I have read this book a while back, but only now was I able to write my review. I want to say, first of all, that this is the third novel in the series, and I plan on getting the previous books in he future, although I could understand it, I want to know more about the previous characters in "Acting Lessons" (book one) and "Baking Lessons" (book two).

This is the first book I have read of this author, but I had already some of her novels in my list. That been said, then I got the opportunity to read this book, I jumped to it and was really excited about it.

This story follows Annabelle Shay and Louis Dumont, in hilarious scenes and entertaining moments between the main characters that had me dreamy and smiling as much as emotional (with them). Of course that there is a romance going on between them, it is a Contemporary romance, but it was an interesting development of their relationship from start to finish.

The plot was fun to read about. I found it interesting the boos and employee starter, and I love the friends to lovers element, as well as the fact that Louis is a wounded hero. Of course that I wanted even more at some points in the story, but overall I loved the romance element.

It was a light romance novel, it wasn't a dramatic story like I thought at first, and honestly at the time I read it, that wasn't what I needed and I'm happy with it because I was laughing and having fun; and that's really what I have on the top of my list when it comes to books.

That been said, I can't wait to get my hands on other books of Katie Allen (Katie Ruggle).

Marriage Lessons is part of the Off Guard series from Katie Allen (Katie Ruggle). It stands alone well. I haven't read the rest and I wasnt confused. What I was, was entertained. Marriage lessons was a light, sexy read, The primary couple is engaging and interesting. I was satisfied with their happily ever after. I most appreciated the witty and often humorous dialogue, it seemed to fir both character and situation. Based on this novel, I will pick up the others in the series.
I received my copy through NetGalley under no obligation.

Unfortunately, this title did not work for me. I couldn't connect with any of the characters and the romance was not my cup of tea.
DNF

Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this title.

Unfortunately, this was one I chose not to finish. My apologies for the late notice. As I don't want my low rating to appear on the site and potentially impact the choices of other readers, I wait until after a title has been published/no longer able to be downloaded.

Inadvertently, I waited much longer than intended to give feedback for this title.

I look forward to the next title through your company!

Thanks,
Laura

Let me start by admitting that I'm a Katie Ruggle fan, and it wasn't until seeing this title that I learned she was writing under the Katie Allen pseudonym, that she'd started writing the Off Guard series, and so this is the first novel of hers I've read under that pseudonym and in that series. There were things I very much enjoyed about this novel, and things I didn't, resulting in my giving it a 3-star rating.

What I liked most was the verbal banter and often hilarious conversations between the two principle characters in this novel, Louis Dumont, a wounded warrior with a rather unfortunate first name for a sexy hero--he's an artist who owns his own art gallery, and his gallery manager/personal assistant, Annabelle Shay, who's been lusting after him since the day she was hired, and whom Louis always refers to with both her first and last name, which I found more than a little strange. While both characters are extremely likable, very little happens aside from the witty repartee in the first half of this novel, and except for the fact that we learn that Louis is missing part of one hand and part of one of this legs, these two are more than employer/employee, they are friends, no matter how much Annabelle would like that to change to something more serious, but she doesn't express those feelings to Louis at all. It was simply too much fluff that went on for far too long. When Louis gets a case of painter's block, he insists on taking Annabelle to the movies, but if you're expecting any kind of necking or hand holding, you're going to be disappointed.

Things don't pick up between these two until Annabelle's landlord refuses to renew her lease, and Louis practically begs Annabelle to move in with him, giving her drawer and closet space as well as his bedroom, while he moves to the sofa, and the fluffy dialogue continues. We do eventually learn that Louis hasn't had sex since receiving his injuries, and is fearful of showing what's left of his body to anyone. One of the main reasons I requested an advance reader copy of this novel, was that I love wounded warrior romances (I'm married to one), and I expected far more about Louis' issues from this author in the way of drama than was provided by his merely being reluctant to show anyone his injuries. Although these two characters do eventually spend a lot of time having sex all over Louis' home, Annabelle's curiosity about seeing all of Louis naked takes center stage for most of the second half of this novel, and when she finally does, it's no big deal, Louis gets over himself, and the ongoing talk of marriage continues, but there was no real romance to this romance.

As what I can only refer to as filler, there are gallery showings and clients to attend to, a cast of less than stellar and sometimes rude and annoying secondary characters, and a mystery that is hinted at but one that doesn't really come into play until almost the end of the novel, at which point it seemed like far too little far too late, and exactly what were the marriage lessons referred to in the title? As far as I could see, this was more a friends to lovers story rather than a wounded warrior novel, and it worked far better as the former trope than the latter one.

If you're looking for a light, quasi-romantic comedy with witty dialogue I think you'll enjoy this novel, but if , like me, you're looking for a serious, dramatic, wounded warrior novel to sink your teeth and your emotions into, this novel will probably disappoint you as much as it did me. It may just be that I've come to expect so much more from Katie Ruggle than this novel provided.

As stated earlier, I voluntarily requested an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.

This was just okay. The writing was okay, but I didn't feel like there was really anything happening until almost the end of the story. The chemistry between Annabelle and Louis was non existent in my opinion. They had banter in their conversations, but it felt more friendly than anything. I felt like the title was a little misleading. The whole "marriage" thing isn't even really a big part of the story. It was a struggle for me to finish this one. This was a first for me from this author, but I would be willing to read her again.
I voluntarliy reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the third book in the series, and although they are all linked, you do not really need to read one to enjoy another.

Annabelle suffers her love for her boss Louis in silence, as she does not know how he feels about her, nor how it would affect the job that she loves. Then he starts to push her with comments about marrying her and asking her to move in when her lease is up. She finds it harder and harder to keep her feelings to herself and Louis seems to be happy to move forward as a couple.

As we only get Annabelle's viewpoint, we don't really know initially whether he is protective or romantically interested in Annabelle. It is rather fun not to be entirely sure and ramps up the pressure on her to decide how to act. I love her one step forward body, but one step back brain arguments with herself – they worked really well at making us think about the risks and the rewards. As things develop and they get closer, a major event helps to define what is important and what is not. His protectiveness goes into overdrive and yet also the wonderful humour that is throughout this book comes to the fore.

For a sweet, funny, and very romantic book, with a good pinch of drama, I would definitely recommend this to you.


Mary Jo – ☆☆☆☆
I'm not sure the title fits the books, but the story it tells is one of hope and resilience.

Annabelle moves to Bozeman and takes a job with Louis as his office manager/personal assistant. Their relationship is teetering on more than friendship, but Annabelle is not sure how to go about taking the next step. She knows that the injuries that Louis suffered during combat haunt him in ways that she doesn't completely understand. She knows that the physical changes to his body are only part of the injuries he still deals with on a daily basis.

Louis' insecurities about his physical scars are very well written and you can get a sense of how the loss affects him on an emotional level as well. The gradual way he has of getting close to Annabelle is heartwarming and very real.

I liked this book and can't wait to read more in this series.


Avid Reader – ☆☆
M/F Romance

Louis and Annabelle have worked together for a while now. Despite their relationship, Annabelle has some unrequited love.

This story was more friends than lovers, but it never quite rung very true for me. It lacked chemistry. They had great banter, but it was much more friendly banter.

The mystery within the story was predictable. Annabelle lacked depth and was almost a young adult character rather than an adult character. Then there was Louis. He had sustained catastrophic injuries, but it was all just kind of glanced over. Then, his reaction to Annabelle was a young adult reaction as well.

I think this had great potential. It just missed the mark for me. The series has been a fun read, but this was my least favorite book.

I really enjoyed reading this book by Katie Allen. It really held my attention and kept me glued to the pages and even when I put it down, the story stayed with me so when I re-picked it up, I felt like I didn’t have to go back a couple of pages to get back where I had left off as the story was so great that it was so easy to pick right back up. Love stories that do this and this book definitely did. Has a really great storyline that I loved, amazing characters that are likeable and can relate with and their romance and passion suited this story to the T. Would definitely be picking up more books by this amazing author. Definitely recommend

**FULL REVIEW**

I have to say, I didn't hold much hope when I started this book...it had a very slow simmer and I was afraid I'd get to the end and there would've been no substance. No chemistry. No plot.

Boy, was I EVER wrong! Despite the slow start to this story, I was determined to see it through and I was NOT disappointed. Yes, there is quite a bit of development, inner monologue, and character/scene description, but it made everything come together in a way that paid off in a BIG way. I've never been so engrossed in the slow burn of a love story before...

And I have found, those are my favorite kind. With the swirls of erotica and quick bangs in books these days, I have such an appreciation for an author who can develop a chemistry so hot between two characters that it comes to the point where they don't even need the act itself. Stimulation starts in the mind, and Allen plays into the emotional side of intimacy perfectly.

I will be going back to pick up the rest of these books in this series, and to check out her other titles as well...what a refreshing, real, and raw love story.

The quirkiness, the flaws, the genuine everyday affections between two people is my favorite type of love...because it's attainable in real life. It is real life.

Thank you, Katie Allen, for this story. Marriage Lessons is definitely one to add to your TBR list!

**4.5 Vulnerable Beauty, Stars**


(The title was also reviewed on Amazon but is still under review)

Marriage Lessons is adorable. The kind of adorable that has you grinning non-stop. It's sexy and sweet too with the jovial gallery owner and his assistant. If you don't end this book with a big old crush on Louis Dumont, you aren't human. I definitely think he will be getting his own fan club. I had no trouble lusting after the handsome gallery owner. He is personality and his demeanor is easy to fall for. And fall I did!

Interesting well done romance

Katie Allen did a wonderful job in developing the romance between Annabelle and Louis. There was great chemistry in this boss/employer friends to lovers romance. She sensitively handled Louis's amputations and his really coming to terms and accepting them and himself. There is s little intrigue/mystery that moves the plot along well. I really enjoyed this read and look forward to reading the othet books in the Off Guard series.
I received an advance reader copy via Netgalley.

Marriage Lessons is actually a spin off from Katie Allen's Baking Lessons. This time its the best friends turn to get their own sexy romance. We first met Annabelle Shay in Baking Lessons where in she lost her job as a gallery manager. Her best friend Leah, thru her boyfriend Ham (Baking Lessons) got her a job as an assistant/gallery manager to Louis Dumont, famed artist extraordinaire. While Baking Lessons centered around sexy times in the bakery making pies, Marriage Lessons centered around art and well work husband/wife. From the start of the book it's apparent that Annabelle and Louis are made for each other, they respect each other, have fun with each other and they just blend in really well together. But it centers around work for the most part, it gets interesting when Annabelle moves in with Louis and he starts joking around about getting married. This is an enjoyable read with a very small suspense filled subplot with minimal sexy times that are brimming with hotness and well rounded totally likable leads.

This is the third book in the Off Guard series. It can be read as a stand alone, but it is more fun to have some of the backstory and revisit previous characters. This is a contemporary romance between Annabelle and Louis. Annabelle works for Louis and this sort of sets the stage for the beginning for the book. You get a lot of dialogue between the two characters and I would say that it did not move along as quickly as I expected. The dialogue is well written and funny. But as a reader, I had to work at getting through the first half to get to the good stuff at the 2nd half. That is where the sparks fly and the mystery gets exciting. If you have been enjoying this series, then I would recommend reading this book. It makes for a good weekend read.

While I dislike the title, this read is delightful. It's a charming and funny, with just a hint of suspense. I really enjoyed Annabelle and Louis' chemistry and arc. I definitely recommend!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced reader's copy.

Louis called Annabelle to come to talk to him and then she said” you hate it when I talk to you while you’re painting.” That was one of the first things Louis had told Annabelle when he hired her six months ago to be her gallery owner and personal assistant.Louis owns an art gallery, he is also a wounded warrior who had been was badly hurt in Afghanistan and lost one of his legs but he has a prosthetic. Louis is having problems sleeping. Annabelle found she was more efficient when she meted the amount of Louis-ogling time. Annabelle told Louis as much as she would have liked to she had to get back to work and prepare his quarterly taxes. Louis was stunningly artist but he tended to dismiss the practical necessities of his business- and of life. Louis’s next show was less than a month away. Annabelle loved working with Louis. Each day was challenging , and fun, and exhilarating but she also g=had a huge crush on Louis. Annabelle is told she has to leave her apartment and Louis offers to let her move in with him and be his roommate. Also to protect her Louis offers to be her pretend husband to protect herLouis jokingly asks Annabelle to marry him at least Annabelle believes he is joking.
I really enjoyed this book. I chuckled at times while reading this. I advise you to read the three books in this series in order this one is the third. This will create a smoother read for you. I would have liked to see Louis’s POV also. I really loved that there was a steady build from friendship to lovers in this book. I loved how the author portrayed the wounded warrior part of this book and some of the possible things the wounded warrior may deal with. But I would have liked to have it shown when Louis was i Afghanistan and his recovery from his injuries and his life going from there. I did love how protective Louis was of Annabelle . I love he was willing to act as her pretend husband. I did have some problems with the first half with keeping my attention but not enough that I didn’t continue reading this. This drag for me some at times. I did enjoy the plot. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this book and I recommend it.

Why the book was titled “marriage lessons” is completely beyond me.

Also there was wonderful friendship between H & h. I can see them get married because it was as the hero said easiest thing to do. They’d do exactly what they’re doing now, with sex. However I didn’t feel an epic love. As a matter of fact, I didn’t trust either of their declarations of love at the almost last page. H & h were not even “together” until 80% in on the book. I didn’t find any relationship or chemistry to root for.


Sure, she was lusting after him and he had a crush on her. Neither can classify as love.

I was also bothered by something the hero said. Heroine was asking him about his lack of dating. He said something about he’s interested in someone. Then he said he hated dating. And admitted he was sceptical about the woman he chooses, as she might be repulsed by him as he is crippled. And his exact words were “The risk isn’t worth the reward.” Now that could be about just dating or random sex but because he has mentioned he is interested in someone and we know he’s interested in h and still NEVER made a move, my brain automatically interpreted that sentence as heroine isn’t enough of a reward for risking his vulnerability. And there was no turning back from that moment.

Also my brain wasn’t completely wrong. He REALLY didn’t do any work for the heroine. She somehow made herself available to him at every turn. He managed to get HER to make every suggestion towards the Big Bang. Not a single move was made by him except for two occasions. He was the first to admit he wanted the heroine (however AFTER she asked him to share the bed, so his back was on the wall here, figuratively speaking, so this is draw and no points were awarded to him) and he was the first to say ILY (AFTER a life threatening situation, once again, no points for him).

If I want to be harsh, I’ll call him a coward. He almost tricked h into agreeing to marry him just so he doesn’t have to confess to wanting her. I don’t like controlling alphahole, but I do prefer both my men an women confident and brave.

Safety: hero has been celibate for a very long time, since his injury. No particulars about h, however H noticed she doesn’t date, she has had a crush on hero since she started working for him, so it’s safe to assume she also was celibate at least from after meeting him. I wouldn’t say OW drama but he is a celebrated artist and war hero, women, particularly two of his customers wanted him and flirted with him openly. He never reciprocated, he has rather brushed them off quite respectfully and has never hurt h using them.

I may have rooted for this more if we had a H POV.

Louis is a military veteran who lost part of one leg in combat. He came home, became an artist, opening his own gallery. He does not come across as a 31 year old war hardened, disabled vet at all. He appears to be a young adult, late teens to very early 20s.
Annabelle Shay has been working for Louis for 6 months and harbors a crush. She also comes across as a young adult and one dimensional character.
I stopped and started this book many times. Louis and Annabelle seemed more like best friends than a potential couple. I just didn’t buy into it. This book moves so slowly, then they get together and it’s over. And, IMO, the title doesn’t go with the story at all.
The mystery part of the story was very predictable and felt thrown in.
I really like this author’s RS series, so I was looking forward to reading this book. After this one, I won’t be looking for any more in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher.

Marriage Lessons by Katie Allen is book Three in the Off Guard series. This is the story of Louis Dumont and Annabelle Shay. I haven't yet read the previous books, so for me this was a standalone book.
Annabelle has a crush on her boss, Louis but they are friends too. We see in this book most of their friendship and somewhere close to the middle is when I thought their feelings took another turn to what Annabelle was looking for. But nothing is easy so there is story there to build into a great read.

Story took a bit to get going for me, but did end up being enjoyable. I would think about reading more from this author in the future.

Oh, oh, oh! It was only recently that I found out that Katie Allen is the alter ego of Katie Ruggle, whose books I have been enjoying so I discovered Marriage Lessons, which is the third in a series. I seriously need to go back and read the first two books - not because I felt something was missing here, but because I really liked this story and I want to enjoy the others in this series.

Louis and Annabelle scorch up the pages with a delightful slow burn dance. I just loved how they both approached the other so carefully and so guardedly but they each wanted it so badly. For Louis, the loss of his leg and the disfiguring scars is a point of pain and fear. For Annabelle, it's the fear of being ordinary or even just being unsure. For both, the gentleness and tenderness with which they approach the other is so sweet without ever becoming saccharine.

There isn't much of a character arc for either of them, but it isn't necessary either. This is a loving yourself story and a loving the other story, not some high-angst story. Allen absolutely nails it. I loved Annabelle's "voice". She's snarky and self-deprecating without being cruel or a doormat. She isn't whiny or a martyr. She just doesn't take people's nonsense. And Louis doesn't let her take nonsense either. He's not just willing but eager to prevent her taking abuse. But he's also a temperamental artist and prone to concerns about his art.

And then it gets a bit weird with an odd mystery that crops up. I was a bit thrown by that, but it worked really well even if it felt a little tacked on and implausible. I like the art world Allen created and I liked both Annabelle and Louis a lot. I'm off to read the first two books in this series and I will be looking for more Katie Allen books.