The Commitment Test

The Marin Test #2

by Amanda Aksel

When a Valentine’s Day proposal doesn’t come with an engagement ring, Marin Johns begins to wonder if she and James will ever get married. As her closest friends begin to move forward with their lives, she refuses to be left behind.

Hope is restored as she devises a plan to get James down on one knee by becoming the ideal mate. Everything seems to fall into place until her college boyfriend resurfaces after a decade with his own ideas about their future. Will Marin be forced to choose between the man of her dreams and the diamond ring she’s always dreamed of?

Genres: Romance, Adult, Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit

300 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 4, 2015

About the author

Amanda Aksel loves anything that’s smart, sexy, and funny. She’s the author of Delia Suits Up, The Marin Test Series and The Londonaire Brothers Series. You’ll often You’ll often find her writing novels about fabulous, independent heroines, pretending to be Sara Bareilles at the piano, watching reruns of Sex and the City, or sprinkling a little too much feta on her salad.

Get FREE short story and smart, sexy, funny updates from Amanda. Just sign up at www.amandaaksel.com

Follow Amanda on Instagram www.instagram.com/amandaaksel
and Facebook www.facebook.com/amandaaksel

Reviews

[Megan Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I should start by saying that I was sent this book by the author in order to review but all of my thoughts are my own.

I am a huge fan of this series. I originally reviewed the first in this series for my website but after talking with the author (who is amazing and so incredibly sweet), I received this one to review as well. And I could not have loved it more. I loved the first one, but I think this might be my favorite of the two. Can this story keep going forever please?



The Commitment Test picks up about a year after The Man Test left off - with Marin still trying to prove points and get what she wants in the most comical and endearing of ways. Although her tactics are questionable, you can't help but love her and feel like you're really having fun right there alongside of her. So when Marin decides that she's ready to get engaged, she's willing to do whatever it takes to get her boyfriend to finally pop the question.



Even if you're not usually a fan of chick-lit, I really cannot recommend this series enough. They are easily books that I would recommend to any of my girlfriends and then sit back and decide who is most similar to which character. Do yourself a favor and start on them ASAP!




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[Rochelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 didn't disappoint me. I just couldn't stop reading it, I read it in one day. It was funny, cute, flattering again. What more can I ask for? This book has it all.

"The rest are gonna love you because I love you"
James Young is the kind of guy every woman wants. He's loyal, handsome, nice, romantic, caring, understanding... the list goes on.

"Love means taking a chance even if you're afraid. I will always be afraid to lose you, but I won't push you away anymore. I promise."
Marin could get really frustrating because of the decisions she made. At some point I forgot she was a couple therapist because she was really confused about this love/commitment thing. However I understood her and can relate to her in a way. I'm still young to marry anyone and I'm not planning on marrying anytime soon but I want to get married one day. I understood why getting married was a big deal for her even though I think she took the whole situation too far and started doubting her love for James. She was crazy at times but I guess love could do that to you.

"But no matter who's looking for me, I'll be looking to see you."
Once again the secondary characters were the best! They gave really good advice and I learned so much about love, life, relationships just by reading these two books. Holly was awesome and Marin did mention she was her best friend but Holly wasn't really around a lot, even in Book 1. I think Telly and Marin were closer and I loved their friendship. Telly was so funny and I love how careless she was and how she just wanted to have fun.


"You're my heart, you're my home, you're my one and only."
The thing is I couldn't stop reading until I find out what comes next. There wasn't a moment in this book where I was bored. I think everything was well described, there was no rush and it didn't leave me with questions at the end. Well except "What happens after their wedding? Will they have a book 3?" I seriously want a book 3. I still want to read more about Marin and of course gorgeous James.

As much as I want to talk about all the sweet and funny scenes, I don't want to spoil you guys. This book was awesome and I'm really hoping to re-read both books one day. I really want a book 3 because I fell in love with the characters a lot but if not, I'm seriously going to miss all of them.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was thrilled to be able to read the next book in this series!

Marin is not shy about the fact that she wants a wedding...soon. Things are going great with James and he is definitely the one for her. The problem is trying to get him to talk about marriage is turning out to be tougher than she thought.

An old friend brings Marin a book about getting a man to propose in just five steps. Seems crazy, right? It worked for the friend..but will it work for Marin and James?

The two end up buying their perfect dream house together and she thinks a proposal is in the works. But again and again she gets let down. A past flame comes back into her life which makes her question her decisions. When will it be her turn?

As always, Marin sticks to the rules and completes all the steps. Will she get exactly what she wants in the end?

I really love the characters in this series. I'd have to say my favorite is Marin's friend Telly, a tough lawyer with an appetite for any good looking guy who ends up with a situation that will totally change her life. Marin is very down to earth and extremely funny. James is an overall good guy who had a bad marriage in the past which I personally believe was the only thing keeping him from marrying Marin faster. I could totally relate to this story because my boyfriend of three years still doesn't like the topic of marriage. It's nice to see a story that deals with the not always so fun truth of the dating world.

5 stars!

[DJ Sakata · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite Quotes:

“Cooking was not my strong suit. I mostly used my kitchen to house the coffee.”

“I couldn’t decide whether I wanted to cry more or smile more. So I did both.”

“I promise to love you with an open, honest heart because you belong with me, and I belong with you, and nothing will ever change that.”

“It was one of those horrific, but amazing moments when you want to look away but can’t. How was her vagina ever gonna go back to normal size after that? Wait? How was my vagina ever gonna go back to normal size when I had a baby?”


My Review:

I believe I would enjoy hanging with Amanda Aksel, I like and admire her clever wit and sneaky sense of humor. She has a skill for making fun of her characters while also being insightful and partly serious. I relished reading The Commitment Test even more than her first novel of The Man Test, although both are smart, well written, and highly entertaining. I found the characters to be smart, endearing, likeable, and interesting, and I wanted the fairy tale to come true for them all, although I had a few anxious moments fearing it wouldn’t. Ms. Aksel kept me occupied and amused all day, as I could not seem to put my kindle down, even when I should have.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

So this is the continuation of Marin and James' story.
Marin desperately wants to get married. She loves James and she knows he is "the one" but he doesn't seem to be in a hurry to ask her to marry him. Why not?
James loves Marin but may be a little gun shy because of his divorce. As in the first book Marin again is given a book by a friend on how to get him to propose. At least this book seems a little more realistic than the Man test from book one.
I understand Marin's dilema on wanting to be be married and her friends asking why. Telling her she doesn't need it as James loves her and wants to buy a house with her.
I think the reason I like Amanda Aksei"s books is because they can ruin true to life. The feelings and concerns that Marin feels throughout this book are ones that anyone who hoped their boyfriend would propose to them can relate to. I do think at times that Marin may need to "grow up" but I also think it is harsh that others keep saying she is "old fashion" because she wants a marriage.
I must say one of my favorite scenes in this book is when James takes Marin through their new home.
This is a must read.

[Silvana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here we go again!-says one of Marin's best friends when she says what she intends to do.
Marin and James are couple two years. Exactly that James who Marin puts to a Man Test, now they are spend the time together. Everything is great,they are happy and perfect match. He is so thoughtful, patient, romantic and handsome. She is couple therapist and she thinks that her time is running and she and James should have their own family, get married and have kids. Marin thinks that proposal is here when James says that he wants to talk , besides it was Valentine's Day and what else she suppose to think. But James doesn't goes down one one bent knee, he just ask her to move together and instead ring he gives her earrings. Marin was disappointed, but not discouraged, she was persistent to get what she wants.

I don't expected that this could be series, but I'm not disappointed. I was read this book slowly with enjoyment and there is joy in every single page of it. A great story spiced with funny, warm and delighted events.
Marin and James are perfect couple and it was pleasant to read about their life. It was natural they to get married, but it wasn't easy. I laugh on Marin's funny way to make James to put a ring on her finger her ex boyfriend brings more exciting events in the book. I don't like him, but I like how things go, due to the author's writing skills.
Previous posted on Books are my life

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Commitment Test is the second contemporary novel about Marin, a therapist that tells others how to save their relationships, but doesn't necessarily know how to navigate her own.
Marin and James have been in a relationship for about two years already. Marin thinks it is time to start planning a wedding, but James is not even in the same hemisphere about that subject. James has been married before and just doesn't get why marriage is so important. He is in love with Marin, she's about to meet his parents and he even wants to take their relationship to the next level. The next step for James is just not the next natural step that Marin would like.
This book was the perfect contemporary romance. The author's writing shines through in this novel, even more than her last. I love the easy way she transitions from conversation to the normal scene explanations. It is seamless and on point.
"Some relationships fail after marriage. However, marriage doesn't ruin relationships, people ruin them and sometimes relationships ruin themselves."
An easy peasy novel with some funny scenes, quick wit and amazing character development. Amanda Askel is one of my favorite Indie authors. She knows how to steal a readers heart!

[Littles Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

With the same formula as the first book in the series, Ms. Aksel’s second book doesn’t fall short. Just as ingenious and cute, its flowing prose makes for another easy and quick read.

Marin wants a proposal and a ring, and that’s all she wants. When it doesn’t come when she expects it she isn’t sure it’s ever going to come. When all her friends start moving forward she sets up a plan to get James to propose. And it seems to be working up until her college boyfriend shows up and Marin has to choose between the life she wants and the man she wants.

Continue reading “The Commitment Test by Amanda Aksel” »

[Rosemary Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Commitment is a strange thing! It can be a man and woman pledging their love for each other in marriage. It could be two people commiting to purchase a house together. It could be a couple commiting to bringing a new life into the world, together.
Yeah, this series seems a little over the top, in needing a perfect engagement, followed by perfect wedding, followed by perfect life!
Unfortunately, there's very few things in life that are perfect!

[Danielle Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marin believes in happily ever after. As a couples therapist she helps to fight for it. And she wants it for herself. In the form of the house, white picket fence, husband and two kids. And she thinks she's about to get it. After all her birthday is on Valentine's Day. Why wouldn't her boyfriend James propose after being together two years? But sadly she gets her hopes up and begins to wonder if the ring will ever happen. And when her past shows up in her present she wonders if she is walking the right path at all.

I absolutely adore the relationship of James and Marin. Their relationship is definitely one that makes my heart flutter. I'm a sap that way. In a way I'm a lot like Marin. I believe in happy ever after. I believe in the whole package and the story. In The Man Test Marin put James through the test. Yes it was a stupid test and she should have been slapped for it, but in the end it worked out. Her and James are still together.

But for some reason it just isn't enough for Marin. Being with the man of her dreams isn't enough to make her happy. She has to have a ring to prove he loves her. But Marin isn't the only one that has been hurt. James has been deeply cut by a previous marriage (one that I am sad to say we still don't learn much about), so the idea of marriage freaks him out. Yet there is no doubt that he is madly in love with Marin.

Throughout The Commitment Test he shows her that she is always in his thoughts. But with Marin's eye on the ring, she doesn't see these moments of love. Instead she sees a fear of commitment.

Then suddenly it seems that everyone is getting married and having babies. But Marin is still just "dating." Despite almost losing James over a test in The Man Test Marin goes against her better judgement and puts James through another test. This was the point where I began to shake my head. I couldn't believe that she would do this, after almost losing him the first time. I wanted to grab her by the shoulders and shake the crap out of her. She was blind. Blinded by her desire for a stupid ring and a piece of paper that she was willing to manipulate the man she loved in order to get it. Yikes! She sounds like a terrible person when you put it that way.

But she really isn't. Although she definitely doesn't act like the 33 year old therapist that she is. Instead she acts a lot like a young twenty something bent on perfection. There were definitely quite a few times when I wanted to smack Marin in The Commitment Test, especially when someone from her past came back into her life. Oh my gosh, I wanted to smack my head on the wall, repeatedly. Amanda Aksel did good bringing that one in. But man it really pissed me off. Marin was definitely acting like a spoiled brat.

Luckily she has amazing friends, Telly, Holly, and Rachel and they told her that was exactly how she was acting. Go friends! All I can say is that if romantic, sweet, funny, cute, and generous James wasn't good enough for Marin then I would take him. Trust me you'll want to take him off Marin's hands too. James is definitely a keeper.

Amanda Aksel did a great job following up the story of James and Marin giving me exactly what I yearn for in a love story. I felt their love leap off the pages and it was as if I was watching their story on the big screen. I actually imagine The Commitment Test being the sequel to How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.

The Commitment Test was an excellent story of love and life. Being courageous and taking steps to be happy. No matter the choice. Overall it had a great message. Not that love conquers all, but courage does. It takes courage to make decisions and move on. To go after what you want. And it was courage that set Marin free.

I really enjoyed the second book in The Marin Test. Amanda Aksel definitely hit it out of the park with this one. I enjoyed it more than the first one. This is definitely one that you need to read for yourself. It's fun and adorable! Great combo.

*Received a free copy in exchange for an honest review

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Commitment Test is book 2 after the first book, The Man Test, and this book completes this perfect duo. You don't need to read Book One, but it sure does make this story better if you do. This book continues on with Marin and James' love story, although it seems rocky at times, especially when James doesn’t propose on Valentine’s Day, the day Marin is positive he is going to propose, about a million things go through her head. Everything is perfect for them, especially after The Man Test, so what happened? What went wrong? Why did he not propose?
You don't know what's going to happen when along comes her old college boyfriend up in HER town! This was pretty amazing!
There is some fun humor written in this book, but it is greatly needed at times for poor Marin, who doesn’t think she’ll ever get engaged, let alone get married! Shall we say Type A personality?! Marin likes things to go as planned, and when they don’t, she somewhat falls apart, and this is where the author’s strong secondary characters come in to play.
This was a fun book to read, not a dull moment to it. This author knows how to entertain her readers while writing a solid, enjoyable story. Pick up a copy of this one for this Valentine's Day this weekend! You'll love it!

I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Julie Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love reading romance - keep an eye on this writer. She's writing a series and has a great main character.

I had the pleasure of reading an early copy of Amanda Aksel’s The Commitment Test and enjoyed it very much. Marin Johns, the main character, is an intriguing character to read because she’s not only a couple’s therapist, she’s also sorting out love issues in her own life. I loved reading from her point-of-view because she’s refreshingly honest but sometimes naïve which makes her so relatable as a main character.

Marin has a great posse of friends around her and many of them have their own questions of love to sort out. This collection of supporting characters is one of the many strengths of the novel because they provide interesting sub-plots and story arcs that compliment and compete with Marin’s interests. When an old flame enters the picture, Marin must make some heavy choices.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

🙃I love and so sympathize with Marin; what a great read!😃

👍👍 💙💍👥
I was sucked into this realistic drama, the sequel to Aksel's fine novel the Man Test. Of the two, this one hit me more emotionally. Marin has her man now but wrestles with her need for💍 more. I could so identify with her, especially when she watches changes in the lives of her closest friends and worries what future has in store for her-- husband, home, kids? The 💙 romantic moments are peppered with Marin's insecurities and uncertainties about whether her life with James will be enough. James surprises her again and again but not necessarily in a good way! Blast from the past ex-boyfriend Jack's reappearance added that extra touch of drama.

The writing is superb and I was heavily invested in the characters, both lead and secondary. It's not all rainbows and roses but that made the happy conclusion all the better!😃.

[Rae Latte · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Commitment Test (The Marin Test Series Book 2) by Amanda Aksel is a fresh and insightful look at how far one woman is willing to go to ensure her boyfriend proposes.

While this book can be read without reading The Man Test (Book 1) in the series, I recommend reading them in order so that you have a better understanding of Marin and her friends.

I received this ARC from the author for a fair and honest review.

For a detailed review please check out my blog at Books I Love A Latte

[Maria Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Getting married

I needed to read a light refreshing story and this tale is just that. Marin is back with James whom she cares for deeply, but she feels incomplete because she has not yet gotten engaged to be married. James has asked her to move in together and wants them to buy a house, but no proposal. When she demands time away and they both realize how much they love each other is when the proposal comes.

[Cory Spollen]

Love this series!

I could not put this book down! I can't wait to read more of Marin's adventure in book 3! It was a fun summer read. I laughed and I cried, perfect! Mrs. Aksel, you have done it again!

[Sheelagh Regan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable series

Great characters enjoyable plot a good follow up to book one in the series can’t wait to see what happens in book 3

[Gianna M. Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!

[Vicki Zeikus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read it yet!