From New York Times bestselling author Katy Evans comes a hot romance about two strangers and their race to fall in love.If someone had bet Nell a million dollars that she would be saying “I do” to a complete stranger on national television, she’d have called them crazy, but with her crushing student loan payments sending her deep into the red, she’s out of options. This should be nothing more … should be nothing more than a business transaction—until she sets eyes on her groom, and everything changes.
The game is on the instant Luke spots Penelope “Nell” Carpenter. He’s out for the money, yes, but getting a little dirty with Nell doesn’t sound too bad either. Everyone knows he’s not the marrying kind, so it’s a good thing it’s just for show. God knows he’s the worst guy his pretty wife should pick for real.
They have nothing in common, but if they want the grand prize, they’ll have to beat out eight other couples. Proving that total opposites attract should be easy enough…as long as they don’t fall in love in the process.
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“I don’t think the Million Dollar Marriage crew could’ve picked a couple that is more wrong for each other. But maybe that’s just what they wanted.”
Truthfully, I am a fan of the author and didn’t even read the synopsis, she’s an auto-click author for me. But, that being said, she still manages to amaze me with her talent. This story is definitely an #OppositesAttract for sure. You can’t get more opposite than nerdy, socially awkward Nelle and the sexy, muscled, and tattooed life-of-the-party Luke. Which I’m sure is exactly why they were both chosen as contestants for the reality TV show, right?
This sweet and funny slow-burn story had me grinning nonstop as the couple faced each challenge with determination. They started out wanting the million dollars and ended up wanting each other. But, is it just because they are being thrown together and forced to be a team, or will their connection last longer than the show? Are his feelings real or is he just playing a part for ratings?
I think my favorite part of this tale is that the producers forced the shy geek to come out of her shell by enforcing rules she had to follow. She had to stretch her comfort zone in order to comply. She had to learn to stand up for herself and to fight to win. And if she does win, what will she do with him? What a problem to have, huh?
He didn’t pull back, constantly pushing her to discover her inner strength. Refusing to hide from the way she made him feel he taunted her with it. “I’m a man. You stop turning me on, baby, and maybe I’ll stop being turned on.”
Prepare to melt into a puddle of goo, it’s that good. I’m still smiling…sigh.
The word “Perfect” doesn’t even come close to describe how amazing this book was.
Katy Evans proved to us that it’s easy to fall in love of her writing and characters.
This story has it all. It’s funny, exciting, dramatic, entertaining and addictive. From the very beginning, you don’t see yourself taking a break of it. Instead, you embrace the unknown and happily follow the journey of such unique characters as Luke and Nell are.
I was sitting at the edge of my seat, every time I read a chapter. Desperately trying to think what new challenge both, Luke and Nell were going to face next and how while in doing so they could find a middle point and get along.
Nothing, and I repeat, NOTHING will prepare you for this extraordinary story.
This is definitely a MUST READ.
Five undeniable stars for Million Dollar Marriage
This book was so completely different than any other I’ve read before. Two polar opposites, Penelope and Luke. Penelope is finished with her PhD and riddled with school debt and Luke with his troubled past is the owner of a dive bar. They both try out for a reality show with a huge cash prize, make the cut and become a team. I really enjoyed seeing their relationship grow and evolve as they become closer and closer. The slow burn to the pinnacle and then the twist! I love Ms. Evans writing style and all her couples. 5 star recommended!
5 Stars
Damn Katy you did it again. You again made me fall in love with your hero and your story. We met Luke in Million Dollar Devil and i was so excited for his story and god you didn’t disappoint! I freaking enjoyed every minute of this reality show story. Luke is so yum. Love him so much. Katy has always been my one click author and i love everything she writes and this is no exception.
Luke owns a bar but in so much debt and Nell had to pay for her student loans. But desperately need money. And decide to participate in a reality show “Million Dollar Marriage”. What would happen? Will they fall in love? Read this book to know details asap!
Such an fantastic, sweet, amazing read. Definitely one sitting read for me….
What is it with the good and amazing books, that they seems to be over so quickly?
I would like to read forever and enjoy the story longer, but NO , blink and I’m done
I’m a slow reader! I don’t read books in one day and one go! Or I didn’t, until recently
I loved this book soooo much
It’s so exciting, beautiful and unpredictable, you just have to know what’s coming next. I mean like your life depends on it and your family don’t have to eat
I love all Katy Evans books, but this one is different. This story takes place in Atlanta (or begins there) on a TV reality show. From the beginning you’re transported into a world of Penelope and Luke, two complete different worlds and types of characters that collide together. If two people can be the complete opposite with nothing in common, that they are. What brought them together is the desperate need of money. They have nothing in common and she hates his behavior and manners from the first glance
She is the brain and he the muscle. She is a doctor and he is a bartender. She doesn’t understand his funny and light personality and he can’t bring her to be not so uptight.
As I said, two complete different worlds clash together. You would think that’s a disaster that can’t be solved, but, as the saying goes, opposites attract
This book is a beautiful and action packed adventure, that is so amazing written, that you want it to last forever.
I recommend this book to all dreamers and epic HEA lovers.
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads, so here it is.
4.5 stars
Nell is about to graduate with yet another degree but with the college debt, she needs to find a job or some way to make money quickly. When her roommate tells her about an audition she is going to, Nell decides to tag alone. She doesn’t know anything about the audition because she doesn’t watch reality TV.
Luke needs to find some money fast or lose his grandpa’s bar. When Jimmy suggests he go to the audition for a reality TV show, Luke knows he doesn’t have anything to lose.
Luke is attracted to Nell/Penny the moment he sees her standing in line with her textbook and reading glasses but Nell thinks he is a thug. While Nell’s friend and boyfriend do not make the cut, Nell and Luke make it through. Nell can’t believe she was picked, while Luke knew he was a shoo-in.
Funny how opposites attract, Nell and Luke are paired together and part of the game is they have to marry to be contestants for the show.
While Luke is the brawn, Nell is the brains, can they get along long enough to win in the end? Will the attraction between them run it’s course before the show ends? Can Nell trust Luke in the end?
I like the first story but loved this one. Luke and Nell/Penny were perfect for each other even though they were opposites and that to me made the story perfect. I don’t think you have to read the first one to understand this one but it does have characters from the first book in this one, so read it and enjoy Jimmy and Lizzy before you read Luke and Penny.
**Wicked Reads Review Team**
Game On!
Million Dollar Marriage in the second book in the Million Dollar series and can be read as a standalone. With that being said, I would urge you to read the first book in the series, Million Dollar Devil, as well, because to be honest, you won’t want to miss a minute of this series. It just keeps getting better and better.
Penelope is a scholar who is scared to enter the real world. As result, she has wracked up five hundred thousand dollars in school loans.
Very shortly she will be graduating and will be thrust out onto the world with a heavy debt she does not know how to repay.
Luke has a troubled past he is glad he put behind him. He fears however, that it’s not as far as he thinks. His bar is in a hefty amount of debt and foreclosure is just around the corner.
What could possibly bring these two together? A reality show that promises a cool mil to the winner.
Both Penelope and Luke sign up with dreams of winning and paying off their debt. But, it may just end up leaving them both broken-hearted instead.
From beginning to end this story flowed. I was so engaged with the plot and the competitions Luke and Penelope had to endure.
There was no excessive drama. These two are as different as night from day which causes an opposites attract attraction. And it works.
Luke is sexy, competitive, kind, caring and understanding. This comes out in so many ways as the book unfolds. Falling in love with him is seamless and so very easy.
Penelope although super smart and intellectual lacks confidence in all the remaining aspects of her life. I loved her growth throughout the book. I found myself rooting for her quite vocally.
You can’t help but feel the excitement and to cheer This couple on. Katy Evans has created a thrilling and exciting read that makes you feel like you are part of the game and the action.
I received an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I’m a huge fan of Reality Television and a huge fan of Katy Evans so when she writes a book about it you sit down open that book and do not put it back down till you see the words The End.
Million Dollar Marriage is where we meet Luke Cross & Penelope (Nell) Carter. Two totally different people but both kinda down on their luck. When an opportunity arises can Nell come out of her shell and can Luke convince her that she can always trust him no matter what.
You will be taken on an amazing adventure when it comes to Luke & Nell, you will see the attraction grow, the respect for the other intensify, and the heartwarming moments that they will have to endure but what you want in the end is that they both are winners in each other’s eyes.
4.9 Stars
We already met Luke as James’s best buddy in the first book. He runs his late grandpa’s bar in Atlanta. And he desperately needs money to pay for his grandma’s care facility and to pay off the bar’s debt.
Nell is almost done with her final degree. She has many of them – she’s almost a doctor now. Not a medical one though. Not really a doctor anyone will give her much money for. She’s not sure what she wants to do with all her degrees. The only thing she knows is that she needs half a million dollars to pay off her student loans.
Enter MILLION DOLLAR MARRIAGE.
A new and very mysterious reality tv show. The winner will get a million dollars.
Shy nerd Nell hates tv and people and being at the center of attention… but she has no other choice ….
Sexy tattoed Luke is alway the life of the party – he thinks it should be easy to win the money …
LET THE FUN TIMES BEGIN …
WHAT WiLL HAPPEN TO NELL & LUKE?
WiLL WE GET A HEA??
READ THE BOOK TO FiND OUT
THAT WAS ADORABLE!
I just loved it.
I wasn’t expecting something so fun and sparky and adventurous and sexy and travel-y.
It’s a bit like The Bachelor/ette meets The Amazing Race.
We travel from one amazing place to the next to find clues and master tasks et cetera.
I loved it. I loved seeing all the places and I loved seeing Penny and Luke go from fighting constantly to falling for each other. Extremely adorable! I finished it in one day!
Really great romance!
I wouldn’t mind watching this on tv one day!
Hashtag Eyecandy Deluxe!
MILLION DOLLAR MARRIAGE was an adorable, sexy & fun adventure love story! Run to your nearest amazon for your own Luke! This one is mine! MINE!!!
I had no clue what to expect with this book. I went in completely blind, but, having read, loved and devoured book 1, Million Dollar Devil, I was certain I was in for a great read, and yes, I wasn’t off the mark. Million Dollar Marriage delivered everything, and more, the writing, the characters, the story, perfect, I was addicted from the first chapter. Each chapter, all of which started with a confessional from the gameshow day delivered by either Nell or Luke, was written in dual POV, and went behind the scenes with the most unexpected couple of a new game show “Million Dollar Marriage”. I had no clue what to expect, and neither did any of the contestants. All of them were out to win the grand prize of $1,000,000, of course there were a few plot twists, and it was not as straight forward as any of them thought it was going to be. Luke was so sweet and kind (as well as a complete sex bomb), Nell was quiet, unsociable, with zero confidence and she’s totally unaware of how beautiful she really is. The stud and the bookworm, the only thing they had in common, they were both in debt up to their eyeballs, and were willing to do anything to win, or were they? A full five star read for me that had everything I didn’t know I wanted in a book. I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my honest review.
Million Dollar Marriage by Katy Evans
I’m not sure why I chose this book other than I have read books by this author. When I started reading this story it took me forever to get into this book and I found myself wanting to skip over sentences. I didn’t feel any real connection with any of them even the main characters Penelope Carpenter and
Luke Cross. There were moments where they were beginning to evolve but then nothing. They were both deep in debt for different reasons so they tried out for a reality TV show hoping to win a million dollars. Penelope an introvert who spent her life going to college getting one degree after another till she earned her doctorate all because she is afraid to live in the real world. Now her student loans are coming due to the sum of $500,000 and no job in site.
Her rich family has basically cut her off because she chose not to go to Harvard.
Luke is her exact opposite he was kicked out of his home at sixteen, dropped out of high school and was addicted to drugs only to be helped by his grandparents years later. He now owns the bar that was his grandfathers but now the bank is threatening foreclosure due to his grandfathers bad decisions. I just kept hoping for something to happen to rev up the excitement.
No real big drama, suspense,climax it just drummed along and then oh it ended.
I enjoy this author so I will read more of her books. It’s not a bad book it’s just not a book that held my attention.
3.5
This was a fun escape book. Two people in need of cash try out for a reality show that’s reminiscent of The Amazing Race. I thought Penny was made out to be overly different at first but I warmed up to to her. Luke was perfect from the start as his character seemed genuine. The ending was a bit drama filled but I guess I should have anticipated where it was going. Overall a fun read. Love, love the cover!
Okay, Million Dollar Marriage didn’t quite hit the spot like I hoped it would. Still very enjoyable, but there were several things that just weren’t working for me.
I really liked the concept of the game show, more than anything it showed me how different that Luke and Nell were. I actually really liked Luke’s character, he’s very charismatic, knows when to turn that charm up and I loved seeing his competitive nature come out. He was actually pretty sweet sometimes.
Nell wasn’t exactly my favorite character, she was super naive and that point was constantly made throughout the entire story. I really don’t want to dissect every little thing that I wasn’t a fan of when it came to Nell. Normally, I’m okay with a character being a little innocent, but this was on a whole different level.
Things definitely picked up towards the end and I was completely into everything until it came to the reunion show and everyone learns if Nell and Luke end up staying together. A wee bit dramatic for me.
It was an ok read, book 1 is my favorite in the series.
We met Luke Cross in the first book in this series but now we really get to know him an WOW do we get to know him. He is deeply in debt and that is how he ends up waiting to audition for a reality show. Penelope Carpenter has her doctorate and more student debt with no job to help pay it off than she knows what to do with. She could have gone the easy direction and let her parents pay her way and gone to Harvard but that is not what she wanted instead she moved to Atlanta and accumulated one degree after another until she is out of options. That is how she ends up at the audition. Who would have figured she would have been picked to be one of the contestants but she is and now after the first show she is actually married…married…to Luke. Over the next two weeks they work together as they travel the world and fight and fall in love. They say opposite attract but do not last but also soulmates find each other and these two are definitely soulmates. They complement each other. Loved this one!
I gotta say, I really like Luke Cross. He’s overcome a whole lot, loves his grandparents, works hard and denies himself the one thing he truly wants. But she’s under his skin and and that’s just downright exasperating.
She’s extremely intelligent but has avoided really living. Her books are her safe place, and she resides there at all costs.
A match made in heaven?! No, most definitely not. A match? Yessiree! Oh, the battles are quite entertaining and the denied attraction even more amusing. But what happens here is about growing up, accepting your flaws and loving yourself. You can’t truly love another until then.
Truly enjoyed this book!
Absolutely fantastic, engrossing and so hard to put down, Million Dollar Marriage is the best reality-show-based romance I’ve read, and one of the best books I’ve read this year. The story follows Nell, a woman who can’t seem to stop attending college for fear that she’ll have to start paying her student loans and finally enter the real world, where her studious habits won’t be appreciated as much as they are in an academic setting. She is reserved, loves classical music and reading books in French. When she realizes that she’s going to have to start paying off her mountain of student loans, Nell auditions to compete in a new reality show, Million Dollar Marriage, where the top prize is $500,000 and the rules of the game are a mystery. It’s on the show that Nell meets Luke, whom she considers to be a “dirty thug,” because of his dark good looks, tattoos and bad boy attitude. Luke needs cash to save his bar, so he agrees to compete on the show, knowing he’ll likely have to marry someone in the process (it is in the name of the game, after all). As Nell and Luke begin competing on this Married at First Sight/Bachelor/Amazing Race mashup of a show, they realize that while they might be total opposites, that doesn’t mean that their personalities don’t complement each other perfectly.
It’s an extremely well-written, engrossing read. I loved how immersive it felt – the vast majority of the book is Nell and Luke stuck together at all times, heavy on the dialogue with fantastic banter and chemistry. I’ve never read a book that felt like a shining example of what.a reality show contestant must go through, but this exemplifies that perfectly – with all of the ups and downs that go along with the process. It’s a slow burn romance, executed so well – the buildup of the relationship made the payoff that much sweeter. Don’t let the slow burn fool you, this is still a sexy read, and Luke is a loveable, swoonworthy guy who might be a little rough around the edges, but he is a fantastic catch. Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I couldn’t wait to start reading this book and I am so glad that it lived up to – and exceeded – my expectations.
Nell and Luke couldn’t be more opposite. That’s what the reality show producers were banking on. I thought the premise for MDM was so cool! With a “little” twist on the Amazing Race, this was a unique way to get characters to know each other quickly and under extreme pressure, when their true colors show. I kept wondering how it was going to end and was quite surprised at the “finale”. I love Nell and Luke and need a tiny bit more…a glimpse of their future
I have to say that, though I wasn’t really impressed with the first book, I couldn’t prevent myself from reading this one and it was definitely the right move.
The story was more than original, fun, romantic and sexy. I found it to be the perfect mix of it all and found myself laughing out loud with Nell’s view of herself and her surroundings and swooning over Luke’s charming personality.
I loved everything about this book and it was hard to put it down whenever I needed to adult.
Million Dollar Marriage is a great story and, IMO, the author killed it from beginning to end.
5 stars
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Mary –
4.5 stars
Nell is about to graduate with yet another degree, but with the college debt she needs to find a job or some way to make money quickly. When her roommate tells her about an audition she is going to, Nell decides to tag along. She doesn’t know anything about the audition because she doesn’t watch reality TV.
Luke needs to find some money fast or lose his grandpa’s bar. When Jimmy suggests he go to the audition for a reality TV show, Luke knows he doesn’t have anything to lose.
Luke is attracted to Nell/Penny the moment he sees her standing in line with her textbook and reading glasses but Nell thinks he is a thug. While Nell’s friend and boyfriend do not make the cut, Nell and Luke make it through. Nell can’t believe she was picked, while Luke knew he was a shoo-in.
Funny how opposites attract, Nell and Luke are paired together and part of the game is they have to marry to be contestants for the show.
While Luke is the brawn, Nell is the brains, can they get along long enough to win in the end? Will the attraction between them run its course before the show ends? Can Nell trust Luke in the end?
I liked the first story but loved this one. Luke and Nell/Penny were perfect for each other even though they were opposites and that, to me, made the story perfect. I don’t think you have to read the first one to understand this one but it does have characters from the first book in this one, so read it and enjoy Jimmy and Lizzy before you read Luke and Penny.
Mary Jo –
This book was not what I expected, but in a good way. A new take on the reality show genre, which was a great basis for the romance between Nell and Jimmy.
Jimmy is not exactly happy about having to try out for a reality show, but does in order to save his grandfather’s bar. Nell’s in the same boat. She’s trying to figure out how to pay for her student loans that are about to come due. She’s graduating with her PhD and unless she tries to find another degree, she’s going to have to deal with the real world and the loans that are coming due.
Nell doesn’t think she’ll make the cut for this reality show, but when she does, she’s not exactly thrilled but she’s willing it give it a try for the money.
Imagine her surprise when she’s paired up with Jimmy and in order to collect the million dollar prize, they have to finish the competition as a married couple.
The way the characters were written was amazing and the adventures made for Jimmy and Nell (or Penny as Jimmy calls her) really allowed them both to get to know each other in ways that many couples don’t for a long time in a traditional dating relationship.
I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Ruthie –
3.5 stars
This is the second book in the series – I have not yet read the first, but I enjoyed this as a standalone.
If you like reality TV shows, then this is definitely a book you should add to your list. It is not too cynical about the whole process, but enough to be fun. The premise of the show is pretty good, and although it is not as detailed as you might hope, it gives a good idea to the ethical issues and the crazy challenges.
Although the two leads, Luke and Nell (Penny) are miles apart in terms of the level of education that they have pursued, they are actually far closer than you might ever expect in terms of their level of mucked up childhoods – and lack of positive parental attention. Luke was lucky enough to have caring grandparents, and Nell has a very loyal best friend, but their views of love and happy ever after are seriously tainted. Add to that Nell’s terrible ex-fiancé and her lack of experience, and they are a complicated couple, that’s for sure!
The way that their relationship develops works really well, and I was so glad that there was an epilogue which gave us everything we could have hoped for!
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Million Dollar Marriage is the story of Luke and Nell, two people who are worlds apart. She has a lot of degrees and loves studying and is a perfectionist, while he owns a bar and is a carpe diem kind of man. Both need cash to pay a debt, so they decide to partecipate in the selection of a new reality show called like the title of the book. Like the characters also say in the book, it’s like a crossover between The Amazing Race and The Bachelor, because Nell and Luke have to get married and pass some tests and whatnot in order to win this race and win the million dollar to split in half.
When I read the premise, I found it very interesting. I like plots where two people who are like the sun and the moon are paired together and end up liking each other, but I didn’t exactly love it here.
The excitement died after the first chapter, because Nell, the female protagonist, was unbearable. Not only she’s immature and annoying, she also has prejudices against everything and everyone, and in every chapter she repeats some offences and is contradicting herself. Her personality doesn’t seem to change much after a good portion of the book, and it’s upsetting when this happens, because in these types of romances it’s normal for the characters to be spineless but in the end they should (in most cases) change a bit. Well, the “heroine” of this book keeps being annoying until the end, and made me want to roll my eyes and throw my Kindle away several times. In comparison, Luke was a bit better, but still incosistent as a character. I’m sorry, but I didn’t find any chemistry between them, nor the romance believable.
To conclude my review, I’d say that this would have been better with the main female character less annoying and with less predictable storylines, because there was a portion of the book (especially the moments where Nell and Luke have to find clues and things like that to win the game) where the story was funny and active. I’m sorry that I didn’t enjoy this as much as I wanted to, but these are my honest thoughts.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the chance.