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Brides of Bradley House #1 & 2
Dream Wedding
New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery brings her trademark wit and sparkle to these two classic tales of dreams come true…
Dream Bride
According to family legend, Chloe Wright is destined to dream of her future groom on her twenty-fifth birthday. Chloe doesn't believe in fate, so she's shocked to find her path crossing with a handsome stranger. Arizona Smith is everything Chloe has ever wanted in a man. But she's not about to fall in love, especially since Arizona never settles anywhere for long. Still, his electrifying kisses and irresistible charm have Chloe suddenly wondering if there's something to that legend after all….
Dream Groom
Cassie Bradley Wright knows the fantasy of being swept off her feet by her boss is just that—a fantasy. After all, Ryan Lawford is way out of her league. And business and balance sheets are his whole world. But little does Cassie know that her sweet ways are changing his mind. The former determined bachelor just might take on the role of dream groom.
Dream Bride
According to family legend, Chloe Wright is destined to dream of her future groom on her twenty-fifth birthday. Chloe doesn't believe in fate, so she's shocked to find her path crossing with a handsome stranger. Arizona Smith is everything Chloe has ever wanted in a man. But she's not about to fall in love, especially since Arizona never settles anywhere for long. Still, his electrifying kisses and irresistible charm have Chloe suddenly wondering if there's something to that legend after all….
Dream Groom
Cassie Bradley Wright knows the fantasy of being swept off her feet by her boss is just that—a fantasy. After all, Ryan Lawford is way out of her league. And business and balance sheets are his whole world. But little does Cassie know that her sweet ways are changing his mind. The former determined bachelor just might take on the role of dream groom.
512 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 1, 2011
197 people are currently reading
732 people want to read
About the author
Susan Mallery
862 books15.4k followers#1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery writes heartwarming and humorous novels about the relationships that define women's lives—family, friendship, romance. She's best known for putting nuanced characters into emotionally complex, real-life situations with twists that surprise readers to laughter. Because Susan is passionate about animal welfare, pets play a big role in her books. Beloved by millions of readers worldwide, her books have been translated into 28 languages.
Critics have dubbed Mallery "the new queen of romantic fiction." (Walmart) Booklist says, "Romance novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and RT Book Reviews puts her "in a class by herself!" It's no wonder that her books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list.
Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool's Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.
Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.
Critics have dubbed Mallery "the new queen of romantic fiction." (Walmart) Booklist says, "Romance novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and RT Book Reviews puts her "in a class by herself!" It's no wonder that her books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list.
Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool's Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.
Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
April 24, 2017
This was previously two separate books titled "Dream Bride" and then "Dream Groom." Mallery re-issued as one book though. Which makes sense when you realize it's dealing with the same people and themes. I rated both books separately and then did an overall rating for the book.
I think my biggest issue is that Mallery takes way too long explaining the backstory of the sisters (Chloe and Cassie). The family legend really doesn't hold water at all. The first hero was a carbon copy of Indiana Jones. And the second hero didn't work for me at all. Probably because for me I didn't get a sense he was really in love as much as he fell in love due to circumstances.
Chloe's story worked more for me than Cassie's did. Maybe because Cassie is a 24 year old virgin running around talking about passion and love and I just couldn't read most of her comments without laughing at her. Also virgin has best first time ever pops up in this book which made me laugh even more. I don't think Mallery was going for that, but I always love reading about discomfort women have during their first time and act like it's just a cramp that quickly goes away, cause love. I so blame romance books for my utter stupidity about what my first time would consist of...yeah it took me a while to get over that.
Dream Bride (3 stars)-Chloe is 25 years old and dealing with her sister Cassie acting like a loon because according to family legend, the night of Chloe's 25th birthday when she wears the family nightgown (that is hundreds of years old) she will dream of the man she is meant to fall in love with and marry. There was a family member who was a Gypsy so yeah...I don't know. That is just dropped in the book here and there and it still doesn't make sense to me at all.
First of all, why is a dress that is several hundred years old still fresh as a daisy? They don't mention having it sealed or it smelling or being musty due to the women in the family wearing this thing through the years.
Second, what about the men? Yes I just went what about the men in a romance book, but it makes no sense to me that apparently we only care if the women in the family find true love.
Third, who picked the year 25? I am guessing when this nightgown first popped up that it was the 1800s at some point. If you waited til you were 25 that is going to be considered a spinster to a lot of people I assume. So you just get married, wear it, and hope that guy you married was suppose to be the one.
Fourth, the story goes that only family members can wear this nightgown and have the dream that will show them the groom. Cassie who is the focus in story two is adopted.
Fifth, this sounds way more complicated than looking into a pool of water on a full moon to see your true love.
Anyway, Chloe is reluctant to go along with the family legend, but does it to indulge her sister. And then gasp! She has a super hot dream about a man who she then meets the next day. Chloe is called upon to interview an archaeologist named Arizona Smith.
I started calling him knock off Indiana Jones. Cause there is no way a freaking archaeologist would be as well known as he is, has women throwing themselves at him, and is the sexiest man ever and is even more popular than most movie stars.
Chloe is flustered around Arizona, Arizona is intrigued by Chloe, and Chloe's Aunt Charity (seriously with the C names) who is old friends with Arizona definitely thinks something is between them.
I really do wish that Mallery had spent less time with sexy times with Arizona and Chloe and thought more of expanding the backstory of Chloe and Cassie. We don't even get to find out until I think I was at 25-30 percent of the book that their parents died when Chloe was 15. And due to Cassie being adopted (it's implied) that the two girls are split up into separate foster homes. Aunt Charity could not be found for three years (which makes no sense) and comes back when Chloe is about to turn 18 to get them both out of foster care and to live with them. Chloe has a lot of residual anger towards her parents and her aunt that I don't think are really discussed in real way except in spots here and there. I would say that the parents picking a woman who travels with no real way to contact her while she's traveling was not the smartest pick as a guardian.
The writing was boring though. Arizona discovers some stones and thinks he knows the mystical meaning of things? I don't know. I started to glaze over. But of course Arizona and Chloe are both reluctant to fall in love and trust each other cause of their pasts. I was just bored.
The ending was a foregone conclusion though I did laugh at the random high priestess and ruler of an island telling Arizona he needs to go back to his true love.
Dream Groom (1 star)-Cassie is 24 and is engaged to be engaged to her long-time boyfriend Joel. Things get more complicated for Cassie after she meets Ryan. Cassie who is a nursery school teacher goes and offers to help Ryan by being the nanny to his 2 year old niece named Sasha. Ryan is floundering after the death of his brother and his wife and trying to deal with running his business and keeping an eye on Sasha. With Cassie being a live in nanny, he thinks things will be easier with her raising Sasha while he makes a lot of phone calls.
And seriously though, I still am confused about what Ryan's job is. No I have no intention of looking it up.
Cassie and her pre-fiancee Joel are white paint with no shine. Seriously guys, you find out in book #1 and this book that Cassie and Joel have never succumbed to their animal passions and made love. They have been together nine years. Cassie even at one point tries to get Joel to "take" her. I maybe laughed so hard I started hiccuping. This book was a mess.
Of course Cassie's passions gets awakened when she meets Ryan and wants to to be in love (ie have sex). Frankly, I would have liked this book more if Cassie had decided that maybe being with a guy for 9 years and not even doing heavy petting means she needs to go out and date and not settle again. But what do I know.
The whole second book was yawn inducing. Though I did laugh again when Joel reappears and is all I have fallen in love and we had lots of sex! Who does that?
I really wish that Mallery had not taken the easy out with regards to the nightgown thing. It's supposed to only work on female members of the Bradley family. Since Cassie is adopted there is this whole internal push from her to wear it. Though she knows it probably won't work. And even though she loves Ryan, she still has to wear it to see. I laughed again during and after that scene. I wish that Mallery had just had Cassie say she didn't need a nightgown to know she loved Ryan.
I read this for Booklikes-opoly. The Kindle edition is 512 pages which is the equivalent of $5.00.
Bank: $33.00
I think my biggest issue is that Mallery takes way too long explaining the backstory of the sisters (Chloe and Cassie). The family legend really doesn't hold water at all. The first hero was a carbon copy of Indiana Jones. And the second hero didn't work for me at all. Probably because for me I didn't get a sense he was really in love as much as he fell in love due to circumstances.
Chloe's story worked more for me than Cassie's did. Maybe because Cassie is a 24 year old virgin running around talking about passion and love and I just couldn't read most of her comments without laughing at her. Also virgin has best first time ever pops up in this book which made me laugh even more. I don't think Mallery was going for that, but I always love reading about discomfort women have during their first time and act like it's just a cramp that quickly goes away, cause love. I so blame romance books for my utter stupidity about what my first time would consist of...yeah it took me a while to get over that.
Dream Bride (3 stars)-Chloe is 25 years old and dealing with her sister Cassie acting like a loon because according to family legend, the night of Chloe's 25th birthday when she wears the family nightgown (that is hundreds of years old) she will dream of the man she is meant to fall in love with and marry. There was a family member who was a Gypsy so yeah...I don't know. That is just dropped in the book here and there and it still doesn't make sense to me at all.
First of all, why is a dress that is several hundred years old still fresh as a daisy? They don't mention having it sealed or it smelling or being musty due to the women in the family wearing this thing through the years.
Second, what about the men? Yes I just went what about the men in a romance book, but it makes no sense to me that apparently we only care if the women in the family find true love.
Third, who picked the year 25? I am guessing when this nightgown first popped up that it was the 1800s at some point. If you waited til you were 25 that is going to be considered a spinster to a lot of people I assume. So you just get married, wear it, and hope that guy you married was suppose to be the one.
Fourth, the story goes that only family members can wear this nightgown and have the dream that will show them the groom. Cassie who is the focus in story two is adopted.
Fifth, this sounds way more complicated than looking into a pool of water on a full moon to see your true love.
Anyway, Chloe is reluctant to go along with the family legend, but does it to indulge her sister. And then gasp! She has a super hot dream about a man who she then meets the next day. Chloe is called upon to interview an archaeologist named Arizona Smith.
I started calling him knock off Indiana Jones. Cause there is no way a freaking archaeologist would be as well known as he is, has women throwing themselves at him, and is the sexiest man ever and is even more popular than most movie stars.
Chloe is flustered around Arizona, Arizona is intrigued by Chloe, and Chloe's Aunt Charity (seriously with the C names) who is old friends with Arizona definitely thinks something is between them.
I really do wish that Mallery had spent less time with sexy times with Arizona and Chloe and thought more of expanding the backstory of Chloe and Cassie. We don't even get to find out until I think I was at 25-30 percent of the book that their parents died when Chloe was 15. And due to Cassie being adopted (it's implied) that the two girls are split up into separate foster homes. Aunt Charity could not be found for three years (which makes no sense) and comes back when Chloe is about to turn 18 to get them both out of foster care and to live with them. Chloe has a lot of residual anger towards her parents and her aunt that I don't think are really discussed in real way except in spots here and there. I would say that the parents picking a woman who travels with no real way to contact her while she's traveling was not the smartest pick as a guardian.
The writing was boring though. Arizona discovers some stones and thinks he knows the mystical meaning of things? I don't know. I started to glaze over. But of course Arizona and Chloe are both reluctant to fall in love and trust each other cause of their pasts. I was just bored.
The ending was a foregone conclusion though I did laugh at the random high priestess and ruler of an island telling Arizona he needs to go back to his true love.
Dream Groom (1 star)-Cassie is 24 and is engaged to be engaged to her long-time boyfriend Joel. Things get more complicated for Cassie after she meets Ryan. Cassie who is a nursery school teacher goes and offers to help Ryan by being the nanny to his 2 year old niece named Sasha. Ryan is floundering after the death of his brother and his wife and trying to deal with running his business and keeping an eye on Sasha. With Cassie being a live in nanny, he thinks things will be easier with her raising Sasha while he makes a lot of phone calls.
And seriously though, I still am confused about what Ryan's job is. No I have no intention of looking it up.
Cassie and her pre-fiancee Joel are white paint with no shine. Seriously guys, you find out in book #1 and this book that Cassie and Joel have never succumbed to their animal passions and made love. They have been together nine years. Cassie even at one point tries to get Joel to "take" her. I maybe laughed so hard I started hiccuping. This book was a mess.
Of course Cassie's passions gets awakened when she meets Ryan and wants to to be in love (ie have sex). Frankly, I would have liked this book more if Cassie had decided that maybe being with a guy for 9 years and not even doing heavy petting means she needs to go out and date and not settle again. But what do I know.
The whole second book was yawn inducing. Though I did laugh again when Joel reappears and is all I have fallen in love and we had lots of sex! Who does that?
I really wish that Mallery had not taken the easy out with regards to the nightgown thing. It's supposed to only work on female members of the Bradley family. Since Cassie is adopted there is this whole internal push from her to wear it. Though she knows it probably won't work. And even though she loves Ryan, she still has to wear it to see. I laughed again during and after that scene. I wish that Mallery had just had Cassie say she didn't need a nightgown to know she loved Ryan.
I read this for Booklikes-opoly. The Kindle edition is 512 pages which is the equivalent of $5.00.
Bank: $33.00
January 17, 2018
An excellent read! I loved the fact that I got to read the two connected stories at once. I do find I want to now see if there are updated details about this town and more about the "Magical nightgown"! I loved these characters and the storyline. Yes this is an older story in that the technology may seem odd to those who read this expecting it to be a "current" setting. These stories are set a few years ago so keep that in mind. Fans of great stories with outstanding characters and a touch of magic will adore these two stories. Another Hit from author Susan Mallery.
February 28, 2015
Two-haiku review:
Two stories in one
Sisters with magic nightgown
Both find their true loves
Republished stories
But cell phones, not that dated
Enjoyed both of them
Two stories in one
Sisters with magic nightgown
Both find their true loves
Republished stories
But cell phones, not that dated
Enjoyed both of them
January 7, 2024
Dream Bride
The Wright women have a nightgown that when worn on the night of their 25th birthday would show them their true love. Chloe didn't believe in that legend even the tiniest bit and Cassie is a true believer. I think deep down they are both afraid it works for Wright women and that it won't work for Cassie because she's adopted.
Chloe gives in and wears the nightgown on her big night to make Cassie happy. That night she dreams of passionate sex with a man she has never met. She lies when she wakes up and says she had no dream because she is so weirded out. Then she sees the man on TV. His name is Arizona Smith and her aunt Charity met him when she used to travel, and she invites him over for dinner. Then Chloe gets assigned to do an article on him for the magazine she works at. The cosmos is against her really. No matter how she tries she can' t get away from him, and she can't forget the dream. While he is in town he takes her to a place close by where they hit in to a dig site. Neither of them can fight their attraction and they make love under the stars. I love how normal and sexy this book makes condoms seem.
Arizona and Chloe have the same abandonment issues. As they talk them through and she tries to help him when he reaches out to her for help, comfort and companionship; Chloe sees that she needs to follow her own advice. By talking it through she sees her own life through a different lens.
Knowing that Arizona is not the settling down kind, she makes him leave on his next assignment. Its the old adage of if you want something let it go. Well let go Arizona is smacked in the face where he belongs.
Dream Groom
Cassie goes to help Ryan with his niece Sasha. Sasha's parents have died and Ryan was left her., and Cassie knows the little girl because she works at the day care that Sasha goes to. So Cassie offers to take leave from work and be a live in nanny for clueless Ryan.
Back story on Cassie, not only is she adopted and thinks that she has no roots, she has been dating the same msn for 9 years and only has a promise ring. She and Joel have a boring relationship but she refuses to admit that she is settling. Being around Ryan every day is starting to open her eyes.
Cassie helps open up Ryan to loving Sasha. His mother worked herself into an early grave and she taught her sons to be the same way. All he knows is working all day. Slowly he realizes he has to change for Sasha and then every bit he gives her makes him want to give her more. He comes to see what his brother saw when he gave up working so much for a family.
Then Ryan and Cassie become sexually attracted to each other. One kiss seals it for Cassie. Even if she never kisses Ryan again, she knows she can never coast through life with Joel for another second. Don' t feel bad for Joel though. He turns out fine. Which drives Ryan crazy. Which drives Cassie and Ryan into bed.
If you can read about these three without it warming your heart, maybe this genre isn't for you. Every time Sasha talks to Ryan my heart flips. She is so cute!
Obviously Cassie has to wear the nightgown. That whole bit is so cute, and perfect as Ryan wants her to wait till after she wears it. The dream sequence is hilarious and just perfect. I really want to thank Susan Gallery for that entire scene. It lands every spot, it is funny, hits on her thoughts of not belonging while also making it clear where she does, and then in humor makes it right. It is exactly how it needed to be.
The Wright women have a nightgown that when worn on the night of their 25th birthday would show them their true love. Chloe didn't believe in that legend even the tiniest bit and Cassie is a true believer. I think deep down they are both afraid it works for Wright women and that it won't work for Cassie because she's adopted.
Chloe gives in and wears the nightgown on her big night to make Cassie happy. That night she dreams of passionate sex with a man she has never met. She lies when she wakes up and says she had no dream because she is so weirded out. Then she sees the man on TV. His name is Arizona Smith and her aunt Charity met him when she used to travel, and she invites him over for dinner. Then Chloe gets assigned to do an article on him for the magazine she works at. The cosmos is against her really. No matter how she tries she can' t get away from him, and she can't forget the dream. While he is in town he takes her to a place close by where they hit in to a dig site. Neither of them can fight their attraction and they make love under the stars. I love how normal and sexy this book makes condoms seem.
Arizona and Chloe have the same abandonment issues. As they talk them through and she tries to help him when he reaches out to her for help, comfort and companionship; Chloe sees that she needs to follow her own advice. By talking it through she sees her own life through a different lens.
Knowing that Arizona is not the settling down kind, she makes him leave on his next assignment. Its the old adage of if you want something let it go. Well let go Arizona is smacked in the face where he belongs.
Dream Groom
Cassie goes to help Ryan with his niece Sasha. Sasha's parents have died and Ryan was left her., and Cassie knows the little girl because she works at the day care that Sasha goes to. So Cassie offers to take leave from work and be a live in nanny for clueless Ryan.
Back story on Cassie, not only is she adopted and thinks that she has no roots, she has been dating the same msn for 9 years and only has a promise ring. She and Joel have a boring relationship but she refuses to admit that she is settling. Being around Ryan every day is starting to open her eyes.
Cassie helps open up Ryan to loving Sasha. His mother worked herself into an early grave and she taught her sons to be the same way. All he knows is working all day. Slowly he realizes he has to change for Sasha and then every bit he gives her makes him want to give her more. He comes to see what his brother saw when he gave up working so much for a family.
Then Ryan and Cassie become sexually attracted to each other. One kiss seals it for Cassie. Even if she never kisses Ryan again, she knows she can never coast through life with Joel for another second. Don' t feel bad for Joel though. He turns out fine. Which drives Ryan crazy. Which drives Cassie and Ryan into bed.
If you can read about these three without it warming your heart, maybe this genre isn't for you. Every time Sasha talks to Ryan my heart flips. She is so cute!
Obviously Cassie has to wear the nightgown. That whole bit is so cute, and perfect as Ryan wants her to wait till after she wears it. The dream sequence is hilarious and just perfect. I really want to thank Susan Gallery for that entire scene. It lands every spot, it is funny, hits on her thoughts of not belonging while also making it clear where she does, and then in humor makes it right. It is exactly how it needed to be.
September 28, 2021
Blah
I've been reading Susan Mallery for a lot of years and have greatly enjoyed her books. In most cases, I have re-read them as well. However, this book, for some reason, didn't reach the same level as her other books. For the first time, I wanted the book to end so I could be done with it, instead of just wanting the climax of the story. I'm sorry to give a negative review, but I truly did not enjoy this book.
I've been reading Susan Mallery for a lot of years and have greatly enjoyed her books. In most cases, I have re-read them as well. However, this book, for some reason, didn't reach the same level as her other books. For the first time, I wanted the book to end so I could be done with it, instead of just wanting the climax of the story. I'm sorry to give a negative review, but I truly did not enjoy this book.
April 10, 2023
Obwohl es nicht meinem eigentlichen Bücherstil entspricht, war es eine sehr schöne und gelungene Geschichte, die mich schon mit den ersten Seiten in den Bann gezogen hat. Die Geschichte, sowie die Charaktere waren ganz gut und haben mich mit vielen Emotionen beschert. Das Ende war auch ganz oke, jedoch hätte ich das am liebsten geändert, da mich dies ein bisschen gestört hat. 3/5 Sterne. Kann es empfehlen und würde es nochmal lesen :)
April 12, 2018
The plot was a bit banal and the two stories quite identical; the legend of the nightgown should have been better explored and maybe Chloe’s and Cassie’s experiences should have been differentiated a bit, at least.
Anyway, from a person who is not usually fond of this genre, I must admit I enjoyed it.
Anyway, from a person who is not usually fond of this genre, I must admit I enjoyed it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2018
It was a romance but also what happens when you wear a special night gown on a certain
birthday to dream about the man you will marry. Two sisters that were separated after
parents death needing to forgive Aunt.
birthday to dream about the man you will marry. Two sisters that were separated after
parents death needing to forgive Aunt.
August 30, 2017
This anthology consists of:
Dream Bride which was originally a SSE #1231, and
Dream Groom which was originally a SSE #1244
Dream Bride which was originally a SSE #1231, and
Dream Groom which was originally a SSE #1244
October 27, 2017
Meeldis väga
dnf
July 12, 2020Stoopid.
November 5, 2020
Two very good books about sisters finding their true loves, in very different ways and circumstances.
January 11, 2021
Susan Mallery always outdoes herself. Another fantastic book loved this one
September 21, 2021
These were cute stories and I liked the family legend, but they're definitely a bit dated. I didn't love the casual sexism throughout.
May 21, 2024
Nancy
This was a very wonderful book. The characters were so funny. It was just fun to read. The story was interesting and romantic. Thanks
This was a very wonderful book. The characters were so funny. It was just fun to read. The story was interesting and romantic. Thanks
March 23, 2017
This book is actually 2 stories. One titled Dream Bride and the other Dream Groom.
The first is the story of Chloe Bradley and the second is the story of her sister Cassie. In each story the common thread is a nightgown and the mystical magic it holds for the wearer if worn to bed the night of their 25th Birthday.
The first is the story of Chloe Bradley and the second is the story of her sister Cassie. In each story the common thread is a nightgown and the mystical magic it holds for the wearer if worn to bed the night of their 25th Birthday.
May 6, 2015
This is a 2 story book from Susan Mallery.
The family legend has it that when a female of the Bradley family wears a soft lace "magic" nightgown on the night of their 25th birhtday, she will dream of the man of her destiny. The nightgown was given to a young woman several centuries ago by a gypsy she had saved from certain death.
Dream Bride is the first story in the book.
It is the story of Chloe and Arizona.
Chloe wears the nightgown and has a dream about a handsome stranger. He is everything she has ever wanted in a man. So she is shocked when she meets him the very next day. She wonders if there is something to the legend when she finds his charm and kisses irresistible. Can she keep herself from falling in love when she knows he isn't one to "settle down"? How will he feel when he finds out about the tale of the Bradley family nightgown?
Dream Groom is the second story in the book.
It is the story of Cassie, Chloe's sister and Ryan.
Ryan is Cassie's boss. She becomes the nanny for Ryan's niece after his brother and sister-in-law die in a tragic accident.
Cassie has been "promised" to her boyfriend since high school. She knows she wil never have her fantasy of being swept off her feet by him. She also thinks Ryan is out of her league but Ryan starts noticing her as she takes care of his niece. Thinking about the nightgown and her upcoming 25th birthday makes Cassie realize she has just been "settling" all along, just as her sister thought. Would a man who is all business find the sweet Cassie someone who could change his mind about bachelorhood? What is Cassie to do with her desire for Ryan when she has only known her boyfriend, Joel?
Enjoyed both stories of each of the sisters. This book is witty, humorous and very romantic. Maybe sometimes dreams do come true!
The family legend has it that when a female of the Bradley family wears a soft lace "magic" nightgown on the night of their 25th birhtday, she will dream of the man of her destiny. The nightgown was given to a young woman several centuries ago by a gypsy she had saved from certain death.
Dream Bride is the first story in the book.
It is the story of Chloe and Arizona.
Chloe wears the nightgown and has a dream about a handsome stranger. He is everything she has ever wanted in a man. So she is shocked when she meets him the very next day. She wonders if there is something to the legend when she finds his charm and kisses irresistible. Can she keep herself from falling in love when she knows he isn't one to "settle down"? How will he feel when he finds out about the tale of the Bradley family nightgown?
Dream Groom is the second story in the book.
It is the story of Cassie, Chloe's sister and Ryan.
Ryan is Cassie's boss. She becomes the nanny for Ryan's niece after his brother and sister-in-law die in a tragic accident.
Cassie has been "promised" to her boyfriend since high school. She knows she wil never have her fantasy of being swept off her feet by him. She also thinks Ryan is out of her league but Ryan starts noticing her as she takes care of his niece. Thinking about the nightgown and her upcoming 25th birthday makes Cassie realize she has just been "settling" all along, just as her sister thought. Would a man who is all business find the sweet Cassie someone who could change his mind about bachelorhood? What is Cassie to do with her desire for Ryan when she has only known her boyfriend, Joel?
Enjoyed both stories of each of the sisters. This book is witty, humorous and very romantic. Maybe sometimes dreams do come true!
July 4, 2017
A book that includes two actual books reprinted so the stories of two sisters can be read back-to-back. I always love these types of books since you don't have to go scrounging or pulling out your wallet to find the next in the series. Basically my scoring for these individually are:
Dream Bride: 5 Stars
Dream Groom: 4 Stars
The stories were well-written and the reading easy to follow along without any main lapses. The only main difference I found in the stories was the fact that "Dream Groom" seemed to take forever since it was so repetitive. You knew the ending but it just dilly-dallied to get there. And even though the magical nightie was suppose to be a part in both books it didn't really appear to be that much of a player in the second book.
Although I may not have been a fan of "Dream Groom" I gave it a 4 Star rating individually since Susan Mallery knows how to write emotionally. And I love when my heart strings get pulled so much that I am clapping, yelling and cheering on the characters since I know that I am into the book, especially after getting done with one that was so hard to get into.
For someone who likes paranormal romance there isn't much of a paranormal twist to it but a dash while the modern times will keep you grounded. Definitely a good read for the romantic, though.
Dream Bride: 5 Stars
Dream Groom: 4 Stars
The stories were well-written and the reading easy to follow along without any main lapses. The only main difference I found in the stories was the fact that "Dream Groom" seemed to take forever since it was so repetitive. You knew the ending but it just dilly-dallied to get there. And even though the magical nightie was suppose to be a part in both books it didn't really appear to be that much of a player in the second book.
Although I may not have been a fan of "Dream Groom" I gave it a 4 Star rating individually since Susan Mallery knows how to write emotionally. And I love when my heart strings get pulled so much that I am clapping, yelling and cheering on the characters since I know that I am into the book, especially after getting done with one that was so hard to get into.
For someone who likes paranormal romance there isn't much of a paranormal twist to it but a dash while the modern times will keep you grounded. Definitely a good read for the romantic, though.
December 27, 2013
(Dream Bride reviewed separately)
Return of the magical nightgown that reveals your destined true love in your dreams. In Dream Bride, the wearing of the nightgown comes first in the story. In Dream Groom, it comes as the ending for adopted Bradley daughter, Cassie, just six months younger than Chloe. Cassie believes in the nightgown's magic but worries that it won't work for her since she's not a true Bradley.
Cassie comes to the rescue of businessman Ryan Lawford who has been left with the care of his two-year-old niece after his brother & sister-in-law's death. As Cassie brings order out of chaos and teaches Ryan how to reach out and love his niece, he also learns how to get past his loveless past and deal with his grief. Cassie, in turn, learns to aspire to more than just a humdrum, boring, settled relationship with her boyfriend of nine years, Joel. Great use of humor in the scene where Ryan invites Joel to dinner to promote him getting back together with Cassie but neither one of them is cooperating. Also a bit of humor at the end when Cassie finally has her birthday and has her nightgown dreams.
Return of the magical nightgown that reveals your destined true love in your dreams. In Dream Bride, the wearing of the nightgown comes first in the story. In Dream Groom, it comes as the ending for adopted Bradley daughter, Cassie, just six months younger than Chloe. Cassie believes in the nightgown's magic but worries that it won't work for her since she's not a true Bradley.
Cassie comes to the rescue of businessman Ryan Lawford who has been left with the care of his two-year-old niece after his brother & sister-in-law's death. As Cassie brings order out of chaos and teaches Ryan how to reach out and love his niece, he also learns how to get past his loveless past and deal with his grief. Cassie, in turn, learns to aspire to more than just a humdrum, boring, settled relationship with her boyfriend of nine years, Joel. Great use of humor in the scene where Ryan invites Joel to dinner to promote him getting back together with Cassie but neither one of them is cooperating. Also a bit of humor at the end when Cassie finally has her birthday and has her nightgown dreams.
November 26, 2015
The first story was really cute although I really I can't stand the character of the indecisive and like unbeliever. If facts slap you in the face you should believe them. overall enjoyed the book although Arizona is a stupid name.
I really like the second story it was I like that she was a preschool teacher because I'm a preschool teacher as part of the job that you kind of defend your job even though it's super important and if you love it you love it. I really enjoyed her character in the first book she seem stupid but the way they presented her in this one she was just honest a little bit naive and just searching for safety and I really related to it. My biggest issue with the story was that I felt like Ryan made some last character changes very quickly. I thought he would struggle with the idea of being in love and wanting to settle down a little bit more. It was cute that he was like "and now I'm in love" but I thought of the little bit unrealistic. So overall the two stories combined were very good and I would definitely recommend them and reread them.
(eBook).
I really like the second story it was I like that she was a preschool teacher because I'm a preschool teacher as part of the job that you kind of defend your job even though it's super important and if you love it you love it. I really enjoyed her character in the first book she seem stupid but the way they presented her in this one she was just honest a little bit naive and just searching for safety and I really related to it. My biggest issue with the story was that I felt like Ryan made some last character changes very quickly. I thought he would struggle with the idea of being in love and wanting to settle down a little bit more. It was cute that he was like "and now I'm in love" but I thought of the little bit unrealistic. So overall the two stories combined were very good and I would definitely recommend them and reread them.
(eBook).
July 14, 2015
Dream Bride
According to family legend, Chloe Wright is destined to dream of her future groom on her twenty-fifth birthday. Chloe doesn't believe in fate, so she's shocked to find her path crossing with a handsome stranger. Arizona Smith is everything Chloe has ever wanted in a man. But she's not about to fall in love, especially since Arizona never settles anywhere for long. Still, his electrifying kisses and irresistible charm have Chloe suddenly wondering if there's something to that legend after all....
Dream Groom
Cassie Bradley Wright knows the fantasy of being swept off her feet by her boss is just that--a fantasy. After all, Ryan Lawford is way out of her league. And business and balance sheets are his whole world. But little does Cassie know that her sweet ways are changing his mind. The former determined bachelor just might take on the role of dream groom.
Very enjoyable reading. Loved the touch of magic/fantasy. 5 stars.
According to family legend, Chloe Wright is destined to dream of her future groom on her twenty-fifth birthday. Chloe doesn't believe in fate, so she's shocked to find her path crossing with a handsome stranger. Arizona Smith is everything Chloe has ever wanted in a man. But she's not about to fall in love, especially since Arizona never settles anywhere for long. Still, his electrifying kisses and irresistible charm have Chloe suddenly wondering if there's something to that legend after all....
Dream Groom
Cassie Bradley Wright knows the fantasy of being swept off her feet by her boss is just that--a fantasy. After all, Ryan Lawford is way out of her league. And business and balance sheets are his whole world. But little does Cassie know that her sweet ways are changing his mind. The former determined bachelor just might take on the role of dream groom.
Very enjoyable reading. Loved the touch of magic/fantasy. 5 stars.
December 9, 2013
Dream Bride:I believe this was the first Susan Mallery book I've read that seemed to start out slow, in my opinion at least. Although like any great Mallery book, Dream Bride drew me in and kept me turning the pages. Who needs sleep?
Arizona was a man determined to stay single because of the way the men in his family behaved towards family and responsibilities. Chloe didn't want to believe in the magic of the nightgown she had to wear the night of her 25th birthday. Together they learned to believe in magic and love.
Dream Groom:Cassie was so intent on having roots in her life she didn't realize she was settling for a less than stellar guy. When she walked into Ryan's house to help him with his niece her eyes were opened and her plans changed. Settling was no longer in the cards.
Arizona was a man determined to stay single because of the way the men in his family behaved towards family and responsibilities. Chloe didn't want to believe in the magic of the nightgown she had to wear the night of her 25th birthday. Together they learned to believe in magic and love.
Dream Groom:Cassie was so intent on having roots in her life she didn't realize she was settling for a less than stellar guy. When she walked into Ryan's house to help him with his niece her eyes were opened and her plans changed. Settling was no longer in the cards.
December 4, 2013
I loved Chloe and Arizona in "Dream Bride". On their own, I could've given them a 5-star rating. Could not put the book down, and thought I had a new favorite Susan Mallery couple. Then "Dream Groom" came along with Cassie and Ryan (and little Sasha) and yet another new fave couple was born. I'm not sure how Susan Mallery topped a 5-star book, but I'm hoping there may be more of the Wraights to see in the future, just so we can see their lives develop a bit more. LOVED IT!
January 1, 2014
Another couple of great stories by Susan Mallery. I enjoyed Arizona and Chloe's story because it showed the triumph of true love for 2 non-believer's. Both the main characters have focused on their careers thinking that was all they needed in life.
It was funny to see the magic nightgown not appear until the end of Cassie's story. You actually believe that the dream did not show Ryan at all and it was funny to think of who did appear to her. A quirky ending but perfect for the story.
It was funny to see the magic nightgown not appear until the end of Cassie's story. You actually believe that the dream did not show Ryan at all and it was funny to think of who did appear to her. A quirky ending but perfect for the story.
January 1, 2014
Disappointing as hell. Couldn't even read the first one cuz it sounded too much like some kind of reject Disney story. Had high hopes for the second one but way too much indecision and it just felt like the story was taking decades to conclude. Glad this was a freebie - reads a lot like some AH/AU fanfiction.
September 17, 2014
These two books in one volume are the stories of two sisters. The family tradition is that a "magic nightgown" will cause the women in the family to dream of their future husband.
Dream Bride was a slow starter; Dream Groom a slow finisher.
I liked both stories but like Mallery's later books much more.
Dream Bride was a slow starter; Dream Groom a slow finisher.
I liked both stories but like Mallery's later books much more.
June 22, 2016
The first book barely held my attention and I only finished it because I made myself. The second book, well, I skipped to the end. I might have missed something great, but after the first book, I couldn't even think about getting into the second.
Normally I love Susan Mallery books and read them as soon as I can get my hands on them, so this is not the norm.
Normally I love Susan Mallery books and read them as soon as I can get my hands on them, so this is not the norm.
July 23, 2025
This is a 3.5. It was good. It was fun and I liked the characters. It was a different set of characters then I am used to for the first story with an archaeologist being the MMC. I love Susan Mallory. Her books are sweet and make you say aww! It didn’t have a ton of substance, but they are shorter stories about 2 sisters. Good summer read!
January 1, 2014
Loved both stories...It's Susan Mallery, what's not to love?!? The first one started out a little slow for me but finished beautifully and the second story grabbed me from the beginning and I finished it in a half a day!! Love this author and everything she writes!!
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