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The Wedding #1
Prelude To A Wedding
"Wonderful ... I cheered them on all the way" -- Rendezvous
The Wedding Series - Book 1
Originally published by Silhouette Special Edition
Charming Paul Monroe has the Peter Pan thing down pat. As an antique toy appraiser, even his work involves play. Which is fine, unless your job is to keep his Chicago business running smoothly . . . and all that charm is aimed at you.
Organization and reliability are Bette Wharton's hallmarks. She handles the toughest clients with aplomb, until Paul provides a challenge that goes way beyond the office. She has a plan and a timetable. How can she let herself fall for Mr. Live-for-the-Moment when all he offers is Love-for-the-Moment?
The Wedding Series - Book 1
Originally published by Silhouette Special Edition
Charming Paul Monroe has the Peter Pan thing down pat. As an antique toy appraiser, even his work involves play. Which is fine, unless your job is to keep his Chicago business running smoothly . . . and all that charm is aimed at you.
Organization and reliability are Bette Wharton's hallmarks. She handles the toughest clients with aplomb, until Paul provides a challenge that goes way beyond the office. She has a plan and a timetable. How can she let herself fall for Mr. Live-for-the-Moment when all he offers is Love-for-the-Moment?
251 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 1, 1991
865 people are currently reading
1261 people want to read
About the author
Patricia McLinn
127 books311 followersUSA Today bestselling author Patricia McLinn’s novels—cited by reviewers for warmth, wit and vivid characterization – have won numerous regional and national awards and been on national bestseller lists.
In addition to her romance and women’s fiction books, Patricia is the author of the Caught Dead in Wyoming mystery series, which adds a touch of humor and romance to figuring out whodunit.
Patricia received BA and MSJ degrees from Northwestern University. She was a sports writer (Rockford, Ill.), assistant sports editor (Charlotte, N.C.) and—for 20-plus years—an editor at the Washington Post.
She has spoken about writing from Melbourne, Australia to Washington, D.C., including being a guest-speaker at the Smithsonian Institution. She is now living in Northern Kentucky, and writing full-time. Patricia loves to hear from readers through her website, Facebook, Goodreads, and Twitter.
In addition to her romance and women’s fiction books, Patricia is the author of the Caught Dead in Wyoming mystery series, which adds a touch of humor and romance to figuring out whodunit.
Patricia received BA and MSJ degrees from Northwestern University. She was a sports writer (Rockford, Ill.), assistant sports editor (Charlotte, N.C.) and—for 20-plus years—an editor at the Washington Post.
She has spoken about writing from Melbourne, Australia to Washington, D.C., including being a guest-speaker at the Smithsonian Institution. She is now living in Northern Kentucky, and writing full-time. Patricia loves to hear from readers through her website, Facebook, Goodreads, and Twitter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
February 22, 2018
Apparently, neither character ever heard about the adage that opposites attract, or considered that you are drawn to the person who fills your gaps. Will she? Will he? They're on, they're off. She's hot, she's cold. After they bounce back and forth a bit, they're engaged, the end.
Harmless, I guess. Just not super compelling. At least it wasn't riddled with typos like so many freebies.
Edited to add: Irony! Someone liked my review, such as it is, and I reread and found THREE typos autocorrect had gifted me. Karma, you really are a bitch. 😄
Harmless, I guess. Just not super compelling. At least it wasn't riddled with typos like so many freebies.
Edited to add: Irony! Someone liked my review, such as it is, and I reread and found THREE typos autocorrect had gifted me. Karma, you really are a bitch. 😄
November 13, 2020
An easy 4 star rating here. Setting: Chicago
An opposites attract romance. Paul & Bette.
He is an appraiser of baseball cards, games and toy trains. She owns a temp-help service.
I hope to read more books by this author!
An opposites attract romance. Paul & Bette.
He is an appraiser of baseball cards, games and toy trains. She owns a temp-help service.
I hope to read more books by this author!
July 16, 2020
Enjoyed the story.
Paul and Bette’s characters were beautifully etched in the story. Both seemed real and they were real people whom I could relate to. I liked how two completely different characters were able to come together in the story and the story had enough humour in it to keep me glued to it.
Though the end was expected, I felt completely happy and satisfied by the love story.
Paul and Bette’s characters were beautifully etched in the story. Both seemed real and they were real people whom I could relate to. I liked how two completely different characters were able to come together in the story and the story had enough humour in it to keep me glued to it.
Though the end was expected, I felt completely happy and satisfied by the love story.
October 18, 2015
Sweet, sexy, with witty repartee
First, kudos to the author for a clean manuscript. I did not notice any grammatical errors, sentence construction glitches, or possessives masquerading as plurals. The characters are well rounded endangered. They grow. Paul's not an arrogant boor. Bette isn't a naive Mary Sue or a promiscuous Lolita. Both are realistic. The secondary characters also have a nicely real depth, too. Bravo! I wasn't on the edge of my seat reading this, because the HEA is a foregone conclusion, but the journey is delightful.
First, kudos to the author for a clean manuscript. I did not notice any grammatical errors, sentence construction glitches, or possessives masquerading as plurals. The characters are well rounded endangered. They grow. Paul's not an arrogant boor. Bette isn't a naive Mary Sue or a promiscuous Lolita. Both are realistic. The secondary characters also have a nicely real depth, too. Bravo! I wasn't on the edge of my seat reading this, because the HEA is a foregone conclusion, but the journey is delightful.
December 16, 2014
Exactly as billed...
'Prelude...' Is a well written, often funny, frequently touching romantic comedy. It's a classic story of opposites attract, but what I liked was that the backstory for each of the two main characters was solidly composed to provide good, believable characterization. The dialog is frequently very funny and the supporting characters who will star in the sequels, were interesting.
Bottom line: it's a light, frothy romantic read and you'll see the ending a mile off, but you should enjoy the journey.. I can see Sandra Bullock and Matthew McConahey in the starring roles.
'Prelude...' Is a well written, often funny, frequently touching romantic comedy. It's a classic story of opposites attract, but what I liked was that the backstory for each of the two main characters was solidly composed to provide good, believable characterization. The dialog is frequently very funny and the supporting characters who will star in the sequels, were interesting.
Bottom line: it's a light, frothy romantic read and you'll see the ending a mile off, but you should enjoy the journey.. I can see Sandra Bullock and Matthew McConahey in the starring roles.
November 14, 2014
Just ok for me. I just did not love the H and the h was boring...
April 19, 2022
Okay. It wasn't until I had finished this book that I found it was published in 1991. - over thirty years ago!
Its a very 'visual' book in my opinion - the writing builds a clear image of each character and what they look like and the setting etc and to be brutally honest, all the time I was reading this all I could see was Cary Grant and Ginger Rogers in a 1940's black and white setting complete with vehicles of the era etc.
Maybe it was me, but the names didn't help much. 'Bette'? how old is that name? I think there was an Ivy and a Joan in there as well.
I have NO idea how to accurately rate this novel. It was a very enjoyable read for a 1940's story with all the expected behaviour of that era and so on. But put the characters into 1991 and they were totally out of place. As a 1940s story it deserves 5 stars, but it wasn't. It's a very flawed 1991 novel with two characters who seem out of time both in their speech and mannerisms.
I read it and imagined Cary Grant leaning on Ginger's desk, or laughing as he drove her round in his MG TC Midget. Everything happened in black and white with background music written by Robert Dolan or some other composer of that era.
In the end I am settling on three stars. I liked it, but there was just something 'off' about it.
Its a very 'visual' book in my opinion - the writing builds a clear image of each character and what they look like and the setting etc and to be brutally honest, all the time I was reading this all I could see was Cary Grant and Ginger Rogers in a 1940's black and white setting complete with vehicles of the era etc.
Maybe it was me, but the names didn't help much. 'Bette'? how old is that name? I think there was an Ivy and a Joan in there as well.
I have NO idea how to accurately rate this novel. It was a very enjoyable read for a 1940's story with all the expected behaviour of that era and so on. But put the characters into 1991 and they were totally out of place. As a 1940s story it deserves 5 stars, but it wasn't. It's a very flawed 1991 novel with two characters who seem out of time both in their speech and mannerisms.
I read it and imagined Cary Grant leaning on Ginger's desk, or laughing as he drove her round in his MG TC Midget. Everything happened in black and white with background music written by Robert Dolan or some other composer of that era.
In the end I am settling on three stars. I liked it, but there was just something 'off' about it.
October 10, 2020
I loved the characters but didn’t they know opposites attract? Bette was full on against anything to do with Paul but they are destined to be together.
Some parts were confusing, the words, the conversations, didn’t match up. I needed more descriptions of the characters & what they looked
like because I imagined Bette as an older woman mid-50’s. I loved Paul he was thoughtful yet reserved and he was determined. They had a fight but I didn’t even know they were fighting, because again the conversations were confusing.
Overall I enjoyed the characters & the story.
Some parts were confusing, the words, the conversations, didn’t match up. I needed more descriptions of the characters & what they looked
like because I imagined Bette as an older woman mid-50’s. I loved Paul he was thoughtful yet reserved and he was determined. They had a fight but I didn’t even know they were fighting, because again the conversations were confusing.
Overall I enjoyed the characters & the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2024
I picked a random book and laughed all the way through. This was an enjoyable read. It was fairly down to earth, showing laughable moments of two people trying so desperately not to fall in love simply because they were determined not to become like a family member they remember so vehemently.
Our family upbringing does influence our thoughts and behaviors. However, if we see and acknowledge it, we can accept and work with that. Understanding and communication.
Cute book. Recommended 👍
📚📚📚
Our family upbringing does influence our thoughts and behaviors. However, if we see and acknowledge it, we can accept and work with that. Understanding and communication.
Cute book. Recommended 👍
📚📚📚
December 4, 2014
The beginning of this book is written almost *too* well. That is to say, the prose is so well done that it almost pulls you out of the story (which literary-fiction readers seem to love, but which I hate). And the first half of the book really sucked me in too.
Unfortunately, the second half of the book felt different --- not nearly as interesting and more like a rehashing of the same old romance-novel tropes. So, I averaged it out to four stars overall.
Unfortunately, the second half of the book felt different --- not nearly as interesting and more like a rehashing of the same old romance-novel tropes. So, I averaged it out to four stars overall.
October 10, 2016
An enjoyable book about opposites who attract. I think most people end up like Bette, forgetting to enjoy the moment while they have their lives planned out, while Paul prefers spontaneity to planning. I look forward to reading the rest of the series
July 16, 2019
There’s is nothing in this book that makes me want to keep reading it. The characters are dull, the plot is dull there’s not a single line of excitement to hook me in.
I tried I really tried but I just can’t continue past chapter 7
I tried I really tried but I just can’t continue past chapter 7
July 10, 2020
I could not get over the character name 'Bette'... I just can't get over it being an old lady's name and I couldn't visualise her... Yep small detail but just couldn't look past it... Tried though. So Dnf... Couldn't gel with the characters or the story.
July 30, 2024
I listened to the audiobook. That was a mistake! Don't listen to the audio! It's done by a robot. I had my daughter listen because I was concerned I was just imagining the monotone and my daughter said "that sounds like Alexa!" But pretty confident Alexa has more feeling in her voice. The reading of punctuation was terrible and there would be pauses when there shouldn't be. You also never knew who was speaking because the robot would just blend it all together with no hint as to who was who.
For the book itself the FMC made a comment that she was dealing with the "10th man." And yet he couldn't take no for an answer, which contradicts the 10th man statement as the 10th man does listen when a woman says no. I'm okay with morally gray men however this setting was wrong for one. I am aware if he listened to "no" then there wouldn't be a book but the set up could have been much much different.
The character development was fine but not surprising.
The "spicy" scenes, for me, seemed to double up on certain words as if to make the scene last longer which would kill it for me. Also some of the descriptors had me shuddering, and not in a good way.
The instant fascination and sensual feelings also felt a little forced and unnatural as did the repetitive constant reminders that the FMC knew "this only for the moment he doesn't do commitment"
It wouldn't have been so bad if the book could hold its own, I have rated books with terrible audio in the past higher just because the story was able to keep my interest despite the person reading the story. This one just all around failed for me.
For the book itself the FMC made a comment that she was dealing with the "10th man." And yet he couldn't take no for an answer, which contradicts the 10th man statement as the 10th man does listen when a woman says no. I'm okay with morally gray men however this setting was wrong for one. I am aware if he listened to "no" then there wouldn't be a book but the set up could have been much much different.
The character development was fine but not surprising.
The "spicy" scenes, for me, seemed to double up on certain words as if to make the scene last longer which would kill it for me. Also some of the descriptors had me shuddering, and not in a good way.
The instant fascination and sensual feelings also felt a little forced and unnatural as did the repetitive constant reminders that the FMC knew "this only for the moment he doesn't do commitment"
It wouldn't have been so bad if the book could hold its own, I have rated books with terrible audio in the past higher just because the story was able to keep my interest despite the person reading the story. This one just all around failed for me.
March 18, 2020
Very much a slog fest
I like that she actually tried to be less rigid. But the type A\Peter pan trope is one of the worst. How about turning it to the dreamless/dreamer trope instead. That way instead of getting someone stuck in their early 20's, you get someone who has had the stuffing kicked out of them. She wants the white dress fantasy and he wants nothing because losing everything you wanted is a terrible experience. He has to slowly rebuild his hope and she has to learn when to give up hope. He loses her through fear. So he has to learn to be brave. That's a better modern fairytale. Paul was a better representation of the true kid at heart. He takes his responsibilities seriously; he's just afraid of change. He takes the time to enjoy the simple things, but he lashes out like a kid. He's actually the type of person that will grow up quite well. Unlike some of the other Peter pan types who want to play their lives away and lash out whenever life forces them to grow up. I have no idea why this type of hero is so popular. Life is hard, and being weighed down with an adult who has to be told to step up is not something I want to volunteer to do. But I live in the world where kid's clothes get bought with tax money. Where 80 bucks is the left over from one week to the next. So, it's hard to imagine a world where you can impulsively fly across country.
I like that she actually tried to be less rigid. But the type A\Peter pan trope is one of the worst. How about turning it to the dreamless/dreamer trope instead. That way instead of getting someone stuck in their early 20's, you get someone who has had the stuffing kicked out of them. She wants the white dress fantasy and he wants nothing because losing everything you wanted is a terrible experience. He has to slowly rebuild his hope and she has to learn when to give up hope. He loses her through fear. So he has to learn to be brave. That's a better modern fairytale. Paul was a better representation of the true kid at heart. He takes his responsibilities seriously; he's just afraid of change. He takes the time to enjoy the simple things, but he lashes out like a kid. He's actually the type of person that will grow up quite well. Unlike some of the other Peter pan types who want to play their lives away and lash out whenever life forces them to grow up. I have no idea why this type of hero is so popular. Life is hard, and being weighed down with an adult who has to be told to step up is not something I want to volunteer to do. But I live in the world where kid's clothes get bought with tax money. Where 80 bucks is the left over from one week to the next. So, it's hard to imagine a world where you can impulsively fly across country.
November 21, 2017
In this very different love story the reader's heart is touched in an unexpected way. Paul is the perpetual Peter Pan, refusing to grow up and take responsibility for his life. Nevertheless in his play, he stumbles on a profession that is unique and has its own charm. It takes a special type of person to be his assistant, and if he doesn't like one, he is a master at getting rid of her. Bette has been tasked with finding him that perfect aide, but the only person Paul wants is Bette herself. In spite of his vow never to commit to a relationship, he embarks on a campaign to persuade Bette to go out with him, little understanding the feelings that are starting to emerge and encompass him. Bette is an A-type scheduler, everything the Paul hates. Somewhere along the way they are going to have to adjust to one another, but the odds seem insurmountable. This book is sad and funny, but totally engrossing with a well-written romantic story line that reels the reader in and totally captivating one. I thorough enjoy Ms McLinn’s writing in general and this book in particular. Although it is part of a series, it is nevertheless a standalone and has a most satisfactory ending.
May 19, 2018
After a rough start full of intentionally misleading situations for the characters and a lot of head-hopping, I ended up being surprised how much I liked this book. Bette and Paul represent to each other the things in life they actively do not want, but their attraction leads them to change their lives, with much hemming and hawing along the way.
However. I was completely not cool with the way Paul used his contract with Bette's temp business to essentially extort a date from her. While it fits with his often-childish ways, it's grossly unprofessional, and had I been Bette, I would have terminated my services and shoved Paul out of my life so fast his head would spin. Instead, she agrees to the date and they go on to have life-changing revelations.
Ultimately, it was an opposites attract plot that actually had some depth to it, even if both characters seemed clueless about why they worked so well together. And I honestly teared up a little at the end, when Paul wanted to elope but then backtracked so he could stop living impulsively. That's what actual character growth looks like, and not something I see enough of in a lot of romances.
However. I was completely not cool with the way Paul used his contract with Bette's temp business to essentially extort a date from her. While it fits with his often-childish ways, it's grossly unprofessional, and had I been Bette, I would have terminated my services and shoved Paul out of my life so fast his head would spin. Instead, she agrees to the date and they go on to have life-changing revelations.
Ultimately, it was an opposites attract plot that actually had some depth to it, even if both characters seemed clueless about why they worked so well together. And I honestly teared up a little at the end, when Paul wanted to elope but then backtracked so he could stop living impulsively. That's what actual character growth looks like, and not something I see enough of in a lot of romances.
June 14, 2018
This story is a little predictable but it is an interesting study in how 2 people, one who avoids the everything about the life his grandfather wanted him to live and thensecond who embraced everything in life her grandfather wanted her to live for. It was interesting that both their grandfathers believed the same things and were so focused on the future that they never showed their grandchildren any value in the present. While this book is a romance about how 2 people struggle against their attraction to each other, it is also a study in how the past can prevent people from being open to what is right in front of them in the present.
Like her other books, this book, by Patricia McLinn, is well written and presents characters who made me smile and sympathize with their fears and conflicts. I do wish the secondary characters were fleshed out a bit more.
Like her other books, this book, by Patricia McLinn, is well written and presents characters who made me smile and sympathize with their fears and conflicts. I do wish the secondary characters were fleshed out a bit more.
October 14, 2018
This was such a fun book. My first read by Ms McLinn, but I see that are three more books in this series. Lucky me! In this story, Bette, professional, hard-working, practical, meets Paul, professional, fun-loving, non-committal. So I have to ask you, do opposites attract or is finding some one just like you better? This story is an excellent way to fuel that debate. Do you believe in love at first sight? I know I do. But is it lust that grows into love or do you just know there is something different about this person? This story can add to that discussion, too. But who has time for discussions when you're waiting to see what happens next with Paul and Bette? Hope you enjoy this read as much as I did.
May 30, 2017
This is a great story of opposites attract.
Bette Wharton is a planner, who is very goal oriented. She is so strict with her life plans that she has forgotten how to have fun and live a little.
Paul Monroe is an appraiser of vintage toys, model trains and baseball cards. Basically a still a kid at heart.
Along the way these two learn to give a little. Paul to 'plan' more and Bette to let loose and enjoy life around her.
I loved these two together. I'm sure they drove each other crazy getting to 'accept' each other but it was worth it in the end.
Bette Wharton is a planner, who is very goal oriented. She is so strict with her life plans that she has forgotten how to have fun and live a little.
Paul Monroe is an appraiser of vintage toys, model trains and baseball cards. Basically a still a kid at heart.
Along the way these two learn to give a little. Paul to 'plan' more and Bette to let loose and enjoy life around her.
I loved these two together. I'm sure they drove each other crazy getting to 'accept' each other but it was worth it in the end.
May 16, 2019
This is a story of a persistent adult man, Paul Monroe who doesn't really know what being in love it. We are taken on a journey as Paul discovers what his attraction to Bette is. Bette is a smart, determined business owner who falls for Paul and his childish behavior. Bette has solid plans for her future, while Paul is afraid to make solid plans. These two dance around each other, while Bette tried to stay away Paul's persistence broke through. After a tragic event Paul realizes he has made the biggest mistake of his life. This is a cute read.
June 2, 2022
I want my time back. The characters were so stiff and uninteresting, i skimmed a good portion of this. I hate hot and cold relationships, its like get it together already. Paul was a very concerning character. I felt like he prayed on Bette's downfall at one point and was a bit stalkerish. That may seems endearing and persistent to some women, but in the year of our Lord, its a red flag.
I did just notice that this was published in 1991...what?!!!! Not sure if that's why some of this seemed a bit outdated.
I did just notice that this was published in 1991...what?!!!! Not sure if that's why some of this seemed a bit outdated.
June 18, 2018
Bette Wharton has worked hard to grow her business, Top-Line Temporaries, but she has met her match with Paul Monroe. The man needs a temporary assistant but has set his sights on dating her and until she agrees he will keep rejecting every temp she sends him. What's a mega organized, plan-ahead-for-every-scenario woman to do when Mr. Fly-by-the-seat-of-his-pants keeps pushing for more dates?
Cute romantic romp and great summer read.
Cute romantic romp and great summer read.
Read
July 3, 2020The message of this book bothered me - that the one who wanted some sort of commitment gave in to the one who wanted to live for the moment, rather than waiting until he could be committed to her. Yes, it had a nice happy ending, but that's so unlikely to happen in real-life and I don't think it sets the best example. Having said that, I was touched by the interaction between characters, particularly the male lead and his dad.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2020
Two Different Lifestyles
Paul is determined to be different from his grandfather who had an organized plan of life. Paul wanted to live for today. Bette was the totally opposite....she planned everything about her life. When they meet she strictly wanted a business relationship but he insisted she go out with him. The adventure that resulted will keep you in the edge of your seat. A very good read!
Paul is determined to be different from his grandfather who had an organized plan of life. Paul wanted to live for today. Bette was the totally opposite....she planned everything about her life. When they meet she strictly wanted a business relationship but he insisted she go out with him. The adventure that resulted will keep you in the edge of your seat. A very good read!
April 30, 2021
McLinn weaves a powerful story as her characters unravel real life dilemmas to juggle individual goals and dreams into a relationship. The characters display that self awareness and relationship awareness is a process of growth. McLinn's beautiful use of language is as though you are watching a skillfully crafted movie.The story is as relevant in 2021 as when it was published in 1991. I was so surprised at the end of the book to see the publication date.
December 30, 2024
couldn’t finish this utter rubbish
I don’t think I read to the end of the first chapter, because the idea of a man being the deep thinker about a woman on the first date was so ridiculous, you can certainly tell this story was written by a woman, and wouldn’t we all like to be thought of and treated that way. the reality is that men Are men And mostly think of themselves first, even the good ones do. So this story is just pure fantasy fiction. Waste your time if you must.
I don’t think I read to the end of the first chapter, because the idea of a man being the deep thinker about a woman on the first date was so ridiculous, you can certainly tell this story was written by a woman, and wouldn’t we all like to be thought of and treated that way. the reality is that men Are men And mostly think of themselves first, even the good ones do. So this story is just pure fantasy fiction. Waste your time if you must.
July 1, 2018
You run a staffing agency and a client you've just started with keeps running your temps off. He had a perfectly good personal assistant, but she had the audacity to have her baby in the middle of a day at work. What's ahead for Bette and Paul. He has a collectible toy appraisal business and the Smithsonian wants him.
June 13, 2018
Prelude to a Wedding
I enjoyed reading this book.I was in the mood for a light romance with some humor. This book adequately met my goals. I especially liked reading books with Chicago as the setting. It helped to immerse me into the story.
I enjoyed reading this book.I was in the mood for a light romance with some humor. This book adequately met my goals. I especially liked reading books with Chicago as the setting. It helped to immerse me into the story.
June 14, 2018
Good Read
This was the first story by Patricia McLinn that I've read. It won't be the last. The writing and characters were great. The story was complete. The author doesn't force me to buy the next book in the series, she allows me to choose to...and I do!
This was the first story by Patricia McLinn that I've read. It won't be the last. The writing and characters were great. The story was complete. The author doesn't force me to buy the next book in the series, she allows me to choose to...and I do!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews