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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THIS! This book is the perfect example of why I freakin’ adore Katy Evans! I have been shamelessly following and collecting all of her books and their audios since Remy’s first book Real released. Remy and then Malcolm (Manwhore series) hold a special place in heart. As do the rest of the heroes in those series. However, Luke now owns controlling interest. Gah he just is EVERYTHING my romance consuming heart needed when I dove in to this masterpiece.
Can I get a hallelujah for this creative plot – because it’s fresh. The premise of a marriage reality show is unique and absolutely entertaining. These characters, though, is where it’s at! Luke and Nell are utterly brilliant! Paired with Katy’s impeccable writing this book is honestly one of my absolute favorite reads of hers. I read the entire book with a grin on my face. I picked it up every chance I could because I was dying to know what would happen next.
Luke is witty, sexy, strong and yet totally considerate and caring. He is down to earth, real about falling on hard times and there to win and save his bar. Nell is drowning in student loans. Where Nell is an over achiever in the intellect department, she definitely faces challenges socially and even more so athletically. She manages to be confident yet insecure at the same time. She is relatable and that made her transformation that much more intriguing. I couldn’t have fathomed better characters with more spot on attributes to bring this story to life. BRILLIANT!
The pull and angst between these two unlikely contestants is delicious. They couldn’t be more different yet they compliment each other which gave me hope. Their journey on the show is unexpectedly endeering. Excitement over load when they cross the finish line. The conclusion to the show and returning to the real world though was soul crushing.
Will fate lead these two love birds back together? I was rooting for them from the start. This entire story is perfectly paced and expertly executed. I feel it’s Katy’s best work yet.
Million Dollar Marriage is an entertaining and sexy rollercoaster. Penelope, or Nell, and Luke end up trying out for a new reality TV show. Luke owns the bar in his family and Nell keeps getting one degree after another. Opposites make for great ratings, and Nell and Luke deliver. Their relationship, created out of desperation, changes and evolves as they’re forced to trust each other as they face each new challenge. They begin to see and value their differences and build each other up. With one twist after another, Katy Evans keeps you entertained and engaged. Million Dollar Marriage is a standalone but is in the same world as Million Dollar Devil.
3.5 Stars!
If you are a fan of the Bachelor and the Amazing Race, then this book is for you. Million Dollar Marriage combines both of these hit TV shows into one adventurous journey.
Once the contestants are chosen from hundreds of auditioners, the producers pair them up. They purposely couple the most unlikely to work well together, in order to create a television ratings extravaganza. These insanely matched couples compete against each other via crazy challenges and stunts, to hopefully be the winner of the grand prize, one million dollars. Oops, I forgot to mention that before they are eligible to compete, they must marry each other. This story is a true roller-coaster ride of adventure.
Nell Carpenter needs the winnings to pay off the tremendous amount of student loan debt she has accumulated. She just earned her doctorate, however, her various degrees do not provide many future earning opportunities. Nell is very smart, beautiful, and completely lacks self-confidence. Her college roommate is her best, and only friend. She is naive about most things, including the latest trends. Nell is coupled up with Luke Cross, a bad-boy and hottie, who will undoubtedly attract a ton of female viewers. Luke never finished high school, lived on the streets for two years after his parents kicked him out, had a drug problem, and served a little time in prison. He inherited his grandparents bar, and now he owes a ton of money to the bank because the bar was mortgaged to the hilt. Their forced marriage evolves into so much more.
I enjoyed this book by Katy Evans. It is a quick and fun read. This is the second book from the Million Dollar series and it can be read as a standalone.
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
5 WHAT A GAME STARS!! Wow….what a refreshing change from our normal reads. I loved Million Dollar Marriage….the game was fun. Nell and Luke had chemistry, sexy times, humor, banter, which made for the perfect read. Katy Evans always takes us on a fantastic ride with her storytelling.
Million Dollar Marriage by Katy Evans brings us the story about total opposites Luke and Nell and a reality tv show. With nothing else to lose, they separately decide to audition for a reality show where they could win one million dollars. Nell is drowning in student loan debt and thinks this may solve problems but she is the quiet and reserved girl, how could this work? Luke is facing the closure of his bar and will do anything to save it. They can survive a marriage if it means solving their problems, right? But they could not be any more different if they tried. And yet they find a way to connect and work together and before you know it, sparks are flying. This was such a fun and delightful read!
Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading!
Luke and Nell are strangers who meet on a reality tv show. As fate would have it they both go on this show to pay off their debt. Penny has an abundance of student loans and Luke is in debt with his bar. These two could not be more different. Would you get married for money on a reality show? You will enjoy the easy and fun way this story reads. Katy Evans book are always amazing.
I am clutching my heart swooning over Luke Cross & Penelope “Nell” Carpenter!
Seriously the cover, the blurb and I was totally suckered into finding out if this “marriage” could work.
Be ready for one hell of an adventure with these two characters.
I was rooting for Nell & Luke as they venture into getting to the end to get that Million Dollar Prize they both desperately need.
Fun Adventures, pent up chemistry that is off the charts hot, as well as both of these characters exploring themselves as well as each other.
I enjoyed how Katy Evans gives us characters we can relate to when it comes to self doubt in the actions we take into making what we think we should be doing.
A lot of self discovering with Luke & Nell in themselves as well as with each other.
Signature Swoon & Sexy factor make the Cherry on Top of this Must Read book!
Go find out if you would marry a complete stranger for a Million dollars & fall in love in the process.
5 Popped
Million Dollar Marriage is the second book in the Million Series. First of all: I never watch the reality shows. I don’t like them. Fortunately, this story has nothing to do with these shows. This is a great opposites attract, and a sweet slow burn story. Katy Evans’s writing is amazing. She never disappoints. This story is intriguing, beautifully written, fun, entertaining, sexy and romantic. I also love the French parts in this story. Meg Sylvan and Jacob Morgan did a great job with the narration. I like their voices together. I enjoyed my reading and listening.
When you are desperate to get out of a bad situation sometimes going on a reality show and marrying a complete stranger to try to win a million dollars doesn’t seem like the worst idea. Penny and Luke get paired up and have to compete together. She is a girl who thrives on learning and being in school while Luke is a dropout and owns a bar handed down to him by his Grandpa. But opposites do attract and Luke finds Penny to be beautiful even though she is quiet and keeps to herself. Penny thinks that Luke is brawny, dirty, and not anything she should like, but when he looks at her she feels an electricity. As they both have to do crazy challenges and have to learn to trust each other the feeling grow. Luke see what people around Penny have done to her by their actions and knows that she is better than what she thinks of herself. Penny can see the way Luke is street smart and clever and that he has a genuine heart. This book was sweet and funny.
Thank you for your review.
I freakin’ LOVED this story! It had chemistry, friction, adventure, and passion!
“Every part of him is so strong and masculine and begs to be adored; he’s raw, dirty sex on a cracker.”
Penelope AKA Nell Carpenter is a serial student! So much so that she’s racked up quite a debt. Cerebral and serious but desperate, she auditions for a reality TV show, and is shocked as hell to be selected. What on earth has she gotten herself into? She’s way outside her comfort zone. Especially when she gets paired up with the hot, dirty yeti?
“She looks up at me with those big blue eyes, and it gets me. Right there. In the heart, in my cock.”
Luke Cross is on the verge of bankruptcy. His bar is failing and he didn’t know that he’d also inherited a heap of mortgages with it. In desperation, he auditions for a reality TV show where he could win a million dollars. The minute he sets eyes on the nerdy girl with the big glasses and cute freckles, and giant textbook, he’s wants her. However, it appears that she can’t stand him. Even better when they are paired up together for the challenge of their lives.
“I kiss her. Tongue and teeth, hands and hair. Crush her lips with mine and devour her mouth like she’s my last meal.”
This was a hugely addictive read! I thought it was fun and thrilling. Luke and Nell were complete opposites in every way. Luke was an absolute sweetheart – he was honest, likeable and had a lot of integrity. He had excellent social skills and I adored his undeniable attraction to Nell. She, in contrast, was socially awkward, lacked a lot of self-confidence, but I loved how being with Luke helped her blossom. I loved her determination and her smarts.
This was a fabulous hot, hot read with a lot of character!
Million Dollar Marriage is like a cross of Amazing Race and the Bachelor. I have got to be honest, I am usually not a fan of shows like these, but have seen them a dozen or so times. Million Dollar Marriage was quite intriguing. It kept my attention, and the scenes were done with great detail so my imagination was quite vivid. So huge props to this author for great attention to detail. Million Dollar Marriage was actually a lot different than I expected, but the chemistry and development of the story was on point. There was also an amazing amount of character development as well. It was wonderful to see confidence grow within each character as time went on. Overall this was a really good read.
Nell is smart, like super smart. She is dedicated in pursuing her own way in life. She is not a social butterfly and prefers the attention else where. She loves books and classical music. She is quite and reserved.
Luke was raised on the toughest streets in Atlanta, and has not always chosen the best course of action in his life, but is dedicated to making the best of his life now. He is friendly and relatable, and has a great sense of determination.
When Nell and Luke are presented with an opportunity to fix their financial status’, these two forces must come together to make the unimaginable happen.
* I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK
Million Dollar Marriage – Katy Evans
Million Dollar marriage is the second book in this series by Katy Evans and a gem of a read it is.
Nell and Luke are desperate to clear some of their personal debts but the best opportunity to do so, comes in the form of a reality TV show, shrouded in secrecy.
With just enough heat and a heaping, helping of wit and sass, these characters are easy to read and easy to like.
A totally fun, lighthearted and sexy story, based around the ever popular reality TV world. Good fun!
I can actually say at this point that you can always read a good book with Katy Evans, this book is fantastic, Nell and Luke story was amazing. Nell is a smart girl but let’s just say she has some issues. Luke appears in her life and their relationship begins within a TV reality show, opposites attract romance is one of my favorites and to see their journey it just made this book a great read. Absolutely a must read.
I loved the entire premise of this story! It was unique and the story line was something I hadn’t read before! Million Dollar Marriage was completely unpredictable and kept me entertained all in one sitting! Luke was amazing right from the start and completely lovable! Nell was quirky and inexperienced but blossomed right before our eyes! I hope everyone gives this one a shot!
I’ve read two game-show or reality TV style stories recently and they’ve been so fun. Katy Evan’s brings the Married at First Sight & The Great Race shows together in this story of love and money. Two unlikely characters forced to work together to get riches they could only dream about.
Luke and Penelope couldn’t be any more different from each other. Luke Cross, the bartender and James ‘Jimmy’ Rowans best friend in Million Dollar Devil, is the epitome of your best friend and all around good guy with all the hotness to go along with it. He’s been through his fair share of struggles in his life and is in dire need of some fast cash to get through his most recent revelation regarding his bar. What’s a man like him to lose?
Dr. Penelope Carpenter, Ph.D. has exhausted her efforts in school and now is exhausted in debt. She’ll do just about anything to get out of debt and try to move on with her life. Her parents have pushed her out on her own since she wouldn’t follow in her father’s footsteps and her boyfriend just dumped her. She’s down on her luck but judging everything and everyone based on intellect. But when her and Luke cross paths at the game show try-outs, sparks fly high – even if Penny, Nell, Penelope (yes all three names show up throughout the story) denies it over and over again.
The big hairy Oaf and the nerdy brainiac make a pact to win this thing but it’s tough going for them. They have so many obstacles to overcome, least of them being their feelings for each other. There were definitely some laugh out loud moments in this story. However, I won’t lie, Penelope made me very angry at times and especially toward the end. But deep down Penny was just a shy, introvert who lacked confidence in herself because of her experiences with her father and boyfriend. She just needed that one person to build her up and make her believe in herself.
Katy has taken these past two Million Dollar stories and turned over confident men in to humble beings with the women they fall for. The women have been a bit on the unbearable side at times with their judgy-ness, but yet have the vulnerability of a woman who just needs the right boost to get where they need to be. These stories are definitely an opposites attract kind of couple.
4.5 stars
This was such a fun read!
Luke and Nell couldn’t be more opposite on paper if they tried. Paired up for a reality show they seem doomed from the start. That is until they choose to ignore their differences & actually work out who they are together.
I loved that this was a spin on the reality television everyone loves and what we all know goes on behind the scenes. I finished it in one session with a big smile on my face.
Definitely recommend.
This was such a fun read!!! Nell and Luke were oh my soooooooooooo different on paper that it was downright hilarious to think that they’ll ever hook up. They both went on the show because of different financial situations and Nell disliked him from the beginning. But not Luke; he was intrigued by the brainiac that is socially awkward. It was funny to read and also cute seeing how the banter was between these two and then watching how they fought their attraction and eventually falling in love. They both had different family issues; Luke was strong but Nell wasn’t. She was super insecure and hard in herself but Luke made her see things differently. He was protective of her. These two were perfect for each other in their own way.
My first impression? Wow.
Sorry if this review is too long, just know that I loved the book 😀 The hero is delicious!
Yes, wow, pretty much that’s what I felt all along, really.
From the catchy title to the mouthwatering cover and the rollercoaster plot, I just couldn’t take a breath that wasn’t full of sighs or laughs or thrilled yells.
I gravitate towards this author’s books because they’re passionate and addictive, and this one is pure adrenaline and chemistry. The first chapters introduce the main characters and their financial plight that moves them to even remotely consider going ahead into an audition to take part in a TV show à la Survivors.
I loved every step of the build-up as they audition for it, then pass the first round which I found imaginative and exciting, and finally embark on the most physically challenging, mind-testing, exhilarating set of missions to be pulled off.
While street-wise, hot-as-sin Luke and bookish, cute Penny run and sweat for their prize like in the Herculean twelve jobs, this impossible couple starts feeling and desiring, and the heat between them is epic!
It feels like a marathon through hell, where they pant, fear, bleed and put their wills to the test, but all the time they’re part of this bizarre TV contest and their hearts fall in love despite the onslaught. I loved it, though I was dreading the conflict that would inevitably send their relationship to a screeching halt. I didn’t think it was as bad as in the previous novel, where it didn’t make sense. Here it is almost expected and helps with the drama and with making their actions take a less forced path.
In the end, it works really great and they get rid of all the insecurities and social pressure. It’s a thrilling ride till the end. And Luke is really loveable.
Totally Different But Perfectly Matched!
A super fun, sexy romance based in the ever entertaining world of reality tv. You will fall for Penny and Luke just as hard as they fell for each other.
She’s under a mountain of debt. Education is not cheap, especially when you have made it your career to gain more degrees. He’s buried under the financial burden of the bar that he runs. Both need a mini-miracle to save their future.
Penelope decides to try out for a new reality show. How hard can it be? Complete some challenges and win some money. Problem solved, debt gone. She had no idea how her whole life was about to change.
Luke is willing to do whatever it takes to get the money. Failure is not an option. He just never counted on having a partner he was attracted to. His world was about to get turned on it’s axis.
Luke and Nell were total and complete opposites. He was social and capable of all the physical challenges. She was quiet, introverted but had the smarts to take on anything that required extra brain power. Totally different but perfectly matched!
They had chemistry that sizzled. Their relationship was a gradual progression from enemies-to-lovers. The characters were fun and their push and pull will draw you in. I definitely enjoyed their adventure.
Penelope Carpenter is the last person that should be on a reality television show. She has never even watched a reality television show. But when her student loan debt becomes too much to handle she agrees to go with her best friend to the tryout. She is sure she will never be picked anyways. She can not believe it when she is casted in the show. She is shocked when she finds out that the annoying guy in line behind her gets casted as well. In her eyes Luke is a dirty thug.
Luke is not the marrying kind but he is willing to do whatever he has to do to keep the bar open that his grandfather left him. In a shocking elimination Luke and Penelope become partners for the show. Penelope is appalled by him but Luke can not keep his eyes off her. There is something about her shy, smart exterior that excites him.
They will now have to learn to work together if they want to win the money. It is not going to be easy. They are so different. However maybe their differences is what will bring them to the finish line first.
Another great book in the Million Dollar Romance Series.
*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***