You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.8 AVERAGE
3.8 AVERAGE
It’s YA, an angsty story, and written by Ms. Madden-Mills, what more can you ask for? I read this book in one day, neglecting housework and other duties. The story sucked me in from the beginning and I was just anxious to know how the story of Sugar and Zack develops. They were both broken with issues, and being together was not necessarily the solution to their problems.
Zack carries a very sad and weighty guilt that has been harming his hockey play. He’s trying desperately to get over the girl he loved and tragically lost during high school. When he unexpectedly finds Sugar in a frat party, he’s struck dumb by her resemblance to his lost love, but very soon he realizes that the resemblance is only skin deep. Sugar is very much her own woman, highly intelligent and driven, quirky, introverted and has a dry sense of humor. She makes Zack laugh and forget his troubles. Sugar’s only issues comes from a poor childhood, a product of the rejection of her father who didn’t want to take care of her and her mother. When she lost her mother at eleven years old, she suddenly found herself alone, and it was her mother’s best friend who took her in and finished raising her. Meanwhile, her father lived his life, wealthy, married and with two kids that Sugar never got to meet.
Sugar is determined to get into Vanderbilt University to study law because that is where her father and all his family went to. They thought she was white trash so she wants to prove them wrong. She bargains with Zack to accompany her to a luncheon at Vanderbilt for waitlisted candidates, to help her chances of acceptance. Zack is the captain of Hawthorne University’s hockey team, is the number one draft pick in the NHL, he has already been drafted to the Nashville Predators, but they are allowing him to finish the senior year. The dean at VU is a diehard fan of hockey, so using Zack as an influencer would improve Sugar’s chances of getting in.
So Zack and Sugar enter into some kind of negotiated relation but it soon turns into the yearning of something more. Zack realizes she’s the woman he wants, she gives him peace from his anxiety, she makes him laugh and she gets him. Sugar is the one who falls in love first but is uncertain all the time. She has a thing about feeling not enough, that comes from her father’s rejection. Even though they have a great relation, it’s as if she’s waiting for the hammer to fall and break their relation, or for Zack to tell her she’s not enough. For this reason, she doesn’t work very hard to keep things good between them but rather runs at the first sign of trouble. Their shenanigans, their bickering, their sexy times, it was all riveting and entertaining. There’s a rift between Zack and his younger brother Reece that adds another angsty level to the story. There’s also Julia the roommate, who seems to have had a fling with Zack’s roommate and best friend but they are denying it at all costs. All these tidbits make me wish and hope for sequels to this yummy YA world. I can’t wait!
Zack carries a very sad and weighty guilt that has been harming his hockey play. He’s trying desperately to get over the girl he loved and tragically lost during high school. When he unexpectedly finds Sugar in a frat party, he’s struck dumb by her resemblance to his lost love, but very soon he realizes that the resemblance is only skin deep. Sugar is very much her own woman, highly intelligent and driven, quirky, introverted and has a dry sense of humor. She makes Zack laugh and forget his troubles. Sugar’s only issues comes from a poor childhood, a product of the rejection of her father who didn’t want to take care of her and her mother. When she lost her mother at eleven years old, she suddenly found herself alone, and it was her mother’s best friend who took her in and finished raising her. Meanwhile, her father lived his life, wealthy, married and with two kids that Sugar never got to meet.
Sugar is determined to get into Vanderbilt University to study law because that is where her father and all his family went to. They thought she was white trash so she wants to prove them wrong. She bargains with Zack to accompany her to a luncheon at Vanderbilt for waitlisted candidates, to help her chances of acceptance. Zack is the captain of Hawthorne University’s hockey team, is the number one draft pick in the NHL, he has already been drafted to the Nashville Predators, but they are allowing him to finish the senior year. The dean at VU is a diehard fan of hockey, so using Zack as an influencer would improve Sugar’s chances of getting in.
So Zack and Sugar enter into some kind of negotiated relation but it soon turns into the yearning of something more. Zack realizes she’s the woman he wants, she gives him peace from his anxiety, she makes him laugh and she gets him. Sugar is the one who falls in love first but is uncertain all the time. She has a thing about feeling not enough, that comes from her father’s rejection. Even though they have a great relation, it’s as if she’s waiting for the hammer to fall and break their relation, or for Zack to tell her she’s not enough. For this reason, she doesn’t work very hard to keep things good between them but rather runs at the first sign of trouble. Their shenanigans, their bickering, their sexy times, it was all riveting and entertaining. There’s a rift between Zack and his younger brother Reece that adds another angsty level to the story. There’s also Julia the roommate, who seems to have had a fling with Zack’s roommate and best friend but they are denying it at all costs. All these tidbits make me wish and hope for sequels to this yummy YA world. I can’t wait!
Holy crap did I love this book!!! I ADORE sports books, but especially hockey. Although there wasn't much of the sport in this book, it was such a vital piece to the story. Sugar and Z gave me SO MUCH MORE than I thought we could get from these two. Ilsa is like a mad scientist when she creates this amazing characters!
I LOVE Sugar so much! From her brain, to her sassiness, to her bravery, she's just so inspiring. Her life was one that had so many layers to it and determination took her so far in life! I just loved her story and could really appreciate what she made of herself. Insert Z, or Zack, and oh-em-gee were there some sparks! These two were almost literally electric when in the same room! I could really appreciate all of her hesitation with Zack, but I loved how much she was drawn to him. And Zack, although he "had everything" I loved seeing the multiple sides of him and his past. There was just so much going on in his head, it was so sad! I loved how Sugar was his comfort, how that spark really helped him. His story had so many more layers to it than Sugars. The amount of twists and turns that they gave us was so epic! Right when you might know what was going on we are thrown into another loop.
Per my usual, I ADORED the secondary characters in this book. I loved how close Sugar got with Eric and Julia, and of course Poppy and Taylor were always there for her. Reece and Veronica played SUCH important rolls in this book too. Although they were secondary characters they held onto some very important parts to this book. Ilsa always blows me out of the water with these characters because of how significant they always are.
This love story was just so different than so many things I've read and I think that really helps with the appeal. I adore Sugar and Z, but the work as a whole was just spectacular!
I LOVE Sugar so much! From her brain, to her sassiness, to her bravery, she's just so inspiring. Her life was one that had so many layers to it and determination took her so far in life! I just loved her story and could really appreciate what she made of herself. Insert Z, or Zack, and oh-em-gee were there some sparks! These two were almost literally electric when in the same room! I could really appreciate all of her hesitation with Zack, but I loved how much she was drawn to him. And Zack, although he "had everything" I loved seeing the multiple sides of him and his past. There was just so much going on in his head, it was so sad! I loved how Sugar was his comfort, how that spark really helped him. His story had so many more layers to it than Sugars. The amount of twists and turns that they gave us was so epic! Right when you might know what was going on we are thrown into another loop.
Per my usual, I ADORED the secondary characters in this book. I loved how close Sugar got with Eric and Julia, and of course Poppy and Taylor were always there for her. Reece and Veronica played SUCH important rolls in this book too. Although they were secondary characters they held onto some very important parts to this book. Ilsa always blows me out of the water with these characters because of how significant they always are.
This love story was just so different than so many things I've read and I think that really helps with the appeal. I adore Sugar and Z, but the work as a whole was just spectacular!
honestly? no. just no.
i was going to be generous and give this 2 stars but no, absolutely no.
this book is a convoluted mess, and it absolutely did not need to be.
i should have DNF'd as soon as i read that the MFC's name was Sugar. tf?
things that needed to be edited out of this book:
- the dead high school sweetheart. who also happened to be pregnant when she died. who died after kissing the MMC's brother. none of this was necessary
- the strip club. i mean, really?
- the dead estranged dad and the will reading WHICH WE DONT EVEN REALLY FIND OUT ABOUT
- the name "sugar" and nickname "Sugar Baby"
- like 70% of the donuts.
anyway. do not recommend.
i was going to be generous and give this 2 stars but no, absolutely no.
this book is a convoluted mess, and it absolutely did not need to be.
i should have DNF'd as soon as i read that the MFC's name was Sugar. tf?
things that needed to be edited out of this book:
Spoiler
- the dead high school sweetheart. who also happened to be pregnant when she died. who died after kissing the MMC's brother. none of this was necessary
- the strip club. i mean, really?
- the dead estranged dad and the will reading WHICH WE DONT EVEN REALLY FIND OUT ABOUT
- the name "sugar" and nickname "Sugar Baby"
- like 70% of the donuts.
anyway. do not recommend.
Really good..Z's struggles and Sugars past really made a great story lots of emotions...great read loved it!
It got better.
In the first third of this book I really felt like I was missing something because characters were mentioned like we should know who they are and there wasn't much back story given. But like I said, it got better.
In the first third of this book I really felt like I was missing something because characters were mentioned like we should know who they are and there wasn't much back story given. But like I said, it got better.
the main character’s name is SUGAR and no one makes fun of her for it… also it’s supposed to be fake dating but they hook up the first time they meet and then basically just are together for the whole time until the STUPIDEST third-act break up of all time. this book did nothing but piss me off.
Ilsa Madden-Mills’ latest story a swoony delight that is the reason why romance novels exist – to give us an escape that will hit all the right spots.
Sugar Ryan doesn’t care for athletes in general or any kind of male that’s too cocky for his own good. Especially not after her singer ex-boyfriend cheated on her. Besides, she’s all set to go to law school until she isn’t and is in need of a fake boyfriend. Not just anyone will do though. She needs the hockey god with bulging muscles, a big stick and is nicknamed the Heartbreaker. Watch out for that last part Sugar!
Hockey is Zack Morgan’s passion and priority until Sugar Ryan starts showing up everywhere he goes. Reminding him of a ghost from his past, he’s already captivated by her when she lays out her bargain which suits him just fine. She’ll keep the jersey chasers at bay, they’ll have some fun and won’t fall in love. But after a couple of intimate encounters that are undeniably raw and explosive he’s determined to win her over. Can she trust him enough to give them a chance or will a secret threaten to tear them apart?
Boyfriend Bargain is a wonderful escape. It’s sexy, witty, heartfelt and did I mention sexy? Ilsa interlaces Zack’s past distress and present pressure seamlessly into the story, making their romance feel hopeful and angsty with the freshness of young and passionate love that conquers all.
Sugar has been practically alone for most of her life developing a strong backbone while Zack has lived the past few years filled with guilt, regret and understandable anxiety. He’s also catnip for anyone who can’t resist an alpha male hero with just the right amount of sweet wit. It was wonderful to watch them find each other and explore their deep connection.
I found myself grinning at the sassy banter and sass. The sexiness is matched with equal sources of heart.
I loved the story which is filled with deep emotion and understands the need to find a partner who is understanding and supportive. I couldn’t help but cheer for them all throughout this unputdownable tale.
Boyfriend Bargain is a standalone hockey romance by Ilsa Madden-Mills. It is told from both points of view, and has a happy ending.
Amazon -> https://amzn.to/2H0Y0UW
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via Social Butterfly. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *
➵ Cover: 5 (sexy hot hero with a sizzling gaze. Just look at him! )
➵ Blurb: 5 (Just that wanted line was enough to reel me in)
➵ Hero: 5 (He's a college hockey star with a lot of dark, but also a lot of determination and swoon worthy qualities. He's the kind of guy who'll save a cat, adopt her, take care of her but deny it!)
➵ Heroine: 5 (She's a super strong, independent woman who's overcome so much and knows what she wants)
➵ Sexiness: 5 (dirty, dirty, sexy hotness and a whole lot of it!)
➵ Feels: 5 all of them!
Sugar Ryan doesn’t care for athletes in general or any kind of male that’s too cocky for his own good. Especially not after her singer ex-boyfriend cheated on her. Besides, she’s all set to go to law school until she isn’t and is in need of a fake boyfriend. Not just anyone will do though. She needs the hockey god with bulging muscles, a big stick and is nicknamed the Heartbreaker. Watch out for that last part Sugar!
Hockey is Zack Morgan’s passion and priority until Sugar Ryan starts showing up everywhere he goes. Reminding him of a ghost from his past, he’s already captivated by her when she lays out her bargain which suits him just fine. She’ll keep the jersey chasers at bay, they’ll have some fun and won’t fall in love. But after a couple of intimate encounters that are undeniably raw and explosive he’s determined to win her over. Can she trust him enough to give them a chance or will a secret threaten to tear them apart?
Boyfriend Bargain is a wonderful escape. It’s sexy, witty, heartfelt and did I mention sexy? Ilsa interlaces Zack’s past distress and present pressure seamlessly into the story, making their romance feel hopeful and angsty with the freshness of young and passionate love that conquers all.
Sugar has been practically alone for most of her life developing a strong backbone while Zack has lived the past few years filled with guilt, regret and understandable anxiety. He’s also catnip for anyone who can’t resist an alpha male hero with just the right amount of sweet wit. It was wonderful to watch them find each other and explore their deep connection.
I found myself grinning at the sassy banter and sass. The sexiness is matched with equal sources of heart.
I loved the story which is filled with deep emotion and understands the need to find a partner who is understanding and supportive. I couldn’t help but cheer for them all throughout this unputdownable tale.
Boyfriend Bargain is a standalone hockey romance by Ilsa Madden-Mills. It is told from both points of view, and has a happy ending.
Amazon -> https://amzn.to/2H0Y0UW
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via Social Butterfly. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *
➵ Cover: 5 (sexy hot hero with a sizzling gaze. Just look at him! )
➵ Blurb: 5 (Just that wanted line was enough to reel me in)
➵ Hero: 5 (He's a college hockey star with a lot of dark, but also a lot of determination and swoon worthy qualities. He's the kind of guy who'll save a cat, adopt her, take care of her but deny it!)
➵ Heroine: 5 (She's a super strong, independent woman who's overcome so much and knows what she wants)
➵ Sexiness: 5 (dirty, dirty, sexy hotness and a whole lot of it!)
➵ Feels: 5 all of them!