Name: Boyfriend Bargain
Rating: 3.575757575757576 (33 reviews)
ISBN: 9781096401018

Ilsa Madden-Mills

"Broke and desperate, Sugar Ryan has no use for arrogant, bad boy athletes...until she's forced to bargain with the cockiest of them all."-- back cover

Boyfriend Bargain

Megan Lowe

Holy wow! I LOVED this book!
First, let me say fake boyfriend/relationship of convenience are not my thing. At all. But this...
Zack is just... he’s everything and has shot to the top of my book boyfriend list. I love his vulnerability, his flaws, how damaged he is. He stole my heart and I don’t want it back.
Sugar is great. I loved her southern sayings, and this is going to sound weird, but her height too. I kind of wanted to hate her for making the bargain with Zack in the first place, because he was so tortured but it wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought.
I’ll be honest and say I haven’t always loved Ilsa’s work, but this, it blew me away. You can feel the passion Zack and Sugar have for each other, it’s palpable and I loved every minute of it.
I also really loved the supporting characters, Eric especially and am going to need books for them like yesterday.
This isn’t your average fake boyfriend/relationship of convenience book, it’s so much more and should be read ASAP.

Candyce Kirk

I had high expectations for Boyfriend Bargain, because I have enjoyed the previous books by this author. I can honestly say that she didn't disappoint! Boyfriend Bargain was a good balance of sports, romance, emotions, drama and some steamy moments! I also really loved that mental health was a big part of this book. Many people live with this every day and it's nice to see that authors are embracing that and making their characters less perfect.

Sugar is a dedicated student and a bit of an introvert. Ten o'clock on Sunday evenings and she's comfy at home studying or watching Game of Thrones again. That is her idea of a nice night and not being at a frat party, but anything for your dreams right? 

Zack's a star hockey player that all the girls want, but he hasn't settled down. A night here or there is about all girls get from him. Until Sugar comes along that is. After seeing her the first time he felt an instant attraction. There are some things in his past he has to deal with and anxiety he is trying to get under control, so the last thing he needs is a girlfriend.

As the title states, Boyfriend Bargain. This was an element that wasn't up front as I thought it would be. Yeah, the bargain is made and they act on it. We all know that real feelings come in to play, but it was like it just disappeared all of a sudden. I would've expected more drama. It didn't mess up the story for me at all, but did confuse me.

I loved Sugar and Zach together. It's clear they have chemistry and can't not touch each other, but Sugar isn't looking to act on that. She needs him to help with appearances for a college meeting she has in a few months and that's it. They slowly start spending time together and I loved how it's a mix of sexy, humor and some very emotional moments. It was refreshing to see characters talk about serious things and not only sleep together. Even though the steamy moments were good as well!

Besides their relationship, both of these characters had things from the past they had to deal with. This was weaved into the story in a nice way. It didn't take it over, but didn't leave us wondering either. Even though I would've liked to have seen just a bit more of Sugar's side of the story. That did leave me wanting a bit more.

If you're looking for a steamy romance that is also very sweet, great characters (including their friends and family), humor and some emotional events, definitely pick this one up. I'm sure you'll hope this author turns this into a series as well. There are a few characters I would love to see more of.

Linda Quintanilla

I do not know how Ilsa Madden-Mills expect me to react to this book. She threw me into an emotional rollercoaster like I was supposed to expect. Full warning, I did not expect it at all. I want you all to know that this book is going to be emotionally heavy. I was not fully prepared, so beware that this book contains grief, anxiety, and self-destruction. 
I admire Sugar throughout the book. She has the guts and determination to move forward and better her life. It may have some drawbacks when her former relationship ended horribly, but she always has a plan. She may not have expected her plans to go sideways when she developed deeper feelings for Zach. But love can always change plans. 
Sugar is not ready for Zach mentally and physically. I mean it. Zach has so much emotional baggage. But you know it's going to take a while for Zach to realize this, especially when his relationship with Sugar blows up. 
Love is a messy emotion that takes time to fix any wrongdoing. And Zach is more than willing to correct his wrongdoing with Sugar. He honestly loves her.

Chantale

By now you probably all know how much I love hockey romance.

Did I love this book? Oh hell yes I did.

I love the story and I love Sugar and Zach. This story is HOT and I loved every part of it.

This is one I will be purchasing in paperback and I will be reading again in the future. 

I give this 4 out of 5.

Boyfriend Bargain

Reviews

Highlights