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Checking Boxes
She wanted to fill his world with roses, but he burned hers. His name was Ian. My name was Grace. But in a city of eight million people, who cared about names. Surprisingly, he did. We'd bumped into each other once, but Ian remembered my name and the fact that I owned a flower shop. And ... he knew I walked to my shop every day. A bit stalkerish, I feared. Then he offered me a place to live when I needed one. I'd cook him dinner every night for a rent-free stay. Yep. Right. Too good to be true. I accepted when I should have stayed away. After getting finally on the right track to having the stable life I wanted, I didn't need to throw a mysterious guy into the mix. But despite my best wishes to protect myself, I was so intrigued by him. He was enigmatic, handsome, successful--a man who owned his world. And it didn't help he sought after me relentlessly. So, for a while, I'd silenced my doubts. Physically he was there, checking all the right boxes with me, but his heart held to a secret he swore I would never unveil.Magdoline WardMagdoline Ward10/25/2021354Binding Paperback0.90lbs8.50h x 5.50w x 0.74d9798201590567This title is not returnable
354 pages, Paperback
First published October 22, 2021
29 people are currently reading
283 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
March 10, 2022
I literally just finished this book and I RAN to do this review!! Wow!! This is the first I’ve read of this author so I have nothing else to base it on, but I can tell you I’m about to start digging up everything she’s written so far. This book was so good! Grace REALLY needs to move out of her apartment she shares with her roommate and move quick. She responds to the ad from the guy across the hall looking for a roommate. In exchange for living with him rent free, he wants someone to just cook him dinner at HIS expense. That’s a pretty sweet sounding deal! After meeting with the gorgeous guy (Ian) and going over all of the rules and expectations she agrees. The chemistry is there from the beginning and it slowly grows between the two. They both have some skeletons in their closets, but the mystery of what happened just adds that much more anticipation to the book. I’m telling you this book has it all, the spice, the sweetness, sadness and pain, but really the author did it in the best way. I can’t compliment this book enough. And don’t even get me started on the huge surprise at the end! I didn’t see that coming!! I will be buying this in paperback thank you very much! All I can say is READ.IT.NOW.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 15, 2022
5 Stars
Checking Boxes by Magdoline Ward
Checking Boxes is a Contemporary Romance with just the right amount of suspense. I honestly wasn’t expecting what I just devoured. What I got was one heck of an emotional rollercoaster ride that had my emotions all over the place. This is a fairly new author to me and I will say this I’m a fan and can’t wait to see what other books they have written. This is definitely one of those books that you will not be able to put down. The style of writing drew me in from the beginning and kept ahold way past the end. The characters are simply amazing and everything flowed so nicely. This is Ian and Grace’s story. She finds herself in a situation where she needs to move as soon as possible. She answers a ad for a roommate from her neighbor Ian. The catch is for rent she only has to cook for him. Sounds great right? There is definitely chemistry between them. Ian has a secret one he’s trying to keep hidden. What will happen when the secret is out? What does the future look like for these two? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I’m looking forward to reading more from this Author.
Checking Boxes by Magdoline Ward
Checking Boxes is a Contemporary Romance with just the right amount of suspense. I honestly wasn’t expecting what I just devoured. What I got was one heck of an emotional rollercoaster ride that had my emotions all over the place. This is a fairly new author to me and I will say this I’m a fan and can’t wait to see what other books they have written. This is definitely one of those books that you will not be able to put down. The style of writing drew me in from the beginning and kept ahold way past the end. The characters are simply amazing and everything flowed so nicely. This is Ian and Grace’s story. She finds herself in a situation where she needs to move as soon as possible. She answers a ad for a roommate from her neighbor Ian. The catch is for rent she only has to cook for him. Sounds great right? There is definitely chemistry between them. Ian has a secret one he’s trying to keep hidden. What will happen when the secret is out? What does the future look like for these two? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I’m looking forward to reading more from this Author.
March 15, 2022
5/5 Stars
Checking Boxes by Magdoline Ward
This is the first book I've read by the author. Checking Boxes kept me intrigued from the beginning. I will definitely be on the look for more.
Grace is tired of having people over at the apartment she's staying in. Deciding to move out she's lucky her neighbor is looking for a roommate. Could it be too good to be true? The quote I chose for Grace is: all.”“You don’t need to worry about me. We’ll figure it out. But you can’t change things this fast, from total strangers, into comfy friends.”
Ian is keeping a secret from everyone and he knows no one will uncover it. He knows everything there is to know about Grace. Is it stalkerish? Yes, but he does it anyway. The quote I chose for Ian is: “I’ve learned it the hard way. You burn yourself out trying to ignite another soul. It’s not worth it, trust me.”
Highly recommended for Contemporary Romance lovers.
Checking Boxes by Magdoline Ward
This is the first book I've read by the author. Checking Boxes kept me intrigued from the beginning. I will definitely be on the look for more.
Grace is tired of having people over at the apartment she's staying in. Deciding to move out she's lucky her neighbor is looking for a roommate. Could it be too good to be true? The quote I chose for Grace is: all.”“You don’t need to worry about me. We’ll figure it out. But you can’t change things this fast, from total strangers, into comfy friends.”
Ian is keeping a secret from everyone and he knows no one will uncover it. He knows everything there is to know about Grace. Is it stalkerish? Yes, but he does it anyway. The quote I chose for Ian is: “I’ve learned it the hard way. You burn yourself out trying to ignite another soul. It’s not worth it, trust me.”
Highly recommended for Contemporary Romance lovers.
March 16, 2022
Grace and Ian took me places I was not ready to go! I cried and cried and of course I also swooned, laughed, and felt every emotion each step of the way with these two. This was truly a story of 2 people needing each other and coming together at the right time unexpectedly. The way the pieces came together blindsided me. The mystery surrounding them both and the relationship that developed unfolded beautifully. This author stole my heart with this book, and I am so happy I was along for Grace and Ian's journey.
August 4, 2022
10 stars the book is epic I couldn’t stop reading I kept going it just so many emotion for grace and Ian it broke my heart for both of them but the twist I didn’t even see it coming I was screaming omg read it you won’t regret it.
March 4, 2022
This story was a wonderful and pleasant read. I really enjoyed it. I loved how things progressed at a rate that was not too slow, and not too fast. Everything fit into together well. I loved the writing style of this beloved author as well. This author created a wonderful story that was very realistic and I really enjoyed it!
Loved the romance side of the story. I loved the growing relationship between Grace and Ian. The heart knows what it wants, especially if everything you have been looking for is right there in front of you. Ian is more than he appears. Grace suspects underneath that smile, there is something more, but what? I could not put this one down. I had to keep reading to see what surface from Ian's side and how it would affect his relationship with Grace and how it would affect her entirely. The story was appealing in more than one way, the suspense was defiantly there. Was defiantly a must read! I freaking loved this book!
Everything about this book, was amazing. I had trouble putting it down to do routine things. It really was a sensation of a read. I highly recommend this must read as well as this must read author!
Loved the romance side of the story. I loved the growing relationship between Grace and Ian. The heart knows what it wants, especially if everything you have been looking for is right there in front of you. Ian is more than he appears. Grace suspects underneath that smile, there is something more, but what? I could not put this one down. I had to keep reading to see what surface from Ian's side and how it would affect his relationship with Grace and how it would affect her entirely. The story was appealing in more than one way, the suspense was defiantly there. Was defiantly a must read! I freaking loved this book!
Everything about this book, was amazing. I had trouble putting it down to do routine things. It really was a sensation of a read. I highly recommend this must read as well as this must read author!
March 15, 2022
Ian is soooooo intense ! All I wanted to do is throw myself at his feet and beg him to make me his 🤦♀️🔥
Acacia did a real number on Ian and I really just wanted to give her a knuckle sandwich for the damage she caused but I realised if I kept focusing on her I’d be loosing out on the real story , the one of Grace and Ian 🥰❣️
Grace lives with Sophie and whiles she’s a good sort she has a rather colourful social life and more often than not there are surprise visitors so when Grace sees Ian’s roommate proposal she jumps at the opportunity, she can now save for own apartment and she’ll have a quieter life and all she has to do is cook food !
I don’t think Grace knew what she was letting herself in for I mean hello Ian is more than a handful on so many different levels ! I’m sure he could get a nun to take off her habit 🤦♀️🔥
Both Ian and Grace have their own issues and baggage but they took me on an epic journey and I’m so grateful and they’re the type of characters that will stay with you and in your heart , they’re the reason we have book hangovers ❣️📕😉
Acacia did a real number on Ian and I really just wanted to give her a knuckle sandwich for the damage she caused but I realised if I kept focusing on her I’d be loosing out on the real story , the one of Grace and Ian 🥰❣️
Grace lives with Sophie and whiles she’s a good sort she has a rather colourful social life and more often than not there are surprise visitors so when Grace sees Ian’s roommate proposal she jumps at the opportunity, she can now save for own apartment and she’ll have a quieter life and all she has to do is cook food !
I don’t think Grace knew what she was letting herself in for I mean hello Ian is more than a handful on so many different levels ! I’m sure he could get a nun to take off her habit 🤦♀️🔥
Both Ian and Grace have their own issues and baggage but they took me on an epic journey and I’m so grateful and they’re the type of characters that will stay with you and in your heart , they’re the reason we have book hangovers ❣️📕😉
March 5, 2022
This book seriously blew me away because this is such a good book. Grace finds herself immediately drawn to Ian when she answers his offers to stay at his apartment rent free and she only has to cook dinner for him in return. He burns hot and cold with her constantly and he won't open up and share what he's hiding beneath the surface. Grace does her best to hold back emotionally from him because she fears he loves another woman. They just can't seem to stay away from each other though and the secret that comes out absolutely blew me away! They both have so much hurt in the past and they just might be able to heal each other if they can only get past all the secrets and truly trust and let each other in. This is a book that you definitely are not going to want to miss and I am so looking forward to reading more books from this author.
March 13, 2022
This is the first book I have read from this author and she now has a new fan. I love contemporary romance but this story exceeded all my expectations. You can’t help but to fall in love with these characters. I was so addicted to this story it only took me a little over a day to devour it. I can’t wait to see what this author will write next.
Grace needs some peace and quiet because her roommate is very wild. She is looking for a new place to call home and she is offered a deal she can’t refuse. Grace runs into the very handsome Ian and he says that she can live with him rent free. She is so excited she doesn’t even care that she has to cook him dinner every night. Grace and Ian start to get to know one another and they can’t help it that they have a connection. Will Grace find the relationship she has been looking for or will she end up heartbroken once again?
Grace needs some peace and quiet because her roommate is very wild. She is looking for a new place to call home and she is offered a deal she can’t refuse. Grace runs into the very handsome Ian and he says that she can live with him rent free. She is so excited she doesn’t even care that she has to cook him dinner every night. Grace and Ian start to get to know one another and they can’t help it that they have a connection. Will Grace find the relationship she has been looking for or will she end up heartbroken once again?
March 15, 2022
This was a great 5 star read that pulled me right in.
Once I started I didn't want to put it down.
Grace needs to find a new place to live. Luckily her neighbor Ian is looking for a roommate. And what he is offering is perfect for her. As long as she cooks for him she can stay rent free and the bonus is he’s hot as heck. Who wouldn’t love this offer? The more time they spend around each other the more the chemistry builds between them.
My emotions were all over the place with this book. We find that they both have some secrets that they are holding pretty closely. What will happen when they finally come out? Overall I loved this book, the characters were great. The author does a great job with her writing and pulls you right into this story. I can’t wait to read more from this author. 1-click and get started today on this great read.
Once I started I didn't want to put it down.
Grace needs to find a new place to live. Luckily her neighbor Ian is looking for a roommate. And what he is offering is perfect for her. As long as she cooks for him she can stay rent free and the bonus is he’s hot as heck. Who wouldn’t love this offer? The more time they spend around each other the more the chemistry builds between them.
My emotions were all over the place with this book. We find that they both have some secrets that they are holding pretty closely. What will happen when they finally come out? Overall I loved this book, the characters were great. The author does a great job with her writing and pulls you right into this story. I can’t wait to read more from this author. 1-click and get started today on this great read.
March 15, 2022
I am emotionally all over the place with this book. This is the first Magdoline Wars book that I have read and I find her very interesting. Grace is living in a situation that is not conducive to her so she take Ian up on his offer. All she has to do is cook a meal every night and she has free rent, to go to be true some thing so! Ian has rules that seem out of the ordinary to Grace but what the heck. These two have some wicked chemistry and it slowly grows but will the skeletons in their closets tear them apart before they have it all. I have never been so on my seat as I was with this read. I had a huge book hangover after reading ans I am still thinking about this read still. You want suspense, spice, intrigue and mystery this is the read.
August 21, 2022
A debuting author deserves a high-five just for all the work that goes into writing a book containing 300-plus pages. But sadly, I am in the minority on rating this one. I've read other books by different authors with the same type of plotting and . . . well, they were just better and more believable with characters who were easier to accept. This story was so far-fetched on so many levels and, although I did stick with it to the end, I was unable to get onboard with an outlook towards being a satisfied reader. And lastly, I wasn't impressed with the romance or the overly graphic sexual details -- too much and most of it repetitive down and dirty from page to page. The cover model is hot though!
March 14, 2022
Checking Boxes was a story about Grace and Ian and how their pasts may or may not affect their future.
I really enjoyed how the author took us back and forth between 2 time periods. It was a real page turner....I couldn't put the book down. Sometimes when reading a romance book I can kind of guess how it will end.... well not with this story. I was pleasantly surprised in the turn the story took.
Checking Boxes was the first title I've read from this author. After that story I need to see what else she's written. I was on an emotional rollercoaster while reading it and I enjoyed every emotional ride the author took me on.
I really enjoyed how the author took us back and forth between 2 time periods. It was a real page turner....I couldn't put the book down. Sometimes when reading a romance book I can kind of guess how it will end.... well not with this story. I was pleasantly surprised in the turn the story took.
Checking Boxes was the first title I've read from this author. After that story I need to see what else she's written. I was on an emotional rollercoaster while reading it and I enjoyed every emotional ride the author took me on.
March 15, 2022
This was an emotional read. I found this story to be original and unexpected. Grace and Ian become roommates because of circumstances that have Grace needing to move out of her friend's place quickly. Ian has a very big secret that he's trying to keep from ever coming out. Grace has some issues in her past that she's not sure she will ever be ready to talk about. The chemistry between these two is off the charts. This book had romance, pain, love, a shocking surprise that I didn't see coming, great characters and so much more. This is the first book I have read by this author but it definitely won't be the last. This author wrote a great story that I highly recommend.
March 5, 2022
I personally love nothing more than a slow burn and boy oh boy did this author deliver on a slow burn. The characters are amazing, and I absolutely loved watching the relationship build between Grace and Ian. The writing is unique and beautiful, and flows so effortlessly that you will find yourself having issues putting it down. This story is filled with a beautiful lead character, a mysterious man that might steal her heart, and enough romance and secrets to keep the reader guessing. So if you love romance definitely pick this one up today.
March 5, 2022
This was a good paced story between Grace and Ian. It starts out Ian follows Grace to work everyday and then ends up offering her a better job and place. Grace reluctantly agrees and then thy become friends that grow into something more. The writing was done beautifully and it felt like I was in the story with them watching as a spectator. This author does a wonderful job portraying what secrets can do to a person when they aren't explained and revealed. I loved reading this book and look forward to reading her other books!
March 11, 2022
I really loved this story, it was such a pleasure to read. This is a new to me author and I really enjoyed her writing style. I loved the characters Grace and Ian, they were both relatable and they really did have a lovely and genuine connection. I did feel for both characters and their won individual stories, the author did an amazing job with their character development. I loved the plot too, so easy to follow and the perfect pace.
Overall I absolutely LOVED this book and would highly recommend it to other readers!
Overall I absolutely LOVED this book and would highly recommend it to other readers!
March 3, 2022
I enjoyed this book so much more than I thought I would! I was a little hesitant when I first started it but all I have to say is wow! What an amazing story! You truly don't know someone. This story takes you on a steamy ride with Ian and Grace. It will keep you turning pages to learn Ian's secret. It is definitely not what you are expecting. This book has some secrets you won't believe! Loved this book and really loved the story line and reading from both characters perspectives.
March 6, 2022
What do you do when you need a new place to live? Take up the offer your neighbor has going of course. Grace finds herself unable to put up with her roommates lifestyle any longer. She remembered seeing a neighbors note about wanting a roommate and decides to look into things. All Ian wants is someone to cook a meal for him every evening in return for living in his second bedroom rent free. Too good to be true right? What will happen when things turn into more than either of then bargained for?
March 11, 2022
This story follows Ian and Grace and is 329 pages in length. Holy cow!! When Grace needs to move, she responds to a room mate wanted ad. Rent free and all she had to do is cook for him on his dime. Too good to be true? Maybe – maybe not (insert shoulder shrug). He is hot, but she seriously does want to get involved right now. Yet the chemistry between them is too much to ignore. But what will come falling out of the closet when the door is opened?
March 12, 2022
This is the author's debut book and let me tell y'all something. She! Did! Not! Disappoint! I was not able to put this book down. The story between Ian and Grace is something you don't want to miss out on reading about. The author's writing style is something that I've never seen before, but I really loved it. I 10/10 recommend this book to anyone who loves steamy romance books. I'm excited to see more of her works in the coming future.
March 14, 2022
As with any new to me author i go in with an open mind and jump right in. I really loved this story even if it took a bit for me to get immersed into it (i blame my rambunctious children for this).
This was a well told story that really had me wanting to know more and more and then just feeling all of it, every single word.
I am now going to be finding the rest of this authors work and reading everything.
This was a well told story that really had me wanting to know more and more and then just feeling all of it, every single word.
I am now going to be finding the rest of this authors work and reading everything.
March 14, 2022
Grace and Ian. They are not a match I would have put together. Who said a room advertisement with you having to make dinner would become this. Been my first book by this author I didn't know what to expect. There's a chemistry spark between this pair from the start. However, there is more beneath the surface and skeletons in both closets to be revealed. Ian is more than he seems on the surface. Can they heal each other's past wounds? You don't want to miss this adventure.
March 14, 2022
This book was so good! Our FMC starts off in quite a predicament and her HEA is luckily there to help her out of it. Through getting to know each other, she notices he seems to already know some stuff about her. The twist at the end is both heartbreaking and makes you wonder why your significant other doesn’t love you like that (just kidding but still swoon). This truly was a sweet and wonderful story!
March 15, 2022
The characters in this book are complex and intriguing. Every time I think I am starting to see where the book is going, I get surprised. I love when a book is not predictable. Grace needs another place to live and Ian is looking for a roommate. What could go wrong…or maybe right. Grace and Ian both have their own baggage to deal with. Can they see their way through at the things that could keep them apart? I absolutely loved this book. I lost sleep reading this book. I regret nothing.
March 15, 2022
This is my first read by this author and I am unsure how to explain how I feel about it. It will have you turning pages and not wanting to ever put it down. The hangover you have at the end will leave you wanting to know more and more. Grace and Ian are both fighting battles and together they are bound to conquer the world.
March 5, 2022
Wow! The way the storyline played out had me guessing, seriously. I could not put this book down. The slow buildup, the not knowing was killing me! Great job with suspense! I loved the romance between the two. It felt realistic and was swoon worthy!
March 15, 2022
I was thoroughly surprised by this book. It hit me. I'm my feelings and I don't know how I will recover. This author should definitely be in the angst category. I am just saying I bawled my eyes out.
Grace is sick and tired of her roommates activities. She has a plan and goals for herself that she needs to accomplish. Ian is her neighbor who just happens to be looking for a new roomie. The only thing he requires is a home cooked meal every night. A healthy home cooked meal I should say. Sweet deal if I do say so myself. Especially with all the chemistry they have.
When it's decided that she will move in with Ian he has secrets that make her curious about who he really is. But Ian also has suspicions of his own. They both have skeletons in the closet.
When the chemistry between them heats up one night those skeletons start to unravel and they both have to decide if the past can be welcomed in the future.
I was so shocked when the twists finally unraveled I cried my eyes out for Grace, for Ian. Everything they went through to get where they are hit you right in the gut. I will be honest that I started to piece together that they knew each other but I just wasn't sure how. Grace is a strong character that you can't help but cheer on. She has had a rough go of things that makes you want to wrap her up and never let her out. But at times I wanted to shake her and help her piece together how they are intertwined. Now Ian what a man. He just wants to be connected with Grace again.
This author has a way with words that sucks you into this book. It plays like a movie in your head and when it's over you can't help but feel like your life has no meaning. I am looking forward to many more books from this author.
Grace is sick and tired of her roommates activities. She has a plan and goals for herself that she needs to accomplish. Ian is her neighbor who just happens to be looking for a new roomie. The only thing he requires is a home cooked meal every night. A healthy home cooked meal I should say. Sweet deal if I do say so myself. Especially with all the chemistry they have.
When it's decided that she will move in with Ian he has secrets that make her curious about who he really is. But Ian also has suspicions of his own. They both have skeletons in the closet.
When the chemistry between them heats up one night those skeletons start to unravel and they both have to decide if the past can be welcomed in the future.
I was so shocked when the twists finally unraveled I cried my eyes out for Grace, for Ian. Everything they went through to get where they are hit you right in the gut. I will be honest that I started to piece together that they knew each other but I just wasn't sure how. Grace is a strong character that you can't help but cheer on. She has had a rough go of things that makes you want to wrap her up and never let her out. But at times I wanted to shake her and help her piece together how they are intertwined. Now Ian what a man. He just wants to be connected with Grace again.
This author has a way with words that sucks you into this book. It plays like a movie in your head and when it's over you can't help but feel like your life has no meaning. I am looking forward to many more books from this author.
August 2, 2022
Read it in a few hours
Total mind fuck. Was really good. I was worried for a bit but the ending and the twist is superb. Loved it.
Total mind fuck. Was really good. I was worried for a bit but the ending and the twist is superb. Loved it.
March 7, 2022
What a great book! Watching Ian and Grace grow towards each other was amazing. Perfectly paced and all the suspense with a satisfying ending! Really couldn't put the book down! Easy to read and so well written! Can't wait to find more from this author!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews