Member Reviews
5 stars!
YESSSSS! I loved every second and every single page of this book! Opposites attract and have to spend their time married and on an adventure in a reality show to win money that both Luke and Nell desperately need. I loved their romance, how they started off and most of all, how they ended. This was a great read. My favorite in the series so far!
4.5⭐
Million Dollar Marriage was a great story. That was distinctive, interesting, engaging, entertaining and fun. Not to mention well paced and great characters, particularly the main two Nell and Luke. Whose dynamic and chemistry really shone through, and helped really pull me in. So much so I found it very hard to put this story down. And I would certainly recommend it to others.
I received an ARC from Netgalley and I am happy to give my honest review.
I have not read any books from this author but I have heard good things so I was excited to get this book. I stayed up way too late reading it and snuck in reading at work. It didn't disappoint.
Million Dollar Marriage is the second in the series and can be read as a standalone. It stars Penelope (Nell) and Luke who try out for a reality show to try to earn a million dollars. Nell just graduated with her doctorate and has wracked up $500k in student loan debt. Luke inherited his grandfather's bar and just found out it was mortgaged to the hilt.
Now, you need to suspend belief a bit on this book. Why would Nell get so many different types of degrees just to spite her wealthy father who refuses to pay for her education if she doesn't go to Harvard? Would the bar still be mortgaged if Luke's grandfather passed away? What twenty something woman's hobby is playing the harp and reading books in Old French? How is Luke so perfect at everything?
The bulk of this book takes place during the reality show. That was sort of fun. It was like an Amazing Race and seeing Nell come out of her shell and own her awesomeness was cool. Luke was kind of a jerk to her but super likeable to everyone else. I don't know. I had a hard time seeing them actually fit as a couple.
This book was cute and different than what I normally read. I'll check out more from this author, including other books from this series.
I received a advanced copy via Netgalley and the author for a honest review..
So we got to meet the oh so sexy Luke in James (Jimmy's) book Million dollar devil..
Luke is a struggling bar owner.. he got his bar from his late grandfather. But in the last few years he has been getting farther and farther into debt.. with no great outcome..
Penelope (aka Nell *to her friends* / aka Penny *to Luke*) is a lifelong student so to speak.. a book nerd, a brain so to speak.. but with her ongoing schooling she is racking up the debt, and with a dick of a ex.. she has so to speak sworn off love.. or finding it.
So when a opportunity comes up to have a chance to win a Cool Mill.. why not go for it.. it cant be that bad... can it?? Million dollar marriage like a lot have said its a lot like Love at first sight meets Amazing Race.. I guess I have not seen the love at first site but I used to watch amazing race all the time... but the catch to this story...? you have to marry your partner right then and there.. then you have to compete this "race" together and try not to be eliminated..
I just loved this story.. it was a fast and super fun read..
4.5 Stars
This book had me intrigued after reading the blurb and it did not disappoint. Katy Evans has a way of telling a story and keeping your interest. This was a fun fast paced read that I finished in one sitting.
Nell is awkward around others and has a hard time making friends. She is getting ready to graduate and has a mount of student loan debts. She decides to audition for a new reality show Million Dollar marriage in hopes to pay her loans.
Luke decides to audition in hopes to get chosen he has things he can do with that money. He doesn’t have a hard time making friends and turning every girls head. While waiting in he sees a girl and stop staring at her. He never dreamed they would both be picked and end up together.
These two couldn’t be more different but are going to have to work together to stay in the game. This book made me feel like I was watching a reality tv show. I was so intrigued and couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.
This is the second standalone book in this series and I liked it even better than the first book and I really enjoyed Million Dollar Devil. As I said in my review for the first book, I think this author's writing is much improved from the Real series -- well developed characters with depth, interesting plot and storyline and funny secondary characters that really add to the dimension of this book. I was hoping we would get Luke's story and I'm so glad we did -- I liked him from the start and Penelope/Nell was his perfect counterpart. I'm not a reality TV fan so I found their story to be quite intriguing and eye-opening to say the least! A really enjoyable, quick read -- definitely recommend if you like contemporary romance. I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC for NetGalley.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read this book.
The author has done a really good job with a cliche television trope. I never watch those shows and yet I couldn't stop reading this book. The main characters were utterly delightful, the dialogue was fun and their chemistry was off the charts. Having read the previous book in the series, Luke had been introduced earlier, however his personality shines through here. The structure of the story was excellent, as well as the developing feelings between the Nell and Luke. It wasn't too much too fast.
4.5 stars, because this romantic comedy was everything it said it would be.
I am a huge Katy Evans fan, and let me say this book didn’t disappoint. I loved Luke as a secondary character in million dollar devil, so I was very happy he was the male lead in this!
The dynamic between Luke and Nell was perfect, two different people who really need the money!
The ending just made my heart melt ..... such a great book, once I picked it up I couldn’t stop reading ! I read it in just about one sitting! Get this book you won’t be disappointed
3-Stars
As a fan of reality shows on TV, I enjoyed Katy Evan's version a lot.
Amazing Race and Married on First Sight mash up with Big Brother Challenges thrown in.
Penelope "Nell" Carpenter is college-almost-graduate who is drowning in student loans. With no idea how she can unbury herself, she tags along with her two friends for auditions for a new upcoming reality show - Million Dollar Marriage. After watching her friends get rejected in less than a minute, she was stunned to find out she was accepted by the judges to move on to the next round.
Luke Cross, local bar-owner who is in deep debt and is in danger of losing his bar, decides to audition for the new reality show in hopes to win it all to save his bar. Smooth talking Luke had no problem securing his spot on the show.
Neither of them really knew what they were signing up for.
What I didn't like was how predictable the story was, it really took away from my reading enjoyment. There was no jaw-dropping twists or what-just-happened scenarios, it was an average read for me and some scenes were a little boring. I did like the concept of the storyline and both of the characters but just wish there was more "wow" I guess.
Loved this book!
Reading it felt like I was on this incredible journey with the contestants. The frustration and the challenges. The buildup before each obstacle. All of it was exhilarating to read! But I loved Luke’s commitment to his partner. I adored how they built each other up!
Outstanding writing as always! A must read.
Million Dollar Marriage is a light-hearted, humorous romance by Katy Evans. When I received an invitation from the publisher, via Net-Galley, the book description intrigued me, so I agreed to read and review. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.
This is the first book I’ve read by Katy Evans, but it will not be the last. In fact, I just downloaded the first book, Million Dollar Devil, in the series. The banter between Penelope and Luke is delightful and pulled me in from the beginning then kept me enmeshed until the end. The pacing is great, keeping the plot moving forward.
Penelope “Nell” Carpenter’s character is endearing. I loved her quirky personality. She has so much debt from getting her degrees, she’s so desperate, she enters a contest. The best thing she ever did was become a contestant on the game show. She’s paired up with a guy totally opposite of anyone she’s ever met before. Nell’s so reserved, she needs a mate who will bring her out of her shell and let her shine.
Luke Cross is a yummy hero. While his exterior is rough and rugged, underneath, he’s a marshmallow. I adored his character. He’s so sweet with Nell and accepting of her insecurities. He encourages her to be strong and brings out her competitive side she never knew she possessed. He’s the perfect mate for her. I love that he doesn’t allow his head to be turned by a chance at stardom.
The chemistry between Nell and Luke is amazing. The sexual tension is excellent because Luke wants his relationship with her to be different from any other he’s had with the women from his past. That makes him a true hero for me. He not only falls in love with Nell, he respects her. He also has a very forgiving nature. For me that is as sexy as it can be!
If you enjoy romantic comedies with plenty of heart, and one with engaging characters, then you will love Million Dollar Marriage as much as I did. I can’t wait to read the first book in this series. Happy reading!
5 Stars
Damn Katy you did it again. You again made me fall in love with your hero and your story. We met Luke in Million Dollar Devil and i was so excited for his story and god you didn't disappoint! I freaking enjoyed every minute of this reality show story. Luke is so yum. Love him so much. Katy has always been my one click author and i love everything she writes and this is no exception.
Luke owns a bar but in so much debt and Nell had to pay for her student loans. But desperately need money. And decide to participate in a reality show "Million Dollar Marriage". What would happen? Will they fall in love? Read this book to know details asap!
Such an fantastic, sweet, amazing read. Definitely one sitting read for me....
I loved the entire premise of this story! It was unique and the story line was something I hadn’t read before! Million Dollar Marriage was completely unpredictable and kept me entertained all in one sitting! Luke was amazing right from the start and completely lovable! Nell was quirky and inexperienced but blossomed right before our eyes! I hope everyone gives this one a shot!
Wow! Talk about smoking hot! The wallflower meets the sexy hunky! Can two people competing in a reality show where they can win a million dollars, really develop feelings for each other? Opposites do attract, but can love win in the end? Make sure to read this book to find the answer! I'm so in love with Luke! His sweet, sexiness jumps off the page! I totally related to Nell, who is just trying to survive life, and not make waves. She's hardly even watched reality shows. Let alone compete in one! Surprising what you'll do for a million dollars! I really loved the ending, as it was perfect! A definite read!
Million Dollar Marriage is Book 2 of Katy Evans Million Dollar series. Even though this is Book 2, the characters from the first story play a very minor part here so it stands perfectly fine on its own.
Even though the premise was really quirky and very unusual, I enjoyed it. Amazing Race with a twist.
There was tons of steam, angst, drama and some good old fashioned competition. I loved watching Nell and Luke learn to trust each other and form a bond.
I'm curious to see what the author has in store for this series next. This one will be hard to beat!
I was given an ARC through Netgalley and this is my honest review! This book was so completely different than any other I’ve read before. Two polar opposites, Penelope and Luke. Penelope is finished with her PhD and riddled with school debt and Luke with his troubled past is the owner of a dive bar. They both try out for a reality show with a huge cash prize, make the cut and become a team. I really enjoyed seeing their relationship grow and evolve as they become closer and closer. The slow burn to the pinnacle and then the twist! I love Ms. Evans writing style and all her couples. 5 star recommended!
This is my first Katy Evans ARC but not my first book. I got my ARC from NetGalley through the Montlake Publishing website.
I've read the Mine series and I also have some of her books in my TBR shelf.
I used to watch reality tv shows a couple of years back. It's not that I'm not a fan anymore, it's just I find some to be very OA and fake. And I'd rather read than watch tv anyway.
The main characters are relatable. I can relate to Penelope in a way because she's introverted, guarded, knows when to be confident and she's a bookworm. And where do I even start with Luke? He is sweet, caring, sentimental and honest—very swoon-worthy.
I've read a couple of stories with more or less similar storylines but this is unique in the sense that they needed to wed before starting the race. I enjoyed their journey. Their development from acquaintance to lovers was a wee bit frustrating because I felt like it took a wee bit longer to heat up but it definitely induced butterflies in my tummy.
It's an easy read, it's sweet and a page turner.
If you're a reality tv junkie, or if you want something light to read over the weekend, this is the book to pick up next.
I’m not a reality TV watcher in real life, but it was entertaining what Penny and Luke had to go through with the challenges they were given. Boy did Penny not like Luke in the beginning. It was kinda fun watching them start to like and depend on each other. The epilogue was really sweet and I really liked how everything turned out.
Great story about two different and interesting people who want to win one million dollars in reality show. I love Penny and Luke together, they have chemistry and I enjoyed in this book. Thank you Net Galley and Montlake Romance in this opportunity, I received this arc in exchange for my honest review.
http://magic-book-club.com/2019/07/13/million-dollar-marriage-by-katy-evans/
I loved this book so much that I stayed up late and ran on no sleep to finish it in one night. As a fan of Katy Evans, I was so excited to get this one and it was everything. Penelope is one of my new favorite characters in ever, she’s smart, loyal friend, and loves learning. She’s also half a million dollars in student loan debt because she got her doctorates degree in literature and she didn’t want to go to Harvard like her parents wanted her to so they cut her off. Now she lives with her best friend who she has lived with since college in Texas and doesn’t know how she is going to pay her loans off. Luke is the bad boy bar owner who is also half a million dollars in debt from taking over his grandpa’s bar. His grandpa took out a lot of mortgages and he’s paying for the nursing home in grandma is in. Luke is the kinda guy that everyone likes and is super athletic and competitive where Penelope is super smart and not athletic. This book is the epitome of opposites attract and has some super funny moments. I fell in love with Luke and Penelope, they are so funny together. They both are encouraged to sign up for this reality show and that has so many up and downs. Just when I thought I had guessed where this book was heading it would take a different turn. I definitely recommend this book. Great characters that you can’t get enough of and great story line.