Review: The Marriage Trap by Jennifer Probst

The Marriage Trap by Jennifer Probst

Published October 2nd 2012 by Simon and Schuster Digital Services

Purchase: Amazon

About the Book: WIFE WANTED…

Italian billionaire seeks faux fiancée. Willing to agree to anything in return...

In order for his sister to marry, Italian billionaire Michael Conte has to find himself a bride – and fast! When he learns that photographer Maggie Ryan is going to be in Milan, Michael hatches a plan to introduce her to his family as his “fiancée.” Never mind that Maggie is confident, independent, and a control freak. Never mind that she’s everything he doesn’t want in a wife… and everything he wants in his bed!

Convinced that Michael is in love with her married gal pal, Maggie agrees to keep up the ruse if he’ll keep away from her friend. Besides, she’s not attracted to charming, ridiculously hot billionaires who drive her nuts. Once they’re in Italy, however, everything changes – and the sexual tension between Maggie and Michael goes from simmer to naked nuclear meltdown!

But have they found the perfect arrangement… or are they trapped in a make-believe marriage?

My Thoughts:

I knew when I picked up The Marriage Trap I was in for a treat, because I enjoyed The Marriage Bargain so much.  This did not disappoint.  I got sizzling chemistry, a gorgeous locale, and a sweet romance that left a smile on my face.  This was such an addictive and fun read!

We met Maggie Ryan in the last book, The Marriage Bargain, Alexa’s best friend and Nick’s sister.  If you remember, Count Michael Conte and Maggie went on a date, but according to Maggie, all the Count did was talk about Alexa.   When we catch up with Maggie, it’s at Alexa’s birthday party and we get a glimpse of the electricity between these two.  Maggie can’t stand to be around Michael since she suggested a second date, back when they first when out, and Michael turned her down.  Wanting something more from a man was totally uncharacteristic of Maggie, but she felt such a strong connection to Michael.   She firmly believes Michael is hung up on Alexa, and that’s why he’s at every family function, much to her irritation.  She doesn’t want anything to threaten the amazing love her brother and best friend share, so she’s determined to keep him away from them. 

Michael Conte feels a pull every time he sees Maggie Ryan, but he dismissed it back when they first went out.  He values family and friends, and Alexa and Nick Ryan have become very important to him.  He knew he couldn’t take things further with Maggie and jeopardize their friendships if things went wrong, like they usually did with his romances.  He has yet to find someone to capture and keep his attention, but he felt an intense attraction for Maggie that had crash and burn written all over it. 

When a family situation demands that Michael marry, he can’t think of anyone better suited to go along with a fake marriage than Maggie.  With her dislike of him, she wouldn’t get any ideas of romance and wouldn’t see the arrangement as anything but what is was, a temporary necessity, and he has the perfect way to force her to agree. 

While a little predictable, I enjoyed this story completely.  Michael was deliciously alpha-male, and yet surprisingly sweet, with a loyalty to family that would make even the most cynical girl swoon.   Maggie was a bit prickly around the edges, choosing to throw up a barricade around her sensitive heart.  We find out it’s been battered and abused, so you can’t really blame the girl.  As hard as Maggie tries though, she can’t hide the sweet, passionate and caring person she really is underneath it all.  Especially, when she’s around Michael and his family!  Did I mention the smoking HOT chemistry between these two?  Several scenes got my blood pumping!  Here’s a spicy sample: 

 His face tightened with determination. “You’re the one playing games, la mia tigrotta,” he growled. “I’ve wanted you from day one, and I never denied it.  I’m tired of fighting with you when we can be doing other things.  More pleasurable things…for both of us.”

 Oh my.

I just loved it when he called her his “la mia tigrotta,” his little tigress, in Italian!

This story was not all about the spice, though.  It was satisfyingly sweet romance that had me sighing with pleasure in the end.  As a bonus, we get a glimpse of Alexa and Nick, still going strong, and now with cute baby Lily.  I can’t wait to read Carina and Max’s story next in The Marriage Mistake!



 4 Suns