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The Valentine Challenge
Stacey Bradford believes in love, but when her hot boss, Marshall Royce, decides to close her best friend's flower shop - days before Valentine's Day! - Stacey declares war.
Intrigued by Stacey's devotion to her friend, the hearts and flowers holiday, and belief in true love, Marsh issues a challenge - prove love exists or deliver the closing documents to her friend herself.
Stacey never could resist a challenge, but when Marsh makes Valentine's Day the deadline for their deal, Stacey must decide how far she's willing to go for love.
63 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 12, 2013
16 people are currently reading
475 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
December 31, 2019
This was super cute and short!
The MC couple was fun to read about.
Stacey Bradford needs to get a new job and if she needs to become the personal secretary to the hotty who fires everyone and never sleeps with anyone at work, she can deal with it. The problem is convincing him to give her a chance. Then they officially meet and her plans are all going to hell.
Stacey believes in romance. She wants Marshall to fall in love with her and she is going to show him that he can. A date at the Clevelander in South Beach is the right ambiance for him to see her in a new light.
Marshall Royce doesn't date at work. He doesn't want a commitment. Then, Stacey becomes his personal secretary and he must make a decision about enforcing the rules or breaking them.
I love this short story. Things move fast but there is no other way to do it in a book of this length.
Cliffhanger: No
3.75/5 Fangs
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March 1, 2013
4.5 Stars
The Valentine Challenge is exactly what you want from a romance novella and I have to say it’s one of the best ones I’ve read in a while.
Stacey is in a temporary position trying to make things permanent, but her would-be boss is fighting her filling the position. Marshall doesn’t want an assistant that will distract him and Stacey is gorgeous. Marshall expects that she’ll be throwing herself at him but instead finds her indignant and insulted that he would think that. Plus, Stacey has just found out Marshall intends to put her best friend’s floral store out of business and she’s thoroughly ticked! She makes it her goal to save her friend’s business, but Marshall gives Stacey a challenge that could jeopardize her heart.
I love romances that start out antagonistic. The push and pull is so much fun and creates delicious sexual tension. It’s so much more rewarding when they finally give in to the desires they’ve had all along! This story had just the right amount of spice to bring up the heat but not too much that it overwhelmed the story. Here’s an example of some of that tension:
“In your note to me, you said you don’t date your staff.”
He swallowed. “I don’t.”
“This is a date.”
He shook his head. “This is a…”
She wrinkled her nose at him and waited while he paused.
He grinned. “Okay.”
“Okay? That’s your answer?” She stepped into his personal space. “I want you to say it.”
She couldn’t read his expression as he regarded her for a long moment. When his hand wrapped around her upper arm, she let him tug her toward him. His words brushed over her cheek. “Date. This is a date.”
Romance novellas are very tricky because the author has such a short time to grab your attention, make you swoon, and make it believable. Marisa Cleveland did an excellent job on all counts and I’ll be looking for her work in the future!
A copy of this was provided by Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
The Valentine Challenge is exactly what you want from a romance novella and I have to say it’s one of the best ones I’ve read in a while.
Stacey is in a temporary position trying to make things permanent, but her would-be boss is fighting her filling the position. Marshall doesn’t want an assistant that will distract him and Stacey is gorgeous. Marshall expects that she’ll be throwing herself at him but instead finds her indignant and insulted that he would think that. Plus, Stacey has just found out Marshall intends to put her best friend’s floral store out of business and she’s thoroughly ticked! She makes it her goal to save her friend’s business, but Marshall gives Stacey a challenge that could jeopardize her heart.
I love romances that start out antagonistic. The push and pull is so much fun and creates delicious sexual tension. It’s so much more rewarding when they finally give in to the desires they’ve had all along! This story had just the right amount of spice to bring up the heat but not too much that it overwhelmed the story. Here’s an example of some of that tension:
“In your note to me, you said you don’t date your staff.”
He swallowed. “I don’t.”
“This is a date.”
He shook his head. “This is a…”
She wrinkled her nose at him and waited while he paused.
He grinned. “Okay.”
“Okay? That’s your answer?” She stepped into his personal space. “I want you to say it.”
She couldn’t read his expression as he regarded her for a long moment. When his hand wrapped around her upper arm, she let him tug her toward him. His words brushed over her cheek. “Date. This is a date.”
Romance novellas are very tricky because the author has such a short time to grab your attention, make you swoon, and make it believable. Marisa Cleveland did an excellent job on all counts and I’ll be looking for her work in the future!
A copy of this was provided by Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
February 20, 2013
I'm a huge fan of books that can tell a complete and entertaining story and still give me time to get things done...or let me get to sleep before 3 a.m. I read this for Valentine's Day (while eating chocolate-covered strawberries) and it put a smile on my face and was a great pick-me-up. Stacey was so relatable... and I liked the honesty between her and Marshall. This wasn't one of those books where they spend the whole time wondering if the other person wants them. They were both upfront about that. It was a well-told story that you can read in a bubble bath (with a plastic bag over your ereader--safety first when it comes to books) or in a waiting room. I loved it. A full story in a flirty size. Perfect to warm you up and have you looking for your significant other.
February 15, 2013
The Valentine Challenge is a cute, quick romance that can be enjoyed all year long. It makes the reader want to visit South Beach for a night out on the town. Highly recommended!
March 14, 2013
Although Valentine's Day was long past I couldn't say no to The Valentine Challenge when I read its blurb. I pictured it to be a short and cute read and it was that and much more.
I won't repeat the premise of the story since you can read it above, let me just tell you that Marisa Cleveland's smooth and captivating writing style sucked me in instantly and I devoured the pages without wanting to come back for air, I needed to know what would happen next with Stacey and Marsh much more than any lunch or bathroom break.
I found both character charming in their own way (to be exact Stacey was lovely as the reader could easily understand and relate to her, while Marsh was a wonderful dark and brooding hero :-), and their chemistry was off the charts (that scene at the bar had me shivering with all the delicious sexual tension between them)!
Verdict: The Valentine Challenge was a lovely, well written story that I savoured until about 70%, it was a clear 5 stars story until the big crisis/insta-love/resolution of their crisis. I wasn't blown away with the ending and the resolution of their problem, even if the last sentence was a great way to end the story as it made me smile and chuckle. I just wish the story were longer so the author would have had more time to develop the crisis and its resolution better. Marisa Cleveland has a great writing style and I can't wait to read more stories of hers, hopefully full novel length ones!
I seriously urge you to try this novella, I'm sure it will surprise you!
Plot: 9/10
Characters: 8/10
Writing: 9/10
Ending: 7/10
Cover: 8/10
I give The Valentine Challenge 4.5 stars!
I won't repeat the premise of the story since you can read it above, let me just tell you that Marisa Cleveland's smooth and captivating writing style sucked me in instantly and I devoured the pages without wanting to come back for air, I needed to know what would happen next with Stacey and Marsh much more than any lunch or bathroom break.
I found both character charming in their own way (to be exact Stacey was lovely as the reader could easily understand and relate to her, while Marsh was a wonderful dark and brooding hero :-), and their chemistry was off the charts (that scene at the bar had me shivering with all the delicious sexual tension between them)!
Verdict: The Valentine Challenge was a lovely, well written story that I savoured until about 70%, it was a clear 5 stars story until the big crisis/insta-love/resolution of their crisis. I wasn't blown away with the ending and the resolution of their problem, even if the last sentence was a great way to end the story as it made me smile and chuckle. I just wish the story were longer so the author would have had more time to develop the crisis and its resolution better. Marisa Cleveland has a great writing style and I can't wait to read more stories of hers, hopefully full novel length ones!
I seriously urge you to try this novella, I'm sure it will surprise you!
Plot: 9/10
Characters: 8/10
Writing: 9/10
Ending: 7/10
Cover: 8/10
I give The Valentine Challenge 4.5 stars!
March 8, 2013
The Valentine Challenge is a delightful tale of romance in the workplace. Marisa Cleveland does an excellent job of crafting a sexy story that grabs your attention from the very first page. Her talent for writing is evident in this thoroughly enjoyable novella filled with hot chemistry and sexual tension. The writing is clear, the dialogue witty, and the plot flows smoothly. The story heats up from the very beginning and doesn’t stop until the end.
The characters are engaging and believable. Marshall, a man used to women throwing themselves at him, finds Stacey’s indignation and sass a refreshing change. Stacey, incensed that Marshall would close her friend’s floral shop right before Valentine’s Day, makes it her mission to change Marshall’s mind. So when Marshall issues a challenge that she can’t pass up, Stacey has to decide just how far she’s willing to go for friendship.
The attraction between Marshall and Stacey is sizzling and will have you anxiously awaiting their happily ever after as you follow Stacey on her quest to prove that love does exist.
The Valentine Challenge will capture your attention and have you reading until the end. This is one novella you don’t want to miss.
I received a copy of this book from Entangled Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
Janna Shay
Author of Fair Play
The characters are engaging and believable. Marshall, a man used to women throwing themselves at him, finds Stacey’s indignation and sass a refreshing change. Stacey, incensed that Marshall would close her friend’s floral shop right before Valentine’s Day, makes it her mission to change Marshall’s mind. So when Marshall issues a challenge that she can’t pass up, Stacey has to decide just how far she’s willing to go for friendship.
The attraction between Marshall and Stacey is sizzling and will have you anxiously awaiting their happily ever after as you follow Stacey on her quest to prove that love does exist.
The Valentine Challenge will capture your attention and have you reading until the end. This is one novella you don’t want to miss.
I received a copy of this book from Entangled Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
Janna Shay
Author of Fair Play
March 21, 2013
Cute story - quick read. Stacey overhears the HR director plugging her credentials to Marsh for his assistant position. He is quick to say he isn't interested - but not for the usual reasons. He doesn't want another young, pretty assistant. Seems they tend to make a play for him and he refuses to date coworkers. Stacey is desperate for the job and is intent on proving him wrong.
In order to help save her friend's business, Stacey has fallen into an unlikely wager with Marsh. She must prove true love exists and that he will fall in love. Marsh is challenged by Stacey because she doesn't back down and doesn't fawn all over him like past assistants. Even though her friend's business isn't as close to the chopping block that Stacey thinks it is, he decides to go along with the bet as well.
Cute one for around Valentine's Day. Could easily be expanded into a book, flesh out the characters some more - have Stacey and Marsh have a few more misunderstandings. I like the combination of humor and desire - makes your pulse race.
In order to help save her friend's business, Stacey has fallen into an unlikely wager with Marsh. She must prove true love exists and that he will fall in love. Marsh is challenged by Stacey because she doesn't back down and doesn't fawn all over him like past assistants. Even though her friend's business isn't as close to the chopping block that Stacey thinks it is, he decides to go along with the bet as well.
Cute one for around Valentine's Day. Could easily be expanded into a book, flesh out the characters some more - have Stacey and Marsh have a few more misunderstandings. I like the combination of humor and desire - makes your pulse race.
October 1, 2014
3.5 stars
I am behind on my reading challenge, so I'm cheating by trying to get a few novellas read quickly to try to catch up!
The Valentine Challenge was a cute, quick, and fun read. Although extremely unbelievable, I did enjoy it and was able to read it in less than an hour.
Stacy Bradford is down on her luck. After being traumatized by a gunman, she quit her job at the bank and is now working as an admin for the handsome and commitment phobic, Marshall Royce. When Stacy learns that Marshall's company is preparing to cut off funding for her best-friends flower shop, she is willing to do whatever to save it. She challenges Marshall to a bet. If Marshall falls in love before Valentine's Day, the flower shop will be saved.
I love "bet" romances, and this was cute. It's very far-fetched to believe true love can really happen in just a few days, but this book made me want to believe it! A fun story that takes little time commitment.
I am behind on my reading challenge, so I'm cheating by trying to get a few novellas read quickly to try to catch up!
The Valentine Challenge was a cute, quick, and fun read. Although extremely unbelievable, I did enjoy it and was able to read it in less than an hour.
Stacy Bradford is down on her luck. After being traumatized by a gunman, she quit her job at the bank and is now working as an admin for the handsome and commitment phobic, Marshall Royce. When Stacy learns that Marshall's company is preparing to cut off funding for her best-friends flower shop, she is willing to do whatever to save it. She challenges Marshall to a bet. If Marshall falls in love before Valentine's Day, the flower shop will be saved.
I love "bet" romances, and this was cute. It's very far-fetched to believe true love can really happen in just a few days, but this book made me want to believe it! A fun story that takes little time commitment.
March 23, 2013
4 stars- a fast, satisfying read
Sometimes it's nice to to enjoy a quickie! That's what this book is. A satisfying challenge to overcome without long drawn out angst. Read this one in an hour.
Marshal is the gorgeous guy that Stacey finds herself working for. He doesn't want her working for him. He'd rather have her in his bed but he doesn't date staff.
Stacey sees past his good looks and challenges him. Not just with the official challenge but with her outspoken determined opinions. She's attracted, no doubt about it, even if she doesn't want to be.
We get to see a glimpse of these two in this novella, enough to know where their headed. I enjoyed the story. Not insta-love but insta-attraction.
This one is adult romance and definitely worth a read.
Sometimes it's nice to to enjoy a quickie! That's what this book is. A satisfying challenge to overcome without long drawn out angst. Read this one in an hour.
Marshal is the gorgeous guy that Stacey finds herself working for. He doesn't want her working for him. He'd rather have her in his bed but he doesn't date staff.
Stacey sees past his good looks and challenges him. Not just with the official challenge but with her outspoken determined opinions. She's attracted, no doubt about it, even if she doesn't want to be.
We get to see a glimpse of these two in this novella, enough to know where their headed. I enjoyed the story. Not insta-love but insta-attraction.
This one is adult romance and definitely worth a read.
April 15, 2013
I really enjoyed The Valentine Challenge. Loved Stacey and Marsh and especially enjoyed the quick dialogue. This story moved right along and didn't disappoint. I won't spoil anything, but I absolutely loved the ending...I'm still smiling. This is a keeper. I know for sure I'll be revisiting this story again :) Thanks for an hour well spent Marisa Cleveland!!!
July 22, 2013
Cute, fun, fast-paced read with great character banter back and forth. Loved the misunderstandings the characters had about one another. Lots of sexual and emotional tension that kept me turning the pages!
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February 22, 2013I was really disappointed with this novella. The concept was so adorable, and the opening pages were very well-written, and really drew me into the story (which is why I'm giving 2 stars, and not just one). I think Marisa Cleveland has great potential as a writer, and this story, if given the time to develop (in full-novel length, perhaps), would be really fun. But the quick shift from attraction to "love" was totally unbelievable. Really? Who falls into bed with a near-perfect stranger and comes out the other side with an epic love-of-a-lifetime?
Personally, I prefer a romance that's heavier on the *romance* and not so much on the fall-into-bed-together-at-the-first-sign-of-attraction, so I admit, I probably went into this novella with false expectations. For those who enjoy the steamy (though somewhat contrived) sex followed by insta-love trope, this story might be a winner.
Personally, I prefer a romance that's heavier on the *romance* and not so much on the fall-into-bed-together-at-the-first-sign-of-attraction, so I admit, I probably went into this novella with false expectations. For those who enjoy the steamy (though somewhat contrived) sex followed by insta-love trope, this story might be a winner.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2013
I really hope this is a series. I would love to hear more about the rest of the clan. A great fun short read. I can't wait for more from this author!
December 31, 2024
The Valentine Challenge is a good holiday romance. The author did a great job setting up a deliciously antagonistic romance. Stacey Bradford is a likeable character, however, I was not impressed with Marshall Royce. I didn't like him at first due to the arrogance and rudeness. The book includes classic misunderstandings and finding love when you least expect it. Stacey and Marshall have amazing chemistry and the author did a good job crafting this short story.
December 1, 2023
Fun little story to read! I do think it has a lot of potential to be a novel. I like reading fast paced books, but this was a little too fast. She fell in loge with him in two pages, and he broke his year old “rule” for her in 3 days or smth.
But besides it was fun to read!
But besides it was fun to read!
September 14, 2018
3.5stars.
May 23, 2020
I LIKE THIS BOOK.
January 13, 2021
All I can say is Wow. This book is wonderful and I am so grateful to have read it.
April 25, 2023
Truly awful writing and cringey everything.
April 14, 2024
This gave me nothing.
February 27, 2013
Reviewed for Read Your Writes Book Reviews
www.readyourwrites.blogspot.com
I have to admit, I have mixed feelings regarding this book. I'm teetering between liking it and not liking it. I think that has to do with me not fully connecting with the characters the first time I read the book.
Stacey Bradford has a story that no one really knows about. She's thirty-years-old and has a bachelor’s degree in finance. Up until recently, she had a steady work history. Now, she lives with her best friend, Frannie Frills, and has had three jobs in the last three months.
Marshall Royce is the IT Director for Dimistar Enterprises. Marshall (Marsh) has a history of NOT being able to keep assistants because they keep hitting on him. I KNOW that makes him sound bad, but he really isn’t a bad/arrogant jerk. He has a strict policy of not dating people who work for him.
Frannie’s florist shop isn’t turning a profit and the business is being looked at by the Dimistar Enterprises advisory board in an attempt to see what to do about it. Dimistar just happens to be the company which granted Frannie financing to start her business. Stacey discovers that her new boss, Marshall, is on the advisory board and tries to persuade him to not close Frannie’s shop. One of Stacey’s ideas is to make Marshall believe in love. Her thought is if he believes in love, then there’s no way he will vote to close a florist just days before Valentine’s Day.
The Valentine Challenge is a short story about what happens when you don’t have all the facts and jump to conclusions and what happens when love finds you and you aren’t looking for it.
Rating: 3.5
Source: Personal Purchase
www.readyourwrites.blogspot.com
I have to admit, I have mixed feelings regarding this book. I'm teetering between liking it and not liking it. I think that has to do with me not fully connecting with the characters the first time I read the book.
Stacey Bradford has a story that no one really knows about. She's thirty-years-old and has a bachelor’s degree in finance. Up until recently, she had a steady work history. Now, she lives with her best friend, Frannie Frills, and has had three jobs in the last three months.
Marshall Royce is the IT Director for Dimistar Enterprises. Marshall (Marsh) has a history of NOT being able to keep assistants because they keep hitting on him. I KNOW that makes him sound bad, but he really isn’t a bad/arrogant jerk. He has a strict policy of not dating people who work for him.
Frannie’s florist shop isn’t turning a profit and the business is being looked at by the Dimistar Enterprises advisory board in an attempt to see what to do about it. Dimistar just happens to be the company which granted Frannie financing to start her business. Stacey discovers that her new boss, Marshall, is on the advisory board and tries to persuade him to not close Frannie’s shop. One of Stacey’s ideas is to make Marshall believe in love. Her thought is if he believes in love, then there’s no way he will vote to close a florist just days before Valentine’s Day.
The Valentine Challenge is a short story about what happens when you don’t have all the facts and jump to conclusions and what happens when love finds you and you aren’t looking for it.
Rating: 3.5
Source: Personal Purchase
March 9, 2013
I actually read this on Valentine's Day, which was a real treat! The short story fit perfect into my busy schedule and left a smile on my face (as I hoped it would.)
I was especially pleased that the main characters didn't experience the instant 'I'm in love' as so often found in romance novellas, but that Mrs. Cleveland took the time to let it develop into simple physical attraction (which left me blushing), and then the friendship that leads to true love.
Of course, the story plot could have gone deeper and progressed further, and the characters explored more, but that sort of kills the benefits of a novella.
I truly enjoyed reading it and plan on diving into it again.
I was especially pleased that the main characters didn't experience the instant 'I'm in love' as so often found in romance novellas, but that Mrs. Cleveland took the time to let it develop into simple physical attraction (which left me blushing), and then the friendship that leads to true love.
Of course, the story plot could have gone deeper and progressed further, and the characters explored more, but that sort of kills the benefits of a novella.
I truly enjoyed reading it and plan on diving into it again.
February 9, 2016
This little novella is everything you could possibly want from a holiday romance. The relationship between Stacey and Marsh starts off antagonistic, so there’s a delicious sexual tension brewing from the very start. It’s just sexy enough, without being over the top, and is sure to please romance fans looking for a quick read. Despite being a novella, this story is just enough to grab the readers; attention and leave them wanting more.
February 25, 2013
This is the first contemporary romance I’ve read in a while, and I was pleasantly surprised. For a novella, this author did a nice job introducing the South Beach series, and I can’t wait for the next book to come out. Will definitely buy it!
April 8, 2013
Read this on the plane on the way to the Bahamas. Perfect little getaway while heading to my getaway. LOL
June 23, 2015
I'm surprised this short story got such high ratings. Maybe it's just me but I didn't think it was all that great. It was 'meh' at best.
September 8, 2015
3.5 stars
April 7, 2014
Short, sweet, and sizzlin'! A workplace romance at it's hottest. Super fun read!
December 30, 2014
I liked this because it was different then most stories. I really liked the plot, characters, and ending!
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August 27, 20152.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews