What do you think?
Rate this book
Cosmic Mates #2
Help Wanted: Wife
They have nothing to lose except their hearts.
The only thing keeping widower Larth from succumbing to grief is running the fledgling bakery founded by his late wife. He intends to make the business the biggest, best bakery in all of Caradonia. But he can’t do it alone. Unable to find affordable help, he turns to Cosmic Mates and advertises for a wife in-name-only. It’s a half-baked idea, and he can’t imagine why anyone would accept the position, but he’s desperate. He can’t let his late wife’s dream fail!
After her childhood sweetheart jilts her for another woman on their wedding day, Prudence McKenna is certain she’ll never trust or love again. Worse, everyone in her small village knows the sordid details. When she spots a Cosmic Mates help wanted ad, it seems like the perfect solution to escape the personal and public humiliation. Sure, the position is for a wife, but alien Larth promises it will be a marriage of convenience, a business arrangement. He needs someone to help in his bakery. She has bakery experience. It’s just what she needs.
But what starts out on a business footing soon gets…complicated. The human beauty stirs Larth’s affection, passion…and guilt. Prudence is falling for the handsome alien man but fears he’s still in love with his dead wife.
Will it take a message from beyond to settle the heartaches of the past and grant them a second chance for love?
The only thing keeping widower Larth from succumbing to grief is running the fledgling bakery founded by his late wife. He intends to make the business the biggest, best bakery in all of Caradonia. But he can’t do it alone. Unable to find affordable help, he turns to Cosmic Mates and advertises for a wife in-name-only. It’s a half-baked idea, and he can’t imagine why anyone would accept the position, but he’s desperate. He can’t let his late wife’s dream fail!
After her childhood sweetheart jilts her for another woman on their wedding day, Prudence McKenna is certain she’ll never trust or love again. Worse, everyone in her small village knows the sordid details. When she spots a Cosmic Mates help wanted ad, it seems like the perfect solution to escape the personal and public humiliation. Sure, the position is for a wife, but alien Larth promises it will be a marriage of convenience, a business arrangement. He needs someone to help in his bakery. She has bakery experience. It’s just what she needs.
But what starts out on a business footing soon gets…complicated. The human beauty stirs Larth’s affection, passion…and guilt. Prudence is falling for the handsome alien man but fears he’s still in love with his dead wife.
Will it take a message from beyond to settle the heartaches of the past and grant them a second chance for love?
183 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 12, 2024
155 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Cara Bristol
107 books939 followersUSA Today bestselling author Cara Bristol writes science fiction romance about tough alien and cyborg heroes who fall hard for sassy heroines.
Cara is a homebody who married a wanderer. When she’s not writing or being distracted by squirrels cavorting outside her office window, she enjoys reading and traveling the world with her husband. Topping her bucket list is visiting all seven continents and petting a squirrel.
Visit her website to get a free sci-fi romance.
Cara is a homebody who married a wanderer. When she’s not writing or being distracted by squirrels cavorting outside her office window, she enjoys reading and traveling the world with her husband. Topping her bucket list is visiting all seven continents and petting a squirrel.
Visit her website to get a free sci-fi romance.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
August 13, 2024
PLOT:
Larth the alien has lost his wife to a horrible pandemic and he's floundering trying to keep their bakery (her dream) running. Prudence is a human who finds herself jilted by her fiance and left at the altar. Unable to stand the pitying looks of her village, she signs up for the Cosmic Mates program and a marriage of convenience. She got bakery experience and he needs the help but things get complicated when feelings come into it and Pru wonders if Larth is too hung up on his deceased wife to ever love again.
THOUGHTS:
- This was a pretty good book. The premise was really interesting, a widower and a jilted bride coming together over a shared passion, but some things fell flat to me.
- the pacing felt a bit rushed to me. They basically just meet and 3 weeks in they're sleeping together and she "loves" him. The ending has a conflict and then BOOM everything is ok now because he names something after Pru instead..... That's it? That literally does not fix ANY of the other issues plaguing the relationship.
- PRUDENCE: I liked Pru as a character, she's going through it and doing her best to cope and move on in a new place. She doesn't complain or demand and she's always trying to help make everything better for Larth.... And getting nothing in return. Like we literally watch her transform his business, bake, handle customer service, and come up with ideas to fix problems and he can't even make space in his closet for her? I get that the ending was supposed to be sweet but I can't help but want more for Pru. If Larth wouldn't have found that message (no spoilers of course) he NEVER would have seen how much he was hurting her / using her and it irked me that it's STILL his wife who held the power to "let him go" in the end. Like get it together buddy.
- LARTH: he was a character I liked in the other books, a guy picking up the pieces after his wife's death. He's never really come to terms with it and it's eating him alive. I kind of hoped he'd be nicer to prudence (and he was for a bit) but the way he treats her during the "misunderstanding" they have was really not great. Also, you love your wife SOOO much but you're totally chill getting your cock wet because the girl is willing and then pushing her away. Kinda sounds like you're using her and getting more out of this relationship than she is. I also wish they actually communicated and TALKED through things. Literally if they had a heart to heart the issues and communication difficulties could have been mended.
Lastly, I felt the ending was wayyy too rushed. Like they had a fight that was going to end their relationship and he names something after her and they're all "we good now" right away? They don't talk it through or there's no scene of them making up after closing or something, just a "whoops we've got customers, I love you". I really expected more.
Larth the alien has lost his wife to a horrible pandemic and he's floundering trying to keep their bakery (her dream) running. Prudence is a human who finds herself jilted by her fiance and left at the altar. Unable to stand the pitying looks of her village, she signs up for the Cosmic Mates program and a marriage of convenience. She got bakery experience and he needs the help but things get complicated when feelings come into it and Pru wonders if Larth is too hung up on his deceased wife to ever love again.
THOUGHTS:
- This was a pretty good book. The premise was really interesting, a widower and a jilted bride coming together over a shared passion, but some things fell flat to me.
- the pacing felt a bit rushed to me. They basically just meet and 3 weeks in they're sleeping together and she "loves" him. The ending has a conflict and then BOOM everything is ok now because he names something after Pru instead..... That's it? That literally does not fix ANY of the other issues plaguing the relationship.
- PRUDENCE: I liked Pru as a character, she's going through it and doing her best to cope and move on in a new place. She doesn't complain or demand and she's always trying to help make everything better for Larth.... And getting nothing in return. Like we literally watch her transform his business, bake, handle customer service, and come up with ideas to fix problems and he can't even make space in his closet for her? I get that the ending was supposed to be sweet but I can't help but want more for Pru. If Larth wouldn't have found that message (no spoilers of course) he NEVER would have seen how much he was hurting her / using her and it irked me that it's STILL his wife who held the power to "let him go" in the end. Like get it together buddy.
- LARTH: he was a character I liked in the other books, a guy picking up the pieces after his wife's death. He's never really come to terms with it and it's eating him alive. I kind of hoped he'd be nicer to prudence (and he was for a bit) but the way he treats her during the "misunderstanding" they have was really not great. Also, you love your wife SOOO much but you're totally chill getting your cock wet because the girl is willing and then pushing her away. Kinda sounds like you're using her and getting more out of this relationship than she is. I also wish they actually communicated and TALKED through things. Literally if they had a heart to heart the issues and communication difficulties could have been mended.
Lastly, I felt the ending was wayyy too rushed. Like they had a fight that was going to end their relationship and he names something after her and they're all "we good now" right away? They don't talk it through or there's no scene of them making up after closing or something, just a "whoops we've got customers, I love you". I really expected more.
September 21, 2024
Not long after the events of the first book, Escape Clause, two secondary characters from that book discover that they, too, have a need for a match-making service with an escape clause. Cara Bristol delighted me with her light sci-fi romance series introduction and I was eager to take up the next book in the series.
Help Wanted: A Wife is the second book and works best read after the first book when the series world is explained in detail and the characters are all introduced. This begins a new standalone romance pair, but updates on the situation for the earlier pair and the alien world in general.
I’m not sure how much time passes between the two stories, but enough time that the disease ravaging the Caradonia people has an antidote so has been stopped from killing them off- a month too late for the hero’s wife, unfortunately- and the time has come that the aid for new business‘ program that the hero used to start up a bakery is coming to an end and he has to re-establish his bakery into a new and permanent location which leads to his search for worthy bakery staff anywhere and that includes the Cosmic Mates matchmaking program.
Larth was a sweet man and good friend to the heroine in the first book. His situation was sad because his beloved wife was one of the victims of the terrible disease. In this story, we learn that she passed on and he’s struggling with his grief. He wants to carry on her legacy and make a success of her bakery dream so that’s how he ends up in a marriage of convenience with Prudence.
Pru’s desperate to get out of her small village and far from her cheating ex who didn’t tell her he was with someone else until five minutes before their wedding. Too much pity and stares from those who know have her eager to take this alien baker up on his need for a wife in name only who can help him open his business and work it with him.
I was wary of this book because Larth was a favorite and his wife had only died months before. Sure enough this pair combust with attraction and, as they work side by side in mutual admiration, they also catch feelings. Because Pru’s feelings came with resentfulness and jealousy of the dead wife- which she acknowledges is all sorts of wrong and acknowledges that Larth has a right to his grief and wanting to honor his dead wife’s memory, I saw the plot going exactly where I was worried it would. I ended up with mixed feelings about Pru even while I felt Cara Bristol wrote her faithfully and well. It was normal for a woman who was falling for a man to want his full love and loyalty.
But, they figured it out. Their timing on jumping into the physical side and the forced proximity made the inevitable happen. However, they were both very mature about what broke down between them and worked it out without a ton of angst and big mistakes so I finished this one liking them both and with a big smile on my face.
Interesting to note that the series will continue, but leave Cardonia behind for another alien situation and matchmaking needs. I am all eagerness for when the next release comes.
I’m going to recommend this book/series to those who like cozy sci-fi romances (if its not a thing, it is now). These are light, spicy, and quick reads, but don’t stint on the world and character development.
I rec'd an eARC from the author to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at That's What I'm Talking About 9.11.24.
Help Wanted: A Wife is the second book and works best read after the first book when the series world is explained in detail and the characters are all introduced. This begins a new standalone romance pair, but updates on the situation for the earlier pair and the alien world in general.
I’m not sure how much time passes between the two stories, but enough time that the disease ravaging the Caradonia people has an antidote so has been stopped from killing them off- a month too late for the hero’s wife, unfortunately- and the time has come that the aid for new business‘ program that the hero used to start up a bakery is coming to an end and he has to re-establish his bakery into a new and permanent location which leads to his search for worthy bakery staff anywhere and that includes the Cosmic Mates matchmaking program.
Larth was a sweet man and good friend to the heroine in the first book. His situation was sad because his beloved wife was one of the victims of the terrible disease. In this story, we learn that she passed on and he’s struggling with his grief. He wants to carry on her legacy and make a success of her bakery dream so that’s how he ends up in a marriage of convenience with Prudence.
Pru’s desperate to get out of her small village and far from her cheating ex who didn’t tell her he was with someone else until five minutes before their wedding. Too much pity and stares from those who know have her eager to take this alien baker up on his need for a wife in name only who can help him open his business and work it with him.
I was wary of this book because Larth was a favorite and his wife had only died months before. Sure enough this pair combust with attraction and, as they work side by side in mutual admiration, they also catch feelings. Because Pru’s feelings came with resentfulness and jealousy of the dead wife- which she acknowledges is all sorts of wrong and acknowledges that Larth has a right to his grief and wanting to honor his dead wife’s memory, I saw the plot going exactly where I was worried it would. I ended up with mixed feelings about Pru even while I felt Cara Bristol wrote her faithfully and well. It was normal for a woman who was falling for a man to want his full love and loyalty.
But, they figured it out. Their timing on jumping into the physical side and the forced proximity made the inevitable happen. However, they were both very mature about what broke down between them and worked it out without a ton of angst and big mistakes so I finished this one liking them both and with a big smile on my face.
Interesting to note that the series will continue, but leave Cardonia behind for another alien situation and matchmaking needs. I am all eagerness for when the next release comes.
I’m going to recommend this book/series to those who like cozy sci-fi romances (if its not a thing, it is now). These are light, spicy, and quick reads, but don’t stint on the world and character development.
I rec'd an eARC from the author to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at That's What I'm Talking About 9.11.24.
November 16, 2025
Partners Moving Forward.
Both Larth and Pru had obstacles to overcome in this story. Moving on from a broken heart certainly can take many forms as this pair discovers. It was nice to see more focus on the relationship/emotional details as this couple experienced ups, downs, misunderstandings as well as heart bearing realizations. The android especially Don Juan made be smile particularly with its unique attempt to understand and mimic human understanding/interpretations of emotions and behaviour . Just plain fun!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Both Larth and Pru had obstacles to overcome in this story. Moving on from a broken heart certainly can take many forms as this pair discovers. It was nice to see more focus on the relationship/emotional details as this couple experienced ups, downs, misunderstandings as well as heart bearing realizations. The android especially Don Juan made be smile particularly with its unique attempt to understand and mimic human understanding/interpretations of emotions and behaviour . Just plain fun!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 31, 2024
I really liked the story 'Help Wanted: Wife' by Cara Bristol. I had read her first book 'Escape Clause' and liked it very much and was excited to find this one as it was the story of the kind baker that had befriended Hope when she first came to his world. When Hope's friend Prudence is jilted at her own wedding, she wants to get away from all the people looking at her with pity, so she answers an advertisement for a baker's wife on Hope's new planet. The baker is Larth, Hope's friend. It is supposed to be mainly for the trial year so that she can help him with his bakery, and she can get away from the people of her hometown that knew that Pru's fiancé had eloped with another woman on what was to be their wedding day. Larth's first wife had died from a deadly virus, so he was only really looking for a wife in name only to help run his bakery. But he had not expected the feelings that Pru awakened in him, and he was so impressed by her work ethic and her business ideas, and the sweet way handled the customers and himself. He thought she was very pretty, and he found himself thinking more of her than his first wife. Pru was becoming very fond of Larth but she didn't know if he would ever replace his first wife with someone else in his heart. It's an interesting and entertaining story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 5, 2024
Sweet, Second Chance in Love
An alien widower and a human left by the altar on her wedding day are not exactly expected to be the next happy couple. Starting as a business proposition Larth soon discovers Prudence is just the person to make his bakery a huge success. And slowly he realizes that her presence chases away his insomnia and he finds he can enjoy the little things in life again.
It’s so sweet the way they interact. Their insecurities, feelings like jealousy, guilt, insecurity are so very realistic and their newfound happiness is heartwarming.
The bots are just sooo funny!
Enjoyed the book tremendously, read it in one go. Highly recommended!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
An alien widower and a human left by the altar on her wedding day are not exactly expected to be the next happy couple. Starting as a business proposition Larth soon discovers Prudence is just the person to make his bakery a huge success. And slowly he realizes that her presence chases away his insomnia and he finds he can enjoy the little things in life again.
It’s so sweet the way they interact. Their insecurities, feelings like jealousy, guilt, insecurity are so very realistic and their newfound happiness is heartwarming.
The bots are just sooo funny!
Enjoyed the book tremendously, read it in one go. Highly recommended!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 1, 2024
This is the 2nd book in the series. It is an alien romance story.
The MMC is an alien and widower, he needs help to run his late wife's bakery so he advertises for a wife in name only to help him. The FMC is a human who answers his advert, but they end up being attracted to each other. Will they get a HEA in the end.
I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend reading it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The MMC is an alien and widower, he needs help to run his late wife's bakery so he advertises for a wife in name only to help him. The FMC is a human who answers his advert, but they end up being attracted to each other. Will they get a HEA in the end.
I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend reading it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 13, 2024
Gentle HEA
I enjoyed this story. Having the characters from the first book show up was a delight. I like the author pays more attention to the outside story and less attention to the bedroom getaway.
I enjoyed this story. Having the characters from the first book show up was a delight. I like the author pays more attention to the outside story and less attention to the bedroom getaway.
August 10, 2024
Prudence is the best friend of Hope from book1 and we met Larth when he helped Hope out when she first arrived on Caradonia.
Poor Prue, she had we wedding delayed so many times and then the dipstick abandons her on their wedding day! I'd gladly have unalived him for her! She had no reason to feel ashamed or embarrassed she did nothing wrong but believe in that waste of space. But fresh planet, fresh start. And she gets to see her bestie!
I really felt for Larth, he lost his wife in a heinous way and he's not really allowed himself time to grieve her properly by throwing his all into the bakery. When he starts to feel attracted to Prue, he struggles with realising that he's ready to let go of the grief. Pru wasn't innocent in the drama either, she struggled with believing that Larth wouldn't do to her what William had done.
But can I say - Don Juan, what an android! He takes protective to the next level, lol. Donna, was such a feisty addition too.
Poor Prue, she had we wedding delayed so many times and then the dipstick abandons her on their wedding day! I'd gladly have unalived him for her! She had no reason to feel ashamed or embarrassed she did nothing wrong but believe in that waste of space. But fresh planet, fresh start. And she gets to see her bestie!
I really felt for Larth, he lost his wife in a heinous way and he's not really allowed himself time to grieve her properly by throwing his all into the bakery. When he starts to feel attracted to Prue, he struggles with realising that he's ready to let go of the grief. Pru wasn't innocent in the drama either, she struggled with believing that Larth wouldn't do to her what William had done.
But can I say - Don Juan, what an android! He takes protective to the next level, lol. Donna, was such a feisty addition too.
August 12, 2024
Help Wanted: Wife, book 2 in Cara Bristol's newest series, Cosmic Mates, delivers everything on my reading want list! A sweet, cinnamon roll alien male character, Earth, is hot, adorable, and protective. Prudence, the sassy but sweet female character, has been hurt but is determined to make a new start. This book follows life on the same planet as Book 1, Escape Clause, where the author engaged me first with the fantastic world building! While things in that world have improved, there is still the need for mail order brides, the premise for these books. I loved the chemistry between widower, Larth, and Prudence. They are one now one of my favorite couples, as they try not to fall for each other. But the universe has other plans for them in this wonderful, fast-paced love story!
While this book could be read alone, it will be even better if read after Escape Clause. Both are part of a wonderful Duet within the series! I can't wait to see what this author brings us next!
While this book could be read alone, it will be even better if read after Escape Clause. Both are part of a wonderful Duet within the series! I can't wait to see what this author brings us next!
August 8, 2024
LARTH AND PRUDENCE
The story is the first in the Cosmic Mates series. A nano-virus has devastated Caradonia, leaving the planet in desperate need of women—ones who are of childbearing age. A program called Cosmic Mates was created to try and attract women to leave their home planet and come to Caradonia as a mate—and human brides from Terra Nova are compatible. Thankfully, there is an escape clause—at the end of the one-year trial period, the couple can dissolve the union.
Larth, the baker, is now a widower. His wife, Sala, had been in stasis to slow the progression of the disease but succumbed to the nano-virus a month before the cure was found. He has been devastated and in her honor, must keep their bakery at the cozi going. His cozi contract is soon to expire and he must find a new location. The only problem, he has no help, how is he going to keep it going? Suggestions of using Cosmic Mates for a new wife leave a bitter taste in his mouth, but what about finding a temporary wife who can help?
“Widower seeks a human wife to serve as business partner in a baking venture. Must work well with people. Experience with baking preferred. Not looking for a love match. Marriage of convenience only. Message for more details.”
Prudence McKenna will be left at the altar with a ‘sorry tech’ message from William one minute before the ceremony was to start. She is embarrassed and avoids people. Finding an ad for a help-wanted wife at a bakery will give her a year to get over the shock and people talking.
“I’m sorry, Pru. I can’t marry you. I didn’t know how to tell you, but I’ve met someone else. We eloped this morning. I’ve always loved you, but I realize I’m not in love with you. You deserve more than I can give you. I’m sorry.—Will”
“It is little consolation now, but any man who would jilt you on your wedding day is not a man worth marrying. You can do much better.” –Krogan
I liked the story of Larth and Prudence, whom we met in the first book, Escape Clause. Hope and Krogan had traveled to Terra Nova for the wedding of Pru and Will. Maybe if Prudence goes to Caradonia for a year, life can return to some semblance of normal without Will. Working at a bakery, and with people will be healing. But what happens when emotions get involved with your alien-for-a-year spouse? Is Larth so in love with his deceased wife, Sala, that he will not see the amazing human wife he has now? Will shattered Prudence, and she is certain she will never trust or love again.
“But what starts out on a business footing soon gets—complicated.”
The story is the first in the Cosmic Mates series. A nano-virus has devastated Caradonia, leaving the planet in desperate need of women—ones who are of childbearing age. A program called Cosmic Mates was created to try and attract women to leave their home planet and come to Caradonia as a mate—and human brides from Terra Nova are compatible. Thankfully, there is an escape clause—at the end of the one-year trial period, the couple can dissolve the union.
Larth, the baker, is now a widower. His wife, Sala, had been in stasis to slow the progression of the disease but succumbed to the nano-virus a month before the cure was found. He has been devastated and in her honor, must keep their bakery at the cozi going. His cozi contract is soon to expire and he must find a new location. The only problem, he has no help, how is he going to keep it going? Suggestions of using Cosmic Mates for a new wife leave a bitter taste in his mouth, but what about finding a temporary wife who can help?
“Widower seeks a human wife to serve as business partner in a baking venture. Must work well with people. Experience with baking preferred. Not looking for a love match. Marriage of convenience only. Message for more details.”
Prudence McKenna will be left at the altar with a ‘sorry tech’ message from William one minute before the ceremony was to start. She is embarrassed and avoids people. Finding an ad for a help-wanted wife at a bakery will give her a year to get over the shock and people talking.
“I’m sorry, Pru. I can’t marry you. I didn’t know how to tell you, but I’ve met someone else. We eloped this morning. I’ve always loved you, but I realize I’m not in love with you. You deserve more than I can give you. I’m sorry.—Will”
“It is little consolation now, but any man who would jilt you on your wedding day is not a man worth marrying. You can do much better.” –Krogan
I liked the story of Larth and Prudence, whom we met in the first book, Escape Clause. Hope and Krogan had traveled to Terra Nova for the wedding of Pru and Will. Maybe if Prudence goes to Caradonia for a year, life can return to some semblance of normal without Will. Working at a bakery, and with people will be healing. But what happens when emotions get involved with your alien-for-a-year spouse? Is Larth so in love with his deceased wife, Sala, that he will not see the amazing human wife he has now? Will shattered Prudence, and she is certain she will never trust or love again.
“But what starts out on a business footing soon gets—complicated.”
August 12, 2024
This is book 2 of the Cosmic Mates series. While it can be enjoyed as a standalone, I think you would get more out of it if you read book 1, Escape Clause, first. This is the story of Prudence McKenna and Larth. Prudence was set to marry her childhood sweetheart but the morning of the wedding he eloped with someone else. And then he cowardly sent her a tech-tab message breaking it off. Leaving her to deal with the gifts, guests and caterers. After being humiliated in front of her entire small town, Prudence is looking for an escape. Cosmic Mates gives here one in the form of a help wanted ad. Larth is widower who is desperately trying to make his former wife's dream a reality. He is trying to set up a new bakery but he needs help. With time running out, he places an add for a human wife to be his business partner in a baking venture. He specifically says he is not looking for a love match. Not expecting any responses, he is shocked with Prudence applies. With her baking experience she will be his perfect partner. When Prudence arrives in Caradonia, they hit the ground running. Immediately they dive into running the bakery. While she may not know all the foreign technology, she is a smart business woman and comes up with ideas to help Larch achieve his goal. And even more importantly, she has brought coffee with her! Even though Larth is not a fan, she knows that all the human brides in the area will flock to their cafe for a coffee if it is available. This is their story. I liked how Prudence and Larth were upfront and honest with each other. Both believed what they said at the beginning of their relationship. They didn't expect their feelings to change or evolve. While there are some bumps in the road, both Pru and Larth, they manage to find their happy ever after.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 11, 2024
Gleeful Goblin Review: The MMC in this story really stole my heart early on with how devoted he was to his wife who passed away and who he described as his "one great love". For one, I'm reading a romance so I know that's not gonna be true by the end of the book. But secondly, that kind of devotion is something I treasure in my reading based escapes from reality. I also got a total kick out of the scene setting here discussing basically the premise for this book of course: “My brother found a human bride through Cosmic Mates,” Adar continued. “And he picked his own! He said you don’t have to let the program match you; you can put in a request for a certain type of woman. You could request a wife who wishes to work in a bakery.” Talk about a half-baked idea! “I doubt the program is intended to be used as an employment agency. It’s a matchmaking service. The women are seeking love, not jobs. I’ll never fall in love again. Any woman would feel cheated.” “Not if you word your ad carefully and be clear about what you’re seeking and offering.” He had nothing to offer. “No human woman will travel all the way to Caradonia to work in a bakery.” “Well, not if you don’t advertise!” NOT IF YOU DON'T ADVERTISE, OMG.
I loved the mirrored and flipped sentiment of our FMC describing her dipstick of a fiance who runs out on her as "the great love of her life" as well just like our MMC had. Both our main characters are extremely devoted by nature and want that same energy from their partners but haven't been able to have it. One because the spouse he was devoted to passed away and the other because the ex fiance is a dipstick who didn't have an ounce of either sense or honesty. Both of these characters have their own unique pain and isolation so it was truly lovely to see them work through that and find each other. 5/5 Stars
I loved the mirrored and flipped sentiment of our FMC describing her dipstick of a fiance who runs out on her as "the great love of her life" as well just like our MMC had. Both our main characters are extremely devoted by nature and want that same energy from their partners but haven't been able to have it. One because the spouse he was devoted to passed away and the other because the ex fiance is a dipstick who didn't have an ounce of either sense or honesty. Both of these characters have their own unique pain and isolation so it was truly lovely to see them work through that and find each other. 5/5 Stars
July 27, 2024
Great second book in this series. We met Prudence in the first Cosmic Mates book. She was Hope’s best friend who let her live with she and her fiancé William. Fast forward to the worst wedding ever! Prudence is in shock, left at the alter and humiliated. She decides Cosmic Mates is the answer even though Hope tries to dissuade her. Larth is also from book 1. He was so kind to Hope and had a small bakery she helped him at occasionally. After his wife’s death, he needs help with the bakery. He can’t seem to find anyone to help out at his new, larger bakery opening soon. It’s his tribute to his late wife who wanted to have a bakery before she passed. Another vendor mentions Cosmic Mates and Larth decides to give it a shot but only if it’s a marriage of convenience. I really liked Pru, she’s pragmatic, clever and a hard worker. Sweet and beautiful inside and out. She and Larth hit it off after a brief time of getting to know each other. They work well together and are both happy with how well they work together and their true marital situation. At least at first…Larth feels conflicted, he can’t be catching feelings for Pru. He made a promise but can he keep it? Pru is glad for their honest name only marriage, the last thing she wants is someone new in her life after her last failed relationship. But Larth is handsome and charming and working together day in and day out, they start to gravitate towards each other. Romance blooms, but it’s fragile. Will one innocent mistake be enough to bring it all tumbling down? Will Prudence be able to compete with a late wife who Larth seems to love more than anything or anyone else? You’ve got to find out! What a great book, you’ll love it! I received an ARC and am leaving my review.
August 20, 2024
While I enjoyed the story, there was not enough of the two main characters spending time together or getting to know each other. It was more about setting up the bakery and about Pru wondering if Larth would ever get over his dead wife. Not much happened at all. This was a novella. It should have been much longer to spend time on them getting to know each other and building a relationship. I feel like I just read a rough draft of the book and the author still needs to go back and add more information and storylines into the book. I still feel like I don’t know anything at all about either main character except Pru was a baker, who was left at the altar by her fiancé (who had been her only boyfriend and whom she’d been friends with since Kindergarten). And all we know is Larth was that he had a wife that died, and he runs a bakery that had been his wife’s dream. I don’t know anything else about him. Also, Pru never even speaks to her ex-finance again. He never reaches out to try to talk to her. Seems unrealistic considering that they’d been lifelong friends that turned into a serious romantic relationship up to the point of almost getting married. And he offers just a text? And never tries to talk to her again? Nor does she try to reach out to him? Not even, “come get your stuff” situation? The androids offered a little comic relief especially Don Juan. Overall, enjoyable but also definitely lacking in many aspects.
June 12, 2025
I loved this book of resilience in the face of betrayal and heartbreak and the capacity to open your heart and find love again.
Prudence is betrayed on her wedding day by her childhood sweetheart so turns to cosmic mates for a business marriage to escape the pity from the town. Larth is heartbroken at the loss of his beloved wife just a month short of a cure being found. Both swear never to love again but he needs someone to help run his bakery and finding no one he turns to cosmic mates for a business marriage in name only.
right away they click working together in the bakery and developing a friendship. but fate has other plans and soon they are both finding that they really enjoy spending time with the other and since they are forced to share an apt slowly turn to one another for comfort. feelings develop that both find hard to cope with but can't deny. then one incident throws their world upside down.
it will take strength, courage, love and understanding to navigate their way thru to happiness or lose new love forever.
two beautiful complex characters in a wonderfully developed world will grab your attention and keep u interested to see whether fate gets her way in the end. can two damaged hurt souls come together to find lasting happiness? read and find out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Prudence is betrayed on her wedding day by her childhood sweetheart so turns to cosmic mates for a business marriage to escape the pity from the town. Larth is heartbroken at the loss of his beloved wife just a month short of a cure being found. Both swear never to love again but he needs someone to help run his bakery and finding no one he turns to cosmic mates for a business marriage in name only.
right away they click working together in the bakery and developing a friendship. but fate has other plans and soon they are both finding that they really enjoy spending time with the other and since they are forced to share an apt slowly turn to one another for comfort. feelings develop that both find hard to cope with but can't deny. then one incident throws their world upside down.
it will take strength, courage, love and understanding to navigate their way thru to happiness or lose new love forever.
two beautiful complex characters in a wonderfully developed world will grab your attention and keep u interested to see whether fate gets her way in the end. can two damaged hurt souls come together to find lasting happiness? read and find out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 4, 2024
Larth (H), a Caradonian bakery owner still mourning his late wife, is desperate for help as he prepares to open a new shop, fulfilling his late wife’s bakery dreams. When a friend suggests he marry through Cosmic Mates for a partnership of convenience, Larth reluctantly agrees. Prudence, heartbroken after being jilted by her fiancé, signs up for Cosmic Mates and matches with Larth, traveling to Caradonia for a marriage of convenience as she gets over her ex. Together, Larth and Pru work to build a thriving bakery business, navigating their growing attraction and Larth's lingering feelings for his first wife. As they face challenges and the emotional baggage they each carry, Larth and Pru's partnership grows into something deeper and things heat up between the two. Just as success is within reach, a discovery threatens to tear Larth and Pru apart and they'll have to overcome their pasts and misunderstandings to have a future together. Love having Hope and Krogan as part of the story. Be careful about giving instructions to robots. Hot and steamy alien-human romance, exploring love, grief, second chances, personal growth, healing, and the power of partnership in both business and life.
August 3, 2024
Great Addition To The Series!
Larth is still grieving over the loss of his wife. He is trying to keep the bakery open that they started together but he is struggling. He can’t find anyone to hire to help him out and he is close to losing the bakery. When his friend suggests advertising for a cosmic bride with bakery experience he thinks he is crazy, but gives it a try. It would only be for a year and then he could send her back.
Prudence is left at the alter by her fiancé. Embarrassed and humiliated she applies to Cosmic Mates. It worked out for her best friend Hope. Besides it will only be for a year!
These two come together under crazy circumstances, both dealing with broken hearts. But working together brings these two closer together and Prudence is starting to develop feelings for Larth. Larth respects Prudence’s experience and knowledge about the business and she is wonderful with the customers. But is that enough for these two to make a go at the marriage? Well written and enjoyable book. Can’t wait for the next one in the series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Larth is still grieving over the loss of his wife. He is trying to keep the bakery open that they started together but he is struggling. He can’t find anyone to hire to help him out and he is close to losing the bakery. When his friend suggests advertising for a cosmic bride with bakery experience he thinks he is crazy, but gives it a try. It would only be for a year and then he could send her back.
Prudence is left at the alter by her fiancé. Embarrassed and humiliated she applies to Cosmic Mates. It worked out for her best friend Hope. Besides it will only be for a year!
These two come together under crazy circumstances, both dealing with broken hearts. But working together brings these two closer together and Prudence is starting to develop feelings for Larth. Larth respects Prudence’s experience and knowledge about the business and she is wonderful with the customers. But is that enough for these two to make a go at the marriage? Well written and enjoyable book. Can’t wait for the next one in the series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 17, 2024
Cute , easy read !!
What a beautiful story !!!
Prudence, is a friend of Hope , from the last book. Hope and Pru had worked together at the bakery before Hope had to go to Cosmic Mates in order to get away from their village .
On this particular day, Pru is getting married. Hope and her General are at the wedding .
Things don't go the way Pru had hoped .
She ends up going the Cosmic Mates route too !!!
Lareth, is a friend of Hope's who has recently lost his wife . He is looking for some help at the bakery he and his wife opened just a little while before the virus struck down most females of child bearing age. Lareth was devastated. Work was the only thing to keep him going . Now he has a chance to get a shop open in a better area. But he needs help. Preferably, someone that already knows something about working in a bakery. So, he places an advertisement.
One guess who answers !!!
Pru and Lareth are very focused on work . Until, they aren't.
These two were broken hearted for different reasons, but together I thought they were just the cutest !!! Already looking forward to the next book in thus series !!!
What a beautiful story !!!
Prudence, is a friend of Hope , from the last book. Hope and Pru had worked together at the bakery before Hope had to go to Cosmic Mates in order to get away from their village .
On this particular day, Pru is getting married. Hope and her General are at the wedding .
Things don't go the way Pru had hoped .
She ends up going the Cosmic Mates route too !!!
Lareth, is a friend of Hope's who has recently lost his wife . He is looking for some help at the bakery he and his wife opened just a little while before the virus struck down most females of child bearing age. Lareth was devastated. Work was the only thing to keep him going . Now he has a chance to get a shop open in a better area. But he needs help. Preferably, someone that already knows something about working in a bakery. So, he places an advertisement.
One guess who answers !!!
Pru and Lareth are very focused on work . Until, they aren't.
These two were broken hearted for different reasons, but together I thought they were just the cutest !!! Already looking forward to the next book in thus series !!!
July 28, 2024
Larth needs help. He has been running his bakery without his beloved since the plague. He just needs someone that is qualified to work in a bakery. He doesn’t need a wife nor want one. Prudence McKenna was supposed to marry the love of her life but that didn’t go as planned. He ditched her. Even worse, he did it via message. Now Pru just wants to leave the village and start over. She decides to apply to Cosmic Mates. But is this the smart choice for these two? YES. Both are hurting. Larth due to his wife’s passing and Pru because of her ex-fiancés lies. These two need the other to repair their hearts. It seemed to be one track. They slowly got to know each other and things seemed good. But then a misunderstanding happened and it seemed to have fallen apart. I can understand the hurt of loss on his end. It’s hard to move forward but thank goodness a voice from the past was able to help. And I love Don Juan. He is becoming more and more conscious of things. Who will be next?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 27, 2025
Larth had hope for a cure in book one for his wife but after her passing all he has is her dream of the bakery. The only thing is that he needs help their bakery needs two people to run it he cannot do it alone anymore. It is suffering and he won’t let it fail not when he is close to opening the new location. So at the end of hope and looking for help he advertises for a Cosmic Mate with the understanding it’s a marriage of convenience only.
Prudence is from book one and after being left on her wedding day by the only man she has ever seen a future with since they were very young she decides to join up for an alien mate. She just has the same luck as her friend and gets the shop owner of her friends friend. Small world it seems. They have a few things to overcome. Both with lost love. His a love cut short. Hers a love that cheated and left her. But they have to great love of baking and she is the perfect fit for the bakery and it so happens for him too. Now Larth just needs to open his eyes sand see that he needs to put his dead wife behind him to make room for a new love.
August 20, 2024
“She’d gotten married for the wrong reason—to escape public humiliation and pity. She had been imprudent.”
Larth and Prudence each appeared in the previous book, but they were worlds apart with nothing in common but friendship with Hope, and their work at Bakeries.
Here each is in need of a friend and partner, whether they truly realize it or not.
Larth’s wife has died, and in many ways he is operating on autopilot, until he meets someone who both needs him, and inspires him to look forward.
Pru was betrayed by her lifelong love, undermining her confidence in more ways than even she could predict, but Larth sees her with fresh / clear eyes, and appreciates her skills and intelligence.
What I found myself loving in this book was how these characters brought new life to one another, energizing and exciting one another when they had been at risk of slipping in to depression had no one been there when they most needed to not be alone.
Larth and Prudence each appeared in the previous book, but they were worlds apart with nothing in common but friendship with Hope, and their work at Bakeries.
Here each is in need of a friend and partner, whether they truly realize it or not.
Larth’s wife has died, and in many ways he is operating on autopilot, until he meets someone who both needs him, and inspires him to look forward.
Pru was betrayed by her lifelong love, undermining her confidence in more ways than even she could predict, but Larth sees her with fresh / clear eyes, and appreciates her skills and intelligence.
What I found myself loving in this book was how these characters brought new life to one another, energizing and exciting one another when they had been at risk of slipping in to depression had no one been there when they most needed to not be alone.
August 16, 2024
Larth needs help, and he needs help fast! His wife died just before the cure to the disease that impacted all child age bearing women, and he needs help with his bakery to move his business up to the next level. Should he take a human wife? He doesn't really want to since he is still hung up on his dead wife. Poor Larth, I really felt for his dilemma! Is there hope for him? Will he be able to find the help he needs to move his business to the next level? It's pretty much a shot in the dark to find someone to fit his requirements and be a wife in name only; how will that work?
This was a great short story, but filled with a lot of emotion and detail to really get to know both Larth and his cosmic mate (I don't want to give the name away!). I really enjoyed it! Don Juan is growing on me too!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a great short story, but filled with a lot of emotion and detail to really get to know both Larth and his cosmic mate (I don't want to give the name away!). I really enjoyed it! Don Juan is growing on me too!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 18, 2024
Widower Larth runs his late wife’s bakery on Caradonia and needs help desperately.
Unable to find affordable employees with bakery experience he turns to the Cosmic Mates agency for a wife in name only who can help, and has the experience he needs to get the bakery thriving.
Prudence McKenna has been jilted on her wedding day and needs an escape from the pain and fallout. She sees Larth’s Cosmic Mates advertisement and with bakery experience, no wifely duties involved it looks like a win, win.
Help Wanted Wife soon becomes an enjoyable Sci-Fi romance with good writing, engaging characters, and a lovely story of an arranged marriage that for its two leads will evolve into a story of new found love and second chances that was an emotionally endearing read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Unable to find affordable employees with bakery experience he turns to the Cosmic Mates agency for a wife in name only who can help, and has the experience he needs to get the bakery thriving.
Prudence McKenna has been jilted on her wedding day and needs an escape from the pain and fallout. She sees Larth’s Cosmic Mates advertisement and with bakery experience, no wifely duties involved it looks like a win, win.
Help Wanted Wife soon becomes an enjoyable Sci-Fi romance with good writing, engaging characters, and a lovely story of an arranged marriage that for its two leads will evolve into a story of new found love and second chances that was an emotionally endearing read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 7, 2024
This is book 2 and I loved it just as much as the first one as two lost souls needing help find each other. Larth lost his wife to the virus and now works in there bakery alone on Caradonia but now with the new place he needs help and someone with experience and places an AD but gets nobody so he goes to Cosmic Mates and signs up. Prudence (Pru) has just been dumped at the altar on her wedding day and she is heart broken and living in a small village everyone knows and she is embarrassed and when she see’s an ad for Cosmic Mates she signs up and meets Larth who isn’t looking for a wife but a person to help in his bakery which is perfect for her and she gets to come back home after a year if she wants. How does it all turn out get this book to find out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 1, 2024
Es el primer libro que leo de Cara Bristol y realmente me gusta su forma de escribir. Me parece que la historia es ligera y se te va muy rápido.
Tuve un par de momentos de ambivalencia con Prudence, que es la protagonista, ya que a veces raya en la parte de malcriada, aunque eso se arregla hacia el final, cuando vemos un par de cosas que no se nos había mencionado de la situación que estaba viviendo.
Larth, por su parte, es un héroe atípico que se aleja de los clichés del género romántico.
Definitivamente les recomiendo que lo lean, van a pasar un buen rato con este libro.
__________________________________________________________
This is the first book I've read by Cara Bristol, and I like her writing style. The story is light and goes by very quickly.
I had a couple of ambivalent moments with Prudence, the main character. She sometimes borders on the spoiled part, although that is fixed towards the end when we see a few things that weren't mentioned about her situation.
Larth, on the other hand, is an atypical hero who avoids the clichés of the romance genre.
I definitely recommend that you read it, and you will have a good time reading this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Tuve un par de momentos de ambivalencia con Prudence, que es la protagonista, ya que a veces raya en la parte de malcriada, aunque eso se arregla hacia el final, cuando vemos un par de cosas que no se nos había mencionado de la situación que estaba viviendo.
Larth, por su parte, es un héroe atípico que se aleja de los clichés del género romántico.
Definitivamente les recomiendo que lo lean, van a pasar un buen rato con este libro.
__________________________________________________________
This is the first book I've read by Cara Bristol, and I like her writing style. The story is light and goes by very quickly.
I had a couple of ambivalent moments with Prudence, the main character. She sometimes borders on the spoiled part, although that is fixed towards the end when we see a few things that weren't mentioned about her situation.
Larth, on the other hand, is an atypical hero who avoids the clichés of the romance genre.
I definitely recommend that you read it, and you will have a good time reading this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 12, 2024
This story that is about Prudence and Larth an enjoyable read that starts a brand-new series. Larth and his wife started a bakery. Larth had to put his wife in stasis because of a nano-virus that devastated the women on Caradonia. Looking to save their decimated world they formed the Cosmic Mates. Lath needs help with the new bakery he's building in honor of his wife and contacts the Cosmic Mates with an amendment that it be a marriage in name only with a job. Prudence gets dumped by her boyfriend on their wedding day so to get away from it all she signs up to the Cosmic Mates and takes the job. What occurs is an enjoyable story with likable characters in this copy I'd received and volunteer to read and review.
August 12, 2024
What a beautiful, heartfelt story! How do you open yourself up to love again after losing your other half? Both Larth and Prudence are still grieving the loss of their partners, and although Pru is ready for a change in order to move on, Larth can’t imagine himself loving someone as he did his deceased wife. This creates a lot of tension, uncertainty and guilt as they work together on the new bakery - as the two of them definitely have some intense chemistry going on! I also really loved having Hope’s sassy android, Don Juan back in this story! “Help Wanted: Wife” is an engaging, feel good romance in the Cosmic Mates series and I’m really looking forward to reading more in this world!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 19, 2024
Help Wanted: Wife is the second book of the Cosmic Mates series. Help Wanted: Wife is the story of Larth and Prudence (Pru). When we first meet Larth, I wanted to smack him so badly. However, that is before learning about what happened to him before Pru came into his life. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, I absolutely loved Pru from the beginning, while with Larry it was later on in the story that I started to like him. Author Cara Bristol writes entertaining and enjoyable alien romances. Help Wanted: Wife is exceptionally well-written with an amazing storyline and amazing characters. I would definitely suggest this book to other readers. I found this book to be charming and a page-turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 20, 2024
This was a great book and a great continuation of the story of Cosmic Mates. You met both Prudence and Larth in the first book, but you don’t have to read it to enjoy this one.
Both Prudence and Larth have lost the person they thought they would spend their life with. And when Larth requests a wife in name only to help run his bakery, Prudence is only too willing to leave her old life behind. But living together and working together is made more difficult when feelings start appearing. I loved seeing Larth work through his grief. And seeing Prudence bringing that new joy to him. It was a beautiful love story and the message for Larth at the end was very touching. Definitely recommend!
I did receive an ARC from Booksprout and this is my honest opinion.
Both Prudence and Larth have lost the person they thought they would spend their life with. And when Larth requests a wife in name only to help run his bakery, Prudence is only too willing to leave her old life behind. But living together and working together is made more difficult when feelings start appearing. I loved seeing Larth work through his grief. And seeing Prudence bringing that new joy to him. It was a beautiful love story and the message for Larth at the end was very touching. Definitely recommend!
I did receive an ARC from Booksprout and this is my honest opinion.
August 5, 2024
Cara Bristol’s Help Wanted: Wife is a wonderful novella. Pru answers an ad for a temporary wife as a way to heal her broken heart after her fiancé jilts her minutes before their wedding. Lathe is a widower still grieving the loss of his wife due to global pandemic two years before. His wife’s and his dream was to start a bakery. They succeeded on the startup, but now it’s time to open a permanent business, and he can’t do that alone. Pru brings much to the project, and they bond over the planning. Will they continue the marriage or use the escape clause at the end of the year?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews