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A Temporary Engagement #1-4

It's Only Temporary - The Collection

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SOME LIKE IT CHARMING
Mackenzie Wyatt believes in two things: herself and her plan. And her plan is to keep her head down and to work hard until she can retire. Never mind that she doesn’t know what she’ll do once she retires– at least she won’t be working for the man anymore. Because even though he’s a gorgeous man, he’s still her boss and he likes to push her buttons.

Ethan Howell O’Connor’s charmed life comes to a screeching halt after his latest ex-girlfriend starts a fashionable trend in talking to the tabloids. Now all of Ethan’s old girlfriends are talking to the press, ruining his reputation, and wiping that charming smile right off his face. The only person who can brighten his black mood is the same person who can annoy him to kingdom come. He and Mackenzie have feuded since the day she was hired but now Ethan’s starting to realize: maybe those sparks were hiding a blazing fire.

Mackenzie’s about to find out that sometimes a gorgeous man can come up with a plan all his own, and it’s a given that it’ll mess hers up.


SOME LIKE IT RUTHLESS
A woman as cold as Texas is hot; a man who has never belonged. Two hard people who will never bend, never yield. . .but they just might be able to make a deal.

Margaret Caldwell knows what it means to beg. She’s been there, done that, won’t wear the t-shirt. And, in fact, won’t beg again- no matter how desperately her family business needs help. Because she knows what it means to be betrayed. Knows how it feels to have her still-beating heart ripped out of her chest, leaving only an empty hole behind.

The son of a ruthless upstart, Cole Montgomery trampled everyone and everything on his way to the top. Including his one and only friend. He knows Maggie will never forgive, never forget, but he’ll help her anyway. Because it might be a few years too late but Cole has finally figured out what’s important. Now if only he can figure out how to start over...


SOME LIKE IT PERFECT
A woman who has nothing. A man who wants for nothing.

Delia Woodson is desperate. That’s why she agrees to it. Because she’s a painter, no one is buying her paintings, and she’s desperate. She has bills to pay, food to buy. Someday she might actually want to live in her own apartment instead of on her friend’s couch. And all she has to do is paint baby-faced angels on an indecently rich, corporate shill’s ceiling. Because, he just can’t think of any other way to spend his money? And she just can’t think of any other way to make it.

Jack Cabot doesn’t want the mural his mother has commissioned for his office ceiling. He doesn’t want the distraction, he doesn’t want the silliness. He doesn’t want the artist now spending her days ten feet above his head. The artist with paint in her hair, distracting him. Bickering with him. Amusing him, until. . .Jack discovers he does want something after all. And all he has to do is convince Delia that she already has what every woman wants. Someone perfectly right for her.


SOME LIKE IT HOPELESS
In love with her gay best friend since forever, Cassandra Spencer has accepted that not everyone can have the fairy tale. Not everyone can have marriage and children and the same last name. But she has Shane, and she loves him and he loves her... Until he falls in love with someone else. Someone nothing like Cassandra; someone she can never accept.

Brady Roberts destroyed his whole world, and there will be no forgiveness. No end to his guilt and pain. He exists day to day until he tangles with a woman who just won’t let him. A woman who believes that life is meant to be lived, no matter how hard it is. No matter how much it hurts. No matter how hopeless. Because sometimes, hopeless doesn’t have to mean alone. And sometimes, hopeless isn’t the end.

829 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 11, 2014

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About the author

Megan Bryce

19 books278 followers
Megan Bryce sits in front of a computer all day making up stories for a living. Which means she is not nearly as interesting (as well as tall, svelte, and/or dressed) as her characters. She gets bored quickly and just can't be bothered with anyone in her head who doesn't make her laugh--which translates into fun books, outrageous situations, and witty characters.

She writes both contemporary and historical romance, and you can visit her website at www.meganbryce.com

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5 stars
436 (47%)
4 stars
284 (30%)
3 stars
159 (17%)
2 stars
31 (3%)
1 star
15 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
Profile Image for Emily.
347 reviews
September 13, 2020
Some Like it Charming - 2* This one missed the mark for me and almost made me put down the entire bundle. It was meant to be the most comedic of the set, but I didn’t find the banter funny enough to make up for the one dimensional characters. Also, I just didn’t feel the chemistry between our protagonists. The shift from lust to love felt unbelievable and kind of rushed.

Some Like it Ruthless - 3.5*. I nice surprise after book 1, it would have been 4* if Cole could have stopped being an ass and repeatedly doing what Maggie repeatedly told him pissed her off. But the theme here was loving someone despite their faults, which was mirrored in Ginny’s devotion to Tanner. Also, despite being a second chance romance where the character’s long history was important, I thought the author made some strange choices. There was no mention of these HS sweethearts spending time in college despite coming from wealthy, “important” families. Instead, they were given huge, unrealistic levels of responsibility at very young ages and all the parents were dead/dying unusually young leaving them completely on their own by 30. It just felt unrealistic and I’m not sure it was necessary to move the plot forward, or if it could have been fixed by filling in some background holes. Despite those flaws, I thought the characters were well developed. Their feeling felt authentic. The fact they were relatively young when bad things were done/said made those bad choices believable. Despite being an idiot at times, I found myself rooting for Cole from the start, convinced he was exactly what Maggie needed.

Some Like it Perfect- 4* I guess my favorite of the four since it also had well developed characters that I liked and rooted for, without some of the flaws in book 2. Primarily a standard opposites attract romance, what I loved most was what a slow build there was. Even the initial physical attraction that was hinted at for both characters, wasn’t an immediate “I need to get in their pants” lust. It was more an acknowledgement of the attractiveness they both saw, with an understanding that they didn’t see each other as possible lovers. It took several weeks of working in close proximity for the lust to build. There was also a side story here with Delia’s best friend Jasmine and her quest for her own HEA. I liked how it showed that love looks different for everyone, there isn’t just one correct formula- in fact, that is clearly an overarching theme for this author. But my favorite character was Augusta/Gus/Summer and how she was used by the author as a bridge between Jack and Delia. A free spirit like Delia, but from Jack’s old money family, her own character growth from scared and uncertain about herself and her future to confident and brave, was a direct reflection of what was happening between Jack and Delia.

Some Like it Hopeless- 3* This one had a lot of feels and angst, even making me tear up at one point. That said, I just struggled with how their HEA finally happened. I get that it was supposed to be complicated and messy. That was the point. But the way she had the characters come together toward the end, I’m still not sure if they loved each other or just decided to settle. And for it to still be an issue and weird in the 3 yrs later epilogue, made me cringe. Plus, the idea that Cassandra’s strange relationship with Shane was even remotely as difficult as the tragedy Brady endured bothered me every time the comparison of their heartbreak was made. The upside on this story was that Brady and Cassandra were both well developed, complex characters that were not always lovable, but grew on me anyway.

I don’t believe I’ve read this author before. She clearly has a type of heroine -
strong women that are just on the verge of giving up on love. Either they’ve been hurt by past lovers, past familial relationships, or just think they are too old and their opportunity will never come. I’d read this author again.
Profile Image for Isabelle Grace.
Author 9 books36 followers
February 18, 2021
Loved the series

Loved this series that I couldn’t put down. Well rounded characters, unconventional but meaningful storylines, inclusive love stories, and happily ever after galore!
4,105 reviews8 followers
October 4, 2019
Good series

Liked book 1, 3 and 4, probably book 4 the best. It was full of unrequited love, difficult friendships, letting go and grabbing what you needed and not what you wanted. Cassandra and Brady were the most mixed up, devastatingly hurt people and yet thank god they found a piece of each other. Would have loved a miracle for them instead of giving it to their friends and family and another epilogue. So good and highly recommend.
Profile Image for Lovesbooks.
137 reviews1 follower
March 8, 2024
Still crying ..

I bought this book for the first story. And accidentally read the second first. It was good, really good and I was excited to read the first. After that one, I thought, phew.. Ethan! .. I was looking forward to Cassandra's story, but figured I'll save that for last as there's another one to read. Thought it was just gonna bide my time till I got to the last but, nope! I've never laughed so hard or cried so hard in my life. This 3rd book, told of three couples and their journey to love. This could have been three separate books but, they needed to be together. I felt for them like I've never felt for other couples.. DANG.. then after a good extra cry.. (and a day). I started the 4th... Oh my heart can't even begin to handle the torment and anguish of Cassandra. I've never cried so hard...(well there are only 2 other books) I still feel for her.. it didn't end with the typical HEA. Don't get me wrong there is one, but Brady why??? Why can't Cassandra have the all encompassing love she deserves.. I KNOW not the point... These stories show love in all it's light- in all it's different facets, and in all it's complications, fear, excitement and even anger. I might be able to stop reading Romances after reading this series. READ THIS!
Profile Image for Autumn.
38 reviews
May 20, 2021
I say 3 star because book 1 was a good predictable read. MacKenzie and Ethan’s banter and attraction was fun. Book 2 was just difficult. Maggie and Cole were never fully explained. Good sex and banter? But no trust? We’re told the reason for the ‘feud’ between them but never about the family feud. Felt like a story That was pieced together. Book 3 was very good. Delia and Jack were real. All the characters were deep enough to like or dislike. Fun premise. Book 4. What to say? No. Just No. Brady and Cassandra, how could their life situation even be compared? Their relationship was awkward and unpleasant even when it was supposed to be good. What’s the deal with Shane and Cassandra. I guess they just need couples therapy. Shane and Christian. There is supposed to be a why when someone disappears with a wedding pickup for 10 days and comes home in love. What love? Why? Christian never seemed to open the closet door. Did they have sex or any kind of physical relationship? The ending was, for lack of another word, stupid. Sooooo, I love a good romance, dark and angst or predictable and clever. These books should never have been called a collection.
Profile Image for Betsy.
899 reviews4 followers
June 11, 2024
Everand
The first 3 books are fun romances. They’re well written & have simple, yet enjoyable plots. The fourth though, oh my!

In the first book we meet Cassandra as a friend to the fmc. She seems fun, quick-witted & easy to love. By book 4 she is an unhinged woman. She has been in love with her gay best friend for ages, thinking they will be happy together forever. Until gbf finds true love & she has to face facts. After one of her pity parties, she hooks up with the hotel owner. A man who is still mourning the loss of his wife and child. A loss he created when he was coked up & drunk as fuck driving them around in his car.

So we have two lost souls, right? I don’t know if the author felt like the two issues were the same or if she wanted us to hate the main character, but Cassandra equates her pitiful longing for a man who will never fuck her to Brady’s loss of his whole family. This girl, right? It goes on after that, but, by then I was checking out early.

But the first 3 stories were happy.
768 reviews1 follower
November 2, 2023
well written complicated stories

Each story contained overlapping stories. What makes a family. What is love? How does human foibles and conditions affect relationships? How does families affect a couple. All these questions appeared in one form or the other in these stories. The first story was interesting and introduced the main female in the fourth book. The second story was filled with anger, tension and lack of trust. The third story was amusing and more on the happy side. The fourth story was depressing and difficult to read. Shane and Christian’s story was sweet but Cassandra and Brady’s story was a sad story. Somehow all the stories had HEA, but they were messy. Add a star if that’s what you like
Profile Image for Samantha Booth.
47 reviews1 follower
March 8, 2019
Strong

There are very few good romance books where the woman is truly strong and independent but finally here they are and it’s wonderful.
The books are amazingly well written, humorous in places with just enough drama to make them intriguing without being emotionally draining. The secondary characters are fully fleshed out and not just there to give the main characters someone to talk to, they actually have their own storylines which is nicely refreshing.
Megan Bryce is a new author to me and with these 4 books she has definitely secured her place as one of my favourite authors.
Profile Image for Karen Wood.
655 reviews3 followers
April 26, 2023
I loved this series of books, each one different and nice to see some of them connected. Each one of them is meant to be a Temporary relationship, but feelings get in the way. They are all well-written.

I think my favourite of the four was book one, Mackenzie and Ethan were so funny, loved their banter they both knew how to push each other's buttons and did it as often as they could, they were meant to be together.

Book four was an emotional book, how can you be in love with two men and not have either of them completely, that was Cassandra's problem, she was in love with her gay best friend.
Profile Image for Julie.
903 reviews27 followers
April 1, 2019
Good story

Really enjoyed the first and third story as they were connected but couldn't understand the second story,it had nothing to do with the other two stories,other than it was a rich man, the characters connected the other two stories which was nice as it continued really well, it was great knowing Cassandra got her story too.i enjoyed the second story but would loved to have had some of the previous characters in it.
Profile Image for Mary.
42 reviews1 follower
March 21, 2023
First book excellent, downhill from there

I loved the first book in this collection, funny, great characters. Really enjoyed it. Second book. Not likeable characters. Basically we are hard, let's have sex. Next book. Likeable characters, weak plot. Last book, unlikeable characters, unlikeable plot. So one in four. Not sure I will try here again, but I really did like the first book.
Profile Image for Vicky Brown.
245 reviews1 follower
February 2, 2020
All the feels

I was kinda expecting four stories all similar and they're not at all. Lots of laughs and a handful of tissues needed too. Yeah each book is about a "temporary" relationship that becomes real but each is a really good story and I love the way a couple connect . If you wanna get lost for a few hours just dive right in .
472 reviews4 followers
March 28, 2023
Four excellent stories

I’m always wary of boxed sets or anthologies - so many of them have lackluster or just plain awful material, sandwiched in with the better stuff. This book does not disappoint at all. I enjoyed each book very much. All the feels, and well-written. Highly recommended.
7 reviews
January 21, 2018
Loved the entire collection!

Couldn't put it down, from the first page to the last. Enjoyed each story. The characters were so well-rounded and fun and human and entertaining as all get out. Thoroughly loved discovering a new to me author.
Profile Image for Jen Uribe.
572 reviews
November 24, 2018
DNF 3/4 stories read

Based on the Facebook ads, I had convinced myself these 4 stories would be lighthearted and fun. They weren’t. Frankly, I wasn’t convinced that any of the couples loved each other and I was frustrated with all of them. After the 3rd story, I was done.
384 reviews2 followers
February 9, 2019
Readable

An interesting set of books. Each story as the titled hint are about very different approaches to romance They are interesting and have good humour interspersed. That makes them a pleasant read
February 20, 2020
Sooo Good.

Exciting, hot, emotional. Your emotions will range from cold shower to chocolate and tissues. You’ll feel as though you are part of the group, and a bestie waiting for the details, eating ice cream, and cheering for love. Every. Single. Story.
March 16, 2020
Great Read!

Loved these books! I could not put them
down. The characters are all so believable. Very well written.Each one was exciting and heartwarming. Thank for a great read. Can't wait to read more of Megan Bryce books.
Profile Image for Patricia Charlton.
877 reviews7 followers
October 9, 2020
Good Boxset

I enjoyed these 4 stories and all were so different but enjoyable and I enjoyed all their journeys, but damn the last one with Cassandra & Brady was an emotional one with so much tragedy and loss it was heartbreaking at times.
233 reviews
December 20, 2020
Four great stories

Wow, four really lovely stories. It’s my first time to read anything from this author, and this collection really showed me that she is an author l need to read more of. Check them out, you won’t be disappointed.
Profile Image for Pam James.
933 reviews21 followers
March 24, 2021
Addicting.

This is my 1st book by this author. It won't be my last. Each story has very different characters. Lots of humor. I carried my kindle everywhere. I am Now addicted! Now I have to decide which series to read next. From a New Fan... Pam James.
Profile Image for Kathy.
882 reviews6 followers
October 30, 2022
Enjoyable Read

I enjoyed reading this book. The characters are engaging and amazing the connection is undeniable throughout the pages. The storyline flowed easily throughout the pages. A must read!
Profile Image for Shelley.
438 reviews5 followers
February 7, 2023
Luv the snark

The characters in these stories come with baggage and are perfect matches.I really enjoyed real and imaginary issues.The women hold their own against the rich and famous.
60 reviews
February 22, 2023
I enjoyed this collection of stories. Each story had a well-organized plot, and the characters had depth. Many of the characters were flawed from past circumstances that made them relatable. Each story was different and kept my attention.
August 10, 2023
good reads

Kept thinking I would stop after the end of the finished story, but each one was better than the first. My heart was taken completely by the characters and messages in the fourth story especially. Wonderful reading.
16 reviews
February 1, 2024
Emotional, funny, sad and Human.

This book had me from the first page, I was invested in the characters and the story. I was not ready for the rollercoaster of emotions it would make me feel.
I would give it 10 stars if I could.
470 reviews1 follower
February 3, 2019
Great little book

Was great to read with all the little books inside enjoyed them all and couldn’t put it down wish they went a little longer
Profile Image for Toni Whitehouse.
344 reviews2 followers
March 25, 2019
A good read

Enjoyed all the books. Each held something different and was an enjoyable time reading each book. Tho next time I think I'll sleep between each one
4 reviews
May 8, 2019
Great short stories

Loved these short stories, I was struggling to get into another book and then found theses and got swallowed up
473 reviews3 followers
May 17, 2019
It's only Temporary

These were strange stories, liked the third one best and found the fourth one very sad, the other two were o.k.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews

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