I loved this, Max and Gina were great characters, the story was romantic and kept me reading all day!

Max Carter is a FBI agent and lives by a set of rules, his rules. He has is coffee at a certain time, the same place, and so on. So on thanksgiving at his parents’ house he panics and tells his mother that for Christmas he is bringing a date. His girlfriend. Not having one does not seem important to him at this moment, just leaving and dealing with it all later. Once back at his apartment building he notices someone by his neighbor’s doors and he realizes that she has a dog hiding under her coat. Gina Castillo is the opposite of Max and is first breaking the apartment’s rule of no animals. Worried about losing her friends lease, she is happy at the time that Max comes to her aide. Well that is until he offers her a deal for not ratting her out. She calls it blackmail, though he is good looking. He needs a fake girlfriend for Christmas. Her first response is what is wrong with you, do you have halitosis, or some other wired disease. When he assures him does not she agrees. What he does not expect is what is going to happen to his life with this women who actually gets him to try the coffee from a cart in central park. That is just one of many changes that scare Max, but will it be enough for him to finally see another person for who they are. This is a fun and fast paced story with very good characters. I really liked both of the lead characters a lot and the author did a great job playing them together. A wonderful story.

As seems to be my way, I didn’t realise that this was part of a series when I requested it but it was perfectly fine as a stand alone. The previous couple do appear but you don’t really need to know their entire background story. My Kryptonite is an opposites attract story between a free spirit type of woman and an uptight or repressed type of man so this one sounded right up my alley.

Max is an FBI agent specialising in finance analysis and he definitely prefers things to be done a certain way. He lives his life by a very strict routine and he tends to restrict his romantic interactions to very brief encounters. He never tells women what he does or invites them to his apartment. Max thinks that people will only want to change him.

In contrast, Gina is a very creative type working multiple casual jobs to supplement her income. She’s subletting an apartment on the same floor as Max and her first interaction with him is when he catches her attempting to take the dog she’s purchased as a present for her younger brother out for a toilet break. The building forbids pets and Max is very much a rules person but there’s something about Gina’s manner that leads him to assist her, rather than dobbing her in.

The two of them are clearly very different and their interactions are quite humorous. Gina is pretty laid back and she enjoys trying new things. In meeting Gina, Max sees an opportunity. He won’t tell anyone about her having the dog if she will pretend to be the girlfriend he lied to his mother about having in an attempt to stop them from constantly trying to fix him up with people. It’ll be Christmas dinner, then after that he can tell his family that they’ve broken up and it’ll all be quick and painless.

Famous last words. There’s an attraction between them as well, which definitely complicates Max’s simple idea. Gina is such a personality that he enjoys spending time with her, even when she wants him to do things like try a new coffee place or put up Christmas decorations in his apartment. He finds himself doing things with her that he’s never done before and wanting her around for much more than just a one night stand. But at the same time he still believes that because of the ‘way he is’, it would only end badly – either she’ll try to change him or she won’t be able to accept him for what and who he is.

I’m not sure if Max is specifically OCD, he’s undiagnosed and at the beginning of the novel shows no interest in seeking help for his rigidity and the discomfort he feels if this is disrupted. He’s content with his life, even though he doesn’t share it with anyone. It isn’t until he meets Gina and begins spending time with her and realises that she is someone he’d like to be around in a permanent way, that he realises he may need to do a few things in order to compromise and be in a meaningful and long term relationship.

I did enjoy this but I also found parts of it significantly frustrating. Both Max and Gina get mad at the other for basically doing the same thing and also for things that are a fundamental part of them. Gina is impulsive and a bit crazy, she’s always going to want to do those out there things and Max is a neat freak who is probably always going to want to tidy up and have things in their place etc. At times Max was a bit of a struggle for me because he does these impulsive things that kind don’t marry up with his personality (such as tell his family he has a girlfriend and then blackmail a stranger into portraying her) and then he self-sabotages what he has with Gina in the most bonehead of ways. Gina in many ways, has the patience of a saint.

This was cute but I didn’t love it. It was entertaining though and I’d probably check out another book in the series.

6/10

I lovvvvvvveeeeeeeeeedddddddd this story. IT is absolutely amazing fabulous and just really great Christmas love story. It all starts with blackmailing because MAx really needs a fake girlfriend for family Christmas dinner and living next to him he finds perfect candidate Gina. I can not say how sweet was to read those completely opposite characters fall in love. None of those two is perfect they both have some unusual way of operating especially Max. But for the first time in his life, MAx is not judged because of the way he acts and not only that he finds someone standing in his corner. For me, on of the best story, I read this year and the best Christmas love story ever. Highly recommended!I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for Netgelly

Received in exchange for a honest review.

This was fun and light hearted. Max is sweet but has serious OCD so someone like Gina really got under his skin with her carefree haphazard ways.

Max was always one that lived for rules and no one ever tried to figure it out. Instead they made fun of him. It is only Gina who helps him and helps to get him to relax himself some. Gina is the neighbor that dreams. She lives in the moment and acts from the heart before thinking of the consequences. When she brings a dog into a no dog apartment is when things go awry for her and Max.

It is the dog that brings Gina into Max’s world. Like a whirlwind this dog and Gina turn Max’s world upside down. Only it takes him awhile to realize this because of fear. with how his family is about his OCD he fears that no one would accept him as Gina thinks no one will accept her vivacious carefree ways as well. But Gina does accept max and help him only at times Max feels like he is her project. So how do they end up together? Their story begins with Max’s desperation to get his mom to stop fixing him up, a precocious dog and blackmail about said dog. From there they explore each others likes and dislikes and begin to fall in love.

We see them learn about what they want and where they want to be. We see them make mistakes and become newer versions of themselves. Max grounds Gina more and she helps Max relax more. They are opposites but go well together. The attraction between them is insane but sizzles on the pages. Each outing they have warms your heart. Do they get on each others nerves? Yes and that makes it more fun.

A story that is fun and sweet. One where we see someone fall in love but be afraid and finally do a grand gesture to change things. A story where opposites not only attract but help one another and fall in love. This isn’t a story with angst or high drama but one that has family and love and silliness and fun with characters and a dog you like right away.

FBI agent Max Carter is a stickler for rules, especially since in his job distractions can lead to mistakes being made. So, when he tells his family he has a girlfriend, he's finds himself in trouble, especially since it's a lie. However, when he finds his next door neighbor hiding a pet that she shouldn't have living with her, Max decides he can keep her secret as long as she poses as his girlfriend. Yet, the more time they spend together, the more Max finds himself wanting the relationship he never imagined he'd want. Will Max be able to win Gina's heart, or will the truth come out and he loses her forever?

What a very entertaining, fast-paced, fantastic read Ms. Scott has delivered in this second book of her Love Undercover series encompassing the opposites attract trope; highly enjoyable banter that had me loving this couple's growing relationship; and two wonderful main characters that challenge each other, especially since the hero needs his world shaken up instead of always needing to be in control. The way this story started had me sympathizing with the hero since it seems his family don't understand why he likes his life the way it is. Will they ever be able to understand him? However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine are introduced to each other that had me completely captivated by this story, as the heroine gets under the hero's skin straight away with what happens. Will he be understanding of her situation or will he use it to his advantage?

Both the main characters entertained me from start to finish with their back stories; their growing relationship; and everything else they go through on their journey to happy ever after such as what they face with their families, which shows that the hero's family believes he needs fixing and the only way they think that will happen is if he has a woman in his life. While the heroine, it seems as if she's more responsible than her mother. Moreover, the heroine is kind, caring, brings a lot of fun to the story with the jobs she has and I liked how determined she was to help the hero, despite how Max managed to get her to be his fake girlfriend to start with. While the hero, he's a stickler for rules and I could understand why he gets frustrated with his family and them interfering in his life, especially when it comes to his love life. Will his family finally understand that he doesn't need their matchmaking skills? I also liked how the heroine challenged the hero. Will he be able to handle not being in control all the time?

Overall, Ms. Scott has delivered another delightful and completely satisfying read where the chemistry between this couple was intense; the romance full of passion when they finally got intimate physically; and the ending had me loving the hero more than I already did because the hero realizes how much he needs Gina in his life. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up nicely because of the cute surprise the hero had for the heroine. I would recommend The Attraction Equation by Kadie Scott, if you enjoy the opposites attract trope or books by authors Sarah Ballance, Maggie Kelley, Stefanie London and Cindi Madsen.

This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. The story flowed very well and was very enjoyable. This book will keep you reading long into the night and you will not want to put this book down until you finish. This was such a great read and full of surprises. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.

“You’re a secret softie. You know that, don’t you?”
“Yeah. I have a marshmallow center.”

Yes, indeed, he does have a marshmallow center. He being Max Carter, FBI Agent, control freak and secret softie. Oh, and hot and sexy fake boyfriend. Let’s not forget that.

Guys, this is the second book in Kadie Scott’s Love Undercover series—the first being the excellent The Wrong Kind of Compatible —and once again, Ms. Scott had me from the first page. I mean, I love a fake relationship and, by the time you add in a quirky female, an adorable dog, some gentle ribbing from friends and family, and a Christmas setting, you’ve got a book that equals to FUN.

With a capital F.U.N.

The Attraction Equation is a sweet, light-hearted read. It’s pretty much all good feelings and requited lust (and love, because #romance), which makes it an absolute delight to read. I devoured it in no time at all—falling victim to that whole “just one more chapter” thing. Not that I care. One more chapter-ing my way to the end of this book was a very smart decision, IMHO. After all, I got to spend time with Max, who needs everything just so and Gina, the gift-wrapping elf who is all color and chaos. They’re classic opposites attract. Which makes them perfect for each other.

And that is what makes this book one hell of an attractive read—and a book that left me feeling all warm and gooey on the inside . . . like I had my own marshmallow center.

“I think I fell in love with you the day we met. Otherwise I would never have asked a total stranger to be my fake girlfriend. But now I have you for real, I’m never letting you go.”

~ 4.5 T-Bone STARS ~

the attraction equation is also an opposite attracts story with a splash of fake relationship to hit on all my favorite romance tropes. max carter is a buttoned up fbi agent we met previously in the wrong kind of compatible, and how he ends up hooking up with his temporary next door neighbor gina is basically the heart of this story.

gina is subletting from a friend, she's impulsive and messy and creative. when she buys her baby brother a pet dog even though it's against building regulations she doesn't dream that getting caught by max means that she'll need to agree to be his fake girlfriend. in truth it seems a little out of character for him.

and it is totally out of character. and being with gina pushes max's limits. he's managing an undiagnosed case of ocd and his need for control and order often come into conflict with gina's more spontaneous ways. but this is why she is good for him. she isn't trying to fix him. she actually accepts him for who he is, she just moves him out of his comfort zone.

the chemistry and spark and understanding between the two leads is very nicely done. i enjoyed watching their relationship grow and watching them reach a greater understanding of themselves—who they are and who they could be.

This book has both on-screen sex and cursing (including f-bombs) - if those things would cause you to leave a bad review, this isn't the book for you.

The Attraction Equation is an adorable take on the “fake relationship” trope that is filled with both humor and heart. While it starts a little questionably, and Max makes some bad decisions by keeping his true identity a secret, the relationship between Max and Gina develops organically and sweetly, and I thought that was fabulous. Because they didn't meet and immediately fall into bed/love, I honestly believe that their happily ever after will last.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good romantic comedy and/or the fake relationship theme because this is a great example of both.

I requested and was generously granted an ARC of this book via NetGalley and the publisher. I was under no obligation to write this review, I did so because I very much enjoyed the book.

The Attraction Equation is such a cute fun read. Max is super strict about rules while Gina is a rule breaker. They meet when Gina is sneaking around trying to hide a dog that breaks her building's "no pet" policy. Max needs a pretend girlfriend to keep his family from trying to set him up so he blackmails Gina into being that girl.

I loved that these characters are complete total opposites. On the surface it doesn't seem like they would necessarily go together but I think that's what makes it work. Gina is fun and flighty while Max is a no nonsense FBI agent. He is super quirky and Gina accepts all of his quirks.

I really enjoyed this story and can't wait to read more from this author!

This is the second book in Kadie Scott's Love Undercover series, but can be read as a standalone novel. It's a quick read with very funny characters and humorous situations. I always enjoy a good opposites attract Rom-Com what makes it even better is the touch of Christmas and an adorable dog named T-Bone.

Max dug himself in a hole when he lied to his family about having a girlfriend over Thanksgiving dinner. He was so tired of their constant meddling and matchmaking he said the first thing that came to mind, now his parents are expecting her to come to Christmas dinner and Max needs to find someone to be his fake girlfriend with no expectations.

Gina Castillo just needed a place to hide the perfect Christmas present ever, unfortunately her best friend's apartment where she staying temporarily is strictly no pets allowed. She almost got away with it until sexy neighbor next door caught her red handed. She just knows he's going to turn her in instead he blackmails her into being his fake girlfriend, with a trial run at his office Christmas Party.

Gina may seem flighty working as Santa's Helper and a gift wrapper for Macy's but what she really wants is to design sets for Broadway production, and she's good too but her creative method tends to be a little chaotic. Max is a by the number, by the rules kind of guy who needs to have things done a certain way, Gina should be the last person he is attracted to but something about her and that silly dog that he misses when they're not around. The attraction is just making his simple life complicated and it's messing up how he thinks things should be done. Gina takes it all in stride she gets his need to control everything and she pushes his buttons, makes him come out of his comfort zone all for his own good. But Max doesn't see it that way and he messes up big time. Can he pull his head out of his ass and get Gina back or did he blow it?

Overall, this is one that I can see as a Holiday movie, it's funny and emotional and has an absolutely adorable dog. It's all good.

I had so much fun reading this book and I absolutely adored it! He's stoic, controlled, orderly. She's carefree, free spirited, and chaos yet Gina and Max are perfect together.

Max has gotten himself into a real fix with his family. Tired of their relentless matchmaking he blurts out that he has a girlfriend. Now the family wants to meet her! Then opportunity strikes. After stumbling upon the woman apartment sitting for his neighbor smuggling a dog into the building he blackmails her into posing as his girlfriend over the holidays with his family. The plan seems perfect until he really gets to know Gina and the amount of chaos she brings to his very orderly life. By then it's too late!

A great read and one I definitely recommend.

Fed up with his scheming, matchmaking mama's antics in trying to find him the love of his life, FBI agent Max Carter decides to take action after Gina Castillo gives him the ideal opportunity to bribe her into being his fake girlfriend, the girlfriend he'd recently told his Mum he had! He really doesn't want to hurt his mother's feelings so thinks proving he has a girlfriend will put an end to her antics . . . . As usual, the best laid plans can always have unforeseen consequences!

Take on totally OCD man and put him with someone who lives in organised chaos and there are bound to be some hilarious moments! This is a laugh out loud story, with great chemistry between the lead characters, plenty of hilarious moments, especially those involving T-bone! It is a delightful, festive read, just right for putting you into the festive mood. I have no hesitation in highly recommending this to anyone who enjoys quirky characters in hilarious scenarios, where they definitely didn't plan to fall in love but cupid had his own ideas!

I requested and received a copy of this book, via NetGalley. This review is my honest opinion after choosing to read it.

The Attraction Equation by Kadie Scott is the Second Book in the "Love Undercover" Series. This is the story of Max Carter and Gina Castillo. I have read the previous book but feel this can easily be a standalone book. Max is a FBI agent that looks into white color criminals and totally focused on his career. Permanent relationships aren't in the cards for him right now and likes the one night stands and the women who know not to hang around. But since his best friend Drew met Cassie (First Book) and his family staying on him about dating he just had enough. So when he was at his family's house for Thanksgiving Dinner and his mother had three non family women over trying to fix him up he announced that he had a girlfriend. Now his mother wants him to bring the said girlfriend to Christmas Dinner.
Gina is house sitting and taking over her friends lease while she is overseas for a few months. Gina's brother has been wanting a dog and Gina happens to stop by an animal shelter just looking around finds the perfect dog. But her friends apartment building doesn't allow pets so Gina is trying to keep him hidden for the month until Christmas when she can give her younger brother, Meto the dog. But on while trying to sneak him out one night to take him on a bathroom break she gets caught by the stuff up neighbor Max her friend warned her about.
Max soon comes to an arrangement that he will keep her secret if she helps him out with the 'girlfriend' issue.
This was a fun, sweet romance that you won't want to put down.
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THE ATTRACTION EQUATION is the second book in the Love Undercover series. I absolutely love the first book, The Wrong Kind of Compatible, because it features a geeky hero, which is one of my favorite kind. I guess my mistake was in thinking this second book would also feature a geeky hero, since both heroes are best friends and worked in the FBI targeting white-collar crimes, and so I went into this with wrong expectations. But that's all on me.

My expectations aside, THE ATTRACTION EQUATION is also funny and interesting, the kind of book you'd expect from Kadie Scott.

Instead of a geeky hero, we have Max, who's hunkalicious but who also has a control issue. In fact, he has OCD. The read's not as fun as with a geek hero, because all that need for control can be frustrating, especially for heroine Gina, who didn't need anyone organizing her stuff and hampering her creative process. Yet, outside of that, their chemistry is hot and sizzling, and you can feel the connection between them.

Series fans would love the cameo of Cat and Drew, especially Drew whose turn it is to talk sense into Max toward the end of the book.

Overall, THE ATTRACTION EQUATION is an enjoyable if predictable read.

Max Carter is a pretty rigid dude. He only sleeps with women, he never dates them. This is a practice that gets him into trouble when he blurts out at the family Thanksgiving dinner that his family can stop fixing him up- he's already got a girlfriend. Too bad that's not true. So he decides to blackmail the first woman he sees into being his fake girlfriend.
All Gina Castillo wants to do is sneak a small puppy into her friend's apartment. She doesn't want anyone to know about the dog because her friend might get kicked out. The dog wasn't supposed to be adopted yet since he's a gift for Gina's brother for Christmas which is still a month a way.
This is a romance novel so of course peripatetic Gina and uber-rigid Max are going to fall in love. Did I buy it? The attraction, yes, the long-term possibilities for their relationship? Not as much.

This book comes out November 13
Three stars
ARC provided by NetGalley

This is my first book by Kadie Scott.

What I liked:
The writing style
The characters
The humor
Part of a series: Love Undercover
Standalone
HEA

I look forward to reading more from this author.

I’m fairly new to Katie Scott but not to entangled publishers authors. I like quite a lot of there authors and love most of them too. So I wasn’t surprised by this book as it’s up there with other entangled authors books. Hooked me right in from the beginning and I totally enjoyed it the whole way through to the very end. Hard to put down and will be looking forward to more fantastic books by this amazing author. Totally 5 stars

This is the 2nd book in the Love Undercover series. This book can be read as a standalone novel. To avoid spoilers, and have a better understanding of the series, I recommend reading this great series in order.

Gina & Max meet under some really odd circumstances. Him being with the FBI, you do not expect him to do what he has to do to avoid his mom. Gina is shocked and amused.

Max needs someone to be his girlfriend right away. Gina nearly falls into his lap. Together they find that with a little bit of hope, comedy of errors, and a small furball that anything can happen.

This was such a great story. From start to finish I was enthralled and could not put the book down. I love the banter, and this is a sexy story from start to finish. These are really great characters that I hope we will see again.


***This ARC copy was given in exchange by Netgalley and its publishers for an honest review.