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Convenience #1
The Sham
Our marriage is a sham. I'm the first to admit it. Only privately, of course.
Notorious playboy Luka Zoric needs a wife and the good PR it brings.
I just need the career boost being his top model will give me. It's a win-win - on paper. But since when has real life been simple?
His jealousy makes me crazy.
The control he maintains over my body is unacceptable.
I really shouldn't be so turned on by it.
But there's more to both me and my husband than meets the eye.
And it isn't long before I'm wondering - which of us has made the bigger mistake?
Book one of three.
©2020 Stella Gray (P)2020 Stella Gray
Notorious playboy Luka Zoric needs a wife and the good PR it brings.
I just need the career boost being his top model will give me. It's a win-win - on paper. But since when has real life been simple?
His jealousy makes me crazy.
The control he maintains over my body is unacceptable.
I really shouldn't be so turned on by it.
But there's more to both me and my husband than meets the eye.
And it isn't long before I'm wondering - which of us has made the bigger mistake?
Book one of three.
©2020 Stella Gray (P)2020 Stella Gray
Audible Audio
First published May 5, 2020
1126 people are currently reading
1367 people want to read
About the author
Stella Gray
66 books746 followersStella Gray has always had her head in the clouds and has been writing since she was in high school. A contemporary romance author, she loves dark romances with morally gray men. When she’s not writing, she’s either in the kitchen testing out a new baking recipe or spending time in the great outdoors.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
October 19, 2021
The Sham starts off with a disappointing tone. There is a lot of sex and sexual chemistry. But not enough emotional connection compares to other series.
Luca and Brooklyn can burn the world down with their sexual chemistry. What is lacking is the twist/ secret or the drama. For my romance I also need emotional connection to feel the heat. I guess Miss Gray does not nail this book beautifully like her other series.
I am still curious on what happened to Brooklyn and Luca.
3 stars
Luca and Brooklyn can burn the world down with their sexual chemistry. What is lacking is the twist/ secret or the drama. For my romance I also need emotional connection to feel the heat. I guess Miss Gray does not nail this book beautifully like her other series.
I am still curious on what happened to Brooklyn and Luca.
3 stars
May 23, 2020
3.5-4 ”Luka and Brooklyn” stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I don’t realize that we’ve moved closer to each other until I find him a breath away from me, both of us tense and glaring. He’s either going to kiss me or walk away—I can’t tell
“So, we’re doing this, then?” he asks.
I cross my arms to keep from touching him. “Are you asking me to fake-marry you?”
His face breaks into a smirk. “Yes. Officially.”
“Well then,” I say. “I guess we are.”
This book is by a new to me author and it won’t be my last for sure. This one was a pretty great read as far as fake marriage romance goes but I still felt something was missing. It didn’t have that shocking factor in it. I didn’t feel connected to the MCs but the writing was really good. Even though there was suspense, you can still easily tell what will happen. I am hoping it gets better with the next book since it’s a trilogy.
Brooklyn is a model who dreams of making it big. She wants a contract with the DMZ modelling agency so when she gets an audition, she’s super excited. The last person she expects to see is her one night stand from three years ago Luka zoric, who is one of the owners of DMZ, to be taking the audition himself. What surprises her even more is that he doesn’t even remember her and she decides not to remind him either. The third shock she gets is him offering her a marriage contract.
Luka Zoric is a hardcore playboy and is pressured by his brother to find a suitable girl to settle with to improve him image. There’s also a big scandal of his father creating a prostitution ring with the original company which was shut down. So now that they are starting afresh they want the media and the people to see them in a better light and what better way than to show you are a family man.
I can’t believe it. All this time he’s known, and he’s said nothing. The anger inside starts to cool. I’m simply stunned.
“So, you do remember me.”
“Fuck, I never forgot you. How the hell could I ever forget you?”
When he sees Brooklyn at the audition, he’s totally shocked and pretends not to remember her even though he still thinks about their night. He doesn’t want to let her go this time. He offers her a contract in exchange for marrying him. Brooklyn refuses in the beginning but soon agrees since it’s a very big opportunity she’s been dreaming of forever.
”Why are you so worried about my virtue? I’m a model. I’m paid to wear what the client wants. And this is what the client wants!”
His fingers press into me through the thin robe. “The only person who gets to see you running around looking like a little slut is me. That sexy-ass bombshell who sucked my cock while I took pictures? She’s mine.”
He was a complete asshole throughout the book. He wanted more with her, genuinely wanted to work their marriage but his actions were always rude. He was possessive as well as dominating. Brooklyn didn’t stood up for herself as much as I would have wanted. Almost all their fights lead to sex, which was pretty hot and angsty, but it only made her feel as if he used her after it was over. They didn’t interact much, conversations revolved around her modelling gigs, which I believed was their main issue.
I liked Brooklyn a lot. She was always trying to make it work but he managed to ruin it each time. She seemed the mature one in their relationship. She handled things well considering she was getting married to a manwhore. Their sexual chemistry was top notch. There was definitely lust. One of the scenes even made me blush.
As soon as things started to get better, he got caring and protective, they get married and have a great honeymoon but then he finds out the worst truth she’s been hiding from him, leaving him betrayed. So I am eager to see how the author is going to make it work and what more twist and turns we’ll get. The cliffy wasn’t that big, I could it see coming all along. Although Luka really needs to improve a lot. ♥️
I don’t realize that we’ve moved closer to each other until I find him a breath away from me, both of us tense and glaring. He’s either going to kiss me or walk away—I can’t tell
“So, we’re doing this, then?” he asks.
I cross my arms to keep from touching him. “Are you asking me to fake-marry you?”
His face breaks into a smirk. “Yes. Officially.”
“Well then,” I say. “I guess we are.”
This book is by a new to me author and it won’t be my last for sure. This one was a pretty great read as far as fake marriage romance goes but I still felt something was missing. It didn’t have that shocking factor in it. I didn’t feel connected to the MCs but the writing was really good. Even though there was suspense, you can still easily tell what will happen. I am hoping it gets better with the next book since it’s a trilogy.
Brooklyn is a model who dreams of making it big. She wants a contract with the DMZ modelling agency so when she gets an audition, she’s super excited. The last person she expects to see is her one night stand from three years ago Luka zoric, who is one of the owners of DMZ, to be taking the audition himself. What surprises her even more is that he doesn’t even remember her and she decides not to remind him either. The third shock she gets is him offering her a marriage contract.
Luka Zoric is a hardcore playboy and is pressured by his brother to find a suitable girl to settle with to improve him image. There’s also a big scandal of his father creating a prostitution ring with the original company which was shut down. So now that they are starting afresh they want the media and the people to see them in a better light and what better way than to show you are a family man.
I can’t believe it. All this time he’s known, and he’s said nothing. The anger inside starts to cool. I’m simply stunned.
“So, you do remember me.”
“Fuck, I never forgot you. How the hell could I ever forget you?”
When he sees Brooklyn at the audition, he’s totally shocked and pretends not to remember her even though he still thinks about their night. He doesn’t want to let her go this time. He offers her a contract in exchange for marrying him. Brooklyn refuses in the beginning but soon agrees since it’s a very big opportunity she’s been dreaming of forever.
”Why are you so worried about my virtue? I’m a model. I’m paid to wear what the client wants. And this is what the client wants!”
His fingers press into me through the thin robe. “The only person who gets to see you running around looking like a little slut is me. That sexy-ass bombshell who sucked my cock while I took pictures? She’s mine.”
He was a complete asshole throughout the book. He wanted more with her, genuinely wanted to work their marriage but his actions were always rude. He was possessive as well as dominating. Brooklyn didn’t stood up for herself as much as I would have wanted. Almost all their fights lead to sex, which was pretty hot and angsty, but it only made her feel as if he used her after it was over. They didn’t interact much, conversations revolved around her modelling gigs, which I believed was their main issue.
I liked Brooklyn a lot. She was always trying to make it work but he managed to ruin it each time. She seemed the mature one in their relationship. She handled things well considering she was getting married to a manwhore. Their sexual chemistry was top notch. There was definitely lust. One of the scenes even made me blush.
As soon as things started to get better, he got caring and protective, they get married and have a great honeymoon but then he finds out the worst truth she’s been hiding from him, leaving him betrayed. So I am eager to see how the author is going to make it work and what more twist and turns we’ll get. The cliffy wasn’t that big, I could it see coming all along. Although Luka really needs to improve a lot. ♥️
August 5, 2020
Bleh
-So predictable, completely transparent
-I'm probably not going to read the next one
-Typical, nothing special or different about it
Overall, the author is fine and if you like marriage of convenience than go for it :)
-So predictable, completely transparent
-I'm probably not going to read the next one
-Typical, nothing special or different about it
Overall, the author is fine and if you like marriage of convenience than go for it :)
abgebrochen
August 31, 2020Bei 20% abgebrochen.
Playboy Dude braucht eine Fake-Ehefrau und gerät an das Model, das er vor drei Jahren geghostet hat. Ohne mich.
Playboy Dude braucht eine Fake-Ehefrau und gerät an das Model, das er vor drei Jahren geghostet hat. Ohne mich.
May 14, 2020
The very insensitive way they were talking about 'the so called scandal'
1. You cannot tell me that not even ONE model was forced/raped in a situation like this specially in a modelling agency where girls as young as 14 y/o, girls from underprivileged homes, girls who've run away from their homes and girls from ethnic and racial minority groups come so often in search of recognition and work. And the fact that none of the main/supporting characters gave a fuck about that bothered me a lot.
2. The first chapter from the fl's perspective was all about how honoured she was to have gotten in with the company despite the 'bad PR' and I was just??? Like what? That's not bad PR honey that's a wholeass bad company that you should be running away from. Seriously, sometimes these heroines reactions to obviously bad situations is so stupid. I can not.
3. Answer me this. You are a struggling model and for some reason, you decide to audition for a company that has been recently busted for pimping it's models out to clients and such. You enter the audition and the man who has once before fucked you over is the one heading the audition which has all sorts of invasive and wierd questions. And at the end it is revealed that it's not really a modelling gig you are being offered but an arranged marriage one.
Does that or does that not ring alarm bells?
4. I didn't like the ML either. Curbing up on your drinking and fucking habits should be your biggest fucking priority in a situation like this. A woman won't even be considered for a serious position if she was as physically active as you are, you asshole. Priveledged to the max.
Don't even get me started on that disgusting reveal of how he took Brooklyn's 'audition'. There are pornos of that kind of thing isn't there? (And still she didn't find ANYTHING wrong with the company and Luka?)
5. I hadn't known this was going to be a series or that his brother also had his own book. But knowing that now it just seems very far fetched that both the siblings would get into fake marriages for PR?
And on a side note, I'm getting tired of this arranged marriage trope. I mean how much good PR can one marriage get you?
1. You cannot tell me that not even ONE model was forced/raped in a situation like this specially in a modelling agency where girls as young as 14 y/o, girls from underprivileged homes, girls who've run away from their homes and girls from ethnic and racial minority groups come so often in search of recognition and work. And the fact that none of the main/supporting characters gave a fuck about that bothered me a lot.
2. The first chapter from the fl's perspective was all about how honoured she was to have gotten in with the company despite the 'bad PR' and I was just??? Like what? That's not bad PR honey that's a wholeass bad company that you should be running away from. Seriously, sometimes these heroines reactions to obviously bad situations is so stupid. I can not.
3. Answer me this. You are a struggling model and for some reason, you decide to audition for a company that has been recently busted for pimping it's models out to clients and such. You enter the audition and the man who has once before fucked you over is the one heading the audition which has all sorts of invasive and wierd questions. And at the end it is revealed that it's not really a modelling gig you are being offered but an arranged marriage one.
Does that or does that not ring alarm bells?
4. I didn't like the ML either. Curbing up on your drinking and fucking habits should be your biggest fucking priority in a situation like this. A woman won't even be considered for a serious position if she was as physically active as you are, you asshole. Priveledged to the max.
Don't even get me started on that disgusting reveal of how he took Brooklyn's 'audition'. There are pornos of that kind of thing isn't there? (And still she didn't find ANYTHING wrong with the company and Luka?)
5. I hadn't known this was going to be a series or that his brother also had his own book. But knowing that now it just seems very far fetched that both the siblings would get into fake marriages for PR?
And on a side note, I'm getting tired of this arranged marriage trope. I mean how much good PR can one marriage get you?
September 5, 2020
Didn’t work for me. How much of a good image can a fake marriage get you? This trope needs to be retired. The book started out good and by the 20% mark it just became redundant. The female lead was so damn weak and irritating...I was expecting her to be strong and witty after what that manwhore male lead did to her but no we got a doormat with an agenda of propelling her career further which was absolutely stupid & it is pretty obvious this is what’s gonna come between them. For all the book we hear about this damn modeling career and the male lead trying to control and manipulate. I DNF @70%
May 5, 2020
The Sham by Stella Gray is book 1 in The Convenience Trilogy. This is Luka and Brooklyn's story. Their story is a arranged marriage but they have a past which makes this sort of a angsty 2nd chance romance.
The start of the trilogy gives some insight into Luka and Brooklyn. It's a strained start, their chemistry is raw and magnetic. I liked the way the main characters entered into the arranged marriage but each wanted more... I enjoyed reading the twists and turns that took place. The plot is enthralling and had me captivated from start to the mind blowing ending. I can't wait for book 2.
My Rating: 4.5 stars *********
The start of the trilogy gives some insight into Luka and Brooklyn. It's a strained start, their chemistry is raw and magnetic. I liked the way the main characters entered into the arranged marriage but each wanted more... I enjoyed reading the twists and turns that took place. The plot is enthralling and had me captivated from start to the mind blowing ending. I can't wait for book 2.
My Rating: 4.5 stars *********
September 9, 2020
*** 3,5 stars ***
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December 30, 2020🎁FREE on Amazon & on Apple Book today (12/30/2020)!🎁
August 8, 2020
Manipulation is not sexy.
May 6, 2020
The Sham by Stella Gray
I went into this book not knowing that there was going to be a second so the whole time while reading I had negative thoughts about how the plot was going but as I finished I realized that it’s going to be three books. I really did enjoy most of the book. The modeling concept is very cool and I haven’t read a book like it. I do feel that Luka our main man and brooklyn our leading lady don’t have much chemistry. Love is not Lust. I hope as the series develops they form more of a connection. Luka didn’t have a character development throughout the book. Brooklyn kept being very wishy washy with her feelings (that weren’t really feelings). The time line was extremely fast. This book did pave the way for a great series. I feel like it will get there but brooklyn and Luka need to form something more than just Lust. I can’t wait to continue with the series to see if the characters improve.
I went into this book not knowing that there was going to be a second so the whole time while reading I had negative thoughts about how the plot was going but as I finished I realized that it’s going to be three books. I really did enjoy most of the book. The modeling concept is very cool and I haven’t read a book like it. I do feel that Luka our main man and brooklyn our leading lady don’t have much chemistry. Love is not Lust. I hope as the series develops they form more of a connection. Luka didn’t have a character development throughout the book. Brooklyn kept being very wishy washy with her feelings (that weren’t really feelings). The time line was extremely fast. This book did pave the way for a great series. I feel like it will get there but brooklyn and Luka need to form something more than just Lust. I can’t wait to continue with the series to see if the characters improve.
August 20, 2020
Audio Review
3 stars!
This is started out strong. I loved the connection between Brooklyn & Luca immediately. They had intense chemistry and I was excited to see where the story would lead. Unfortunately the beginning is where the strongest qualities of the story ended. The rest of the book was more controlling behaviour of Luca trying to control Brooklyn’s actions. Telling her where she could and couldn’t go. I am sure the intention was the possessive alpha male wanting to keep his woman to himself but again he keeps her at arms length for the majority of the book and I was missing the connection that I felt in the beginning. I was surprised that the marriage doesn’t take place until the end of the book and the drama that ensues during their wedding night was predictable and lack luster.
As always I enjoyed Sebastian York and Elena Wolfe’s narration. There voices exude passion and emotion and that fact is what kept me engaged in the story.
3 stars!
This is started out strong. I loved the connection between Brooklyn & Luca immediately. They had intense chemistry and I was excited to see where the story would lead. Unfortunately the beginning is where the strongest qualities of the story ended. The rest of the book was more controlling behaviour of Luca trying to control Brooklyn’s actions. Telling her where she could and couldn’t go. I am sure the intention was the possessive alpha male wanting to keep his woman to himself but again he keeps her at arms length for the majority of the book and I was missing the connection that I felt in the beginning. I was surprised that the marriage doesn’t take place until the end of the book and the drama that ensues during their wedding night was predictable and lack luster.
As always I enjoyed Sebastian York and Elena Wolfe’s narration. There voices exude passion and emotion and that fact is what kept me engaged in the story.
June 18, 2020
This is my first book by this author and I enjoyed it.
There was a physical chemistry between Luka and Brooklyn but I felt like they didn't really spend enough time with each other. There were some hot scenes that went on for pages but it didn't feel like the 2 of them spent enough time together to be emotionally invested in a real relationship. I'm looking forward to reading more about them in book 2
There was a physical chemistry between Luka and Brooklyn but I felt like they didn't really spend enough time with each other. There were some hot scenes that went on for pages but it didn't feel like the 2 of them spent enough time together to be emotionally invested in a real relationship. I'm looking forward to reading more about them in book 2
June 28, 2020
Luka is trying to salvage his families name after what his father did and decides that getting married will hopefully help shift the narrative in a favorable way so he holds auditions for a possible wife at his agency without the models knowledge, enter Brooklyn. Luka & Brooklyn have a past that makes her the clear winner so he gives her his proposal, she marries him for image and he will give her the career she’s always wanted but it’s never that easy is it lol. Can’t wait for the next one
May 3, 2020
After his father ruined their families good name with his shady dealings, Luka Zoric and his brother are doing all that they can to save the business. They have cleaned up their public images, renamed the business, but it doesn't seem to be quite enough. Then his brother has an ingenious idea to find a bride for Luka, which he has his reservations about, he likes the ladies a little too much to just be tied down to one. That is until beautiful Brooklyn comes waltzing back into his life...
She was the one that got away, the one woman he can actually remember every little detail about, and the one woman who doesn't really want anything to do with him... let alone be married to him! But he has a plan to not only to get her to sign on the dotted line, but also land her back in his bed too!
From the very first page of this one it was evident that these two had something special, but it wasn't that easy for them to see. Luka was so hung up on losing his freedom and letting his wild ways go, and Brooklyn was too eager to land the modeling contract she had always dreamed of that she didn't see what was in front of her. But after a little time things started to shift between them, feelings start to take hold, and suddenly things aren't so fake anymore. Watching these two crush on one another in secret and try to maintain the deal between them was quite entertaining and a little torturous too... they took their sweet time getting to the good stuff! I cannot wait to see what the next installment holds for these two, that cliffhanger has me dying to know what will happen between them. If you like sexy and dramatic little page-turners than I highly suggest you get your hands on this one... it's brimming with everything necessary to keep you eyes glued to the words!!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
She was the one that got away, the one woman he can actually remember every little detail about, and the one woman who doesn't really want anything to do with him... let alone be married to him! But he has a plan to not only to get her to sign on the dotted line, but also land her back in his bed too!
From the very first page of this one it was evident that these two had something special, but it wasn't that easy for them to see. Luka was so hung up on losing his freedom and letting his wild ways go, and Brooklyn was too eager to land the modeling contract she had always dreamed of that she didn't see what was in front of her. But after a little time things started to shift between them, feelings start to take hold, and suddenly things aren't so fake anymore. Watching these two crush on one another in secret and try to maintain the deal between them was quite entertaining and a little torturous too... they took their sweet time getting to the good stuff! I cannot wait to see what the next installment holds for these two, that cliffhanger has me dying to know what will happen between them. If you like sexy and dramatic little page-turners than I highly suggest you get your hands on this one... it's brimming with everything necessary to keep you eyes glued to the words!!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
September 17, 2020
AUDIBLE EDITION 5 STARS NARRATION BY ELENA WOLF AND SEBASTIAN YORK IS EXCELLANT!!
Convenience Trilogy is the story of the younger Zoric son Luka. Luka was a drunk and Man Hoe in the Arranged series. After his father Constantine Zoric was sent to prison for sex trafficking Luka grew up and stopped womanizing and drinking to help his brother run there new modeling agency. KZ Modeling has been renamed Danica Rose Modeling and totally reorganized. After there father is imprisoned the new company is still suffering from the scandal. Stefan the older brother has decided Luka needs to change his image and marry. (Stefan and Tori's story is The Arranged Trilogy) Its Outstanding!!
Three years prior Brooklyn Moss had a one night stand with Luka. He just left her in bed and never signed her to a model contract. She back and thinking she is having an interview for a modeling job. Its more then a modeling job Luka is offering. Its Marriage. A Sham marriage to try and fix his public image. Brooklyn excepts. But Brooklyn is hiding something. What is she up too?
The story is very erotic. I love Luka and his Alpha ways but Brooklyn came across a bit promiscuous and scheming. She came across as immature and very self centered. I guess I was looking for another Tori the lead character from "Arranged trilogy" she was written perfectly and she was only 18.
I also, think the story is overpriced for what you get and the ending is very abrupt!! You will need to have book too The Contract ready to read!
Convenience Trilogy is the story of the younger Zoric son Luka. Luka was a drunk and Man Hoe in the Arranged series. After his father Constantine Zoric was sent to prison for sex trafficking Luka grew up and stopped womanizing and drinking to help his brother run there new modeling agency. KZ Modeling has been renamed Danica Rose Modeling and totally reorganized. After there father is imprisoned the new company is still suffering from the scandal. Stefan the older brother has decided Luka needs to change his image and marry. (Stefan and Tori's story is The Arranged Trilogy) Its Outstanding!!
Three years prior Brooklyn Moss had a one night stand with Luka. He just left her in bed and never signed her to a model contract. She back and thinking she is having an interview for a modeling job. Its more then a modeling job Luka is offering. Its Marriage. A Sham marriage to try and fix his public image. Brooklyn excepts. But Brooklyn is hiding something. What is she up too?
The story is very erotic. I love Luka and his Alpha ways but Brooklyn came across a bit promiscuous and scheming. She came across as immature and very self centered. I guess I was looking for another Tori the lead character from "Arranged trilogy" she was written perfectly and she was only 18.
I also, think the story is overpriced for what you get and the ending is very abrupt!! You will need to have book too The Contract ready to read!
May 6, 2020
This was my first book from the author. I usually enjoy fake marriage stories, so I decided to give this one a chance. It was a good one, but ends in a cliffhanger, so beware!!
Luka Zoric has been trying for the last months to clean up his image. After a scandal involving his father and a prostitution ring, he and his brother are in charge of the family’s modeling agency. He tried to keep his playboy ways out of the press, but the paparazzi are still hounding him. That’s when his brother proposes a fake marriage.
Brooklyn has history with the Zoric family. When she was starting as a model 3 years ago, she met Luka and he promised her a contract. However, they had a one-night-stand and then he ghosted her. Now she’s back to Chicago to attend the open call for his family’s agency. What she doesn’t know is that Luka is auditioning for a wife and not a model.
Even though their first encounter wasn’t the best, there’s still chemistry between them. Brooklyn tries to fight it, to keep things professional but the sparks between them won’t stop flying. To be honest, the constant back and forth between them was getting really annoying at times. Brooklyn has a secret agenda and that’s what will come between them at the end. I’m looking forward to the next book!!!
Luka Zoric has been trying for the last months to clean up his image. After a scandal involving his father and a prostitution ring, he and his brother are in charge of the family’s modeling agency. He tried to keep his playboy ways out of the press, but the paparazzi are still hounding him. That’s when his brother proposes a fake marriage.
Brooklyn has history with the Zoric family. When she was starting as a model 3 years ago, she met Luka and he promised her a contract. However, they had a one-night-stand and then he ghosted her. Now she’s back to Chicago to attend the open call for his family’s agency. What she doesn’t know is that Luka is auditioning for a wife and not a model.
Even though their first encounter wasn’t the best, there’s still chemistry between them. Brooklyn tries to fight it, to keep things professional but the sparks between them won’t stop flying. To be honest, the constant back and forth between them was getting really annoying at times. Brooklyn has a secret agenda and that’s what will come between them at the end. I’m looking forward to the next book!!!
May 11, 2020
So The Sham is the story about Luka the messed up brother we met in the first set of books by Stella Grey (The Deal, The Secret, and The Choice) which was the story about his brother. Now we are getting Luka.
Although a lot has happened to Luka and he is now cleaned up and making better choices, that does not mean that the business is doing better. So what they need is, the face of the business to get married and make it look like it is clean living from here on out.
To do that Luka finds Brooklyn (again), she ends up being the one that kind of got away three years ago. Now they are married and have some major issues to get through. Lies, deceit, twist, and turns, and lack of trust makes this book one to read.
When two people get married for the wrong reasons but find their chemistry is too much to not take advantage of, what will be the outcome? Two more books to go!
July 5, 2021
Our marriage is a sham. I'm the first to admit it. Only privately, of course. Notorious playboy Luka Zoric needs a wife, and the good PR it brings. I just need the career boost being his top model will give me. It's a win-win--on paper. But since when has real life been simple? I wasn't sure that I was going to like this book when I first started reading it, the characters were so selfish and self centered.
Brooklyn is so shallow and will do anything to be famous, and I mean anything, even putting up with her husband flirting with other women and treating her like trash. I mean don't get me wrong their sexual chemistry is very hot and the sex even hotter, but the characters were just horrible to each other. Now in saying that, the story line was amazingly interesting, engrossing and very addictive, it was like watching and waiting for a train wreck to happen in anticipation and I loved it, now onto book number two in the series.
Brooklyn is so shallow and will do anything to be famous, and I mean anything, even putting up with her husband flirting with other women and treating her like trash. I mean don't get me wrong their sexual chemistry is very hot and the sex even hotter, but the characters were just horrible to each other. Now in saying that, the story line was amazingly interesting, engrossing and very addictive, it was like watching and waiting for a train wreck to happen in anticipation and I loved it, now onto book number two in the series.
January 18, 2023
Meh, niet slecht maar ook niet zo leuk als andere boeken die ik.heb gelezen. Was te oppervlakkig.
Twijfel of ik door ga met de serie
Twijfel of ik door ga met de serie
June 13, 2020
It’s funny – i was going to read this book before the Arranged series and i’m glad that i didn’t. That’s the set up to this, the prelude to this bit of the story and it really helps set the stage.
We met Luka in the first book – he’s the younger son of the KZM dynasty and a playboy at that. Throughout the first series, we saw him as a drunk, as a guy who’s out for the next quick affair, usually with a model from the agency and really just a PR nightmare. Now that the brothers are in charge of things, we see that Stefan and Luka need to turn things around in the agency’s image and while Stefan has done a great job from a business perspective, Luka now needs to help give them a more human image….resulting in another arranged marriage.
That’s where Brooklyn comes into the mix. These two met a few years back when Brooklyn was trying to make her big break on the modeling scene which resulted in a string of lies from Luka and a great one night stand for these two. Fast forward 3 years, and we’re back at the newly formed DRM agency where Brooklyn is trying to get her shot at the open audition.
What all the girls soon realize is that this isn’t a usual audition, the girls are being asked unique and personal questions, and this is all for the hunt for Luka’s wife. Brooklyn checks all the boxes and we get to watch the push pull throughout the first half of the book between these two. There’s chemistry between them but Brooklyn is so upset about how Luka clearly doesn’t remember her, and Luka on the other hand is sooo attracted to her that he’d be dumb not to remember her. Mind you, all this brings out jealousy and tension that’s really intense and unexpected on both parts of the couple.
The journey from here is a roller coaster. We watch the games that they play with each other because it seems like they both are holding onto this notion of a temp marriage, but there’s history there, there’s chemistry and need and clearly stronger and deeper emotions that anyone expected.
Throughout this though, there’s also a secret that Brooklyn is hiding that i caught onto pretty quick and i’m sure most others did as well. I don’t know what motivated her to get into the situation that she’s in, but it’s one that’s going to hurt a lot of people, especially her new family, and i can’t wait to see how she gets out of this one.
We get a lot of the same heat and passion levels that we saw in the former series. There’s a chemistry and intensity that Ms Gray writes that really keeps us engaged. The moments that this couple steals together, in closets, in bedrooms, anywhere – they are on fire and that’s exactly what’s needed to keep a story like this moving.
We met Luka in the first book – he’s the younger son of the KZM dynasty and a playboy at that. Throughout the first series, we saw him as a drunk, as a guy who’s out for the next quick affair, usually with a model from the agency and really just a PR nightmare. Now that the brothers are in charge of things, we see that Stefan and Luka need to turn things around in the agency’s image and while Stefan has done a great job from a business perspective, Luka now needs to help give them a more human image….resulting in another arranged marriage.
That’s where Brooklyn comes into the mix. These two met a few years back when Brooklyn was trying to make her big break on the modeling scene which resulted in a string of lies from Luka and a great one night stand for these two. Fast forward 3 years, and we’re back at the newly formed DRM agency where Brooklyn is trying to get her shot at the open audition.
What all the girls soon realize is that this isn’t a usual audition, the girls are being asked unique and personal questions, and this is all for the hunt for Luka’s wife. Brooklyn checks all the boxes and we get to watch the push pull throughout the first half of the book between these two. There’s chemistry between them but Brooklyn is so upset about how Luka clearly doesn’t remember her, and Luka on the other hand is sooo attracted to her that he’d be dumb not to remember her. Mind you, all this brings out jealousy and tension that’s really intense and unexpected on both parts of the couple.
The journey from here is a roller coaster. We watch the games that they play with each other because it seems like they both are holding onto this notion of a temp marriage, but there’s history there, there’s chemistry and need and clearly stronger and deeper emotions that anyone expected.
Throughout this though, there’s also a secret that Brooklyn is hiding that i caught onto pretty quick and i’m sure most others did as well. I don’t know what motivated her to get into the situation that she’s in, but it’s one that’s going to hurt a lot of people, especially her new family, and i can’t wait to see how she gets out of this one.
We get a lot of the same heat and passion levels that we saw in the former series. There’s a chemistry and intensity that Ms Gray writes that really keeps us engaged. The moments that this couple steals together, in closets, in bedrooms, anywhere – they are on fire and that’s exactly what’s needed to keep a story like this moving.
April 9, 2021
The writing on this isn't too bad, but the story kind of is. The main character is used and treated like trash by an abusive and manipulative love interest who somehow gets away with it because he is just *so* hot and is (secretly) really into her and finds her irresistible. Supposedly they have a lot of passion and chemistry, but I found no proof of this.
For some reason the author felt inclined to portray bisexuals (you know, that staple BFF in these kinds of stories) as inherently horny and slutty and low-key predatory and ready to hump anything and anyone. It's a false narrative that's just so unnecessary.
As a side note I will argue that a company being investigated for or found guilty of trafficking girls and women is something much more than a little "scandal" that needs a bit of good PR to fix. Seriously. What an odd topic to pick only to completely disregard the severity of it.
Predatory behaviour and low-key/high-key violence against women seem to be running themes in many of these kinds of books, and they generally perpetuate the same harmful narrative that men are simply acting according to their inherent nature where they can't help but to be a threat to women. Yikes.
I got as far as the 60% mark but will not be finishing or picking up another book by this author.
For some reason the author felt inclined to portray bisexuals (you know, that staple BFF in these kinds of stories) as inherently horny and slutty and low-key predatory and ready to hump anything and anyone. It's a false narrative that's just so unnecessary.
As a side note I will argue that a company being investigated for or found guilty of trafficking girls and women is something much more than a little "scandal" that needs a bit of good PR to fix. Seriously. What an odd topic to pick only to completely disregard the severity of it.
Predatory behaviour and low-key/high-key violence against women seem to be running themes in many of these kinds of books, and they generally perpetuate the same harmful narrative that men are simply acting according to their inherent nature where they can't help but to be a threat to women. Yikes.
I got as far as the 60% mark but will not be finishing or picking up another book by this author.
May 11, 2020
Luka Zoric's father ruined the family name, so now Luka needs a wife since it will bring some positive PR to the family, which is where Brooklyn comes in at. They have a past though, so once she agrees, things aren't going to be so simple. See, she's the one who got away, however, it didn't stop him from being a very public playboy afterwards. However, their connection is still there, so again, not so simple. This story pulled out so many emotions from me, a lot of it being rage to be honest, but there was angst, and heart racing goodness as many twists started coming at me, allowing for loud f-bomb to drop all the way to the mother of a cliffy that has me dying inside a bit. I CANNOT WAIT for more, and you'll be the same way once you hit your one click buttons to experience The Sham for yourselves! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
December 13, 2021
In the beginning of the book a really liked it. She was strong and was going after what she wanted. Luka and Brooklyn seemed to have a bit of a difficult past with him lying to her and all. So I could see that maybe there attraction to each other could in turn lead them to really have a great and beautiful relationship. But after reading more a felt like she lost her sense of what is right what is wrong to get what you want.
The reveal that she had planned to go with another model Agency and in the process betray Luka made me lose a bit of respect for her she didn’t try hard enough to tell him before the got married. She may have changed her mind but that was no excuse not to tell him.
Will keep reading the next book in the series hoping that there relationship will get better.
The reveal that she had planned to go with another model Agency and in the process betray Luka made me lose a bit of respect for her she didn’t try hard enough to tell him before the got married. She may have changed her mind but that was no excuse not to tell him.
Will keep reading the next book in the series hoping that there relationship will get better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2020
4 star Review The Sham (Convenience #1) by Stella Gray
AUDIO REVIEW:
Stella Gray is a new author to me. Narrated by Elena Wolfe and Sebastian York, they did justice to the storyline and I found them easy to listen too and they really brought the story to life for me. This is the first book in the Convenience trilogy and be prepared this ends in a cliff hanger so you have been warned.
From start to finish Stella Gray wove together a story that drew me in and kept me hooked. This was an entertaining, at times humorous story with secrets and was steamy.
AUDIO REVIEW:
Stella Gray is a new author to me. Narrated by Elena Wolfe and Sebastian York, they did justice to the storyline and I found them easy to listen too and they really brought the story to life for me. This is the first book in the Convenience trilogy and be prepared this ends in a cliff hanger so you have been warned.
From start to finish Stella Gray wove together a story that drew me in and kept me hooked. This was an entertaining, at times humorous story with secrets and was steamy.
May 26, 2020
Definately fell flat for me. Was out of things to read to I read the brother's story which was much more interesting
May 1, 2022
Rechtvaardigt de leugen over hun huwelijk meer geheimen in hun relatie?
Als Brooklyn besluit om in te stemmen met het voorstel van Luka Zoric, hoopt ze dat ze dat aankan en dat ze zich staande zal weten te houden naast deze knappe en beruchte playboy.
Ze kunnen allebei beter worden van een huwelijk met elkaar. Hij heeft goede pr nodig en haar modellen-carrière zal een enorme impuls krijgen. Ze hoeft alleen maar te zorgen dat hij niet in haar hart kruipt.
“Een bits weerwoord verdwijnt in mijn keel wanneer ik die inslik omdat ik me hyperbewust ben van elke vrouw die hier is. Ik kan de manier waarop ze naar Luka kijken niet negeren, alsof ze honger hebben, of hoe ze hun hoofden bij elkaar steken om te fluisteren en te lachen.”-Stella Gray
Heeft een relatie die gebaseerd is op een leugen kans van slagen als de reden van hun samenzijn niet het enige geheim is?
De leugen van Stella Gray is het eerste deel van de steamy Convenience serie, waarin Brooklyn en Luka om zakelijke redenen in een gearrangeerd huwelijk stappen.
Dit expliciete new adult verhaal van Stella Gray speelt zich af binnen de glitter en glamour van de modellenwereld en het luxe leven dat een aantal karakters in het verhaal daardoor kan leiden. De onderlinge jaloezie, de smeuïge details en de extravagantie die hier en daar om de hoek komt kijken, maken het een verhaal om van te smullen.
Niet alleen het huwelijk dat de twee hoofdpersonen aangaan, is gebaseerd op een leugen. Er zijn nog meer geheimen die een stempel drukken op de relatie van deze twee personages. Niet allemaal even explosief, maar een van de hoofdrolspelers draagt een geheim mee dat zwaar op de schouders drukt en alles op scherp kan zetten. Het leuke en spannende hieraan is dat de volledige toedracht van dat geheim ook bijna het gehele verhaal onduidelijk blijft voor de lezer.
De leugen van Stella Gray is een lekker luxueus en spicy new adult verhaal, waar de liefhebbers van dit genre zeker van zullen genieten. De ingrediënten kloppen, de leugens en geheimen geven het verhaal een spannend randje en de chemie tussen de twee hoofdpersonen is overduidelijk aanwezig. Dit eerste deel van de Convenience serie, met een einde dat je doet verlangen naar het vervolg, krijgt 4 sterren van mij.
Deze recensie schreef ik voor, en is terug te vinden op, de blog In de Boekenkast: https://indeboekenkast.com.
Als Brooklyn besluit om in te stemmen met het voorstel van Luka Zoric, hoopt ze dat ze dat aankan en dat ze zich staande zal weten te houden naast deze knappe en beruchte playboy.
Ze kunnen allebei beter worden van een huwelijk met elkaar. Hij heeft goede pr nodig en haar modellen-carrière zal een enorme impuls krijgen. Ze hoeft alleen maar te zorgen dat hij niet in haar hart kruipt.
“Een bits weerwoord verdwijnt in mijn keel wanneer ik die inslik omdat ik me hyperbewust ben van elke vrouw die hier is. Ik kan de manier waarop ze naar Luka kijken niet negeren, alsof ze honger hebben, of hoe ze hun hoofden bij elkaar steken om te fluisteren en te lachen.”-Stella Gray
Heeft een relatie die gebaseerd is op een leugen kans van slagen als de reden van hun samenzijn niet het enige geheim is?
De leugen van Stella Gray is het eerste deel van de steamy Convenience serie, waarin Brooklyn en Luka om zakelijke redenen in een gearrangeerd huwelijk stappen.
Dit expliciete new adult verhaal van Stella Gray speelt zich af binnen de glitter en glamour van de modellenwereld en het luxe leven dat een aantal karakters in het verhaal daardoor kan leiden. De onderlinge jaloezie, de smeuïge details en de extravagantie die hier en daar om de hoek komt kijken, maken het een verhaal om van te smullen.
Niet alleen het huwelijk dat de twee hoofdpersonen aangaan, is gebaseerd op een leugen. Er zijn nog meer geheimen die een stempel drukken op de relatie van deze twee personages. Niet allemaal even explosief, maar een van de hoofdrolspelers draagt een geheim mee dat zwaar op de schouders drukt en alles op scherp kan zetten. Het leuke en spannende hieraan is dat de volledige toedracht van dat geheim ook bijna het gehele verhaal onduidelijk blijft voor de lezer.
De leugen van Stella Gray is een lekker luxueus en spicy new adult verhaal, waar de liefhebbers van dit genre zeker van zullen genieten. De ingrediënten kloppen, de leugens en geheimen geven het verhaal een spannend randje en de chemie tussen de twee hoofdpersonen is overduidelijk aanwezig. Dit eerste deel van de Convenience serie, met een einde dat je doet verlangen naar het vervolg, krijgt 4 sterren van mij.
Deze recensie schreef ik voor, en is terug te vinden op, de blog In de Boekenkast: https://indeboekenkast.com.
May 8, 2020
My Rating: ****
Type: Series. Book1
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Marriage of Convenience
Narration: Dual POV
Primary Characters: Luka and Brooklyn
Source: Courtesy of Author/ Publisher – ARC
I had met Luka in the “Arranged series”. Even though I didn’t like him much in the first 2 books, he was intriguing enough in the last one. This story is about Luka and Brooklyn with a bonus of meeting Tori and Stefen on some occasions in this book.
After shady dealings and image of KMZ going in drain, Stefan and Luka are working hard in Danica Rose modelling agency (former KMZ) by renaming the brand and image of the company. However, Luka’s former playboy image is making it hard for them. Stefen comes up with marriage option for Luka but he doesn’t want to be tied.
Brooklyn is a model and looking for a big career shift. She thinks a contract with DRM modelling will give her that and attends the interview even if she is aware that Luka may be present. She has a brief history with Luka, even though she is not able to forget him she is ready to ignore that for a modelling shift. However, interview turns out to be totally different than her expectation.
As blurb says, they enter into a marriage of convenience where she gets a career shift and Luka can clear his image. But their sham of a marriage is not as easy as they initially thought. Feelings and jealousy gets involved and they don’t seem fake anymore. Watching these two crush on each other in secret and try to maintain the deal between them was quite entertaining.
Will they be able to uphold the deal? Will they be able to get past their feelings for one another?
It was fun connecting back with Tori and Stefen for few brief moments. Emzee was lovely. Mateo was intriguing, let's see what author has in store for us with him. Plot moves in steady pace. Writing style is simple and good. This book ends with cliffhanger.
Overall, this book has secrets, emotions, drama, and chemistry which makes it an entertaining read. If you are looking for entertaining marriage of convenience book then you can pick this up.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book in exchange for honest review.
Check out my other reviews here : https://meander23.com
Type: Series. Book1
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Marriage of Convenience
Narration: Dual POV
Primary Characters: Luka and Brooklyn
Source: Courtesy of Author/ Publisher – ARC
I had met Luka in the “Arranged series”. Even though I didn’t like him much in the first 2 books, he was intriguing enough in the last one. This story is about Luka and Brooklyn with a bonus of meeting Tori and Stefen on some occasions in this book.
After shady dealings and image of KMZ going in drain, Stefan and Luka are working hard in Danica Rose modelling agency (former KMZ) by renaming the brand and image of the company. However, Luka’s former playboy image is making it hard for them. Stefen comes up with marriage option for Luka but he doesn’t want to be tied.
Brooklyn is a model and looking for a big career shift. She thinks a contract with DRM modelling will give her that and attends the interview even if she is aware that Luka may be present. She has a brief history with Luka, even though she is not able to forget him she is ready to ignore that for a modelling shift. However, interview turns out to be totally different than her expectation.
As blurb says, they enter into a marriage of convenience where she gets a career shift and Luka can clear his image. But their sham of a marriage is not as easy as they initially thought. Feelings and jealousy gets involved and they don’t seem fake anymore. Watching these two crush on each other in secret and try to maintain the deal between them was quite entertaining.
Will they be able to uphold the deal? Will they be able to get past their feelings for one another?
It was fun connecting back with Tori and Stefen for few brief moments. Emzee was lovely. Mateo was intriguing, let's see what author has in store for us with him. Plot moves in steady pace. Writing style is simple and good. This book ends with cliffhanger.
Overall, this book has secrets, emotions, drama, and chemistry which makes it an entertaining read. If you are looking for entertaining marriage of convenience book then you can pick this up.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book in exchange for honest review.
Check out my other reviews here : https://meander23.com
December 26, 2022
Man do I hate body-betraying books and this one is worse than most. Truly awful. As an example she begs for sex after he goes into detail about a bunch of women he's screwed at a party they attend. What makes it worse is she's written as supposedly tough when she just comes across as flighty, pretty much self-absorbed and overall pathetically incompetent in anything she does. The so-called hero Luka is even worse on top of being a giant asshole. Funny how in these books the female is never in a room with all the guys they've screwed. And by the end she's acting proud that he's fucked all these wome, but supposedly chosen her cause she's special. He refers to her wearing sexy clothing as being slutty (the hypocrisy is mind-blowing) and bossing her around photo shots, both of which she thinks is hot. Did I mention how PATHETIC she is? She literally only thinks about how hot he is while he's running her life and humiliating her. I was embarrassed for her and most of the characters throughout most of this frivolous book.
We get tons of her sexually promiscuous bi-sexual BFF who of course she never has slept with. That would be tacky - as would you know - Luka coming across a bunch of guys she's screwed- as if everything else in this book isn't.
I read through this while waiting out a storm here so it's made me extra grumpy dealing with these shallow self-absorbed twits. I don't mind the arranged marriage trope but this one had weaker reasons than usual for both needing to marry so that didn't help.
If you like books set in the modelling world, man whores who have slept with half the city and are still 'clean' not to mention possessive and overbearing as well as female leads who think they are tough but crumble at the sight of a hot guy, this maybe up your alley. It sure wasn't mine. That said the writing was ok and I may tune into the sequel just because I want to see if my predictions are correct. I do sense a lot of skimming will be involved to make it through this tripe though.
We get tons of her sexually promiscuous bi-sexual BFF who of course she never has slept with. That would be tacky - as would you know - Luka coming across a bunch of guys she's screwed- as if everything else in this book isn't.
I read through this while waiting out a storm here so it's made me extra grumpy dealing with these shallow self-absorbed twits. I don't mind the arranged marriage trope but this one had weaker reasons than usual for both needing to marry so that didn't help.
If you like books set in the modelling world, man whores who have slept with half the city and are still 'clean' not to mention possessive and overbearing as well as female leads who think they are tough but crumble at the sight of a hot guy, this maybe up your alley. It sure wasn't mine. That said the writing was ok and I may tune into the sequel just because I want to see if my predictions are correct. I do sense a lot of skimming will be involved to make it through this tripe though.
October 21, 2021
She needs his connections while he needs her image. Problem is they don’t trust each other. She doesn’t trust him to be faithful while he doesn’t trust her to fulfill her contract with the modeling agency. Sham is an arranged marriage between a model and co-CEO.
The only thing on Brooklyn Moss’s mind is her modeling career while the only thing on Luka Zoric’s mind is sex. He’s a notorious bachelor and resident bad boy of Chicago. In order to keep his position within the family business he needs to rebrand his image.
His father was recently arrested bringing disgrace to the business. Brooklyn is the perfect candidate to sway public opinion.
This is the best way to experience a romance by listening to two of my favorite narrators Elena Wolfe and Sebastian York. They offer the best performance of dirty words and salacious sex scenes. They make a great team alternating between Brooklyn and Luka’s character.
This a dual performance. Sham is an unabridged audiobook. This story is better served in audiobook format. The more I listen to audiobooks the more spoiled I become. I gravitate towards audiobooks rather than reading. I still prefer investing in both the ebook and audiobook so I can follow along.
Sham is book 1 in the Convenience series. The Contract is book 2 and The Ruin is book 3. This three book trilogy is entirely about Brooklyn and Luka.
The only thing on Brooklyn Moss’s mind is her modeling career while the only thing on Luka Zoric’s mind is sex. He’s a notorious bachelor and resident bad boy of Chicago. In order to keep his position within the family business he needs to rebrand his image.
His father was recently arrested bringing disgrace to the business. Brooklyn is the perfect candidate to sway public opinion.
This is the best way to experience a romance by listening to two of my favorite narrators Elena Wolfe and Sebastian York. They offer the best performance of dirty words and salacious sex scenes. They make a great team alternating between Brooklyn and Luka’s character.
This a dual performance. Sham is an unabridged audiobook. This story is better served in audiobook format. The more I listen to audiobooks the more spoiled I become. I gravitate towards audiobooks rather than reading. I still prefer investing in both the ebook and audiobook so I can follow along.
Sham is book 1 in the Convenience series. The Contract is book 2 and The Ruin is book 3. This three book trilogy is entirely about Brooklyn and Luka.
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