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Zack Marshall may look like a thug but underneath he's all about family. His brother, Gabe, is the handsome and popular one but he's never envied anything he has.
Except for Josephine Harlow.
From now on, Josie Harlow is living life full throttle. First task: find a nude model for her next photo series. Next up: getting rid of her pesky v-card. No more trying to gain her family's approval. They all think she's in love with her high school boyfriend. Instead she dreams of his brother, tattooed, mohawked mechanic Zachary Marshall.
He annoys her and they fight constantly, but worst of all, he only sees her as "Gabe's girl." Until Zack makes the most shocking offer of all, to be the model for her show.
And the first man in her bed.
Except for Josephine Harlow.
From now on, Josie Harlow is living life full throttle. First task: find a nude model for her next photo series. Next up: getting rid of her pesky v-card. No more trying to gain her family's approval. They all think she's in love with her high school boyfriend. Instead she dreams of his brother, tattooed, mohawked mechanic Zachary Marshall.
He annoys her and they fight constantly, but worst of all, he only sees her as "Gabe's girl." Until Zack makes the most shocking offer of all, to be the model for her show.
And the first man in her bed.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2022
243 people are currently reading
1331 people want to read
About the author
M. Malone
65 books1,502 followersM. Malone is a NYT and USA TODAY bestselling author, a RITA® Award winner, and a member of RWA's Hall of Fame.
She lives with her husband and their two sons in the picturesque mountains of Northern Virginia even though she is afraid of insects, birds, butterflies and other humans.
Since starting her indie publishing journey she has sold over a million books and her titles have hit the NYT and USA Today bestseller lists more than a dozen times. She also holds a Master’s degree in Business from a prestigious college that would no doubt be scandalized at how she’s using her expensive education.
-JOIN MY MAILING LIST HERE - http://www.mmalonebooks.com/newsletter/
She lives with her husband and their two sons in the picturesque mountains of Northern Virginia even though she is afraid of insects, birds, butterflies and other humans.
Since starting her indie publishing journey she has sold over a million books and her titles have hit the NYT and USA Today bestseller lists more than a dozen times. She also holds a Master’s degree in Business from a prestigious college that would no doubt be scandalized at how she’s using her expensive education.
-JOIN MY MAILING LIST HERE - http://www.mmalonebooks.com/newsletter/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
April 25, 2024
DNF; returned for refund; sex scenes ruined.
I was hooked on the blurb that had a brothers bestie hero and a virgin heroine. I’m soooo down for that. But I’m also reading romance not just for the emotional connection, and the feelz, but the smut and nothing ruins the steamy smexy bits than gross nasty condom use.
I don’t want a barrier between my hero and heroine—I want a romance where there’s intense intimacy—and condoms destroy that sense of oneness, that connection of skin on skin and are NOT SEXY. Not romantic. It’s an ugly latex barrier of separation. It implies a lack of trust and commitment. It says that the heroine isn’t special, there’s nothing different about her than any other meaningless skunk he’s stuck his appendage into. It’s grossssss and I’m so sick of it in romance. This is a huge pet peeve of mine, I know and some ppl won’t be turned off by it, but it destroys the smut for me and I’m not here for that.
Also a man skank hero who has known the heroine since childhood, who were supposed to believe is pining for the heroine but doesn’t love her enough to keep his dick outta other females. GTFOH. No time for this kinda trash so back it goes.
I was hooked on the blurb that had a brothers bestie hero and a virgin heroine. I’m soooo down for that. But I’m also reading romance not just for the emotional connection, and the feelz, but the smut and nothing ruins the steamy smexy bits than gross nasty condom use.
I don’t want a barrier between my hero and heroine—I want a romance where there’s intense intimacy—and condoms destroy that sense of oneness, that connection of skin on skin and are NOT SEXY. Not romantic. It’s an ugly latex barrier of separation. It implies a lack of trust and commitment. It says that the heroine isn’t special, there’s nothing different about her than any other meaningless skunk he’s stuck his appendage into. It’s grossssss and I’m so sick of it in romance. This is a huge pet peeve of mine, I know and some ppl won’t be turned off by it, but it destroys the smut for me and I’m not here for that.
Also a man skank hero who has known the heroine since childhood, who were supposed to believe is pining for the heroine but doesn’t love her enough to keep his dick outta other females. GTFOH. No time for this kinda trash so back it goes.
January 29, 2023
Jo, Gabe & Zack
Jo came into Gabe and Zack's life when she was in trouble with some rowdy boys when she was around 12 years old. Gabe intervened and Jo looked to him as her Savior and Protector. Gabe felt the same, feelings of the little sister he needed to protect. Although no one believed them, they were just friends with a true love for one another.
Zack being Gabe's half brother and the same age {long story} saw her as the little brat sister and they argued that way as well. But from the moment Jo saw Zack she was smitten and over time she fell more in love with him. Of course this was her secret and no one was to know but some friends and family did see the love she had for Zack. Zack and Gabe were clueless until in a situation that Zack needs to help Jo out with Jo confesses her love and admiration for him. Shocked because the last couple of years his thoughts of Jo have gone from sisterly to naughty. Now they want to give this relationship thing a try but how to tell Gabe without it turning into WW3.
I should have started at book #1 because I was clueless on the background info of all the brothers. I had gotten book 4 as a freebie to try so I started there. I would recommend book 1 as the reading order should be.
Rating: 3 Stars
Jo came into Gabe and Zack's life when she was in trouble with some rowdy boys when she was around 12 years old. Gabe intervened and Jo looked to him as her Savior and Protector. Gabe felt the same, feelings of the little sister he needed to protect. Although no one believed them, they were just friends with a true love for one another.
Zack being Gabe's half brother and the same age {long story} saw her as the little brat sister and they argued that way as well. But from the moment Jo saw Zack she was smitten and over time she fell more in love with him. Of course this was her secret and no one was to know but some friends and family did see the love she had for Zack. Zack and Gabe were clueless until in a situation that Zack needs to help Jo out with Jo confesses her love and admiration for him. Shocked because the last couple of years his thoughts of Jo have gone from sisterly to naughty. Now they want to give this relationship thing a try but how to tell Gabe without it turning into WW3.
I should have started at book #1 because I was clueless on the background info of all the brothers. I had gotten book 4 as a freebie to try so I started there. I would recommend book 1 as the reading order should be.
Rating: 3 Stars
July 10, 2015
M. Malone does it again. This time she reminds you love is simple and magical. I loved everything about Zack and Josie. It wasn't over done and the story went back to the basics.
If you are looking for a sweet, lovable, cute, funny, and easy read this is the book for you. Somethings don't need to be complicated and Zack and Josie reminded me of that. Not all love has to be big and grand, sometimes its just right in front of you.
If you are looking for a sweet, lovable, cute, funny, and easy read this is the book for you. Somethings don't need to be complicated and Zack and Josie reminded me of that. Not all love has to be big and grand, sometimes its just right in front of you.
Read
July 18, 2018I first started reading this two years ago, but I set it aside because I wasn't in the mood for the immediately deep and heavy emotions. I knew from the opening chapter that it would be Too Much. But now I was ready for it, and while I forgot some of the details of the ongoing plot arc, it worked out okay; the suspense related plot was ZERO in this (aside from Gabe being post-stabbed in the opening--I forgot the details about that, alas, but he's okay! and Sasha is still wonderful!).
So this is a short but satisfying friends-to-lovers story, with both Josie and Zack long thinking their love was unrequited, and most people around them assuming the two of them annoyed each other. There's something about Malone's writing style that I really enjoy: the way her characters narrate their emotions (it's dual first-person) is so straight-forward and so steady and so vulnerably honest, and I love the way that builds through the book. They're honest with themselves, even when they can't be honest with the wider world, and there's no emotional wishy-washiness, even as they work through what's holding them back.
So this is a short but satisfying friends-to-lovers story, with both Josie and Zack long thinking their love was unrequited, and most people around them assuming the two of them annoyed each other. There's something about Malone's writing style that I really enjoy: the way her characters narrate their emotions (it's dual first-person) is so straight-forward and so steady and so vulnerably honest, and I love the way that builds through the book. They're honest with themselves, even when they can't be honest with the wider world, and there's no emotional wishy-washiness, even as they work through what's holding them back.
September 13, 2017
If hotness had an image it would be Zack....tatts, spiky hair and his insecurities make a irresistible package. The other supporting characters were great. This book is very well written like the previous books of Malone that I have read.
July 14, 2015
M. Malone has done it again!! M. Malone never disappoints me!! I could not put this book down once I started it!! Her books are emotional and sensual works of art, and Zack was no different!! Zack, the fourth book in the Blue-collar Billionaires series, is the story of Zackery "Zack" Marshall and Josephine "Josie" Harlow. Zack tells the emotional story of love thought to be unrequited, and because of that, Zack is a much different book than the prior books in the series...making it sheer perfection, and extremely enjoyable!!
Zack is the sexy, brooding, tattooed brother, who thinks that he does not compare to his beautiful, clean-cut, smooth-talking and charming brother Gabe, and that the girl he loves is in love with his brother and best friend Gabe. Zack was not the person I thought he was from the glimpses that I had been given of him in Tank, Finn and Gabe. My goodness, Zack is a seriously good guy with a sensitive soul, and who has the biggest capacity to give unconditional love and forgiveness. Wow!!
Josie is a beautiful, feisty, and talented up and coming photographer, who has been in love with Zack since high school, meaning FOREVER, but according to her, Zack has never noticed her, and has always treated her as though she is the annoying little sister, who is in love with his brother Gabe. Josie is also Gabe's best friend.
Zack and Gabe were raised together by their mothers and are extremely close, and, therefore, Zack has not and does not want to do anything that would jeopardize his relationship with his brother...until Josie!! M. Malone did a great job of taking us on Zack and Josie's emotional journey toward happily ever after, with it bumps in the road and complications. Zack is not the only one who has a complicated family life, Josie does, too. I loved being introduced to Josie's brother, James aka Jamie, who I loved, and her best friend, Isabelle, another awesome chick. Her parents were a different story!! Yowza!! Zack also shows how all of the Marshall brothers have grown since the beginning of this series, and how much stronger their relationship with each other is. Zack truly shows that family means everything to the Marshall brothers, and to Gabe and Zack in particular!! Bravo on this one, M. Malone. I cannot wait to read Luke, the youngest Marshall brother's story.
Zack is the sexy, brooding, tattooed brother, who thinks that he does not compare to his beautiful, clean-cut, smooth-talking and charming brother Gabe, and that the girl he loves is in love with his brother and best friend Gabe. Zack was not the person I thought he was from the glimpses that I had been given of him in Tank, Finn and Gabe. My goodness, Zack is a seriously good guy with a sensitive soul, and who has the biggest capacity to give unconditional love and forgiveness. Wow!!
Josie is a beautiful, feisty, and talented up and coming photographer, who has been in love with Zack since high school, meaning FOREVER, but according to her, Zack has never noticed her, and has always treated her as though she is the annoying little sister, who is in love with his brother Gabe. Josie is also Gabe's best friend.
Zack and Gabe were raised together by their mothers and are extremely close, and, therefore, Zack has not and does not want to do anything that would jeopardize his relationship with his brother...until Josie!! M. Malone did a great job of taking us on Zack and Josie's emotional journey toward happily ever after, with it bumps in the road and complications. Zack is not the only one who has a complicated family life, Josie does, too. I loved being introduced to Josie's brother, James aka Jamie, who I loved, and her best friend, Isabelle, another awesome chick. Her parents were a different story!! Yowza!! Zack also shows how all of the Marshall brothers have grown since the beginning of this series, and how much stronger their relationship with each other is. Zack truly shows that family means everything to the Marshall brothers, and to Gabe and Zack in particular!! Bravo on this one, M. Malone. I cannot wait to read Luke, the youngest Marshall brother's story.
July 9, 2015
M. Malone has done it again!! M. Malone never disappoints me!! I could not put this book down once I started it!! Her books are emotional and sensual works of art, and Zack was no different!! Zack, the fourth book in the Blue-collar Billionaires series, is the story of Zackery "Zack" Marshall and Josephine "Josie" Harlow. Zack tells the emotional story of love thought to be unrequited, and because of that, Zack is a much different book than the prior books in the series...making it sheer perfection, and extremely enjoyable!!
Zack is the sexy, brooding, tattooed brother, who thinks that he does not compare to his beautiful, clean-cut, smooth-talking and charming brother Gabe, and that the girl he loves is in love with his brother and best friend Gabe. Zack was not the person I thought he was from the glimpses that I had been given of him in Tank, Finn and Gabe. My goodness, Zack is a seriously good guy with a sensitive soul, and who has the biggest capacity to give unconditional love and forgiveness. Wow!!
Josie is a beautiful, feisty, and talented up and coming photographer, who has been in love with Zack since high school, meaning FOREVER, but according to her, Zack has never noticed her, and has always treated her as though she is the annoying little sister, who is in love with his brother Gabe. Josie is also Gabe's best friend.
Zack and Gabe were raised together by their mothers and are extremely close, and, therefore, Zack has not and does not want to do anything that would jeopardize his relationship with his brother...until Josie!! M. Malone did a great job of taking us on Zack and Josie's emotional journey toward happily ever after, with it bumps in the road and complications. Zack is not the only one who has a complicated family life, Josie does, too. I loved being introduced to Josie's brother, James aka Jamie, who I loved, and her best friend, Isabelle, another awesome chick. Her parents were a different story!! Yowza!! Zack also shows how all of the Marshall brothers have grown since the beginning of this series, and how much stronger their relationship with each other is. Zack truly shows that family means everything to the Marshall brothers, and to Gabe and Zack in particular!! Bravo on this one, M. Malone. I cannot wait to read Luke, the youngest Marshall brother's story.
Zack is the sexy, brooding, tattooed brother, who thinks that he does not compare to his beautiful, clean-cut, smooth-talking and charming brother Gabe, and that the girl he loves is in love with his brother and best friend Gabe. Zack was not the person I thought he was from the glimpses that I had been given of him in Tank, Finn and Gabe. My goodness, Zack is a seriously good guy with a sensitive soul, and who has the biggest capacity to give unconditional love and forgiveness. Wow!!
Josie is a beautiful, feisty, and talented up and coming photographer, who has been in love with Zack since high school, meaning FOREVER, but according to her, Zack has never noticed her, and has always treated her as though she is the annoying little sister, who is in love with his brother Gabe. Josie is also Gabe's best friend.
Zack and Gabe were raised together by their mothers and are extremely close, and, therefore, Zack has not and does not want to do anything that would jeopardize his relationship with his brother...until Josie!! M. Malone did a great job of taking us on Zack and Josie's emotional journey toward happily ever after, with it bumps in the road and complications. Zack is not the only one who has a complicated family life, Josie does, too. I loved being introduced to Josie's brother, James aka Jamie, who I loved, and her best friend, Isabelle, another awesome chick. Her parents were a different story!! Yowza!! Zack also shows how all of the Marshall brothers have grown since the beginning of this series, and how much stronger their relationship with each other is. Zack truly shows that family means everything to the Marshall brothers, and to Gabe and Zack in particular!! Bravo on this one, M. Malone. I cannot wait to read Luke, the youngest Marshall brother's story.
Read
July 26, 2015Great read.
I think Zack is now my favorite Marshall brother!
I think Zack is now my favorite Marshall brother!
dnf
August 23, 2022DNF @ 43%. Yeah, this one tricked me. I was down for a best-friend's-brother romance because I thought the male main character, Zack, would have to convince the female main character, Josie, away from her feelings for Zack's older brother, Gabe. But that's not how it is: Josie is actually just friends with Gabe and has had a super-crush on Zack for a long time. (Not a spoiler; this is revealed very early on.) Okayyy, not what I was expecting, but at least it will take a while for the two of them to admit their feelings for each other? Also no: the truth comes out almost right away, and Josie asks Zack's help with her first sexual experience.
I might have continued on anyway - because what M. Malone is doing here is actually unique for the trope I think? - but I actually just got bored with the lack of conflict. The story appears to be more about them tentatively navigating starting up a relationship and I just lost interest.
This book might be good if you want a creative take on the brother's-best-friend setup and a sweet, low conflict love story (from what I can tell).
I might have continued on anyway - because what M. Malone is doing here is actually unique for the trope I think? - but I actually just got bored with the lack of conflict. The story appears to be more about them tentatively navigating starting up a relationship and I just lost interest.
This book might be good if you want a creative take on the brother's-best-friend setup and a sweet, low conflict love story (from what I can tell).
March 1, 2021
This is the book in this series I was looking most forward to. I wish there had been more set up for Zack and Josie in the previous books. I feel like we didn’t get a whole lot of build up for these two. Everything happened quickly.
I loved Josie. I didn’t like that she was a virgin, though. It felt too much like she was pining for Zack, and he was experienced, so it wasn’t as much of a case of mutual pining as I think we are supposed to believe.
That leads me to my other point, we’re supposed to believe Zack knows that he’s in love with Josie, and he wants to be with her, but then when it gets the chance, he acts like it’s nothing more than a casual hookup? Up until the point that Gabe found out about them, it didn’t seem like Zack was nearly as in this relationship as Josie was.
Overall the book isn’t bad. It moves too quickly, and we aren’t given a chance to really know the characters or feel their connection. I just wish it would have slowed down a bit.
I loved Josie. I didn’t like that she was a virgin, though. It felt too much like she was pining for Zack, and he was experienced, so it wasn’t as much of a case of mutual pining as I think we are supposed to believe.
That leads me to my other point, we’re supposed to believe Zack knows that he’s in love with Josie, and he wants to be with her, but then when it gets the chance, he acts like it’s nothing more than a casual hookup? Up until the point that Gabe found out about them, it didn’t seem like Zack was nearly as in this relationship as Josie was.
Overall the book isn’t bad. It moves too quickly, and we aren’t given a chance to really know the characters or feel their connection. I just wish it would have slowed down a bit.
October 20, 2023
not my most favourite in series
I was really looking forward to Zack’s story but unfortunately this was my least favourite book. Not sure why, maybe I thought the story would include lots of naked photo shoots and the fun they could have with that, but no. It was a little boring for me and I am glad it included his brothers and partners from previous books to give it a little life. Start from book 1 for the best reading as the back story continues through the series. Nothing bad about the book, just was not great. Finn is still my No 1.
I was really looking forward to Zack’s story but unfortunately this was my least favourite book. Not sure why, maybe I thought the story would include lots of naked photo shoots and the fun they could have with that, but no. It was a little boring for me and I am glad it included his brothers and partners from previous books to give it a little life. Start from book 1 for the best reading as the back story continues through the series. Nothing bad about the book, just was not great. Finn is still my No 1.
January 9, 2018
Loved it
Another great read, I can see why it's be hard to convince someone you love that it's them you wanted All Along, when you've been around so long because of someone else. The Men are finally realising that Max had his reasons for not being in there lives and because of what happened in Gabes book its sort of justified and now there all looking at Max in a different light.
Another great read, I can see why it's be hard to convince someone you love that it's them you wanted All Along, when you've been around so long because of someone else. The Men are finally realising that Max had his reasons for not being in there lives and because of what happened in Gabes book its sort of justified and now there all looking at Max in a different light.
May 25, 2020
Totally enjoyable read.
Loved that Josie and Zack had a good history between them before going into a personal relationship.
Still dislike Max, the father.
Thought Josie’s mother came around way to easily for such a harping bi-arch.
Read many years ago but original reviews are missing from then.
I have owned this book for ages but my previous reviews from the back of the book are missing. It is no hardship to reread though.
Loved that Josie and Zack had a good history between them before going into a personal relationship.
Still dislike Max, the father.
Thought Josie’s mother came around way to easily for such a harping bi-arch.
Read many years ago but original reviews are missing from then.
I have owned this book for ages but my previous reviews from the back of the book are missing. It is no hardship to reread though.
December 4, 2018
Wow!!! This is excellent romance writing. Very realistic (for the most part), emotionally engaging...it made me chuckle, it made me smile, it made me joyfully tearful and even laugh out loud. I also wanted to a few folks, lol. I haven't read any of the previous books in this series, this story can definitely standalone but it will leave you seeking more from than author. :)
August 2, 2022
Brothers
All good. You don't have to read the brothers books in order. They all have one father in common. But they find they have a lot more. Zack wanted jo what feels like forever. He got the chance and took it. And doesn't regret it. Zack is one man who wears his heart on his sleeve for one girl.
All good. You don't have to read the brothers books in order. They all have one father in common. But they find they have a lot more. Zack wanted jo what feels like forever. He got the chance and took it. And doesn't regret it. Zack is one man who wears his heart on his sleeve for one girl.
March 21, 2025
Wow
This story gripped me from the very beginning that i couldn't put it down! I was so invested in these characters! That I laughed many times throughout? THE BEST!!!!! 🙌 💯 Any book that adds humour into it makes for an amazing book!!! I'd give 10 stars if I could! A must read you won't regret!
Hello from Manitoba Canada!
This story gripped me from the very beginning that i couldn't put it down! I was so invested in these characters! That I laughed many times throughout? THE BEST!!!!! 🙌 💯 Any book that adds humour into it makes for an amazing book!!! I'd give 10 stars if I could! A must read you won't regret!
Hello from Manitoba Canada!
March 30, 2018
Awesome!
This was one of my favorites in the series! Zack and Josie definitely make for a interesting story and great characters! M. Malone has a beautiful mind and knows how to bring the story full circle!
This was one of my favorites in the series! Zack and Josie definitely make for a interesting story and great characters! M. Malone has a beautiful mind and knows how to bring the story full circle!
June 26, 2019
Friends to lovers
From a young childhood together where they see so much together but don’t realise their love till later on when even they couldn’t see it,they both have a lot to be grateful for
From a young childhood together where they see so much together but don’t realise their love till later on when even they couldn’t see it,they both have a lot to be grateful for
July 1, 2020
Josie
Zack and Josie have loved each other for ever but haven't told anyone each for their own reasons. Will they be able to overcome their own insecurities and openly I've one another or will they let the world keep them apart?
Zack and Josie have loved each other for ever but haven't told anyone each for their own reasons. Will they be able to overcome their own insecurities and openly I've one another or will they let the world keep them apart?
January 24, 2021
I knew there was a reason why I stopped reading this series after book 3. I didn’t have an interest in Zack in the previous books and I didn’t have an interest in this book. Plus I don’t care about relationships of early 20
-somethings.
-somethings.
July 31, 2022
okay read
An okay read that’s nit as good as the first one but passes an afternoon quite pleasantly. Characters are what I’d call sweet and family unit is an admired trait. An okay read.
An okay read that’s nit as good as the first one but passes an afternoon quite pleasantly. Characters are what I’d call sweet and family unit is an admired trait. An okay read.
October 15, 2023
A great love story
Zack by M. Malone: 5 stars
This story is heartwarming and sweet, with a dash of spice and steam. Loved the characters and their stories — It pulled me in and kept me smiling.
—PTators
Zack by M. Malone: 5 stars
This story is heartwarming and sweet, with a dash of spice and steam. Loved the characters and their stories — It pulled me in and kept me smiling.
—PTators
April 29, 2017
Good Book
September 19, 2017
Enjoyable read....
November 29, 2017
Extremely good book - Well written and a very smooth read. Cant wait to read her other books
August 15, 2020
Beautiful story!
This book is about a love that started when Jo was a teenager, but the person she fell in love with thought she was in love with him brother!
This book is about a love that started when Jo was a teenager, but the person she fell in love with thought she was in love with him brother!
August 9, 2022
Okay book
This book was okay. The book didn't hold my attention very well. The steamy scenes aren't descriptive enough, and are rushed. Good storyline though.
This book was okay. The book didn't hold my attention very well. The steamy scenes aren't descriptive enough, and are rushed. Good storyline though.
August 21, 2023
A sassy, fiery and emotional journey to go on with Zack and Josie. I enjoyed this story.
January 23, 2024
What could have been a fantastic best friend romance turned into little more than an erotic inst-love. Disappointing.
October 30, 2025
Loved the growing up that all of the characters did. Great job on telling the story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews