In ‘Mr. Wicked’ we read the story of Grayson Tanner and Jovana Winters. Grayson is one of the co-founders of the successful dating app Hooked. Although he is all in the dating business, he doesn’t date himself. He is more of the have fun for one night kind of guy. And he never plans on marrying. But then he finds himself in a PR nightmare, and the only person that might be able to help him out of this mess is Jovana Winters. Jovana is a social media influencer, and a former one-night stand of Grayson. And not unimportantly, she is a big believer in love. Grayson and Jovana have very different opinions about love, and Jovana might be in danger of getting her heart broken if she decides to help Grayson.

As with all the books I’ve read by Marni Mann, I was hooked to this story right from the start. The chemistry between Grayson and Jovanna was exciting to read and it was definitely flying of the pages. Jovanna is a big romantic, and Grayson is not looking for more than one night. He is kind of a jerk most of the time. And honestly, he definitely didn’t deserve Jovanna at first. And Grayson was so openly against love, that I wondered how this story would ever end up being the happy ending I was hoping for.

My favorite character was definitely Jovanna. I loved how she was so hardworking and unselfish. And above all she stood up for her own believes. She loved her parents deeply, and wanted to make their lives better. I loved her! And Grayson was just hard to love at first. I didn’t hate him.. But he was just so harsh at times. Jovanna and Grayson together was perfect though. And I loved how Grayson let Jovanna in at times.

Mr. Wicked was a very enjoyable and fun read. I loved it right from the start. I did find Grayson’s change of heart a bit too sudden after being so harsh for the first half of the book though. Maybe a bit more drama would have worked better for me. But in the end it didn’t matter to much. It was fun reading a bit about the characters from the first book as well and I honestly can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

Jovana & Grayson literally lock eyes with each other across a bar and it’s literal sparks from the get go!
Grayson is not the marrying kind . Or, a relationship kinda of guy at all. He’s bold, takes what he wants and definitely doesn’t take no for an answer. Oh, and he also happens to be the co-founder of a hugely successful dating app. After a one-night stand with Jovana, he unceremoniously sends her on her way thinking he will most likely never see her again, despite their instant connection. When he’s put under the microscope for his bachelor ways, he’s in need of a lifestyle makeover. Settle down. Show the romantic and domestic side to the world … with the perfect lady of course! Who might that be?!

Jovana definitely doesn’t make it easy for him and I absolutely LOVED that 😜 I think he needed someone who was going to make things a little uncomfortable for him , in a good way 😆


This is the 2nd book in the Hooked Series but you could definitely read it as a standalone. I did not read the first and minus some mentions of things it did not impact my reading experience in the least. This was also my first read by Marni Mann and I loved it! I see more in my future!!


✨Quick Notes✨
Age gap
Grumpy x Sunshine
One night stand turns to more
Fake marriage
Billionaire
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Forced proximity
Dual POV

Mr. Wicked is the 2nd book in the Hooked Series by Marni. It can be read as a standalone. All I will say is that Grayson and Jovana did not disappoint. This book had it all. It was spicy, sassy, wicked, and full of banter. From the prologue I was sucked in. Although Grayson tested me throughout the book (LOL). A true alpha who loved to push people away. Jovana was his perfect match. She challenged his to be different, to be better than his previous bad boy ways. And, boy was she patient. Grayson was full of baggage from his past. The tech savvy, eternal bachelor got himself in some hot water. Now he’s having to save face and trying to save Hooked, the online dating app that he created with his best friends. Throughout the book we see the roller coaster they go on and she was always able to see what they could be. I loved that. It wasn’t an easy road per say. Grayson gets an awakening though with the plot twist that was thrown in. Marni definitely kept me on my toes. Loved getting an update on Drake, Holden,and Easton Excellent read, I highly recommend.

Mr.Wicked is book two in the Hooked Series. Grayson loves a good time and loves a no strings, one night stands. Unfortunately now Bostons Biggest Bachelor needs a PR crisis manager. Jovana his one night stand steps up and will help fix his image. Read this book and find out if Jovana can tame Grayson. Read this book and watch the sparks fly!

Marni wrote another incredible book! I need her to write more fake dating books because she killed it!

Marni Mann's Mr. Wicked is a captivating romance that delves into the complexities of a fake relationship turning into something real. The dynamic between Grayson Tanner, an alpha billionaire dedicated to pleasure, and Jovana, a woman determined to change his ways, is both steamy and heartfelt. Mann's writing skillfully navigates the journey of these characters, blending elements of grumpiness, sunshine, and reformed playboy tropes. The growth of their relationship is portrayed with depth and authenticity, making it a compelling read for fans of contemporary romance. With a perfect balance of passion and character development, Mr. Wicked is a must-read for those who enjoy a mix of sizzling chemistry and emotional depth.

I want to wish a very happy release day to Marni Mann and MR WICKED, book 2 in the Hooked series of standalones! I was able to read an eARC of this contemporary romance thanks to Marni and Valentine PR and I appreciate the opportunity!

Have you ever read a book where you started off really disliking a character and thinking there's no way this as$hole could possibly redeem themselves, only to then find yourself taking back those words? Well, Marni has done that here with Grayson, which has to be magic because I really didn't see how he could possibly be redeemed 😂 But Jovana believed she could make this work, and by gosh she did! Read this one if you like:

💍 Fake marriage
🚪 Forced proximity
⚔️ Enemies to lovers
💪 Alphahole MMC
💅 Strong, feisty FMC

I can't wait to go back and read the first book! Thanks again, Marni and Valentine PR!

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This was a cute quick read. Grayson and Jovana were fun to read and the spice was spicing. There was character development in both Grayson and Jovana that characters were relatable to an extent. Personally I felt like I was okay not reading the first book but I definitely will. I feel that it will give me a complete picture. I definitely recommend this book.

Firstly, I want to say a huge massive thank you to Valentine PR & Marni Mann for the ARC copy of Mr. Wicked 🖤

Marni’s books are always a good time, always binge worthy, and always have me giddy as all get out. Jovana was the sweetest little firecracker and by the end of the book I was rooting for her and Grayson.

Grayson is a total playboy and after having a one night stand with Jovana that ended badly a huge media scandal hits which leads Grayson into needing to marry fast to save his company. Enter scene with Jovana again and you get the picture.

I loved the characters banter with each other, Marni truly knows how to keep readers thoroughly entertained throughout her books. We love a reformed playboy who doesn’t understand love except when it comes to his woman.

Tropes:
Age gap
Fake marriage
Grumpy x sunshine
Billionaire
Forced Proximity

If you like Marni Mann’s books you will like this one. Grayson does not do relationships. He meets Jovana and has a one night stand. After that is has a huge scandal that causes his business to suffer and his pr team comes up with a plan that involves Jovana. As his love for Jovana grows he fights it with all he is worth. I enjoyed watching him as he comes to realize that he really loves her.

Mr. Wicked is the story of a man that likes being single. His big problem is he created the marriage arm of the Hooked app he and his friends created. When a video shows up that makes Grayson look like a player, the internet turns against the app. He needs to do something fast to fix the issue. Jovana works as a server at a restaurant while trying to build her business as an influencer. She likes Grayson but she’s too busy to waste time with a man that doesn’t want commitment.

I just don’t understand anything about the setup of this story. First, why would Grayson being shown in a video acting like a single man with a lot of money make people stop using his app? Second, how does Grayson and Jovana pretending to date make a difference to the users of the app? Third, how could they keep it a secret that their relationship is fake with so many people knowing their recent histories? If Jovana is to be believes, the lie of her dating Grayson could destroy her influencer business when they “break up” in a year. I understand that she is receiving a million dollars at the end of the year but if it destroys her business I don’t consider that a win. Why isn’t anything done about the person that recorded the offending video since everyone on the boat signed an NDA? It was a major loose end. And then I have one personal peeve. Why doesn’t the cover model have a beard? The beard is mentioned SO many times it’s nearly a character !

This story takes place primarily in Boston. It is book 2 in a series. This is the story of a playboy and a woman working hard on her business. I really wanted to like this because I enjoyed the first book but I ended up with way too many questions. I will read more from this author in the future because I normally enjoy her books.

4⭐️, 3🌶️

This was honestly a different vibe from Marni’s usual books and for that I really liked it! I loved the one night stand ending in mini-enemies, that turns into fake dating/engagement. Grayson and Jovana as enemies were super entertaining, and I loved that they were eternally attracted to each other, I just feel like the flip to them both being more romantically interested in one another was abrupt and just didn’t flow for me.

“But in the time that you've been in my life, you've completely amazed me. You're the most breathtaking woman I've ever met. The inside of you is as beautiful as the outside. And every day we spend together, I find myself wanting to hold you closer. Wanting to touch you more. Wanting to wake up with my arms around you."

💛Fake Dating/ Engagement
🖤 One Night Stand
💛Enemies to Lovers
🖤 Grumpy Sunshine
💛 Billionaire Romance

“But then this gorgeous, kind-hearted, patient, blue-eyed woman came into my life.
“She turned out to be the light I needed.
“The light I never knew I wanted.
“The light I didn't realize I could fall in love with.”

Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

4.5/5⭐
3.5/5🌶
ARC REVIEW!!! well helllooooo mr. grayson tanner aka mr. wicked! this book was seriously so good and i loved every second of it! you know how sometimes you're reading the same trope over and over again and all the books kind of get jumbled together, well not this one! marni did such an amazing job with making this book different than others when i comes to the fake dating trope. i won't say anything else on that because i don't want to spoil anything, but i just loved how different this book felt from others i've read!

grayson is probably one of the grumpiest men i've ever met, and i loved him. he was an a**hole at the beginning, but his character development was amazing and i loved the man he became with and because of jovana. that woman could get any grown man to grovel at her feet hahaha! she was amazing and i loved the way she always stood up for herself and knew her worth!

read if you like:
💋fake dating/marriage
💋slight age gap (30/22)
💋grumpy x sunshine
💋forced proximity
💋billionaire mmc
💋reformed playboy
💋one night stand

thank you marni mann and valentine pr for this arc in exchange for my honest review!

4/5 ⭐
3/5 🌶️
5/5 🎧

I was a little scared to start this one because Mr. Hook-up wasn't my favorite book, but I really loved the idea of this series and was hopeful. I'm really happy I continued because I really enjoyed this listen. I


I'm obsessed with fake dating and forced proximity so this story was right up my alley. While I don't loveeee the reformed playboy trope, I do like it when it's done right and I think Marni did a great job with Grayson. I thought Jovana was a really strong female lead and loved her sass and tenacity. She was the perfect match for Grayson.

This audio was sooo much better than the first book, I absolutely adore Andi Arndt and Ryan West and loved these two together as they brought these characters to life.

Mr. Wicked is book 2 in the Hooked series by Marni Mann and up next is Grayson. 4.5 stars

What happens when a video goes viral of you that’s been doctored and puts your whole company at risk. Your PR firm says you need to get married! Fake relationship, former one night stand, off the chemistry, secrets and more…

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book from Valentine PR and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Grayson is the stereo typical playboy who has no intention of growing up, despite the fact that he is 30. He treats women like disposal objects, and that screw up costs him more than his reputation.

Jovana is such a girls girl. She is energetic and strong-willed, and she knows her worth. After one night with Grayson, where he shows his true colors, she decides not to give him the time of day.

After losing money and members to his app, Grayson is confronted by his friends to fix his reputation and fast. He needs to get married. Jovana is the perfect fit to fix his problem. While things don't go smoothly for these two, what we do get is an entertaining love.


This is the second book in the series, and while Grayson is okay, Jovana is the star of this book. She takes no crap from Grayson, and she has no problem calling him out on his attitude and his behavior. We love a strong queen.

I'm afraid this one just wasn't for me.

I absolutely loved the premise. I love the tropes for reformed playboy and marriage of convenience etc, but I have to admit it was a struggle to get through it from the very beginning.

I understand it had to be established that he's a playboy with his own agenda but I just found him extremely unlikeable. I looked hard for redeeming qualities to give him a chance but there was nothing. I'm really not sure why the FMC was so enamored with him because I found him full of himself and cocky, but not in an attractive way. I fail to see how he was "charming" at all.

Just not for me this time.

Grayson is having PR troubles and starts fake dating Jovanna. They execute a contract for fake dating and the story goes from there. This is the second book in the Hooked series and very true to Marni’s style.

The queen of billionaire romance is back and with another jaw dropping hero!!!

This alpha hero/fake marriage has me on the edge of my seat! Like Grayson Tanner is becoming my everything

Grayson Tanner might be one of the founders of the hit sensation dating app Hooked, but Grayson does not do relationships + he doesn’t use his app for hookups . So when he catches the eye of the drop dead gorgeous waitress Jovana, he doesn’t think twice about having a one night stand with her because he knows he will never see her again . That is until a scandal breaks + his PR team gives him only one option .. get married to prove you have settled down + it’s just rumors . Luckily he knows a cute waitress, that also happens to be a social media star, that will make for the perfect wife + image clean up . Will the relationship end when their one year contract is up or will they decide the feelings have been real all along ?

I love this series from Marni ! They are such fun, quick, insta-love reads that always leave me with a smile on my face . Grayson + Jovana have such great banter between them which is always my favorite with fake dating/fake marriage ! The ending did feel a little rushed but I’m still excited to see where book 3 and the rest of the series has in store for us .

This is book two in the Hooked series + it can be read as a complete stand alone .

This book was given to me for honest review by Valentine PR + Literary Management .