Confirmed bachelor Max Sterling isn’t into rescuing damsels in distress, but when the very tempting Hailey Ellison needs his help, there’s only one thing for him to do. Step in and pose as her loving fiancé. Except there is nothing fake about his attraction to her, or how much he wants her beneath him in his bed, moaning his name. But what starts as a sexy, flirty, temporary engagement, quickly … quickly becomes something more serious than either one ever anticipated.
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Love this series!
I can always count on a Carly Phillips book to knock me out of my book funk, and this book was no exception, which means I’ll need to read more Erika Wilde books, too.
I loved that the heroine in this book was plus sized, and that emphasis was placed on the fact that she had a beautiful, healthy body. I adored that her hero recognized her confidence flaws and worked hard to help her overcome them. I admired their open, candid conversations on important issues v. superficial nonsense.
These were my kind of people with my kind of friendships and my vision for happily ever after!
I love this book, but I could do without the filthy language. I don’t like all the taking God’s name in vain in this book, but, other than that, I love how sweet Max was to Hailey, reminds me of my loving husband, Darien. I love Carly and always will, but, Erika I am a little wary of because of the foul language and porn scenes. I don’t enjoy talking about sex, much less reading it. All the sex in this book made me uncomfortable.
2.5
h: Hailey
H: Max
(3rd person POV)
Again, there was really nothing wrong with the book. It was a nice read but I think 3rd person POVs are harder for me to connect with. Max is helping Hailey find a new space for her match making business. Hailey wears an engagement ring in order to try to provide her clients with more faith in her as well as to ward off men to focus on her career. When Hailey and Max are celebrating finding the perfect property, they are addressed by an acquaintance of Hailey’s. Unbeknownst to Max, Hailey has previously dropped Max’s name as being her fiancé. Max is blindsided when he is assumed to be the infamous fiancé, but plays along. Max agrees to continue the fake engagement to alleviate some pressure from his mother and to ward off a snotty woman who won’t take no for an answer.
Favorite quotes:
“I’m not the kind of guy who walks away or gives up without a fight, Hailey. And I’m not leaving you now, either. But I am going to let you go home so you have time to think about everything we’ve shared together the past few weeks, and to realize that when I say I love you, I mean it, because I don’t say things I don’t mean and you should know that about me by now. When you believe it, when you’re ready to let me love you, I’ll be waiting for you and you know where to find me.” – Max pg 263-264
“I love you Max Sterling.”
The corner of his mouth twitched, and his head tipped to the side,the faintest hint of humor replacing the uncertainties she’d seen in his gaze. “Are you absolutely sure about that, Ms. Ellison? Because I’ve been waiting an entire fucking week to hear you say those words, and now that you have, I’m not going to let you take them back.”
She bit her bottom lip, and shook her head. “I don’t want them back. I want you. Forever.” -Hailey and Max pg 276
This has a great combination of steaminess and sweetness with characters I really liked. It’s high on my re-readability scale.
Max wants to remove an old girlfriend from his life. (She won’t let go.)
Hailey runs a matchmaker service and it looks bad she’s single. They combine forces to help each other.
Fake engagement to benefit a couple turned into love. Too much explicit sex.
Really enjoyed this easy read. I especially liked the mention of Hailey being a size 14 and still attracted the eye of sexy Max. Women can be sexy and appealing at any size.
Sweet, easy read. Read it in one sitting.
I loved this book! Hailey is a matchmaker and does really well at it except when it comes to her own love life. She has body and self-esteem issues that she has been struggling with for years. Max is such a great guy. He is a gentleman, loves his family and friends and so understanding and patient with Hailey. They are in a fake engagement that is mutally beneficial. As they agree to attend certain social events, Hailey and Max get to know each other…very well to the point where they want it to be real, that is, until the charade is outed.
This is a really great cast of characters and I enjoy catching up with them from the previous books. But, the dynamic between Hailey and Max is extra special. It is sweet and sexy which makes this book a must read.
I enjoyed it. Looking forward to reading the next book in line.
Fun read.
Same ol
Short read but really good. Couldn’t put it down.
What happens when two people fake a relationship to fool friends and family? Sparks fly and fake gives way to the new reality of a real relationship with plenty of steam!
Real characters that are believable in a true romance! You’ll adore Max and Hailey! Tired of shallow and too perfect women? Then, you will root for Hailey who is gorgeous and unpretentious! This is one of those books that you should take to the beach or read by your fireplace while wrapped in a cozy throw.
Great read. Thanks
Entertaining and held my interest!
Love it!
Great book, great read!