The Engagement Plot by Krista Phillips

Six months ago, William stole Hanna’s heart and shattered it in front of millions of people on a reality TV dating show. And now the big-wig CEO is back on Hanna’s home turf in Minnesota and wants her to forgive him? Fat chance of that. But life is swirling around faster than snow in a blizzard, and despite her objections, teaming up with William seems like the only option to rescue her reputation.

William has never regretted anything more than the day he gave that ill-fated interview for the reality show, The Price of Love. But while he can’t change the past, he’s determined to fix the future. He just needs to convince Hanna to forgive him—and pretend to be engaged with him. Simple, right?

When the media erupts with even worse accusations, teaming up and pretending to be engaged seems to be the only way to salvage their reputations. Despite the media frenzy that swirls around them, an attraction neither of them can fight off begins to surface. Could this love run deeper than a scandal, or will old wounds tear them apart once and for all? When all seems lost, it’s only with help from above that Hanna and Will may find their happily-ever-after.

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If you read the blurb above for this book I probably know what you are thinking about this book.  A light, fluffy, brain candy sort of book picking up on the "Bachelor" reality TV show.  Right?  Because that's kind of what the blurb would have you think.  But.  I'm here to tell you that this book is more than that.  In fact, the story picks up months after the reality TV portion happened.  Yes, Hanna does do some remembering of certain moments and there are certainly some very "in the public eye" situations, but I loved the very personal sort of feeling I had while reading this book.

These characters, Hanna and William, have depth.  As you get to know them better, you can easily see their strengths and weaknesses.  They both do a lot of growing and learning throughout this book.  It's a process and one I enjoyed very much.  There was an obvious attraction given the history between William and Hannah and though they both try to squelch it, it just won't go away.  That leads to some sparky situations full of tension.  Yup, that was good stuff too.

This book has very obvious Christian elements.  There is nothing overly preachy but it is there.  I thought the whole book was well done and had a good balance of both the lighthearted, fun moments and the more serious, soul searching moments.  I enjoyed it from beginning to end!  I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.

Content:  kissing, Christian elements

- I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.  All opinions expressed are my own.