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Home to Oak Hollow #4
A Marriage of Benefits
She’s buying a husband
And he’s buying a…dog?
Veterinarian Jessica Talbot wants to build a clinic and wildlife rescue. She could access her trust fund, but there’s a caveat—to get the money, Jessica needs a husband. When she learns Officer Jake Carter needs funding to buy and train his own K-9 partner, Jessica proposes. Jake is shocked, but he agrees—only for the money. It’s the perfect plan—if only Jessica can avoid falling for her husband…and vice-versa!
And he’s buying a…dog?
Veterinarian Jessica Talbot wants to build a clinic and wildlife rescue. She could access her trust fund, but there’s a caveat—to get the money, Jessica needs a husband. When she learns Officer Jake Carter needs funding to buy and train his own K-9 partner, Jessica proposes. Jake is shocked, but he agrees—only for the money. It’s the perfect plan—if only Jessica can avoid falling for her husband…and vice-versa!
281 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 3, 2022
13 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Makenna Lee
57 books352 followersMakenna Lee is an award-winning romance author living in the Texas Hill Country with her real-life hero and their two children, one of whom has Down syndrome and inspired her first Harlequin book, A Sheriff’s Star. She writes heartwarming contemporary romance that celebrates real-life challenges and the power of love and acceptance. She has been known to make people laugh and cry in the same book. Makenna is often drinking coffee with a cat on her lap while writing, reading, or plotting a new story. You might also find her studying herbal medicine or listening to Celtic music. Her wish is to write books that touch your heart, making you feel, think, and dream.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 25, 2022
Author : Makenna Lee
A MARRIAGE OF BENEFITS
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
(Home to Oak Hollow Book 4)
Description:
She’s buying a husband
And he’s buying a…dog?
Veterinarian Jessica Talbot wants to build a clinic and wildlife rescue. She could access her trust fund, but there’s a caveat—to get the money, Jessica needs a husband. When she learns Officer Jake Carter needs funding to buy and train his own K-9 partner, Jessica proposes. Jake is shocked, but he agrees—only for the money. It’s the perfect plan—if only Jessica can avoid falling for her husband…and vice-versa!
From Harlequin Special Edition: Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.
Home to Oak Hollow
Book 1: A Sheriff's Star
Book 2: In the Key of Family
Book 3: A Child's Christmas Wish
Book 4: A Marriage of Benefits
💕💍MY REVIEW💕💍
First of all i want to say i laughed so much at the description
She’s buying a husband
And he’s buying a…dog !
It was so great to be back in the town i would love to live in Oak Hollow. This is a really great series with such loveable characters in each book. I have loved them all and i loved this one too. A MARRIAGE OF BENEFITS is a well-written story that will have you turning pages as you fall in love with the characters Jake Carter and Jessica Talbot. If you are like me, you won’t be able to stop until you know what happens between them. The Happily Ever After at the end was beautiful and so much worth it!
You can easily read this story as a stand alone, but if you are looking for an awesome series start at the beginning. Makenna Lee is a wonderful author and you really can not go wrong with any of her books.
A MARRIAGE OF BENEFITS
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
(Home to Oak Hollow Book 4)
Description:
She’s buying a husband
And he’s buying a…dog?
Veterinarian Jessica Talbot wants to build a clinic and wildlife rescue. She could access her trust fund, but there’s a caveat—to get the money, Jessica needs a husband. When she learns Officer Jake Carter needs funding to buy and train his own K-9 partner, Jessica proposes. Jake is shocked, but he agrees—only for the money. It’s the perfect plan—if only Jessica can avoid falling for her husband…and vice-versa!
From Harlequin Special Edition: Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.
Home to Oak Hollow
Book 1: A Sheriff's Star
Book 2: In the Key of Family
Book 3: A Child's Christmas Wish
Book 4: A Marriage of Benefits
💕💍MY REVIEW💕💍
First of all i want to say i laughed so much at the description
She’s buying a husband
And he’s buying a…dog !
It was so great to be back in the town i would love to live in Oak Hollow. This is a really great series with such loveable characters in each book. I have loved them all and i loved this one too. A MARRIAGE OF BENEFITS is a well-written story that will have you turning pages as you fall in love with the characters Jake Carter and Jessica Talbot. If you are like me, you won’t be able to stop until you know what happens between them. The Happily Ever After at the end was beautiful and so much worth it!
You can easily read this story as a stand alone, but if you are looking for an awesome series start at the beginning. Makenna Lee is a wonderful author and you really can not go wrong with any of her books.
April 14, 2022
Good book that kept me hooked from beginning to end. Interestingly, this is the second contemporary "marriage of convenience" book I've read this month. I'm used to this trope in historical romance, but not as much in modern-day stories.
Jessica left her job with a high-end veterinary practice in Hollywood after a humiliating breakup with her boyfriend. When she ran into the vet from Oak Hollow, Texas, at a conference and learned he was retiring, she decided to go there. She and her dad used to vacation in Oak Hollow, so she has fond memories of the place. And when she learns the ranch they used to stay at is for sale, it seems that karma was finally on her side. The ranch purchase has left her stretched a little thin financially, but she'll dip into her trust fund when she's ready to start building her clinic.
On her first day there, Jessica has a flat tire on her way into town. She's just finished changing it when a truck pulling a horse trailer stops. The handsome cop who steps out to see if she's okay is surprised that she managed on her own but respects her abilities. Jessica is a bit grease-stained and disheveled by this time and wishes she'd taken the time to dress better for the trip. When she recognizes the cop as her childhood crush, Jake Carter, she's so flustered that she trips over a root, causing Jake to try to help. They both end up on the ground. Jessica's embarrassed, and Jake leaves quickly to spare her.
Fate isn't done with Jessica and Jake. When Jessica gets the disturbing news that she must be married to draw extra money from her trust fund, she goes job hunting instead. Her first "interview" is as a waitress at the local diner, where the owner has her try waiting on a table. She's flustered again when one of the customers is Jake and proceeds to spill three cups of coffee off her tray - right onto his lap. Trouble comes in threes, and the next time she sees him is when she scoops a turtle out of the middle of the road - as he is driving down the street and has to swerve to miss her. Poor Jessica can't catch a break.
Jake is intrigued by "Mystery Woman," who looks familiar and can't keep out of his mind. He finally remembers who she is and the summers they knew each other. But as interested as he is, he's been burned in one relationship which took off quickly, and he's not about to make the same mistake. Besides, he'll be headed back to Dallas once the K-9 trainer job he wants opens up. He only came back to Oak Hollow to help his dad recover from his heart attack. He has enough on his mind helping around the house and with the expenses. Jake also dreams of getting a pup he can train as a K-9.
It was fun to watch Jessica and Jake reconnect as friends. Jessica is determined to redeem herself from those initial encounters, but those attempts don't go entirely as intended. Then she overhears him talking about the cost of a trained K-9, which the Oakwood PD can't afford, and the bills due from his father's medical expenses. Jessica gets the brilliant idea of proposing a marriage of convenience to Jake. She'll get the money she needs and give him what he needs for his dad and the dog. Jake is aghast at the idea but, on further reflection, sees that it might work - with specific rules in place.
I loved that both Jessica and Jake see the potential pitfalls but won't back out once committed because they don't want to mess things up for the other one. I enjoyed the scenes of them spending time together, getting to know each other, and putting on a show to convince others that they were falling for each other. The elopement sequence was sweet and a little steamy as they fought their growing attraction. It only gets worse once they are living together. Jessica's aunt's visit brings the simmering attraction to a full boil. Jessica realizes that she's already in too deep to protect her heart, and Jake begins to believe the same.
What happens when the Dallas job opens sooner than Jake expects and he's no longer sure what he wants to do? Then his helicopter mama, who is far too involved in his business as a thirty-year-old man, sticks her nose in where it doesn't belong? I hurt for Jessica, who loves Jake too much to get in the way of his dreams and "helps" him the only way she knows how. Thank goodness for friends who know when not to keep a secret. I loved the ending and seeing them so happy.
I loved being back in Oak Hollow and catching up with characters from the earlier books. I especially enjoyed the sweet scenes with little Hannah, Lily, and Cody. Jessica fit right in with the other women, and I liked seeing her renew her childhood friendship with Emma.
Jessica left her job with a high-end veterinary practice in Hollywood after a humiliating breakup with her boyfriend. When she ran into the vet from Oak Hollow, Texas, at a conference and learned he was retiring, she decided to go there. She and her dad used to vacation in Oak Hollow, so she has fond memories of the place. And when she learns the ranch they used to stay at is for sale, it seems that karma was finally on her side. The ranch purchase has left her stretched a little thin financially, but she'll dip into her trust fund when she's ready to start building her clinic.
On her first day there, Jessica has a flat tire on her way into town. She's just finished changing it when a truck pulling a horse trailer stops. The handsome cop who steps out to see if she's okay is surprised that she managed on her own but respects her abilities. Jessica is a bit grease-stained and disheveled by this time and wishes she'd taken the time to dress better for the trip. When she recognizes the cop as her childhood crush, Jake Carter, she's so flustered that she trips over a root, causing Jake to try to help. They both end up on the ground. Jessica's embarrassed, and Jake leaves quickly to spare her.
Fate isn't done with Jessica and Jake. When Jessica gets the disturbing news that she must be married to draw extra money from her trust fund, she goes job hunting instead. Her first "interview" is as a waitress at the local diner, where the owner has her try waiting on a table. She's flustered again when one of the customers is Jake and proceeds to spill three cups of coffee off her tray - right onto his lap. Trouble comes in threes, and the next time she sees him is when she scoops a turtle out of the middle of the road - as he is driving down the street and has to swerve to miss her. Poor Jessica can't catch a break.
Jake is intrigued by "Mystery Woman," who looks familiar and can't keep out of his mind. He finally remembers who she is and the summers they knew each other. But as interested as he is, he's been burned in one relationship which took off quickly, and he's not about to make the same mistake. Besides, he'll be headed back to Dallas once the K-9 trainer job he wants opens up. He only came back to Oak Hollow to help his dad recover from his heart attack. He has enough on his mind helping around the house and with the expenses. Jake also dreams of getting a pup he can train as a K-9.
It was fun to watch Jessica and Jake reconnect as friends. Jessica is determined to redeem herself from those initial encounters, but those attempts don't go entirely as intended. Then she overhears him talking about the cost of a trained K-9, which the Oakwood PD can't afford, and the bills due from his father's medical expenses. Jessica gets the brilliant idea of proposing a marriage of convenience to Jake. She'll get the money she needs and give him what he needs for his dad and the dog. Jake is aghast at the idea but, on further reflection, sees that it might work - with specific rules in place.
I loved that both Jessica and Jake see the potential pitfalls but won't back out once committed because they don't want to mess things up for the other one. I enjoyed the scenes of them spending time together, getting to know each other, and putting on a show to convince others that they were falling for each other. The elopement sequence was sweet and a little steamy as they fought their growing attraction. It only gets worse once they are living together. Jessica's aunt's visit brings the simmering attraction to a full boil. Jessica realizes that she's already in too deep to protect her heart, and Jake begins to believe the same.
What happens when the Dallas job opens sooner than Jake expects and he's no longer sure what he wants to do? Then his helicopter mama, who is far too involved in his business as a thirty-year-old man, sticks her nose in where it doesn't belong? I hurt for Jessica, who loves Jake too much to get in the way of his dreams and "helps" him the only way she knows how. Thank goodness for friends who know when not to keep a secret. I loved the ending and seeing them so happy.
I loved being back in Oak Hollow and catching up with characters from the earlier books. I especially enjoyed the sweet scenes with little Hannah, Lily, and Cody. Jessica fit right in with the other women, and I liked seeing her renew her childhood friendship with Emma.
March 2, 2022
Did you say marriage of convenience ? I'm in!
Jessica and her cat Oliver are moving in the Williams ranch, a place she used to visit for summer vacations when she was younger. Her plan is to open a veterinary clinic and wildlife rescue. She thought she could take the money in her trust fund for her life projects but as soon as she arrives in Oak Hollow, she learn there's a catch in her father's will. To access the money, she have to be married. But when she hear that officer Jake Carter, her teenage crush, and the man she always end up acting like a klutz around, needs money to add a K-9 unit to the police department, she sees an opportunity for both of them to get what they want. But maybe they'll get more than they bargained for?
It's my fourth time saying it, but it's always a pleasure being in the fictional town of Oak Hollow. I meet endearing characters and the romances are so satisfying. I love that Jessica is talking to her cat as if he's a friend and Jake looking out for his dad after he had an heart surgery added to the story too. Oliver is not the only animals we meet either😛.
Jessica and her cat Oliver are moving in the Williams ranch, a place she used to visit for summer vacations when she was younger. Her plan is to open a veterinary clinic and wildlife rescue. She thought she could take the money in her trust fund for her life projects but as soon as she arrives in Oak Hollow, she learn there's a catch in her father's will. To access the money, she have to be married. But when she hear that officer Jake Carter, her teenage crush, and the man she always end up acting like a klutz around, needs money to add a K-9 unit to the police department, she sees an opportunity for both of them to get what they want. But maybe they'll get more than they bargained for?
It's my fourth time saying it, but it's always a pleasure being in the fictional town of Oak Hollow. I meet endearing characters and the romances are so satisfying. I love that Jessica is talking to her cat as if he's a friend and Jake looking out for his dad after he had an heart surgery added to the story too. Oliver is not the only animals we meet either😛.
March 1, 2022
Another enjoyable story in the Home to Oak Hollow series.
Jessica and Jake ♥️ These two were so adorable.
Jessica needs access to her trust fund so she can build her Veterinary Clinic, but the only way to do that is to be married. Jake wants to help out his father with house repairs, his medical bills and buy a German Shepherd pup to train to be a Police K-9. Of course the most logical thing to do is to get married.
I’ll admit that I wasn’t too sure how much I’d like a marriage of convenience book, because I’m not too big into the trope, but the author really pulled it off. Makenna Lee is such a talented writer.
Jessica and Jake were fun, cute and had me rooting for them all the way through.
4.5 Stars
Jessica and Jake ♥️ These two were so adorable.
Jessica needs access to her trust fund so she can build her Veterinary Clinic, but the only way to do that is to be married. Jake wants to help out his father with house repairs, his medical bills and buy a German Shepherd pup to train to be a Police K-9. Of course the most logical thing to do is to get married.
I’ll admit that I wasn’t too sure how much I’d like a marriage of convenience book, because I’m not too big into the trope, but the author really pulled it off. Makenna Lee is such a talented writer.
Jessica and Jake were fun, cute and had me rooting for them all the way through.
4.5 Stars
March 7, 2022
Love the residents of Oak Hollow. Jake and Jessica’s story is so much fun!
April 29, 2022
Sweet romance with the fake dating/marriage trope.
I found this book to be completely charming!
From the meet-cute of Jake and Jessica - which takes place on the side of a road - to the wonderful conclusion of the book, I completely fell in love with the atmosphere of Oak Hollow and with the romance of these two characters in particular. Jessica is a great MC, and Jake is a wonderful cinnamon roll of a good guy!
The author, Makenna Lee, has a wonderful way of making the small-town atmosphere of the story feel intimate, yet not claustrophobic. I grew to love most of the supporting characters that added such a wonderful flavor to the small town this story was set in.
I didn't realize this book was actually BOOK 4 of a SERIES, so this was my first taste of Oak Hollow (and Makenna Lee's writing) so this can be read as a stand-alone. I will DEFINITELY go back to the start of this Oak Hollow series and immerse myself in this wonderful world that Makenna Lee has created.
After this singular book, I am pretty sure that Makenna Lee is now a "auto-buy" for me!
I found this book to be completely charming!
From the meet-cute of Jake and Jessica - which takes place on the side of a road - to the wonderful conclusion of the book, I completely fell in love with the atmosphere of Oak Hollow and with the romance of these two characters in particular. Jessica is a great MC, and Jake is a wonderful cinnamon roll of a good guy!
The author, Makenna Lee, has a wonderful way of making the small-town atmosphere of the story feel intimate, yet not claustrophobic. I grew to love most of the supporting characters that added such a wonderful flavor to the small town this story was set in.
I didn't realize this book was actually BOOK 4 of a SERIES, so this was my first taste of Oak Hollow (and Makenna Lee's writing) so this can be read as a stand-alone. I will DEFINITELY go back to the start of this Oak Hollow series and immerse myself in this wonderful world that Makenna Lee has created.
After this singular book, I am pretty sure that Makenna Lee is now a "auto-buy" for me!
March 1, 2022
Returning to Oak Hollow feels like coming home, and I was so happy to read Jessica and Jake’s story. I loved everything about this charming, warm-hearted book—from their meet-cute on the side of the road; to their fun encounters along the way; to their “fake marriage; to their real and deepening feelings toward each other and the obstacles that stood in their way. The emotions in this book are so genuine, the characters so delightful, and the setting so beautiful. I also love catching up with the other residents of Oak Hollow that enchanted me in the first three novels. This book, although fourth in the series, is a wonderful standalone novel; but I guarantee you that once you read this story, you’ll want to go back and read them all!
February 23, 2022
Reading now and I don't want to put it down! Fun characters and story line. Great to get to know another couple in the Oak Hollow series. Such a wonderful sounding town, I wish that it were real so I could visit there!!
March 2, 2022
Very enjoyable read.
April 5, 2022
I was very disappointed in this book in the series of Home to Oak Hollow. Jessica Talbot is a veterinarian, moving to Oak Hollow to work as a vet, and start a wildlife refuge. But she's stretched thin. And when she wants more money from her trust to start her business, her aunt tells her that she can't get more unless she's married! WHAT! And Jessica just accepts this, and almost immediately poses the marriage question to her one time crush in Oak Hollow, Officer Jake Carter, who is a little stretched for money, too. He wants to start a K-9 program with the local police department, and his father's medical bills are piling up. Where is her head? The first thing I would ask if I was told this condition of the trust - by a family member, not the lawyer or finance officer administrating the trust, is to have the lawyer or finance person verify this. Plus, Jake's mother is so much in his business and he's 30! Just bad all around. Not believable in any way on the premise, which then leads the rest of the story to fall apart. So disappointed.
March 5, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. The story between Jessica and Jake was a great romance that didn’t have a lot of conflict. I love a feel good book with laughter and when the heroines get a long easily.
The animals were also a huge part of why I enjoyed the book too.
The animals were also a huge part of why I enjoyed the book too.
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February 1, 2022Categories
Romance, Contemporary Romance
Miniseries
Home to Oak Hollow (Book #4)
Romance, Contemporary Romance
Miniseries
Home to Oak Hollow (Book #4)
September 2, 2022
Enjoyable romance
December 20, 2023
This author never disappoints! I loved this book. Such a great series. I could not put it down!
July 14, 2024
Lovely story about a klutz veterinarian and her teenage crush, despite some untruthful manoeuvring by her otherwise supportive aunt.
May 11, 2025
I really enjoyed this book!
October 26, 2022
3.5 stars.
FULL REVIEW HERE:
https://harlequinjunkie.com/review-a-...
The love between them, although it seems to go very fast, develops slowly, like the rhythm of the story. The interactions between the main characters are fun but at the same time very intense. The chemistry between them is good, although sometimes it’s hard to connect with Jess and Jake, taking off the shine they should have.
In a small town there are always colorful and funny characters and, while there are interesting characters here, they weren’t as remarkable as I expected. Of course, this doesn’t negatively influence the plot. On the other hand, there are aspects of the story that don’t seem entirely believable.
Although the book has flaws, its reading is slow but consistent. In turn, the scenes are well written and flow into each other without spoiling their essence. With an idyllic ending, worthy of Jess and Jake’s romance, it’s a story that has made me laugh and I really enjoyed it.
FULL REVIEW HERE:
https://harlequinjunkie.com/review-a-...
The love between them, although it seems to go very fast, develops slowly, like the rhythm of the story. The interactions between the main characters are fun but at the same time very intense. The chemistry between them is good, although sometimes it’s hard to connect with Jess and Jake, taking off the shine they should have.
In a small town there are always colorful and funny characters and, while there are interesting characters here, they weren’t as remarkable as I expected. Of course, this doesn’t negatively influence the plot. On the other hand, there are aspects of the story that don’t seem entirely believable.
Although the book has flaws, its reading is slow but consistent. In turn, the scenes are well written and flow into each other without spoiling their essence. With an idyllic ending, worthy of Jess and Jake’s romance, it’s a story that has made me laugh and I really enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews