One Week Girlfriend: A Novel (One Week Girlfriend Quartet Book 1)

5+ "Marshmallow" kissesEmotions. One of the many reasons why I read is because I am in love with the emotions and feelings that's books evoke from me. Whether its insane happiness that plasters a big goofy grin on my face or big fat ugly crying tears that gut my soul. One Week Girlfriend took me alllll over the board and I knew when I was 63% in, after being taken to the brink of heart squeezing awesomeness and then dropped on my ass where I am holding back tears that this book HAD me. Then a few clicks later, when I had to put my kindle down because I couldn't see thru my tears (because I figured out wtf was going on) - I couldn't catch my breath. It was like Drew's pain and shame and all his 'secrets' sucker punched me in the gut - there are very few books that that has happened to me. *deep breath*I'm getting ahead of myself, as usual - but this book just floored me. Fable McGuire and Andrew D. Callaghan - Fabes and Drew...the 'town slut' that isn't and the golden boy that isn't. Both fitting an image the world wants to give them...but if the world only knew. You can't help but break for these two. I know I did - my heart still hurts. They are both painfully aware that they are a product of their own environments, their families and backgrounds creating them to fill a mold they should automatically assume. Leaving us with two emotionally charged characters waiting for the right time to explode and boy let me tell you - they just exploded all over my brain and I loooooved it.Fable...beautiful blonde hair, green eyes and at only 20 she has grown up being older than she needs to be because of her alcoholic mother who hardly deserves the title. She's a townie who can't afford to go to college, works her ass off at a bar to provide for herself and her brother Owen (like I said - deadbeat mom!) and while she is by no means a prude, she doesn't deny the outlandish rumors that people spread about her either. "For once, I want to know what it feels like to be someone's first choice." - Fable McGuireDrew...for the love of elephants that boy had me tied up in knots. Don't get me wrong, they both did but, his inner self-loathing is crushing. It hurt me! Brown hair, blue eyes, over 6', perfect lips, beautiful face, `He's got perfection down pat.' He's star of the college football team, has money, popularity, anything he could ever want or need - but none of it matters. All his secrets and scars on his heart are too much. They bury him so much you can hardly see the real Drew. But I love that Fable sees him...draws him out...lets him see how he could really be, how he is when he is happy. And it was...beautiful. `You give girls a little bit of yourself and they always want more, more, more. Things I can't give them. I shut myself off to make my life bearable. I'm like a damn machine sometimes.Unfeeling. Uncaring. Emotionless.'The premise of being someone's girlfriend for a week for $3k - umm okay, sure! Especially when you need cash and Fable does...bad. Being the girlfriend of someone at the caliber of Drew Callaghan - yes please, consider it a privilege lol I know I would. She's not dumb, he chose her for her reputation, no other reason but this arrangement has nothing to do with sex, romance or love - all about playing a part, plain and simple. Easy enough, don't you think? But as much as she tries to distance herself, she can't help but be drawn to him. 'For whatever stupid reason, I want to be the one he lets in. Maybe I could help him, maybe I couldn't, but he needs comfort. I can tell. Like souls find each other, you know. As corny as it sounds, I'm starting to believe we were brought together for a reason.'He's no better - she gets under his skin, fast. Which is a shock for him - that doesn't happen...not to Drew, never. He's too buried in his past to let a girl he barely knows worm her way into his heart...but then again maybe he's not. Their connection is the kind you feel in the pit of your stomach, the one that grips your heart and pulls you into them. You feel their emotions, the good, the bad and the ugly and it is glorious and magnificent and sometimes you want to stop, but you can't! `This girl, she just....Does it for me.'`He's permanently writing himself in my personal history.'So...let me address Adele, Drew's step mom and the evil bitch in OWGF - I hate her. Hated her on speck - she's one of those characters you're allowed to hate though. I loathed her...she's like the lowest of the low in my opinion and there aren't enough evil things that can be done to her to justify her actions. Just yuck yuck yuck. *yucky shivers*No more yuckiness let me talk about what I LOVED more than anything in the world - the quotes. Of course this book was like so many for me, I was highlighting the crap out of it, sometimes restraining my finger because I didn't want to be the crazy person who highlights almost every word in a chapter because it was elegantly and perfectly written and enraptured me with every word...but seriously that's what it was like. But no...that wasn't my favorite part. My fav part was every chapter started out with a quote. You are speaking directly to a self-proclaimed 'quote whores' soul when you do that. And yes...I highlighted Every. Single. One. ;-)So just when I thought I was going to finally be able to get thru this book that was squeezing my insides out - Miss Murphy did it again. Chapter 15 I was bawling - the sucker punches just wouldn't stop. Sitting on an airplane - shaking because I am holding back the sobs because it hurts and it's beautiful and I love it even though it is absolutely killing me.I am thoroughly in love with the ending even though it killed me...also cause I am anxiously tapping my fingers about to open up the ARC of Second Chance Boyfriend because I could eat Drew and Fable up with a spoon, I literally cannot get enough of them (I am pretty sure at this point I have said that phrase a ridiculous amount of times in this review!) This book had every combination of the things I love crave and need in a book...I loved it and I hope you do too!

One Week Girlfriend was an amazing read! At first glance, I was expecting a sexy, fun, flirty, romantic read about a couple, and what I got was so much more than meets the eye! There is a whole lot of depth, and harsh reality, included within this story. I loved One Week Girlfriend with a passion, and it has earned a spot on my favorite's shelf. Lately, I have been reading a lot of New Adult Contemporary Romances, but what set aside, One Week Girlfriend, from the masses, was that this story was about so much more then sex. It touched on alcoholism, an absentee parent, the death of another parent, abuse, and having an emotionally withdrawn family. These topics were difficult to read, and yet there was something in the story that I'm sure everyone can relate to. Monica Murphy, did a great job of showing that we all have our inner demons, secrets, and challenges to overcome. Each of us is unique, and we deal with our inner turmoil in different ways.The two main characters were Drew and Fable. Drew went through his life in a state of numbness. He always kept himself extremely busy, and didn't have time for a social life. To all outward appearances, Drew had the perfect life. He came from wealth, was a full-time college student, a football star at his school, popular, and had natural good looks, and a spectacular physique. However, Drew was full of turmoil, anger, guilt, and unhappiness. His biological mother died when he was young. His step-mother was a horrible, possessive, and manipulative woman. His father was cold, and his younger sister had just died a few years ago. He avoided leaving college and visiting his family. However, he was expected to spend a week with his family in the very house his sister had died in.Fable, grew up with an alcoholic mother, who went from boyfriend to boyfriend, and was never there for her children. Fable was more of a substitute mother, than a sister, to her 13- year old brother. She supported her family by working full-time at a bar. (Her mother only worked part time, couldn't hold a job down, and spent all of her money on beer.) Therefore, Fable wasn't able to attend college, and learned the skills that it took to feed a family, and pay bills on a limited amount of money. She had a reputation around the local college campus for being promiscuous. However, all she was looking for was stolen moments of feeling like someone actually cared about her, and a way to deal with the loneliness that her life had become.Drew propositions Fable, with $3,000, to make a deal. He needs her to go with him to Carmel for Thanksgiving week, and pretend to be his girlfriend, and save him from his horrible family. While Fable is hesitant, at first, she eventually agrees because her family is in desperate need of money. The week Drew and Fable ended up spending together felt like a lifetime. They bonded, forged a friendship, fell in love, saved each other, and learned each other's darkest secrets....One Week Girlfriend was well-written. Drew and Fable were three-dimensional characters, that had distinct personalities, flaws, challenges in their lives, and were so real that they could have easily been based off of real people. I saw their lives, and heard their voices as I flipped each page. I connected with Fable, and how she felt over-protective of Drew, and just wanted to save him. I kept rooting for her to slap Adele, Drew's stepmother, and put her in her place! I needed her to stand up for herself when Drew's snobby parents treated her like she was beneath them, and I fell in love with Drew, when he stood up for her! The intense chemistry, and attraction that Drew and Fable had for one another, held me utterly captivated! There were many swoon-worthy scenes, and it looks like I'm adding Drew to my coveted Book-Boyfriend list! Ms. Murphy is a master at capturing the anticipation, and desire between Drew and Fable, and weaves each scene like a delicious dessert to be savored! The descriptive writing gave me a graphically detailed picture in my mind. This story was character-driven, with such dynamic, and well-written character's, that I found myself reading a little slower than usual, because I didn't want the story to end.Another aspect that I enjoyed in this story was the beautiful setting in Carmel. Ms. Murphy did a fabulous job describing the gorgeous ocean view, the little shops, and the wealthy little city's beauty. The plot kept me hooked to this book! I would get exasperated every time I got interrupted while reading. There were so many ups and downs in this story, and my emotions were all over the place, as I read what happened. Even though I figured out one of the major revelations early on, there were still a few surprises that I didn't see coming.One Week Girlfriend, by Monica Murphy, would be a welcome addition, to readers that enjoy New Adult Contemporary Romances that deal with real, and gritty topics. This is not a light fluffy story, as it may appear based off of the book cover and title. It is fast-paced, has a lot of depth, and will make you a ball of emotion. I would put it in a category with books such as, The Sea of Tranquility, by Katja Millay, Hopeless, by Colleen Hoover, and The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden, by Jessica Sorenson. Some scenes in this story will be difficult to read, and contain some disturbing content. However, this book deals with the realities of life, the healing process, and the beauty that comes from setting yourself free from your past, finding love, friendship, meaning, and joy in your life. Also, finding the strength, and support, with someone who loves you unconditionally, with every fiber of their being. I am highly anticipating the sequel, Second Chance Boyfriend, and can't wait to continue the emotional journey of Drew and Fable.I give One Week Girlfriend, by Monica Murphy, 5 Dynamic, Delicious, Gritty, Marshmellowy Stars! It's on my favorite's list, and I know if you read it, you will have discovered a new favorite also!For more book reviews, visit A Bookish Escape

Drew Callaghan is an obviously traumatised hero, Fabel has the weight of the world on shoulders, what with looking after her 13 year old brother, Owen and her alchoholic mother. She works every job she can to make ends meet. Drew on the other hand comes from a different life- doesn’t need to struggle, money comes easy, been able to attend school and play football and can have any woman he choses…or is he able to? Why is Drew so emotionally closed off? Why does Fabel have such a reputation as a whore, is it wholly accurate?Thanksgiving is approaching and Drew is emotionally torn about going home for the holidays. He approaches Fabel and they come to an arrangement, she and he will pretend to be a couple for 7 days, for a price. Fabel can’t no afford to take Drew up on his offer, it would provide her family with a bit more security for a few months.It’s pretty obvious from the get go that Drew has some pretty dark secrets. As a reader I think its pretty obvious what those secrets are, and when it comes out the level of cringe I felt was off the scales."Honestly, I don’t quite know how we got to this point. I hated him on sight. I did this only for the money. I thought he was a screwed up mess. I still think he’s a screwed up mess. But so am I. And he’s so beautiful, so thoughtful, so vulnerable. We can be a mess together. I want to heal him. I know I can heal him.I rated this 4/5 stars….wow, I felt every emotion under the sun- from turmoil, giddiness to absolute pure hatred. Why did I leave it so long to read this book, bravo Monica Murphy. I really couldn’t put this one down and look forward to reading the next installment. Character development was good, the secret was a little bit predictable – I had worked out what was troubling Drew but still loved the story and the chemistry between the two main characters. The ending had my screaming WHY over and over“Like souls find each other, you know. As corny as it sounds, I’m starting to believe we were brought together for a reason.” ~ Fable

How am I just finding this book???I can't believe I m only reading this book now. I don't know how it slipped by me but I luvd it so much. I'm so glad I listen to my friend and read it. The book is so good I really enjoyed it. Both these characters have had a hard time. But they both come from very different lifestyles. Drew is a guy that has it all. He's hard working luvs football and it heading for top pick for th he NFL. Drew could also have any women he wants there would be a lot to chose from. But he doesn't do relationships or really women just works hard on what needs to be done. But he needs the help from one now he just hoped it was the right thing to do.Fable is your normal woman things haven't been easy for her. Her mother doesn't care and she has a brother that needs her. She has taken care of him and is very protective of him. She works her backside off to make her and her brothers life ok. Fable doesn't have time to much in her life working takes up must of her time. Guys don't really come into her life but she has a reputation from people spreading rumours but she doesn't care she know what is right and what's wrong. But when Drew Callihan comes into her life it's changes in many ways and one he wanted one week from her.I really enjoyed this book. I like how it was written and I just got lost in Drew and Fable's story. I read it in one sitting I couldn't put it down i had to know what was goin to happen between them. The connection was instant with them but Drew had secrets that was stopping them from having more. There sexual chemistry was crazy they were hot together. There both have things in there lives that stopped them from getting closer. But there is only so much you can fight. I was shocked with how it ended so I really need to know how the rest of this story goes. I need more of Fable and Drew. I would highly recommend this book but if say most people have read it in late on reading this book but it haven't read do it's really good.

Sometimes you have reading slump - no matter what you pick up just doesn't click. I came across One Week Girlfriend on Amazon when it was on offer for 38P and it was my introduction to Monica Murphy.The idea of becoming someone's girlfriend for a week just to ensure that your wicked stepmother didn't come on to you intrigued me and I hoped that the story was good enough to get me out of my reading slump.Fable - a noun that describes a story not founded on fact; an untruth, falsehood. What a great name for this character, so true and accurate.Drew - a verb that describes an inherent force or influence, to attract - perfect description of Drew Callaghan and their relationship.Temporary - The single word that describes Fables life over the past few years. It describes her temporary job, her role as temporary Mother to her brother Owen and (according to rumours) she is that temporary girl that all guys want because she gives "it" up so easy.Temporary also describes what Drew Callahan wants from Fable for one week. A one week girlfriend in return for a large sum of money but what happens after she accepts the arrangement and she meets Drew's Father and his rich bitch Stepmother (Adele)? Can Drew keep his skeletons safely stashed away in the cupboards or will they break free and reveal the secret he has tried to hide.Well I wanted a book to get me out of that reading slump and One Week Girlfriend has done just that. Monica Murphy has created wonderful characters, a steamy romance with lots of drama and I could not read it fast enough...............but the bonus for me was that Fable and Drew's story concludes in book 2 - no dreaded trilogy in sight!

When I started this book, I thought that the whole plot was going to be predictable. How wrong I was.Fable lives a pretty miserable life, with a drunk for a mother leaving Fable to work two jobs and look out for her thirteen year old brother Owen.Drew Callahan is as far removed from Fable's world as you could possibly imagine. Tall handsome popular, and the quarterback on the college football team. Who would have thought his life was a bigger mess than Fable's.Drew is going home for thanksgiving but he needs to take home a girlfriend, the only problem is he doesn't have one. He can't ask any of the girls he knows they would expect something more than the one week girlfriend he needs. Then he remembers Fable the waitress at the bar. She has a certain reputation and she could probably use the money he would be willing to pay.Three thousand dollars is a lot of money, it would certainly help out. So Fable agrees to Drew's proposition. She is to go home with him for the week as his pretend girlfriend. Fable does wonder why a guy like Drew would need to pay someone, when he could probably get any girl as his girlfriend for real.But when they arrive at Drew's family home there's definitely something wrong, the atmosphere is thick with tension. Whatever the problem is Drew wont tell. But Fable is determined to get to the truth.First read for me by this author. I was surprised not only by the storyline and how it developed, but how well written this is. The characters are very believeable and easy to relate to. The story is well paced and has real depth. The connection between Drew and Fable was realistic I loved the two of them together. I will definitely be reading the next book.

Oh God, I just sobbed my heart out for a good 5 minutes after finishing this just now. Proper 'can't get my breath back' wracking sobs. I'm completely emotionally spent. So glad I know there's another book because no way could I recover from that book easily! I only wish it wasn't gone 2am so I could start book 2 straight away.Okay, so I've slept now and can give a more coherent review...This book started as a 3* for me. I didn't like that it jumped straight in without introducing the characters first, and I didn't buy the attraction between them at all. It wasn't until around 20% that I got into the book.Then as the complex and screwed up life of Drew started making itself clear I began to like the book more. Fable's blunt but caring personality started to shine through and Drew started to have feelings. I liked the conflict and insecurities of the two of them as they struggled with the blurry lines between fake and real. The crazy awful family life for Drew was an interesting and unusual element of this book. I think it was pretty obvious what the secrets were in essence but then I don't think it was supposed to be a surprise so that's fine.As the story continued I liked the main characters more and more. I loved how much Fable cared about those she loved, her fierce possessiveness of Drew, her confidence with her body, her insightfulness, and the fact that she wanted more than her lot but wasn't going to feel ashamed of what she was doing for her brother and wasn't going to let anyone make her feel small for it.As for Drew, yeah he was messed up, but the heart underneath his façade was so evident. He didn't lash out at his Dad, he still adored his sister, he sought to hurt no-one and took all the blame, guilt and shame upon his own shoulders. His struggle was heart-breaking. Ok so they were a little cliché, and that was even admitted in the story, but the struggle was so unique and intense it didn't matter one bit.Together Drew and Fable were such a lovely couple, both so thoughtful of the other, so appreciative and respectful of each other. I have never read such tender and emotional love scenes in any book. I was actually welling up in some, really beautiful.But I was still at just 4*'s by this point, having not quite gotten over the slow start for me. The jump to 5 came right at the end because any book that has me literally sobbing has clearly affected me so intensely that it deserves that.So, this was a brilliantly intense and yet tender story that I am desperate to have more of. On to book 2 right away...