Saying “I Do” has never been such a mess. Marlee Medford just got dumped. Yes, things have become ho-hum in her longtime relationship, but she was two days away from walking down the aisle with the man she thought was her forever when he called it off. Convincing herself that they’d be able to reignite their spark once the wedding craziness settled? That was easy. Suddenly finding herself without … finding herself without a fiancé? Not so much. Marlee needs to regain control of her life, and a weekend away with her friends is a solid first step.
One of Denver’s best up-and-coming chefs, perpetual bachelor Eli Howard, isn’t into serious relationships—especially the kind that ends in marriage. As if to prove his point that they aren’t worth the trouble, the wedding he was supposed to be catering just fell apart. Feeling oddly protective of the jilted bride—his little sister’s best friend—his weekend plans now involve a trip to Sin City with her group of friends. But it looks like he had a bit too much fun in Vegas when he wakes up married…wedding night included.
Marlee’s attempts at getting her life back together are failing miserably. Her ex-fiancé is taking the house, her chihuahua is intent on a love affair with Eli’s sneakers, and she’s now accidentally hitched to the guy who can’t even say the word marriage. With their quickie annulment denied, Eli and Marlee just have to hang tight until the divorce goes through. It’s just a little divorce amongst friends, what’s the worst that could happen?
Take It Off the Menu is book three of the Mile High Matched series, but stands alone and can be read in any order. If you love a hunky caterer and an accidental marriage then this book is for you! Buy now for a fun, friends-to-lovers romance!
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Love it! This is the first book I have read from this author…going to get the others from this series next…I want to grow up to be babushka!!
I was so EXCITED to see this book pop up on my Kindle! I love this series and I couldn’t wait to see what kind of woman gets Eli to settle down! I loved that Marlee was dealing with a crappy situation (her fiancee dumps her 2 days before their wedding!), but she tries to get over it with a fun adventure with friends. I love that she & Eli drunkenly get married and accidentally fall in love while waiting for their divorce. And Babushka! She’s one of my favorite characters and I’m so glad we got to see her come back and be up to her normal shenanigans!!!
With plenty of laughs, endearing characters and harebrained experiences, TAKE IT OFF THE MENU by Christina Hovland is certainly entertaining.
When Marlee Medford is dumped 48 hours before her wedding day, her best friends rally around her and decide the best first step in her newly single life means a trip to Las Vegas. Now I’ve never been to Vegas but even I know this route comes is fraught with danger. So it proves when Marlee finds herself well and truly married to Eli Howard after a night of drunken shenanigans. The same Eli Howard she’s been friends with for years. The same Eli Howard who is so commitment shy he refuses to say the word marriage. With an annulment ruled impossible, Marlee and Eli find themselves counting down the 90 days needed for their divorce to come through.
There is a lot to like in this book. I enjoyed the relationship between Eli and Marlee. Previously, a romance between them may not have occurred to either of them, but a spark was lit, and I was glad they decided to explore it. I enjoyed the conversations between them. I liked how they supported one another, and I loved the attraction between them.
In addition to a romance, there’s a strong theme of friendship that is apparent throughout the book. Old friends, new friends, shallow friends; they all make an appearance, and it’s the perfect time for Marlee especially to realise who she can and can’t rely on.
TAKE IT OFF THE MENU is an overall light read but it does come with a genuine romance, plenty of humour and wisdom.
Take it off the Menu is not only first book from this series, but the first one by this author that I have read. I recently purchased the first book in the series, but haven’t started it yet. But will be correcting that soon. I loved reading Eli and Marlee’s story and how well they worked together. I look forward to reading more from this author.
So funny! So many giggles…the ones that you get weird looks for because you’re laughing out loud at a book.
Looks can be deceiving. Eli is hard as a rock intimidating on the outside but soft as a teddy bear on the inside. Marlee is seen as nothing but a bubbly rich socialite but she is actually smart, caring, and humble.
These two are somewhat opposite but also similar. They are very helpful for each other in the best ways!!
Witty banter and hilarious inner dialogues flow. Throw in some tuxedo and Spongebob condoms and you’ve got lot of fun and a great read in your hands!!!
This is book #3, in the Mile High Matched series. This book can be read as a standalone novel. For reader enjoyment, and to avoid spoilers, I recommend reading this series in order.
Marlee had just gotten dumped and her wedding is off. Her ex is a chicken who puts all of it on her. Too much pressure. Good thing she has her friends. Even Eli, whom she has known forever. He is always there when she needs him.
Eli’s sister is Marlee’s best friend. He has always watched over them when they do their worst. He fixes the messes, and patches them up. This time he may need the one in need of aid.
Honestly, this started out what I would call a slow burn. Then when the pace picked up it nearly stampeded out of the book and over me. I loved the relationships, the friends, the pranks, the banter, the fun, the humor, and so much more. These characters would not be ignored and even when sleep beckoned I ignored it to finish what was a terrific story.
***This copy was given in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely love this series! The stories are heartwarming and funny. The characters are realistic and quirky. The stories are addictive and I highly recommend the books.
Marlee gets dumped by her fiance two days before the wedding. Her girlfriends suggest a trip to Vegas to get over it so off they go with Eli riding herd to make sure they don’t do anything crazy. After a night of booze, dares and tattoos Marlee and Eli wake to find themselves married. They try for a Vegas annullment, but get shot down and have to file for divorce back in Colorado. Marlee’s parents react badly and cut off her credit cards and trust fund money. She ends up living in with Eli and working for him and Jase at the flower shop. They fall in love amidst some stellar shenanigans and get their HEA. Make sure to read the bonus scene for a look into their lives fifteen years later.
Thank you to Inkslinger and the author for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Take It Off The Menu
By: Christina Hovland
*REVIEW*
Take It Off The Menu is the first book I’ve read by Christina Hovland, but it won’t be the last. I’ve always been a fan of romcoms and such. This story is adorable despite its bleak beginning. Marlee is dumped two days prior to her wedding, but if she’s being honest, Marlee is actually relieved. This guy, Scotty, takes her house, his place in her family’s business and her parents side with him. To escape this ridiculous sideshow, Marlee and friends and one friend’s older brother, Eli, take a long weekend in Vegas. Marlee and Eli end up drunk and married. They are then forced to wait 90 days for a divorce. Marlee has nowhere to go because her parents are ridiculous. She ends up staying with the guy she married and realizing that maybe he’s not a bad husband after all. Eli and Marlee get to know each other for real, and they have a chance at an actual relationship. Life throws unexpected everything at you, though. It’s never easy ,so will these two stay together or get divorced? It’s a fun light read that’s full of humor and wisdom. The characters are likeable and relatable with their mistakes and mishaps. I recommend for anyone who enjoys romcom stories. This one will make you smile!
A very witty and well written story. Wonderful characters that will have you laughing and sighing. Eli and Marlee are adorable together. So glad Babushka got an appearance.
Marlee’s ex deserved a whole world full of pain – I feel he got away too easy after being an absolute turd.
I love accidental marriage books and this was a great one. I love Eli he is such a hero, he is deeper than he appears and a good contrast to Marlee who is just a bit wild, but in a loveable way. Their story is such a lovely read and the supporting characters add depth to it especially Lothario and Babushka. If you are looking for a light hearted read with some depth, humour and a bit of spice then this is for you.
I just reviewed Take It Off the Menu by Christina Hovland. #TakeItOffTheMenu #NetGalley
5 heartfelt stars for such a wonderful book.
This series has been fun to read and oh my – Eli and Marlee are so perfectly matched in a quite imperfect way. I loved this story so hard! It’s funny, witty, and will bring you to tears as well.
…and Lothario…he’s in a class all his own with shoes!! And Babushka returns…in her own unique style!
Eli is such a contradiction – a man who screams for his independence, but shows on a daily basis how intwined he is in his family and friends’ lives. Marlee was thrown for a loop when her fiancé called off the wedding, but she is stronger and better off than she knows.
This is such an enjoyable series and you grow to care about each couple and can’t wait to read about the next one.
Thanks to the author for the chance to read this book which I voluntarily requested and read an uncorrected advance reader copy.
Excellent romance
I hesitated at first between 4 and 5 stars, as the heroine was naive and served as a human doormat to her family or her fiancé, but then I loved her transformation, as well as that of the male hero. I liked the way they build themselves because of what they love and how they build themselves with the whom they love and support them.
Marlee learns from her fiancé 2 days before their wedding that he wants them to separate. He works with her parents, and Marlee finds it horrified that they support her ex-fiancé more than her (thinking he’ll change his mind).
Injured and tired of being used as a human doormat, Marlee goes to Vegas with her best friends and the brother of one of her, Eli, whom she has known for a long time. He is a cook, and she is able to burn pasta water.
Eli is allergic to marriage to the point of being unable to say the word. But from dare to dare and intoxicated, he ends up marrying Marlee. When they wake up, they try to cancel everything, but when the judge refuses, they have to wait 90 days to divorce.
Marlee finds herself without money because her parents cut her off, without work, with a husband who does not want to stay married (likewise for her). From scratch, together, they will help the other to evolve.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
I loved Take It Off the Menu by Christina Hovland. It is the third book from the Mile High Matched series, and the first two are equally as entertaining. This book can be enjoyed as a standalone.
Two days before Marlee Medford’s high-society wedding, her fiance broke up with her. Interestingly, the spark in their relationship had been non-existent for a long time. Her girlfriends decide that a weekend in Vegas is just what Marlee needs to begin her new normal. Eli Howard, her maid of honor’s older brother, accompanies them on the trip to ensure that they all stay out of trouble. Marlee has known Eli most of her life, and has always admired his devotion to his family. They all consume a little to much alcohol, and as a result, Marlee and Eli not only sleep together, they marry as well.
Eli is an up-and-coming chef in the Denver area, and his catering company continues to gain recognition with each and every event. He plans on opening his own restaurant in the very near future, as soon as his finances will allow. Eli prefers a more solitary life, after years of taking care of his family. Eli and Marlee’s unplanned marriage evolves into true love and pure happiness.
There is a lot going on in this well-written novel. To begin with, Marlee comes from money and has always relied on her parents or her ex-fiance for financial support. She learns very quickly that working for her parents is nothing compared to working for herself, while doing something she enjoys. Her local friends drop her like a hot potato once they find out her trust fund has been cut off. Eli becomes her rock, as Marlee realizes that he is the real deal. Eli is a good guy through and through. He learns what falling in love is like from Marlee, and his feelings for her cannot be denied. Overall, this is a sexy romance with a some very funny moments and a wonderful cast of characters.
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
Hovland can charm the heart right out of your chest. Take It Off the Menu keeps hearts racing and laughs flowing with a tempting group of over the top characters. Eli and Marlee are clueless friends who could be perfect lovers. If they can get over their phobia of finding happily ever after. Enticingly, ridiculous and abundantly, entertaining breeds a fabulous handful of fun.
I am just loving this series! I didn’t think much could top Going Down on One Knee, but this story pleasantly surprised me.
Marlee Medford is supposed to be getting married in 2 days and her fiance, Scotty suddenly calls off the wedding. So what is a jilted bride suppose to do…head to Las Vegas with her besties….and who tags along to make sure the girls don’t get into any trouble….Eli Howard, her wedding caterer and big brother of her best friend, Sadie.
What starts as a drunken fun night ends up with Marlee and Eli married. This wouldn’t be so bad except 1.) Eli doesn’t believe in marriage 2.) Marlee and Eli really enjoyed their wedding night 😉 3.) The quickie annulment is denied and 4.) Marlee’s parents have cut off her trust fund and sided with Scotty!
Broke and homeless Marlee and her dog Lothario end up moving in with Eli until their divorce is granted and she can get her trust fund back. What starts out as a stupid mistake quickly turns into something real and just when it looks like Marlee and Eli are headed into a perfect happy ever after, life has a way of throwing wrenches into their life’s plan. It is going to take some major soul searching on Marlee and Eli behalf before these two can find their happy ever after that they both deserve.
I just adored this story! Marlee may be rich but she is not a spoiled brat….she gives the homeless Starbucks a few times a week! Eli may have thought he didn’t believe in marriage but it seems he just had never found the right person because once he realized that Marlee was it for him, he fell hard! I also loved Marlee’s dog, Lothario! This character was a hoot! Overall this was another perfect story in this series….great characters, great story line and many laugh out loud moments!
Waking up married in Las Vegas. It seems like such a simple, unassuming plot thread. I have never seen it done with the kind of flair found within this book. (That could be because none of the other had Babushka to shake them up.) I have had so much fun watching confirmed bachelor Eli swan along in the background of the previous books, never guessing what was at the heart of his commitment phobia. I’m not even sure what to say about Marlee. If it weren’t for bad luck, this poor woman might have no luck at all. Together, they have something pretty special. I can’t wait until I get the chance to come back and do it all over again. But, I’m still trying to find Claire and Dean’s story. If anyone knows where to find it, point me in the right direction, would you?
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book though Hidden Gems Books.
Take It Off the Menu is the third book in Christina Hovland’s Mile High Matched series. It is more contemporary romance than romantic comedy, and it is absolutely delicious! Each of the books in this series focuses on a different guy in a tight group of friends. In this latest installment, Denver socialite, Marlee Medford, pushes her best friend’s brother, Chef Eli Howard, way out of his comfort zone.
From the first page to the last, I was hooked on this story. The characters are delightful, and the story line is charming (like many romantic comedies, the plot points are sometimes far fetched, but forgivable). It is such a fun read, that I could not put it down.
I just loved Marlee! She has a big heart, and she is very generous. That generosity is totally taken advantage of when her fiancé not only dumps her, but also kicks her out of their shared house as well as tries to get her parents on his side. You can’t help but assume he was in it for the money and career advancement (ugh!). Clearly, Scotty, the ex-fiancé, is an easy to despise secondary character!
Eli is strong, sexy, and a man of few words. He is giving toward and protective of everyone he holds close to his heart. That includes his kid sister’s best friend, Marlee. Even though Eli claims he is not a relationship guy, you just know that sparks are going to fly between these two main characters. Not only do these two characters define fun, they bring out the best in each other. It was fun and joyful to see how their relationship blossomed.
Take It Off the Menu is a fun, romantic read with sweet little messages about what is important in life. This novel is a fantastic series addition that left this reader hoping for more stories of the secondary characters because I’m not ready for it to end.
Getting dumped by her fiancee a few days before her wedding may have been a blessing in disguise, as Marlee learns what kind of a person Scott really is. Money grubbing and selfish are two good words to describe him. She could do so much better. Her and the girls leave for a crazy Vegas weekend, along with Sadie’s brother Eli. He is going to keep them out of trouble. Well after the liquor starts flowing, crazy things start going down. Marlee and Eli get fake married on a dare, only to wake up and realize that it was real. Being that she is from a prominent family, news of their nuptials quickly finds its way back home to Denver. This is when it gets really interesting as we get to see her and Eli try to figure out their true feelings and navigate living together at his place after she gets cut off from her parents. She has to put on her big girl panties and get a real job and learn to live with what she makes. Along the way she finds that maybe she wants a different kind of life than the one she had. A life that includes having real friends that like you for more than just your status. She also learns that you don’t mess with Jases’ babushka. That lady is a trip! Just picture bright orange dildo nunchucks!! Marlee soon realizes what an amazing guy she has in Eli. She just has to convince him to take a chance on love and marriage. This was a wonderful romance with quite a few laughs and a lot of feels! I really loved how the book was written from both his and her perspectives, so we could see what was going on in both of their heads. I did receive an ARC of this book from Hidden Gems and this is my honest review.
This yummy tale of M..istakes is just what the wedding planner should have ordered! Take It Off the Menu is a definite departure from the enemies to lovers binge I had been on. Though if you want to hate someone, Scotty fits the bill perfectly!
Christina Hovland has snared my interest. Take It Off the Menu was my kind of fun. I am a firm believer in doing things at your own pace. Boy do Marlee and Eli have their own pace! I had previously added Going Down on One Knee to my TBR because it looked fun. Fast forward to seeing TAke It Off and I couldn’t resist.
Fun, flirty, and just the right amount of ridiculous, Take It Off the MEnu is the perfect treat or pick me up for any reader. Jilted Bride and all! I assume that those that have followed the series from the beginning enjoyed the epic mess Marlee caused for their happy lives. I need to go back and get more Babushka.
So if you enjoy, badly behaved pups with hilariously appropriate names, getting caught in compromising situations (no not that!). If you have a sense of humor and a healthy respect for happily ever afters…
Take It Off the Menu should definitely be on you list.
Such a funny book! Marlee ends up in the craziest situations, and Eli can’t help but get involved, too. Marlee fits beautifully into the group of ladies from the first two books, and she decides that becoming Babushka is her goal in life. So much craziness and laughing!
But underneath all of that, Marlee has a few issues. She needs this chance to become her own woman and find her own strengths. Eli also has issues, and Marlee’s presence causes him to have to face those head on. I got choked up a few times while they helped each other heal.