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The Marriage Bargain
(Marriage to a Billionaire #1)
by
A marriage in name only...
To save her family home, impulsive bookstore owner, Alexa Maria McKenzie, casts a love spell. But she never planned on conjuring up her best friend's older brother—the powerful man who once shattered her heart.
Billionaire Nicholas Ryan doesn’t believe in marriage, but in order to inherit his father’s corporation, he needs a wife and needs one fast ...more
To save her family home, impulsive bookstore owner, Alexa Maria McKenzie, casts a love spell. But she never planned on conjuring up her best friend's older brother—the powerful man who once shattered her heart.
Billionaire Nicholas Ryan doesn’t believe in marriage, but in order to inherit his father’s corporation, he needs a wife and needs one fast ...more
ebook, 160 pages
Published
February 14th 2012
by Entangled Publishing (Indulgence)
(first published 2012)
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Showing 1-30
Start your review of The Marriage Bargain (Marriage to a Billionaire, #1)
I have to admit, the hot cover was the first thing that drew me to the book. And was I glad that the content justified it. In spades.
It all started with her and his list of Mr/Ms Right.
Hers :
1) A Mets fan,
2) loves books, art and poetry,
3) believes in monogamy,
4) wants children,
5) knows how to communicate with a woman,
6) loves animals,
7) has a morale code of ethics and believes in honesty,
8) a good lover
9) has a strong sense of family,
10) has $150,000 cash available.
His :
1) a woman who d ...more
It all started with her and his list of Mr/Ms Right.
Hers :
1) A Mets fan,
2) loves books, art and poetry,
3) believes in monogamy,
4) wants children,
5) knows how to communicate with a woman,
6) loves animals,
7) has a morale code of ethics and believes in honesty,
8) a good lover
9) has a strong sense of family,
10) has $150,000 cash available.
His :
1) a woman who d ...more
Apr 16, 2012
Dija
rated it
liked it
Recommends it for:
Fans of short, cute romances.
Recommended to Dija by:
Smut Monday Club
Terrific beginning.
Heartwarming ending.
Exciting romance.
Mesmerizing cover.
Amusing cast.
Realistic relationship.
Refreshing humor.
Irresistible hero.
Adorable but forgettable.
Gutsy heroine.
Entertaining dialogue.
Beautiful story.
Alexa = AMAZING.
Rather predictable, overall.
Grinned like an idiot throughout.
Absorbing writing style.
Immensely fun read.
Nice and short.
For more reviews, visit my blog. ...more
Heartwarming ending.
Exciting romance.
Mesmerizing cover.
Amusing cast.
Realistic relationship.
Refreshing humor.
Irresistible hero.
Adorable but forgettable.
Gutsy heroine.
Entertaining dialogue.
Beautiful story.
Alexa = AMAZING.
Rather predictable, overall.
Grinned like an idiot throughout.
Absorbing writing style.
Immensely fun read.
Nice and short.
For more reviews, visit my blog. ...more
*spoilers ahoy! Check yourself before you wreck yourself!*
.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... ...more
.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... ...more
This book unravels the mystery of every girl's fantasy!!!!!!!!
What every girl wants:
1) To look hot (skin and clothes)!!
2) Marriage!!!!!
Wait!!! No!!! My mistake!!! A great wedding with a hot groom!!!!
3) Marriage + Hot Husband + Money!!
4) Ohhh but the marriage will last forever and the hot millionare guy has to really really love you ...and you know ... babies!!
5) Of course there is the supermodel ex-girlfriend
But ... she doesn't have the spark and the husband prefers the girl with boobs!!
...more
What every girl wants:
1) To look hot (skin and clothes)!!
2) Marriage!!!!!
Wait!!! No!!! My mistake!!! A great wedding with a hot groom!!!!
3) Marriage + Hot Husband + Money!!
4) Ohhh but the marriage will last forever and the hot millionare guy has to really really love you ...and you know ... babies!!
5) Of course there is the supermodel ex-girlfriend
But ... she doesn't have the spark and the husband prefers the girl with boobs!!
...more
Jul 25, 2016
Kainat 《HUFFLEPUFF & PROUD》
rated it
did not like it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
dnf
0 stars!
DNF 38%
This book was so stupid!! Who says shit like this?! Can I have my 5 dollars back? Ugh, if not, could I somehow give this negative rating? This is me on my contemporary horse. A few more to come.
DNF 38%
This book was so stupid!! Who says shit like this?! Can I have my 5 dollars back? Ugh, if not, could I somehow give this negative rating? This is me on my contemporary horse. A few more to come.
Almost a DNF. I came soooooo close to chucking this one, but I skimmed the last third of the book as I did want to finish. Overall this was a very underwhelming read. I love a great contemporary romance with steam, but this was too formulaic and lacked a decent story to keep me interested. The plot was just downright boring. I do like a marriage of convenience plot, but this was just too hokey as they keep going back and forth on their desires for sex. The heroine's need to lie was baffling, and
...more
Feb 18, 2012
MBR
rated it
it was amazing
Recommends it for:
Fans of marriage of convenience theme, fans of Jennifer Probst, Everyone who LOVES romances!
All romance lovers out there, make way for the superbly talented Jennifer Probst who has succeeded in earning herself an auto-buy spot on my already long list of authors whose books I wouldn’t hesitate to purchase. Not only do I immediately purchase Jennifer Probst’s books, but I stop everything I am reading at the moment and plunge into her books with an enthusiasm that tells a story of its own.
27 year old Alexandria Maria McKenzie (Alexa) is in a bit of a dilemma. She needs a husband, preferab ...more
27 year old Alexandria Maria McKenzie (Alexa) is in a bit of a dilemma. She needs a husband, preferab ...more
I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! It was sweet, funny, fresh, fun and very engaging. A truly sweet romance. I loved everything about it except for the fact....IT WAS TOOO SHORT!!! :( I really hate it when that happens...the best stories are always the short ones..WHY OH WHY!!?? I could have easily read about Nick and Alexa for a long time.....like oh I don’t know 500 or 600 pages more!! I loved the story and the romance. This book totally brought on my girly-girl....and I couldn’t help but swoon and drool...
...more
LOOOL
She gave an unladylike snort. “You want a Stepford wife without the sex. Haven’t you learned anything about women since you were fourteen?”
“I learned plenty. That’s why Uncle Earl had to force me into an institution that favors women in the first place.” She gasped. “Men get plenty out of marriage!”
“Like what?”
“Steady sex and companionship.”
“After six months the headaches start and you bore each other to tears.”
“Someone to grow old with.”
“Men never want to grow old. That’s why t ...more
She gave an unladylike snort. “You want a Stepford wife without the sex. Haven’t you learned anything about women since you were fourteen?”
“I learned plenty. That’s why Uncle Earl had to force me into an institution that favors women in the first place.” She gasped. “Men get plenty out of marriage!”
“Like what?”
“Steady sex and companionship.”
“After six months the headaches start and you bore each other to tears.”
“Someone to grow old with.”
“Men never want to grow old. That’s why t ...more
Spoiler Free Review -Quick Review
4 STARS out of 5
Genre: Contemporary romance
Alexa squirmed in her seat as the silence in the BMW stretched between them. Her husband-to-be seemed just as uncomfortable, he chose to focus his energy into his MP3 player. She tried not to wince when he settled on Mozart. He actually enjoyed music without words. She almost shuddered again when she though of sharing a residence with him. For. An. Entire. Year.
"Do you have any Black Eye Peas?"
He looked puzzled by the qu ...more
4 STARS out of 5
Genre: Contemporary romance
Alexa squirmed in her seat as the silence in the BMW stretched between them. Her husband-to-be seemed just as uncomfortable, he chose to focus his energy into his MP3 player. She tried not to wince when he settled on Mozart. He actually enjoyed music without words. She almost shuddered again when she though of sharing a residence with him. For. An. Entire. Year.
"Do you have any Black Eye Peas?"
He looked puzzled by the qu ...more
I liked it, but I'm not sure if I loved it. Will sleep on it first. 3.5/4 stars so far.
...more
...more
I really enjoyed this one! So much so that I have a ton of funny quips and scenes highlighted on my eReader.
In The Marriage Bargain two childhood “friends” (and I use that term loosely), agree to enter into a marriage of convenience. Nick needs a wife as a condition to inherit some cash, and Alexa is willing to accept the terms of the bargain for a small payout of her own to help save her family’s home. When their contract requirements begin to collide, sparks start to fly and Nick and Alexa fi ...more
In The Marriage Bargain two childhood “friends” (and I use that term loosely), agree to enter into a marriage of convenience. Nick needs a wife as a condition to inherit some cash, and Alexa is willing to accept the terms of the bargain for a small payout of her own to help save her family’s home. When their contract requirements begin to collide, sparks start to fly and Nick and Alexa fi ...more
This was a lovely read :)
Just what I needed, something light, funny and romantic.
Alexa needs money to save her family house, and Nick needs a wife so he could inherit his family business. The funny thing is, she makes a list what her perfect husband should be like, and he does the same for his "to-be" wife XD
Needless to say they are complete opposites, the only thing they actually agree on is that they need to marry each other. And so the fun starts XD They are attracted to each-other, but they ...more
Just what I needed, something light, funny and romantic.
Alexa needs money to save her family house, and Nick needs a wife so he could inherit his family business. The funny thing is, she makes a list what her perfect husband should be like, and he does the same for his "to-be" wife XD
Needless to say they are complete opposites, the only thing they actually agree on is that they need to marry each other. And so the fun starts XD They are attracted to each-other, but they ...more
I liked the book, the way it was written how these two faced of against each other and were opposites. They entered into a marriage of convenience, the heroine because she needed money for her family, the hero because his uncle's will stipulated it.
The heroine believes in love, family, animals, kids, the hero doesn't. They both agree to be celibate for a year but it is tough and there are moments when they almost fall for the attraction between them & the poor hero even let's his ex-girlfriend ...more
The heroine believes in love, family, animals, kids, the hero doesn't. They both agree to be celibate for a year but it is tough and there are moments when they almost fall for the attraction between them & the poor hero even let's his ex-girlfriend ...more
An incredibly fun, light, humorous and sexy read!
Nick needs a wife. His late uncle makes sure of that, too as details are revealed in his will. There is a set timeline for Nick to marry, which will grant him his uncle's wealth, and we're talking millions, upon his death. Trouble is, Nick comes from a broken family with enormous dysfunctional luggage, and even though he's capable of loving women, he dosen't ever see himself falling "in love" with a any woman, much less having a family.
Alexa is N ...more
Nick needs a wife. His late uncle makes sure of that, too as details are revealed in his will. There is a set timeline for Nick to marry, which will grant him his uncle's wealth, and we're talking millions, upon his death. Trouble is, Nick comes from a broken family with enormous dysfunctional luggage, and even though he's capable of loving women, he dosen't ever see himself falling "in love" with a any woman, much less having a family.
Alexa is N ...more
I made it almost all the way through this before my loathing for Nick finally overcame my desire to see Alexa happy. And it's not so much that Nick is a jerk and completely unworthy of her attention (though he is those things). It's that he doesn't make any sense in a tropey way that I wish authors would stop trying to make work. Let me lay it out in explicit terms. If a guy prides himself on rational analysis, then he can't possibly believe the truly stupid propositions that love doesn't exist
...more
I actually enjoyed reading this book because it was such an easy read. But full disclaimer ahead: I did not appreciate the storyline AT ALL, and my review will devolve into my problems with creativity in the romance market and the hero that I didn't like at all. Read on if you're prepared for the snark.
I've read this wangst before. Emotionally Stunted Super Douche enters a marriage of convenience with teh evulz womanz, falls in insta-lust, gets emotionally involved, and then loses his damn mind. ...more
I've read this wangst before. Emotionally Stunted Super Douche enters a marriage of convenience with teh evulz womanz, falls in insta-lust, gets emotionally involved, and then loses his damn mind. ...more
2,5 stars
The reason for reading: Wanted something short and light.
Worth the experince?:
Eh... Wont continue the series.
Two stars given for: It wasnt horrible. It was just 'meh'. I liked the beginning.
Half star given for: Not introducing too many characters for the rest of the series even though I can see the second book's premise coming from miles away thanks to the way two characters were introduced (and of course the next book's hero had to be in love with this book's heroine *rolls eyes*)
Star ...more
The reason for reading: Wanted something short and light.
Worth the experince?:
Eh... Wont continue the series.
Two stars given for: It wasnt horrible. It was just 'meh'. I liked the beginning.
Half star given for: Not introducing too many characters for the rest of the series even though I can see the second book's premise coming from miles away thanks to the way two characters were introduced (and of course the next book's hero had to be in love with this book's heroine *rolls eyes*)
Star ...more
I loved this one! This was such a fast, entertaining, and sexy read.
Nick and Alexa were childhood friends, but hurt over adolescent stupidity, drove them apart. Alexa is still best friends with Nick's sister, Maggie, and this is how Alexa and Nick end up together again in a business arrangement. Nick needs a wife quick, to fulfill conditions in a will, and Alexa needs money quick, to bail her parents out of debt, so they won't lose the family home. Nick doesn’t want a real wife, he feels he cou ...more
Nick and Alexa were childhood friends, but hurt over adolescent stupidity, drove them apart. Alexa is still best friends with Nick's sister, Maggie, and this is how Alexa and Nick end up together again in a business arrangement. Nick needs a wife quick, to fulfill conditions in a will, and Alexa needs money quick, to bail her parents out of debt, so they won't lose the family home. Nick doesn’t want a real wife, he feels he cou ...more
Mar 01, 2012
Hazel *Craves the Angst Reviews*
rated it
really liked it
Recommends it for:
romance readers
Shelves:
romance,
contemporary-romance
The Marriage Bargain is a romance novel by Jennifer Probst. I was in B&N one day and looking through their "read in store" selections and found this title. I like the occasional romance and decided to give it a try with the one hour read for free that B&N offers for their Nook customers. I instantly fell in love with this story. I hadn't even read for the full hour yet, was only 20 pages in before I decided to purchase it and continue on!
This is the typical romance novel where the motivation fo ...more
This is the typical romance novel where the motivation fo ...more
A fun sweet romantic story- I enjoyed reading it.
2 😢😢⭐️s
I am very sorry to say that this book was not written well at all.
Within most of the paragraphs both main characters’ inner thoughts were provided and it was very confusing and disturbing.
Also, the mixture of third person narrative with first person pov and having to read dialogues not accompanied by the respective person was exhausting and tiring.
I am very sorry to say that this book was not written well at all.
Within most of the paragraphs both main characters’ inner thoughts were provided and it was very confusing and disturbing.
Also, the mixture of third person narrative with first person pov and having to read dialogues not accompanied by the respective person was exhausting and tiring.
This book right here is the reason why I'm so willing to give small press and selfpublishing a chance. This book right here is the reason why I so patiently roam Amazon and Goodreads, looking for new and undiscovered authors, why I put up with a lot of really bad books in the hopes they will lead me to something like this.
The Marriage Bargain is a good romance book. The kind that is hard to find these days. Most books that hide under the Romance banner are erotica books in disguise. So finding s ...more
The Marriage Bargain is a good romance book. The kind that is hard to find these days. Most books that hide under the Romance banner are erotica books in disguise. So finding s ...more
This delightfully captivating book is written by a new-to-me-author. Simply put, this was just what the doctor ordered. I had such fun reading Jennifer Probst’s “The Marriage Bargain.”
Both characters stole my heart from the very start. Each had a major problem requiring a quick fix. Alexa needs money to save her family’s home from foreclosure. Nick needs a wife to fulfill the conditions set forth in his uncle’s will allowing him to inherit full control of his family’s business. If she’ll be his ...more
Both characters stole my heart from the very start. Each had a major problem requiring a quick fix. Alexa needs money to save her family’s home from foreclosure. Nick needs a wife to fulfill the conditions set forth in his uncle’s will allowing him to inherit full control of his family’s business. If she’ll be his ...more
Alexa and Nick were childhood friends that grew into teen crushes, but unfortunately with time they lost contact.
However, Alexa and Maggie, Nick’s sister, remain best-friends so when both of them are in trouble, Maggie has the solution: Alexa needs money to save her parents house. Nick needs a wife so he can fully inherit his company. So they have a pretend marriage, they both get what they need and within a year they go live their separate lives. But what begins with a fake commitment… yes, yo ...more
However, Alexa and Maggie, Nick’s sister, remain best-friends so when both of them are in trouble, Maggie has the solution: Alexa needs money to save her parents house. Nick needs a wife so he can fully inherit his company. So they have a pretend marriage, they both get what they need and within a year they go live their separate lives. But what begins with a fake commitment… yes, yo ...more
I read The Marriage Bargain in one day because I got sucked in and could not put it down. The characters were so well drawn and interesting, the chemistry and sexual tension between them crackled off the page, and Probst made me cheer for them to finally admit their feelings and get together. The book was also laugh out loud funny in a few places, I'm thinking of the discovery of the hidden dogs scene in particular. But the opposites attract theme provided a lot of these moments. Just an all aro
...more
This is a fun, sexy read that I enjoyed...3.5 stars
Jennifer Probst took the Marriage of Convenience plot and with her witty dialog, the strong build of sexual tension and finally those hot love scenes and made this a winner.
Nick Ryan doesn't believe in marriage stating the "dream of forever is a fairy tale." I loved watching Alexa break through his self-made barriers and bring this hot-blooded, sexy man to his knees. He has lived a life of not feeling wanted and clearly is a lost, tortured soul ...more
Jennifer Probst took the Marriage of Convenience plot and with her witty dialog, the strong build of sexual tension and finally those hot love scenes and made this a winner.
Nick Ryan doesn't believe in marriage stating the "dream of forever is a fairy tale." I loved watching Alexa break through his self-made barriers and bring this hot-blooded, sexy man to his knees. He has lived a life of not feeling wanted and clearly is a lost, tortured soul ...more
This book is delicious,sexy, fun, and hit the points into marriage life.
I love the characters. Especially alexa. She is a kick ass heroine. She is sassy, clever and vulnerable. She plays nick like a fine violin. I just laugh out loud of her seduction method.
And nick... poor nick. He is such a logic male that has no idea how to deal with alexa. But i adore his love towards alexa. Love love these 2 characters.
5 perfect stars.
I love the characters. Especially alexa. She is a kick ass heroine. She is sassy, clever and vulnerable. She plays nick like a fine violin. I just laugh out loud of her seduction method.
And nick... poor nick. He is such a logic male that has no idea how to deal with alexa. But i adore his love towards alexa. Love love these 2 characters.
5 perfect stars.
Meh. I might have liked it better if the guy wasn’t such an ass.
A quick, easy read. This book didn't rock my world but it was pleasant and undemanding. A nice blend of tension, angst, wit, romance, love and steam.
Hell, at this rate she’d end up in the mental institution by the end of the year.
Cause: Celibacy.
There weren't any rip-your-heart-out moments for me but I loved the building sexual tension and the avoiding of the inevitable.
I felt that the book would have benefited from a little more depth to take it up a notch, from good to great, and ...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| looking for a similar book | 1 | 21 | Jan 12, 2018 11:12PM | |
| looking for a book with a plot similar to The Marriage Bargain PLEASE HELP! | 12 | 324 | Sep 17, 2017 04:48PM | |
| If you had the opportunity to do the love spell, what would be on your list? | 7 | 86 | Feb 23, 2016 09:47AM | |
| Who is the cover model? | 3 | 177 | Jan 22, 2014 08:05PM | |
| Looking for a simila book, can you help? | 3 | 198 | Sep 26, 2013 10:15PM |
Readers also enjoyed
Jennifer Probst wrote her first book at twelve years old. She bound it in a folder, read it to her classmates, and hasn’t stopped writing since. She holds a masters in English Literature and lives in the beautiful Hudson Valley in upstate New York. Her family keeps her active, stressed, joyous, and sad her house will never be truly clean. Her passions include horse racing, Scrabble, rescue dogs, I
...more
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Marriage to a Billionaire
(4 books)
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“Your mother’s coming,” he said.
“I know—she probably heard us arguing. Do something!”
“What?”
“Anything!”
“Fine!” He grabbed her around the waist, dragged her body flush against his, and ducked his head. His lips crushed hers as his hands wrapped around her tightly so they were plastered against each other, hip to hip, thigh to thigh, breasts to chest.”
—
134 likes
“I know—she probably heard us arguing. Do something!”
“What?”
“Anything!”
“Fine!” He grabbed her around the waist, dragged her body flush against his, and ducked his head. His lips crushed hers as his hands wrapped around her tightly so they were plastered against each other, hip to hip, thigh to thigh, breasts to chest.”
“He surged upward and paused at her entrance.
“Look at me, Alexa.”
Half drugged, she opened her eyes and gazed at the man she loved with every part of her being, waiting for him to claim her, waiting to take anything he could give.
“It’s always been you.” He paused as if to be sure she heard and understood the words. Intensity gleamed within amber depths. He gripped her fingers, as if trying to speak beyond words.
“And it will always be you.”
—
100 likes
More quotes…
“Look at me, Alexa.”
Half drugged, she opened her eyes and gazed at the man she loved with every part of her being, waiting for him to claim her, waiting to take anything he could give.
“It’s always been you.” He paused as if to be sure she heard and understood the words. Intensity gleamed within amber depths. He gripped her fingers, as if trying to speak beyond words.
“And it will always be you.”
