I love really good romances that are packed with great character development. I was disappointed.

I do not understand how a person who deeply believes in God, who is determined to adhere to Scripture teaching about being pure until married, can not work at forgiveness since that is also a command in Scripture.

To me, the premise of the book is great. It promised to be a good, fun, sometimes funny read. Phillips didn't follow through with it. Hanna had the right to be angry that William betrayed her pretending that she gave in and had sex on their "alone night" to the whole world. I really, really get that. But to start having those loving feelings revive and still hang on to the anger went too far for me to suspend my belief. Hanna actually acknowledges that she needed to forgive because she was Christian, but she stubbornly held on to that anger like a protective shield. So this leaves a huge hole in the plot.

There are other holes like why is it that most people believe if you spend a lot of money on a person that indicates a heart attitude change? What is it about a man being handsome and popular that is supposed to make you believe that is all that's needed for a woman to swoon in love?

Handsome and Beauty with great bodies does not make love bloom. Lust maybe, but not love. Today it seems like people can't tell the difference between love and lust.

The fact that Hanna and William had some fairly good dialogue saved the book for me. I found I did start to care what happened. But, [spoiler]a man needs to demonstrate a lot more change than spending money, having great parents, a little remorse to be worthy of the love of a woman. William just didn't grow as a character. Yes, he quit his job in the end, but that was sort of selfish because he knew he couldn't have Hanna if he didn't quit. William needed to demonstrate a little altruism and some repentance rather than just some remorse over what he did.[/spoiler] I think Phillips could have done a better job at that because she really is a good writer.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for a copy to read.

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Normally, I enjoy reading a romance that is a homage to shows like The Bachelor or The Bachelorette, but I have to say I didn't really enjoy this one.

I absolutely hated the deception! With Hanna being a "Christian" woman, her reputation should not have been her entire focus! Actions speak louder than words, I always say, and her actions were not saying anything good about Hanna! Will was just as bad with his innuendo and selfish nature, almost as if he felt he deserved to have Hanna just fall at his feet! I couldn't understand them together, and didn't see much romance or wooing between the two of them.

For me, this book really dragged, taking entirely too long to get through. Thankfully, it was a standalone romance and not a series, but even then I wouldn't recommend or purchase a copy of this book for myself.

I tried and tried to read this book...I got about a quarter of the way through it, but I couldn't finish it, it was just too trite and unbelievable, even obnoxious! I don't have time to read it.

Lots of conflicting things in this little humorous romance. I think I’m just going to skip the star rating on this one. The opening was great, with her saving the guy’s life and then realizing it’s her least favorite man in the world.

Ultimately, though, it tried to be too many things at once. Romantic comedy, cautionary tale, lesson in forgiveness, etc, etc. There were so many little plot features that never got used, ones that got dropped in and left lying on the floor, until the plot grew cumbered with all these little unresolved bits of info. We even met fleeting characters who served no purpose except to come and go.

At first I liked Hanna okay, but pretty quickly I found her to be full of so many complex qualities that I never quite got to know her. I didn’t understand her dad’s meeting the guy who broke her heart publicly with open arms...what a betrayal that would feel like. Her dad doesn’t need to cheapen her hurt just to be a decent host. The entire book, it’s more and more of the same thing...poor guy. And when he gropes her in the kitchen one point, it’s her fault for “asking for it” because she didn’t have a bra on under her sweatshirt—even though he understood fully that she was still keeping herself for marriage (in all but kisses). He doesn’t respect her enough to respect her boundaries.

Also, there were lots and lots of “sanitized swears”...either “okay” words substituted for taking God’s name in vain, or with other words dashed out. I might have been easier on the “hero” because he isn’t living a Christian life, but Hanna supposedly grew up in a conservative church.

Also, who still texts using 2 for to? Seriously?

The roller-coaster of great writing vs. slaps in the face of reality kept going back and forth. It was hard not to start skimming when things got particularly improbable. And the end was so abrupt...what happened next?

The heroine definitely got the short end of the stick with this dude and I really would have liked to see her kick him to the curb, unless there had been some huge repentance moment that fundamentally changed his character more than he did change. Yes, there was some improvement, but not enough to bump him into hero status for me. No wonder I’m still single, if these are all the sort of guys that are left on the market.

Anyway, if you can suspend some reality and if you don’t expect your heroes to be extra-heroic, it’s probably a good light read to try out.

Thanks to the published for a free review copy. Positive review not required.

A light hearted read that could brighten either a beach or a warm fireside.
Pure romance at its best.
Gorgeous CEO and lowly teacher meet on a reality show.
CEO proposes teacher accepts and then CEO in an interview makes inappropriate remarks about teachers moral Christian values which result in the engagement being broken off.
Boardroom problems lead to desperate measures resulting in a fake engagement and so much more.
Loved it a real feel good read

The writing was great, and the storyline was good. But, I guess I should have read a little more before I requested this book as I am not one for christian books. Not that I have anything towards them, only I am not one to have to read about god every other page. Dont get me wrong, I really loved the writing and storyline, just wish there was not so much god referances.

After the first scene I had a feeling this book was going to be filled with many hilarious moments and I wasn’t mistaken. I quickly grew to feel for Hanna and the embarrassment she has gone through all because of one comment Will said. I totally understood her angry feelings towards him. Will was frustrating at the beginning. His motives for seeking out Hanna months after he ruined her reputation were more selfish than to correct the wrong he did, it really bothered me that saving his job came first and Hanna second. However Will redeemed himself in my eyes as the story progressed. Both Hanna and Will grew throughout the story and learned a lot about themselves. I enjoy their witnessing their journey.

The banter between Will and Hanna was fun and entertaining, their clashes made for some really hilarious moments. When they were getting along and let their true feelings come out they had some of the sweetest moments.

The supporting cast of characters were wonderful and each added a different element to the story. Carly was the bff that would speak her mind. Emma was the assistant that kept everything on track. Will’s parents and Hanna’s dad were the parents that did what they felt was best for their kids. I loved Will’s parents, they had me laughing at some of the things they said, the way they acted with Hanna was great and his dad was able to challenge Hanna nicely. One of my favourite parts had to be the interactions between the two fathers.

The theme I got took from this story is that the meaning of our life should come from our relationship with God and not be based on our job status or what others think about us. This was an entertaining romance with a bit of a mystery thrown in.

(I received a complimentary copy of this book from Shiloh Run Press through NetGalley; opinions expressed in this review are my honest opinion and completely my own.)

If you read the blurb above for this book I probably know what you are thinking about this book. A light, fluffy, brain candy sort of book picking up on the "Bachelor" reality TV show. Right? Because that's kind of what the blurb would have you think. But. I'm here to tell you that this book is more than that. In fact, the story picks up months after the reality TV portion happened. Yes, Hanna does do some remembering of certain moments and there are certainly some very "in the public eye" situations, but I loved the very personal sort of feeling I had while reading this book.

These characters, Hanna and William, have depth. As you get to know them better, you can easily see their strengths and weaknesses. They both do a lot of growing and learning throughout this book. It's a process and one I enjoyed very much. There was an obvious attraction given the history between William and Hannah and though they both try to squelch it, it just won't go away. That leads to some sparky situations full of tension. Yup, that was good stuff too.

This book has very obvious Christian elements. There is nothing overly preachy but it is there. I thought the whole book was well done and had a good balance of both the lighthearted, fun moments and the more serious, soul searching moments. I enjoyed it from beginning to end! I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.

Content: kissing, Christian elements

- I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Engagement Plot is a delightful contemporary romantic comedy built around a dating reality show gone bad. While trying to make amends to Hanna for the disastrous ending to the show, Will unintentionally complicates things. The result is a rollicking, fun comedy of errors. The main characters, Will and Hanna are well-drawn and endearing, and the author's sense of humor shines through in the dialog. I would recommend this to readers who enjoy Christian fiction romantic comedy.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher and Netgalley. All opinions are my own

When William betrayed Hanna's trust on national television months ago, she retreated to her farm in Minnesota to avoid the accusations and media attention that followed her appearance on a reality dating show. While not ready to forgive William, Hanna agrees to his plan to fake an engagement in an attempt to save her reputation and his career. Will Hanna be able to protect her heart against the charming CEO a second time? Can Will earn Hanna's forgiveness once an for all, and admit that his feeling for her might be genuine? When both of their worlds come crashing down, will they choose to trust and depend on one another, or go their separate ways?

Kristina Phillips tells a timely and entertaining story in The Engagement Plot. I will openly admit to The Bachelor having often been a guilty pleasure for me, so was immediately intrigued by the premise. Phillips brings up a number of excellent themes given today's media-obsessed culture. How much should we care about what other people think? How much does God require us to forgive? Is deception ever justified? Can we ever rebuild trust once it has been lost? The plot itself, while obviously a bit predictable, was fun and moved along quickly. I like both Hanna and William, and found them compelling romantic leads. The conclusion, however, was a bit abrupt and unsatisfying. I would have appreciated one more chapter or an epilogue to cement the overall happy ending.

I received a free copy from the publisher. No review, positive or otherwise, was required—all opinions are my own.

What a great funny book. Loved it The characters were ones I’d love to know more about in a different book

The Engagement Plot by Krista Phillips is a love story which seems doomed before it even begins. On her way home one stormy night, Hanna Knight rescues a stranded motorist near her father’s farm. After she arrives home, she realizes that the stranded motorist is none other than William Preston, CEO of Foster and Jones and the man who broke her heart in front of millions. They were on a show together called “The Price of Love” a show similar to the Bachelor where he chose Hanna. But later as they did the post show media interviews, one comment ruined her reputation and her life. There is a reason Will is there. His company’s sales have slipped since the show and he needs her help. He proposes a fake engagement to show the world that they are in love and doing well despite the tabloid headlines. She reluctantly agrees and soon she’s back in the spotlight as the media quickly discovers their “reconciliation.” Soon the lies and deceit seems to pile up as another plot to ruin Will’s position with the company is revealed. Will they discover who is behind the plot to destroy Will? Will Hanna and Will discover their true feelings for each other?
The Engagement Plot was a cute and predictable romance story. I enjoyed Will and Hanna and the sparks that flew as they resisted each other and tried to keep each other at bay as they proceed with their plan. Although the ending was expected and some of the plot twists were “duh” moments and the antagonist was as clear as day, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. I love a good romance novel and The Engagement Plot is fun, engaging, and heartwarming. I laughed, I cheered and I smiled as I turned the last page. If you enjoy a good romance story, I recommend The Engagement Plot.

The Engagement Plot
is available in paperback and eBook

When I first saw this book I immediately thought about the show the Bachelor. I am not a huge fan of the show, although I have watched a whole season in the past. It kinda made me question if I would really enjoy this book. I’m so glad that I gave it a chance. Though it did mention a similar show here and there, the book was really about their lives after and how certain things said and done on the show affected them. Once I started reading I had trouble stopping. I was drawn in right away and quickly grew to love Hanna and Will. This book was the perfect amount of funny mixed with romance.

Hanna was hurt on national TV in front of everyone. How does someone get past that? It’s taken a while, but Hanna finally feels like life is getting back to normal, that is until she runs into Will. Can’t the guy leave her alone? Asking for forgiveness Will ends up giving her a choice: pretend they are happily back together, or face the even crazier paparazzi. Hanna really cared for Will, but is it a good idea to lie to the media in order to avoid more scandal? Decisions must be made, and they all seem to come with different consequences. What will she choose?

As I said above I really loved reading this book. I had no idea what was going to happen next, and enjoyed every moment. This is the first book I have read by Krista Phillips and can honestly say I look forward to reading more. The characters were fun to get to know, and both far from perfect. I really enjoyed the secondary characters and would love to see a story about her best friend. I received a copy of this book from Shiloh Run Press and was in no way forced to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Wonderful book! This author is new to me and I will definitely be checking out more of her work.

The Engagement Plot sounds like reality television, but it isn't, not really. The entire novel happens after the two are on a show very much like The Bachelor.

The plot is fresh and fun and quick-paced. Krista Phillips has an engaging and easy-to-read voice. I want to be friends with Hanna and keep wondering how she's doing.....proves The Engagement Plot was a great read! Grab your copy today :-)

Really a surprisingly good book. Honestly, I thought the cover a bit cheesy and thought the book would be sub par too but was surprised how endearing, well developed and promising the characters were. The story was intresting and even pretty realistic considering the dating show plot. Read the whole thing in one sitting. Their chemistry was great! I always like to see a bit more closure at the end, and epilogue with the ring being given back or him seeing the wedding dress or something but it was still resolved. Really nice read. I will be looking for more from the author...

This was a fun read and if you love watching the Bachelor or Bachelorette then you will love this book! At first glance it seemed like a typical girly read but it was filled with faith and once I started reading I couldn't put it down. Hanna is someone who every girl can relate too in some way and who just wants her happily ever after. William is a business man who has turned his back on God and thought that by going on a reality dating show would make the people around him happy. Somehow both of them get sucked up in a scheme that should help both of them, it seems fool proof and what could go wrong? Of course God has other plans and the more you read the more you get to know about their pasts and what the future could hold.
If you want a light read with some faith filled moments then this book is for you.

Review Can Hanna and Will Find True Love Amid the Bright Lights of Reality TV?
Perfect for the fans of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette!

Believe it or not I don't watch either show as I find it demeaning to watch... That being said I just started reading this ARC copy that I received from NetGalley to read and review and so far I am enjoying it. Had it classified as romance but is more christian fiction without being overly preachy. Will and Hanna meet on a reality television show and break up based on his careless statement on their romance. They meet up again and fake an engagement to help them with their career and personal beliefs. There was a lot of laughter along the way and a HEA. Hope she got to wear the dress in his parents closet. (less)

This is such a good novel, so much more than a romance! Hanna is from Embarrass, Minnesota, an apt-named town for this young woman who totally humiliated after one fateful interview. Hanna’s best friend and at that time, boss, Carly, talked her into being on a reality TV show, Price of Love. The premise is that the bachelor is a man who has spent his time building his career and had little time to find a wife. Will Preston is the bachelor on the show Hanna is on. He is a 35-year-old CEO, having been promoted at a young age.

Hanna is a Christian. She felt she could be a contestant on the show and practice the purity she professed, to not be with a man before she is married. While she was the viewer’s choice, when narrowed down to just two contestants, “Sultry Stephanie” had the social media vote over “Holy Hanna”. Against the odds, Hanna is the one whose hand in marriage Will asks for, and it seems like a dream come true. At least until they had a weekend alone to get to know each other. In the post-weekend interview, on national television, Will thought he was doing Hanna a favor by alluding that they shared a bed even though they hadn’t. The humiliation, the letters (including those from well-meaning and not-so-well-meaning Christians), and horrible magazine articles didn’t end.

Just as she was getting over him, he had to pick Embarrass, Minnesota to face-plant a rental car into a snow drift in a blizzard, and she had to be the one to find him. He thinks he needs her to help him with a faux engagement to settle things down with the folks in his company and the media. Sales were down because he left Hanna in his dust. Perhaps it will restore her dignity, and at some time in the future they would quietly break the engagement. All she wants is to return to a “normal” life, including finding a new full-time position as a kindergarten teacher again. Having a faux rich life is not what Hanna felt comfortable with, even short-term. Especially when something is going on behind the scenes, possibly in his company, that is playing with both of their lives and futures.

The characters are portrayed very well as fits each role. I like Hanna very much! She has the same self-doubts about herself as many women, young and older, and a faith strong enough to withstand the challenges she faces. She is also strong enough to see her shortcomings and seek to change for the better. Her father’s charm is in his integrity, faith, and even in his Scandinavian accent. Will’s parents adore Hanna and continue to hope she will become a Preston, stabbing her through with guilt from the deception she is party to. Will’s lack of faith in anything other than himself is daunting; even when Hanna learns how he lost faith, there is nothing she can do to help change him.

This is a new twist on bachelor shows, especially one in which the believer thinks the other person will believe or return to faith instead of staying true to refusing to be unequally yoked. Being unaware of how huge corporations might be, Hanna didn’t see the landmine awaiting both her and Will. While I guessed what was going on behind the scenes, Will remained blind as he worked to fix the company. Until he couldn’t. I highly recommend this novel! It is more than a romance; there is suspense, betrayal, and more in this Christian Women’s Fiction novel that shows grace and faith in action.

From a grateful heart: I received this eBook from the publisher and NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

I was invited by NetGalley to read and review the pre-publication proof copy of The Engagement Plot, the second full-length novel by Krista Phillips. It will keep you laughing. It's a quick and easy read that lovers of romance novels will cherish. I have never liked reality TV. Still, I loved this book about two people from The Price of Love, a sappy reality TV program -- one of those in which a bachelor has to choose a bride from a group of women competing for his attention.

Kindergarten teacher, Hanna Knight's, best friend entered her as a contestant without her knowledge. The bachelor in the show was William "Will" Preston, CEO of a well-known company that needed the publicity. Will and Hanna actually did fall in love during the filming of the show, but Will messed up royally in an interview with the host. Social media and entertainment TV programs ran with a false story that ruined Hanna's reputation, and destroyed their relationship.
 
Hanna was a true Christian, and it was her refusal to compromise her standards for the show, along with her compassion and honesty that attracted Will. Although hysterically funny in all the right places, the book deals with some very real issues:  many people who believe themselves to be Christians jumped at the chance to criticize Hanna, and wrote hateful social media posts both to Hanna and about her. Others sent hateful letters. A rival for Will's job convinced him to go on the TV show, then set him up by inventing some creative accounting that cost Will his job.
 
Where is the plot mentioned in the title? Well, Hanna and Will agreed to pretend to be engaged to quieten down the press and social media. How did it work out? Read the book and find out. This is Christian romance at its best. If you enjoy a good romance novel, you will love it.
 
What Makes This Book Reviewer Grumpy?
 
There were far too many errors in this manuscript that should have been caught by the editor, including numerous instances of no space between the end of one sentence and the beginning of the next sentence, and also no space between some words. The phrase "...one in the same...." should have been "...one and the same...."

Then there were the usual things, but far more of them. All of these things, too, should have been caught by a good editor:
frequently using "was" when "were" should have been used;
many, many split infinitives;
beginning multiple sentences with the conjunctions "and" and "but";
using "loaned" instead of "lent";
frequently using "bring" and "brought" when the appropriate words are "take" and "took";
ending sentences with prepositions:  example, "...the hotel he'd booked a room at....";
saying "try and..." instead of "try to...";
confusing when to say "me" and when to say "I": for example, "...from Harrison and I...." should be "...from Harrison and me...."; 
"spoonfuls" should have been "spoonful"

Look for me online as The Grumpy Book Reviewer..