Jack and I, we did everything backward. The day he lured me into his office-which was also the first day we met-he proposed. You’d think a guy who looked like him-a bit cold maybe, but still striking and very unattainable-would only ask the love of his life to marry him, right? You’d think he must be madly in love.Nope. It was me he asked. A complete stranger who had never even heard of him. A … of him. A stranger who had been dumped by her fiancé only weeks before. You’d think I’d laugh in his face, call him insane-and a few other names-then walk away as quickly as possible. Well…I did all those things except the walking away part.
It took him only minutes to talk me into a business deal…erm, I mean marriage, and only days for us to officially tie the knot. Happiest day of my life. Magical. Pop the champagne… Not. It was the worst day. Jack Hawthorne was nothing like what I’d imagined for myself.
I blamed him for my lapse in judgment. I blamed his eyes, the ocean blue eyes that looked straight into mine unapologetically, and that frown on his face I had no idea I would become so fascinated with in time.
It wasn’t long after he said I was the biggest mistake of his life that things started to change. No, he still didn’t talk much, but anyone can string a few words together. His actions spoke the loudest to me. And day after day my heart started to get a mind of its own.
One second he was no one. The next he became everything.
One second he was unattainable. The next he seemed to be completely mine.
One second I thought we were in love. The next it was still nothing but a lie.
After all, I was Rose and he was Jack. We were doomed from the very beginning with those names. Did you expect anything else?
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Marriage for One is full of all the swoony slow burn goodness. I was obsessed with Rose and Jack’s story. But mostly Jack, let’s be honest. I have a soft spot for brooding heroes and Jack is certainly one of my new favorites. Jack and Rose’s marriage of convenience story was delightful. This is the second of Ella’s books I’ve read and I’ve loved them both. Clearly I need to spend some more time with her backlist.
But, I digress. Back to Jack and Rose. Their story was unconventional and unique. I don’t read a ton of marriage of convenience stories, but this book made me want to look for more of them. The reason for Jack’s proposal doesn’t become clear until later in the story — and I’m not going to tell you what it is — but I enjoyed getting to the point where all the pieces fell together. Of course, I was so enamored with Jack and Rose, their chemistry and the delicious slow burn between them, that I pretty much never wanted this book to end.
Favorite Quotes:
You could fall in love with that face, with that smile, even if the package came with the frown and prickly personality.
“I’m right here, Rose. I might not be what you wanted or needed, but you got me anyway. I’m right here.”
“Your heart has a home with me, Rose. No matter what, never forget that.”
its amazing. a m a z i n g.
this book is amazing so try my on book
4 Kissing Stars
The story of Rose and Jack was a slow burn romance. I enjoyed these two characters very much. Rose despite the cards that life dealt her was quite the sassy spitfire towards the moody grumpy Jack. I loved how she broke down his walls slowly and sweetly.
I enjoyed that we got both their POV’s and there were many laugh out loud moments as well as serious heartfelt moments.
This was a well written enjoyable read even though it was lengthy.
Ella is a new author for me and I can’t wait to read more of her books!
I absolutely adored Marriage for One! A delicious slow burn love story. Jack and Rose couldn’t be more opposite but they were perfect for each other. There are so many things I loved about this book – how Rose never gave up on Jack, knowing that behind his suits and all his seriousness he was a very different person; her funny comments to get him to talk! You will have to read it to see what I mean and I hope you love it as much as I do!!
I could not put this book down!! 5 stars for me!
First book I read of Ella Maise and I’m dying to read the rest of them in a heart beat.
Where the h*ll have you been my whole life, Ella?
I’m surely has been missing the amazing talent you have. But that changed the exact moment I read Marriage for One.
I think there would never be enough words to describe how beautiful, funny, detailed, well written and just PERFECT, the story about Jack and Rose was.
When an author takes the time to give each one of her/his character a voice, you know for sure, this is not just any author.
Jack has flaws and virtues, like any normal human being. He may be handsome but he is not angel in the least. He is someone that before knowing Rose, never stopped to think how other people could feel or embrace how he was. But that’s when Rose comes in. She is also not perfect but a woman super stubborn and determined to make her dream come true, no matter how difficult or how many sacrifices she has to make in the process. And trying to get along with Jack, will be the challenge of his life.
It’s clear as the sky above us, that Ella really loved writing this story. You see it in every turn of the pages. In every word Jack says to Rose. In every action Rose makes when she brings her Coffee shop to life. In every corner of this book, you see how invested the author was and that makes this story feel so real and more appealing.
This is a slow burn, but not the typical slow burn where you feel frustrated because you can’t do anything about the situation or the characters. No, no, no. This is a slow burn that you will enjoy without complaining. Because the build up is so so much worth it.
Extremely well written, amazing arc of characters and a dedication like no other.
Marriage for One is by far, one of my top 5 favorite books of this year. And this author, one of my favorites as well.
I really recommend this book to everyone who wants to enjoy a complex (in the best sense of the word) but beautiful love story.
“You have me, Rose. You’ve had me the entire time.” She didn’t even know how true my words were.”
Rose dreams of opening her own coffee shop, but a clause in her uncle’s will may be a drag on her dreams. With all her money invested in the new business, she does not know what to do if her plans fail. And when all seemed lost, a handsome lawyer offers a scandalous agreement. But impossible to resist.
Married to a stranger, Rose will gradually discover that Jack, her husband, is perhaps the biggest challenge she has ever faced. Serious, grump, controlled, without emotions. But handsome as hell. And Rose will embark on a mission: pulling a smile out of her husband, no matter what.
As she prepares to open her new business, Rose will receive unexpected help, and between a few conversations, or a lack of them, many clashes and enough stubbornness on both sides, she will begin to miss something. Or someone. After all, with Jack appearing by surprise and showing caring, it will be impossible not to yearn to have him around. Even if everything is a big lie.
Secrets, twists, lots of tension and a little drama are part of the narrative. As well as several moments of tenderness. Rose and Jack may have embarked on a failed relationship, but what they build over the months together is stronger than they expected. Or dreamed. Just like their famous homonyms, they faced a storm, but managed to survive by leaning on the same door. After all, facing adversity together is what makes two people really a couple.
A great book, with a couple very well written, with a fluid narrative, without appealing to clichés. I was positively surprised.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest Review *
Another addition to my pile of “feel good” books. This book is bound to make you go all giddy inside.
Jack and Rose’s story starts with a marriage of convenience. There was no love in this marriage whatsoever. They were married in the eyes of law but once they started to get to know each other, things blossomed.
They were meant for each other. I couldn’t help but swoon over their chemistry at every scene. Rose was a breath of fresh air and Jack was a loveable grumpy guy. Together, they made one hell of a pair.
Ella’s writing kept my interest captured. I laughed, I cried, I enjoyed thoroughly. The side characters complemented the story beautifully! I loved Sally & Owen. I hope we get more of them someday.
I did feel like that the book was a bit too long and some of the parts could have been cut short.
I highly recommend this to all the grumpy-sunshine lovers out there.
Arranged marriage with a quiet, grumpy hero? Listen, this was honestly made for me.
AND, it was a slow-burn romance. Fuck me. There was zero case of insta-love and I’m over the fucking moon. The slower the better because it honestly makes everything so much more passionate and fulfilling. It gave Jack and Rose time to develop properly which made their relationship that much sweeter.
“Why should I have to suffer just because he forgot about it? It was my daily forearm porn, and I had started to look forward to it.”
One of the loveliest books I have read this year. Before starting this, I had my reservations because although I love this trope, it’s either a hit or miss. There is no in-between. But let me fucking inform you, this book was a complete HIT. It was wonderfully sweet, funny and sexy and I truly adored Jack and Rose. I did not expect how much I NEEDED this today and I know Marriage for One will be a book I will read over and over again. I got all the damn feels with this book and I’m just incredibly in love with it.
also, JACK. IS. PERFECTION. INCARNATE.
‘I simply couldn’t stop staring. My heart soared as if I had just accomplished something big, and for me, it was big – so big that I couldn’t stop myself from beaming up at him.’
“Is that a smile I just saw, Mr Hawthorne?”
The number of times I smiled throughout this book: the limit does not exist.
“She smiled, and smiled, and smiled, and smiled.”
Marriage for One: . 5
Ella Maise
“I want to be that person to you, Rose. I want to be the person you lean on. You and I, we’re the same. We have no one but each other. You’ll lean on me and I’ll do the same. We’ll learn how. We’re in this together.”
Allow me to preface this review by saying I read this book in the middle of a severe book slump and was looking for something to get me out of it. That being said, let’s get into it:
When Jack Hawthorne offers his hand in marriage to Rose, an aspiring coffee shop owner going through an awful break-up in exchange for a deal that would make her life, she agrees.
Jack isn’t the kind of hero I’m used to–he is grumpy, sullen, quiet lawyer who doesn’t really like anyone; though he doesn’t say much, he loves with his actions–he cares about Rose more than words can express and does his best to show her, even if he’ll never admit it. Rose is cute–but as a female protagonist, I just didn’t connect with her as much.
Jack and Rose are a really sweet couple–but in my opinion, I just didn’t feel the love rolling off the pages. A couple parts of the book felt repetitive and slow, like they weren’t really adding to the story, though I can appreciate that the proximity and the slow character development does need the kind of time.
The ending felt a little rushed. I was taken aback at how easily Rose forgave Jack and let the whole conflict of the book slide. It seemed like far too quick of a resolution and one that didn’t involve a lot of proper communication between the couple.
Still, the story was a feel-good one and if you’re looking for those warming domestic scenes and a sweet male character, this book delivers on that.
I really enjoyed this book for most part, especially with grumpy Jack who’s actually thoughtful and sunshine Rose. However, it drags in the middle with her condition… not that it was bad but I was really eager for the truth to be revealed. Was I satisfied? No. Because there’s just little to no groveling at all!!!
Also, the epilogue was rather cheesy.
4.5 STARS
“I’d share my door with you any day, Jack Hawthorne.”
Favorite book quote ever! Of course, as someone who is pure trash for anything Titanic related, I was more than intrigued to pick this book up considering that our main characters names are Jack and Rose. I might’ve bought the book solely because of that… I’ll never tell.
Marriage For One is the ultimate marriage of convenience, grumpy/sunshine, I hate everyone but you all wrapped up into one chunky book. When Jack Hawthorne propositions Rose with a strictly-business marriage of convenience, she knows she’d be a fool to say no. Quickly, their marriage soon becomes a WHOLE lot more than business.
Jack is a cutthroat lawyer, with the coldness and rudeness to go along with it. Rose is a ray of sunshine, just wanting to make coffee and bake lemon bars and muffins. They couldn’t be anymore opposite if they tried. Yet somehow, Jack and Rose are perfect for each other. I loved this story So much. I loved how we slowly saw Jack’s icy layers melting as he warmed up to Rose. I loved that Rose never gave up on him, even if it meant having conversations with herself.
And that cover… oh man, that cover. I’d let that man ruin my life.
I really wanted to like this book but I couldn’t get into it no matter what.
The pace of the book was good it’s a very slow burn romance and the writing is pretty good. But the characters not so much.
There’s absolutely zero background for the male lead. other than I don’t get along with my family we know next to nothing about him. He’s got no personality, doesn’t talk. I couldn’t connect cause there was nothing to connect to.
The MC is super annoying she’s a chatterbox of randomness and passes a good chunk of the book practically begging for sex from a man she’s never slept with in the first place.
If you are looking for something to rock your socks out of your feet I wouldn’t recommend this book, but if what you are looking for is an easy quick read you might like it.
This was the best slow burn ever! I loved Jack and Rose so much and I was so happy when she finally got her HEA. Jack is the broodiest, sexiest, most amazing character ever written by Ella Maise. I LOVE all her books but this one completely hit it out of the park.
The perfect blend of broody male and stubborn female. I loved every word.
I loved this book.
Jack and Rose story is entertaining a very funny to read when they first meet and all the situations they face. They are both so different but Rose seems like a real woman, I liked her a lot and I coule relate to her personality and way of do things. And that’s the reason that scenes with Jack are hilarious at the beginning of their marriage of convenience.
Both characters are great and I definitely had an awesome time reading this book. There are steamy scenes and also romantic and hearbreaking ones.
Oh I just adored this book! It was so sweet and the story line was just perfection! I loved all the twists and turns and how Jack and Rose’s connection strengthened with each page I read!
Jack was a beautiful character and may just be my new book boyfriend, every little thing he did for Rose made my heart flutter, he was so kind and caring, but also grumpy and moody and I loved it!
Rose was gorgeous! I loved reading about her fierce personality and her amazing aspirations which she had with great enthusiasm! I loved the coffee shop it was a great idea to make the book even more awesome and I adored sally and Owen and I’m hoping so bad that they get their own book!
I would give this book a very solid 5 and I can’t wait to read it again
Love Makes a Way
Marriage for One was an incredible read. I loved Jack and Rose! The author swiftly immersed me into their world. The plot, the characters, and the marriage of convenience were so much more that what I anticipated. The relationship between Jack and Rose is business like, but tender. Rigid but flexible. They had me in my feelings, hard. This is an unexpected love story filled with emotion, scattered with a bit suspense and ache, and indisputable passion.
Ooh! This was a fabulous story. I couldn’t put it down. Two completely opposite characters – an indomitable, optimistic heroine, and a grumpy, serious hero.
“I’ve been craving you for so long I don’t know what to do with myself anymore.”
When Jack proposes an outrageous marriage of convenience to near-stranger, Rose, to help her out, she can hardly believe it. What’s in it for him? The start of their marriage is shaky and cold but, as time goes on, we find out little clues to Jack’s mysterious motivations, as well as the gradual building of trust and change in their relationship. I absolutely adored this story. There was an air of Mills & Boons about it but, honestly, Jack’s devotion to Rose was absolutely swoon-worthy!!
Y’all… this was SO GOOD!!! I’m so grateful to Chandler Ainsley for recommending this book on her channel and properly setting my expectations by revealing that it was a slow burn a la Mariana Zapata. In my opinion the book starts out in such a way that the readers attention is gripped from the get go – we meet Rose and Jack (and I love how the irony of their names is addressed in the book) as they’re exchanging vows and soon thereafter we learn that this was a swiftly arranged marriage of convenience and it’s obvious that Jack (the proposer of marriage) has some ulterior motives. I think what I loved most about this book was how we could see Jack falling in love with Rose despite his best efforts to not. I also really love Rose and how independent she is; her hard work and spirit are literally an inspiration for me. There were little bits about their backgrounds and the side characters that I wish had been expounded on just a bit (Jack’s parents and Rose’s cousin Jodi for example), but I think we get enough to make the characters fleshed out and real and the story is compelling and completely unputdownable (in my opinion), as long as you know that you’re in for a long haul. I went in knowing that and the ride was so worth it – I devoured the whole book (via ebook and audiobook) in less than a day. And now I will have to read every book Ella Maise has ever written and ever will write. Yes, it was that good. I’m pretty sure Jack Hawthorne is now the ultimate book boyfriend prototype. I can’t wait to read this book again and I will definitely be buying a copy of the paperback because I must have it on my shelf! 5 out of 5 wine glasses.