Frisky Fall Saturdays is our new weekly post created by The Autumn Review,The Bookish Babe, Hackaroos Reviews, and Sim-Sational-Books. Feel free to join in. (let us know so we can add a link to your post that week) As those leaves start piling up in the yard, ignore them and pick up a sexy book!
The Marriage Trap (Marriage to a Billionaire 2) by Jennifer Probst-Adult Contemporary Romance
Kindle format given by Gallery Books for review/eARC
WIFE WANTED…Italian billionaire seeks faux fiancée. Willing to agree to anything in return...
In order for his sister to marry, Italian billionaire Michael Conte has to find himself a bride – and fast! When he learns that photographer Maggie Ryan is going to be in Milan, Michael hatches a plan to introduce her to his family as his “fiancée.” Never mind that Maggie is confident, independent, and a control freak. Never mind that she’s everything he doesn’t want in a wife… and everything he wants in his bed!
Convinced that Michael is in love with her married gal pal, Maggie agrees to keep up the ruse if he’ll keep away from her friend. Besides, she’s not attracted to charming, ridiculously hot billionaires who drive her nuts. Once they’re in Italy, however, everything changes – and the sexual tension between Maggie and Michael goes from simmer to naked nuclear meltdown!
But have they found the perfect arrangement… or are they trapped in a make-believe marriage?
My Take:
I really loved The Marriage Bargain and I was looking forward to reading the second installment in the series. In the first book, we meet Maggie, who is Nick's sister and Alexa's best friend. Michael is also introduced in the first book as a friend and business partner. Since I liked these characters in TMB, I was anxious to see what would happen between these two in The Marriage Trap.
Maggie is a no-nonsense type of gal. She loves and is focused on her career, but she feels like she's missing something. Maggie doesn't commit to relationships. She won't waste her time if she doesn't have chemistry with the person, which has resulted in short-term relationships. However, her reaction to Michael is different. She and Michael went out on a date, which was set up by Alexa. They had a nice time together, but Michael didn't pursue the relationship. Maggie felt rejected and assumed he didn't want to see her again, because she thought he really had feelings for Alexa. Michael's reasons had nothing to do with Alexa, but more because of his own issues. But, when Michael's sister turns to him for help, he thinks Maggie may be the person he needs.
Michael is a sexy, successful Italian Count. He's in America to broaden his family's bakery business. Michael is a family man, but hasn't found that special someone he wants to commit too. Then, one of his sister's wants to get married, but his mother won't give her blessing for the marriage until Michael is married. Well, Michael doesn't want his sister to be hurting, so he comes up with a plan to have Maggie be his fake fiancee. Since, Maggie will be in Italy on business anyway, the timing works out. Maggie agrees and off they go.
I loved their dialogue. They are both stubborn people, who often clash, but when they give in....it's really hot. There was no doubt that they had chemistry in and out of the bedroom. The sex was perfectly steamy. I definitely wasn't disappointed with the smexy. Michael and Maggie had some issues that they needed to work out in order to be together, and once they do, it was perfect.
I was happy to see Nick and Alexa again. It's nice to see what's going on with the cast. I also loved meeting Michael's family. They are a great bunch with a lot of potential for future stories. In fact, I have The Marriage Mistake for review, which is the third book in the series. I'm really anxious to read that one. It's about Carina, Michael's youngest sister, and his best friend Max.
While I really enjoyed this book, I did have a bit of trouble connecting with Maggie. There was just a little something missing with her for me. Other than that, this book was a great addition to the series. I loved the ending. Definitely check it out!
~"I don't like to be manhandled," she shot back.
His lips quirked. He lowered his voice to a husky purr that promised her pure bodily pleasure. "Maybe you haven't had the right man handling you."
"Give me a break. Do women really fall for that line? Because if they do, they must come from the land of the stupid. Take your hands--"
His lips covered hers.-Loc 608
I just skimmed your review. I have the first book and need to read it still. It's too bad you had a hard time connecting with Maggie, but at least you were still able to enjoy the book.
ReplyDeleteOh what a bummer since Maggie was so fun in the 1st book.
ReplyDeleteI've heard such great things about this series. I really need to give it a try. Glad you enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteI still haven't been able to start this series, but it looks so good. I'm gonna have to dive in soon!
ReplyDeleteSo I really like the idea of these kind of stories. They just appeal to me - being forced to be around each other when there's so much chemistry and trying to avoid it. It's Tempting the series completely. Adding this one to my list. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteValerie