Wonder where marni keeps this hot men hidden in her home. She just plucks out dashing debonair billionaires, one after the other from her magic pen and we, as readers, can do nothing but fall hard for these all consuming alphas .
Grayson is as Grumpy as a pumice stone. As stubborn and in denial as a mountain
Jovana is a ray of sunshine but some dark corners of Grayson are too far for her light to reach.
But she doesn't give up holding his hand.
I loved the raw connection, sensitive emotions swirling between them. Except it's a no strings attached pure physical need, while her heart has already been pockmarked by his past demons.

Mr wicked, Mr good times, Mr i'll fudge your brains out meets his match in emotional torture and its fun watching him eat the humble pie.
4 stars for parallel lives

helloooooo alpha hole!!!! Marni does dirty talking alpha hole like no other. the character arc//development for Grayson is chefs kiss.

jovana is such a great FMC too. Their dynamic makes for dynamite in the bedroom but also such a swooney story!!!

AUDIO WAS SO GOOD

Ryan West was a new narrator for me but did a good job portraying Greyson the Wicked Bachelor. Of course, Andi Arndt is fabulous as always. Narrating was on point...
Greyson the bachelor who is against love due to his past goes on a vacation and comes back to a major problem he created. Jovana shared one night with him and after his vacation leaves his dating app company and his partners on verge of losing everything they have built. He must clean it up his mess, Jovana is the one person that can help him but will she after the way he treated her? Honestly her mindset and actions to change him irritated me. She knew who he was and doing everything with the intention to make him love her I didn't like.

This is the first book I've read by Marni Mann, and although 'Mr. Wicked' is the second in the 'Hooked' series, it can be read as a standalone. The series revolves around three best friends who create a dating app called Hooked.

This book follows Grayson, one of the Hooked partners, who has no interest in finding love, whether through his own app or otherwise. When Grayson is caught contradicting the purpose of the app with his bachelor lifestyle, particularly given that he created the marriage arm of the app, the PR firm suggests he settle down in a fake relationship and marry a woman to prove his belief in Hooked.

Enter Jovana, a social media influencer and waitress whom Grayson met months prior during one of her shifts. Although their connection was immediate, Grayson was only interested in a one-night stand, while Jovana sought a meaningful relationship.

With a proposition she cannot refuse, Jovana agrees to marry Grayson, hoping to transform their fake marriage into a real one, believing that Grayson harbors deeper feelings for her.

Despite being nicknamed 'Mr. Wicked' due to his mischievous antics, Grayson finds himself genuinely caring for Jovana, who has a kind and nurturing personality, albeit sometimes feisty. And even though their chemistry is sizzling, the in-between moments where Grayson starts acknowledging his true feelings for her make his reputation redeemable.

I highly recommend the audiobook version narrated by Andi Arndt and Ryan West. They both do a fantastic job at bringing the characters to life. If you enjoy books featuring alpha billionaires, age gap (M30, F22), fake marriage, and spice, you will definitely enjoy the blissful 12 hours of this audiobook!

Jovana doesn't do one-night stands. Greyson only does one-night stands, but when his behavior starts impacting the company he developed with his best friends he quickly learns that he will do anything to turn things around, including asking the one woman that he has never forgotten to become his fake girlfriend.

While I enjoyed book 1 of the Hooked series, Mr. Wicked was an even better read. I loved the dynamic between Grayson and Jovana. It was spicy, passionate, and sneakily sweet; especially when Grayson let down his walls. I also appreciated that while Grayson was prickly and rude at times, Jovana rarely let it get to her. She just gave it back as good as she got. What started as a hot one night stand, turned into a sweet love story with a reluctant bachelor and the girl who stole his heart without him knowing it. In audio, this story was superb. Andi was amazing as always, voicing both Jovana’s strength and also her sensitivity, sassiness, and sweetness. Ryan West was a new voice to me and perfectly cast for Grayson. He perfectly portrayed all the nuances of Grayson, from gruff or demanding all the way to his sweet side. This is definitely an audiobook you need in your library.

After a successful product launch of the marriage arm of their dating app Hooked, Grayson returns to the office amidst a scandal of his own creation. To fix the company image and his reputation, a crisis manager and co-founders demand that he has to put his playboy lifestyle away and settle down. When they meet at a bar to discuss things, his steamy one night stand Jovana catches his eye and also that of the crisis manager. After some negotiating and ultimatums, Jovana and Grayson agree to fake date, live together, and wed. At the end of one year, they can divorce. Grayson is determined to protect his heart, but having Jovana under his roof will put his heart and his desire for her to the test.

I loved how even though Jovana fell first, she didn’t let Grayson off the hook for the fairytale love story she always dreamed of. It just had an unorthodox start. I’m always a sucker for a strong FMC. And while I’m not always a fan of a fake relationship romance, Marni made me love it in Mr. Wicked with the chemistry between the two characters and their amazing dialogue. While Grayson’s actions affected the company, Hooked took a backseat to their courtship and love story, as unorthodox as it might have been. I really enjoyed this book from start to finish. It was better than the first and it will be fantastic to see if Marni can top it with the single dad of the Hooked trio.

Mr. Wicked is the second book in the Hooked series. It's a fake marriage, age gap romance.

Grayson and Jovana's book is a steamy love story. The chemistry between these characters is undeniable. These two are for sure meant for each other. You see it in their playful banter and witty scenes. They have a great bond that is easy to see. This is for sure a roller coaster ride of emotions. A great read you will want to pick up.

Andi Arndt and Ryan West did a fabulous job portraying these characters. They really brought them to life.

The story features several tropes including fake dating/marriage, rich alphahole, grump/sunshine, with a little bit of enemies to lovers splashed in. It was lust at first sight and Grayson couldn’t resist. Jovana thought their immense chemistry would lead to something beyond an incredible one night stand. Unfortunately, Jovana received a rude awakening in the aftermath putting Grayson right where he deserved, on her 💩 list. Little did he know, that his actions would come back to haunt him….

It was a pleasure to watch the development of Grayson and Jovana’s relationship. The best parts of the story were when they let their guards down and allowed one another to explore each other’s vulnerabilities. Grayson was at his best when he allowed Mr. Nice guy to come out. I loved how attentive to detail he was, even when he pretended not to be. There were several endearing moments between them. Grayson tried to resist the connection between them, but lust soon turned into love.

I listened to the audiobook and the quality of the narration was good. The story is told in dual pov and is narrated by Andi Arndt and Ryan West. They did a good job bringing these characters off the pages and show casing their chemistry. Overall, I liked this read.

"Mister, you are wicked..." "And you're going to love that about me..."

I listened to this book via audiobook and LOVED it! Marni Mann did an exceptional job of writing Grayson and Jovana's story... Grayson, an alpha-hole billionaire playboy, is the epitome of "GRUMPY" and Jovana is the picture of "sunshine." Grayson has trust issues in women. He doesn't do relationships... PERIOD... until Jovana. He was the most eligible bachelor in Boston and co-founder of a dating app. Because of his bad-boy/playboy ways, he compromises the integrity of his company and its growth. His image needed to be improved, so a marriage of convenience was planned with Jovana for 1 year. I don't believe I've ever read a more GRUMPY MMC than Grayson, but when he fell for Jovana, his sentiments toward her were precious and were so genuine. Their relationship was very "insta-love", and while it was endearing to read, it almost seemed forced. Maybe a little more banter or angst between the two before the transition from "I loathe the thought of a relationship" to "I can't live without you and I want more from us?" Despite this, it wasn't enough for me to decrease my rating at all. Overall, it was a GREAT book!! The spice was superb! The narrators in the audiobook did a FANTASTIC job of providing subtle nuances that brought the story to life. I appreciate the opportunity from Net Galley and the publisher to review this audiobook and provide my honest review.!

Grayson and Jovana were simultaneously the most frustrating and the most explosive characters I’ve read in a long time. Their chemistry was off the charts, and I love how Marni writes angst. But I just wanted to throttle Grayson in the face half the time. He’s such a stinker! Once he finally admitted his feelings for Jovana, he was a top tier book boyfriend. I love how Marni wrote the end of this book. It was so unlike what I was expecting, and it had me grinning so big! I loved this book!

“I told her I choose my wife.”

One night stand turned enemies to lovers-- Grayson + Jovana share a night of passion, but when Grayson makes his lines clear, Jovana is left a bit broken. Retaliating against his feelings, Grayson finds himself and "Hooked" in a huge PR scandal. The only way to fix it? Marry the one woman he can't stop thinking about.

NOBODY and I mean nobody does a grumpy Alphahole like my girl Marni.

Grayson EARNED every bit of his "Mr.Wicked" persona. That is until he meets "the one". I loved that even though Grayson pulled every stop to push Jovana away, she pushed even harder. Watching his walls crumble was just as good as the spice in this story. And speaking of spice.... It was SPICING. Watching Jovana conquer her dreams all while getting the guy was perfection.

I love the friendship with Grayson and the other guys (&gals) from hooked. It's definitely some of my favorite found family aspects.

As if this book couldn't get any better ... Netgalley slid into my inbox with the audiobook-- WHICH I DEVOURED. The narrators did a fantastic performance for these two. When I picture Grayson and Jovana, I will always picture Ryan West & Andi Arndt. Absolute perfection!!!!

✨🎧ALC Audiobook Review 🎧✨
Title: Mr. Wicked, Hooked #2
Author: Marni Mann
Narration: Andi Arndt and Ryan West

Chili’s: 🌶️🌶️
Audio performance: 🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤

Dual narration
Just one night
Fake relationship
Billionaire
Broken
Alpha hole
Grumpy/sunshine

Story overview:
Greyson Tanner’s tumultuous past casts a shadow over his present, leaving him cold and dedicated to eternal bachelorhood. After starting up a wildly successful dating app to help people connect with what they’re looking for, Greyson finds himself with a tarnished reputation that’s really hurting the business. Forced to clean up his image to save the business he and the few he trusts created from the ground up, he recruits sunny, bubbly, influencer Jovana Winters who works at his favorite local hangout.

I’m such a sucker for a temperamental broken teddy bear! Mr. Wicked has all the bits and pieces we love in a billionaire, fake dating, alpha hole romance. Jovana was the sweet, smart, and charming successful influencer and I enjoyed every bit of their banter and undeniable chemistry. There were a couple of plot twists I did not see coming and man can Marni write a steamy scene!

Audio performance review:
I am a big fan of miss Andi Arndt’s sweet pleasant tone, crystal-clear articulation, and the emotive delivery she brings to her narration. I thought she was picture perfect Jovana and knocked it out of the park! Ryan wonderfully portrayed grumpy, hot/cold, and broken Greyson with depth and authenticity. They kept me hooked and I really enjoyed the story they brought to life!

Special thanks: to ValentinePR, Netgalley, and MarniMann for this ALC.

**These are my own honest thoughts that I have provided voluntarily.

Audiobook review: Narrated by Andi Arndt and Ryan West
4 stars for story / 5 stars for performance

Grayson runs the marriage arm for the Hook-up app but gets in a bit of a PR nightmare when he raves about his bachelor status while partying it up on a yacht with several single women. His is then forced to get married in an effort to save face. Enter Jovana, a previous ONS that ended badly. I really loved Jovana’s character and her tender hearted honesty. The banter between these two was a lot of fun and on audio it was even better. This is a nice marriage of convenience story that has an interesting little twist that keeps things interesting.

The narration was done so well. Andi Arndt was so believable as sweet Jovana and Ryan West has the perfect voice to play a reformed playboy. I really enjoyed both narrators and was thoroughly entertained while listening.

This was such a fun story!
I absolutely loved the connection and chemistry between Grayson & Jovana!
This was full of plenty of snark & sass, it’s steamy, full of emotions, healing from past trauma, forgiveness, passion, & warmth.
The narrators both did such a fantastic job bringing all of the characters to life.

Mr. Wicked is book two in the Hooked series and follows Jovana and Grayson as they navigate their tumultuous relationship.

I will admit this one did not start out great for me. I did not like the idea of her holding on to the asshole with the hopes that he would change.
However I think the story did redeem itself.

Narrated by: Andi Arndt and Ryan West
I think Andi could narrate the dictionary and I would still enjoy it. Ryan had the perfect deep voice for the alpha-hole persona. Both were excellent choices for this book.

Overall rating 4/5
Spice-o-meter: Blush

* Alpha- hole billionaire romance
* One night stand turned marriage of convenience
* Grumpy/sunshine
* Playboy who has sworn off love

Marni Mann does grumpy men and strong women to perfection!

Grayson and Jovana's story gave me all of the feels. Jovana had so much sass and was the perfect person to bring Grayson Tanner to his knees. These two had sparks that lit the bed on fire, but Grayson doused that fire as quick as he started it. When he needs some help with his reputation, Jovana is the perfect person to play his wife.

I loved watching these two. Grayson fell so early for Jovana but had no idea what love was or what he was feeling which just made him angrier. She definitely tames the beast.

This book had lots of heat, and such a great story about love truly conquering all. I missed book 1 in this series, so have to head back for that one! Can't wait!

Mr. Wicked
Hooked, Book 2
By: Marni Mann
Narrated by: Andi Arndt, Ryan West

Do you have to believe in what you create? Grayson is one of the founders of the successful dating app, Hooked. Now releasing internationally, he is taking some time to enjoy his spoils.But now he's caught, enjoying the single life and being called out on it. Stock is dropping, subscriptions being canceled, he has some damage control to do. Jovana works at the local bar, and after a fast and furious one night stand, Grayson ghosts her. Now he's back with an offer she can't refuse. A whirlwind romance and marriage to help repair the image of Hooked. Will she take it? Marni Mann took me into this fun, flirty, grumpy-sunshine romance and I was hooked...pun intended. Grayson is the broodiest of men, and he is determined not to fall in love. He knows what happens to people when they do and he will not have any part of it. Jovana is spunky, smart and not going to take any snarkiness from the man. But she has real feelings for him. Will they fall in love? There is a twist that I know I didn't see coming! This is a fantastic addition to the series, getting to see all the founders, and enjoy their wisdom as well. I loved it!

With narration by Andi Arndt and Ryan West, this book comes alive. Arndt plays Jovana with the feisty personality that she has. I love the way she uses her inflections to make the banter funny yet get the meaning across. West could not be a better pick for a grumpy billionaire and he makes Grayson cranky and lovable! This is an amazing listen, making my ears happy.