About the book:When wedding planner Anne Hawthorne meets George Laurence, she thinks she's found the man of her dreams. But when he turns out to be a client, her "dream" quickly turns into a nightmare. Will Anne risk her heart and her career on this engaging Englishman? George came to Louisiana to plan his employer's wedding and pose as the groom. But how can he feign affection for a supposed fiance when he's so achingly attracted to the wedding planner? And what will happen when Anne discovers his role has been Stand-In Groom only? Will she ever trust George again? Can God help these two believers find a happy ending?
My thoughts:
Romance stories are not typically my cup of tea. When I first started reading fiction a lot, they were, but I no longer go out of my way any more to read a romance. Well.....I'm glad I decided to make an exception for Stand-in Groom! This is a romance done right!
Anne's career choice alone really makes this book stand out. I had a brief desire at one point in my life to be a wedding planner, but now that I actually know what's involved, plus reading how Anne practically runs herself ragged day after day.....let's just say that I'll leave that job to the professionals. I loved how she really cared for each one of the brides that she worked with, so much so that she would drop everything at a moment's notice to help one of them through a crisis.
And then, there's George.... My, my, my! He set my heart to flutterin' from the moment he first met Anne. Initially, his part in the story was a little confusing, especially trying to distinguish between the role he was trying to play and the person he really was, but things quickly became easy to follow. Oh, and did I mention that he's British? And such a perfect gentleman? Wow!
Parts of the story were slightly predictable, but I was genuinely surprised a couple times along the way. I also appreciated how the romance progressed slowly throughout the book and not just in one big lump; it just made the story that much more believable.
All that's left to say is that I will definitely be reading more from Kaye Dacus! This was an impressive debut novel, and I have no doubt that the rest of this series will be just as exceptional! Bravo!
5 Stars
Southern? Yes
Sass? No
Stand-in Groom is Book One of the Brides of Bonneterre series by Kaye Dacus
A great review for a great book! Thanks, Christy :)
ReplyDeleteI liked the way this isn't your typical romance. The characters aren't in their 20s and stick thin and strapping muscular heroes... the plot is one that is even not everyday. I loved her connection to her family as well. Book 2 was also very nice - but I am really looking forward to reading the the last of the trilogy - where Forbes is the star. :o)
ReplyDeleteThis is a really great series! I think you'll like Menu for Romance too! If you stop by Kaye's site you can sign up to be an influencer for book 3 A Case for Love and get a free copy!
ReplyDeletexoxo~ Renee
Lori ~ Thanks!
ReplyDeleteRenee ~ Yep, I'm already chomping at the bit to read book 2. Hopefully, I'll have a copy real soon!!
Lee ~ You are absolutely right. The characters seemed more "normal" with their own faults, not perfect cookie-cut characters. I'm really looking forward to book 2 as I really liked Major in this book. :o)
Oooh, you remind me to read her second book. The third one is coming up shortly I think.
ReplyDelete