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Bride or Die
Proposal planner Claire Hartley thought calling off her own wedding would be the most traumatic event of her year. But when her ex-college roommate vanishes without a trace and Claire begins receiving mysterious threats, she realizes she has bigger problems.
Could she be the next victim of West Haven’s suspected serial killer?
Her only escape from the imminent danger is her adorably derpy rescue corgi and her job as the city’s most awarded marriage proposal planner. Unfortunately work turns into a war zone when she’s forced to collaborate on the biggest project of her career with a hunky, grumpy filmmaker. In addition to six-pack abs, he’s got one big secret and way too many opinions.
Claire can’t afford to wait for the police to solve this case. The clock is ticking and the threats against her are escalating.
Can her meticulous organizational and research skills help her catch a killer before she becomes the next victim?
Equally important, will she make it through her best friend’s surprise proposal without murdering—or falling for—the annoyingly handsome filmmaker?
Could she be the next victim of West Haven’s suspected serial killer?
Her only escape from the imminent danger is her adorably derpy rescue corgi and her job as the city’s most awarded marriage proposal planner. Unfortunately work turns into a war zone when she’s forced to collaborate on the biggest project of her career with a hunky, grumpy filmmaker. In addition to six-pack abs, he’s got one big secret and way too many opinions.
Claire can’t afford to wait for the police to solve this case. The clock is ticking and the threats against her are escalating.
Can her meticulous organizational and research skills help her catch a killer before she becomes the next victim?
Equally important, will she make it through her best friend’s surprise proposal without murdering—or falling for—the annoyingly handsome filmmaker?
528 pages, ebook
First published February 24, 2024
1343 people are currently reading
5327 people want to read
About the author
Madison Score
6 books646 followersMadison Score is the author of the Claire Hartley Accidental Mystery series (and the younger, weirder sister of Lucy Score.) She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, son, and perpetually-shedding corgi. For some reason her parents allowed her to get a degree in Creative Writing, which she now utilizes to craft stories with comedy, romance, and sometimes a hefty dose of crime.
When she’s not writing or chasing after her tornado of a toddler (seriously, how many times can he upend our rubber tree?) you can find her blatantly ignoring recipes in the kitchen, flailing her body around in the gym, or bingeing true crime podcasts, TV, and movies.
Follow her on Facebook and Instagram if you want to see an excess of poorly-photographed foods during her weekly Madison Tries It segment.
When she’s not writing or chasing after her tornado of a toddler (seriously, how many times can he upend our rubber tree?) you can find her blatantly ignoring recipes in the kitchen, flailing her body around in the gym, or bingeing true crime podcasts, TV, and movies.
Follow her on Facebook and Instagram if you want to see an excess of poorly-photographed foods during her weekly Madison Tries It segment.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 366 reviews
March 5, 2024
What can I say about BRIDE OR DIE? A few chapters in a character referred to a small animal as a M*DGET and then there was an off-handed joke about epilepsy.
Because this was an ARC read, I first privately contacted the author and kindly mentioned this issue. She responded with the statement that she wrote this book ages ago and had personally grown since then. Soooo..... yeah.... that was her response.
I made it to around 35% when the cartoonishly one-dimensional female antagonist was on a morning news show (as a guest being interviewed about her rival business to the FMC) and looked into the camera and said, “Jason is mine. I won. You hear that, Claire? I won your fiancé, and I will win the award this year. You are nothing. You hear me? Nothing.”
I just....🙄
So I skipped forward to skim a bit and stumbled onto a scene where the heroine gets an accidental injury and is in the hospital. There is a scene where the doctor and nurse are repeatedly asking if she is a victim of domestic violence and the heroine keeps joking about it.
“Claire, this is a safe space. You can tell us what really happened,” the woman encouraged... “He’s never laid a hand on you?”
“I wouldn’t mind if he laid a hand on me, if you know what I mean.” Claire tried to wiggle her eyebrows.
In the year of our Lord 2024, are authors really making light of domestic violence in their rom coms?
I was excited for a rom-com/romantic suspense read, but BRIDE OR DIE did not do it for me.
DNF: 34%
CW: offensive term for little people, joke about epilepsy, women murdered by serial killer, making light of potential domestic violence
Because this was an ARC read, I first privately contacted the author and kindly mentioned this issue. She responded with the statement that she wrote this book ages ago and had personally grown since then. Soooo..... yeah.... that was her response.
I made it to around 35% when the cartoonishly one-dimensional female antagonist was on a morning news show (as a guest being interviewed about her rival business to the FMC) and looked into the camera and said, “Jason is mine. I won. You hear that, Claire? I won your fiancé, and I will win the award this year. You are nothing. You hear me? Nothing.”
I just....🙄
So I skipped forward to skim a bit and stumbled onto a scene where the heroine gets an accidental injury and is in the hospital. There is a scene where the doctor and nurse are repeatedly asking if she is a victim of domestic violence and the heroine keeps joking about it.
“Claire, this is a safe space. You can tell us what really happened,” the woman encouraged... “He’s never laid a hand on you?”
“I wouldn’t mind if he laid a hand on me, if you know what I mean.” Claire tried to wiggle her eyebrows.
In the year of our Lord 2024, are authors really making light of domestic violence in their rom coms?
I was excited for a rom-com/romantic suspense read, but BRIDE OR DIE did not do it for me.
DNF: 34%
CW: offensive term for little people, joke about epilepsy, women murdered by serial killer, making light of potential domestic violence
February 10, 2024
Phenomenal storytelling!!! Wedding proposal planner extraordinaire, Claire Hartley had me laughing out loud and shouting "Danger! Danger! Don't do that!" Her complexities made her relatable and likable. Her organizational skills and ability to plan for the unexpected are top-notch.
Documentary filmmaker Luke Islestorm is talented, a bit rough around the edges, and extremely romantic. Rosie the Corgi was the cutest little sidekick ever.
The two are working together to create the ultimate proposal, between Luke's best friend, Kyle, and Calire's best friend, Nicole. The chemistry is undeniable. There are a few scenes that left me wanting more for the two, but it was a refreshing change from all the smuttier books I've read lately.
Claire realizes that she is possibly being stalked by a serial killer who has killed numerous women already. The action and mystery aspects are clever and a bit nerve-wracking at times. I was certain I knew who the killer was......I was wrong.
Overall rating 10/5 stars. I recommend giving Bride or Die a read.
Documentary filmmaker Luke Islestorm is talented, a bit rough around the edges, and extremely romantic. Rosie the Corgi was the cutest little sidekick ever.
The two are working together to create the ultimate proposal, between Luke's best friend, Kyle, and Calire's best friend, Nicole. The chemistry is undeniable. There are a few scenes that left me wanting more for the two, but it was a refreshing change from all the smuttier books I've read lately.
Claire realizes that she is possibly being stalked by a serial killer who has killed numerous women already. The action and mystery aspects are clever and a bit nerve-wracking at times. I was certain I knew who the killer was......I was wrong.
Overall rating 10/5 stars. I recommend giving Bride or Die a read.
February 25, 2024
Thank you so much @rick_283 for sending me this ARC!
Bride or Die is a debut book from Madison Score and a great mix of romantic suspense and romantic comedy that I really enjoyed!
After her ex-fiance cheated on her with her nemesis, Claire has sworn off men and and puts all her attention to her proposal planning business. But when the girls she went to college with are going missing and Claire has a feeling someone is following her, she tries to find out who is behind it, all the while planning the biggest proposal in her career for her best friend and dealing with the handsome filmmaker she needs to work with and who annoys her like no other.
It took me a bit to get fully into this book but once I did, I couldn’t put it down. This was a perfect mix of romantic suspense with a rom-com and it worked really great, I was invested with finding out who the murderer was and was laughing out loud at times at the situations Claire found herself in. Claire was an interesting main character, she was strong and independent and had a not-so-great of history with men so it was great to see her slowly open up to and trust Luke. The romance was extremely slow burn but there was a lot of tension from their first meeting, I loved their scenes together and they had such an amazing banter, it made me laugh out loud many times. I really liked the idea of Claire’s business, the proposal planning was so interesting and I liked reading about all of her ideas and how they played out and since there are going to be more books in this series, I hope we will get to see more of them.
Bride or Die was a really interesting and fun read, I recommend it and can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
Bride or Die is a debut book from Madison Score and a great mix of romantic suspense and romantic comedy that I really enjoyed!
After her ex-fiance cheated on her with her nemesis, Claire has sworn off men and and puts all her attention to her proposal planning business. But when the girls she went to college with are going missing and Claire has a feeling someone is following her, she tries to find out who is behind it, all the while planning the biggest proposal in her career for her best friend and dealing with the handsome filmmaker she needs to work with and who annoys her like no other.
It took me a bit to get fully into this book but once I did, I couldn’t put it down. This was a perfect mix of romantic suspense with a rom-com and it worked really great, I was invested with finding out who the murderer was and was laughing out loud at times at the situations Claire found herself in. Claire was an interesting main character, she was strong and independent and had a not-so-great of history with men so it was great to see her slowly open up to and trust Luke. The romance was extremely slow burn but there was a lot of tension from their first meeting, I loved their scenes together and they had such an amazing banter, it made me laugh out loud many times. I really liked the idea of Claire’s business, the proposal planning was so interesting and I liked reading about all of her ideas and how they played out and since there are going to be more books in this series, I hope we will get to see more of them.
Bride or Die was a really interesting and fun read, I recommend it and can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
March 1, 2024
Madison Score's debut novel is smart, sassy, and sweet, in exactly the right balance. Claire is a great heroine, strong but also real, with quirks and imperfections like an actual person. And Luke is fire. I really enjoyed their banter, moving from vitriol to teasing and into flirting. Claire's friends and coworkers are really loyal and fun, and her dog Rosie is a truly precious addition to the story. The suspense storyline moves along at the perfect pace, and the suspect is an unexpected twist. Overall, I really loved the story and look forward to the next installment!
February 5, 2024
Proposal Planning Mayhem
Claire Hartley is the premier proposal planner in town, winning all the awards and accolades for her fun and personal proposals. Claire and her best friend and best dog, Rosie, are kicking it up to high gear to plan the perfect proposal for their other best friend. Along with keeping this proposal a secret from her best friend, Claire is also dealing with the prospective groom’s bossy best friend who she’s wildly attracted to, a professional rival bent on sabotage, an overprotective mother, a lame ex-fiancée who refuses to let go, and oh yeah, a serial killer who has targeted her.
As Claire goes about her business, she takes us along as she tries to catch a killer. It’s a madcap adventure beautifully balanced by fun, imaginative, and swoony marriage proposals. Not to mention the sweet and emotional flirtation by the ultimate leading man, Luke Islestorm. Seriously, how great is that name?
This is the first of (hopefully) many Claire Hartley mysteries and the author does a great job of setting up the series without getting bogged down with an info dump. I found this book laugh-out-loud funny, romantic, suspenseful, and more fun than a barrel of monkeys!
Claire Hartley is the premier proposal planner in town, winning all the awards and accolades for her fun and personal proposals. Claire and her best friend and best dog, Rosie, are kicking it up to high gear to plan the perfect proposal for their other best friend. Along with keeping this proposal a secret from her best friend, Claire is also dealing with the prospective groom’s bossy best friend who she’s wildly attracted to, a professional rival bent on sabotage, an overprotective mother, a lame ex-fiancée who refuses to let go, and oh yeah, a serial killer who has targeted her.
As Claire goes about her business, she takes us along as she tries to catch a killer. It’s a madcap adventure beautifully balanced by fun, imaginative, and swoony marriage proposals. Not to mention the sweet and emotional flirtation by the ultimate leading man, Luke Islestorm. Seriously, how great is that name?
This is the first of (hopefully) many Claire Hartley mysteries and the author does a great job of setting up the series without getting bogged down with an info dump. I found this book laugh-out-loud funny, romantic, suspenseful, and more fun than a barrel of monkeys!
February 3, 2024
I’ve been anxiously awaiting the release of Bride or Die; and it totally exceeded all my expectations! I loved this lighthearted romantic suspense, the characters were well developed and I definitely did not see the “villain” coming.
Claire is a Wedding Proposal Planner and I found her company and services quite intriguing. She lives on her own with her sweet corgi Rosie and spends her days making couples’ dreams come true.
Luke is returning home to East Coast after serving in the Navy to pursue his interest in film making and investigative journalism.
Luke and Claire meet through a mutual friend and become business associates, when Luke assists as film director and videographer for Claire’s company.
Together they’ll face a serial killer threatening their small town and while pursuing leads they’ll also realize there may be romantic feelings involved.
We get to meet Claire’s best friends and associates, as well as her mother and local residents. We get to witness several fairy tale and high adrenaline proposals, and ultimately the dramatic conclusion of the criminal case.
Bride or Die is great, captivating story; and a most excellent Debut Novel by the brilliant Madison Score. I definitely recommend!
Claire is a Wedding Proposal Planner and I found her company and services quite intriguing. She lives on her own with her sweet corgi Rosie and spends her days making couples’ dreams come true.
Luke is returning home to East Coast after serving in the Navy to pursue his interest in film making and investigative journalism.
Luke and Claire meet through a mutual friend and become business associates, when Luke assists as film director and videographer for Claire’s company.
Together they’ll face a serial killer threatening their small town and while pursuing leads they’ll also realize there may be romantic feelings involved.
We get to meet Claire’s best friends and associates, as well as her mother and local residents. We get to witness several fairy tale and high adrenaline proposals, and ultimately the dramatic conclusion of the criminal case.
Bride or Die is great, captivating story; and a most excellent Debut Novel by the brilliant Madison Score. I definitely recommend!
February 11, 2024
What a phenomenal debut novel!! This book kept me on my toes the entire time with the mystery. I loved the romance and happily ever afters thrown in there. I had tears in my eyes through several scenes. I love romantic suspense and this one was amazing!
February 28, 2024
In her debut novel, Madison Score, will keep you guessing until the very end with a wonderful combination of romcom and romantic suspense. Bride or Die is a very sweet and swoony story filled with quirky characters and situations that will have you laughing one minute and wondering who done it next.
Claire Hartley is the premier proposal planner in her hometown. With her trusty dog Rosie by her side she is working towards her most important proposal for one of her best friends. Then one of Claire’s college roommates goes missing, suspected to have been taken by a local serial killer, she can’t help but be curious about what happened. When strange things start happening Claire starts to wonder if she might be next.
Luke Islestorm is a up and coming documentary film maker back in town and he has been tasked with assisting Claire with her latest proposal. Luke has a secret and finds himself more and more intrigued (& sometimes adorably frustrated) by Claire and he can’t stay away.
Claire is a loveable messy relatable girl and Luke is swoony, flirty romcom perfection. As they work together on the proposal feelings start to develop and they are then suddenly thrust into danger. I truly couldn’t read this fast enough to not only have the mystery solved but to see what was going to happen between Claire & Luke.
This book has a happy ending though there is so much more story to tell andI I look forward to getting back into this world and seeing what Claire, Luke, Rosie and the rest of the gang get up to.
Claire Hartley is the premier proposal planner in her hometown. With her trusty dog Rosie by her side she is working towards her most important proposal for one of her best friends. Then one of Claire’s college roommates goes missing, suspected to have been taken by a local serial killer, she can’t help but be curious about what happened. When strange things start happening Claire starts to wonder if she might be next.
Luke Islestorm is a up and coming documentary film maker back in town and he has been tasked with assisting Claire with her latest proposal. Luke has a secret and finds himself more and more intrigued (& sometimes adorably frustrated) by Claire and he can’t stay away.
Claire is a loveable messy relatable girl and Luke is swoony, flirty romcom perfection. As they work together on the proposal feelings start to develop and they are then suddenly thrust into danger. I truly couldn’t read this fast enough to not only have the mystery solved but to see what was going to happen between Claire & Luke.
This book has a happy ending though there is so much more story to tell andI I look forward to getting back into this world and seeing what Claire, Luke, Rosie and the rest of the gang get up to.
July 27, 2024
this murder mystery romance was a fun read! the pacing was a bit slow for me in the middle but i had a timeee overall
February 29, 2024
I went into this expecting a romance with a suspense sub-plot but instead got a suspense with a romance sub-plot and I was not disappointed at all. I’ve been wanting a good serial killer suspense book and this one fit the bill perfectly.
The suspense storyline was fantastic, I was constant guessing who the serial killer was and nerve got it right. There were so many good options, twists and turns, and when once they were revealed I was shocked.
Luke and Claire have such good banter, I loved their enemies to friends to dating plot line. It all progressed wonderfully and felt very realistic based on the timeline in the book. It’s like getting to read the entire courting side of a relationship! I hope to see more of Claire and her friends in the future!
The suspense storyline was fantastic, I was constant guessing who the serial killer was and nerve got it right. There were so many good options, twists and turns, and when once they were revealed I was shocked.
Luke and Claire have such good banter, I loved their enemies to friends to dating plot line. It all progressed wonderfully and felt very realistic based on the timeline in the book. It’s like getting to read the entire courting side of a relationship! I hope to see more of Claire and her friends in the future!
February 11, 2024
Starting out with a BANG!
Amazing storytelling from Madison Score’s first book! I absolutely loved the mash up of rom-com and romantic suspense!
Amazing storytelling from Madison Score’s first book! I absolutely loved the mash up of rom-com and romantic suspense!
February 25, 2024
Not here for jokes about epilepsy or domestic violence in my romance novels, considering I’ve dealt with both. Hard pass. Get a sensitivity reader already, Ms Score.
February 19, 2024
Madison Score's debut novel is a clever mix of wit, charm, and tenderness. Claire, our leading lady, is a compelling character—strong yet authentically flawed, reflecting the nuances of a genuine person. Luke brings an undeniable intensity to the narrative, and their exchanges, ranging from sharp arguments to playful banter and eventually evolving into flirtation, were thoroughly enjoyable.
Claire's circle of friends and colleagues adds depth to the story, showcasing both loyalty and amusement. The inclusion of Rosie, her dog, is a heartwarming touch. The suspenseful plot unfolds at a well-paced rhythm, maintaining engagement, and the unexpected twist with the suspect adds an intriguing layer.
In summary, I found the narrative thoroughly engaging and eagerly anticipate the next installment in the series!
Claire's circle of friends and colleagues adds depth to the story, showcasing both loyalty and amusement. The inclusion of Rosie, her dog, is a heartwarming touch. The suspenseful plot unfolds at a well-paced rhythm, maintaining engagement, and the unexpected twist with the suspect adds an intriguing layer.
In summary, I found the narrative thoroughly engaging and eagerly anticipate the next installment in the series!
February 24, 2024
I just feel like I'm wading through mud and wondering what the point is... I gave it an extra 10% and ultimately DNF'd at 15%. It sounded like a fun premise, but it's been a lot of words with not a lot happening.
June 25, 2024
Wow! I loved everything about this book. I thought the title was really catchy and after reading the synopsis I knew I would be obsessed!
Claire Hartley bringing everyone the perfect proposal even though hers was a hot mess express was 🤌🏻 I couldn't see Claire in any other job. Her attention to detail was spectacular! Her planning for Nicole's proposal was insane and I had multiple teary eyes during this segment. Then you add in Luke who's kind of full of himself but honestly in the best way possible was great. I loved their interactions together so much. Their banter was so good! I love a good grumpy cinnamon roll.
The mystery of who the ☠️ was had me hooked. I couldn't stop reading this because I had to know! Honestly I didn't see it coming which was such a nice surprise. Even some of the scenes even though funny were kinda creepy and had my hairs standing up. I LOVED IT.
I can't wait to start book two. Madison will for sure be an auto buy for me 💗
Thank you Hambright PR for the gifted copy.
Claire Hartley bringing everyone the perfect proposal even though hers was a hot mess express was 🤌🏻 I couldn't see Claire in any other job. Her attention to detail was spectacular! Her planning for Nicole's proposal was insane and I had multiple teary eyes during this segment. Then you add in Luke who's kind of full of himself but honestly in the best way possible was great. I loved their interactions together so much. Their banter was so good! I love a good grumpy cinnamon roll.
The mystery of who the ☠️ was had me hooked. I couldn't stop reading this because I had to know! Honestly I didn't see it coming which was such a nice surprise. Even some of the scenes even though funny were kinda creepy and had my hairs standing up. I LOVED IT.
I can't wait to start book two. Madison will for sure be an auto buy for me 💗
Thank you Hambright PR for the gifted copy.
February 26, 2024
4 ⭐
.5 🌶️
Cozy mystery? Yes, please. Cute corgi? Yes, please. Bride or Die is Madison Score's first novel and for the most part, it was enjoyable and kept me entertained. Were there some problems? Maybe. It all depends on how much you want to go into a book and pick it apart. I recognize it's a debut and it's not perfect. But when I look at the overall story, the characters, the pacing, and my desire to continue the series, this is a great debut and Madison's storytelling will only improve as she continues the series. I am invested now, I want to see what other mysteries Claire and Luke can get up to as their relationship grows. I enjoyed Claire's friends Mindy and Nicole and the dynamic of them all, including Claire's psychic mom who kept wanting to do her tarot reading. I enjoyed this novel and I look forward to the next in the series! Oh, and more Rosie the Corgi!!
.5 🌶️
Cozy mystery? Yes, please. Cute corgi? Yes, please. Bride or Die is Madison Score's first novel and for the most part, it was enjoyable and kept me entertained. Were there some problems? Maybe. It all depends on how much you want to go into a book and pick it apart. I recognize it's a debut and it's not perfect. But when I look at the overall story, the characters, the pacing, and my desire to continue the series, this is a great debut and Madison's storytelling will only improve as she continues the series. I am invested now, I want to see what other mysteries Claire and Luke can get up to as their relationship grows. I enjoyed Claire's friends Mindy and Nicole and the dynamic of them all, including Claire's psychic mom who kept wanting to do her tarot reading. I enjoyed this novel and I look forward to the next in the series! Oh, and more Rosie the Corgi!!
February 27, 2024
Written in third person from Claire’s POV, this debut ends with a HFN while wrapping up the mystery and leaving Claire and Luke well on their way to love.
I liked Claire’s character. She is a little OCD, and a lot of a control freak. I could 100% relate to her. Luke is a perfectionist in his own way. I loved how protective he is with Claire and how he finds her quirks amusing. They start off with a little bit of a rival vibe that quickly becomes a friendship loaded with mutual attraction. Though they seem like opposites, and are in some ways, they are also a lot alike where it counts. They both value their friends and the found family they have with them. They are both creative in their own way. They both have a well-developed sense of justice and are methodical when necessary. Luke comes across as a bit cocky and arrogant at first, but I quickly came to believe that is part of his armor. He is swept away by Claire and her vibrant personality. I am seriously looking forward to getting to know Luke better in future books.
Moments of suspense, humor, and tender emotion are present along with Claire’s delightfully witty personality. The banter between the characters is fun. The secondary characters are interesting and an important part of the story. The mystery engaged me, and I didn’t know who the culprit was until it was revealed. For a debut book, I felt like this was well written. Though the first few chapters felt a little slow, things quickly picked up as the world and characters were established. Then I really didn’t want to put it down.
TW: Acts of violence and assault are described and occur on page on the way to finding the murderer in this mystery.
4.5 STARS
I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance reader copy of the book.
I liked Claire’s character. She is a little OCD, and a lot of a control freak. I could 100% relate to her. Luke is a perfectionist in his own way. I loved how protective he is with Claire and how he finds her quirks amusing. They start off with a little bit of a rival vibe that quickly becomes a friendship loaded with mutual attraction. Though they seem like opposites, and are in some ways, they are also a lot alike where it counts. They both value their friends and the found family they have with them. They are both creative in their own way. They both have a well-developed sense of justice and are methodical when necessary. Luke comes across as a bit cocky and arrogant at first, but I quickly came to believe that is part of his armor. He is swept away by Claire and her vibrant personality. I am seriously looking forward to getting to know Luke better in future books.
Moments of suspense, humor, and tender emotion are present along with Claire’s delightfully witty personality. The banter between the characters is fun. The secondary characters are interesting and an important part of the story. The mystery engaged me, and I didn’t know who the culprit was until it was revealed. For a debut book, I felt like this was well written. Though the first few chapters felt a little slow, things quickly picked up as the world and characters were established. Then I really didn’t want to put it down.
TW: Acts of violence and assault are described and occur on page on the way to finding the murderer in this mystery.
4.5 STARS
I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance reader copy of the book.
February 24, 2024
I loved this book. I fell asleep reading this book and would dream about this book. I was irritated when I had to do things that didn't include reading this book.
I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about a thriller/suspense/whodunit rom-com, but I'm glad I took a chance, because I loved it.
The banter was excellent, the friendships were strong, the dog was perfect, the ex was awful, the ex's new girl was *insert parks and rec gif* the worst!
I was very satisfied with the ending of this book. I think I figured out whodunit right when the author wanted me to, but before it was actually revealed. I felt like a genius.
Cons of reading this book:
• Book Hangover
I would absolutely recommend this book.
Spice: 🌶🌶
I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about a thriller/suspense/whodunit rom-com, but I'm glad I took a chance, because I loved it.
The banter was excellent, the friendships were strong, the dog was perfect, the ex was awful, the ex's new girl was *insert parks and rec gif* the worst!
I was very satisfied with the ending of this book. I think I figured out whodunit right when the author wanted me to, but before it was actually revealed. I felt like a genius.
Cons of reading this book:
• Book Hangover
I would absolutely recommend this book.
Spice: 🌶🌶
Read
March 10, 2024Claire is a proposal planner. And despite calling off her own wedding, she loves love, and loves what she does. What she doesn't love is having to work with a handsome, yet grumpy filmmaker to plan the perfect proposal for her bestfriend. And it only get further complicated when after her college roommate goes missing, and she starts to receive threats herself, this man starts asking too many questions. He's hiding something. So as the threats continue to escalate she decides she's going to solve this mystery crime herself.
I am just going to keep my thoughts rather brief because I didn’t love this story. While I thought the premise was fun and unique, it didn’t quite deliver. There was some quick witted humour throughout- some enjoyable, some not so much. There was also a lot going on in this story and it was bit long winded. The FMC is a strong character, a fierce businesswoman. But she came across unlikable to me, a little one dimensional. She gave Luke a lot of wrath, some I felt underserved. Because I really liked Luke. And would have loved to learn more about him. The whole "off to buy a stopwatch" comeback from him, cracked me up.
In the end I think not loving Clare, not always loving her humour (it felt in bad taste at times), made it hard for me to connect to the story. And ultimately, to connect to the romance of it all... which is what I went in for, and have to say felt pretty minimal. It feels more mystery focused. Which is great for those that love a great mystery with a splash of romance. I personally just wasn't as invested expecting a romance.
2.5 stars ⭐️
*I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own and given freely.
I am just going to keep my thoughts rather brief because I didn’t love this story. While I thought the premise was fun and unique, it didn’t quite deliver. There was some quick witted humour throughout- some enjoyable, some not so much. There was also a lot going on in this story and it was bit long winded. The FMC is a strong character, a fierce businesswoman. But she came across unlikable to me, a little one dimensional. She gave Luke a lot of wrath, some I felt underserved. Because I really liked Luke. And would have loved to learn more about him. The whole "off to buy a stopwatch" comeback from him, cracked me up.
In the end I think not loving Clare, not always loving her humour (it felt in bad taste at times), made it hard for me to connect to the story. And ultimately, to connect to the romance of it all... which is what I went in for, and have to say felt pretty minimal. It feels more mystery focused. Which is great for those that love a great mystery with a splash of romance. I personally just wasn't as invested expecting a romance.
2.5 stars ⭐️
*I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own and given freely.
February 29, 2024
One sunshine-y wedding proposal planner and one reluctant photographer get tangled with a serial killer's crooked plans..and Bride or Die by Madison Score is born. This is my first time with an Accidental mystery and it was just so much fun.
Claire Hartley has a reputation of being the most amazing wedding proposal planner and she creates these out of the world dramatic wedding proposals those make people cry and swoon. Her best friends are getting married and she is in charge of the proposal plan. Luke is a mutual friend who is a famous filmmaker and has agreed to help as a photographer. He doesn't believe in these elaborate over the top plans. Then strange things start happening with women disappearing and Claire getting followed and her apartment getting ransacked..now she is the target of a serial killer. Luke is showing some real protective moves in middle of their animosity and he has a plan too. Will they be able to catch the famous West Coast Widower?
Claire is a sweetheart and the story is told from third person POV. She is a complete romantic and she really believes in love, even after her fiance was caught cheating on her with her biggest business Rival. She has such a heartwarming personality that wins you over immediately. She loves her friends. She loves her Journal and spreadsheets. She is a genuine person. Luke was antagonizing her deliberately..making fun of her unique profession and crazy ideas but in secret, he liked her sassy and sweet personality. I lpve Luke and his straightforward witty and occasionally alpha ways.Their banter was on point. This is a closed door romance so not many steamy moments but there were some really beautiful ones those will make you swoon! The mystery part was incorporated in a clever way..it doesn't make the story dark or scary. There are not many dark moments except at the end when the killer gets hold of Claire. Luke and Claire's slowly building chemistry and love played a perfect counterpart to the mystery.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
Claire Hartley has a reputation of being the most amazing wedding proposal planner and she creates these out of the world dramatic wedding proposals those make people cry and swoon. Her best friends are getting married and she is in charge of the proposal plan. Luke is a mutual friend who is a famous filmmaker and has agreed to help as a photographer. He doesn't believe in these elaborate over the top plans. Then strange things start happening with women disappearing and Claire getting followed and her apartment getting ransacked..now she is the target of a serial killer. Luke is showing some real protective moves in middle of their animosity and he has a plan too. Will they be able to catch the famous West Coast Widower?
Claire is a sweetheart and the story is told from third person POV. She is a complete romantic and she really believes in love, even after her fiance was caught cheating on her with her biggest business Rival. She has such a heartwarming personality that wins you over immediately. She loves her friends. She loves her Journal and spreadsheets. She is a genuine person. Luke was antagonizing her deliberately..making fun of her unique profession and crazy ideas but in secret, he liked her sassy and sweet personality. I lpve Luke and his straightforward witty and occasionally alpha ways.Their banter was on point. This is a closed door romance so not many steamy moments but there were some really beautiful ones those will make you swoon! The mystery part was incorporated in a clever way..it doesn't make the story dark or scary. There are not many dark moments except at the end when the killer gets hold of Claire. Luke and Claire's slowly building chemistry and love played a perfect counterpart to the mystery.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
March 28, 2024
this was so fun and i DID NOT see the reveal coming 10/10
March 8, 2024
Ok. I've sat on this review for a while now, hoping my feelings on this would change the longer I sat with it, but they just haven't. I also seem to be one of the very few who didn't like this, so maybe this is entirely a me issue and you shouldn't listen to me at all, but I did not like this one.
- It was long. Way longer than I think it needed to be. There were tons of side stories that I don't think were necessary to the story. Claire is an event planner, specializing in proposals, and a lot of scenes that didn't feel necessary to me were around that piece of the story. I think you could have shown what her job was and how it played a part in the story with one (maybe two) jobs, but we got more than that.
- I didn't like Claire, at all. She seemed to dislike Luke for no real reason, and she came off as thinking she was more important and better than those around her, even her friends at times, which just didn't work for me. I honestly couldn't understand why Luke liked her at all.
- I still don't know much about Luke to have any significant opinions on him, and with a book that was close to 500 pages, I should have strong opinions on the love interest. I'm indifferent towards him, though I think he has potential. He would be the reason I give the next book a shot.
- The mystery/suspense... I have read plenty of books where I don't know who the bad guy is until the reveal, but in those books I can generally look back and see all the clues left to behind to get us to that conclusion. When it came to this one, it was completely out of the blue with no hints to the reveal of the bad guy. There was one scene I remember reading thinking "oh, that's the guy", but there was no connection to that scene and who the bad guy really was. I liked the mystery/suspense plot itself, I just didn't think it was completely developed so we could have a chance of figuring it out, which is something I look for in a romantic suspense.
- The romance. I don't have an issue with closed door/clean romances, there are quite a few I enjoy, but the romance in this one just didn't work for me. There are hints of it, and moments between Luke and Claire that feel like a great start, but then I would question what Luke even sees in Claire in the first place.
All this to say, I really wanted to like this one, but I just didn't. I'm not completely against reading the next book in the series, but it won't be a priority for me. Again, I seem to be in the minority when it comes to this book, so it might be worth checking out, but it wasn't for me.
✔️ She Doesn't Like Him
✔️ Quasi Workplace
✔️ Mystery/Suspense
✔️ Third Person Single POV
*I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
- It was long. Way longer than I think it needed to be. There were tons of side stories that I don't think were necessary to the story. Claire is an event planner, specializing in proposals, and a lot of scenes that didn't feel necessary to me were around that piece of the story. I think you could have shown what her job was and how it played a part in the story with one (maybe two) jobs, but we got more than that.
- I didn't like Claire, at all. She seemed to dislike Luke for no real reason, and she came off as thinking she was more important and better than those around her, even her friends at times, which just didn't work for me. I honestly couldn't understand why Luke liked her at all.
- I still don't know much about Luke to have any significant opinions on him, and with a book that was close to 500 pages, I should have strong opinions on the love interest. I'm indifferent towards him, though I think he has potential. He would be the reason I give the next book a shot.
- The mystery/suspense... I have read plenty of books where I don't know who the bad guy is until the reveal, but in those books I can generally look back and see all the clues left to behind to get us to that conclusion. When it came to this one, it was completely out of the blue with no hints to the reveal of the bad guy. There was one scene I remember reading thinking "oh, that's the guy", but there was no connection to that scene and who the bad guy really was. I liked the mystery/suspense plot itself, I just didn't think it was completely developed so we could have a chance of figuring it out, which is something I look for in a romantic suspense.
- The romance. I don't have an issue with closed door/clean romances, there are quite a few I enjoy, but the romance in this one just didn't work for me. There are hints of it, and moments between Luke and Claire that feel like a great start, but then I would question what Luke even sees in Claire in the first place.
All this to say, I really wanted to like this one, but I just didn't. I'm not completely against reading the next book in the series, but it won't be a priority for me. Again, I seem to be in the minority when it comes to this book, so it might be worth checking out, but it wasn't for me.
✔️ She Doesn't Like Him
✔️ Quasi Workplace
✔️ Mystery/Suspense
✔️ Third Person Single POV
*I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 24, 2024
This is easily the worst book I’ve read in a long time. If I had to describe it in three words, they would be tacky, pretentious, and cliche. It was straight up painful to read and took me way longer than it should have to get through. The writing is comparable to a middle schooler with the sentence and paragraph structures, world building, character development, and language usage. It’s like reading a book written by a teenager who thinks they’re special with their quirky dark thoughts and the sense of humor of a middle school “jock” who thinks they’re the funniest thing. In the authors note, which starts the book and absolutely screams pick me girl, the author says “name it, I’ve butchered it”. Well buddy, Bride or Die (which the title itself doesn’t even fit the story rather just tries to be a play on words) proves that point. Nepotism runs strongly in this one, something the author acknowledges in the acknowledgments saying she hope she doesn’t bankrupt both her and her brother-in-law for publishing this book. The self depreciation attempts in the acknowledgments are incredibly pick-me girl but accurately hit the point that this is published due to nepotism. And thanking her partner for letting her talk out the book to get rid of plot holes? Sorry buddy, but you missed a ton of them. The writing is repetitive, with words being repeated over and over. The plot is absolutely lacking and there are so many extraneous details that just make the sub-par mystery so much worse. There is absolutely zero character development. It was obvious who the killer was by the number of times they were referenced, regardless of if it made sense. The dialogue was utterly unbelievable and the characters were outright unlikeable. There was soooooo much women hate, attacks on people’s appearances, and shaming of sexual activity throughout the entire book. The attempts at humor constantly fell flat. The author was like the jock class clown who makes jokes about people’s insecurities and really crappy your mom/that’s what she said jokes and expects everyone in the class to laugh. It played on every cliche out there. Oh, and did you know, it’s set in Pennsylvania? I was planning on writing a more comprehensive review and took notes throughout the entire book, but I find now that it is way too much effort to expend when I can just share my chronological list of thoughts while reading below.
Warning: the following notes contain swearing and spoilers. They are unedited immediate reactions to the content that I was reading rather than edited and organized thoughts. Also, if it sounds like it could be a compliment, read it sarcastically. I recommend reading them before picking up the book to save you from wasting your time reading it.
-Authors note: “I even went to college for it I’ll wait for you to stop laughing”, wow so quirky,(turns out I haven’t stopped laughing yet it ended up being so bad), uses way too many damn parenthesis
-she really stopped running just because she got cat called by college boys for a while? That seems a little weak honestly and unfortunately is a pretty common thing so I’m surprised that it made someone quit running who liked and ran consistently, doesn’t seem very believable
-what in tacky’s name is the whole wedding thing, unbelievable vibes
-too much women hating women shit
-the sentence structure is often weird and the writing is choppy
-no women want heart shaped jewelry even from their best friend
-dialogue feels inauthentic and unbelievable
-for someone who roasted sitcoms and tv in favor of books in the beginning, the book sure has the same derivative and basic nature of the dialogue (and maybe plot)
-so much women hate
-how many times in one page can the author say Pennsylvania and town names. Also the creativity overall is just zero when it comes to names of places and things. Either just set it in a real named town or name it something completely different not just the first half of the name
-Literally Claire hates on every single woman who isn’t her or her best friend and I cant fuck with it
-the roasts aren’t even good. They’re all about physical attributes which I hate and aren’t even creative
-is everyone in this just filthy rich
-so many stereotypes
-who needs to read a menu for their favorite pizza place to order peppers onion pepperoni and sausage?
-who the fuck leaves their door unlocked in a city and what’s the shit with the audacity of a man to just enter. And what in the unprofessional asshole arrogant fuck just shows up at night at someone’s house and then is a dick about work stuff
-all the characters are unlikeable and arrogant
-the character descriptions are so tropey and stereotypical “he may be an asshole but at least he’s hot”
-the characters are fucking 26 this is not believable? Luke, four years in active navy (plus the navy training which is like another year) and on top of that was in the medical side of the navy as a hospital corpse man which yes you can go right into but still is medical oriented and shit but then is a well known documentary maker with an award for a documentary on housewives who lived in California then moved back to fucking west haven (and where are all these rich fuckers coming from in this. It’s central PA)
-I’m not like other girls I play video games is that a problem
-Murders who would have been at least a bit more entertaining or make sense even if they were predictable 1) Luke 2) Claire 3) Mr and Mrs Leibovitz 4) Rosie 5) Mindy 6) her mom
-the physics of the bathroom scene make no fucking sense also why didn’t she just call someone including the client who just left
-bride or die makes no sense either the plot it should have been bride and die
-if someone padlocked the door to kidnap or murder or attack her, then why didn’t they also steal her purse with her keys and phone or take her phone and keys, unlock her car, put the keys back in the purse hide in the car then kidnap and kill her and the book could have been over at page 50
-Luke and his house and all that in PA is unbelievable also Claire everyone here is used to the smell of fertilizer and doesn’t make icky faces
-not today satan is used so many times
-I’m on page 52, wish I could dnf but can’t. I can’t fucking stand Claire. She’s nasty and not in a fun or interesting way but in an egotistical and arrogant way without any character to back it up or make her interesting. All she does is put people down and the whole over the top proposal thing is honestly gross and annoying
-what the fuck is this house it makes no sense
-Luke’s timeline is officially impossible. No way did he serve four active years in the military plus the training camps that he had to go through before that to become active duty (would have started at 18 at the earliest, so at the earliest he got out of the military at 22 but more likely 23), attend film school after, graduate, make an award winning raw documentary, buy a fucking mansion and is only 26 but he is an expert in gritty real and shocking stories that are so much more than journalism
-cliche cliche and more cliche
-Claire’s rant about proposals and massive to dos being the epitome of romance and that they’re so thoughtful and heartfelt gives me such an ick
-sexy man who has all the skills and talent and cares isn’t a cynic but a realist is absolutely unheard of wow
-there are so many frivolous details and street names and useless content that actually distracts from the story. A ton of filler to make it unnecessarily long. For the lack of “world building” and character development there was plenty of times were I was reminded that this is west haven and Pennsylvania and given every street she turned onto
-Lukes preachy unprofessional shit that’s supposed to be flirty banter falls so flat and is hypocritical and not at all entertaining
-why is there so much hate in this shit. There is no reason for Claire to be like “smiling at the mental image of a black scorpion dangling from Wendy’s beak like lips” dude it’s so unnecessary, out of no where (Wendy has literally been in one scene for two seconds at the start of the book) and I’m sick of the author using people’s physical attributes to attack people. Claire is just an unlikeable bully
-Claire’s internal monologues are so repetitive “this person did such a minor thing and I hate them and this is a way id love to cause them harm those douche bags”
-the friends are like mean girls meets sex in the city and in a weird doesn’t make sense kind of way and they’re conversations are supposed to be funny but are just cringey and the old timey Claire thing isn’t it either. The bar scene is so dumb
-the amount of time Claire talks about ripping off people’s limbs or killing them or serial killer binders and shit like that is so much and you can tell the author is trying to be funny but it’s so flat and overdone. It’s like the class jock who thinks they’re funny but really just puts other people down or makes vailed threats and calls it a joke and laughs themself but everyone else is just annoyed.
-the last names are so cliche and tacky ‘flutter’’hart’
-Claire is a selfish conceited asshole “oh no my roommate who I constantly slander is missing and now it’s my problem and that’s so annoying I have a proposal to plan”
-also there are scenes where I think the author forgot where the characters were and suddenly have them appear in a new location in a single sentence (apartment to police station)
-so repetitive. Everytime anything with the mystery/case pops up Claire is like this is it I’m no longer involved with this i have to work and plan proposals
-there is like zero diversity in the book and the few times there is the characters are such side characters that you either only hear a reference to them or meet them once. Plus domestic violence jokes and references it’s 2024 my dude. None of this shit is funny if other aspects were interesting I’d maybe give the benefit of the doubt for a slip up but it’s too common and the attempts at humor throughout this are terrible
-the tv interview scene was brutal and so hetero and cringey, even when she brought up queer relationships it was like your awkward aunt who is trying to be more okay with everything but still asks who wears the pants or what’s it like during your periods or but if you two have kids they need a mom or dad “that the girlfriend or boyfriend I guess”“hey women wear the pants too” and of course this is the 21st century so women can ask men to marry them but domestic jokes are still cool
-how much of a dumbass can you be to wear jimmy Choos to a frat party. You deserved them being ruined for being dumb. Claire is so unlikeable
-nobody wants to read douche every three seconds
-the wealth in this book is so overwhelming. Every character is rich as shit and pretty much all white and straight. The privilege is so blatant and adds nothing to the story
-luke showing up with a whole ass dr kit is also cringey. Actually this whole scene is painful. The sudden turned on by him and her being an asshole and also NSAIDs really? The author is trying way too hard to make him sound cool and smart but it’s just so unrealistic.
-the whole thing with Luke and the documentary about the missing/murdered women was so obvious it was painful
-the 180 with Luke is so weird.
-HOW DID THEY GO FROM BEING WEIRD AND RUDE TO EACHOTHER AND WITHIN AN TWO HOURS HES TICKLING HER FEET IM UNCOMFY WHAT IN THE FOOT FETTISH
-ah yes a ton of slut shaming and more woman hate
-also Barney is totally the murderer. the focus and consistent revisiting of his proposal/story gave it away. No subtlety whatsoever with that. Plus the start of the book but I was so caught up in how bad it was and cringing at it all that I didn’t even catch the name of who it was until I looked back. This book is such a stereotype cliche with plot points that are either totally predicatable or make absolutely no sense or are super unrealistic. Or all of the above. (Pg 162 guess). Unless it would have been a cool storyline (but I know it’s not) it would have been Claire or Luke. But her subtlety/attempted foreshadowing is a zero. She talks about him way too much and it would have to be someone entering/in the scene for the proposal stuff. Since the stalking happened before they got a bunch of new clients it has to be him.
-the Jason shit is annoying and it’s obvious she’s trying to use him as a red herring
-I’m so sick of the pick me girl energy and the you’re not like other girls. “I’ve never known a girl who likes metal” vomit. “I’m an enigma in yoga pants”
-bitch your obsession with giving this man blue balls is gross. Like how conceited do you have to be to think that a slight brush of a titty on someone’s upper arm is going to give him “the bluest of balls”
-“for once he didn’t comment on her idiosyncratic memory technique” girl you literally did it one other time in front of him stop being such a lil self conceited brat
-I’m offended by such a bad that’s what she said joke. It’s rare to get to experience a book that tries so hard to be funny and falls so incredibly flat
-these characters are so unlikeable and the whole run down yet again about the proposal is unnecessary and is described is so much detail and actually makes it much more obvious about who the villain is supposed to be talking about being a control freak and having a vision and almost saying no to him as a candidate and blah blah blah
-ah yes, we must ensure the one person in this from humble backgrounds is identified and said to not be a gold digger
-I was trying to ignore it but the to dos at the start of every chapter are stupid and offer nothing to the story.
-the egos and Claire’s reactions and Luke being so controlling and undermining and ugh I just can’t with this
-Luke holding up a hand to dismiss people is such a dickish character trait, how can someone make every single person in a book annoying and dislikeable
-the way Luke and Claire’s relationship develops is inauthentic and unbelievable
-even the murder mystery aspect is so cliche and basic
-ugh cringe. Now Luke plays guitar too to clear his head
“You already now most of my embarrassing favorite things” bitch video games and a love of pizza and metal music? Fuck off pick me girl
-I’m so sick of all the back and forth with Luke and Claire and then every cliche interruption when they get too close. It’s such a poorly executed slow burn
-yet another fucking eye roll “am I still a man if I admit that I enjoy the taste of blueberries in my alcohol” I’m so over the gender shit and cliche jokes. Like this is not endearing or cute or funny
-“you deserve 1000 volts straight to the nipples” cringe, eye roll
-when Jason shows up to her apartment after it’s trashed and she’s asking if he broke in, this girl really gives him the facts rather than using them to verify that he did or didn’t do it.
-the dialogue is just so unnatural
-the old times Claire and monocle thing is so ridiculous and does not make her crappy character any more endearing. I just roll my eyes
-I’ve thought this for a while but I do totally think it’s weird that Kyle is doing this over the top grand proposal thing and they still don’t live together but totally could. It’s just bizarre to me
-Luke’s overprotectiveness is too much. Everyone is so toxic
-what kind of judgey asshole keeps a list of someone else’s sexual partners. That’s fucked up. There is way too much slut shaming and women hate in this. The notebook and the way Claire speaks about Courtney is gross and so unnecessary. The author really wrote petty behaviors in this. This isn’t funny or cute or beneficial to the story. This information could have been given in so many ways but the author chose to use shaming someone for sex as a way to move her plot along.
-the author is trying so hard to appeal to readers with tropes. Claire doesn’t really keep putting herself in danger or doing anything cool
-Luke calls Claire kind which is not shown once in the whole damn book
-the author is obsessed with PA and it’s town and geography, always saying town names or Pennsylvania or West Haven Time and Time again and it’s too much.
-by page 310 this doesn’t need to be this long
-the Steve proposal and scenes are unnecessary filler
-a chorus of damns following her after a beyond mediocre roast? No way
-the kiss scene was so so and the book end thing was not at all surprising since the author always makes some force of nature interrupt them
-ah yes another joke about domestic violence
-Claire blaming Luke for the bookend thing is stupid
-the author is obsessed with putting only Pennsylvania things in the book to the point where it’s cringey. Best rhubarb pie at the diner that’s her favorite, teaberry ice cream is her favorite, now birch beer is her favorite ice cream
-the way Claire is talking/acting on the drugs is unrealistic sounding and just feels like someone guessing what drugs do to someone and making it some kind of “endearing” (it’s not) scene. It’s stupid and unbelievable
-“if she had worn her pointed heeled stilettos she’d have been over this thing already” bruh it’s a fence. And you claimed you grew up rural but you think you’d be up and over without breaking anything in heels? I can’t stand Claire no one thinks like this
-she earned the pain for doing all of this snooping and fence climbing with a concussion. Such a dumb character. She isn’t even noble about her intentions
-the clothing described in this is so tacky. It’s all neon pink and rhinestones and bleh
-page 383 and it’s still the dumb sex embargo and unnecessary proposal details and Claire repeatedly shitting on Luke. This book could and should be so much shorter
-the dialogue and attempts at banter about sex falls incredibly flat. The adults talk to each other like they’re in middle school. And the way Claire puts people down is also very middle school. It all just reads so petty
-the way the author is trying to build tension is not effective and is pretty transparent. The men following her around and everyone jumping on each other when they think it may be the widowmaker is getting old
-more woman shaming. Woo.
-if I have to read “something doesn’t feel right” one more time after Jason gets arrested…
-I’d be so pissed if someone moved me out of my place without me or my permission
-I’m so glad there isn’t any smut in this because it would have been terrible. Even just the kissing scenes make me cringe “gently pressed the cool steel of his tape measure into her stomach”
-way too hot and cold my god
-this supposed dirty talk is just eye roll inducing
-Nicole’s proposal lowkey makes me want to vomit. And again the dialogue and attempts at comedy are so bad
-so much unnecessary and uninteresting detail
-look Luke talking about her feet again
-Luke is literally always having no shirt or having it partially unbuttoned
-and another crappy that’s what she said joke.
-Jason showing up at Nicole’s engagement party is stupid. So are the lines like “Jason murderers aren’t welcome here”. If you have ever seen sharknado I imagine these lines in exactly the same voice as when the girl is talking about getting bitten and says “and that’s why I really hate sharks”
-oh my god I hate this book. It’s so bad. The whole Jason confrontation and the dialogue and all of it. It’s terrible. The “burns” are worse than things pre-teens say. My face may be in a permanent scowl/cringe from now on.
-the Wendy Claire fight is stupid too. What conceited assholes. The characters are such selfish pricks and I hate them.
-“besides after that girl on girl action” oh yeah that fight really would tickle the pickle of professional focused Luke I’m sure. So believable. And yet another moment of the author trying to make a Nicole and Claire being gay innuendo and eluding to experimenting with sexuality being a great butt if a joke in the friend group who slut shames and hates on women like it’s an Olympic sport
Warning: the following notes contain swearing and spoilers. They are unedited immediate reactions to the content that I was reading rather than edited and organized thoughts. Also, if it sounds like it could be a compliment, read it sarcastically. I recommend reading them before picking up the book to save you from wasting your time reading it.
-Authors note: “I even went to college for it I’ll wait for you to stop laughing”, wow so quirky,(turns out I haven’t stopped laughing yet it ended up being so bad), uses way too many damn parenthesis
-she really stopped running just because she got cat called by college boys for a while? That seems a little weak honestly and unfortunately is a pretty common thing so I’m surprised that it made someone quit running who liked and ran consistently, doesn’t seem very believable
-what in tacky’s name is the whole wedding thing, unbelievable vibes
-too much women hating women shit
-the sentence structure is often weird and the writing is choppy
-no women want heart shaped jewelry even from their best friend
-dialogue feels inauthentic and unbelievable
-for someone who roasted sitcoms and tv in favor of books in the beginning, the book sure has the same derivative and basic nature of the dialogue (and maybe plot)
-so much women hate
-how many times in one page can the author say Pennsylvania and town names. Also the creativity overall is just zero when it comes to names of places and things. Either just set it in a real named town or name it something completely different not just the first half of the name
-Literally Claire hates on every single woman who isn’t her or her best friend and I cant fuck with it
-the roasts aren’t even good. They’re all about physical attributes which I hate and aren’t even creative
-is everyone in this just filthy rich
-so many stereotypes
-who needs to read a menu for their favorite pizza place to order peppers onion pepperoni and sausage?
-who the fuck leaves their door unlocked in a city and what’s the shit with the audacity of a man to just enter. And what in the unprofessional asshole arrogant fuck just shows up at night at someone’s house and then is a dick about work stuff
-all the characters are unlikeable and arrogant
-the character descriptions are so tropey and stereotypical “he may be an asshole but at least he’s hot”
-the characters are fucking 26 this is not believable? Luke, four years in active navy (plus the navy training which is like another year) and on top of that was in the medical side of the navy as a hospital corpse man which yes you can go right into but still is medical oriented and shit but then is a well known documentary maker with an award for a documentary on housewives who lived in California then moved back to fucking west haven (and where are all these rich fuckers coming from in this. It’s central PA)
-I’m not like other girls I play video games is that a problem
-Murders who would have been at least a bit more entertaining or make sense even if they were predictable 1) Luke 2) Claire 3) Mr and Mrs Leibovitz 4) Rosie 5) Mindy 6) her mom
-the physics of the bathroom scene make no fucking sense also why didn’t she just call someone including the client who just left
-bride or die makes no sense either the plot it should have been bride and die
-if someone padlocked the door to kidnap or murder or attack her, then why didn’t they also steal her purse with her keys and phone or take her phone and keys, unlock her car, put the keys back in the purse hide in the car then kidnap and kill her and the book could have been over at page 50
-Luke and his house and all that in PA is unbelievable also Claire everyone here is used to the smell of fertilizer and doesn’t make icky faces
-not today satan is used so many times
-I’m on page 52, wish I could dnf but can’t. I can’t fucking stand Claire. She’s nasty and not in a fun or interesting way but in an egotistical and arrogant way without any character to back it up or make her interesting. All she does is put people down and the whole over the top proposal thing is honestly gross and annoying
-what the fuck is this house it makes no sense
-Luke’s timeline is officially impossible. No way did he serve four active years in the military plus the training camps that he had to go through before that to become active duty (would have started at 18 at the earliest, so at the earliest he got out of the military at 22 but more likely 23), attend film school after, graduate, make an award winning raw documentary, buy a fucking mansion and is only 26 but he is an expert in gritty real and shocking stories that are so much more than journalism
-cliche cliche and more cliche
-Claire’s rant about proposals and massive to dos being the epitome of romance and that they’re so thoughtful and heartfelt gives me such an ick
-sexy man who has all the skills and talent and cares isn’t a cynic but a realist is absolutely unheard of wow
-there are so many frivolous details and street names and useless content that actually distracts from the story. A ton of filler to make it unnecessarily long. For the lack of “world building” and character development there was plenty of times were I was reminded that this is west haven and Pennsylvania and given every street she turned onto
-Lukes preachy unprofessional shit that’s supposed to be flirty banter falls so flat and is hypocritical and not at all entertaining
-why is there so much hate in this shit. There is no reason for Claire to be like “smiling at the mental image of a black scorpion dangling from Wendy’s beak like lips” dude it’s so unnecessary, out of no where (Wendy has literally been in one scene for two seconds at the start of the book) and I’m sick of the author using people’s physical attributes to attack people. Claire is just an unlikeable bully
-Claire’s internal monologues are so repetitive “this person did such a minor thing and I hate them and this is a way id love to cause them harm those douche bags”
-the friends are like mean girls meets sex in the city and in a weird doesn’t make sense kind of way and they’re conversations are supposed to be funny but are just cringey and the old timey Claire thing isn’t it either. The bar scene is so dumb
-the amount of time Claire talks about ripping off people’s limbs or killing them or serial killer binders and shit like that is so much and you can tell the author is trying to be funny but it’s so flat and overdone. It’s like the class jock who thinks they’re funny but really just puts other people down or makes vailed threats and calls it a joke and laughs themself but everyone else is just annoyed.
-the last names are so cliche and tacky ‘flutter’’hart’
-Claire is a selfish conceited asshole “oh no my roommate who I constantly slander is missing and now it’s my problem and that’s so annoying I have a proposal to plan”
-also there are scenes where I think the author forgot where the characters were and suddenly have them appear in a new location in a single sentence (apartment to police station)
-so repetitive. Everytime anything with the mystery/case pops up Claire is like this is it I’m no longer involved with this i have to work and plan proposals
-there is like zero diversity in the book and the few times there is the characters are such side characters that you either only hear a reference to them or meet them once. Plus domestic violence jokes and references it’s 2024 my dude. None of this shit is funny if other aspects were interesting I’d maybe give the benefit of the doubt for a slip up but it’s too common and the attempts at humor throughout this are terrible
-the tv interview scene was brutal and so hetero and cringey, even when she brought up queer relationships it was like your awkward aunt who is trying to be more okay with everything but still asks who wears the pants or what’s it like during your periods or but if you two have kids they need a mom or dad “that the girlfriend or boyfriend I guess”“hey women wear the pants too” and of course this is the 21st century so women can ask men to marry them but domestic jokes are still cool
-how much of a dumbass can you be to wear jimmy Choos to a frat party. You deserved them being ruined for being dumb. Claire is so unlikeable
-nobody wants to read douche every three seconds
-the wealth in this book is so overwhelming. Every character is rich as shit and pretty much all white and straight. The privilege is so blatant and adds nothing to the story
-luke showing up with a whole ass dr kit is also cringey. Actually this whole scene is painful. The sudden turned on by him and her being an asshole and also NSAIDs really? The author is trying way too hard to make him sound cool and smart but it’s just so unrealistic.
-the whole thing with Luke and the documentary about the missing/murdered women was so obvious it was painful
-the 180 with Luke is so weird.
-HOW DID THEY GO FROM BEING WEIRD AND RUDE TO EACHOTHER AND WITHIN AN TWO HOURS HES TICKLING HER FEET IM UNCOMFY WHAT IN THE FOOT FETTISH
-ah yes a ton of slut shaming and more woman hate
-also Barney is totally the murderer. the focus and consistent revisiting of his proposal/story gave it away. No subtlety whatsoever with that. Plus the start of the book but I was so caught up in how bad it was and cringing at it all that I didn’t even catch the name of who it was until I looked back. This book is such a stereotype cliche with plot points that are either totally predicatable or make absolutely no sense or are super unrealistic. Or all of the above. (Pg 162 guess). Unless it would have been a cool storyline (but I know it’s not) it would have been Claire or Luke. But her subtlety/attempted foreshadowing is a zero. She talks about him way too much and it would have to be someone entering/in the scene for the proposal stuff. Since the stalking happened before they got a bunch of new clients it has to be him.
-the Jason shit is annoying and it’s obvious she’s trying to use him as a red herring
-I’m so sick of the pick me girl energy and the you’re not like other girls. “I’ve never known a girl who likes metal” vomit. “I’m an enigma in yoga pants”
-bitch your obsession with giving this man blue balls is gross. Like how conceited do you have to be to think that a slight brush of a titty on someone’s upper arm is going to give him “the bluest of balls”
-“for once he didn’t comment on her idiosyncratic memory technique” girl you literally did it one other time in front of him stop being such a lil self conceited brat
-I’m offended by such a bad that’s what she said joke. It’s rare to get to experience a book that tries so hard to be funny and falls so incredibly flat
-these characters are so unlikeable and the whole run down yet again about the proposal is unnecessary and is described is so much detail and actually makes it much more obvious about who the villain is supposed to be talking about being a control freak and having a vision and almost saying no to him as a candidate and blah blah blah
-ah yes, we must ensure the one person in this from humble backgrounds is identified and said to not be a gold digger
-I was trying to ignore it but the to dos at the start of every chapter are stupid and offer nothing to the story.
-the egos and Claire’s reactions and Luke being so controlling and undermining and ugh I just can’t with this
-Luke holding up a hand to dismiss people is such a dickish character trait, how can someone make every single person in a book annoying and dislikeable
-the way Luke and Claire’s relationship develops is inauthentic and unbelievable
-even the murder mystery aspect is so cliche and basic
-ugh cringe. Now Luke plays guitar too to clear his head
“You already now most of my embarrassing favorite things” bitch video games and a love of pizza and metal music? Fuck off pick me girl
-I’m so sick of all the back and forth with Luke and Claire and then every cliche interruption when they get too close. It’s such a poorly executed slow burn
-yet another fucking eye roll “am I still a man if I admit that I enjoy the taste of blueberries in my alcohol” I’m so over the gender shit and cliche jokes. Like this is not endearing or cute or funny
-“you deserve 1000 volts straight to the nipples” cringe, eye roll
-when Jason shows up to her apartment after it’s trashed and she’s asking if he broke in, this girl really gives him the facts rather than using them to verify that he did or didn’t do it.
-the dialogue is just so unnatural
-the old times Claire and monocle thing is so ridiculous and does not make her crappy character any more endearing. I just roll my eyes
-I’ve thought this for a while but I do totally think it’s weird that Kyle is doing this over the top grand proposal thing and they still don’t live together but totally could. It’s just bizarre to me
-Luke’s overprotectiveness is too much. Everyone is so toxic
-what kind of judgey asshole keeps a list of someone else’s sexual partners. That’s fucked up. There is way too much slut shaming and women hate in this. The notebook and the way Claire speaks about Courtney is gross and so unnecessary. The author really wrote petty behaviors in this. This isn’t funny or cute or beneficial to the story. This information could have been given in so many ways but the author chose to use shaming someone for sex as a way to move her plot along.
-the author is trying so hard to appeal to readers with tropes. Claire doesn’t really keep putting herself in danger or doing anything cool
-Luke calls Claire kind which is not shown once in the whole damn book
-the author is obsessed with PA and it’s town and geography, always saying town names or Pennsylvania or West Haven Time and Time again and it’s too much.
-by page 310 this doesn’t need to be this long
-the Steve proposal and scenes are unnecessary filler
-a chorus of damns following her after a beyond mediocre roast? No way
-the kiss scene was so so and the book end thing was not at all surprising since the author always makes some force of nature interrupt them
-ah yes another joke about domestic violence
-Claire blaming Luke for the bookend thing is stupid
-the author is obsessed with putting only Pennsylvania things in the book to the point where it’s cringey. Best rhubarb pie at the diner that’s her favorite, teaberry ice cream is her favorite, now birch beer is her favorite ice cream
-the way Claire is talking/acting on the drugs is unrealistic sounding and just feels like someone guessing what drugs do to someone and making it some kind of “endearing” (it’s not) scene. It’s stupid and unbelievable
-“if she had worn her pointed heeled stilettos she’d have been over this thing already” bruh it’s a fence. And you claimed you grew up rural but you think you’d be up and over without breaking anything in heels? I can’t stand Claire no one thinks like this
-she earned the pain for doing all of this snooping and fence climbing with a concussion. Such a dumb character. She isn’t even noble about her intentions
-the clothing described in this is so tacky. It’s all neon pink and rhinestones and bleh
-page 383 and it’s still the dumb sex embargo and unnecessary proposal details and Claire repeatedly shitting on Luke. This book could and should be so much shorter
-the dialogue and attempts at banter about sex falls incredibly flat. The adults talk to each other like they’re in middle school. And the way Claire puts people down is also very middle school. It all just reads so petty
-the way the author is trying to build tension is not effective and is pretty transparent. The men following her around and everyone jumping on each other when they think it may be the widowmaker is getting old
-more woman shaming. Woo.
-if I have to read “something doesn’t feel right” one more time after Jason gets arrested…
-I’d be so pissed if someone moved me out of my place without me or my permission
-I’m so glad there isn’t any smut in this because it would have been terrible. Even just the kissing scenes make me cringe “gently pressed the cool steel of his tape measure into her stomach”
-way too hot and cold my god
-this supposed dirty talk is just eye roll inducing
-Nicole’s proposal lowkey makes me want to vomit. And again the dialogue and attempts at comedy are so bad
-so much unnecessary and uninteresting detail
-look Luke talking about her feet again
-Luke is literally always having no shirt or having it partially unbuttoned
-and another crappy that’s what she said joke.
-Jason showing up at Nicole’s engagement party is stupid. So are the lines like “Jason murderers aren’t welcome here”. If you have ever seen sharknado I imagine these lines in exactly the same voice as when the girl is talking about getting bitten and says “and that’s why I really hate sharks”
-oh my god I hate this book. It’s so bad. The whole Jason confrontation and the dialogue and all of it. It’s terrible. The “burns” are worse than things pre-teens say. My face may be in a permanent scowl/cringe from now on.
-the Wendy Claire fight is stupid too. What conceited assholes. The characters are such selfish pricks and I hate them.
-“besides after that girl on girl action” oh yeah that fight really would tickle the pickle of professional focused Luke I’m sure. So believable. And yet another moment of the author trying to make a Nicole and Claire being gay innuendo and eluding to experimenting with sexuality being a great butt if a joke in the friend group who slut shames and hates on women like it’s an Olympic sport
February 26, 2024
West Haven is on alert, with a serial killer on the loose, targeting women who went to the same college. Claire is a proposal planner who is busy, busy, busy but when she starts receiving anonymous threats and feels like someone is watching her, she can't help but feel she is being targeted as the next victim.
This was such a fun book! I absolutely adored the slow burn romance with our leading man Luke however the mystery had me fully invested. I had a couple of guesses at who I thought the killer was and each time I ended up being wrong! If you enjoy your mysteries light with laugh out moments and a dash of romance, you'll definitely have to pick this one up.
Congratulations Madison Score on your fabulous debut novel! I can't wait to read what you write next!
This was such a fun book! I absolutely adored the slow burn romance with our leading man Luke however the mystery had me fully invested. I had a couple of guesses at who I thought the killer was and each time I ended up being wrong! If you enjoy your mysteries light with laugh out moments and a dash of romance, you'll definitely have to pick this one up.
Congratulations Madison Score on your fabulous debut novel! I can't wait to read what you write next!
February 28, 2024
I ate this book up with a spoon, turning the pages until 3 in the morning one night. Madison Score wrote a story that was both adorable and heart-pounding, as I tore through the pages hoping the awesome side characters I'd grown to love wouldn't be the next victim.
Claire is a no nonsense business woman who keeps walking or tripping into chaos, the total opposite of Luke, the grumpy but hot as heck filmmaker she's forced to work with on her on her best friends epic proposal. I LOVED Luke. His dry humor that made him even hotter, the cynicism that melted away a bit once he bought into it all, and the way he swooped in when Claire needed him the most. I can't wait to know more. I'd never read a cozy mystery before, but it ticked all my boxes for romantic comedy and my love for true crime documentaries.
Madison Score has a great writing style and voice and I was hooked until the last page. I'm excited to read the rest of the series.
Claire is a no nonsense business woman who keeps walking or tripping into chaos, the total opposite of Luke, the grumpy but hot as heck filmmaker she's forced to work with on her on her best friends epic proposal. I LOVED Luke. His dry humor that made him even hotter, the cynicism that melted away a bit once he bought into it all, and the way he swooped in when Claire needed him the most. I can't wait to know more. I'd never read a cozy mystery before, but it ticked all my boxes for romantic comedy and my love for true crime documentaries.
Madison Score has a great writing style and voice and I was hooked until the last page. I'm excited to read the rest of the series.
March 16, 2024
Full confession, I was originally apprehensive to download this first book by Madison Score. My reasoning was I admit unfairly prejudicial. Madison Score has made no secret of the fact she is Lucy Score’s little sister. I mean I have to believe Lucy Score is probably a pen name so her younger sister could have chosen her own pen name rather than adopting part of her big sister’s and trying to gain an audience on her sister’s coat tails. Not that I can totally fault her for wanting to use her sister’s name recognition to her advantage, because there are countless other new authors trying to break into this highly competitive genre. Still at the same time, I guess I would have respected her a bit more if she hadn’t chosen to go that route. More importantly I had to wonder if it were possible that the younger sister could be anywhere near as talented as her older sister, or whether she just saw Lucy’s fame and fortune and thought it would be nice if she could duplicate her success? IMHO Lucy Score is one of the very best rom.-com./mystery-suspense authors out there, bar none. So, in choosing to follow in her older sister’s footsteps she’s set the bar rather high for herself. All that said I decided to take the plunge and dedicate a few hours to read Bride or Die and judge the author on her own merits. Ultimately I found the results a mixed bag.
This is the first book in the Claire Hartley Accidental Mystery series. Let me start by telling you that I’d give it a soft R-rating for sex as there are several sexual references but no actual sex scenes. I would give it a hard R-rating for violence, most of it implied. This book reminds me just a bit of Lucy’s Riley Thorne series. It is set in Pa. where both sisters make their homes. Not surprising since plenty of authors set their stories where they grew up or now reside. The second obvious similarity is both Riley and Claire are unwittingly pulled into solving murders. Although unlike Riley Thorne who can see and talk to dead people, Claire Hartley doesn’t’ have any psychic abilities. But her mom like Riley’s is also Woo-woo and possibly truly clairvoyant. Her mom has her own television show like the Long Island Medium. I’m not implying because of that this book lacks originality. I’m just noting the obvious similarities.
Claire Hartley is an event planner specializing in extravagant, over the top marriage proposals in the small college town of New Haven Pa. Claire with Mindy her assistant and good friend are extremely good at what they do. Ironically Claire was inspired to go into the business by the lackluster marriage proposal she received from Jason her college boyfriend and former fiancée. Years after graduation and living together, he cheated on her with Wendy a mean girl, rich bitch event planner rival who is jealous of Claire’s success. Which is why Claire is still single while helping others find their H.E.A. In the past few years four newlywed brides have disappeared from the area as well as a fifth one several years earlier from a nearby town. Four of them were either in Claire’s college graduating class or a year ahead of her. Courtney, the most recent newlywed to suddenly disappear during her morning run, was Claire’s randy freshman year roommate. First a large bouquet of flowers shows up without a card at Claire’s apartment telling her who they are from. Later she learns this is standard M.O. for the man now being called the New Haven Widow maker. After a picture of Claire and Courtney sleeping in their dorm room is sent to her Claire begins to take an earnest look at the similarities in the missing women’s cases. Which leads to Claire’s apartment being broken into and ransacked with a threatening note and pictures left behind for her.
Luke is the best friend of Claire’s BFF Nicole’s boyfriend and soon to be fiancée Kyle. Like all contemporary male protagonists he’s extremely handsome tall and fit. He is an independent filmmaker who has recently returned to Pa. from California. Kyle asks him to film his proposal production which is being created and directed by Claire. Luke immediately gets on Claire’s bad side by scoffing at what she does for a living calling it a waste of money. Then when he’s asked to fill in for one of her regular cinematographers at another marriage proposal because the guy who was supposed to do it had a health emergency and he inserts himself into it making last minute changes despite Claire having spent months planning every detail down to the last second, she really doesn’t like the guy. Especially since the changes made the proposal even better. But at the same time she finds herself annoyingly physically attracted to him threatening her self-imposed sexual embargo since breaking off her engagement to Jason eight months earlier.
The more time Luke spends around Claire the more attracted to the feisty, intense. curvy blonde he finds himself. He even comes to respect how much effort she puts into making each couples dream engagements come to life. When it becomes clear that the New Haven Widow Maker is targeting Claire as his next victim he and Claire agree to work together to discover his identity while also working to plan Nicole and Kyle’s perfect marriage proposal. Which only amps up their attraction to one another. Luke does his best to keep Claire safe. While Claire tries to be more vigilant for her safety she also stubbornly refuses to allow the threat to interfere with her living her normal life.
Of course Claire must eventually meet her stalker in a violent confrontation save herself (see spoiler if you must) followed by a dramatic rescue. My problem with this story, the reason I only gave it 3 stars is because despite all the many positives in this story,(and I’ll admit Madison seems to be a very talented writer in her own right) for me the author failed to deliver on the two things I enjoy most about contemporary romances. Like television shows who like to keep the sexual tension between the two main characters going by not having them couple up to keep the viewers coming back, Claire and Luke share a few passionate kisses, but don’t have sex in this story or even acknowledge they are a couple. I'm a guy so I'm not going to try to deny the sexy scenes are part of my attraction to this genre. They're not even an admitted couple so, there’s obviously no happily ever after for them in this book. While this ploy may succeed in enticing other readers into eagerly anticipating her next installment in the series, it just left me feeling cheated out of my H.E.A. Almost feeling like I wasted my time reading it. As of this writing I’m still undecided on whether I’ll continue to read future books in this series. But that’s just me. If you don’t mind being denied a H.E.A. beyond the bad guy being caught, and like being teased about the couples romantic future, you might love this first book by Madison Score.
This is the first book in the Claire Hartley Accidental Mystery series. Let me start by telling you that I’d give it a soft R-rating for sex as there are several sexual references but no actual sex scenes. I would give it a hard R-rating for violence, most of it implied. This book reminds me just a bit of Lucy’s Riley Thorne series. It is set in Pa. where both sisters make their homes. Not surprising since plenty of authors set their stories where they grew up or now reside. The second obvious similarity is both Riley and Claire are unwittingly pulled into solving murders. Although unlike Riley Thorne who can see and talk to dead people, Claire Hartley doesn’t’ have any psychic abilities. But her mom like Riley’s is also Woo-woo and possibly truly clairvoyant. Her mom has her own television show like the Long Island Medium. I’m not implying because of that this book lacks originality. I’m just noting the obvious similarities.
Claire Hartley is an event planner specializing in extravagant, over the top marriage proposals in the small college town of New Haven Pa. Claire with Mindy her assistant and good friend are extremely good at what they do. Ironically Claire was inspired to go into the business by the lackluster marriage proposal she received from Jason her college boyfriend and former fiancée. Years after graduation and living together, he cheated on her with Wendy a mean girl, rich bitch event planner rival who is jealous of Claire’s success. Which is why Claire is still single while helping others find their H.E.A. In the past few years four newlywed brides have disappeared from the area as well as a fifth one several years earlier from a nearby town. Four of them were either in Claire’s college graduating class or a year ahead of her. Courtney, the most recent newlywed to suddenly disappear during her morning run, was Claire’s randy freshman year roommate. First a large bouquet of flowers shows up without a card at Claire’s apartment telling her who they are from. Later she learns this is standard M.O. for the man now being called the New Haven Widow maker. After a picture of Claire and Courtney sleeping in their dorm room is sent to her Claire begins to take an earnest look at the similarities in the missing women’s cases. Which leads to Claire’s apartment being broken into and ransacked with a threatening note and pictures left behind for her.
Luke is the best friend of Claire’s BFF Nicole’s boyfriend and soon to be fiancée Kyle. Like all contemporary male protagonists he’s extremely handsome tall and fit. He is an independent filmmaker who has recently returned to Pa. from California. Kyle asks him to film his proposal production which is being created and directed by Claire. Luke immediately gets on Claire’s bad side by scoffing at what she does for a living calling it a waste of money. Then when he’s asked to fill in for one of her regular cinematographers at another marriage proposal because the guy who was supposed to do it had a health emergency and he inserts himself into it making last minute changes despite Claire having spent months planning every detail down to the last second, she really doesn’t like the guy. Especially since the changes made the proposal even better. But at the same time she finds herself annoyingly physically attracted to him threatening her self-imposed sexual embargo since breaking off her engagement to Jason eight months earlier.
The more time Luke spends around Claire the more attracted to the feisty, intense. curvy blonde he finds himself. He even comes to respect how much effort she puts into making each couples dream engagements come to life. When it becomes clear that the New Haven Widow Maker is targeting Claire as his next victim he and Claire agree to work together to discover his identity while also working to plan Nicole and Kyle’s perfect marriage proposal. Which only amps up their attraction to one another. Luke does his best to keep Claire safe. While Claire tries to be more vigilant for her safety she also stubbornly refuses to allow the threat to interfere with her living her normal life.
Of course Claire must eventually meet her stalker in a violent confrontation save herself (see spoiler if you must) followed by a dramatic rescue. My problem with this story, the reason I only gave it 3 stars is because despite all the many positives in this story,(and I’ll admit Madison seems to be a very talented writer in her own right) for me the author failed to deliver on the two things I enjoy most about contemporary romances. Like television shows who like to keep the sexual tension between the two main characters going by not having them couple up to keep the viewers coming back, Claire and Luke share a few passionate kisses, but don’t have sex in this story or even acknowledge they are a couple. I'm a guy so I'm not going to try to deny the sexy scenes are part of my attraction to this genre. They're not even an admitted couple so, there’s obviously no happily ever after for them in this book. While this ploy may succeed in enticing other readers into eagerly anticipating her next installment in the series, it just left me feeling cheated out of my H.E.A. Almost feeling like I wasted my time reading it. As of this writing I’m still undecided on whether I’ll continue to read future books in this series. But that’s just me. If you don’t mind being denied a H.E.A. beyond the bad guy being caught, and like being teased about the couples romantic future, you might love this first book by Madison Score.
June 25, 2024
Actually found this so fun! If youre looking for a rom com, meets murder mystery this is for you! Loved the writing style and the characters so much, cute read
February 23, 2024
This debut novel was so fun!
As I was reading this book, I immediately pictured the scenes as if I was watching a movie. It’s one of those fun books that you can definitely picture on the big screen one day!
I always love a good enemies to lovers book and the banter in this one is exactly why. The one liners throughout this book had me constantly giggling and I found myself with a smile on my face a lot. Claire was so goofy it was so easy to love her. And Luke.. he was a total doll. I loved him!
I would say this book is heavier on the mystery than it is on the romance- which I was totally okay with! The epilogue was perfect and gave me the romance I was waiting for!
As I was reading this book, I immediately pictured the scenes as if I was watching a movie. It’s one of those fun books that you can definitely picture on the big screen one day!
I always love a good enemies to lovers book and the banter in this one is exactly why. The one liners throughout this book had me constantly giggling and I found myself with a smile on my face a lot. Claire was so goofy it was so easy to love her. And Luke.. he was a total doll. I loved him!
I would say this book is heavier on the mystery than it is on the romance- which I was totally okay with! The epilogue was perfect and gave me the romance I was waiting for!
February 13, 2024
I have to say I had a hard time with the first few chapters :( I didn’t think I was going to be able to finish the book… but once I got past the first 2 or 3 chapters I feel like the wiring improved drastically and the story was coming together. After that I was sucked in. The story was good the characters were great and the book was funny. The suspense wasn’t crazy and I usually get the killer right away but I didn’t in this one sooo nice twist! I wish we learned more about Luke but all in all it was good book and I would recommend it :) wish Claire’s mom has a bigger character she sounds interesting.
February 26, 2024
This was definitely a mixed bag for me. I don’t read a lot of romantic mystery so I’m not sure I’m a great early reviewer of this, but this is waaaaay more mystery than romance. I feel like the cute illustrated cover promised more “Bride” than “Die” and I’m not sure it delivered.
I liked Claire and Luke’s sort of frenemies relationship, and their banter was terrific. But I needed their romance to take off at some point and in a 500 page book, there was plenty of time for that to happen.
There were also some other problematic parts for me, but basically, I’m a romance gal and I don’t think I’m the target audience for this one.
I liked Claire and Luke’s sort of frenemies relationship, and their banter was terrific. But I needed their romance to take off at some point and in a 500 page book, there was plenty of time for that to happen.
There were also some other problematic parts for me, but basically, I’m a romance gal and I don’t think I’m the target audience for this one.
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