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The Unexpected #1
A Mutually Beneficial Proposal
I’m engaged to a stranger.
Okay, maybe not officially, but when Owen Porter spots me floundering for words in front of my ex-fiancé and his new wife, I decide to go along with his little farce. The catch? He wants me to return the favor by being his date to a company mixer.
I’m supposed to be on vacation—forgetting about men. Now, thanks to unforeseen events, I’m not only Owen’s date, but I’m also his hotel roommate.
Lines I didn’t want to cross are quickly blurred, and my best friends convince me that there’s nothing wrong with a vacation fling. That one might help me get over my latest relationship disaster. But as the clock counts down to my departure, I know my feelings aren’t as fake as I’d like them to be. Far from it.
Meeting Owen wasn’t in my plans. Finding out who I am was. But maybe I can make both work… That is, if Owen can prove he isn’t like my other exes: a lying cheat.
A Mutually Beneficial Proposal is a laugh-out-loud spicy romantic comedy. It’s told in dual POV, and is a full-length standalone included in The Unexpected Series that can be read in any order, but best consumed consecutively.
Okay, maybe not officially, but when Owen Porter spots me floundering for words in front of my ex-fiancé and his new wife, I decide to go along with his little farce. The catch? He wants me to return the favor by being his date to a company mixer.
I’m supposed to be on vacation—forgetting about men. Now, thanks to unforeseen events, I’m not only Owen’s date, but I’m also his hotel roommate.
Lines I didn’t want to cross are quickly blurred, and my best friends convince me that there’s nothing wrong with a vacation fling. That one might help me get over my latest relationship disaster. But as the clock counts down to my departure, I know my feelings aren’t as fake as I’d like them to be. Far from it.
Meeting Owen wasn’t in my plans. Finding out who I am was. But maybe I can make both work… That is, if Owen can prove he isn’t like my other exes: a lying cheat.
A Mutually Beneficial Proposal is a laugh-out-loud spicy romantic comedy. It’s told in dual POV, and is a full-length standalone included in The Unexpected Series that can be read in any order, but best consumed consecutively.
310 pages, ebook
Published June 16, 2022
479 people are currently reading
815 people want to read
About the author
Harper Reed
42 books157 followersHarper Reed is a Romantic Comedy author. She lives in the beautiful state of Oregon with her husband of twenty years. While Harper is new to the genre, she has been reading RomCom’s for decades and has published several dozen books in varying genres over the years.
In her downtime, Harper enjoys reading, going on escapades with her husband, and drinking wine with her friends on the weekend.
She looks forward to this new branch of her author career and can’t wait to bring you more deliciously comical books!
Want to learn more? Visit her website www.HarperReedBooks.com to see upcoming books and ways to connect with her.
In her downtime, Harper enjoys reading, going on escapades with her husband, and drinking wine with her friends on the weekend.
She looks forward to this new branch of her author career and can’t wait to bring you more deliciously comical books!
Want to learn more? Visit her website www.HarperReedBooks.com to see upcoming books and ways to connect with her.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
August 11, 2022
💕Mini Reviews:
When Harper told me these were spicy, I didn't quite realize HOW spicy! 🥵🔥🌶️
Whew! These puppies will get the ol' heart pumping! They're also incredibly funny, romantic, and sweet, filled with likeable characters and relatable moments! 💕
𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮 𝗕𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘆!
✨Book 1: A Mutually Beneficial Proposal follows Ella, who has sworn off men, and Owen, the guy who saves the day and eventually changes her mind. This is told in dual-POV. It's humorous, with witty banter, high stakes, mega steam, and loveable side characters. ADORED!
✨Book 2: A Mutually Beneficial Mistake follows Ella's BFF Kenzie and her one-night-stand-turned-volunteer-partner, Bentley. Told in dual-POV as well. TBH, this one was even funnier! I laughed out loud multiple times and flew through it! Here we have forced proximity (my fave!), and grumpy-sunshine. This one is super steamy. I just loved Kenzie and her badassery. 💕
👉 Swipe twice to see Book 3: A Mutually Beneficial Secret! Out now in paperback, coming to Kindle Unlimited Aug 19th.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝!
A huge 'thank you' to Harper for donating the books and swag for our giveaway, my friend Brittany for doing this awesome Collab with me, and to everyone who entered. 💕
When Harper told me these were spicy, I didn't quite realize HOW spicy! 🥵🔥🌶️
Whew! These puppies will get the ol' heart pumping! They're also incredibly funny, romantic, and sweet, filled with likeable characters and relatable moments! 💕
𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮 𝗕𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘆!
✨Book 1: A Mutually Beneficial Proposal follows Ella, who has sworn off men, and Owen, the guy who saves the day and eventually changes her mind. This is told in dual-POV. It's humorous, with witty banter, high stakes, mega steam, and loveable side characters. ADORED!
✨Book 2: A Mutually Beneficial Mistake follows Ella's BFF Kenzie and her one-night-stand-turned-volunteer-partner, Bentley. Told in dual-POV as well. TBH, this one was even funnier! I laughed out loud multiple times and flew through it! Here we have forced proximity (my fave!), and grumpy-sunshine. This one is super steamy. I just loved Kenzie and her badassery. 💕
👉 Swipe twice to see Book 3: A Mutually Beneficial Secret! Out now in paperback, coming to Kindle Unlimited Aug 19th.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝!
A huge 'thank you' to Harper for donating the books and swag for our giveaway, my friend Brittany for doing this awesome Collab with me, and to everyone who entered. 💕
June 21, 2022
I'm going to start this review with 100% transparency. If it weren't for Literary Bound Tours needing hosts for this book I wouldn't have picked it up, and I am SO freaking mad at myself for that. SO MAD, I tell you.
This was an absolute JOY to read. Ella really goes through all of her thoughts and emotions like you would imagine a woman scorned would. It's not outrageous, it's not unbelievable, it's relatable. Owen is one of the sweetest book boyfriends out there. His growth, charm, and patience really make him such a wonderful character.
I think I enjoyed this book mostly because it flowed so freaking nicely! There wasn't a moment in time when I thought, 'well I could have done without that', because everything just fit. I loved the whole thing so much, and now I can't wait for the friends books. I have a feeling Harper Reed will be a new auto-buy author for me.
This was an absolute JOY to read. Ella really goes through all of her thoughts and emotions like you would imagine a woman scorned would. It's not outrageous, it's not unbelievable, it's relatable. Owen is one of the sweetest book boyfriends out there. His growth, charm, and patience really make him such a wonderful character.
I think I enjoyed this book mostly because it flowed so freaking nicely! There wasn't a moment in time when I thought, 'well I could have done without that', because everything just fit. I loved the whole thing so much, and now I can't wait for the friends books. I have a feeling Harper Reed will be a new auto-buy author for me.
June 2, 2022
Fresh, fierce and oh so hilarious, this debut RomCom by Harper Reed is everything you'll need to indulge in the perfect summer read. This is witty and full of heart but packs a punch with its relatable true to life happenings. With an epic girl gang, truly terrible exes and one hot stranger you'll be devouring this and begging for more. The chapter titles alone will have you giggling and your interest piqued.
Ella begins this in true vengeful fashion and its glorious to behold. She's been wronged and she's going to burn his world down. She doesn't want to chance another broken heart, but she never expected to meet Owen. And que the smexiness, because it doesn't quit! The chemistry is branding hot and will leave you deliciously scorched.
You know you need to read this!!
I can't wait for the next book in this standalone series because the friends were simply fantastic!
Harper Reed brought the heat and the heart and she's an author that you're majorly going to be stalking. She's just that addictive!
Ella begins this in true vengeful fashion and its glorious to behold. She's been wronged and she's going to burn his world down. She doesn't want to chance another broken heart, but she never expected to meet Owen. And que the smexiness, because it doesn't quit! The chemistry is branding hot and will leave you deliciously scorched.
You know you need to read this!!
I can't wait for the next book in this standalone series because the friends were simply fantastic!
Harper Reed brought the heat and the heart and she's an author that you're majorly going to be stalking. She's just that addictive!
June 17, 2022
Ella is on vacation enjoying her alone time and relaxing when who should appear but her ex and his new wife. Seeing the predicament Ella is in, Owen steps in pretending to be Ella's fiance and cue the fake dating!
I'm a huge fan of the fake dating trope and this one really ticks all the boxes. Both the main characters are fun, there are plenty of laugh out loud moments, the best friends are also excellent side characters, it is super steamy as well as incredibly sweet. I'm thrilled for Harper Reed - this is a fantastic romcom debut! I am looking forward to reading more.
I'm a huge fan of the fake dating trope and this one really ticks all the boxes. Both the main characters are fun, there are plenty of laugh out loud moments, the best friends are also excellent side characters, it is super steamy as well as incredibly sweet. I'm thrilled for Harper Reed - this is a fantastic romcom debut! I am looking forward to reading more.
July 22, 2022
thought this was gonna be a silly little romcom à la the unhoneymooners, but instead, i got fucking mint toothpaste dfghjk
Want to read
November 8, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (10/1/2022)! 🎁
July 16, 2022
"A Mutually Beneficial Proposal is a laugh-out-loud spicy romantic comedy. It’s told in dual POV, and is a full-length standalone included in The Unexpected Series that can be read in any order, but best consumed consecutively."
So this book hooked me from the start. I don't know why I love it when the MC gets cheated on and she goes on a self-discovery of herself. Maybe I just like the pain of other people's failed relationships. Ok that sounds bad.. moving on.
Ella has had the worst luck with dating and keeps attracting the very attractive cheater/loser/commitment phobes. After her current breakup, she had an expensive couples vacation she had booked she decides to still go on. I mean non-refundable, Do it! Plus, sometimes those situations are a blessing in disguise. If a guy gets spooked at the tiniest things then he is not ready for a relationship or one with you.
She sits next to a hottie on the plane who she also runs into at the resort right when she runs into an ex, blergh what are the odds?!! This sounds like something that would happen to me. My 20s were fraught with these uncomfortable situations. But this hottie, Owen saves her from sudden doom by pretending to be her fiance. Now her man free vacation has a fake fiancee.
Totally enjoyed this one and the crazy corporate embezzlement/crappy boss sitch happening. Who takes their employees to St. Lucia for a retreat jk and where can I apply? 😵
🔥Just be aware this is spicy and has naughty words. For those who are sensitive and for those who like it, here you go!
Thank you to the author for the e-ARC for my honest and voluntary review.
So this book hooked me from the start. I don't know why I love it when the MC gets cheated on and she goes on a self-discovery of herself. Maybe I just like the pain of other people's failed relationships. Ok that sounds bad.. moving on.
Ella has had the worst luck with dating and keeps attracting the very attractive cheater/loser/commitment phobes. After her current breakup, she had an expensive couples vacation she had booked she decides to still go on. I mean non-refundable, Do it! Plus, sometimes those situations are a blessing in disguise. If a guy gets spooked at the tiniest things then he is not ready for a relationship or one with you.
She sits next to a hottie on the plane who she also runs into at the resort right when she runs into an ex, blergh what are the odds?!! This sounds like something that would happen to me. My 20s were fraught with these uncomfortable situations. But this hottie, Owen saves her from sudden doom by pretending to be her fiance. Now her man free vacation has a fake fiancee.
Totally enjoyed this one and the crazy corporate embezzlement/crappy boss sitch happening. Who takes their employees to St. Lucia for a retreat jk and where can I apply? 😵
🔥Just be aware this is spicy and has naughty words. For those who are sensitive and for those who like it, here you go!
Thank you to the author for the e-ARC for my honest and voluntary review.
June 15, 2022
4.5 ⭐s
Ohhh how much I loved this book. It was so cute and funny!
Ella finds out her fiancée is cheating on her and has had enough of men. They had plans to go on a trip so she decides to go by herself. Here she runs into her ex and his wife. When Owens sees Ella struggling to communicate with him and his wife, he feels the need to save her and pretends to be her boyfriend. In return, she has to attend a work event with him to keep his boss off his back. I loved the back and forth Owen and Ella had. She wasn't afraid to let him know exactly what was on her mind.
Ella has been through so much with her past relationships so we also see how she's trying to find herself and be the amazing independent woman she is. Not to mention her friends were just the greatest. This is a perfect summer rom-com. But don't that fool you there is definitely spice!
I can't wait to see what Ms. Harper has in store for her two bestfriends Piper and Kenzie.
Ohhh how much I loved this book. It was so cute and funny!
Ella finds out her fiancée is cheating on her and has had enough of men. They had plans to go on a trip so she decides to go by herself. Here she runs into her ex and his wife. When Owens sees Ella struggling to communicate with him and his wife, he feels the need to save her and pretends to be her boyfriend. In return, she has to attend a work event with him to keep his boss off his back. I loved the back and forth Owen and Ella had. She wasn't afraid to let him know exactly what was on her mind.
Ella has been through so much with her past relationships so we also see how she's trying to find herself and be the amazing independent woman she is. Not to mention her friends were just the greatest. This is a perfect summer rom-com. But don't that fool you there is definitely spice!
I can't wait to see what Ms. Harper has in store for her two bestfriends Piper and Kenzie.
June 16, 2022
M͜͡u͜͡t͜͡u͜͡a͜͡l͜͡l͜͡y͜͡ B͜͡e͜͡n͜͡e͜͡f͜͡i͜͡c͜͡i͜͡a͜͡l͜͡ P͜͡r͜͡o͜͡p͜͡o͜͡s͜͡a͜͡l͜͡
b͜͡y͜͡: H͜͡a͜͡r͜͡p͜͡e͜͡r͜͡ R͜͡e͜͡e͜͡d͜͡
r͜͡e͜͡v͜͡i͜͡e͜͡w͜͡
I flew through this book! It was a very cute romcom! It made me laugh out loud! I Wish I had a paper copy of this book to annotate some of the passages that made me giggle.
I loved Owen. He was such a sweet observant man.
Ella was recovering from a break-up and trying to find herself. I love how she was becoming unapologetically her!
I would love a 4 day vacations in Saint Lucia but not sure I could go sky diving 🙈
r͜͡e͜͡a͜͡d͜͡ t͜͡h͜͡i͜͡s͜͡ b͜͡o͜͡o͜͡k͜͡ i͜͡f͜͡:
🪂 you love a woman becoming strong and independent
🪂 a man who loves a woman for who she is 💯 and wants to make her happy
🪂romcoms are your jam
🪂you want 3 books of happy endings 🙌🏻
I'd recommend this book and mark it is as a BUY if you love romcoms or BARGAIN if you like them but they arent your number 1 genre on the scale of Buy, Bargain, Borrow, Bud (audio) or Bust. (Yes I came up with the scale. I'm oddly proud of it!)
Thank you @netgalley the author & the publisher for a copy of this book for my honest opinion.
b͜͡y͜͡: H͜͡a͜͡r͜͡p͜͡e͜͡r͜͡ R͜͡e͜͡e͜͡d͜͡
r͜͡e͜͡v͜͡i͜͡e͜͡w͜͡
I flew through this book! It was a very cute romcom! It made me laugh out loud! I Wish I had a paper copy of this book to annotate some of the passages that made me giggle.
I loved Owen. He was such a sweet observant man.
Ella was recovering from a break-up and trying to find herself. I love how she was becoming unapologetically her!
I would love a 4 day vacations in Saint Lucia but not sure I could go sky diving 🙈
r͜͡e͜͡a͜͡d͜͡ t͜͡h͜͡i͜͡s͜͡ b͜͡o͜͡o͜͡k͜͡ i͜͡f͜͡:
🪂 you love a woman becoming strong and independent
🪂 a man who loves a woman for who she is 💯 and wants to make her happy
🪂romcoms are your jam
🪂you want 3 books of happy endings 🙌🏻
I'd recommend this book and mark it is as a BUY if you love romcoms or BARGAIN if you like them but they arent your number 1 genre on the scale of Buy, Bargain, Borrow, Bud (audio) or Bust. (Yes I came up with the scale. I'm oddly proud of it!)
Thank you @netgalley the author & the publisher for a copy of this book for my honest opinion.
June 11, 2022
Fake dating at its finest! I could actually see all of this book happening in real life... and that just made the book so much better! From their impromptu meeting on the plane to his saving her from an awkward situation, it was all super authentic! I loved every page of this book! Owen Porter is 🔥 And the friendship between Ella, Kenzie and Piper is seriously the best! Can't wait to read more about this trio of women 💕
October 7, 2022
nice and easy !
November 21, 2023
Yes, another “one-day-wonder!” Very romantic. Strong woman. Smart, sensitive man.
June 2, 2022
Contemporary Romance/Rom-com/Spiiiiiiice
Humor 5/5
Romance 4/5
Spice 5/5
Alright y'all, let's say I wasn't sure about this one cause the cover but it exceeded all expectations. DO NOT LET THAT COVER FOOL YOU, this book has enough smut to fill a steam house about a third of the way through with laughs all throughout.
Need a laugh after a rough day? Just got cheated on and want to live vicariously through someone else as they burnt he cheater's stuff and go screw a hot guy in the islands?
THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU.
#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookish #romance
Humor 5/5
Romance 4/5
Spice 5/5
Alright y'all, let's say I wasn't sure about this one cause the cover but it exceeded all expectations. DO NOT LET THAT COVER FOOL YOU, this book has enough smut to fill a steam house about a third of the way through with laughs all throughout.
Need a laugh after a rough day? Just got cheated on and want to live vicariously through someone else as they burnt he cheater's stuff and go screw a hot guy in the islands?
THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU.
#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookish #romance
Read
November 11, 2023Ugh, this was not at all what I was expecting based on the blurb...I won't rate because I DNF. On the bright side, it was free.
July 24, 2022
Hilarious, fast paced and great for a reading slump.
June 16, 2022
This book is an extremely fun read. I loved Owen and Ella as characters. They were hilarious and the internal monologue was just entertaining.
The spiciness of the book was off the charts. The sex scenes were written really well. I loved the scenes with how funny and filled with chemistry. When the two characters smooch, the entire book is in flames.
The romance is really funny. I really liked the pacing of the romance. The two clearly had a friends/fake relationship with benefits deal. However, I enjoyed that the emotional connection between the characters came only later in the book. This was much appreciate because of the realness.
Owen and Ella are just funny and sweet. I loved how they are having their own struggles and a tropical vacation changes everything for them. Ella's friendship is really fun. However, I loved how she is compassionate to the woman her ex cheated on. The exes were funny, but there was some seriousness to it. Owen also was incredibly sweet.
In summary, go pick up this book. You will really love it.
The spiciness of the book was off the charts. The sex scenes were written really well. I loved the scenes with how funny and filled with chemistry. When the two characters smooch, the entire book is in flames.
The romance is really funny. I really liked the pacing of the romance. The two clearly had a friends/fake relationship with benefits deal. However, I enjoyed that the emotional connection between the characters came only later in the book. This was much appreciate because of the realness.
Owen and Ella are just funny and sweet. I loved how they are having their own struggles and a tropical vacation changes everything for them. Ella's friendship is really fun. However, I loved how she is compassionate to the woman her ex cheated on. The exes were funny, but there was some seriousness to it. Owen also was incredibly sweet.
In summary, go pick up this book. You will really love it.
March 26, 2024
Picked this up for a reading challenge. Tagged as humor but let me tell you there was nothing funny in this book. I literally didn’t laugh once and I read 70%. Ella the FMC might be one of the most unlikable FMCs ever, for me.
DNF @ page 221/276, 74%.
DNF @ page 221/276, 74%.
August 3, 2022
—𝟐 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
☆꧁𝐀 𝐌𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐚𝐥꧂☆
𝐄𝐥𝐥𝐚 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐬 (h) gets cheated on, again, and she has tickets to an all-inclusive adults-only resort in Saint Lucia— so when her best friends cannot go with her, she goes alone. On the plane, she meets 𝐎𝐰𝐞𝐧 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫 (H) and while she finds him attractive, she doesn’t want anything to do with men because of her horrible record, so she avoids talking to him. Since she is swearing off men for the trip, she doesn’t expect to see him again. However, upon arriving she never expects to see her ex-fiancé, who cheated on her, at the same resort with his wife. To avoid the awkwardness, Owen notices her and remembers her from the plane, so he swoops in and pretends to be her fiancé. Upon their new arrangement, Ella realizes that she could keep their relationship purely physical and no strings attached. As the duration of their stay winds down, the two spend more and more time together (physically) and wonder what will happen once they have to get home. At the same time, Owen is on a business trip and is unhappy with his boss who obligates him to do tasks he doesn’t want to do. One of them being, flirting with a co-worker in exchange for information. Owen has to balance fake-dating Ella and growing real feelings for her, but also following his boss’s rules. When Ella sees the two together, she spirals and it creates a miscommunication near the end of the book.
*•.¸♡ ★·.·´ 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 ★·.·´¯`·.·★ ♡¸.•*
I’ll be honest, I disliked this completely, simply because it was very instant attraction which is everything I don’t like in a book. They first meet on a plane, but instantly find each other intriguing (but she ignores him because she’s on a men ban). Coincidentally, he’s at the same resort and they pretty much have sex the entire time. It was purely physical and they never connected on an emotional level, so I’m confused why she was so upset when she saw him with his co-worker and LEFT THE RESORT. She spent nearly a thousand dollars on a ticket to fly back home because she saw Owen “fake dating” Natalie and left without an explanation. I’ll give it points for the drama because they’ve only known each other for less than a week, and are already chasing each other across NC to clear the miscommunication. He seriously went looking for her and called her relentlessly so he could explain himself, like move on your relationship was never that serious IMO. When I saw the epilogue, and read that they’ve been dating for THREE MONTHS and now she has proposed and they’re in love??? CONGRATS IG. This is the book couple that I see breaking up, because they didn’t talk about anything serious. Whenever he would open up, she would changed the conversation and vise versa. Then, she would say how he understood her because he never pushed your boundaries… girl this is a summer fling. To me, they’re not in love and clearly lusting after each other. When did they share cute moments?
OWEN, don’t get me started on this man. The entire time he hates his job and his boss lowkey peer pressures him to do stuff but he won’t quit. Then all of a sudden, Ella leaves the resort AND HE QUITS. BRO, what??? He really could have done that the entire time, so the plot was really unnecessary. His boss was corrupt so Natalie and Bill asked for helped to uncover it, but he backed out.. which he could have done the entire time. He is somewhat decent because he put Ella’s feelings first and never pressured her into anything, but I think he’s a weirdo. If I left a resort, DONT FOLLOW ME. Seriously he tracked her friends down and wanted to explain himself, like sir go away!! I’m glad it worked out for Ella and found herself a man who won’t cheat, but it’s still weird that he was pretending to care for Natalie for work purposes, AND fake-dating Ella. PICK ONE.
Also, he didn’t mind.. BUT Ella gave him a BJ first thing in the morning and I was like??? Did you guys discuss consent, because you’re a random resort stranger and what if he wasn’t comfortable with it. It’s weird that’s all.
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥, I’ll probably forget the details of this book by next week. It was a quick read but pretty forgettable and not something I would ever read again. I love the fake-dating trope but this one just didn’t work for me. Especially, because the fake-dating elements weren’t really there, it was ONE scene where he pretends to be with her in front of her ex but then they never encounter him again besides one more scene.
☆꧁𝐀 𝐌𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐚𝐥꧂☆
𝐄𝐥𝐥𝐚 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐬 (h) gets cheated on, again, and she has tickets to an all-inclusive adults-only resort in Saint Lucia— so when her best friends cannot go with her, she goes alone. On the plane, she meets 𝐎𝐰𝐞𝐧 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫 (H) and while she finds him attractive, she doesn’t want anything to do with men because of her horrible record, so she avoids talking to him. Since she is swearing off men for the trip, she doesn’t expect to see him again. However, upon arriving she never expects to see her ex-fiancé, who cheated on her, at the same resort with his wife. To avoid the awkwardness, Owen notices her and remembers her from the plane, so he swoops in and pretends to be her fiancé. Upon their new arrangement, Ella realizes that she could keep their relationship purely physical and no strings attached. As the duration of their stay winds down, the two spend more and more time together (physically) and wonder what will happen once they have to get home. At the same time, Owen is on a business trip and is unhappy with his boss who obligates him to do tasks he doesn’t want to do. One of them being, flirting with a co-worker in exchange for information. Owen has to balance fake-dating Ella and growing real feelings for her, but also following his boss’s rules. When Ella sees the two together, she spirals and it creates a miscommunication near the end of the book.
*•.¸♡ ★·.·´ 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 ★·.·´¯`·.·★ ♡¸.•*
I’ll be honest, I disliked this completely, simply because it was very instant attraction which is everything I don’t like in a book. They first meet on a plane, but instantly find each other intriguing (but she ignores him because she’s on a men ban). Coincidentally, he’s at the same resort and they pretty much have sex the entire time. It was purely physical and they never connected on an emotional level, so I’m confused why she was so upset when she saw him with his co-worker and LEFT THE RESORT. She spent nearly a thousand dollars on a ticket to fly back home because she saw Owen “fake dating” Natalie and left without an explanation. I’ll give it points for the drama because they’ve only known each other for less than a week, and are already chasing each other across NC to clear the miscommunication. He seriously went looking for her and called her relentlessly so he could explain himself, like move on your relationship was never that serious IMO. When I saw the epilogue, and read that they’ve been dating for THREE MONTHS and now she has proposed and they’re in love??? CONGRATS IG. This is the book couple that I see breaking up, because they didn’t talk about anything serious. Whenever he would open up, she would changed the conversation and vise versa. Then, she would say how he understood her because he never pushed your boundaries… girl this is a summer fling. To me, they’re not in love and clearly lusting after each other. When did they share cute moments?
OWEN, don’t get me started on this man. The entire time he hates his job and his boss lowkey peer pressures him to do stuff but he won’t quit. Then all of a sudden, Ella leaves the resort AND HE QUITS. BRO, what??? He really could have done that the entire time, so the plot was really unnecessary. His boss was corrupt so Natalie and Bill asked for helped to uncover it, but he backed out.. which he could have done the entire time. He is somewhat decent because he put Ella’s feelings first and never pressured her into anything, but I think he’s a weirdo. If I left a resort, DONT FOLLOW ME. Seriously he tracked her friends down and wanted to explain himself, like sir go away!! I’m glad it worked out for Ella and found herself a man who won’t cheat, but it’s still weird that he was pretending to care for Natalie for work purposes, AND fake-dating Ella. PICK ONE.
Also, he didn’t mind.. BUT Ella gave him a BJ first thing in the morning and I was like??? Did you guys discuss consent, because you’re a random resort stranger and what if he wasn’t comfortable with it. It’s weird that’s all.
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥, I’ll probably forget the details of this book by next week. It was a quick read but pretty forgettable and not something I would ever read again. I love the fake-dating trope but this one just didn’t work for me. Especially, because the fake-dating elements weren’t really there, it was ONE scene where he pretends to be with her in front of her ex but then they never encounter him again besides one more scene.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2023
Getting rid of the rubbish. Good thing. Getting BFFs to help carry out the couch that, you caught your ex boinking mistress on. Good thing. Burning remaining items left behind, when ex skurried away when Ella kicked him out. Good thing. When Kenzie and, Piper arrive, Ella is in the backyard causing quite the blaze. She’s burning all kinds of things left behind. She explains the surprise she found when she arrived home early.
They didn't want to bring it up, but need to ask, what do you plan to do about your trip? You are supposed to leave tomorrow. I’m going. Final answer. Not easy for her to make. Two years she had been with, Gavin Micheals only for him to betray their relationship by having an affair in her home. Not to mention the day before they are to leave on an all-inclusive vacation.
Yeah, she says, ripping off the bandage, she got off early and didn't call, Gavin to tell him only to walk in on him doing the chick on the couch. Hence, the free sign on the couch in the front yard. She’s hoping last night’s drink and laugh fest will ward off anything else bad that wants to darken her doorstep. Her besties drop her at the airport. Check. First, she needs the bathroom to have a panic attack. She’s questioning herself for still going on the trip. Panic averted. Check.
Gets in line to show the wrong ticket and gives, Gavin’s by mistake. Oops! Then, shows hers. Now, she was sweating. They let her pass. Check. Hardly anyone at security so she figures now's the time to get in line. It's her turn, and the agent that frisks her gets handsy, and it startles, Grace. The agent asks her why. She says, “Normally, I get dinner before letting anyone get that close.” Making the agent smile. All good until a male voice calls out, “Whose bag is this? You got it, it's hers. She’s to meet him at the counter.
She is mortified she packed her carry-on herself. So, she knows there can’t be anything in there. He’s fighting a grin, and he bends to whisper, “Your friend set off a chemical alarm. I’m sure it’s harmless, but we have to um, inspect it. Is there anything sharp in your suitcase I need to worry about?” She says, “My friend? What do you mean?” “The toy you packed? The adult one.” “The what?!” She might as well have yelled. Right away her thoughts go darker, than what her day started with.
She’s thinking of, KENZIE her friend since fifth grade. “She. Is. Dead. To. Me.” She tried to tell them to just throw it away, but they said they couldn’t. Before they could let her board the plane, they had to swab the B.O.B. for, dangerous materials. She is disheartened with people in general. Now. Total embarrassment. Check. She gets to the counter for the tickets and her name is flashed above it. Dread sits hard in her stomach. When she checks in they bump her seats and when she checks it’s first class. Her first bright spot. Check.
Her seat mate, Owen Porter boards after her but she is not thrilled. One he is Mr. Rude, he is also sexy and she is off men, and he is too damn chipper. So, she shut him down. Check. Little does she know they are staying at the same resort. He saves her a$$ because her ex-fiancée, Blake is there with his wife and, Owen pretends to be Ella’s boyfriend. Such a good book. You won’t want to miss the fun. Friends, sexy guys, and you’ll see them get dressed down. You will see she starts to find herself, which gives her strength.
They didn't want to bring it up, but need to ask, what do you plan to do about your trip? You are supposed to leave tomorrow. I’m going. Final answer. Not easy for her to make. Two years she had been with, Gavin Micheals only for him to betray their relationship by having an affair in her home. Not to mention the day before they are to leave on an all-inclusive vacation.
Yeah, she says, ripping off the bandage, she got off early and didn't call, Gavin to tell him only to walk in on him doing the chick on the couch. Hence, the free sign on the couch in the front yard. She’s hoping last night’s drink and laugh fest will ward off anything else bad that wants to darken her doorstep. Her besties drop her at the airport. Check. First, she needs the bathroom to have a panic attack. She’s questioning herself for still going on the trip. Panic averted. Check.
Gets in line to show the wrong ticket and gives, Gavin’s by mistake. Oops! Then, shows hers. Now, she was sweating. They let her pass. Check. Hardly anyone at security so she figures now's the time to get in line. It's her turn, and the agent that frisks her gets handsy, and it startles, Grace. The agent asks her why. She says, “Normally, I get dinner before letting anyone get that close.” Making the agent smile. All good until a male voice calls out, “Whose bag is this? You got it, it's hers. She’s to meet him at the counter.
She is mortified she packed her carry-on herself. So, she knows there can’t be anything in there. He’s fighting a grin, and he bends to whisper, “Your friend set off a chemical alarm. I’m sure it’s harmless, but we have to um, inspect it. Is there anything sharp in your suitcase I need to worry about?” She says, “My friend? What do you mean?” “The toy you packed? The adult one.” “The what?!” She might as well have yelled. Right away her thoughts go darker, than what her day started with.
She’s thinking of, KENZIE her friend since fifth grade. “She. Is. Dead. To. Me.” She tried to tell them to just throw it away, but they said they couldn’t. Before they could let her board the plane, they had to swab the B.O.B. for, dangerous materials. She is disheartened with people in general. Now. Total embarrassment. Check. She gets to the counter for the tickets and her name is flashed above it. Dread sits hard in her stomach. When she checks in they bump her seats and when she checks it’s first class. Her first bright spot. Check.
Her seat mate, Owen Porter boards after her but she is not thrilled. One he is Mr. Rude, he is also sexy and she is off men, and he is too damn chipper. So, she shut him down. Check. Little does she know they are staying at the same resort. He saves her a$$ because her ex-fiancée, Blake is there with his wife and, Owen pretends to be Ella’s boyfriend. Such a good book. You won’t want to miss the fun. Friends, sexy guys, and you’ll see them get dressed down. You will see she starts to find herself, which gives her strength.
February 12, 2023
I don’t like writing bad reviews but this book was just full of stupidness
This review will contain spoilers
It started off well. The mfc finds her boyfriend with another woman right before there supposed to go to the St Lucia on holiday. She decides to go by herself with some pushing from her friends where she meets the mmc and she decides why not have a hot holiday fling. Why not indeed. I was with it up to that point but then things got a little daft
First the mfc Ella. What a mess! I get she was insecure after every guy she dated cheated on her but she said Owen was just a fling. So why did she get so upset when she saw him with a women he works with. Her whole I don’t care attitude to him but her inner monologue of here’s another guy cheating on me was too much.
He tells her the woman means nothing just a colleague and she says she believes him but she dosent but still continues to have sex with him.
Then she sees them together again. I mean they are on a work retreat so it’s bound to happen but instead of dealing with it she goes to the airport and pays a $1000 to go home even though her flight it litterally the next day. Then when she gets home she tries to find herself by becoming an adrenaline junkie. She was all over the place!
The mmc Owen was a bit of a wet blanket to be honest. His boss was terrible and asked the most outrageous things of him and he does it even though he dosent want to. The whole him and Natalie thing was a bit stupid and the fact he went along with it even though he thought he was falling for Ella proves that he’s a douche. He was way too sappy for me and came across as a bit of a doormat.
When he discovered Ella had left the island only then did he quit his job and then he also paid a stupid amount of money for a flight out of there when his flight was litterally the next day.
Then he ran around the city looking for her and tracking down her friends.
So after knowing this woman for 4 days he quits his job for her and then stalks her
After he explained what was really happening they make up and then there just together and it basically ends. You don’t really find out what happened to his old boss just that he got asked back and promoted which seems a bit far fetched considering he was basically the bosses lackey and then he’s the Vice President of something or other. I can’t even remember.
Also the whole thing with her room flooding and them having no other room for her so she had to stay in Owens room was stupid. You can’t tell me a resort like that would have had a back up plan. Sorry I don’t believe there would be no other options
Her friends were probley the only thing in the book I liked. The were supportive and the had her back constantly telling her her worth.
The epilogue wasn’t that good either. It only skipped 3 months and suddenly there in love and proposing.
I just feel that a holiday fling is a fling for a reason. I don’t believe that there relationship would last to be honest. I didn’t seem like they really liked each other. They were both convienient and that’s all.
I’m not sure I’ll read the next book
This review will contain spoilers
It started off well. The mfc finds her boyfriend with another woman right before there supposed to go to the St Lucia on holiday. She decides to go by herself with some pushing from her friends where she meets the mmc and she decides why not have a hot holiday fling. Why not indeed. I was with it up to that point but then things got a little daft
First the mfc Ella. What a mess! I get she was insecure after every guy she dated cheated on her but she said Owen was just a fling. So why did she get so upset when she saw him with a women he works with. Her whole I don’t care attitude to him but her inner monologue of here’s another guy cheating on me was too much.
He tells her the woman means nothing just a colleague and she says she believes him but she dosent but still continues to have sex with him.
Then she sees them together again. I mean they are on a work retreat so it’s bound to happen but instead of dealing with it she goes to the airport and pays a $1000 to go home even though her flight it litterally the next day. Then when she gets home she tries to find herself by becoming an adrenaline junkie. She was all over the place!
The mmc Owen was a bit of a wet blanket to be honest. His boss was terrible and asked the most outrageous things of him and he does it even though he dosent want to. The whole him and Natalie thing was a bit stupid and the fact he went along with it even though he thought he was falling for Ella proves that he’s a douche. He was way too sappy for me and came across as a bit of a doormat.
When he discovered Ella had left the island only then did he quit his job and then he also paid a stupid amount of money for a flight out of there when his flight was litterally the next day.
Then he ran around the city looking for her and tracking down her friends.
So after knowing this woman for 4 days he quits his job for her and then stalks her
After he explained what was really happening they make up and then there just together and it basically ends. You don’t really find out what happened to his old boss just that he got asked back and promoted which seems a bit far fetched considering he was basically the bosses lackey and then he’s the Vice President of something or other. I can’t even remember.
Also the whole thing with her room flooding and them having no other room for her so she had to stay in Owens room was stupid. You can’t tell me a resort like that would have had a back up plan. Sorry I don’t believe there would be no other options
Her friends were probley the only thing in the book I liked. The were supportive and the had her back constantly telling her her worth.
The epilogue wasn’t that good either. It only skipped 3 months and suddenly there in love and proposing.
I just feel that a holiday fling is a fling for a reason. I don’t believe that there relationship would last to be honest. I didn’t seem like they really liked each other. They were both convienient and that’s all.
I’m not sure I’ll read the next book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2022
I'm kind of picky about my romcoms outside of a few authors, and I might have to add Harper Reed to that list. I will definitely be reading the rest of the series!
Ella finds her boyfriend cheating on her on their couch, kicks his butt out, and promptly goes solo on the vacation they'd planned together to Saint Lucia. Owen happens to be her seatmate on the flight, and since she's sworn off men for awhile, she pushes him away. He's intrigued anyway. When Ella's ex-fiance and his brand spanking new wife end up at the same resort, Owen slides in to her rescue and they find that their mutual attraction can have many benefits during this week long trip.
Ella and her two best friends, Kenzie and Piper, are the core of this series. Ella has had her trust broken, though not necessarily her heart, multiple times and is starting to believe that she's the problem. The Ella we meet is hurt and closed off, and Owen, who is trying to find a new way forward in his own life, keeps coaxing out her soft side.
Owen has the worst job ever for a terrible person, and in addition to trying to convince Ella to give him a chance, he's dealing with a lot of complicated, possibly criminal, issues with his job while on this trip. It definitely interferes with his pursuit of Ella, and while you will feel mountains of sympathy for Owen - it also leads this to play out in a way that I didn't expect.
The end of this book caught me a little by surprise, and I mean that in a good way. Ella and Owen don't rush even when they could, and it's definitely a dynamic where Ella has the control and it's very cathartic. I definitely laughed and swooned, this was so sweet.
Ella finds her boyfriend cheating on her on their couch, kicks his butt out, and promptly goes solo on the vacation they'd planned together to Saint Lucia. Owen happens to be her seatmate on the flight, and since she's sworn off men for awhile, she pushes him away. He's intrigued anyway. When Ella's ex-fiance and his brand spanking new wife end up at the same resort, Owen slides in to her rescue and they find that their mutual attraction can have many benefits during this week long trip.
Ella and her two best friends, Kenzie and Piper, are the core of this series. Ella has had her trust broken, though not necessarily her heart, multiple times and is starting to believe that she's the problem. The Ella we meet is hurt and closed off, and Owen, who is trying to find a new way forward in his own life, keeps coaxing out her soft side.
Owen has the worst job ever for a terrible person, and in addition to trying to convince Ella to give him a chance, he's dealing with a lot of complicated, possibly criminal, issues with his job while on this trip. It definitely interferes with his pursuit of Ella, and while you will feel mountains of sympathy for Owen - it also leads this to play out in a way that I didn't expect.
The end of this book caught me a little by surprise, and I mean that in a good way. Ella and Owen don't rush even when they could, and it's definitely a dynamic where Ella has the control and it's very cathartic. I definitely laughed and swooned, this was so sweet.
June 22, 2022
Steamy, hilarious, and filled to the brim with female empowerment! It focuses on loving yourself, getting over your own insecurities, and enjoying life. I can’t say I’ve read a book like this in quite some time.
Ella is a spitfire! She’s passionate, smart, and is determined to be in control of her own life. When she gets cheated on (again), she decides to get away and just have fun on her own. But when fate throws her towards a handsome man in a suit, can she get over her trust issues to let him in?
I do my best not to stiffen, or worse, lick him.
Owen is so not excited to be here. His boss just sent him on yet another company retreat where he’s expected to laugh at all his boss’ jokes and be in awe of his great ideas. Not Owen’s idea of a good time. At least, until saving Ella comes into play. Their fake proposal might just be exactly what they both need.
“I don’t bite, Ella. Though, I’m not opposed to doing so if that’s what you like.”
This is spicy, well-written, and hilariously funny right off the bat! Ella’s best friends are so incredibly supportive and are exactly the type of people everyone needs in their life. And Owen is like a dream. He’s gruff on the outside, but has the sweetest soul.
These two are so wonderful together. The chemistry is undeniable. This is the first book in a series where each reads as a standalone and based on this one, I will definitely be reading the next two!
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
Ella is a spitfire! She’s passionate, smart, and is determined to be in control of her own life. When she gets cheated on (again), she decides to get away and just have fun on her own. But when fate throws her towards a handsome man in a suit, can she get over her trust issues to let him in?
I do my best not to stiffen, or worse, lick him.
Owen is so not excited to be here. His boss just sent him on yet another company retreat where he’s expected to laugh at all his boss’ jokes and be in awe of his great ideas. Not Owen’s idea of a good time. At least, until saving Ella comes into play. Their fake proposal might just be exactly what they both need.
“I don’t bite, Ella. Though, I’m not opposed to doing so if that’s what you like.”
This is spicy, well-written, and hilariously funny right off the bat! Ella’s best friends are so incredibly supportive and are exactly the type of people everyone needs in their life. And Owen is like a dream. He’s gruff on the outside, but has the sweetest soul.
These two are so wonderful together. The chemistry is undeniable. This is the first book in a series where each reads as a standalone and based on this one, I will definitely be reading the next two!
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
June 15, 2022
•Arc Review•
Have you ever melted to death in a sauna? Gone to an amusement park while wearing jeans on a scorching sunny August day? Or burned the back of your legs on the leather seats in your car in the summer? That’s what reading this book felt like. HOT HOT HOT.
I loved reading Ella and Owen’s love story. It was different from anything I’ve ever read before! I laughed, I swooned, I blushed. And like Owen craves Ella, I crave the next book in this series.
Ella Danes meets Owen Porter on a plane ride to Saint Lucia after she decides to take the trip alone after catching her boyfriend cheating. Swearing off all men and thoughts of men, she vows that this trip will help her move on and focus on herself. Owen, captivated by the beautiful woman on the plane, is excited to find that they are staying in the same hotel after she brushed him off during their flight. Ella’s unfortunate encounter with her ex-fiancé and his new wife at the hotel has Owen jumping in pretending to be her fiancé. The events that unravel after Owen insists she pay him back by continuing to pretend they are engaged, force the two to get to know each other better on *every* level
I am so happy to have discovered Harper Reed, and to have had the chance to read this ARC. I’m already dying for the next one!
Have you ever melted to death in a sauna? Gone to an amusement park while wearing jeans on a scorching sunny August day? Or burned the back of your legs on the leather seats in your car in the summer? That’s what reading this book felt like. HOT HOT HOT.
I loved reading Ella and Owen’s love story. It was different from anything I’ve ever read before! I laughed, I swooned, I blushed. And like Owen craves Ella, I crave the next book in this series.
Ella Danes meets Owen Porter on a plane ride to Saint Lucia after she decides to take the trip alone after catching her boyfriend cheating. Swearing off all men and thoughts of men, she vows that this trip will help her move on and focus on herself. Owen, captivated by the beautiful woman on the plane, is excited to find that they are staying in the same hotel after she brushed him off during their flight. Ella’s unfortunate encounter with her ex-fiancé and his new wife at the hotel has Owen jumping in pretending to be her fiancé. The events that unravel after Owen insists she pay him back by continuing to pretend they are engaged, force the two to get to know each other better on *every* level
I am so happy to have discovered Harper Reed, and to have had the chance to read this ARC. I’m already dying for the next one!
June 25, 2022
Ella Danes is devastated when she catches her boyfriend cheating on her. She decides to go to Santa Lucia to take some time for herself and forget about men, but when she runs into her ex fiancé and his new wife, she finds herself floundering. Luckily (or unluckily?) for Ella, she is saved by the suave and attractive Owen Porter.
Except now Owen wants her to return the favor by being his date to his work mixer, and as another stroke of luck, she is now his hotel roommate. As the lines between them blur and then get crossed, Ella begins to worry that she’s getting in over her head. Then again, there’s nothing wrong with a vacation fling…
Awwww! This book was super funny, super steamy, and just super amazing in general. It had some amazing laugh out loud moments that had me cackling! Ella was a relatable character right from the beginning, I felt like I could understand her actions and her thought process. I also really liked Ella’s relationship with her best friends, Kenzie and Piper.
Ella. She’s a bit awkward, super quiet, and seems to just have bad luck, which is something I relate to. I admire her strength and determination to stick to her beliefs. Owen. He’s such a sweetheart, and his heart is in the right place, despite some mistakes he makes. Their chemistry was obvious and well written. I would definitely recommend!
Except now Owen wants her to return the favor by being his date to his work mixer, and as another stroke of luck, she is now his hotel roommate. As the lines between them blur and then get crossed, Ella begins to worry that she’s getting in over her head. Then again, there’s nothing wrong with a vacation fling…
Awwww! This book was super funny, super steamy, and just super amazing in general. It had some amazing laugh out loud moments that had me cackling! Ella was a relatable character right from the beginning, I felt like I could understand her actions and her thought process. I also really liked Ella’s relationship with her best friends, Kenzie and Piper.
Ella. She’s a bit awkward, super quiet, and seems to just have bad luck, which is something I relate to. I admire her strength and determination to stick to her beliefs. Owen. He’s such a sweetheart, and his heart is in the right place, despite some mistakes he makes. Their chemistry was obvious and well written. I would definitely recommend!
October 15, 2023
Storyline is good.
However, too many cuss words & more sex than I want in a love story. Ella's reason guys keep cheating on her is her relationships never are deep enough. No one shares their feelings. She even states that one felt like roommates with benefits. When she goes to Saint Lucia on a vacation that was supposed to be with her boyfriend she meets Owen. Owen is on a business trip. He has a sleezy boss who doesn't take no for an answer. No one likes him especially the women. He tries to date younger women. Ella runs into a ex-fiance & Owen comes over to save the day. He tells her ex that he is Ella's fiance. Later he uses that as leverage to ask Ella to be his date at a company mixer. They enter into a sex agreement after that. No feelings or strings attached. Except a week is a long time. And the more they get to know each other the harder it is to deny their feelings. And Ella is afraid. She misinterpreted something she saw Owen & a co-worker doing & she runs home. Owen is beside himself when he can't find her. He searches for hours. When he finds out she left he assumes she saw him with his co-worker. He stalks her on social media finds her friend - goes to her job to plead his case. When he finds Ella he does the unthinkable for him to prove to her he will do anything for her.
However, too many cuss words & more sex than I want in a love story. Ella's reason guys keep cheating on her is her relationships never are deep enough. No one shares their feelings. She even states that one felt like roommates with benefits. When she goes to Saint Lucia on a vacation that was supposed to be with her boyfriend she meets Owen. Owen is on a business trip. He has a sleezy boss who doesn't take no for an answer. No one likes him especially the women. He tries to date younger women. Ella runs into a ex-fiance & Owen comes over to save the day. He tells her ex that he is Ella's fiance. Later he uses that as leverage to ask Ella to be his date at a company mixer. They enter into a sex agreement after that. No feelings or strings attached. Except a week is a long time. And the more they get to know each other the harder it is to deny their feelings. And Ella is afraid. She misinterpreted something she saw Owen & a co-worker doing & she runs home. Owen is beside himself when he can't find her. He searches for hours. When he finds out she left he assumes she saw him with his co-worker. He stalks her on social media finds her friend - goes to her job to plead his case. When he finds Ella he does the unthinkable for him to prove to her he will do anything for her.
June 15, 2022
I was graciously given this book as an ARC
I have never laughed so much from beginning to end of a book! Ella was hilarious, and the banter between her and Owen was amazing!
Ella is horrible at choosing men. one failed relationship after another. She comes home early one day from work to find her boyfriend on the couch with another woman. With a couples trip planned, she decides to leave him and go alone. Her luck turns when shes upgraded to first class on the plane, even better when she gets seated next to "prince charming" she is determined to make it the best vacation possible, until she runs into her ex fiancé and his new wife.
Owen is the assistant to a workaholic. He been sent on a work trip, he is taken back by the woman who is seated next to him on the plane. But when their paths cross again, Owen does the unthinkable and introduces himself as her fiancé when he sees her in an uncomfortable situation.
These two were amazing. a great reverse grumpy sunshine. The back and forth between then. the tension, the fake dating/engagement. such a fun and fast pace read.
5/5 STARS
4/5 SPICE
I have never laughed so much from beginning to end of a book! Ella was hilarious, and the banter between her and Owen was amazing!
Ella is horrible at choosing men. one failed relationship after another. She comes home early one day from work to find her boyfriend on the couch with another woman. With a couples trip planned, she decides to leave him and go alone. Her luck turns when shes upgraded to first class on the plane, even better when she gets seated next to "prince charming" she is determined to make it the best vacation possible, until she runs into her ex fiancé and his new wife.
Owen is the assistant to a workaholic. He been sent on a work trip, he is taken back by the woman who is seated next to him on the plane. But when their paths cross again, Owen does the unthinkable and introduces himself as her fiancé when he sees her in an uncomfortable situation.
These two were amazing. a great reverse grumpy sunshine. The back and forth between then. the tension, the fake dating/engagement. such a fun and fast pace read.
5/5 STARS
4/5 SPICE
June 20, 2022
"This Owen thing could be nothing, but from the look on your face, it could be everything you didn't know you needed. Don't shut the idea down before you know what it could be."
- Harper Reed, A Mutually Beneficial Proposal
Ella was supposed to go on vacation with her boyfriend until she caught him cheating on her. So instead of backing out, she decided to go on without him to find solitude while swearing to never let a guy break her heart again. That is until she met Owen Porter. A Mutually Beneficial Proposal is a laugh-out-loud spicy romantic comedy. It is told in dual POV and is a full-length standalone included in The Unexpected Series that can be read in any order but is best consumed consecutively.
Harper Reed's romcom novel is the perfect novel to dive into if you are looking for a light, fast-paced, hilarious, spicy, and sweet romance. It is filled with heartfelt and true-to-life scenarios that make the book fun and relatable. Although I am not very fond of forced proximity and vacation fling romances, this one is an exception. I love Ella and Owen's characters. They are both very genuine and passionate characters despite how they have been through a lot of struggles. The chemistry between the two is definitely present and, I must say, deliciously hot.
Apart from that, I also love the friendship between Ella, Kenzie, and Piper. Their friendships are the kind that you want to keep forever. I can't wait for the next book, which focuses on Kenzie's story!
Thank you @literaryboundtours and @harperreedbooks for the gifted copy!
- Harper Reed, A Mutually Beneficial Proposal
Ella was supposed to go on vacation with her boyfriend until she caught him cheating on her. So instead of backing out, she decided to go on without him to find solitude while swearing to never let a guy break her heart again. That is until she met Owen Porter. A Mutually Beneficial Proposal is a laugh-out-loud spicy romantic comedy. It is told in dual POV and is a full-length standalone included in The Unexpected Series that can be read in any order but is best consumed consecutively.
Harper Reed's romcom novel is the perfect novel to dive into if you are looking for a light, fast-paced, hilarious, spicy, and sweet romance. It is filled with heartfelt and true-to-life scenarios that make the book fun and relatable. Although I am not very fond of forced proximity and vacation fling romances, this one is an exception. I love Ella and Owen's characters. They are both very genuine and passionate characters despite how they have been through a lot of struggles. The chemistry between the two is definitely present and, I must say, deliciously hot.
Apart from that, I also love the friendship between Ella, Kenzie, and Piper. Their friendships are the kind that you want to keep forever. I can't wait for the next book, which focuses on Kenzie's story!
Thank you @literaryboundtours and @harperreedbooks for the gifted copy!
August 18, 2022
Review: 3.5 stars
Rom-com with a huge hit of smut at its finest.
Big thanks to Literary Bound Tours for an eARC copy as I would have never picked up this book!
This story begins with her fiancee caught cheating by Ella (FL). To get over it, she decided to go to St Luca even though it was meant to be a couples trip. On the plane ride, she met Owen (ML) who was heading there for a work retreat.
While there, Ella bumped into her ex-fiancee To help, Owen claimed that there were engaged…and the story speaks to what happens next, along with some work drama of Owen’s thrown into the next.
I genuinely enjoy this rom-com read. Being twice burned made Ella a commitment phobia which made harder for Owen to proof his commitment especially given his work situation. I did enjoyed some of the banter. (Although, I have been mega spoiled with the banter by Emily Henry…nothing has yet to reach that peak level for me yet) It was great that it was told from a both leads’ POV.
Tropes:
- fake engagement
- 1 bed trope
- strangers to dating
- miscommunication
Triggers
- cheating
- work harassment
Rom-com with a huge hit of smut at its finest.
Big thanks to Literary Bound Tours for an eARC copy as I would have never picked up this book!
This story begins with her fiancee caught cheating by Ella (FL). To get over it, she decided to go to St Luca even though it was meant to be a couples trip. On the plane ride, she met Owen (ML) who was heading there for a work retreat.
While there, Ella bumped into her ex-fiancee To help, Owen claimed that there were engaged…and the story speaks to what happens next, along with some work drama of Owen’s thrown into the next.
I genuinely enjoy this rom-com read. Being twice burned made Ella a commitment phobia which made harder for Owen to proof his commitment especially given his work situation. I did enjoyed some of the banter. (Although, I have been mega spoiled with the banter by Emily Henry…nothing has yet to reach that peak level for me yet) It was great that it was told from a both leads’ POV.
Tropes:
- fake engagement
- 1 bed trope
- strangers to dating
- miscommunication
Triggers
- cheating
- work harassment
June 16, 2022
What a fantastic debut rom-com! This book was absolutely hilarious and it’s probably a good thing I read this in one sitting in the privacy of my own home so I didn’t look crazy laughing so hard in public.
After catching yet another boyfriend cheating and being encouraged by her girlfriends, Ella decides to go forward with an upcoming vacation by herself. Swearing off men, the last thing Ella expected was to meet Owen Porter on her vacation.
At the resort for a work function, Owen runs into Ella and is instantly attracted to her. After saving her butt and pretending to be her fiancé, Owen needs her to return the favour and be his fake date. Soon the two find themselves sharing a hotel room and catching more then just vacation fling feelings.
Fake dating, self healing, strong friendships, humour, spice, this book had it all!
I absolutely loved Ella and Owens story and was hooked from the first chapter!
If you are looking for a light, adorable, spicy summer read that’s full of humour, A Mutually Beneficial Proposal is the perfect book to pick up!
After catching yet another boyfriend cheating and being encouraged by her girlfriends, Ella decides to go forward with an upcoming vacation by herself. Swearing off men, the last thing Ella expected was to meet Owen Porter on her vacation.
At the resort for a work function, Owen runs into Ella and is instantly attracted to her. After saving her butt and pretending to be her fiancé, Owen needs her to return the favour and be his fake date. Soon the two find themselves sharing a hotel room and catching more then just vacation fling feelings.
Fake dating, self healing, strong friendships, humour, spice, this book had it all!
I absolutely loved Ella and Owens story and was hooked from the first chapter!
If you are looking for a light, adorable, spicy summer read that’s full of humour, A Mutually Beneficial Proposal is the perfect book to pick up!
June 14, 2022
Looking for your next entertaining beach read? Grab A Mutually Beneficial Proposal today and devour this Adult RomCom for all the laughs and feels! This is the first stand-alone in The Unexpected series that has three books releasing this summer!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
This book has everything we book readers love: fake dating/fiancé, forced proximity, only one bed, a meet cute on vacation and spice!!
I loved the man hating ride or die best friends of the main character and the ridiculous chapter titles (the first chapter BTW is called “Death by Dong”). This was hilarious throughout and a great romance book for the summer. My only real dislike was that sometimes the MMC dialogue felt weird or forced during more spicy scenes and I’m not a fan of the “I can’t be with this person because I don’t feel like I’ve earned it and I’m good enough” aspect of the miscommunication trope. But that’s just personal preference.
This book comes out Thursday 6/16, so get your copy this week!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
This book has everything we book readers love: fake dating/fiancé, forced proximity, only one bed, a meet cute on vacation and spice!!
I loved the man hating ride or die best friends of the main character and the ridiculous chapter titles (the first chapter BTW is called “Death by Dong”). This was hilarious throughout and a great romance book for the summer. My only real dislike was that sometimes the MMC dialogue felt weird or forced during more spicy scenes and I’m not a fan of the “I can’t be with this person because I don’t feel like I’ve earned it and I’m good enough” aspect of the miscommunication trope. But that’s just personal preference.
This book comes out Thursday 6/16, so get your copy this week!
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