| Title | : | The Offer |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781311460998 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | ebook |
| Number of Pages | : | 271 |
| Publication | : | First published June 12, 2015 |
He thinks she's an uptight prude.
But he's about to make her an offer she can't refuse.
Nicola Price used to have it all – a great career, the perfect boyfriend, an excessive shoe collection and an apartment in one of San Francisco’s best neighborhoods. But when she gets knocked up and her asshat boyfriend leaves her high and dry, Nicola’s perfectly crafted world comes tumbling down. And stays that way.
Now, Nicola is the proud single mom to a five-year old daughter and living a giant lie. She can barely afford their ghetto apartment and all the men she dates run when they hear she comes with a child. She’s struggling and scared – and nowhere near where she thought she’d be at age thirty-one.
Her saving grace comes in the form of a tall, handsome and wealthy Scotsman Bram McGregor, the older brother of her friend Linden. Bram understands a thing or two about pride, so when tragic circumstances place Nicola at rock bottom, he offers them a place to live in the apartment complex he owns. It’s pretty much the perfect deal, so as long as she doesn’t mind living beside Bram, a man that, despite his generosity, seems to antagonize her at every turn.
But nothing in life is free and as Nicola gets her feet back on the ground, she discovers that the enigmatic playboy may end up costing her more than she thought.
She might just lose her heart.
Those McGregor brothers are nothing but trouble...
The Offer Reviews
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4.5 ‘Bramtastic’ stars!!!
I loved the first book in this series (the Pact). It was a fantastic contemporary romance/friends to lovers tale. When book 2 came out, I was dying to read it but life got in the way. Once I saw the audio version was available, I snatched it up and gave it a listen! I loved Bram, Nicola and Ava. Their story was fantastic. A single mom, a guy who… gets around. It was great!
“No matter how much you change, some people will always view you as you were at a certain time of your life.”
Bram McGregor has spent his life being labeled as a screwup. And a lot of it he was. He’s made mistakes. But he actually is a good guy. It’s just that no one really sees him that way. Nicola Price included. Nicola is a single mom of 5 year old Ava. She does the best she can but being a single mom is hard. Bram and Nicola have instant chemistry and attraction. But Nicola knows she can’t get involved with this guy… regardless, Bram makes her an offer she can’t refuse. He wants to help her and Ava with their housing.
Nicola and Bram both took a while to come to terms with that was going on between them. They were falling for one another. Once they do, things are amazing. Until they get complicated.
“He was so, so wrong about hearts and buildings being different. They are the same. They are structures that keep us safe, that shield us from the elements. And the minute they start to falter, everything else is at risk.”
What I loved most about The Offer is it shows that people aren’t always what they seem and they can change, grow and become better. I also really loved Bram with Ava- all their interactions were adorable. I love Karina’s books that have all the twists and the turns, the ones that are a little dark etc but honestly, she does just as an amazing job with contemporary romance. This series is one of my favorites by her. I am so excited to read The Play next month!
As I mentioned before, I listened to the audio version of this book and it was very enjoyable. Nicola’s voice took a little while for me to get used to, but Bram’s was spot on and his accent was fantastic! The Offer can be read as a standalone, but I can’t recommend The Pact enough so I would say read it first!
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Once you go Bram you won’t give a damn.
Reputation matters.
Unfortunately for, Bram, he can't get away from his past of being labeled as a playboy and a screw up. When he tries to be nice to Nicola and her daughter he's met with resistance because she doesn't trust his intentions. It's not just Nicola who distrust the man that Bram has become. The only one who really looks at Bram with love in their eyes is her daughter... the innocence of the young.
“No matter how much you change, some people will always view you as you were at a certain time."
BRAM! BRAM! BRAM!
He won me over with his charm and accent. There's just something about a man with an accent. They rank high up on my swoon-worthy men.
I was pretty upset over Bram's brother book which is prior to this one. I was unsure if Bram was going to be like his brother Linden. I'm happy to report I found a McGregor guy to love. Karina Halle created a winner with THE OFFER. ♥ I loved it... it had me smiling and laughing.
Thank you, Kim, for the surprise gift of this audio. ♥ I had fun messaging you stuff that made me laugh in THE OFFER.
Standalone
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Oh I love me a Scotsman.
I wonder if he comes with his own kilt?
Stand-alone.
Release date: June 14th.
Book Blurb:
She thinks he's an arrogant playboy.
He thinks she's an uptight prude.
But he's about to make her an offer she can't refuse.
Nicola Price used to have it all – a great career, the perfect boyfriend, an excessive shoe collection and an apartment in one of San Francisco’s best neighborhoods. But when she gets knocked up and her asshat boyfriend leaves her high and dry, Nicola’s perfectly crafted world comes tumbling down. And stays that way.
Now, Nicola is the proud single mom to a five-year old daughter and living a giant lie. She can barely afford their ghetto apartment and all the men she dates run when they hear she comes with a child. She’s struggling and scared – and nowhere near where she thought she’d be at age thirty-one.
Her saving grace comes in the form of a tall, handsome and wealthy Scotsman Bram McGregor, the older brother of her friend Linden. Bram understands a thing or two about pride, so when tragic circumstances place Nicola at rock bottom, he offers them a place to live in the apartment complex he owns. It’s pretty much the perfect deal, so as long as she doesn’t mind living beside Bram, a man that, despite his generosity, seems to antagonize her at every turn.
But nothing in life is free and as Nicola gets her feet back on the ground, she discovers that the enigmatic playboy may end up costing her more than she thought.
She might just lose her heart.
Those McGregor brothers are nothing but trouble… -
Wham, Bam, thank you BRAM! 4.5 STARS
So many Bram-isms! Honestly, I could spend the day coming up with ways to usehimthe name. I've been thinking about my motto for Bram McGregor... he's definitely inspired meto be a perv!
The original motto:
Do it, do it right, do it right now.
I like my Bram version much better:
As steamy, sexy, pervy & unforgettably hot as this book is ... the story is so much more! It is also an incredibly sweet, intelligent and mature romance.
Karina Halle is a chameleon author. I've loved practically everything she's written - from her horror series, to her romantic suspense, to her terrific contemporary romance. If her name is on the cover, I know I'm going to enjoy it!
But this book really surprised me. I was not expecting such a "grown-up" story. Having single mom, Nicola Price as the female lead works wonderfully for this book. Her devotion to her child & her struggle to balance responsibility with fulfilling her own dreams ... extremely true to life. I connected so easily with her character.
Even Bram, with all his cocky and man-whorish ways, brought a level of maturity to the mix. I loved how he subtly takes the role of responsible protector, without those around him knowing. There's nothing sexier than a devoted, hard working man ... unless his name is Bram.
A terrific read that manages to be meaningful, while having a lot of fun. It's pretty darn Bram-tastic!
#teamperv
*Thank you to the author for an advanced copy of this book for review*
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3,5 “Bram-a-lama-ding-dong” Stars.
Nicola is the single mother of Ava, and suddenly she finds herself in a bad point in her life. Her daughter gets sick, she lost her job and she stays without means to pay her house and health insurance for her daughter.
But helps comes from the most unexpected place when Bram a rich and notorious playboy with a bad past that she met in her friends (and his brother) wedding makes her an offer she really can’t refuse.
Neither of them were expecting to fall in love… but as everything in life, we don’t get to choose when that happens.
This was a good book and to be honest, I liked it more than the first one of this series. It was a sexy reading, with a great hero and an engaging romantic background. I had some trouble with the pace in the beginning and to be honest, the amount of drama towards the end and the way it was deal with didn’t sit quite well with me.
It was an entertaining and well written reading, so if you’re in the mood for a romance book, give this one a try.
Rating: 3,5 Stars.
Characters Development: I really liked Bram. For a man with many mistakes in his past he sure knew how to fix himself and become a better person. He was a great guy and despite his manwhore tendencies, I liked how he acted trough the story. Nicola was sweet and I liked how she put her “role” as a mother in first place and her relationship with Bram second, but there was moments where her stubbornness were annoying.
Steam: Hot.
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA: -
4.5 No regrets stars!
"People like to hold onto their ideas of what you are and who you are. They put you in a box and no matter how hard you try to show them what you’re really like, they can’t wrap their heads around it. They won’t. They only want you to be a certain way, the way they see you."
Talk about a book that sneaks up on you and pulls at your heartstrings! The Offer is a standalone follow up to the book The Pact and centers on Bram and Nicola. Nicola is Steph's best friend and Bram is Linden's brother. At Linden and Steph's wedding, the two have a moment but it's lost the minute Bram realizes Nicola has responsibilities.
Later Nicola falls on some hard times personally and financially. Looking to turn over a new leaf in life, Bram makes Nicola and offer she cannot refuse, a free place to live for her and her daughter in his apartment building. Despite this act of kindness, Nicola is still untrusting of Bram and his wild boy ways. But soon, Bram worms his way into her life, her daughter's life, and both of their hearts.
After not loving The Pact I was a bit wary to read this book. That and I'm not normally a fan of the single mother romance, normally there is too much cheese present in those kinds of plots. Neither one of those things were an issue with this book, with Karina Halle reminding me yet again why she is one of my favorite authors. Nicola was a strong mother who was full of pride, she never took handouts unless absolutely necessary to her daughter's' well being.
I loved Bram, and to be honest I didn't think I would. Yes, he's a cocky manwhore but he really did change for the better in this book. I cannot imagine how he felt to never be taken seriously when he was making the effort, not by friends and most hurtful of all, his family. Nicola seemed to be the only one who really saw the changes he was making, despite keeping herself at a distance for as long as she could.
“Sometimes I feel life is just one episode after another of trying to find another way. I wonder what happens when you discover there is no other way this time.”
So let's just say Bram lives up to his hype.... in bed.
All of the Bram-ism's were hysterical, most of all Ava's little Bram song. Every time she sang it I was cracking up.
I loved the romance between these two unlikely characters, the slow build of their relationship, the trust and love that developed between them. No instalove, nothing cheesy, and just the right amount of angst. Everything I look for in my romance novels.
I cannot wait to read the next book The Play!
“Sometimes it’s the easiest, most simple things in life that bring you the most joy. The good, pure kind of joy that just makes you feel human and proud of it.”
---------------------------Pre-review-------------------------------------
Damn, this is my third 5 star read in a row. What's happening to me??
Anyways loved this one. I expected to at least like it but it really snuck up and grew on me.
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Everybody has a chapter
they don’t read out loud.
4.5 #IJustGotBrammed STARS
Nicola and Bram .. ♥
The Offer
Karina Halle
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4.5 Magical Bramtastic Stars!
(BR with Sharon)
Nicola Price used to have it all. The job, the boyfriend, & the fabulous apartment. When she finds herself pregnant, her boyfriend leaves her to raise the child alone. Now a 31 yr. old single mom to a beautiful daughter she adores, Nicola is living in San Francisco in a bad part of town trying to make ends meet.
Suddenly things go from bad to worse, & when Nicola's whole world seems to be falling apart, the last person she expected kindness from comes to her rescue. An arrogant, gorgeous Scottish man named Bram McGregor. He's her best friend Stephanie's brother-in-law. Whenever she's been around him he's opinionated, forward, & knows just how to get under her skin. He's now the one offering to help her out until she can get back on her feet. Bram owns an apartment complex, & offers to let Nicola & her daughter live in his vacant apartment. The only problem is it's right next door to Bram, & every time she looks at him her mouth waters, & right now she doesn't need the complication of a man.
-"Live with no regrets."
Nicola has judged Bram by his playboy lifestyle & man-whore reputation, but their is so much more to this sexy man. He's fun & spontaneous, and has a generous heart. The more they are around one another, the more Nicola sees glimpses of the real Bram. And lets me just say, not only is this man hot as hell, he's swoon worthy sweet. He melts her heart when he's around her daughter, & shows her a side of herself she had forgotten about. The part of herself that wasn't really living anymore. When things finally heat up between them it's absolutely delicious!!!
Real feelings develop between them, & Nicola has to decide if she's ready to take that leap of faith & trust someone again with her heart. We get a bit of drama with some secrets that are revealed, but we also get a fantastic romance! I really enjoyed this book & just adored Bram & thought he was hilarious! I have never been to an IKEA store before, but after reading this book would def like to check one out! ;)) Really hope we get a book for Lachlan next! :D
-"You're stuck with me, sweetheart. Forever."
http://www.amazon.com/Offer-Karina-Ha... -
Love is simple...yeah right.
The Offer is the first story I have read by Karina Halle. I know I'm late to the party and always planned to read her work, but I'm glad this was my first. This story is about taking risks to find your happy place and learning that trust is hard to earn and once broken hard to earn back. Life is not always easy and sometimes you need to accept help when it's offered especially when it benefits a loved one. Communication is the foundation to every relationship and the truth always come out.
We meet single Mum Nicola and her very sweet daughter Ava. Nicola has been doing the hard slog by herself when Ava's Dad (Douche Extraordinaire) leaves and doesn't look back. Things had been fine but not great until Nicola loses her job and Ava becomes sick. We also meet Bram the sexy, handsome, rich, manwhore...with a Scottish accent. Bram and Nicola meet at her best friends marriage to Bram's brother. Bram has a wee bit of a reputation that Nicola knows all about and when he hits on her she shuts him down because she knows he's trouble.
I loved Nicola and Ava's relationship. Nicola is a wonderful Mum and Ava is a beautiful and sweet daughter. There was never a doubt that these two are a package deal. It was nice to read about a Mum who didn't resent having to go home to her daughter instead of partying. Yes, there were times when Ava was a cockblocker (Nicola's words, not mine) but neither Nicola or Bram show any resentment.
Bramtastic starts out as an arrogant jerk who seems to only care about getting laid. He does have a few relationships of the Bram kind (sex only) after he meets Nicola but she had turned him down so there was no cheating. I loved how Bram's character developed through the story. The poor guy is so misunderstood by his family and friends. He was bad, but he's working towards being a better man.
A great love story with a few stumbling blocks that kept my interest the whole time. Nicola is strong, Bram is Bramtastic and Ava is sweet. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
This review and more can be found at
http://edgyreviews.com/ -
4 - 4.5 ★'s
After enjoying The Pact so much, I was positive that The Offer was going to be just as good. I mean Bram is Linden's brother, he has to be just as yummy. And he is! Too bad the book wasn't all about him.
Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed the book. I loved everything about Bram and Nicola. What I didn't like as much was I felt there was too much focus on Ava, Nicola's daughter. Yes, what happened to her is a very important and serious subject but I felt it overwhelmed the story at times.
Bram though, OMG, the things that came out of his mouth...both hilarious and outrageous. All his little "Bramisms" were great but my favorite was the InstaBram.
And I'm always a little torn when the Hero of the story is with other women, even if it's before the Hero and heroine get together. I just hated that Nicola had to go through that. I do like that Bram made up for it. ;)
And boy did he! Pay attention to the scenes at IKEA...OMG, I would just die!
Of course, Bram has a secret and that leads to some wonderful emotional drama...my favorite kind. I was hoping for more but things got wrapped up too quickly for my taste.
The Good Stuff:
Dual Pov's? Yes, thank goodness.
Steam Factor? (Scale 1 - 5) Wowza, 5 and then some. He is Bram-the-Man!
Angst? (Scale 1 - 5) Definitely some good stuff so a 4.
Next book? I sure hope so...Bram and Linden have a cousin, Lachlan, aye? I want to ken more about him and a certain someone! ;)
Favorite quotes:
♥ "When you’re a teenager and you fall in love, you think you’ll never move on once it’s been lost. But you always gain it back, you always fall for someone else. No boy holds it for too long. Your young heart is a wild, elastic thing."
♥ "That's how I like to wake my woman up."
♥ “We are never going to IKEA again,” I tell her. “That’s a bad word in this house now.”
♥ “Being mad takes so much out of me. It’s crippling…I don’t want to regret you."
♦ BR w/Melissa! -
The Offer by Karina Halle is the sequel to The Pact and this is Bram McGregor (Linden’s playboy brother) and Nicola, Stephanie’s best friend.
Nicola Price is struggling to get her life together. Barely able to support herself and her daughter, Ava alone, she now finds herself without a job after being fired. At thirty-one, she finds herself in a very scary situation and it continues to get worse when her little girl is diagnosed with child diabetes. Her life has hit rock-bottom.
The savior to her situation turns out to be Bram McGregor, her best friend’s brother in law and one man she totally dislikes. He offers a temporary solution to her problems by offering her a rent-free apartment in the low rent complex he owns, that helps people who can’t afford the high prices in the city.
Placing her pride aside, she agrees to his offer until she can get herself back up but not without having some doubts after Bram’s true intentions. Ava is the most important person in her life and she will do anything to give her a good life. Since being left high and dry by the man she had believed was the perfect one for her, most men are not interested in having a relationship with her when they discover she’s a single mom. And Bram McGregor is definitely one man to avoid. He’s an arrogant playboy, spoilt and only interested in one night sexual encounters.
I liked these two together….Bram, the “arrogant playboy” and Nicole, the “uptight prude”.
I was prepared not to like Bram at first….he just seemed such a shallow kind of guy. But as we slowly get to know the real man inside…..well, let’s just say I fell totally in love with his charm, wit, kindness, sexiness and whewwww….talk about a man who knows his way around on how to make a woman happppy……in bed and out……and that dirty mouth….OMG…..this is a man worth having around!!!!! Was it any wonder that Nicola found it totally irresistible even when she was giving him a hard time!!
Now, just before you think that this is such a perfect man…..stop right there!! He’s not!! He has his flaws and a lot of baggage!! But then, who’s perfect all the time???
In between Nicola being a spectator to all of Bram’s women traffic…yes loads…and so not wanting to be in the same place all those faceless women are at in his life, but she’s unable to keep away from him….hell, after she sees what he does to a woman in his bed……….okay!!!!! So understand you Nicola!!
Bram can’t stop thinking of Nicola either, even when she’s driving him crazy with her trying to keep him at a distance. He enjoys the time he spends with her and her daughter and realizes that she’s someone worth fighting for…
I enjoyed the way their relationship developed……their sexual chemistry was totally sizzling!!!! Bram is…well…can you resist him???
Of course there are some obstacles these two have to overcome…..Bram’s secret, when revealed, is shocking and so unexpected. It’s something he and Nicola will have to come to terms with it and deal it in the best way possible.
So, what else did I enjoy in this story?
Ava, Nicola’s daughter. She was so adorable and lovable. I loved every scene she appears in……the trip to Disneyland and her excitement when she receives that awesome present from Bram (see, he’s actually a great guy!!)….
I’ve become very fond of the characters in this trilogy. I like the family and friends dynamics a lot. It adds a whole new dimension to the story.
The story was, as we expect from Karina Halle, beautifully written, well-paced, engaging characters and some fantastic dialogue.
I couldn’t stop grinning when I came to the part where Nicola and her friend are discussing their men……
"I know," I grumble. "And I don't need another recap about what you guys did with the sparkly butt plugs you bought in the Castro, either."
She shrugs. "I bet Bram is just as much into that kinky shit. And when he shoves his cock in your pussy and a plug up your sass, I guarantee you're going to call me up and shoot the shit."
I’m a bit sad to say goodbye to these characters…..but what a trip it was spending time with the McGregor men and their women.
Now, get out there and get these books!!!! It’s such a fun and enjoyable reading experience. -
Now "knowing" what happened in the book I can easily say that this author is just not for me!
For a single mother/heroine to have to put a music on to "silence the loud noises of sex" of the Hero next door so that her daughter will not hear it IS NON OTHER BUT A VERY DISTASTEFUL, REPULSIVE AND NASTY way of portraying a cultural drift from traditional romance gender!
YES we read different romances with different "Heroes" a manwhores or non-manwhores and Its true that some of these traits add hints of realism to the novel, but this book is a romance novel, hence its design to inspire fantasy and a feeling of enjoyment, I feel none of this!
I feel the loss of "real" idealization of romantic love and the language in which those "romance books" are conducted is turning the language of love into the language of a "non-string-attached" sexual culture that bring about the practice of objectifying persons and perverting the natural gift of sexuality, making into something it was not meant to be.
Even "our romantic illusions" that we know to be illusions are more vivid, affectionate and more profound than what this book is portraying! -
Bram is so hot.
I was looking forward to reading this book. I needed to know more about the playboy that is Bram MC Gregor. He is so hot and sexy but through the book u could see this playboy turning into a really caring man I luvd him by the end there was parts I could of killed him but he won me over by the end. Nicola is a really strong sexy woman. Her daughter Ava is her life after her ex left her Ava as become her life. She just wants to make things perfect for her lil girl and will anything to do it. Through the first maybe 50% of this book so much happened in Nicola's life I felt so sorry for her but she was so stong though it al. I would of fell apart. I did enjoy the way Bram was with Nicola but I did understand why Nicola wouldn't let her guard down even when it was so hard with Bram being so sexy around her.
I did enjoy this book but i did find it dragged a lil I was just dying for them to get together. The last 30% was just brilliant i knew Bram had secrets but God i didnt think it was that. I can't wait to read more of this series. I liked that I got to see more of Linden and Steph I luv them. I would recommend this book and i m liking the author as well should of read her books sooner.
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4 "Everything in due time" STARS
While part of a series, this can be read as a stand alone. I was "meh" about the first book although I fell for Linden. I wasn't sure I'd like Bram but like his brother Linden, he grew on me real quick.
Both Nicola and Bram are fighting to break a mold that's been put upon them by others and/or circumstance. Bram's been labelled a manwhoring, playboy and all around screw up whereas, Nicola's the stuck-up prude given she has a young child and has had to grow up real fast.
These two are obviously very attracted to each other yet do this little dance of yes and no as Nicola fights the attraction and Bram tries to get Nicola to see him.
"Nicola, I know you've been burned. But I've been burned too. Maybe our ashes can make something beautiful together."
This was an enjoyable, sexy, funny and at times, lighthearted read. -
HATE THIS BOOK. It's so fucking cheesy and unromantic. Blech.
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2 stars
I love Karina Halle's writing. The EIT books are among my faves. But it seems like her contemporaries (aside from Love in English) are all a big mess. This book has a deplorable manwhore as a hero and a prideful, tstl single mom as a heroine. The book started rough, but I figured it had to get better. But no; it only went downhill. Even when they finally get together it's not happy for long. I can honestly say I didn't really like either main character.
I didn't read the first book in this series because I'm all about the safe zone and that was most definitely not safe. I guess I should have skipped this one too.
Also; for my friends who are interested this is not a safe read for a majority of the book :( but when they are together it's safe (if that even matters) -
2.5 stars
Although it can be read as a standalone, The Offer is a spin-off of Karina Halle’s popular
The Pact. I was less than impressed with
The Pact, but I wanted to give this book a chance because a romance about a single mom in her thirties sounded interesting. There aren’t nearly enough good love stories featuring characters thirty and older. Plus, the cover looks really cool. Sadly, I’m more enthusiastic about the cover than I am about the actual book. It really is so very pretty.
We were introduced to Nicola Price and Bram McGregor in
The Pact. Nicola is Stephanie’s best friend and Bram is Linden’s brother. Nicola is raising her five-year-old daughter, Ava, alone after her baby daddy decided he couldn’t handle being a father anymore. Bram is known for being a carefree Scottish manwhore. He’s T-r-o-u-b-l-e. He tries to hook up with Nicola at Stephanie and Linden’s wedding but when she tells him she has to get home to her daughter he quickly finds someone else to shag… in the bushes… which Nicola sees. Ouch. Now Nicola wants nothing to do with Bram and she makes no effort to hide her disdain for him whenever they are around each other. Bram sees her as a challenge to be conquered.
Nicola is already struggling to make ends meet when she’s fired from her job. Circumstances become even more dire and Bram offers to let Nicola and Ava move into the apartment complex he owns. And here began my exercise in frustration. Nicola has no job, she can barely pay the rent in her crappy one bedroom ghetto apartment, and she has a child to support. Yet when Bram says she can stay in a two bedroom apartment in a nice part of town rent-free until she can find a job, she says she has to “think about it”? What the hell?!
She has a friend who owns a bar but she doesn’t want to ask him for a job because she’s too proud. Nicola also has a father who can help her financially but she refuses to ask for his assistance. Why? You guessed it. She’s too proud. I am a mom. I may be too proud to ask for help for myself but there is nothing I wouldn’t do for my kids, including swallowing my pride to ask a parent for help. When she decides to move into Bram’s vacant apartment, she’s barely gracious. She seems almost resentful of his generosity. I simply could not relate to this woman.
As for Bram, he makes this grand charitable gesture but spends most of the time being intentionally lewd and baiting Nicola at every turn. I couldn’t figure out where he was coming from and I wasn’t feeling the chemistry between the two of them. The writing didn’t help turn up the sexual heat.I’m going to get deep inside Nicola tonight and fuck her so raw, so hard, until she has no choice but to see the animals we are.
I grab her roughly and with a grunt, flip her over my shoulder, like a caveman would, like a hunter would bring home a meal, and take her into the bedroom where I throw her on the bed.
Somehow Bram wins over the prickly Nicola but at times I felt like he suffered from multiple personality disorder. He could be so sweet one moment and an arrogant ass the next.“There’s no time for foreplay,” I warn her gruffly as I get on the bed and crawl toward her, my thick shaft bobbing between us. “But I’ll get you wet all the same.”
Apparently Bram is secretly Captain of the S.S. Douche Canoe.
Did anything work? Well, when they finally get their act together the story is kind of sweet. I liked the little family memories they create. The Ikea story is freaking hilarious! While I never did care for Nicola I did eventually warm to Bram. My favorite character though, hands down, is Ava. That little girl stole my heart.
The basic structure for most romance novels is the same: boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy wins girl back, and they both live happily ever after. So I’m not spoiling anything when I say that I was just waiting for Bram to screw up. The unexpected plot twist was a nice touch; however, the easy way in which the conflict was resolved in a single chapter was unsatisfying. Like wanting a four-course dinner and getting some tapas instead.
Maybe it’s because I remember having my own heart broken but I like seeing a hero really have to grovel to get his woman back.
If you liked
The Pact then you will probably enjoy this book. If you didn’t then you aren’t missing much by passing on it – just take a moment to admire the pretty cover.
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I read The Play first before I read The Offer. I remember I love The Play and I was so transfix with Miss Hale's works after that.
The Play is about 2 persons who has been crash and burn, find each other and heal each other in the most intimate way. Bram certainly the perfect playboy hero. Skirt chaser who have soft heart when it comes to Nicola, a single mother.
Their relationship is well develop. There is insta lust. But their romantic feeling developed over time. I love the part where Bram grovel back to Nicola. Who knows such famed playboy can pull such perfect grovel.
Overall, I enjoy listening to the audio book.
4 stars -
I listened this story verses reading it and I was not a fan of the narration, it wasn't the worse I have listened to, but at times distracting.
As for the story, like all Karina's story it had tons of feels and originality. I love this series!
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Mucho muuucho mejor que el libro anterior.
Aunque los personajes principales del susodicho no me desagradaron el desarrollo fue pésimo a mi gusto y opinión muy personal.
Pero en este me gustó sobre todo Bram es que parece que es el típico prota rico, imbécil player pero en el fondo el intenta cambiar y darle sentido a su vida.
Sigue siendo un player pero cuando pone los ojos en Nicola, intenta ser mejor hombre para ella y su hija de 5 años.
Siempre está ahí para hacerle la vida más fácil a ella, intenta ganársela pero como su reputación le precede es difícil para él demostrarle lo contrario pero no se crean ella cae.
En fin, un libro que si pude disfrutar un poco más.
3.5 estrellas.
PD: Btw no sé si no escogí los libros adecuados pero por más que intento ver la increíble escritura de Karina Halle no la veo para mí es más bien normalita. -
3.5 This one was better than I expected
I liked the MC, and I really liked the chemistry between the two.
Even the plot was decent, so in my book, it was an above-average read. Even more, the cover was really cool!
All in all, worth giving a try. It might surprise you!
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Confession #1: I was too embarrassed to post this book cover to Instagram/Twitter as a book I was currently reading. I don't believe in censorship but I also wasn't sure I believed in associating this book with my reading. Ha.
The cover is steamy; the book is not so much at first, dithering around the subjects of single parenting, childhood type 1 diabetes, and IKEA, and suddenly the storyline matches the cover. This happened to me as I was walking across campus to my office, earbuds in, feeling slightly puritanical and mortified should anyone know what I was hearing.
So what do we think of audiobook versions of romance novels? Heh. I suppose if you are looking for an immersive experience, this might be what you are looking for.
In this case there are two narrators, some chapters come from the perspective of Nicola (the aforementioned single mother) and others come from the perspective of Bram (the Scottish highlander who happens to live in the United States but hasn't lost a bit of his brogue, I mean, you know, it's a romance novel, what can you do.... he's also the reformed playboy that is surely the man of your dreams, so the main character keeps telling us.) But because of the weird combination between how the book is written and how the audiobook narration goes, with dialogue passages in both perspectives, if you listen you end up with two versions of each character. The male narrator, Antony Ferguson, has a very good Scottish brogue and has Nicola with a slightly Southern twang, but not always. The female narrator, Nicole Poole, has a much better overall narrator voice with a more believable American accent for Nicola but a confusing one for Bram. And the most annoying screeching child voice ever (but you can't blame her; it's written this way.) I think if I were in charge of audiobook production, I would have had the two narrators consistently read the dialogue of their primary characters.
Confession #2: I'm actually descended from the McGregors. Bram, the love interest, is a McGregor and I now know everything (draw out ev-er-y-thing) about him. That is a bit awkward. (But my original thought process was "if it's McGregor it's got to be highland Scottish accent" and I wasn't wrong.)
If you are really into recently immigrated Scottish brothers who are wealthy and well-endowed, there are three books in this romance trilogy. This is actually book 2 but while there are references to the other storylines they seem to be able to be self-contained (rather than building on one another.) I only ended up with this one because Audible was trying to get me to spend my credits and had a bunch of "second books in series" on sale for 2-for-1. I snapped this up and the 2nd Expanse novel by James S.A. Corey. I listened to this one first because I'm supposed to be on this romance reading project and had not done a lot of audiobooks. I think I can now say I have had enough romance audiobooks, probably for life.
My rating of three stars is probably low if you like romance. But for my particular enjoyment, I would say three stars is spot on. This review contains no animated heart gifs, no model headshots that I envision in the main characters, and no exclamation points... I am definitely not the intended audience, although I may never see IKEA the same way again. -
2.5 Stars
Bram is the wealthy playboy that doesn't want to be tied down. Nicola is a single mom struggling to provide for herself and her daughter. When the two first meet at a wedding it ends in Bram shagging another woman and Nicola going home hating him. But after that disastrous meeting Bram steps up and tries his damnedest to woo Nicola into giving him a shot.
The characters were making it hard for me to enjoy this one. Right from the start I was getting annoyed with Nicola and her constantly talking about how hard she had it as a single parent. It was a big part of the story, and I get that, but by a couple chapters in I was ready to slap her. Okay, I get it, you're having a hard time. Now shut up! The only think that saved her character was the fact that she truly did care for her daughter. Other than that, I pretty much just hated her. I didn't feel like their was any character development and the sudden change from her hating Bram to wanting to jump his bones seemed a little unrealistic.
Bram was also a disappointment. He was a total manwhore that never really changed his ways. Yes, he stopped fucking everything in a skirt when he realized he wanted Nicola, but it wasn't believable. All he cared about was sex and wanking off to thoughts of the hot momma he couldn't have at the time. I wanted more of his past and kept hoping that we would get some of his story but then at the end when we learned more about him I wished we didn't. What we learned made me hate him even more.
Overall, the plot had a lot of potential but the characters fell short. I was expecting a lot more from them and was disappointed by what I read. This is the first book I've read from Karina Halle and I may go back and read The Pact but am undecided as of yet. -
The Offer is an adult contemporary romance novel written by
Karina Halle. Although this book follows characters that were previously introduced in
The Pact,
The Offer is its own story and is marketed as a standalone novel. So far, these McGregor Brothers books can be read in any order.
I've gotta admit this one tugged on my heartstrings a little bit. Single mom, kid with medical problems, a man who is weighed down by past reputations. The struggles are real and I easily empathized with the characters and their lives. The heroine is strong but vulnerable, the hero is dimensional enough to transform before your eyes, and together they both added a great deal of humor to what could have been a maybe too serious book.
As far as the romance, it was pretty sexy and I took a front row seat while cheering these two on. But alas, you know the all too preventable "I never want to see you again" climax is bound to happen in these books and when it did I rolled my eyes just a tiny bit. But I love
Karina Halle and I learn time and time again that she never disappoints. If you enjoy Ms. Halle's novels too, then don't miss out on this one!
My favorite quote:
“Sometimes it’s the easiest, most simple things in life that bring you the most joy. The good, pure kind of joy that just makes you feel human and proud of it.” -
4,25 stars
Well I really loved this story and I have to say that it actually surprised me. I didn’t expect such a mature book. I loved the way Karina Halle developed her story and the characters, it was refreshing not reading again about annoying and immature people.
The story around the difficulties of being a single mom was actually very good and touching. Personally as a reader I could understand the whole situation and the battle of Nicola. As for Bram, well he is another story. I was really fond of him from the beginning and step by step he earned my absolute love. Ok he is another ’’bad boy’’ with a terrible past but he is trying so much, I can appreciate that. He is a protector and he loves being one. And of course I liked his humor and all his innuendos, they were really funny.
The chemistry between Nicola and Bram was obvious from the very start and they manage to earn my attention and my love, they were great, they were… magic.
Am I missing someone? Ah yes Ava. That ’’little one’’, that adorable little girl with such enthusiasm ready to give her heart to those who cared. I totally loved her and I am happy about her.
Overall, I enjoyed myself, I couldn’t put it down and I recommend this to everyone who is searching for a meaningful romance with humor and hot moments. -
Sweet and unexpectedly romantic and SEXY!! I love a story with a single mom and The Offer has that plus much more. I loved all the characters in this book, plus Steph and Lident make appearances as well. However, you do not need to have read The Pact to enjoy this story. Nicola is living on the edge, trying to make a home for her daughter Ava but struggling to make ends meet since Ava's dad is absent. Along comes Bram, who seems to be quite the sexy player, confident and bold.
But Bram isn't what he seems, there's more than meets the eye here, and after some amazing chemsitry and hot sex, Nicole finds herself falling for Bram. There is no Insta-love here, Nicola and Bram's banter is great and she does not instantly fall for his moves.
I loved Ava, and Ms. Halle writes the scenes with her with great compassion and understanding. Ava is adorable. But sexy-talking Bram is the star here, and I really liked how he had many different sides to his personality. This is a classic contemporary romance, with modern characters, genuine dialogue and very realistic situations.
There is a wonderful Epilogue plus a suprising twist which was all very satisfying. The Offer is a great summer read, full of sexy times, great banter and very sympathetic characters.
(ARC kindly provided by the author in return for an honest review.) -
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4 Bram perfect stars!
I love everything about this book....well first and most of all is Bram..he is sexy and dirty and oh did I mention Scotish! I love a man with an accent!
What I loved MOST about this book was this was a beautiful story about grown adults so there was no unnecessary drama..it was mature, realistic and SO much fun!
So what's it about?
Well we met Bram (Linden's brother) and single mom Nicola in the Pact and The Offer is their story.
You see Bram is all fun..he is a player and dates around and is never looking for anything serious. Conversely Nicola is a single mom to her daughter Ava trying to make ends meet while also trying to figure out that next step in her life that will ultimately lead her to happiness.
I connected with Nicola, being a mom myself, so her struggle and plight for me were very real. I also connected with Bram on a different level because you see there was so much more than meets the eye to this man. Underneath the playboy was a man who really evolved as a character from the beginning to the end of this story. Bram turns out to be someone who really cares deeply, who is a protector, is kind and above all a true friend. Yes, Nicola and Bram will start off as friends but the connection and attraction between them is palpable to the reader.
Unfortunately the struggles between these two are real and nothing over the top but real in every day life. Despite secrets and trust issues, will this couple be able to take it to the next step to find a future together? Will they realize that they are worthy of true love?
You will have to read this book to find out!
Karina Halle has written the gamut of books - from suspense, to drame, to horror and now contemporary romance. She is a MUST READ on my list always and has never disappointed. She has the ability to capture my heart and attention time and time again and I recommend this one to true romantics who are looking for a sweet and fun romance that will make you smile and of course for people looking for their next book boyfriend to make them swoon <3 -
I was really surprised by this one. I mean its Karina Halle, so I expected like explosions and shit followed by crazy Mexican dudes coming out of the bushes, saying "AHA I tricked you into thinking this was just a single mom down on her luck type of diddy!!!"
But nah, it really was single mom down on her luck type of diddy.
And I really liked it.
Which is saying a lot since I have been in the worst book funk where I think most everything I glance at is suckage.
Nicola is a single mom to a 5 year old little girl, and she meets Bram, a Scottish man whore, at a friends wedding. He tries to seduce her, she needs to get back to her kiddo and like minutes later, she sees him move on to a blondie to boink instead.
So Nicola hates Bram...
Bram isn't a bad guy, oddly endearing, because normally that would turn me off big time. Oh and he is Scottish, schwing!!
It's definitely a slow build kind of book but really hot and fun, and enjoyed the side characters as well. Because I am all about full disclosure - Bram does pull a douche move in the last 1/4 of the book and it was forgiven somewhat easily hence not 5 stars (no cheating, don't worry luvs), but still enough to make me not love the dirty talking Scott like totally and completely. Overall though, great read, couldn't put it down, 4 freaking stars!! -
**3 Stars**
Well I'm going to be the party pooper here because I didn't love this one.I truly believe that it was a serious case of "It's not you it's me".I just for the life of me couldn't get into this story and I felt no connection to these characters.I was so bored and I really contemplated DNFing but I HATE doing that so I marched on and finished it.
Long story short.Bram is a scotish dirty talking manwhore who sees Nicola as his next victim I mean conquest.Nicola is a single mom who is trying to make ends meet and no time for Bram and his crazy antics.Yes he's sexy and has a dirty mouth, but she knows he's trouble and she refuses to be another notch on his bedpost.So this is where the chase starts along with the flirting and the whole getting to know one another.
There were a couple of nice moments.Bram and Nicola both had their previous relationships end pretty badly and they've put a wall up.Neither wants to go through something like that again and with each others help,they found a way to accept, heal, and love each other but you know the saying:"Nothing good lasts forever"
Even though this wasn't my favorite, I still like this author' work and I will continue to read her books.
