The Marriage Mistake (Marriage to a Billionaire, #3) by Jennifer Probst

• Title: The Marriage Mistake
• Classification: Adult Fiction
• Genre: Contemporary Romance
• Format: Paperback,352 pages
• Publisher: Gallery Books; Original edition (November 6, 2012)
• ISBN-10: 1476717524
• ISBN-13: 978-1476717524

Author's Website: http://jenniferprobst.com/

Carina Conte fell in love years ago, but unfortunately the man she fell in love with was a little older and her brother's best friend, Max. For years she didn't hide her admiration for him, and everyone knew she had a crush on him. She'd even once gotten so desperate that she cast a love spell in the hopes they'd end up together. Then one day when she was a little older and a little curvier, the two seemed to be getting along quite well at a party. When she left to get them some drinks, another woman moved in, and she caught the two kissing. Finally, she saw the light and was done trying to get his attention.

Now, she's all grown up and her brother's assigned Max with the task of showing her the ropes of the family business. Finally away from home and her mother's old fashioned views, such as saving yourself till marriage, she's decided to take a walk on the wild side and have her first fling. The only problem is every time she finds herself starting to get involved with anyone, Max steps in like he's her older brother to put an end to it all. Finally, during a business trip to Vegas, she gives him a a choice...

"I'm moving on, Max. I'm looking for a mature, sexual relationship that satisfies me. Nothing long term. I've just begun to spread my wings, and no male is going to clip them too soon. We're attracted to each other, respect each other, and have a common bond. Why not have a one-night stand? In Vegas. Where no one will ever have to know."  

It's either him or she'll go elsewhere to get what she wants. When Carina's mom unexpectedly makes a stop in Vegas on her way to New York, she walks in on the two the morning after.  There's only one thing on Carina's mother's mind...

"I'll call home and explain you wanted to elope. The opportunity Vegas affords is priceless. Why, people do wedding here all the time and very nice ones, don't you agree?"

Wedding?...

The older woman smiled. "Now, no more nonsense. You are part of the family and always have been. No silly talk of ruining her. It is time you settle down with a woman who can be what you need, who is your match."

Be careful what you wish for...

Because you might just get it when you least expect it.

This was sooo not what she wanted.

________________

This is the third book of the Marriage to a Billionaire series. While I haven't read the previous books,  I didn't feel lost at all. This story focuses on Max and Carina. Carina is Michael's younger sister. Michael was the male lead in the Marriage Trap, the second book of the series. Maggie Ryan is Michael's love interest in the second book and also the best friend to Alexa, from the Marriage Bargain, and sister to Nicholas Ryan of the same book. I kind of like the fact that all these friends end up becoming family. It sounds like a cozy group.

Max is a career bachelor with no aspirations of ever settling down. His father left him and his mom shortly after he was born, and he fears becoming his father. He has a tendency to only gravitate toward woman who aren't looking for serious relationships. When he senses someone is getting too close he has a tendency to break things off. He finds himself extremely attracted to Carina, but resists because he respects her and her family. He believes he's not the right man for Carina.

Carina has recently graduated from college and is finally coming into her own. She is a strong, confident young woman out to experience life. She's still not sure what she wants to do and/or be, but has decided to give her family business a shot. Being the youngest in the family, she's been shielded and coddled. She's not looking to settle down, and when she and Max are forced to marry, she is not a happy camper. To her everything is one big mistake.

To say this marriage starts off a little rocky would be an understatement. Max soon realizes if he wants things to work out between him and Carina, he's going to have to seduce his wife. He also realizes he needs to give her some space to grow and do some things on her own. Not an easy task for a man who is used to being in charge of his relationships. It leaves him a little vulnerable and you can't help but fall a little in love with Max yourself. 

Overall, I gave this one 4 1/2 our of 5 roses. I loved all the characters, the family dynamics and the situation Carina and Max find themselves in. A very cute, sexy, and fun read. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one gets a STEAM rating--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed.

Order of the series: