Wall Street Journal bestselling author Ilsa Madden-Mills returns with an all-new swoon-fest of a novel about what happens when you take a chance on love.Amazon Top 11 Bestseller; #1 SportsWanted: one hot guy with rock-hard abs and a big stick.Broke and desperate, Sugar Ryan has no use for arrogant, bad-boy athletes…until she’s forced to bargain with the cockiest of them all.If only he knew she … with the cockiest of them all.
If only he knew she was alive.
Her mission? Get on this hockey player’s radar any way possible.
Zack Morgan is the king of the ice and the bedroom, but nothing prepares him for the mystery girl who shows up everywhere he does–frat parties, his favorite bar, and finally his front door with an offer he can’t refuse. The only rule in her boyfriend bargain: no falling in love.
But after one (um, two) smoking-hot hookups, he’s done with pretending and vows to make their fake relationship real. Too bad she can’t trust a player with a reputation for breaking hearts.
Will this hockey star score his forever girl, or will this boyfriend bargain end in heartbreak?
“Who can turn down a bad boy hockey star with a big . . . stick? Zack is hot hot hot, and Sugar is the perfect blend of sweet and sassy! Their chemistry sizzles in Boyfriend Bargain!” ~Melanie Harlow, USA Today bestselling author
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“I told her not to be afraid to fall…because I’m falling for her…so hard.”
I fell SO HARD for this entire book! I can’t stop thinking about it or the fact that there were aspects of this story that were unexpected, and yet, so totally perfect.
This was so much more than a sports romance. Zack and Sugar’s story comes with a definite punch — a story full of ALL the FEELS. It latched onto me, and there was no getting enough. It had me smiling and laughing one second, and then there’d be some extreme heartstring tugging the next. And their chemistry?! Stick me in front of a fan. LOL! But seriously, this couple is one of my favorites! They come from totally different worlds, but are so insanely made for each other. I loved them!
So, if you enjoy sports romances, then I highly suggest it! And even if this trope isn’t always for you, I still suggest it. Because again, it was so much more than a “fake relationship with a hockey star.”
Good story and characters, I wanted more of the actual sport written in it, but overall good.
Sugar (seriously love her name) is a senior trying to get into law school. She’s been dealt a pretty rough hand in life, but has made the most of it. Zach is the captain of the HU hockey team. From the outside his life is great, #1 draft NHL draft pick, and the king of campus. What everyone doesn’t realize is that he struggles every day to overcome the guilt. Sugar needs Zach’s help, and after one hot hookup Zach is more than willing to oblige, however there are rules. As the two spend more time together, the sparks fly, and it gets harder and harder to keep up the pretend boyfriend/girlfriend act. When true feelings are revealed and secrets come out, can the two make their relationship work for real, or was it always destined to just be pretend?
This book was such a quick and fun read. Yes, there were some sad moments, but there were some super fun moments as well. I love sports romance books so I knew that I was going to love this book (as I’ve loved every book that I’ve read by Ilsa!) I appreciate that Ilsa was able to evoke so much emotion from me as a reader. I felt every emotion under the sun, happy, sad, mad, curious, you name it I felt it. This book also had some twists and it kept me guessing from the very beginning. I enjoyed the interactions between not only Sugar and Zach, but between all of the characters as well. I can only hope that Ilsa gives us more books that involve these characters!
TALK ABOUT SWOONY!!! OH MY Z for the WIN!
Sugar and Z were so much fun!
Boyfriend Bargain starts as the typical fake boyfriend story – but as you dive in, it becomes so much more than the need to pull the wool over someone else’s eyes. From the start, Sugar and Z are burning hot together. And with each page turn, you become more and more invested in these two into becoming more. Both have pasts that are full of demons and heartache which makes them all the more better to become a team together.
Zane is smoking HOT. And thank you Ilsa, for this cover because he definitely makes the perfect Z.
Great book but I’m not surprised. Illsa has yet to let me down and I always look forward to the next nugget of her imagination. Z was to die for and I’m glad these two got their happy ending.
Another 5 star read from this author!! College sports Romance is definitely one of my top troupes because of her. She creates characters that have flaws, are hard to get along with, and pretty humorous. Their chemistry will knock your socks (and underwear off). They are exactly what the other needs in this time in their life. The author creates a world that they fit in nicely and their part of your world as well. She gets better and better with each book she writes.
Z and sugar are some pretty amazing characters. Their banter will make you crack up while reading this book. Sugar deserves all the love she gets, but doesn’t feel like she deserves it. Z is big and popular, but could care less. He is a big softie and doesn’t care what others think. They come together because of circumstances, but in the end they find everything they could ever need in a partner in life.
I loved this book and so will you. Get it and devour it today!!
I just loved this entire book! I laughed, I cried, I begged for it not to end! This book has everything from hot, steamy scenes, laugh out loud moments, to I can’t believe what I’m reading I want to punch you in the face moments!
Boyfriend Bargain has a little bit of something for everyone!
I could not stop ready, and wanted more when it ended!
Ilsa just hits a homerun with every book she writes!
4 1/2 out of 5 stars
Zack and Sugar’s story was everything I wanted and didn’t even know to ask for. Zack is a hockey star. Sugar is a nobody who wants to be a lawyer someday. She concocts quite the plan to make it into law school, but from the beginning I knew it was so much more than just a bargain they made.
I liked that both characters struggled and found strength from each other. I loved that it dealt with a pretty heavy topic in an understandable way. Zack’s past tries to break them apart. Sugar’s past pushes them apart. It was definitely a story of back and forth issues and I really enjoyed reading it.
The “extras” in this one were something, too. I loved Eric and really hope he’ll get a story of his own because he was such a great guy and deserves the world. Reece was a struggle for me because I knew he loved Zack like any brother would, but he was hard to like sometimes. Julie, Poppy and Taylor were the best things for Sugar — and I really loved the advice that Sugar’s momma gave her and she reflected back on at different points in the story.
*** I voluntarily read a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ***
I thoroughly enjoyed this new read by Ilsa!
I completely fell in love with Zack, he was a strong hero but had his own struggles. And Sugar was definitely his perfect woman!
I’m so hoping there will be more books featuring the secondary characters as I feel there’s stories there waiting to be told.
Boyfriend Bargain is definitely a read to remember. This sports romance killed me. I honestly did not expect to cry reading this but I was turned into a sobbing mess. Everything set off the tear ducts. From the happy times to the heartache. And the was a considerable amount of heartache.
Sugar has dealt with so much pain in her young life. She is currently in a bind and the only person who can help her out is non other than the viking of a hockey player, Zack Morgan. Sugar has been low key stalker him and doesn’t know how to make her approach but Zack is very in tune to his surroundings and notices her. He makes his approach one night and one thing leads to another then Sugar pops up on his doorstep with a request that’s quite intriguing.
During their bargain, Zack plans on repeating their “encounter” over and over again. He can’t get Sugar out of his head and their sex is explosive. He never felt like this before. He never experienced this before even though he has been with quite a few number of woman. Everything between them is phenomenal but Both of them are still holding back. Sugar is terrified of being hurt and Zack has some major secrets he is keeping from her. Secrets that could destroy the good thing they have going on.
The one thing I didn’t like about this book is that I didn’t feel like Zack groveled enough. He obviously had his issues and I was upset of how he disregarded Sugar’s feelings and how he treated her after she found out what he has been keeping from her. I didn’t like his actions or in this case, lack thereof. I hurt so bad for her.
The side characters were a hoot. I especially love Eric. He brought many laughs to me. Although my feelings for Zack’s mess up is negative, I really enjoyed this book.
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More Than She Bargained For
All she needed was a fake boyfriend to nail down her future. Sometimes you get a whole lot more than you bargained for…and it’s the best thing that could have ever happened to you.
Sugar has a plan. To get into law school and prove the her father’s family that she is just as good as they are. All she needs is help from her school’s star hockey player. Sounds simple, right?
Zack looks like the guy who has it all. Captain of the hockey team, a contract with an NHL team when he graduates and an abundance of willing women. Things are rarely as they seem.
Sugar is ready to get what she wants and she’s going to get Zack to help her. She never expected to fall.
Everyone has secrets. Sometimes the secrets eat away at you and everything starts to crumble. This bargain agreement is going to change everything.
There was back story for both characters and they were deep. Heart-wrenching truths that both are forced to face. Their attraction was what brought them together. Their connection is what made them fall. This story was about real issues, finding your way and overcoming your obstacles. Stories like this are what continually keep me seeking out this author.
Let me tell you what I love about this book. HOLY HOTNESS let me just start with this book cover, (OMG) definitely drool worthy. It fed my desire to read this book. Eek!
Zack and Sugar are delicious together. I love the story they have to tell. It touches me in so many ways. The use of poetry adds such beautiful heart to its telling. Sports romance is one of my favs though this is SO MUCH MORE than that. Yes, you get a sexy read with intense attraction between these two but it also delves into tough topics as well. Yikes!
Feelings of abandonment, loss, guilt, and anxiety are a huge part of this book. Ugh I have been an emotional mess long after turning the last page. SO GOOD! Both of these characters had life send them big doses of heartache even before they met. I want to cry just thinking about it. As someone who lost a parent young and has a personal understanding of panic attacks, well lets just say some of this story hit close to home.
I could go on and on about this book. Ugh it almost ended too soon. I wanted more details. Haha I am a busybody that way. Don’t judge me. I am also hoping some of the other characters get their own story (wink wink). Happy Reading this beautiful five star book. XOXO
Z and Sugar have a great story. What starts out as helping each other out becomes so much more. The attraction is there from the start but will the two of them be able to make it work? They both have a hard past to overcome. The author did a great job with this book.
What an interesting concept to the fake dating scene. Which truth be told, I freaking adore those types of books and automatically gravitate to them, so I know a bit about them!
Z is a college athlete that is the captain of their hockey team and is a pretty big deal. He has already been drafted as the #1 draft pick for the Nashville Predators even though he is doing his last year at the college. He has a secret though, well kinda two, that he is living with and the front that he puts out is not always what it seems.
Sugar is super ambitious and want to get into a specific college for extremely specific reasons so she needs a certain hockey player to help her out. She never realized that spending time with him would make it impossible to not care for him.
This story is filled with tons of twists and turns and it is not just a simple fake dating book, there are some very deep undertones and it will make your heart hurt for what these characters have been through and what they are going through.
I absolutely loved the characters, the story line, the heat (zommmgggg so much heat!!), and how things played out. If you are wanting a great book to read– I highly recommend this!
The book sucked me in from the first page and the suspense about when the other shoe would drop had me reading the entire thing in one sitting.
Sugar is determined, intelligent, and not going to let a few setbacks determine her future. She may have had a rough childhood, but she is bound and determined to prove her worth. Her confidence in herself is unmatched, and she knows that she can accomplish anything.
Zack is haunted by his past. The things he goes through and experiences is starting to weigh on him and it begins affecting everything that he loves.
These two begin as a fake relationship, but overtime the lines begin to blur and feelings develop. I loved how they never tried to hide behind their agreement. They were open about most things, and they grew as a couple and as individuals.
The secondary characters in this book were a big part of this storyline. They each have their own issues, personalities, and mystery surrounding them. I cannot wait for them to get their own books.
– An Arc was generously provided in exchange for an honest review.-
Wow, just wow! I think this is the best book I have read by Ms. Mills! And I have read them all!
The Boyfriend Bargain is classic Ilsa, but it’s so much more! She touches on subjects that have a such a negative stigma with dignity and grace.
I fell in love with both Sugar and Zack hard. Both have their own issues and how they deal with them and how that affects the relationship between them is a rollercoaster of feels and makes for one hell of a ride!
Sugar is such a strong character, she has had such a scarred upbringing and instead of letting that get her down, she pushes herself and uses her past to make her future brighter.
Zack is fighting his own demons and past. How he struggles is heartbreaking and more common than people know. I just want to wrap him up in a fuzzy blanket and tell him everything is going to be OK.
You are gonna get all the feels with this book! The secondary characters are phenomenal and bring so much more to the story.
The chemistry between Z and Sugar is white hot and I couldn’t put this story down until the end and then I wanted even more!
If you have never read a story by Ilsa Madden-Mills, do yourself a favor and get this story!! It’s a definite must read and in the running for my “Best Reads of 2019”!!
I had high expectations for Boyfriend Bargain, because I have enjoyed the previous books by this author. I can honestly say that she didn’t disappoint! Boyfriend Bargain was a good balance of sports, romance, emotions, drama and some steamy moments! I also really loved that mental health was a big part of this book. Many people live with this every day and it’s nice to see that authors are embracing that and making their characters less perfect.
Sugar is a dedicated student and a bit of an introvert. Ten o’clock on Sunday evenings and she’s comfy at home studying or watching Game of Thrones again. That is her idea of a nice night and not being at a frat party, but anything for your dreams right?
Zack’s a star hockey player that all the girls want, but he hasn’t settled down. A night here or there is about all girls get from him. Until Sugar comes along that is. After seeing her the first time he felt an instant attraction. There are some things in his past he has to deal with and anxiety he is trying to get under control, so the last thing he needs is a girlfriend.
As the title states, Boyfriend Bargain. This was an element that wasn’t up front as I thought it would be. Yeah, the bargain is made and they act on it. We all know that real feelings come in to play, but it was like it just disappeared all of a sudden. I would’ve expected more drama. It didn’t mess up the story for me at all, but did confuse me.
I loved Sugar and Zach together. It’s clear they have chemistry and can’t not touch each other, but Sugar isn’t looking to act on that. She needs him to help with appearances for a college meeting she has in a few months and that’s it. They slowly start spending time together and I loved how it’s a mix of sexy, humor and some very emotional moments. It was refreshing to see characters talk about serious things and not only sleep together. Even though the steamy moments were good as well!
Besides their relationship, both of these characters had things from the past they had to deal with. This was weaved into the story in a nice way. It didn’t take it over, but didn’t leave us wondering either. Even though I would’ve liked to have seen just a bit more of Sugar’s side of the story. That did leave me wanting a bit more.
If you’re looking for a steamy romance that is also very sweet, great characters (including their friends and family), humor and some emotional events, definitely pick this one up. I’m sure you’ll hope this author turns this into a series as well. There are a few characters I would love to see more of.
BOYFRIEND BARGAIN is one of my most highly anticipated books of May!
Without a doubt, it surpassed my every desire. Without of this world humor, sex appeal, and overall writing, in general, I hooked from go!!!! HECK, it was just so entertaining!
Well, DAMN… Ilsa smashed this! It was not what I was expecting AT ALL. Isla added in some hard and very real situations. This book included some serious details like mental health and death.. and more and throughout the book, there were parts where I had to sit back and take a breather. Some of these situations and aspects that were brought up throughout the book were raw, they were real and they were emotional as hell, but yet she managed to weave in some extremely hot and steamy moment, some funny and enjoyable moment and still keep me on my toes. It was basically an emotional rollercoaster of a read and it was BRILLANT!
The chemistry, heat, over-all flow between Zach and Sugar was addictive as hell to read, I love these two together. No way in my mind would I have ever thought that these two were meant to be, but as you got deeper into the plot the more I could see they were just perfect for each other. Both holding onto some pretty intense and emotional baggage. It wasn’t easy for them.
This book was amazing, I seriously cannot fault this author. She knows her stuff, and she knows what her readers want and she manages to weave it all in and make it work. It was AMAZING.
5 Stars
Successful college hockey player meets beautiful and smart woman at his frat party. She needs him to help her get into law school. He needs her for his own reasons. They both agree to appear to be dating with specific rules in the Boyfriend Bargain. Their chemistry together is steamy hot and it makes the bargain difficult to keep. Ilsa Madden-Mills develops the main characters as well as their friends to create a mature story with the college setting. Strong heroine with a sweet alpha who is broken. I loved the story and the epilogue pulls everything together beautifully.