Bride Games: A Hilarious, Heartwarming Romantic Comedy

by Beth Carter

I wanted a dream wedding, not a nightmare.

Single mom Emma Miller is finally going to have a chance at happily ever after with the man of her dreams. At thirty, she’s swept away by her daughter’s former kindergarten teacher—Mr. Handsome, er, Mr. Hansen. But her idyllic wedding day isn’t supposed to start, nor end like this. Who objects to a wedding? People really do that? Apparently. The bride and groom choose a charming venue that couldn’t be more perfect, but a showdown on her wedding day is the last thing Emma expects. How did this go from being the best day of her life to possibly the worst?

After a spectacular rise to fame and a shocking fall to defeat, Paige Daniels, a TV star who is best known as a popular sideline sports reporter—a job she expected to hate—races to get her career and love life back on track after social media trolls stage an online smear campaign. Who would do this? She has a probable list, but the suspects keep changing. Meanwhile, a gorgeous sportscaster is clearly after her job—and her boyfriend. But is someone playing checkers while Paige plays chess?

Will best friends Emma and Paige ever find happiness? And why do people keep playing games with their lives?

322 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 16, 2024

About the author

Formerly a bank VP and hospital marketer, Beth Carter shed her suits and heels at mid-life to pen novels, nonfiction books, and children's picture books. The author doesn't miss the 8 o'clock meetings, nor heels, whatsoever.

Author of the popular six-book Coconuts series beginning with THURSDAYS AT COCONUTS, Carter has also penned standalone novels including BRIDE SWAP, BRIDE GAMES (Book 2), SLEEPING WITH ELVIS, MIRACLE ON AISLE TWO, and THE CHRISTMAS FIB.

During Covid, the author created THE QUARANTINE COOKBOOK which benefitted charity and features nearly 200 delicious recipes. This cookbook received a gold medal from the Readers' Favorite International Book Awards. Carter is also the author of I WROTE A BOOK. NOW WHAT? for beginning and aspiring authors, which received a bronze medal in 2021.

In addition, Carter writes kids' books and can't think of anything more important than encouraging reading from a young age. She is the recipient of multiple awards including gold, silver, and bronze medals in the 2020 & 2021 Reader's Favorite Awards, a coveted RONE Award for best Women's Fiction/Chick Lit for THURSDAYS AT COCONUTS and was named Best Debut Author in 2015 by BTS Books. Carter has also received multiple Raven Awards.

The author writes from Missouri and Florida. She loves dancing, board games, shopping, some reality TV, observing nature, reading, pickleball, and of course, storytelling. Follow her at www.bethcarter.com or find her on Facebook, X, or IG where she spends far too much time. Join her private group, Beth's Book Babes, on FB!

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

BEST ROM-COM OF 2024!!!

Sometimes love is messy. Sometimes love is fun. Sometimes love is fragile. Sometimes love is sun.
This book is a reminder to all that love is not just 2 people, but many. Love is a song of heartbeats of the people within our tribe who truly love us and who we truly love, even if somethimes they may mess up. Love comes in so many forms and you are never ready when it comes for you, or perhaps, you are, but you're afraid. My advice, jump. Love, love with all your might. This book, takes you on such a fun, heartwarming journey. These characters are so real so full of life that you will root for them long after you have read the story. So if life has been throwing lemons and boulders at you lately, you should definitely sit back in your comfy place and let the pages of this book lead you to a bit of happiness. Trust me , you will love it bushes and barrels I know I did!!!!! Thank you Beth Carter!!!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED Beth Carter’s book, BRIDE GAMES, and the cleansing gamut of laughter-to-outrage-to tears-REPEAT I experienced! Somebody’s simply GOTTA make a movie out of this book! So well-written! Thanks for another great job, Beth Carter! ❤️

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book

I loved this book and I hope there is a third book in this series eventually. My favorite part was the little bit of mystery in one of the main characters story.

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

Future happiness in peril? 

Imagine standing at your wedding about to marry the man you'd always dreamed of but never thought you'd ever meet. You're thinking of all the precious moments you've made with Eli and your daughter, Lucy. The daughter, who never knew her father, he bailed when he learned of the pregnancy. Your soon-to-be husband, who had been your daughter's kindergarten teacher. The man who broke up with his then fiancée when he learned she didn't want or even like children to date you. The same man who transferred to another school so he could pursue a relationship with you and Lucy. As you're about to say your vows, the officiant asks, “Does anyone object to this marriage?” Another woman dressed in a white dress dashes down the aisle, yelling, "I do!" Will Emma ever catch a break? 

Emma's best friend, Paige, is reflecting on the past year. She was removed as the evening news anchor at ATV 10 and given the job as the roving sports editor and online news anchor for the station. Her, someone who knew nothing about sports and hated them. She was certain her boss wanted to get rid of her without actually firing her. And her new partner, Zach, a former sports statistician; she's positive he wants her job. But she surprises herself and everyone else, except her boss, at being good at the job. Her focus is on the players and their lives rather than the sport they play. Miraculously, she even begins to finally understand sports and why people are drawn to the various sports. She was able to move ATV 10 to number one in the ratings. She even dumped her former fiancé, Trent, the lead news anchor at the former number one station, for cheating on her. And there's also the budding romance between her and Zach, who didn't want her job. 

Then a smear campaign started against Paige. She was exposed as a fraud who knew nothing about sports. But Paige had never claimed to be a sports fan, and she wasn't when she hit the road with Zach. That was why her stories featured the players' lives, not their sports. 

Her boss, Mr. Hales, hired Marie Fallon away from ESPN. He also moved her into Paige's former job with Zach. Paige is off camera indefinitely. He won't even listen to her explanation. He doesn't want to fire her because, until this mess, she'd been an excellent employee. Instead, he decides to take the long-delayed cruise he and his wife had wanted to go on. He makes her the acting station manager, another job she's not qualified for. But she has a plan... 

I received a free copy of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Mr. Kreher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, let me say I started reading three books at a time. One was a thriller, which I finished. The other two were romances including Bride Games. The first romantic book I had to put down because I couldn't get into it, but Bride Games by Beth Carter, I couldn't stop reading.

It starts out with a wedding objection, a future premonition, that when the story got back around to that part, I was thoroughly shocked at the person making the objection. The whole book is filled with shocking twists and turns, even cute little surprises, especially from Emma's daughter Lucy, who is sweet and innocent as any girl can be.

The book is quite charming and I love the different POVs between Emma and Paige. I'll have to say it took a big turn in the middle when a naked man shows up, and I was like okay, how is the main character going to get out of this situation? Beth dug deep in cringing awkward moments, but kept me engaged, as I couldn't imagine the possible outcome would be, and then there it was, the book was over and I was wanting more Bride Games.

I recommend this for anyone who had a simple wedding, you would find it hilarious or even those who may have had an outrageous wedding would definitely relate to it. I promise none could be as outlandish as this one, and that is the beauty of reading to encapsulate the reader in this entertaining scenes of the author's imagination. Bravo, Ms. Carter!

[Jayne Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a good story! It’s a long one, seventy plus chapters, but it is creative, entertaining and humorous. Emma is a single mother whose daughter Lucy was graduating from kindergarten and preparing to go into first grade. Eli Hansen, Lucy’s former teacher, and Emma were dating. After a most delightful proposal, they become engaged, launching a whole series of wedding related issues, challenges etc. Meantime Emma’s best friend Paige, a TV personality, had not too long ago ended her engagement with Trent, a competing station’s anchorman. Paige and her co-worker Zach were sport sideline broadcasters who travelled together and were secretly dating. After work trouble arose, Paige was given a new assignment and Marie, a flirtarious and beautiful former ESPN reporter, took her place. So now you have the set up for the conflict driven parts of the story. You will find heart to heart talks, family outings, emotional ups and downs, and workplace drama. The characters are great! You have two wonderful men, an egotistical ex, a sex symbol wannabe, two strong women who are best friends, one of whom has a healthy relationship with wine, an adorable six year old, a grandmotherly neighbor, and bloody hysterical British wedding shop owner. The wedding location is genius, the surprise guest is abhorrent, and the ending is joyous and hopeful! Fabulous!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Hassena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bride Games is the sequel to Bride Swap. This one centers on the friendship of single-mom Emma and television personality Paige as Emma prepares for her wedding and Paige navigates career challenges.

The novel opens with Emma's daughter Lucy graduating from kindergarten, the same kindergarten class taught by Eli. Emma and Eli are getting married. A highlight of the novel is the unconventional wedding ceremony planned and executed by the staff and students of Appledale Elementary School, the site of the couple's initial meeting. The wedding planning process creates heartwarming and funny moments.

Paige’s storyline focuses on her career challenges after she is criticized for her lack of sports knowledge. Paige struggles to win back fans and faces competition from a new sports reporter, Marie. Paige ultimately triumphs and allows Paige to regain her reputation.

Readers will enjoy the novel's focus on the power of female friendship and the heartwarming moments that emerge from the wedding planning process. The novel’s conclusion emphasizes the enduring strength of Emma and Paige’s friendship.

ARC for unbiased review

[Bonnie Tesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I lovec Beth Carter's work. She never dissapoints. Bride Games is no exception. This is a "best friends" story, both Emma and Paige having their own set of issues. Each relies on the other for support as well as compassion. When Emma's boyfriend, her daughter's former kindergarten teacher, proposes with the help of her six-year-old daughter, Emma's world is complete. She relies on Paige to be her maid of honor and to help her plan a wedding. Paige joyfully agrees , but she has her own set of problems. Somebody is not playing nice in her world. She is a rookie sports announcer who was cheated on by a fiancé. She haa found love again with a fellow sports announcer, but they must keep their involvement a secret for the sake of their careers. Life is good again until she starts trending on social media aa a fake, that she does not know sports and should be fired.
Emma has bride-to-be meltdowns. Paige is trying to assist while fighting her own battles. Eli, Emma's fiancé, gets involved with the wedding planning and they come up with such an unusual idea Paige thinks it should be on live TV.
The story is full of fun and is a heartwarming read. You'll laugh and then weep. The wedding is an experience on its own. I highly recommend Bride Games, by Beth Carter.

[Cyrene Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paige and Emma are back, and this one is a heck of a doozy. This started a tad slow for me, with a bunch of wedding planning and decisions and some mundane relationship stuff with Paige and Zach, but it found it’s groove after I got about a third of the way through. As for Emma and Lucy, Eli proposes in a most original way and then it’s full on stress mode for Emma. Paige on the other hand is facing a smear campaign against her, and is pulled off the air for awhile until it dies down all while her new relationship with Zach is getting some curve balls thrown at them so early on. Our favorite characters are back, including wedding dress shop owner, English Nigel and a couple more we’d like to throw under the bus.

There is humor, a clean romance, a crazy almost in-law and a lot of other shenanigans going on with this one. There is also some very heartwarming moments that will make the reader smile. And the beloved Coconuts is still the place to eat. But that wedding. Wow, the wedding that is both one helluva lot of fun and original. I bet readers won’t read that often.

[John Gratton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful from start to I can't believe how it ends.

If I could write as well as Beth Carter, this review would be much better than it is. First and foremost, as demonstrated in every one of her novels, Beth is a wonderful storyteller. She fills Bride Games with genuine, captivating characters who just seem so human, so real, the good ones and the bad. I mean, I awoke this morning thinking about Emma and Eli, then wondered what Paige was up to today. It’s a romantic comedy, so there is plenty of action, quite a bit of humor, plus several real surprises. And that ending. Wow! Completely satisfying. What separates Bride Games from so many other novels is the author’s pure and perfect touch with dialogue, always authentic, never forced, and again, real. I like these people. I like this book, enough to read it at least once more while waiting for Beth’s next book to be released.

[ELVIA P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bride Games is an irresistible, heartwarming rom-com that perfectly balances humor, romance, and relatable chaos. Beth Carter delivers a story full of charm, unexpected twists, and genuinely funny moments, making readers laugh, sigh, and root for Emma Miller every step of the way. From the perfect wedding venue gone hilariously wrong to the antics of social media drama, the story captures the unpredictability of love and life with wit and warmth.

What makes this book shine is Carter’s ability to create characters that feel both vibrant and real. Emma’s determination, humor, and heart make her a protagonist readers can instantly connect with, while the supporting cast adds layers of fun, mischief, and tension. With its perfect pacing, clever dialogue, and feel-good romance, Bride Games is a must-read for fans of modern romantic comedies.

[Tami Willard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This can be read as a standalone, however it's the continuation of the storylines for Paige and Emma from the first book. Reading in order recommended. There's some of a bride's worst nightmare shenanigans that occurs throughout the story. It starts near the end of this storyline and rewinds back in time to let the readers learn how they got there. Like the first book, most of this book could fall under the "clean" category. It does contain a few scenes that have the harsher language and a couple of scenes that mentioned clothes being removed and innuendos but a lower steam level than the previous book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nathalie DeSousa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This truly is a great book, but you will need to have read, " THe Bride Swap" to understand and follow the story. This is a story of friendship, and all the chaos that comes with planning a wedding.
In this book, it's Emma the one that is planning her big day. She is engaged to t the love of her live, and has aske Paige to help with this. And the chaos starts here. Because, as in every wedding- you will need to work well with others, participate, listen to ideas, and bring other crazy ideas, etc.

But after all that, this book is truly about friendship, the highs and lows that they faced when they are together as well as their personal development. A great read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kris · Rating 3 out of 5]

So this is a continuation from Bride Swap, and I was hesitant because I wasn’t overly impressed with it.

Another long read, and I gotta say… Zach is a douche. he was oblivious, and seemed to have absolutely zero care what was going on with Paige. the constant time with Marie, and his reaction to the Trent situation - yeah, that’s a hard no. He can go.

In all honesty, I was pleasantly surprised with the way this story unfolded, and you could probably get away with not reading the first.
However, there was so much going on, and I didn’t feel any ‘relationship’ vibes. It was more about dealing with all of the shenanigans and drama.
Still, an ok read, but felt a little eh…

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her life seemed to be getting better when she finds love with him but someone is out to ruin it for her. Someone is spreading hate and rumors about her. Now her wedding of her dreams is now facing the end. They have objected to her wedding and now she needs to try to find out who is behind it all. You get pulled in as you hope she finally gets the wedding she has been looking forward to
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and was quickly pulled into the tale as you hope she get the happy ending she deserves

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 in Carter's new series and a wonderful addition that can be read as a standalone. In this book Paige and Emma are back! Oh, the humor and romance not to mention the emotions you will be in for in this read! A wonderful and captivating storyline that will take presidence over all your real responsibilities as you get sucked into the lives of these characters and what they bring. I adored this addition to this series and the continuation of these besties! I hope these is more to come!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Traci Westling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book with its well versed characters the author has given us to enjoy! Once again this author manages to balance the two ongoing storylines very carefully since the story has an evolving timeline of events ! I’d suggest reading Bride Swap prior this if possible because of the background storyline & how this story finally concludes .. it’s quite the unique fun chunk of final chapters that really make this a great read with the way the author rounds out her plot twists! I highly recommend this story as this author never seems
To disappoint! Humorous, fun & clever !

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

BRIDE GAMES by Beth Carter is campy fun with sweet descriptions of a single mom’s engagement to her daughter’s kindergarten teacher, her friendship with a glamorous TV newscaster and her friend’s secret affair with onscreen coworker. The story opens with an objection at a wedding and then flashes back six weeks. What a hook!

Likable characters in this sometimes predictable chicklit romance had me rooting for true love and a happy ending. Cute rainy day read.

[J Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a complimentary copy. Emma is at her wedding getting ready to marry the man of her dreams, Eli, when someone objects and throughs a wrench in her plans. Her best friend Paige is also having issues with someone trying to tank her sporter reporter career. I did like how you got both Paige's and Emma's point of view, what great best friends. I was rooting for these two and waiting for the down fall of the trouble makers. Overall, enjoyed ready.

[Amy Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was good. However, it goes back and forth between 3 of the characters a lot. I feel like Paige should have gotten her own book, and that would have been very easy to do with how much detail was included. There was very clearly 2 stories in the same book. Overall, it was a good book and I would recommend it. Splitting the story into two is just my preference and does not take away from the overall storyline. I will definitely read more from Beth Carter in the future.

[A. King · Rating 5 out of 5]

I WISH I had read the first book first, because that might have given me a little bit more insight but this was HILARIOUS!

Packed full of fun and games and of course, some slightly sad reveals, you're not going to be able to put this one down once you pick it up. I absolutely suggest getting out there and reading "Bride Swap" first because I feel like I may have spoiled the book for myself (not that I won't go back and read it anyways, this author is too good!).

[Kandiemarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely a great story. The story and characters are well written and well developed. Once I started reading it I didn't want to put it down. Although I haven't read the first book I still enjoyed reading this one, I'll definitely have to go back and read Bride Swap though. So all in all it's a great read and I recommend it. Look forward to reading more from the author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vanessa Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 of Book 2 and a standalone story. It is a heartwarming, humorous story that begins with a bang. I read the first chapter, and I was hooked. This story is worth reading especially to get to the happy ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Annette · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is ok but it came across as more chaotic and drama filled with less of the warm romance is in the air feeling from the first book. I'm glad that romantic things do advance but I just wasn't expecting all the layers of drama a bit more comical elements. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cindy Dorminy · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you liked Bride Swap, you'll LOVE this one. (and if you haven't read Bride Swap.... what are you waiting for?)

Even though there is a HEA in Bride Swap, we get MORE of the story in 'Games.' Tons of fun, work drama, lots of twists and turns and a very satisfying ending. I high recommend!

[Debbie Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. It is a great sequel to the first book. I loved the humor in the story and Emma's wedding with all it's craziness. I hope there will be a third book.

[JM G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book. A wonderfully hilarious romance! The book is very well written and the characters are great. Once I started reading it I didn't want to put it down. Fantastic book!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ineta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny is not right word for this. It is much more than that. Loved the story and was happy to have it. So well written, hilarious and unpredictable, genuine characters. Wedding anyone?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tracy H · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story and characters are well written and developed. I enjoyed the drama, chemistry and journey. Good read.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book runs the gambit on emotions from laughter to tears and everything in between. It is a descriptively well written book with characters that made me feel everything that was going on as it unfolds in the story.
I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.