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3.61 AVERAGE

thenia's review

3.0

The story of two characters that were introduced in the first book of the series, Maggie, Nick's sister and Alexa's best friend, and Michael, Nick's business partner.

The two were set up and went on a date during the events of the previous book, but although they hit it off, Michael refused Maggie's suggestion of a second date. Maggie, who had her share of trust issues before getting rejected, took it to heart and started avoiding Michael and generally keeping him at arm's length.

Michael, who found himself in a bind due to his family's traditional views, needs a wife and fast, and the best option he can think of is Maggie. When he suggests she pretends to be his wife for a week on a trip to Italy, she agrees on the condition that he cuts ties with Alexa, whom she believes he has designs on despite her happy marriage. Michael agrees, and the two spend the week with Michael's family, falling in love in the process.

While Michael stops fighting his feelings when he realizes he loves her, Maggie is stubbornly resisting hers, convinced that he is in love with her best friend.

Michael has to put some effort in convincing her to believe him and agree to make their marriage a reality, and he eventually succeeds, after a big romantic gesture.

The series continues with the story of a couple that was introduced in this book, Michael's youngest sister Carina and her unrequited crush, his best friend Max in [b:The Marriage Mistake|15729261|The Marriage Mistake (Marriage to a Billionaire, #3)|Jennifer Probst|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1348628724s/15729261.jpg|21408119].

Previous book review:
The Marriage Bargain (Marriage to a Billionaire, #1) ~ ★★★

Review for all 3 books in the series.

As a whole, I give the series 3 stars. There were times where I thoroughly enjoyed it and other times I was just annoyed. But these are basically lifetime movies in book form so you have to take read them with a grain of salt. The books were at the best when the couples were talking and getting to know each other. With the exception of all the men apparently being extremely well-endowed, generous, skilled lovers, the characters were pretty different from book to book--even if the story arcs were mighty similar.

Book 1: Bargain

Loved Alexa. She was a great character. Nick took some getting used to but eventually grew on me. I absolutely loved the toddler/bathroom scene. Hilarious.

Book 2: Trap

Maggie was funny and I liked the bluntness of her character. But I have to say that Michael was probably my favorite of the leading men in this series. I liked that their story mostly took place in Italy, but I wish Italy had played more of a character. Instead, it almost felt like they could have been just about anywhere. I did get quite annoyed with Maggie's constant insistence that Michael was in love with Alexa. She acted rather childish about the whole thing, but I guess it did help set up yet another pretend marriage.

Book 3: Mistake

Carina was a feisty little thing in this one and I liked seeing the evolution of her character since being introduced in 'Bargain'. However, I had a hard time buying the sheltered 26 years old virgin bit and just how badly she was ready to lose it. I think I could have bought it a bit more if her character was closer to 23 or 24 max. Overall, another "cute" book.

As a whole, I recommend this series to anyone looking for a little fluff/mind-candy with just a little bit of steam. It's not serious stuff, and the plots often feel a bit contrived, but I think most people expect that when reading books liked these. Oh and they are super short--which is good. Any longer would have been too long.
lighthearted fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

I really enjoyed this book! I loved how strong, determined, protective, and independent Maggie was. She was a beautifully written character. And Michael could be described using the same words, but they have very different meanings when comparing the characters. The trip to Milan was great and the way Maggie interacted with his family, especially his sisters was wonderful. I adored this book and cannot wait to read more!

I liked this second book in the series almost as much as he first. The characters are interesting and it's a fun read. Just some fluff and fun for a quick read, but not much substance.
lighthearted fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Michael Conte and Maggie Ryan have been circling each other for over a year. They went on one disastrous blind date and haven't been comfortable around each other since. But when Michael needs someone for help in faking a marriage, Maggie is the one he turns to.
Maggie had a hard life with some big back story that we find out toward the end. She is resisting his charms (because she keep saying he's in love with her sister-in-law) but ends up falling for his Italian mother and his three sisters. Oh. And a random cat is stuck in.
The reason for the fake marriage was, well, not great. I don't love public proposals and Michael came off as more than a little controlling so this was not a high scoring book for me. But I generally like Jennifer Probst and this wasn't a complete loser either.

3.5 stars

I made a good decision to start my new Friday smut read routine with this book.

After I finished reading The Marriage Bargain, I wished to know more about Maggie and Probst fulfilled it! Yay!

Fierce and strong-willed Maggie enters this faux engagement with one thing in mind: to keep his brother's marriage safe. But that arrangement won't be easy if his faux fiance is the guy she hated the most.

Michael and Maggie, like the previous couple, weren't opposites at all. They both love control and in this arrangement, they fought for it. I enjoyed this book more because of the banters between the two. I love how the build up of their relationship and wasn't rushed at all. It was very well paced and didn't bore me at all. I was satisfied not to find an unnecessary scene that are usually added just to add length. The characters were also great; not just Michael and Maggie but also the others, especially Michael's mother.

It may have lesser steamy scenes but the sexual tension is crackling off the page. Can't wait for next Friday smut: The Marriage Mistake

3.5 stars!

A fake marriage. I knew the ending through the whole book but still a great read. I loved the cat.