Wanted: Wife (French Kiss, #1) (2024)

4 fresh, quirky, loaded with fun stars!

I love discovering new authors, and this is such a cute, romantic, sexy story!

When reporter Julie Knott answers an advertisement placed on a utility pole by a man wanting to interview potential wives, she does so in hopes of a story, never dreaming she'd end up his wife. But that's exactly what happens when one disaster after another makes Andy Devine her last hope of salvaging her career and her self respect.

Life with Andy is more than Julie could have ever imagined it would be, and Andy feels the same way about her. They get along well, bot in bed and out, and given life on the farm, that's saying a lot. Things are going better than either could have hoped for until, that is, Julie utters the "love" word and quickly discovers there's so much more to Andy than meets the eye, and it's heartbreaking.

Can Julie find a way through the fortress Andy has built around his heart so they can find a happily ever after despite the odds, or are Andy's secrets too much for them to overcome?

I can't even tell you what a surprising delight WANTED: Wife turned out to be. There's so much more to this story than just a cutesy contemporary romance, and I enjoyed every single bit of it! Andy is a super sexy French talkin' hottie and I want an Andy for myself!

I'm blown away by the idea that this is Gwen Jones' debut novel, because it doesn't read like one at all. Ms. Jones is an incredibly gifted storyteller and I'm looking forward to reading more!

ARC provided by Avon Books in exchange for an honest review.

When journalist Julie sees Andy's Ad on a utility post seeking a Wife she thinks it the most bizarre and ridiculous thing ever. So much so, that she decides to cover the neanderthal's story. When she meets him however she is frozen with instant attraction and disbelief that such a gorgeous seemingly perfect man would need to resort to an ad to find a wife. She is also very surprised at the quality of the applicants, many of whom seem like reasonably smart, professional women. Julie and Andy hit it off instantly and Andy decides he wants Julie as his wife... after rationalizing and debating about her own circumstances, and what she can get out of this arrangement, Julie take the plunge only to fall for so much more than she expected.

This book is the epitome of what a great romance should be. In the style of a crafty Nora Roberts with lots of snark and unexpected humor, Gwen weaves a perfectly awesome romance that is as hot as the best erotic tales (in good taste) with so much more. A definite must read!

A debut author to keep an eye on.

ANDY DEVINE SEEKS A WIFE. LANDED, FINANCIALLY SECURE 40 YR OLD MALE LOOKING FOR HEALTHY, ATHLETIC FEMALE FOR MARRIAGE AND FAMILY. MUST SUBMIT TO FULL DISCLOSURE AND BE WILLING TO WORK HARD. GENEROUS MONETARY COMPENSATION IF TERMS OF CONTRACT ARE NOT MET.

Reporter Julie Knott is having a very bad day. She has been jilted by her fiance two weeks before the wedding. She heads over to do a news story on an apparently crazy man who is advertising for a wife on a flyer posted on a utility pole. She meets the mysterious sexy Andy Devine as she interviews him and watches the whole insane wife interview process only to be told at the end of it all, that he has chosen a candidate....her. He is offering a trial marriage for three months with the intention of baby making involved. He generously gives her a few days to think about his offer. Before she knows it, her life comes crashing further down and Andy's proposal is not looking so bad.

"I'm a practical man, Ms. Knott. And a realistic one, too. I'm harboring no romantic illusions about this. We're both in it for the same thing--our own self interests..."

"I took one look at you and saw everything I wanted , right then and that quickly...Call it desire, call it lust--call it whatever you want. But it didn't take a minute before I knew I wanted you on your back and myself inside you."

After their nuptials, they retreat to his farm in the very rural Iron Bog to his old family farm that he has recently relocated to. From the beginning it is quite an adventure and poor Julie finds herself in a rural nightmare which leads to multiple comical situations. She has a trial by fire with cows, dogs, chickens, and snakes. The house is falling apart and conditions are rudimentary at best. And gasp, there is no cell coverage.
I enjoyed seeing Julie's adaptation and growth. She took challenges head on, was not a big complainer, and was not afraid to share her feelings. Sure she made some mistakes but overall she was pretty tolerant and receptive to this very unconventional situation. But she had a few secrets from Andy and ulterior motives.

Andy is a man with a mysterious past and many layers. He is old fashioned, handsome, sexy, well traveled, strong, and has a tendency to speak in French especially during intimate times. Sometimes it was really clear how he was feeling and what he wanted. But then he would clam up and be evasive. It was obvious talking about his past made him very uncomfortable and was affecting his present. They have intense chemistry and attraction and get along wonderfully. And the more she is there, the more she wants to know about him, and the more attached she becomes.

"What are you --some kind of every woman's dream? Real men just don't act like you!"
"Because men like that aren't real men...And they wouldn't deserve you."

As they bared their secrets and truths and as the situation got more complicated, I really begin to feel for them both. Their neat little written arrangement did not cover feelings and everything they would face. But I admired Julie for not settling and being strong. And Andy for fighting for what he wanted. Somewhere along the way it all became very real and complicated. There were twists and turns in the story line adding drama. Outside influences threatened to ruin any change they had at making it work. But the only way they could possibly have a future together was to find a middle ground, compromise, and full honesty.

"What's simple is my wanting you, but I'm well aware that my keeping you will be just short of miraculous. If you think I'm underestimating you, you're wrong, because as much as I want you...if you didn't want me to just as badly, you wouldn't be here."

I loved her friends Denny and Brent. They were a fun couple that stood by their girl Julie. I wanted to slap her sleazy agent ex fiance Richard upside his arrogant head on many occasions and snatch Annika by her hair. Uncle Jinks and the citizens of Iron Bog were an eclectic mix. Even the animals especially the dog Bucky had personalities. And the whole living out in the boonies without much outside communication was an interesting component considering her life usually revolved around it.

I have to admit it took me a bit to get into the story and had some difficulty with some of the transitions especially in the beginning. And I did have a few issues with the story seeming a bit far-fetched at times. But if you can stretch your imagination and look past some of the over-the-top situations, there is a sweet story of taking chances, looking outside your comfort zone, and finding love where you least expect it. It was funny, sweet, emotional, and uplifting.

Somewhere midway in the book, I realized how invested I was in this couple and ended up staying up until 1:30 am to finish when I have to get up at 5 am for work. This was a fun debut from Gwen Jones. She is already working on the next book following Andy's brother Marcel called MA CHÈR CAPITAINE and from the first chapter it seems we will be getting more with Andy and Julie as well.

Thanks to Gwen Jones and Corvisiero Literary Agency for providing me with a review copy in exchange for an honest review. Posted at Reviews by Tammy and Kim.

4 stars for this gem!

I read the blurb and I went into this tale expecting nothing more than a light, fun story.

It took a chapter or two to fully catch me but once it did, I smiled, laughed and swooned while I was reading this well crafted tale.

A simple story. That's all this author needs to be able to entertain you in the most delightful way.

Enjoyable characters, giving more depth to the story than one would expect from reading the blurb. A truly wonderful surprise.

I totally fell in love with Andy. As a matter of fact, he wormed his way into being one of my most favorite male leads. So much so that he is definitely in the top five. Understated natural Alpha male, capable and sexy. Swoon. Swoon. Swoon.

What a wonderful change of pace to read a love story with characters in their mid 30's to 40. Currently the popularity is not on the mid-lifers, which I find to be such a shame.

I heartily recommend this charmingly sexy tale! What a gem!

See more of my reviews on my blog Thoughts At One In The Morning.

Upon finishing, my initial reaction:

I can't even express the amount of awesome that is contained in this book. It is the best book I've read so far this year. Definitely in the top ten of my life.

My Thoughts (full review):

I have no idea why it's taken me this long to write my review for this beauty of a book. I signed up for a promo tour for Wanted: Wife and its sequel months ago and ended up being so intrigued by the synopsis that I had to buy a copy. And oh my goodness, you guys... this book became my favorite of 2014!

There was something so impossibly perfect about the idea of Andy looking for a wife and picking Julie. It's so ridiculously silly on the surface, but when we get to the wedding day, everything they face draws you in and holds you there. Andy not only wants a wife and a family, but also someone to help him take care of their house, crops, and animals. They live in the middle of nowhere with limited contact with the world around them.

I love the idea of this--going back to something simpler and pure and beautiful--and that's probably why I loved reading their story. Reading the journey Andy and Julie take to accomplish everything that needs to be done completely warmed my heart. They got married without really knowing each other, but now they're together and the more time they spend together, the more they fall for each other. But life isn't as easy as they would like it to be, and on this road of ups and downs, they need to work together for it to stay together.

Wanted: Wife is in my top ten favorite books of all time! I loved the sweetness of it, how romantic Andy is when he speaks to Julie in French. I looked up all the words he said and I swear I was a melted pile of swoon. There's so much to this story, more than just the romance, and I adored it even more because of it. I will absolutely be reading more books by Gwen Jones!

My Rating: Exceptional

Andy Devine is advertising for a wife on a utility pole, and interviewing him is the last thing TV reporter Julie Knott needs. Especially after her cheating fiancé just tweeted their disengagement. Now she has got to choose: get the story—or become it? Whatever you are thinking, stop! It is a very fluffy book, but something I call chick-lit contemporary with a brain. This was a really smart book. What you think about the premise is so off from what the story line goes.

When Julie first meets Andy she is smitten to say the least, and the fact that it takes a few days for her to agree to marry him is pretty funny. I myself would have been in the court-house filing for a license faster than you say I DO. Regardless of what I would have done to Andy, we need to remember that the story line and cute little tag about the advert for a wife, is catchy but not the true meat. The true juice comes from Andy's past, not Julie. Now I am trying my best at composure!

Don't miss this debut. I wish I could give one snip of a tiny spoiler but I can't. Well ok I will. Julie has a few moments where I thought "OMG she is a conniving bitch and she is plotting against Andy" I mean for a while I was up and down with where the story would lead. Well I will admit it had a high heat factor. Along with the heat went some naughty stuff. If I can really be honest it was lovey dovey in parts and swoon worthy too. So save it for a Swoon Thursday Meme.

I say read it NOW. Please know that I can't give away anything, but will say there are a few reveals that will make you gasp out loud. Not the way you thought it would go at all. What I find equally surprising is the author wrote a few books and considered them not so worthy. I have no clue why, she is great. We need more of these debut with fresh ideas. How refreshing!

I am on a quest to discover as many new Romance authors as I can! So when I saw Wanted: Wife, with it's adorable cover and quirky blurb, I knew that this was something I'd be reading. I'm glad I did, because I was instantly swept up in such a sweet and sexy story! This is a fresh, totally enjoyable read.

We meet Julie Knott as her love life is quickly falling apart around her. Her fiance has gone back to the arms of the woman he left, her bank account is frozen, and worse yet it seems that the entire image she's built is disintegrating. All Julie wants to do is escape with some modicum of self-respect left. I loved Julie's character. She's so honest, quirky and downright funny at times. Watching her navigate the twists and turns that life threw at her was both hilarious and (of course) rather steamy at times!

Which brings me to Andy Devine. Can I please just swoon here and now? Matching his last name perfectly, Andy is definitely the perfect male lead. The moment Julie lays eyes on him she can't look away and I couldn't stop reading. He is kind, giving, and has that sparkle in his eye that screams sexy. Add in his habit of speaking French in the throes of passion, and you have a man who swept me off my feet.

The real twist I won't spoil for you, but it was such a surprise and delight to see where Wanted: Wife ended up! I so wanted these two characters to find their happily ever after, and I was so impressed at how much there was beneath the surface of this book. This isn't just romance, it's so much more and I loved it! I can't believe this is a debut novel. You can believe, however, that I'll be back for more from Gwen Jones.

Cute read. I liked the overall story but wasn't in love with the characters. It was quite romantic in parts, as well.

I just have to say if my husband was a two times over billionaire I would have purchased a Range Rover and not a Jeep Cherokee. Just sayin. ;) She actually points out in the story with her husband's money she was able to get the Jeep Cherokee. Really? "Billionaire buys wife Jeep Cherokee, the new Range Rover." Ha ha.

Thanks for the rec, Dhes! I did enjoy the book!

Really liked this sweet, over-the-top, funny romance. It's on the hot side of warm, and if you ever wanted to skim the surface of what it's like to subsistence farm--you've found the right book! ;)
I think the cover is terribly misleading, but I suppose a photo of Chris Evans in shirtsleeves was going to be too expensive to license.

Source: purchased eBook

A fun and quirky debut read. I love it! :D I'm setting my eyes on this particular author.

I can't expressed how much I loved this story! Julie and Andy were perfect for each other. And Andy speaking French, wow, that was hot.

3.5 stars. This was good mainly because there were secrets that I looked forward to discovering.

What do you do when life hands you lemons? Make hunky French lemonade of course! When 35 yr old Julie Knott get's the blow of her life, she is given a story to cover, when she gets there it just maybe more of an adventurous kind of tale. A seeming odd ad, has an outburst of willing participants but who will the "winner" in the end?
"It's as old as the hills, Jules. The classic impetus of love and money"
"It can't be that simple," I said. The woman laughed heartily as Andy Devine's animated hands moved about.
"There has to be more to it. Especially with this one."
Andy Devine is gorgeous and has all the ladies lining up based on curiosity and a whim. I would line up and met him, seriously I would. He is more than meets the eye, what does Mr. Devine keeping up his sleeve and is it worth knowing? Once the interviews are all over with Andy comes to a shocking choice.
I laughed. "Your joking," "When I'm joking," he said, "You'll know it."
Julie is distort over some of the events of the day, she is sulking with her coworker and his partner when an idea pops in her head. Desperate times, call for desperate measures... and Julie has nothing more to lose. She may even find that cutting losses, is worth finding what who your truly capable of being.
Julie and Andy are in the beginning are being coy, with their mutual attraction to each other , the ever ready reporter is trying to get the story of her further life.
"I suppose I do owe you a story." Andy said.
" That you do," I said..."Who knows? It might even be pretty lucrative. We might make some money one this".
Andy the ever ready businessman, is ready to put her sometimes smart remarks to the test.
"You're right. I suppose it's all downhill from there."
As their partnership progresses, they seem to go from business deal to an actual relationship. I love, love this couple's progression, when the heart takes over what can stand in the way? Ugh...yeah, a shit ass brother in-law and his big mouth.
"What?" Marcel glanced at me. "You never told her about our bet? Why Andy...," he spun the name.
"Julie don't listen to him. He's a spoiled little shit and-"
While the treat of a made bet she seemed to be part of was looming their marriage Julie leaves. Oh but it only gets better when Julie meets her witch of a mother in-law
" My son, will divorce you, Ms. Knott. You should expect it" <--- Really? what nerve... oh but this witch only gets better
"Because I know my son. I know you've served your purpose as an able playmate while he bided his time. But now that he's finished I'm afraid, so are you."
"I sprang to my feet. "what are you talking about? How can you-" <--- yeah at this point I had a the WTF? face while reading (Yeah I make those faces.) and was mad for Julie. The next morning she finds the Richard her former fiancé trying to weasel his way back to her (yeah he's a super douche).
Andy finally gets to met Richard and what a meeting it was... it was great to see Andy finally stake claim and call Julie His wife, having a tender moment after a confrontation with Richard they seem to piece together what they had thought was gone until Andy said the magic words and Julie gives a surprise he had hoped for. What it is your goanna have to read this story and find out. Thank you Gwen Jones for letting me escape into the lives of your characters. So people what are you waiting for go read this and Happy Reading!

**Read as part of Fun Fab and Tantalizing Reads**

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Wanted Wife is a quirky story about finding love in the most unexpected places - a fabulous debut book from Gwen Jones.

Julie Knott is a TV reporter on the upward climb of her career. Engaged, viewer popularity growing and a wedding to end all weddings just two weeks away – what more could you ask for?? How about your fiancé NOT leaving you for his ex and tweeting the ‘disengagement’ before he’s even finished the conversation with you?? That’s exactly what happens to Julie and before she knows it she’s single, homeless and seemingly all out of options.

That is, until she heads out to cover the story of Andy Devine, who’s advertised to find himself a wife by posting flyers on utility poles. She arrives in Iron Bog with camera man Denny in tow to interview Andy and film the wife interview process. What she is not prepared for is “the most stunning man I’d ever laid eyes on” who also happens to be incredibly smooth, intelligent, and absolutely set on having Julie as his wife.

The two enter into a rather unconventional relationship and the story follows what transpires between them. Both Julie and Andy aren’t being completely honest with each other from the outset. Told from Julie’s point of view we know what her angle is and whether you agree or disagree with it, you at least have some understanding of why she’s agreed to enter into the relationship with Andy. When it comes to Andy, there’s this mystery surrounding him. He seems almost too good to be true at times but I did wonder just what it was that was going to come to light and bring everything unstuck.

The two have an undeniable chemistry and some of the banter and exchanges between them were gorgeous:

”So . . . I guess we can pretty much agree we’re attracted to each other.”
God, he was so cute. “You can say that.”
He leaned back against a post, taking me with him. “Even though we may have nothing in common?”
I pushed up on my toes, brushing my lips against his. “Seems like we’ll have a lot of time to find out. We’ve already taken a big leap.”
“By getting married”, he concluded, kissing the corner of my mouth.
“By falling seriously in lust,” I said, kissing him right back.

Where was Andy? But then, where was I? And where in hell was I going? If this was a precursor to what my life would be like later on, then I’d better get used to it. Damn reckless of me not to see what lay down the road, naive of me to think it would be easy. And shame on me for thinking I could come out the other end the same.”

One of my favorite story troupes is contract marriages and Gwen Jones delivered a delightfully funny, totally hot tale with WANTED: Wife. Filled with romance, suspense, a little mystery and a whole lot of heat I consumed this in record time. Three word review: hot, intense and romantic.

We first meet Julie Knott on the worst day of her life as her fiancé tweeted the end of their engagement. As a TV reported she handles random and strange stories a segment the locals enjoy. When a tip comes in about a man advertising for a wife on a utility pole she and her crew set out to interview him. He has scheduled interviews with perspective wives at the local fire station and Julie is knocked over when she interviews Andy Devine. He is drop dead gorgeous, seems intelligent and knows exactly what he wants -Julie to be his wife. He gives her three days to decide and the tale that unfolds was deliciously hot, sweet, suspenseful, and romantic.

Julie goes into this using her brain. She is clever, observant and nobody’s fool. She has a plan and I loved seeing it all unravel on her. Andy Devine is a muscled, educated, walking, talking, god of double-oh-yum. He is smart, a smooth talker and did I mention part French? Oh yeah, he whispers French words of endearment, and whatever he is saying in the bedroom this chick is buying..oh-la-la. I enjoyed Andy despite his sometimes quite reserve and air of mystery. The author does a wonderful job of showing us his softer side through his actions and comments she slowly reveals his past and I enjoyed uncovering his secrets and flaws. Julie is strong and I admired that she stands her ground even if it breaks her heart. While the sexual heat was intense from the beginning, I really appreciated and enjoyed the slow-building emotional aspect of the relationship. It felt genuine and I found myself rooting for a happily-ever-after. Other characters help flesh out both the main characters and propelled the plot forward.

I live in the Midwest now but I am a Jersey girl and the Pine Barrens are very familiar to me so of course I found the setting perfect! The farm, the animals and being away from town really added to the romance, suspense and created some wonderful situations. I laughed, I cried and delighted in their everyday lives as the tale unfolded. Jones added some twists and turns which kept me flipping the pages. I love how she slowly revealed all of Andy to us even if she made me nervous a few times. Did I mention how hot the romance was? The scenes were steamy with just enough heat to have the pages simmering beneath my finger tips. The author shared Julie’s thoughts, wove in the French language and made me believe in the impossible romance. A thoroughly entertaining, funny and romantic tale that left with me a smile.

Read My Review

If you enjoy a good love story with a bit of a twist, you will fall in love with Wanted: Wife.

This is a story of a woman who believes she has everything she wants in life. When these things change, she is left to pick up the pieces of her shattered existence and start fresh. A fresh start should never include secrets, lies, and half truths but her does. Determined to see this through and become a stronger more confident version of herself, Julie throws herself in head first. In doing this she realizes that the things she thought she wanted may not be where her heart really lies. This is a wonderful story of finding yourself, falling in love and just maybe having it all.

This witty, fast paced, funny, sexy story will keep you entertained from start to finish. The story is written with such grace it makes reading it a pleasure. The story line, which starts out with a bang, will continue to delight and surprise you throughout the book, and it’s far from predictable. Just when you think you know what will happen next, the author throws a curve and keeps it fun and interesting.

The characters in this book are so well defined you feel as if you know them. Julie is a likeable, strong, confident woman who knows exactly what she wants. Richard is polished, sexy, egotistical, and a bit self-centered. Andy is rugged, sexy, and a man of few words; he knows what he wants and his method of obtaining these things may be a bit unconventional. Oh, and he has a tendency to speak in in French. Denny is the best friend we all wish we had. Annika is the woman we all know and tend to dislike. Jinx is a loveable kind of kooky character, and Mrs. DeForest is the old lady in town that everyone knows and loves.

The transferring of emotions from the characters to the reader is amazing. I found myself feeling the pain as Julie’s life seems to crumble around her. I could not help but feel bitter at the careless and hurtful way Richard casts Julie aside. The feelings of such devotion to a friend are crystal clear in Denny’s words and actions. The anger and jealousy felt towards Annika is fierce. Andy may have you doubting him at first but after a few words from him, you find yourself lost in his straight forward way of talking which is both frustrating and tempting at the same time.

Minutes after reporter Julie Knott is dumped by her fiancé, her cameraman Denny draws her attention to a Wife Wanted ad and off she goes to investigate. When she meets Andy Devine, she is surprised to see a handsome, well educated, seemingly very normal person who really is advertising for a wife and who has garnered lots of responders. Julie and Denny film Andy interviewing potential wives and are surprised when he announces that his choice is Julie. She, of course, initially declines but eventually agrees after more shenanigans by her ex-fiancé. Her plan is to write a book about her experience which she expects to be short term.
After a quickie marriage in a small town hall, the couple settles on Andy’s farm. The passion side of the marriage is definitely not a problem from the very beginning. They are extremely compatible in that respect. Their communication about everything other than sex is not as successful. As time goes by, they learn more about each other and the marriage becomes pretty real. The intrusion of the real world brings the idyll to an end and Julie finds herself back on TV with a real broken heart. It will take some major work on Andy’s part to get Julie back.
This is the first novel by Gwen Jones. She does a great job of making her characters come alive. It would have so easy to make them seem like caricatures, the evil ex, the secretive husband, the gay best friend, but Ms. Jones kept them real. I liked the fact that Julie didn’t turn into country wife overnight but rather she worked on adjusting to her new life day by day. Andy and Julie’s relationship is hot and sexy but sweet and believable at the same time. I especially liked that the couple handled their problems like adults and worked on solving them. Yes, there are some traditional romance contrivances in the book but they work. I really enjoyed this book and hope to see more from Ms. Jones.

This was a great read. With two people who were at such opposite ends of the spectrum when it came to marriage and romance, it was funny, sweet, hot and absolutely swoon worthy when Andy spoke French.

Julie is a reporter for a local Philadelphia TV station who suddenly finds herself without a finance, a place to live or a job. At a moment weakened by the need of ultimate revenge against her ex-fiance, Richard, Julie agrees to marry a man who was interviewing potential wives at a small town New Jersey fire station. But what started as a way for Julie to stick it to Richard ends up returning her faith in Prince Charming and happily ever after.

Julie was a quirky woman who wanted to believe in happily ever after but lost faith when her world falls apart. But despite what she said for the first half of the book, you just knew we should take what she says with a grain of salt, because she absolutely fell hard for Andy Devine, regardless of what she said. I loved how she never lost faith in Andy, even when her heart was breaking, which was a complete change from how she was with Richard. It just proved that when you find the right one, no matter what he does, where he lives or how much money he has, you'll hold onto that faith.

Andy (which is such a wrong name from this big, brawny man) was a bit damaged by a creepy ass mother and a father that demanded he choose when the parents divorce became ugly. He as trained to think passion was bad and caused nothing but heartache. But Julie dispelled all those thoughts. And it was evident, from the very beginning, why Julie would fall for this man so fast. He is completely swoon worthy, especially as he's whispering his feelings to Julie, in French, during intimate moments.

This was a great debut by Gwen Jones. Her writing style is similar to Rachel Gibson and one that I thoroughly enjoyed. I look forward to more from this author.

Fabulous debut by Gwen Jones!! Wanted:Wife is a very cute romantic story yet it’s a peculiar, fresh and original story which makes it even better!!

News Reporter, Julie Knott, finds herself in a position that she never expected seeing as she was to be married in two weeks. When Julie goes to investigate a story about a man looking for a wife by posting an add on a utlity pole, she doesn’t expect to become the story 5 days later and become Mrs. Andy Devine.

Julie is thrown into the world of farming and everything that entails. Andy and Julie get into a groove that works for them and gets the farm back in working order and improving everything. However, it’s the sparks that fly between them that keeps them on a high. But it’s when Julie does the one thing she vowed to never do again – falls in love – that things quickly change.

“We are thinking the same thing,” I whispered, baring my neck so he could kiss it. “How is it you could read my mind?”

“Like species seek out their own,” he said, slipping my panties from me, opening his fly. I gripped his shoulders as he lifted me up.

I gasped like I always did. Yes with him inside me it seemed so natural.

Just like Julie, Andy has a few things up his sleeve. He has built steel cage walls around his heart for good reasons. Will Julie be able to get those walls to finally come down or was this marriage exactly what Andy said it – just a contract??

Wanted:Wife was way better than I had anticipated. There were so many things about this book that I had not expected which just made it so much better! The nice surprises just added more to the story!! You will be intrigued from the beginning to see how Julie will fair on the farm. And Andy will just warm your heart with his exotic French accent and his way of making Julie just melt into a puddle.

I can’t wait for more from Gwen Jones!!!

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Okay I was not expecting for this book to be as funny as it is. I was in tears at one point. I'm just going to jump into it and let you know why I liked it. In the beginning when Jules was with Richard she was making me mad because she still had hope they were going to be able to work something out. Why??? He was a piece of crap after what he did to her. Then when she meets Andy and the part where he decides who will be his wife was freakin hilarious. Her reaction is what had me in tears. Andy is so reserved and a very kind of mysterious character. When Jules decides to marry him which was something she was never expecting it really was like a blessing in a disguise. I would say she had about the crappiest day anybody could ever have. Dumped, homeless, and broke. Dang...and she still held out hope for Richard...crazy right??? So when Jules gets to his farm in many ways it reminded me of Goldie Hawn from the movie Overboard. All the little things that kept happening to her when she first gets to the farm...god too funny. The best part is when she finally fell in love with Bucky. How could she not fall in love with the dog (Bucky). In addition, the other characters in the book Denny and Brent made a really good couple. I loved Denny's sassy mouth and Brent's wits. Denny cracked me up as well with the things he would say to Jules. The dynamic of between Andy and Jules was a little iffy when they first met. I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to really like Andy, but of course he won me over. Jules had me in the beginning until she kept justifying Richard's behavior, but other than her stubbornness to defend Richard she became a very funny character. This book was really good and if you are looking for a nice romance book with humor then this is one you should definitely check out. Took me by surprise.

A flyer on a telephone pole advertising for a wife is just one of many oddities in Julie’s life at the moment. Although Andy Devine is just that, and not surprisingly she is what he wants. Contracting for a wife his cool and calculating manner suits her down on men attitude perfectly.

Julie is smart and curious: willing to work hard and surprising herself and Andy with her determination. Andy is a master at distraction, whether it is from his sheer sex appeal and sensual manner, or diverting with his French, his history is shared in small bits with great difficulty.

As these two learn to work together and trust one another, the one constant is the sexual attraction. And if anyone, after reading this story can pretend that French isn’t one of the most seductive and sexy languages to declare that “I love the way you ____ me” (and you can fill in the blank): You Are Lying! Their sexual chemistry, Julie’s inner voicing talking about the shattering effect Andy has on her, and the pure romanticism of the French all combine to make those sections of the story steamy hot – and it infiltrates almost every interaction between Andy and Julie.

Gwen Jones has taken an off-beat idea for a plot starter, and against all odds made a romance that is both believable and incredibly enjoyable. Even supporting characters are developed with an eye to their purpose for the plot, with their interactions bringing a bit of relief from the highly charged interactions between Andy and Julie. A great story all around, I tore through the pages hoping for the HEA that both characters so deserve.

I received a Galley copy from the publisher for purpose of honest review for the Jeep Diva. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions were my own responsibility.

What a treat this story was! I thought the premise was cute when I read the blurb, but I found it to be so original! I loved it. I really enjoyed the main characters and all of their quirks. Another reason I loved this is because I am a born and raised Philadelphian and that is where this all took place (and New Jersey). Any mention of the Phillies seals the deal for me ;) Ms. Jones writing was sharp and unique as well. I loved all of her descriptors, use of the french language (HOT) and quick wit.

Andy Devine is a hot manly man looking for a wife. I wanted to know everything about him, but Gwen Jones didn't throw it all out there. It was slowly hinted at and teased and eventually revealed. I instantly fell in love with him and was on his side! Any girl would be lucky to have Andy!

Julie Knott was the local it girl and then it all changed. I loved the differences that were made in her life and where they took her. I often thought while reading, wow that sounds fantastic. I can't delve into this too much because I don't want to give spoilers. Just know that her life takes a 180 and she embraces it fully. I applaud her for that and I think that's the main reason I connected with her. She wasn't a prima donna and never whined or complained.

The secondary characters were wonderful as well, Uncle Jinks, Bucky, Lila, Denny and Brent. They all were special in my book. Julie and Bucky's friendship was so sweet to watch. Just an overall great read and something different! Definitely put it on your TBR list!

Recently jilted by her fiance, news reporter, Julie Knotts, decides to bury herself in her work. What better way, than to cover a story of an ad on a utility pole advertising for a wife! Much to her surprise, Andy Devine, was nothing like she had imagined. Andy was hot, french accent, and rich to boot! Many sophisticated women applied for the position.

Julie gets a front row seat for her story, when Andy wants her to be his choice for his wife!

Her life as "social butterfly", soon becomes a thing of the past, and living out in the middle of nowhere,

feeding chickens, and cleaning barn stalls, wasn't what she had in mind.

What was the mystery behind the sexy stud, wanting a marriage under contract?

Does Julie get more than just her story, and what is the mystery behind Andy needing a wife?

This is a well written story of two strangers, that get married for two totally different reasons. They both find out that being married to someone you don't know, is much more than what they had bargained for!

Will Julie get her story and a husband, or will secrets reveal what is really behind the reason for the ad on the utility pole?

I found "Wife Wanted", to be a funny, sexy, and enjoyable read! With a interesting storyline, it was full of mystery, romance, and hot steamy love scenes. I fell in love with Andy and Julie. and could not get enough of them. The twist and turns in the story were captivating. The connection you get with her characters, and the flow of her writing, kept me engrossed to the very end!

I gave "Wanted Wife" 4 STARS!

*Review by Pam

This was a cute book. There was just something about it that hit some good buttons for me. It was a nice palette cleanser sort of read. It didn't ask you to think hard, was entertaining, had some good sexy times) Andy was rather yum) and was a fast read.
I really didn't see the secrets Andy was hiding until later in the book and rather like the reasoning he had to be at the farm. His back-story was heartbreaking to hear. I really liked how he was willing to do what needed to be done, no matter how gross it could be, like helping a cow in labor to turn her calf. Julie was an interesting character. I normally don’t like reporter-type characters but what normally gets to me about them didn’t happen in this book. Yes, there were moments where I thought “my god woman screw the story and tell him what is going on already!” She did divulge some of it to him so I guess that might’ve been it. I thought it was admirable how she was determined to do stuff by herself and screw the men in her life.

The first time I read this book, when it first came out; the sequels hadn't been written yet. However, when I look at the blurbs for them they don't grab my attention like the blurb for this book did. Oh yes, and I didn't really like Marcel and his chain smoking along with his pain in the ass attitude. Maybe he is different in his book, I might read it. For now I'm on the fence

I like romance plots that start with a 'marriage of convenience' as well as plots that include 'restoration/renovation' and 'city-to-country' themes which is why I chose to read this book.

Overall, it was a good read but went on a bit too long. I wasn't convinced by how Julie quickly jumped into and adapted herself to the role of a farmer's wife immediately after being a successful local TV anchor. Neither was I convinced by Julie and Andy's 'instant connection' from the moment they started their life together. Any one in her place would have had a hard time adjusting in the beginning especially without any modern appliances but she had it together (almost) from Day 1. From making cheese to milking a cow, she was learning the ropes pretty fast and keeping her cheerful disposition intact.

I was also skeptical by how Andy who had been a seaman for his whole adult life knew so much about farming and running a farm. He was such a manly man which was a good thing but I think his physical attributes were quite over-emphasized all the time. Yes, we got the fact that Julie was attracted to him big time but did she have to mention it every time she saw him?

Despite some of the parts which left me unconvinced, the writing is extremely good and it is an excellent debut novel. 3.5 stars.

An ad on a utility pole, not so unusual, except this one is advertising for a wife. What a great start to a story. Enter Julie Knott, recently dumped reporter looking for a distraction and a story. Andy Devine is looking for a wife, but it’s not meant to be a love match, it’s meant to be a business arrangement. That is until he meets Julie and things go awry.

I loved Julie for the beginning, the way she told off her ex endeared her to me. She’s a reporter, and her no good ex fiancé left her high and dry, so she takes up Andy on his offer.

Andy ran a little hot and cold for me, but their between the sheets the chemistry was off the charts. I found myself liking Andy one minute and wanting to smack him and tell him to be nicer to Julie’s feelings. Of course, this story is told from Julie’s point of view so that might be why I found him so attentive and distant all at the same time.

I really enjoyed Ms. Jones storytelling style. Especially with the major twist she threw in that I did not see coming. Overall this is an excellent love story, which I couldn’t put down. I read it all in one sitting. I highly recommend this book!

Originally posted at: http://loveofbookends.blogspot.com/20...

I really enjoyed this book. The characters were really developed well and the story was great.

Julie is a TV reporter and is engaged to Richard, the man of her dreams. With her wedding in just two weeks, Richard dumps her. He makes her life miserable in the span of 24 hours.

Right after Julie is dumped, she and her cameraman, Denny, hear about how some guy is advertising for a wife by hanging up flyers. They decide to check it out in case they can get a news story from it. Julie walks over to the man who is looking for a wife and sees Andy for the first time. She was expecting someone not very good looking and instead this man is gorgeous and sexy with a killer smile. Instant attraction. Andy agrees to let her do a story about him trying to find a wife. At the end of the interview process, Andy decides he wants Julie to be his wife. He offers her a proposition that Julie just cannot refuse.

The rest of the story is how they become man and wife in name only to a real married couple. There were a lot of funny, sexy and even sweet emotional scenes. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good story, with a good happy ending.

synopsis:
julie has just been dumped by her fiancee on twitter. when her boss at the tv station wants her to get a story on the guy who is advertising for a wife on a telephone pole, julie agrees because she can't imagine the type of man who would do such a thing. when she meets andy, and finds out how good looking he is, she really can't understand it. somehow, though she doesn't quite understand it, andy makes julie an offer. in order to get a better story, julie agrees. when she finally sees andy's place and realizes how out of the way and rundown it is, she realizes that she's got a lot of work ahead of her. as andy and julie start to build an actual relationship, julie finds out that andy has been lying to her all along.

what i liked: the build in relationship and that they got to know one another for who they were, not what they seemed. i liked the farming descriptions and that they were actually making a go of it.

what i didn't like: why couldn't he have been just a simple farmer? they were actually making a living at it, so it wouldn't have been completely unbelievable.

This was a first read for me from Gwen Jones and I loved it! Julie Knott had been receiving a few knocks in her life. Her fiancé dumped her two weeks before her wedding, he locked her out of their apartment and their joint bank account, and her contract with the local TV station was cut back. Taking a chance on a new story puts her in the path of Andy Devine, a very attractive farmer who’s looking to contract a wife. He’s not expecting love but he’s looking someone to share in the upkeep of his farm and possibly create a home. Julie lands herself in the story when Andy chooses her to become his wife. With nothing holding her back Julie sees this as a chance to escape and possibly find a new start for herself. They find that the passion they share is off the charts but Andy has a hard time sharing himself while Julie wants to understand him better. When the truth of Andy’s intentions are revealed, Julie has to decide if she can sacrifice her heart. I loved how Julie and Andy came together to build the farm from almost the bottom up. There were a lot of laughs, passion, and heart. Really fun story!

**I received a copy of this story from the publisher**

This had potential, but was too slow for me. It could have been a fun premise, which honestly was what I thought it was when I bought it on a whim, but it lacked in too many ways to hold my attention for long. The story telling was okay and I continued reading, thinking any minute it would take off, but it never did. I also think Julie's weakness and stupidity held the story back for me. The crap she accepted from Richard and then forgave him for made her way too needy of a woman for me. Jumping into a marriage with a complete stranger was ridiculous, which is why I figured it to be more comedic, so when it turned out not to be, I couldn't take it seriously. But I did finish it. More curious to see if it all finally connected, which it did sparingly. I can't say I'd be too eager to give this author another try. It wasn't that it was a bad story, it just wasn't a really good one. A little too conservative and meek for my taste.