The Engagement Plot

Hanna knows her life is over. And it's all Will's fault. After winning The Price For Love, Hanna's life is thrown into turmoil when her fiance will carelessly damages her personal life with a hot sex scandel. No more Holy Hanna.

Will feels bad for what he did to Hanna but losing his job is a worse fate than losing her. So, how does he save his job and her reputation. By pretending to still be engaged and doing interviews. It's the only way for him to keep his job and for her to remain Holy Hanna.

Now, if they could only not fall for each other again in the process.

This is well written and highly informative in the world of reality-show dating and the dangers that can result from it. I could not put this down.

I highly recommended this for people above the age of 13 for some mature (yet not graphic) content.

The Engagement Plot by Krista Philips

This is the first book I have read from this author and I enjoyed her writing and the fresh voice she gave her characters. First off this is a clean and very relevant story about our relationship with God and others in this age of social media, reality TV and fake news. The author creatively weaves a story based on a reality TV show called the Price of Love and how William and Hanna meet and fall in love among the media frenzy of the show. But unfortunately because of a slip of the tongue by Will their relationship is damaged and the media makes false assumptions and Hanna's character as a modest and pure Christian is tarnished and Will's high power job is in jeopardy. I enjoyed the journey that Will and Hanna took to get back to each other and how their story highlighted the importance of our relationship with God. The story is engaging and authentic and the characters are relatable because they are flawed and seeking redemption.

I received this book as an ARC from the publisher for an honest review. The review is my honest opinion.

Those of you who enjoy tv programs such as the Bachelor and the Bachelorette will enjoy this story. In this story the program is called "The Price of Love". I'm not really a fan of programs where you watch people being slutty but when I read what this story was about I decided it would be an interesting read. Hanna is not your typical sexpot gal who goes on these shows. She is a devout Christian who wants to save herself for marriage. She is not one of these gals who is going to go into the fantasy suite and let the bachelor have his way with her knowing that he could possibly chose somebody else to marry. Because of the standards she has set she gets the nickname Holy Hanna. In the end the bachelor in this story choses her but that is just the beginning of the story. Really the beginning of the story is that they are already broken up because some off color remark that lead millions of people to believe that he and Hanna did the deed. Her reputation was ruined. She lost her job and her reputation was the fodder for tabloids. I loved it that she was concerned what this did to her Christian witness. I was really irritated with William, the hero of this story for destroying her like this. It was going to have to take a lot for me to start to like this character but in the end her won me over when I realized that he truly did love her.

This book had its funny moments. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review a digital copy of this book. This book is due to be released on November 1, 2017.

This book was a surprise. I usually do not read books that have religion so prominent in the writing, but I am glad I read this one. I honestly did not know what to think of Will at first, what he did, what he said made me want Hanna to find better. The relationship between Will and Hanna was intense and full of so many questions, untruths, and sometime confusion but the author did a great job expressing Hanna and Will's feelings and thoughts that brought them to the place they ended up. Thank you NetGalley and Krista Phillips for allowing me to read and write a honest review of this book.

A fun contemporary romance between a couple who meet on a reality TV dating show. Full of humor and some tender moments, as well as faith.

I enjoyed the funny and sometimes awkward situations the characters find themselves in as they try to iron out the difficulties that all began with a lie. The story demonstrates well how damaging a lie and gossip can be, how it can grow and hurt people until set right. Hanna has a lot to forgive, and eventually Will does too. Their relationship has a lot of ups and downs, allowing for some personal and spiritual growth along the way. Hanna's friend Carly is a good example of a true friend who speaks the truth in love, and encourages her to see the bigger picture, when she says, "Get over the fact that you made mistakes. It's not about you anyway. It's about bringing God glory." Wish we all had a friend like that in our corner to laugh with, bring us chocolate, and lovingly push us in the right direction.

Readers who enjoy contemporary romances with faith and humor will like this one. I have enjoyed all the ones I've read by this author.

(An e-book was provided by NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.)

The Engagement Plot by Krista Phillips is a funny, romantic, Christian novel you won’t want to miss.
Kindergarten teacher, Hanna Knight, agrees to compete on the reality show The Price of Love and is quickly dubbed Holy Hanna due to her Christian morals. CEO, William Preston, is the “prize” and has agreed to do the show to improve his company’s sales of cosmetics. Once taping is complete and William has chosen Hanna there are interviews and this is where William messes up big time by insinuating that Holy Hanna is not so holy. It destroys her life in many ways. As the story begins William shows up in a blizzard to beg forgiveness and ask to renew the engagement. Is William sincere or is this a plot to further his career? Will it Hanna or make her life crazier?
I loved this book! The plot is really a farfetched but funny and focused on an outcome. The characters act as some people would in this situation but at times I wanted to shake Hanna and tell her to stop and think before she acts. She at times forgets to pray and it does cause her some trouble. Will has turned his back on God and doesn’t think God is listening anymore. The author does an excellent job of showing the feelings of all the characters so you can understand their motives. There are times of laugh out loud scenes and those that are more serious and somber. I rate this book 5 of 5 stars and recommend it to everyone who enjoys a good Christian romance.
I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

The Engagement Plot is sweet and funny at times but deep and serious at others. It is the story of two real people who are trying to right a wrong that has hurt them both.
Hanna met Will on the reality television show, The Price of Love. She was dubbed Holy Hanna because of her faith. Will chose Hanna out of the other contestants but messed up by implying that they had an intimate weekend. Hanna was so hurt that she gave back the ring and told the show that she was going home. The whole show was a publicity ploy by Will, CEO of a cosmetic company, and his company to raise sales. Will's unfair implication appears to have made sales go lower so he has been told to make amends; he is to approach Hanna a plan to try to help him and the company and also give Hanna a chance to save face. She has been treated ugly by many people, including many Christians. She even quit her job as a teacher because parents didn't like her. Will's plan is to pretend that they are back together. With her father joining forces with Will to convince her to give it a try, she agrees to the arrangement. To make it legit, they agree to do an interview on a talk show.
They encounter ugly fans along the way. Some are unhappy with Will for how he treated Hanna and some are ugly to Hanna for being a fallen Christian. I liked both of the characters for all that they had been through and for who they actually are in spite of the TV personas. There is a great cast of supporting characters as well. Hanna's BFF, Carly, is a wonderful Christian friend who tells Hanna how she sees things that Hanna can't see but is there for her. Emma, Will's assistant, covers his back while he is away. Will's parents are loving and supportive to them. Hanna's dad is supportive to both but with a warning to Will. But the elephant in the room is faith. Hanna is a Jesus loving person who has made mistakes. Who hasn't? Will is estranged from God even though he grew up in a Christian home. He holds God responsible for not saving his little sister. Can they develop a real relationship? What will happen to Will's job? Will God work in Will's life and Hanna's as well? This is a sweet journey that shows where our meaning in life should be, not in a job or what others think about us but in a relationship with God. Awesome read!
Thanks to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book in exchange for an honest review.

I ADORED this book.
I was honestly saw it on Netgalley and skipped over it because I must be the only woman in America that HATES shows like the Bachelor.

Barbour reached out to me to ask if I would like to review so I thought I would give it a shot. I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN. I read it in 2 hours. I loved it. I loved Hanna and William. I liked seeing them grow.

I have one minor complaint- I find it hard to believe that Hanna's dad could just look up William's dad's number and chat before the show started filming. Not in today's day and age that is. Weird. But like I said, its a minor complaint.

Wish I would have gotten an epilogue!

Thanks Netgalley and Barbour for the E-Arc! :)

The Engagement Plot had me laughing out loud throughout the entire book. It was exactly what I needed to read at the time. The old saying "laughter is good medicine" is so true. The banter between the hero and heroine was so fun and also being in their heads was too. I really enjoyed the book and I hope there are more to come in a series.

The Engagement Plot is such a good book. The book is well written and has a great plot that will keep you laughing and cheering on the main characters. I couldn't put this book down. You can't miss with this book.

RomCom at some of its most charming, Krista Phillips's The Engagement Plot weaves the author's trademark humor with a story that is full of heart. I wasn't sure what to expect with this one. First of all, while I've read a couple of reality show-based novels, I'm not familiar with their real-life counterparts. I'm just not a reality show kind of girl. That said, I AM a romance kind of girl - one that had previously enjoyed Phillips' Sandwich with a Side of Romance. So I jumped at the chance to read this one.

The Engagement Plot is ripe with more depth than you might expect after reading its synopsis: it's not all drama and paparazzi. Instead, this novel takes you into a world where morals are held, judged, and end up crashing down -- in short, it's a small picture of the real world. The novel offered a refreshing look at what it means to be held to a high standard, and how it feels when you fail (or are perceived to fail) at holding that standard. Krista Phillips provides a great glimpse into what it means to try to walk the line, to make mistakes as you do it, and to get confused about the voice you feel yourself hearing.

If you pick this one up, be prepared for a very contemporary feel (it revolves around reality tv and tabloid news, after all) but you can also expect to be surprised by its depth and emotion - the very real wrestling we do as we try to get things "right" as we live.

I'm not a fan of very many "reality" shows and I have no respect for anything remotely connected to the various shows like The Bachelor (well, except that single season fake fiancee one that made me cringe and laugh all at once). That said, this ended up being the perfect late-night "I just can't sleep," up-until-2am read. Light, bordering on fluffy, and fun with a small cast of characters. An easy to follow plot line, with forces working for and against the young couple, contemplations of their faith and a touch of character development.

Now, Hanna and William, the young couple in question, are easy to root for in the relationship department but hard to take seriously. Especially in William's role as a big-wig corporate type, it just didn't ring very true. This is probably a side effect of the rather shallow, quick treatments given to their backgrounds. But this is easy to look past if approached as a delightfully frothy romance with a bit of angst over their treatment by the media and corporate intrigue thrown in for variety. Somehow, the villain of the story comes off as more believably corporate than the hero. Hmmm.

The characters I most enjoyed were Hanna and William's parents. The scene where the fathers meet had me smiling, and I could so easily picture this and the reactions of all the characters that this brief scene stands out as a favorite.

So, for literary value this rates a "meh" but for entertainment value I'd say it is worth picking up. Though fake engagement is not a new plot device, the author kept it from feeling overdone or cliche. The writing keeps you tripping along, with a few laughs and a bit of dramatic tension, but nothing to disturb or challenge the reader. A charming little piece of fiction for those who enjoy a sweet contemporary romance, and a light, quick read.

This review refers to an e-galley read, courtesy of the publisher, through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Oh how I enjoyed my time spent while reading this novel. I started it right as I was leaving on a trip which entailed lots of driving. I laughed out loud, had some pretty big smiles, a few grumpy face moments and possibly a couple sighs. My hubby kept asking me for updates and what was happening in the plot to cause my many different moods. He'd smile and shake his head at me, I'd smile back and dive right back into this fun read.

A fun twist on the Bachelor/Bachelorette premise with all the twists and turns you might expect of a couple who met on a reality TV show and the aftermath of the show. The book starts several months after the show and a pretty epic blunder on the Bachelor's part. With a little bit of a hidden agenda, work pressure, longing of the hearts, relentless paparazzi, some behind the scenes intrigue and much more going on, the question is whether or not Hanna and Will can forgive each other and have closure or possibly move forward with their lives, happily and together.

There are many great moments throughout this book. Not just great moments between the couple but moments of individual, quiet reflection, growth and healing. These two characters were well developed. I wasn't quite sure when I started reading if I should expect that or, if this would be more of a lighthearted and fun fluff type read. I was very pleasantly surprised that it was fun and fluffy, but it was also full of depth and some great gems scattered throughout.

There's a theme here, probably a theme that may not be as noticeable as others but still one I believe the author wanted to be noticed...realizing that when mistakes (incidents, moments) happen, it isn't always just the other person's fault, that the old phrase 'it takes two to tango', definitely is true here. I loved seeing both of these characters realize that some of their choices (individual and as a couple) could have been handled a little differently and the outcomes of those choices would have been different (better) for them and those involved.

This is a Christian fiction book. There are plenty of moments of self-reflection and moments where the characters focus on Christ and his role in their lives. It wasn't over the top preachy, for those of you who don't like reading that. It is definitely a relevant part of the storyline and even helps guide the plot along in many scenes. Hanna goes on this reality TV show and chooses to guard her virtue and continue to live her values and beliefs, no matter the criticism that comes her way, even when she earns the nickname Holy Hanna. Let me just say she gets plenty of criticism throughout the book for her beliefs but I enjoyed how the author handled it. She shows the pretty intense people who are more judgmental towards Hanna, especially over something that didn't happen, as well as showing how Hanna handled it all. Lots of healing for sure throughout this book, in many different aspects. It was great watching Hanna grow from the beginning of the book, where she is still very angry and hurt and holding on tightly to that. Then slowly throughout, realizing herself how holding onto those feelings has affected her and brought her to act in ways she wouldn't normally do. That's kind of vague but let's just say it might have to do with how she treats a certain person, namely a certain male, quite possibly a Bachelor... I'll let you piece that one together.

Will...what to say about Will. Lots of character growth, a great character arc for him. Yet, even from the beginning he was great! I loved the first scene where these two, Hanna and Will, are thrown back into each other's lives. Fun. Part of Will is torn because of his love for Hanna, the other for the havoc that has been wreaked on his professional life. How can he fix both and reconcile the differences, yet have the outcome that he wants, when all signs show it might be nigh on impossible? Pain from his past has him protecting his heart and life, somewhat more than he realizes. There's no future for him with Hanna unless he can fix that and allow for healing to occur. So another aspect of the Christian genre here, the need for healing and allowing Christ in his life (Hanna as well).

The chemistry and friendship between these two characters is very well written. Definitely lots of sparks and tension between them. Can they reconcile their differences and allow the love that each other feels bloom? Those late night kitchen excursions were pretty fun scenes. The ring, the dress, the business, the snow, the mud, the family moments...I just loved it!

Don't let the religious aspects throw you off from reading this one. It is definitely a fun storyline, several great characters and a fun adventure throughout the book. I highly recommend this one and suggest you snuggle in for the long haul, because I don't think you'll want to put it down. I probably wouldn't have put it down until I was finished, except I was at a wedding over the weekend so lots of fun and excitement that I ended up enjoying my reading time while in the car for the many hours of driving to and from the wedding.

Content: Clean. I think I've explained pretty well throughout the review the religious aspects of the book. Some scenes of kissing but nothing further.

I received a review copy from the publisher, Shiloh Run Press, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

The idea behind this book is fun and spunky, after all who doesn't love a reality TV show that brings two people together in true love? While I stopped watching shows like The Bachelor many years ago, I have read a few books that follow these same kind of lines. That one girl amongst the fake, who's ended up in the house for some valid reason or another. While the actual initial meeting is shared, the story doesn't really go into the TV show events. Which I like. It can get a bit same old same old. Instead we pick up the relationship of Will & Hanna, some time later - after she has angrily ended it based on a TV interview Will does. She's back home in northern Minnesota, where its knee deep in snow and trying to move on from the months of painful tabloid articles & letters from judgmental angry viewers.

Will is in trouble. As CEO of a major corporation, something isn't right. He believes sales to be tanking and he is under pressure from the board to take drastic measures. It takes the form of going to Minnesota, proposing to Hanna, and earning the company some positive - and free - publicity. He knows he made a massive mistake over his choice of words when answering the TV interviewers question. He'd implied that things had gone much further than Hanna would ever have let them go. She unashamedly proclaimed during the show that she was a dedicated Christian, with a strict set of morals. She informed the viewers and Will there was a line she wouldn't cross. But now she won't even speak to him. Why did he say those things? Will she ever forgive him?


Interestingly - you expect them to already have been madly in love with each other, but I think the author quite rightly starts them out in the right place. There is plenty of mutual attraction, as you'd expect, but a huge lacking of devotion. The kind that leads a person to look beyond the mistakes we make in our relationships, to forgive easily and move past the small stuff. That essence of love is not there yet, and it sets us up in an accurate, more true reflection of where they both are on their journey.


Sometimes, it's a little too predictable, but overall the story is light, and simple. I need to read books like this once in a while. It's refreshing after a deeper more serious read. There's a fairly even pace and unfortunately I couldn't grasp more than an hour a day to read this. It truly is one of those you don't want to put down. Enjoyable read, engaging plot.

Thanks to Netgalley for the complimentary eARC, this is my honest review.

I started this book one night after my husband and kids went to bed. And honestly had to cover my mouth to keep from giggling. The start of this book was just what my heart needed after a long and stressful day. I am normally not a fan of contemporary writing but this one was definitely worth my time.

I enjoyed the story of Hanna and Will. The remake of a reality dating show and how to keep Christ the focus of our lives. I was very much impressed by the spiritual content and the scripture that was shared. It was refreshing to see truth and not just glossed over.

I really enjoyed reading a book in my home state. It gave details about Tennessee and it was exciting to read about places that you have been to personally.

This was my first book by this author and I will definitely be on the lookout for more of her books!

I received a copy from the publisher, Barbour publishing, via NetGalley. Thanks Barbour! All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Hanna is a charming heroine and Will is an appealing hero. The story begins after they meet and get engaged on a show call The Price of Love. Hanna is a Christian and she kept her virtue and values front and center during the show which ended with Will on one knee and offering her a ring. During the airing of the finale Will said something that caused Hanna to break off the engagement.

We catch up with them about eight months after the show’s finale when Will arrives at Hanna’s Minnesota home to apologize. Her first inclination is to throw him back into the blizzard, but as they spend a few days together, they see a way to save both her reputation and his job, so the engagement plot is on.

Overall, I enjoyed this a lot and it kept me turning the page. It is definitely a Christian romance, but the faith elements rise organically from the characters.

Hanna and Will each had their own reasons for going on the show, for ending the engagement, and for concocting the new engagement plot. I have a few quibbles with some plot points, but they didn’t detract from my enjoyment.

The Engagement Plot is a fun and charming story of romance, second chances, and true love persevering against all odds. I recommend it!

This book grabbed my attention from the first page. I couldn't help but love and hate Will, along with Hanna! While I had an idea of the culprit of all the bad events that surrounded this couple, it wasn't until it's revealed that I actually knew. It kept me guessing. The character development was good.

I really enjoyed The Engagement Plot! It was a quick, enjoyable read (I didn't want to put it down!). The characters were believable and well-developed. There were several surprises and plot twists along the way. I described it to a friend as a story similar to "The Bachelor" but with a nice Christian twist.

I was pleasantly surprised reading The Engagement Plot!

This book was a twist on the Bachelor/Bachelorette TV shows that are all the rage and is based on what happens AFTER the cameras go away.

Will and Hanna fell in love in front of millions of people. However, one stupid comment by Will and Hanna’s virtuous reputation was destroyed. After Hanna steps out of the spotlight and away from Will, he must beg for her forgiveness to save his job.

I enjoyed the moments between Hanna and Will where they seem to get to know each other all over again, even on a different level. I was surprised by the depth of the reflection as I thought this would be something lighthearted and full of fluff. However, I truly think it made the characters that much more likeable.

When Hanna decides to finally help Will, is there more to the story than she thinks? Will they ever get out of the limelight and be able to just be two ordinary people?

The Engagement Plot took my emotions all over the place, laughing, crying, happiness, doubt, everything under the sun. And I enjoyed every minute of it!!

The Engagement Plot is a Rom-Com that was very entertaining and a product of our times. Hanna is from a small town in Minnesota and goes on a reality show The Price of Love. She meets the eligible bachelor William Preston. Hanna falls for Will and even though he picks her, in the closing scenes of the show Will makes some thoughtless remarks that both hurt and embarrass Hanna and tarnish her Christian reputation. Months later back in Minnesota Hanna happens upon a stranded motorist on the side of the road. It is the middle of a snow storm and Hanna can not leave them out in the cold. She rescues the man and takes him home only to find out he is none other than Will. She can't figure out why Will is there but as it turns out Will needs her help. This is a very humorous book and also has Christian under tones to it. I loved it and would highly recommend it. This book and others like are definitely needed at this time. Exactly what is The Price of Love? (ARC) #Rom-Com, #Reality TV, #Christian fiction, #Judging Others

Fast paced, fun, heart warming love story. Well written with well developed characters and a great story line, you'll finish this in a sitting, unable to put it down! I'm on m way to look for more from this author!

Loved everything about this book! Humor, Faith, the Romance! The journey the two were on not only together, but their faith journey was a refreshing read! It was a great reminder that our words matter and how and when we say them do affect and hurt people. Also, the author did a great job of showing the reader God forgives and never forgets us. He loves us always! Highly recommend this book!

I really enjoyed this book. It was a light read and the writing was good and fresh. Hannah was so down to earth and even though she was very hurt she still was willing to help. Will was a charming man who had internal struggles about what had happened and what may happen. There was equal amounts of humor and heartbreak in this story. The book showed both Hannah and Will's growth along the way. It was a great, fun, and quick read.

I received an e-book that was provided by NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.)

The Engagement Plot by Krista Phillips

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Story Notes

Krista Phillips brings to life a story that many of us have probably wondered about – reality tv romances – and whether or not they are in fact real or all just for show.

Shiloh Run Press approached me via email with an offer of a story written by a young, up and coming author who writes out of the box stories that are true to life. I am always excited to read new (or new to me) authors as I often find one that becomes well-loved. I had not yet read Ms. Phillips before this but will certainly be on the lookout for her next books and will search out her previous works. Ms. Phillips writes well, giving her characters life-like thoughts, actions and conversations while also throwing in just enough sarcastic humor to make the dialogue pop. She begins this story as one that is 8 months in the making: Hanna, a teacher, was a contestant on the reality dating show The Price of Love, who found herself as the winner at the finale. She had fallen in love with William (the love-seeking bachelor) and was set to marry him when he broke her heart in front of millions of viewers by saying she had slept with him on their celebratory weekend. As a Christian, Hanna has held herself to a high standard her entire life and would never have sex before marriage. Heartsick and hounded by the media, Hanna goes home to heal and try to get her life back together. And just as she’s finally decided to move on, William comes literally crashing back into her life to ask for her help. As viewers were angry that William had broken Hanna’s heart, the stock and sales of William’s company have decreased exponentially. The other members of the board have decided that William must convince Hanna to help him salvage both his and her reputation if they are to save the company from bankruptcy. Hanna agrees after much discussion with her friend, wanting to get back both her dignity and her teaching career – which has been no existent since her appearance on the show. But Hanna knows she will have to be careful not to let Will break her heart again; she must remember that every kiss, sweet word and gesture is all for show, no reality in it at all. Both Hanna and Will have decided to give the illusion that they are engaged once again and Hanna has forgiven Will for his untrue statements. They will give several interviews with big company networks and show the world what it looks like to be young and in love. But all is not as it seems, both with their relationship and with Will’s company. Will attended church as a child but has no use for all that “religious stuff” anymore. Given this, he has had numerous physical relationships in the past and has a hard time with Hanna who is not willing to go that far. However, Hanna will also have to learn that being a Christian does not mean that one is immune to the physical side of relationships. God made men and women to enjoy all aspects of marriage, including sex, and warns Christians to be careful in how far they go before marriage. Hanna is given excellent insights into this by her friend, Carly, who also provides some great sarcastic comments and phrases. Hanna and Will will have to decide if they want this relationship to work for more than just the cameras and what they have to do to make it happen. Will’s company is slowing decreasing in revenue and all evidence points to him as the one making unsound investments. Will is shocked when they decide to fire him over this evidence and also present him with a lawsuit. Through all of this evidence Will has to slog in order to clear his name and find the one responsible. And Hanna will find herself in a position to help Will prove his innocence. Not pleased with how Will has treated her and their broken relationship notwithstanding – Hanna agrees to help Will’s friends prove that Will’s associate is the real culprit. When it finally comes out that Will is innocent, they will get the chance to start over again and find real happiness together and in God. Ms. Phillips wrote a delightful story that will have her readers cheering, crying and gasping with delight. I loved that she made her characters real and relatable. Hanna is the quintessential “good girl” who made some bad decisions but truly wanted to show the world how a Christian should speak and act. She learned painful lessons in this story about how others can twist what is good into something sullied and ugly. But Ms. Phillips gave her a unique opportunity to “shine her Light” both to the world at large and to the man who she loves. William has been seeking success all his life, from his parents, his relationships and his job. He has overlooked the best measure of success – his relationship with God and whether he is following what God would have him do. Ms. Phillips gave him the lowest point in his life as a way for Will to look up and find that the love and acceptance he craves is to be found in the One who paid the ultimate love and acceptance sacrifice. Ms. Phillips did not pull punches with the truth she was telling and was excellent in her emphatic stance on Christianity. And with great humor added at just the right time, Ms. Phillips has made a fan of me. I look forward reading her next works and am so very pleased I was given the chance to read this wonderful story. I will most certainly recommend it to others and will be rereading this one multiple times I’m sure.



I received this E-book free of charge from Barbour Publishing/Shiloh Run Press via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation from either company for this review.

I don’t think I have read anything by Krista before or if I have it’s been a long time. And I actually debated for quit awhile whether I would read this book or not. I’ll be honest, I was judging a book by its cover and the cover looked like it would be a silly book, without much substance.
I was totally wrong, and a great lesson in not judging a book by its cover.
This book did make me laugh at times, which was great, but there is a depth to this book that I totally loved. There are so many layers in this book that I can’t even uncover them all for you and I won’t try.
I appreciated Hanna’s honesty and struggle with her faith. She admits she isn’t perfect and realizes that her relationship with the Lord isn’t what it should be.
William is angry at God and has totally walked away from Him, but there is hope, there is always hope, that he will find his way back.
God uses all things for good, even a reality t.v. show. I really enjoyed this book, a great romance and highly recommend this one.
A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley.com. All opinions are my own.

This was a somewhat humorous take on the aftermath of a "Bachelor"-type reality show. "Holy Hanna" (as she was dubbed by the press) is trying to get her life back together after her bachelor-fiance, William, insinuated that she wasn't so "holy" after all. After dumping him for ruining her reputation, she comes face-to-face with him again when he wants to make amends (although he admits he is really trying to salvage his own career). There were some humorous parts in the story which eased some of the tension between the couple. Added to this mix was the intrigue in William's company, keeping secrets from the public, and trying not to fall in love with each other. I admit that there were times when I didn't find Hanna or William very likable. I thought Hanna was a bit too sarcastic at times and William seemed really mean to his father for some reason. I'm not a fan of a heroine dating a hero who's clearly not a believer but the story ending is, of course, a happy one. The romantic tension was definitely palpable. I liked the various supporting characters like both sets of parents and Hanna's friend, Carly. The author makes some good spiritual points and also highlights the hypocrisy among some "Christians." This was my first read of this author and I found I was generally entertained by this story. I'd be interested in reading more of her work.
* I received this book free of charge from NetGalley.

I really appreciated the author's writing style. Very often I had to remind myself that the characters' issues were not my own. But then I thought about it and while I don't have the same circumstances, I wonder if I approach mine in the same way. There were a few surprises and funny moments. All in all I enjoyed it.

To me this book read like a Hallmark movie!! Its not a bad thing...it made it  so fun to read! Seriously and if it ever becomes a movie I'll sooo be watching it lol...any way.

Dunno what it is with book centered around reality show stars but this is 1 of 2 I've read (or rather am reading) this month. This was a fun fasted paced book you won't want to put down. Cause know I had a really had time putting it down for very long. I liked Hannah and was so with most of the times she was mad at Will....I mean c'mon he was a jerk during the last interview...I'm soooo glad she showed him what his comment did to her reputation. I was sort of shocked her dad took to him so fast but I was kinda glad he did cause that helped her give him sort of a second chance at least to make things a little bit right.

https://booksnbaubles.com/the-engagement-plot-by-krista-phillips/

This is the first book by Krista Phillips that I picked up. And, boy, am I glad I did. I heard such great things about this book so I went into this reading experience with high expectations. I'm pleased that the rave reviews have been quite correct; I could not put the book down. Anyone who enjoys a good contemporary romantic comedy would love this book.

It is a well-written book with a fantastic plot. Oh, my goodness, the comedy and humor in this book kept me laughing until tears rolled down my face. Yet, underneath all the funny and silly moments, there was an incredibly tender and poignant yet fragile romance ready to surface. Will and Hanna's love story had so many twists and turns that I wasn't sure, even towards the end, if there would be a happily-ever-after. The heartache they both faced made my heart hurt, too.

Will is a young, handsome, capable CEO of a large company who goes on a reality TV dating show to boost up the sales of his company. He has a wonderfully supportive family but has made some big mistakes and guilt and pain from the past haunt him to the point where all he works for is money. Hanna is a beautiful small-town kindergarten teacher who goes on the same reality TV show and gets her heart trampled, along with her reputation and faith. Forgiveness is not easy. Love is even harder. Yet both find their way, though the road be strewn with boulders and rocky cliffs and thorns and hideous creatures waiting to harm them. Both mature and evolve throughout the book. As the book progresses, the reader realizes that Will is not just a shallow player but someone with deep thoughts, feelings, and hurts. Hanna becomes less self-righteous and more like Christ. Both learn important and dear lessons about God's grace, mercy, and sacrificial love.
The secondary characters were just as wonderful. I fell in love with Hanna's dad and Will's parents. Oh, to be like them in parenting.... willing to admit faults and mistakes, willing to love that child no matter what.

I am now totally hooked! I can't wait for the next book Ms. Phillips will write. She has definitely become one of my go-to authors when I need a good inspirational rom com.

I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley. I was not required to write a favorable review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

What a fun book to read! I thought It was well written! A wonderful blend of romance, laughter and drama combined creates a story you won't want to put it down. I read it in one night! Each character brought an unique piece to this story. I especially like Hanna, Will and Hanna's father. This story gives a glimpse of what life is like for the famous actors. Krista Phillipe weaves trust, forgiveness and second chances throughout this book. I think there are many good lessons the reader can learn along with the characters. I am not a huge reality tv show fan but I loved this book!

I recommend this book to family and friends.

I received this book from Netgalley to read and give my honest review.

I was surprised when I got an email from the publisher saying they specifically wanted me to read and review this book. When it came up in my TBR pile, I found that it was much more than I realized it to be. Krista Phillips takes a poke at the "Bachelor/Bachelorette" shows on tv.

Hanna Knight and William Preston met on the set of "The Price of Love," and Hanna lost her heart. Hanna was a kindergarten teacher who made no secret of the fact that she was a Christian and thus garnering herself the nickname "Holy Hanna." William Preston was the CEO of a seemingly failing cosmetics company. According to the contract of the show, after the finale was filmed, they were allowed no contact until it aired, except for one weekend. After the show was broadcast, William was interviewed on his weekend with Hanna and made an insinuation that ruined her reputation.

In this, Krista has set up the characters, the conflict, and the plans for the denouement. Hanna lost her job because no one wanted someone like her teaching their kindergarteners, she started getting hate mail, and she was in no way ready to forgive Will. Will comes to visit with a plot to help right the wrongs done in this almost melodramatic situation. There are chuckles and laughs throughout the book. And that makes it a five star book with two thumbs up and a prize winning fish caught through the ice in one of Minnesota's many lakes.

My thanks to Shiloh Run Press for allowing me to read and review this book.

The Engagement Plot by Krista Phillips is a sweet quirky romance about two people who meet and kind of fall in love on a reality show much like the Bachelor. But he betrays her trust at the end and they go their separate ways. When Hanna and Will are brought together again by necessity, they have to put their differences aside and work together. But are they still in love? I loved reading this book. It is a fun read and I highly recommend it. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. This is my honest review. I can't wait to read more from this author!

If I were a fan of Reality shows likeThe Bachelor and The Bachelorette I might have given this a higher rating. However, I find the concept of agreeing to marry someone after they’ve kissed and done whatever to 20-25 other folks over a few months period might decide at the end that they found “True Love” a bit on the outrageous and ignorant side. However, I will admit to liking this story - a lot!

When Hannah discovered that Will was a complete jerk when he intimated during a live interview that they had sex during a couple of get togethers during the show, it immediately broke Hannah’s heart and caused her to immediately dump Will. His was the ultimate betrayal of both her and her faith in that she was a virgin and would remain so until the day she married. Will not only lied but he laid Hanna open to the worst kind of censures and fans who had held her up to such high standards only to have her reputation completely destroyed.

So what is a super rich CEO going to do to try to make things right. Come up with an idea to have a “FAKE” engagement and then break it off once the publicity and the profit margin in his company begins to rise again! Although, Hanna might still have a soft spot in her heart for Will’s predicament there is something else going on behind the scenes that is really causing the profit loss statements going down and the worsening of both their reputations! Would they discover that faith and love could win them a happily-ever-after!

Bottom line: A fast read and highly enjoyable

Marilyn Rondeau

The story of Hanna and Will is fun. I usually like my romance with a little more heat but found myself drawn to this story in spite of my preferences. I like the plot of the reality show gone bad as it were and enjoyed the writing and the world building employed by the author. The characters are likeable and real.

Hanna Knight auditioned and was accepted for a dating reality TV show. She was know on the show as Holy Hanna for sticking to her values and not compromising. After she is picked as the winner, she becomes engaged to Will Preston. During their "victory tour," Will answers a question that leads everyone to believe that he and Hanna had sex before marriage. Holy Hanna is mocked and ridiculed for violating her Christian faith.

She loses her job, reputation, and moves in with her dad to recover. Will feels awful for what happened, and one year later he decides to visit her. He hopes to gain her forgiveness. When he visits her farm, a huge snowstorm hits, and the two are stuck in the same house. Will comes up with the bright idea to pretend to be engaged again to salvage Hanna's reputation. After they have carried the scheme for an appropriate time, they can quietly separate and move on with their lives. Hanna is skeptical, but agrees to go along with the plan. But what happens if she falls in love with Will again?

I had never read any books by Krista Phillips before and was pleasantly surprised. The Engagement Plot is a cute story with good plot lines and likable characters. I will be on the look-out for new books by Krista Phillips.

Cute, clean, modern story of falling back in love after a meeting on reality TV. Maybe unrealistic, but enjoyable and has just enough "fantasy". Complicated enough to keep the reader interested, but not full of extraneous events that make the plot feel crowded or too farfetched. The characters are relatable and detailed; I felt connected to them though our situations are nothing alike. I found myself really hoping the relationship would succeed.

Sooo good!!! It’s just like a movie. I’ll admit when I first started reading I wasn’t in love with it. But I kept reading. The characters developed, the plot developed and so did my love of this book. Loved that it was sweet and salty and easy to read but at the same time made me laugh, want to cry, want to punch someone, sit on the edge of my chair in anticipation, and smile big smiles. There are deep themes of betrayal, forgiveness, redemption, love and honor in this book. It’s more than meets the eye. It’s unforgettable. I’m glad I kept reading. It’s a book I would read again just cuz I liked it that much!
I received a digital copy from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

The Engagement Plot what a complex Christian dramatic book. You have a reality star who was humiliated on TV by The Bachelor. She is criticized by being a Christian. Later he realizes that this humiliating her was the biggest mistake of his life and he wants to make it up to her. This brings the two of them into faking an engagement to save their reputations. Will it work? Will she forgive him and let her heart to open up to him again and trust him? Will they finally find true love? This is an enjoyable read and if you are looking for that kind of book here it is.

Hanna and Will meet on TV show which turns out to be a disaster for her and not all that good for him. He comes to see if they can do a fake engagement to get him out of hot water for the bad publicity the whole thing brought to his company. Hanna lost her teaching job over it. There is a spark there and whether they can ignite it into more will have to take time. The events just seem to go against them as they progress and can they get past it, that is the question. Hanna's faith is very important to her and Will has lost his when his sister died at such a young age. Can he find his faith again?

I don't watch The Bachelor or The Bachelorette. That said, I have seen enough of the show to have some idea of the shenanigans that are insinuated to go on behind closed doors. The Engagement Plot takes that show premise and drops a Christian good girl in the middle of it. Hanna chose to try out for "The Price of Love" but, after viewing the previous season, really didn't expect to be picked. Her values and virtue are way too sweet, boring, and straightlaced for what she imagines handsome bachelor, Will Preston, will want. When he actually chooses her, she is ecstatic. Could he possibly feel for her what she is beginning to feel for him?

This book was a joy to read. The humor plucked my funny bone repeatedly while driving home the truths of God's grace and His love for those he calls chosen. Fans of The Bachelor will see themselves in the camera wielding, fan letter - writing , stalkers that want a glimpse into the lives of their idols. The Engagement Plot shows what can happen when a few misspoken words destroy a reputation . Is there any way to get back what they've lost? Will and Hanna will keep you flipping pages to find out! I definitely recommend, but, be warned: don't expect to get much else accomplished until you finish. You won't want to put it down!

The Engagement Plot
What a great idea! I can imagine the author sitting and asking herself, “what if?” What if a Christian decided to go and take part in a 'help a bachelor find a mate' television show? What if her reputation becomes badly damaged – to the point that she becomes a secluded laughing stock in the media and she is called “Holy Hanna?” What if so-called Christians attack her and tell her she is going to hell or that she should leave her faith because of the destruction she has caused? Then the bachelor has the unmitigated gall to try to come back into her life for his own benefit?
I do not like these “reality” shows that cheapen love, marriage and the future of a couple’s life. This story has an excellent plot that shows how just one fake relationship can start and carry forward. I really enjoyed the book. The characters fit well into the story. They have their own realistic faults and strengths to make a believable tale that moves smoothly along. I like how the main characters, Hanna and Will ‘dance’ around one another dealing with selfish and, at times, self-less reactions and actions toward one another. This doesn’t feel like a ‘fluff’ story for simple entertainment. There are thought provoking moments for any Christian to catch a lesson from -if one is open to a message God may have between the book covers.

My two favorite things are romance and Jesus, and I love that Krista Phillips can combine the two without compromise to either. The conflict of "on again" "off again" love enriched the romance. The kitchen love scene was so real because Christians face the same temptations as you find in other romance books, yet Christian romance leads you to believe that no one kisses until after marriage. My favorite part was the letter to Anita--wonderful message to my heart!

William breaks Hanna’s heart on television after they both are on The Price of Love. A distraught Hanna goes home to Minnesota, hoping time will heal all and no one will remember her.

Unfortunately, after Will destroys Hanna in a television interview, Hanna wants nothing to do with him. But Will needs help to save his COE position and he believes pretending to be engaged to Hanna will help him do that. They think their reputations will be salvaged by this pretence, not recognizing that they will truly fall for each other.

This was a fun, sweet read.

Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of this book and I am providing my honest review.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

Hanna thought she had found true love without compromising her Christian values on the reality show The Price of Love, but Will broke her heart with his interview on the season finale by implying on national TV that Hanna had slept with him. When Will shows up in her small Minnesota hometown 6 months later to make amends, she doesn't want to forgive him. Tabloids catch wind of Will being in Hanna's hometown, though, and start spreading even worse rumors. Somehow, Hanna finds herself agreeing to pretend to be Will's fiance to restore her reputation and save Will's job.

This was a clean romantic comedy with characters you can root for. This book is a cute book to escape into for fans of Christian fiction and romantic comedy.

Oh my this book! If you love the Bachelor this book will right up your alley with all the drama and twist and turns. Will they really fall in the love? That’s for me to know and you to find out! Hee hee!

4 1/2
William Preston is a very handsome CEO who decides to go on a TV dating show called The Price of Love. He chooses Hanna Knight, a simple, home town, God fearing woman (they start to refer to as Holy Hanna) who is ready to give Will her heart. That is until he humiliated her in front of millions of TV viewers. Then Will shows up in Minnesota, where Hanna lives, to ask for her forgiveness and to see if she would be his fake fiancé. Being his fake fiancé would perhaps stop the gossip about them and help him with his job. Things go pretty well at first. Hanna and Will find they haven’t lost their attraction for each other. You might even call it love. But then things start happening that causes their plan to spin out of control. Now there is even more scandal and Will’s job is on the line. Can Hanna and Will weather the storm of all that is thrown at them or will this separate them forever?

This is my first book by Krista Phillips but it certainly won’t be my last. The cover is what first drew me to want to read the book but I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed the story. It was an interesting plot that keeps you entertained from cover to cover. The people are well-drawn and true-to-life. You know…they have issues just like we do. Hanna was someone the reader could easily relate to. She wants to do the right thing but sometimes it doesn’t work out the way you think it’s gonna. I understand that! Will was a very likable guy; a good hero really. (except for the stupid thing he said on the show). Unfortunately, deep hurt caused him to set aside his faith. You can understand why as you read the story. The interaction between them was fun and sometimes a little frustrating but that’s part of the fun. The secondary characters were great and I liked getting to know them. You’ll find a wonderful balance of humous (I laughed out loud) and serious situations which really make it such a pleasure to read. If you enjoy misunderstandings and mayhem with a side of serious then you will love The Engagement Plot!

*This complimentary copy was provided by Barbour/Shiloh Run Press through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review* Note: I always purchased a Kindle copy.

A few favorite moments:

They’d always been opposite, even from the first day of taping for The Price of Love. He, the CEO bachelor looking for love, and she, the small-town teacher with morals tighter than some of the other contestants’ skinny jeans.

“Hanna, you have to trust me. I’m trying to fix this. So unless you want me to kiss you to quiet you down, I suggest you hush. I’m game either way”

“You gave them the power to wound you instead of seeking the One who had the power to rescue you.”

For more information about this book or other books by Krista Phillips, I encourage you to visit her website at https://www.kristaphillips.com.

This book presents a ‘What happens after?’ for ‘The Bachelor/Bachelorette’ type of show. Honestly, those shows are shows that I don’t enjoy. However, this book I did enjoy. The author has a great writing style and the book is a nice read for when you want to relax or want a change of pace.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader’s copy of this book but the opinions expressed are my own.

This is a sweet, fun, and quick read. The conflict/tension in the story was not too intense, but enough to keep me turning the pages to find out what happened next.

I am just going to say it and you can judge me in the comments, to your friends, even just in your head if that works for you. . . my guilty summer pleasure is Big Brother.  It's really the only reality show that has piqued my interest enough to have me coming back season after season.  You can keep Survivor, all the talent shows, and The Bachelor (Bachelorette).  So, why did I voluntarily pick up a book about a contestant on a reality show similar to The Bachelor (The Price of Love)?  Can I say Zingbot made me do it?  Here's the deal, out side of that summer secret I shared above I can take or leave most reality shows but I can't walk away from a book that has an intriguing synopsis.  I am not a girl you are going to lure in by the cover of the book but the back cover?  That's a different story!  That's where the gold is and that is what draws me to a book.

What can go wrong?  A busy CEO who shot to the top quite young and very unexpectedly?  A down to earth famer's daughter who happens to also teach kindergarten?  Really.  What. Could. Possibly. Go. Wrong.  Try everything.  I mean when the world dubs you Holy Hannah and the man you thought you had actually developed something with hints, to the same world, that there might have been some hanky panky the real question is what can go right?  Here's the deal though, once you remove all the Hollywood wannabe reality television from the mix what you end up with as a boy and a girl who really have a chance at love if they can just get out of their own ways.  If they can just learn to first trust themselves then they can learn to trust each other.  The real each other and not whatever they have built up in their heads about each other.  Therein lies the dilemma of every single boy meets girl story ever lived.

'The Engagement Plot' is so much more than just a cheeky love story.  There's some intrigue, a whole lot of backstabbing - oh wait yeah reality TV can do that to people, and so many well developed personalities that I wish were real people that I could sit down and meet.  I truly did enjoy this book and it's my first foray into Krista Phillips and it won't be my last.  She managed to take a genre of television that doesn't hit my mark and craft it into a book that hit all the marks for me.  It's no Big Brother, mind you, but The Price of Love has it's own weekend guilty pleasure that I think any reader who likes their romance with a little more depth and a lot more personality can get behind.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

This is the first book that I have read by Krista Phillips and it definitely won’t be the last! I was hooked in the first page and was consumed!


I voluntarily reviewed this book.