questions and thoughts that would have been nice to see addressed:
1)After marrying Cat- Luke hired Devon to work for him. Will there be anymore cozy office sex attempts when he is in a snit with Cat? (Lets face it this guy said he learned from his mistakes but in the next breath said that he could not make any guarantees for the future.) Not a great choice of words coming from a guy who was going to have sex just because he could. Even worse it with someone who it going to be around Cat a lot.
2)The baby's name? Perhaps in an epilogue.
3)A paragraph showing Luke and his grandfather making up. Like Cat said his grandfather is not getting any younger.
4)I was hoping the Jack and Keith story line would be more fleshed out too. I am cheering for this couple to make it long term. Would have loved seeing this couple interacting with Luke, Cat and their new baby.
5)Since Devon is also like a step sister will Cat have to worry about Devon hitting on her husband for the rest of her life. It would have been nice, since Luke was so easily taunted to attempting to have sex with her after him and Cat married, to have a scene where Devon is clearly shut down forever. kwim?
Cat is a "Mary Sue" type character and does not expect much from those who love her. However, I do. I need much more convincing groveling from this hero and a couple more chapters to see if he really does love her.
Since the hero was caught in the middle of attempting to have sex with her "step sister" Devon I need more than some manure delivered as an apology. Luke was in a snit because Cat is now pregnant and insists on thinking that she is only after the money. Even though Cat tried to reduce the amount of money owed to her in the marriage contract and it was Luke who would not let her.
Some lingering questions and thoughts that would have been nice to see addressed:
1)After marrying Cat- Luke hired Devon to work for him. Will there be anymore cozy office sex attempts when he is in a snit with Cat? (Lets face it this guy said he learned from his mistakes but in the next breath said that he could not make any guarantees for the future.) Not a great choice of words coming from a guy who was going to have sex just because he could. Even worse it with someone who it going to be around Cat a lot.
2)The baby's name? Perhaps in an epilogue.
3)A paragraph showing Luke and his grandfather making up. Like Cat said his grandfather is not getting any younger.
4)I was hoping the Jack and Keith story line would be more fleshed out too. I am cheering for this couple to make it long term. Would have loved seeing this couple interacting with Luke, Cat and their new baby.
5)Since Devon is also like a step sister will Cat have to worry about Devon hitting on her husband for the rest of her life. It would have been nice, since Luke was so easily taunted to attempting to have sex with her after him and Cat married, to have a scene where Devon is clearly shut down forever. kwim?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2015
Re-read Oct 2015
Great secondary characters: loved Keith and Jack.
Just missed five stars due to something missing from the grovel over the evil OW incident.
Great secondary characters: loved Keith and Jack.
Just missed five stars due to something missing from the grovel over the evil OW incident.
December 31, 2022
I'm mad. I'm really mad. I love a good cheating book as long as the Hero actually makes amends. This did not happen. Let's count the ways this hero is a complete asshole
1. Getting mad everytime the herione turned him down for sex before they married because she was a VIRGIN!
2. Not only sitting down and having a conversation with the Devon (aka step sis and ex fiancée) but giving her a FUCKING JOB WORKING FOR HIM!! All without telling the h🤯
3. Inviting the ex to date night with the h
4. For confiding in the ex the h was pregnant and he was not excited which had the ex going to h and accusing her of trapping him.
5. Cheating with the ex in his office because he could...he doesn't get points for not going through with it. He only stopped because the h WALKED in!
6. Telling the h he would of went through with it if she hadn't of walked in.
7. Thinking the grandpa deserves to share some of the blame of him hurting the h since he forced him to get married.
8. Apologizing to the h by buying fucking mulch
9. His response to the h saying she can't handle him panicking again and being unfaithful. " I learn from my mistakes. I can't make guarantees about the future, but I want this" a poet he is not.
Additional things that pissed me off
1. The h never confronts the step sis. So apparently they are just gonna have her in their lives because she's still working for the H🤦♀️
2. It ends with him still at odds with his grandpa.
3. The super abrupt ending.. read number 9 above that happens on literally the last page🤦♀️ so is it even a HFN??
So ya this was a big ole miss for me. I'm still unsure if the hero's admission was saying it's possible he will cheat again or was he saying it's possible he won't want their marriage in the future?? Idk all I know is the h would of been better off taking the settlement and co-parenting because this dude was not a prize.
1. Getting mad everytime the herione turned him down for sex before they married because she was a VIRGIN!
2. Not only sitting down and having a conversation with the Devon (aka step sis and ex fiancée) but giving her a FUCKING JOB WORKING FOR HIM!! All without telling the h🤯
3. Inviting the ex to date night with the h
4. For confiding in the ex the h was pregnant and he was not excited which had the ex going to h and accusing her of trapping him.
5. Cheating with the ex in his office because he could...he doesn't get points for not going through with it. He only stopped because the h WALKED in!
6. Telling the h he would of went through with it if she hadn't of walked in.
7. Thinking the grandpa deserves to share some of the blame of him hurting the h since he forced him to get married.
8. Apologizing to the h by buying fucking mulch
9. His response to the h saying she can't handle him panicking again and being unfaithful. " I learn from my mistakes. I can't make guarantees about the future, but I want this" a poet he is not.
Additional things that pissed me off
1. The h never confronts the step sis. So apparently they are just gonna have her in their lives because she's still working for the H🤦♀️
2. It ends with him still at odds with his grandpa.
3. The super abrupt ending.. read number 9 above that happens on literally the last page🤦♀️ so is it even a HFN??
So ya this was a big ole miss for me. I'm still unsure if the hero's admission was saying it's possible he will cheat again or was he saying it's possible he won't want their marriage in the future?? Idk all I know is the h would of been better off taking the settlement and co-parenting because this dude was not a prize.
September 17, 2012
This was a very enjoyable read. I can't believe I have never read anything before by this author. She has an absolutely great writing style...and her character development is really rich.
This is a delightful story about a Marriage of Convenience between two very unlikely people. The hero is being manipulated by his grandfather to marry and stay married for one year or lose the family homestead and vineyards. Though the hero could marry any woman he wants, he settles for an airhead to absolutely frustrate his grandfather and cheat him at his own game.
Things go awry, when the airhead bolts town and so her stepsister offers herself as a substitute. Since there has always been a sexual attraction between them, he figures he has nothing to lose but enjoy the year together. However, the heroine happens to love him and hopes that in a year's time he will come to love her. The story was so well written and there was a secondary love story in the book that adds an interesting dimension.
My only disappointment was the ending...Though the impact of Luke's indiscretion added to the intensity of the story, I felt that the author did a huge disservice to her readers by conveniently wrapping a neat bow around everything and letting the heroine forgive him so easily. Somethings just aren't that easy to fix.
I felt so cheated with the ending that I knocked a star off my rating.
This is a delightful story about a Marriage of Convenience between two very unlikely people. The hero is being manipulated by his grandfather to marry and stay married for one year or lose the family homestead and vineyards. Though the hero could marry any woman he wants, he settles for an airhead to absolutely frustrate his grandfather and cheat him at his own game.
Things go awry, when the airhead bolts town and so her stepsister offers herself as a substitute. Since there has always been a sexual attraction between them, he figures he has nothing to lose but enjoy the year together. However, the heroine happens to love him and hopes that in a year's time he will come to love her. The story was so well written and there was a secondary love story in the book that adds an interesting dimension.
My only disappointment was the ending...Though the impact of Luke's indiscretion added to the intensity of the story, I felt that the author did a huge disservice to her readers by conveniently wrapping a neat bow around everything and letting the heroine forgive him so easily. Somethings just aren't that easy to fix.
I felt so cheated with the ending that I knocked a star off my rating.
October 18, 2011
4.5* (May 2010) Why haven't I heard of this author before? The Substitute Wife is witty, with superb characters, balanced pacing, snappy dialog, a painful plot twist, and emotional depth. My only caveat is the author wrapped it up a little too quickly at the end. Highly recommended.
10/18/11- This book stood up well to a second read. I stilled laughed out loud in several places and was moved to tears in others. The dialog is superb, the descriptive passages flow, and the pacing is wonderful. This is a near perfect book for me (the ending is too abrupt to be completely perfect). Luke's bone-headed move late in the story is emotional and painful, but I felt the repentance was real, so I accept the eventual HEA. Although I'm a little surprised by my reaction, I appreciate that Schulze didn't try to somehow minimize or excuse Luke's actions. Instead, the impulsive action, the repercussion, and emotional impact are powerful and realistic.
10/18/11- This book stood up well to a second read. I stilled laughed out loud in several places and was moved to tears in others. The dialog is superb, the descriptive passages flow, and the pacing is wonderful. This is a near perfect book for me (the ending is too abrupt to be completely perfect). Luke's bone-headed move late in the story is emotional and painful, but I felt the repentance was real, so I accept the eventual HEA. Although I'm a little surprised by my reaction, I appreciate that Schulze didn't try to somehow minimize or excuse Luke's actions. Instead, the impulsive action, the repercussion, and emotional impact are powerful and realistic.
April 6, 2017
What in the Sam Hill kind of hero is this? He didn't cheat only cause heroine walked in before he could, and he readily admits if she hadn't walked in he would of completed the transaction. The heroine was no better she just forgives him cause he gave her some shit, I guess technically it called mulch but shit none the less. Not a fan of this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2009
The hero does a good job of wounding the heroine but not as good job at groveling. Good to read if you want to be offended and angry at the male species.
November 1, 2011
Enjoyable, pleasant, romance story.
STORY BRIEF:
Luke comes from a wealthy family. He’s a real estate broker. Luke’s grandfather Nick threatens to sell the family’s vineyard if Luke doesn’t get married before age 36. In defiance Luke picks Devon because he knows Nick won’t like her. Devon is shallow, grasping, and not known for her intelligence. A few weeks before the wedding, Devon’s former boyfriend appears wanting to marry her. She breaks her engagement with Luke and leaves town. Devon asks her half-sister Cat to give Luke the news and her note.
Cat secretly has been in love-at-first-sight with Luke. When she gives him the news about Devon, she offers herself as a substitute bride. Luke is surprised, and he is sexually attracted to Cat, so he agrees. Luke had an agreement with Devon to pay her a lot of money after the one-year requirement was met. He makes the same agreement with Cat. Cat doesn’t care about the money, but she doesn’t tell that to Luke. He doesn’t know that she is following her feelings.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
Wow. This was really nice. I liked reading about all the characters. Good stories need some conflict and bad behavior, and that was supplied by Devon and also by Luke. Luke did something horrible which was hard to forgive. But stories need conflict. I base this one on Luke’s stupidity. Usually I don’t like to read about hero/heroine stupidity, but I guess I could see someone with commitment panic and fears doing this. So it worked even though I didn’t like it.
I enjoyed spending time with the characters. I loved seeing Cat interact with Nick. She had no fear of him. There were some good lines. There was a secondary story with a gay couple that surprised me which I liked. I don’t want to spoil anything, so I won’t say more on that. My only regrets were at the end. I wish it would have gone on longer, with more explanation and reconciliation, maybe some more time with Luke and Cat being happy. I wanted more assurance and to believe that Luke would never do anything like that again. I also wanted some conversation and more interaction with Nick.
DATA:
Story length: 370 pages. Swearing language: strong, including religious swear words. Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: 6. Estimated number of sex scene pages: 15. Setting: current day mostly Los Angeles area with a trip to Napa Valley, California. Copyright: 2003. Genre: contemporary romance.
STORY BRIEF:
Luke comes from a wealthy family. He’s a real estate broker. Luke’s grandfather Nick threatens to sell the family’s vineyard if Luke doesn’t get married before age 36. In defiance Luke picks Devon because he knows Nick won’t like her. Devon is shallow, grasping, and not known for her intelligence. A few weeks before the wedding, Devon’s former boyfriend appears wanting to marry her. She breaks her engagement with Luke and leaves town. Devon asks her half-sister Cat to give Luke the news and her note.
Cat secretly has been in love-at-first-sight with Luke. When she gives him the news about Devon, she offers herself as a substitute bride. Luke is surprised, and he is sexually attracted to Cat, so he agrees. Luke had an agreement with Devon to pay her a lot of money after the one-year requirement was met. He makes the same agreement with Cat. Cat doesn’t care about the money, but she doesn’t tell that to Luke. He doesn’t know that she is following her feelings.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
Wow. This was really nice. I liked reading about all the characters. Good stories need some conflict and bad behavior, and that was supplied by Devon and also by Luke. Luke did something horrible which was hard to forgive. But stories need conflict. I base this one on Luke’s stupidity. Usually I don’t like to read about hero/heroine stupidity, but I guess I could see someone with commitment panic and fears doing this. So it worked even though I didn’t like it.
I enjoyed spending time with the characters. I loved seeing Cat interact with Nick. She had no fear of him. There were some good lines. There was a secondary story with a gay couple that surprised me which I liked. I don’t want to spoil anything, so I won’t say more on that. My only regrets were at the end. I wish it would have gone on longer, with more explanation and reconciliation, maybe some more time with Luke and Cat being happy. I wanted more assurance and to believe that Luke would never do anything like that again. I also wanted some conversation and more interaction with Nick.
DATA:
Story length: 370 pages. Swearing language: strong, including religious swear words. Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: 6. Estimated number of sex scene pages: 15. Setting: current day mostly Los Angeles area with a trip to Napa Valley, California. Copyright: 2003. Genre: contemporary romance.
October 14, 2024
Re-read October 2024
Re-read May 2020
Re-read September 2019
Re-read February 2018
This is like my goto book when the last couples of books have been bad or mediocre. It always makes me smile when I'm reading this.
Re-read April 2017
Loved this book the first time I read it, and it was still good the second time as well.
Catherine Willow Rain Skywalker Lang - yeah, that sure is a mouthful. She is just so comfortable with herself, and her communication with others can be truly hilarious. I laughed out loud several times.
The story was wrapped up a bit fast at the end though.
Re-read May 2020
Re-read September 2019
Re-read February 2018
This is like my goto book when the last couples of books have been bad or mediocre. It always makes me smile when I'm reading this.
Re-read April 2017
Loved this book the first time I read it, and it was still good the second time as well.
Catherine Willow Rain Skywalker Lang - yeah, that sure is a mouthful. She is just so comfortable with herself, and her communication with others can be truly hilarious. I laughed out loud several times.
The story was wrapped up a bit fast at the end though.
June 20, 2010
"They didn't have crème fraîche, and when I asked the kid who worked there about it, he said all their cream was fresh and seemed offended that I'd asked, so I bought one of every kind of cream they had and figured you could fake it."
Jack watched, apparently in too much pain to comment, as Keith set containers of sour cream, half-and-half, non-dairy creamer, heavy cream and cream cheese on the counter.
"And just in case, I got a couple of cans of cream of mushroom soup...and when I was looking for your pink peppercorns -- which they didn't have either by the way -- I saw this. I didn't think it was what you had in mind but I figured better safe than sorry." Keith set a small container on the counter next to the soup.
"Cream of tartar?" Jack said faintly.
On Amazon there is a discussion thread that talks about romance books where the hero is a cheating husband of the heroine. There were several books rec'd for those who actually don't mind this as a plot point in their novels. I know some people consider this trope to be romance kryptonite. I am not one of them. I actually think when done well this plot can pack a great emotional punch (I also picked up and finished Some Enchanted Season another 'cheating husbands' book which, holy cow, talk about emotional!)
So imagine my surprise when I settled to read this to find that it was a surprisingly light and laugh out loud funny book that quite romantic. It also featured a great secondary gay romance that was handled with such a deft touch and unfolded so nicely (to the surprise of everyone involved) that it really rivaled the main story for romantic impact.
I do have to mention that the husband in question does attempt to cheat. There is no accident, no scarlet woman put him into a compromising position or anything like that, the heroine didn't misunderstand anything. The thing that redeems him is that we actually are in his head in the story. The story isn't told from the heroine's POV only. He gets a POV too, so you are part of his thought process. Still if one is not inclined to like this plot point in a story, then no amount of knowing where his head at is going to suffice. But I thought the author did a good job of making us understand Luke. So I had no problems forgiving him.
I know that I've read some Dallas Schulze books before, probably while she was writing for sil/harl. But she had totally fallen off my radar. The storytelling, characters, depth of some of the issues and yes, the humor in this book really brought her back for me with a vengeance. I need to find some more of her stuff.
Jack watched, apparently in too much pain to comment, as Keith set containers of sour cream, half-and-half, non-dairy creamer, heavy cream and cream cheese on the counter.
"And just in case, I got a couple of cans of cream of mushroom soup...and when I was looking for your pink peppercorns -- which they didn't have either by the way -- I saw this. I didn't think it was what you had in mind but I figured better safe than sorry." Keith set a small container on the counter next to the soup.
"Cream of tartar?" Jack said faintly.
On Amazon there is a discussion thread that talks about romance books where the hero is a cheating husband of the heroine. There were several books rec'd for those who actually don't mind this as a plot point in their novels. I know some people consider this trope to be romance kryptonite. I am not one of them. I actually think when done well this plot can pack a great emotional punch (I also picked up and finished Some Enchanted Season another 'cheating husbands' book which, holy cow, talk about emotional!)
So imagine my surprise when I settled to read this to find that it was a surprisingly light and laugh out loud funny book that quite romantic. It also featured a great secondary gay romance that was handled with such a deft touch and unfolded so nicely (to the surprise of everyone involved) that it really rivaled the main story for romantic impact.
I do have to mention that the husband in question does attempt to cheat. There is no accident, no scarlet woman put him into a compromising position or anything like that, the heroine didn't misunderstand anything. The thing that redeems him is that we actually are in his head in the story. The story isn't told from the heroine's POV only. He gets a POV too, so you are part of his thought process. Still if one is not inclined to like this plot point in a story, then no amount of knowing where his head at is going to suffice. But I thought the author did a good job of making us understand Luke. So I had no problems forgiving him.
I know that I've read some Dallas Schulze books before, probably while she was writing for sil/harl. But she had totally fallen off my radar. The storytelling, characters, depth of some of the issues and yes, the humor in this book really brought her back for me with a vengeance. I need to find some more of her stuff.
October 3, 2012
4.5 stars. I'm very glad I read this. It reminded me that an HP premise can transcend to something greater than harlequin generally allows it to be. Dallas Schulze seems to have been ahead of her time with this book. It simply crackles with the kind of humour I didn't find in the other books of its time (at least those I've read) that are of the same category. There was almost always something to laugh at (and I dearly love to laugh).
It lost half a star only because I never felt like crying, so it didn't bring me through the whole gamut of feelings I like to have in a five star read. And also because I felt, though the gesture of excrement was somewhat sweet (if a bit scatty:) didn't he already dish her dirt with Devon?), if it had been me, a lot more explaining, and a verbal explanation from the H along the lines of his thought process, which was presented in the narrative, during this ghastly erratum (which I oddly got, and wondered if this is what happens in some real life cases) would be necessary. While we, the readers were privy to just what he was thinking, Cat was only presented with an apology for what, in real life, would need much more to win forgiveness.
It lost half a star only because I never felt like crying, so it didn't bring me through the whole gamut of feelings I like to have in a five star read. And also because I felt, though the gesture of excrement was somewhat sweet (if a bit scatty:) didn't he already dish her dirt with Devon?), if it had been me, a lot more explaining, and a verbal explanation from the H along the lines of his thought process, which was presented in the narrative, during this ghastly erratum (which I oddly got, and wondered if this is what happens in some real life cases) would be necessary. While we, the readers were privy to just what he was thinking, Cat was only presented with an apology for what, in real life, would need much more to win forgiveness.
September 6, 2016
Nothing says "I'm sorry I almost f@cked another woman if you hadn't walked in on us" like a huge pile of mushroom compost.
September 4, 2014
It was nice, but if there was an epilogue it would be better.
June 5, 2018
The Substitute Wife by Dallas Schulze is one of those stories, which makes you feel good for the first eighty percent (80%) of the book. However, when you are near to the end, it makes you want to scream and if it was possible to knock the protagonist on his ass. Yeah, this is exactly how I felt while reading this story.
· I am a sucker the marriage arrangement trope and this was the main thing that had me reaching for this story. Luke has been given an ultimatum by his grandfather. Either he gets married before his 36th birthday or risk losing his inheritance. His first choice of a wife was not one his grandfather would approve of, but for Luke this was the perfect revenge. Then she reneged on their agreement, leaving him in a lurch, making room for Catherine who has been attracted to him from the moment she first laid eyes on him. At first, he was not inclined to take Cat’s offer but her innocence and wit pulled him in and before he knew it he was putting a ring on it.
Positives
· Besides the main romance, the story featured a budding romance between the male friends of both protagonist. I am not fan of gay romance but I could get on board with this one as it was tastefully done, and the way it was portrayed was rather sweet and endearing.
· There was several laugh out loud moments. Cat’s sense of humour and no-nonsense attitude captivated me throughout the story. I had a great time getting to know her. Honestly, I did not think Luke deserved her, especially after his betrayal near to the end of the story.
· A well-written story that featured great supporting characters, with my least favourite Cat’s stepsister. Her stepfather and his wife lived in a world of their own. I wondered how they functioned.
Negatives
· I did not like Luke’s treatment of Cat. Honestly, I did not think he deserved her. Someone as sweet as Cat deserved someone who would appreciate her wit, innocence and kindness. My estimation of him lowered further after his betrayal near to the end of the story.
· The story ended the way I expected, but I felt that the events leading up to it could have done with a little more substance. I didn’t believe Luke was remorseful enough and Cat was too quick to accept his apology.
· I had a hard time believing Luke loved Cat as such I never bought into their romance.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Overall, this was an enjoyable read but would have so much better if the hero wasn’t such a jerk.
· I am a sucker the marriage arrangement trope and this was the main thing that had me reaching for this story. Luke has been given an ultimatum by his grandfather. Either he gets married before his 36th birthday or risk losing his inheritance. His first choice of a wife was not one his grandfather would approve of, but for Luke this was the perfect revenge. Then she reneged on their agreement, leaving him in a lurch, making room for Catherine who has been attracted to him from the moment she first laid eyes on him. At first, he was not inclined to take Cat’s offer but her innocence and wit pulled him in and before he knew it he was putting a ring on it.
Positives
· Besides the main romance, the story featured a budding romance between the male friends of both protagonist. I am not fan of gay romance but I could get on board with this one as it was tastefully done, and the way it was portrayed was rather sweet and endearing.
· There was several laugh out loud moments. Cat’s sense of humour and no-nonsense attitude captivated me throughout the story. I had a great time getting to know her. Honestly, I did not think Luke deserved her, especially after his betrayal near to the end of the story.
· A well-written story that featured great supporting characters, with my least favourite Cat’s stepsister. Her stepfather and his wife lived in a world of their own. I wondered how they functioned.
Negatives
· I did not like Luke’s treatment of Cat. Honestly, I did not think he deserved her. Someone as sweet as Cat deserved someone who would appreciate her wit, innocence and kindness. My estimation of him lowered further after his betrayal near to the end of the story.
· The story ended the way I expected, but I felt that the events leading up to it could have done with a little more substance. I didn’t believe Luke was remorseful enough and Cat was too quick to accept his apology.
· I had a hard time believing Luke loved Cat as such I never bought into their romance.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Overall, this was an enjoyable read but would have so much better if the hero wasn’t such a jerk.
October 4, 2017
This was a fairly middling read until the last 30% of the book when it picked up. The H's mummy issues lead him to do something which is pretty unforgivable . So while I really liked the h all the way through, she lost points with me because forgiveness came too easy. Way too easy. Her using a nut cracker or something to level the hurt he'd dealt her, and which would have made me feel better, would have been a better ending. On the plus side there was wit and humour in interactions, before the H had a do-over as a douche, and the secondary romance was engaging and an interesting twist.
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