Best Man Speaking : A best friend's brother second chance romance

by Jessie Elizabeth

Best Man Speaking is a contemporary, second-chance romance with enemies-to-lovers vibes that’ll make your heart sing.

Just like the rest of us, Hallie Cairns loves it when her handbag gets a seat. What she doesn’t love is the man who takes its place to sit beside her.

It’s been eight long years and over 5,000 miles between Hallie, the city she once called home, and all the hurt she left behind. In town for her best friend’s wedding and the sale of her grandmother’s house, Hallie plans to be back in Scotland as soon as humanly possible.

Out for dinner with the bride and groom, the last thing she expects is for Marcus Scott to take the seat beside her. That’s until they’re asked to be best man and maid of honor, an unhinged idea if Hallie’s ever heard one. But this isn’t a request either of them can very well say no to. Met with the cocky smile of Marcus, the first man to break her heart and her hymen, Hallie quickly realizes she’s in for a long night and an even longer stay.

Armed with a sharp tongue, biting words, and a list of six rules from the bride and groom to help them behave, Hallie isn’t afraid of Marcus Scott. He might be handsome as hell, their chemistry off-the-charts combustible, but it doesn’t change a single thing. Because while Hallie might be the maid of honor, Marcus is far from the best man. After all, he’s the man who convinced her home was not to be found, least of all with him.

Genres: Second Chance, Romance, Enemies To Lovers

366 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 6, 2025

About the author

Jessie Elizabeth lives in Scotland, where the winters are cold and, well, the summers are kinda cold too. She’s spent the majority of her life working to support her traveling addiction and reading books that’ve made her heart happy. She lives with her husband, whom she met after he slid into her Instagram DM’s back in 2016. They had their first date in China and have never looked back.

Reviews

[Fairuz ᥫ᭡. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.8 stars! ⭐️ Huge thanks to Jessie Elizabeth & Love Notes PR for the ARC 💌

This book had me rolling my eyes, giggling, AND side-eyeing the characters all at once.
Best Man Speaking is a messy, sassy, second-chance romance with just the right amount of tension and chaos to keep the pages flipping. Hallie and Marcus? Whew. The dramaaaa.

Hallie comes back to her hometown after 8 years of staying as far away as possible, only to get ambushed by her past in the form of Marcus freaking Scott—her best friend’s brother and the guy who broke her heart (and yep, her virginity too... yikes). Now, she’s stuck with him as the maid of honor to his best man. Forced proximity?? Banter-filled pettiness?? Of course I was seated.

Tropes:
💐 Second-chance romance
💞 Brother’s best friend
💐 Best friend's sibling
💞 Forced proximity
💐 Enemies-to-lovers (light)
💞 Wedding shenanigans
💐 Hookup with feelings
💞 Grovel (lack of)
💐 Found family
💞 Return to hometown
💐 Miscommunication
💞 Spicy moments / high heat

There’s tons of heat, a wedding countdown, six unhinged rules, and enough emotional baggage to fuel a soap opera. And I LIVE for it.

BUT—and it’s a big but—some things didn’t sit right with me.

Hallie had no backbone. Like, girl, he hurt you and you’re out here sleeping with him again?? Immediately??? No grovel, no emotional payoff, just vibes? Be serious. Wouldn’t ever be me.

Marcus didn’t do it for me either. His reasoning for what he did in the past wasn’t enough. He was charming, sure, but did I want to strangle him every time he avoided real communication? Yes. Yes, I did.

Also… Hallie starting a purely physical relationship with him before even getting the full story? WHY. That killed a chunk of the emotional buildup for me. I wanted tension, longing, unresolved anger—not “oops we kissed again” by chapter three.

The good stuff? Their chemistry. The banter. The warm fuzzies of found family. The spice? Surprisingly solid. I also loved the setting and how the wedding chaos mirrored their own messy hearts. And the writing? SO smooth and witty.

I REALLY enjoyed this book & rated it based on my enjoyment. It’s not perfect, but it was fun. If you like second-chance romances with ✨vibes✨, a splash of spice, and emotional chaos—this one might be for you.

Hallie deserved better but hey, at least the girl got closure.
Until next time, besties.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Title: Best Man Speaking
Author(s): Jessie Elizabeth
Publisher(s): Independent

🍿 𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘐𝘮𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴: I love when a book and its characters steal your heart and attention right away, and that’s exactly what Best Man Speaking by Jessie Elizabeth did for me. I was pulled into Marcus and Hallie’s story immediately and though we start with heartbreak, we do have healing. Some readers hated Marcus, but I actually didn’t at all and was totally wrapped up in their relationship. Even if he does start out by being a total idiot. 😉

🤩 𝚃͏𝚑͏𝚎͏ 𝙱͏𝚎͏𝚜͏𝚝͏ 𝙱͏𝚒͏𝚝͏𝚜͏: Elizabeth’s writing is thoroughly engaging, and her characterization of not just the MC’s but the side characters as well was spot on. I got a feel for what every single person in the story was like and she painted the picture perfectly. The banter and spice were both impeccable and though it has a lot of open door, explicit scenes they fit with the storyline and didn’t feel gratuitous. This is definitely more romance than ‘rom-com’ but I got plenty of laughs along the way and sometimes the things that made me laugh surprised me (hello candy thong 🤣)! The friendships were another bright spot, and I loved that Hallie had such strong relationships. Especially since her family wasn’t the best to put it mildly.

💭 𝘊𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘛𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴: Best Man Speaking broke my heart and then put it back together again, and I didn’t expect to end this book with tears in my eyes, but I did. I felt like I was left with a couple of questions (namely with what is going on with Hallie’s dad) but since this is the start of a series, I hope to find out more in future books. I’m guessing we will have a series of standalone interconnected stories on our hands, but I can’t wait to see where Elizabeth takes the series next! At the time of this review, this title is available on Kindle Unlimited as well as in paperback. Highly recommend!

T͏h͏i͏s͏ B͏o͏o͏k͏ i͏n͏ 5͏ E͏m͏o͏j͏i͏’s͏ o͏r͏ L͏e͏s͏s͏: 🏡🥹🎰❤️‍🩹💒

𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝙼𝚢 𝚂𝚙𝚒𝚌𝚎 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: 🌶️🌶️

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was such a pleasant surprise! At the beginning, I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about Hallie and Marcus or their story despite my initial interest based on the synopsis. I was quickly swept into them and their past and what could be their future. This book automatically gave me 10 Things I Hate About You vibes due to their banter, and that’s honestly what initially sold me on their chemistry. While I think their past could’ve been explored just a bit more, I think it was effective enough to establish the love and hurt that both endured from it. My one true issue with the book is the third act conflict. I didn’t feel that it was as strong as it could’ve been, and I think it could’ve lasted just a bit longer. Maybe? I am not a big fan of scenarios like that one so maybe that’s another reason I didn’t really buy into it because I felt that it was easily solvable, but it does make sense that it would create an environment full of impulsive thoughts and feelings. In the end, I loved so much of this book, and I honestly loved Marcus throughout despite his inability to speak out his truth. When it comes to Hallie, she was so similar to me in so many ways that I couldn't help but love and root for her. Overall, I loved this book (even including the sex scenes which is rare for me), and I think there’s time for me to continue thinking on it and making this a true five star read, but for now I think 4 is a good rating.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

As far as a debut romance novel goes, Best Man Speaking is a page turner; a truly easy read giving a fun insight into the lives of Hallie and Marcus as they work out the ending to their story.

One of Jessie Elizabeth’s strengths is how her imagery takes you to the exact place the characters are, but leaves just enough space for the reader’s imagination to fill in the blanks. For me, that was to provide room for 90’s nostalgia to kick in. This novel is like a comforting trip down memory lane through a 2025 lens, stirring emotions both wistful and wonderful.

The novel sweeps you up and is an entertaining and gratifying debut. There are laugh out loud moments, heart in your throat moments and punch-the-air triumphant moments. It’s the kind of story that stays with you, with characters you’re left thinking about, long after the final page is turned.

[…Welcome to My World &#x1f30e.. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was okay. I felt like the characters needed more development and we needed more depth. Most of the time throughout this story I had mixed feelings. Marcus just seemed very mysterious to me and I was a little annoyed with Hallie because it seemed like her development wasn’t that much at all. It seemed like she lacked a backbone as well. I expected her to have Marcus grovel more. It just seemed like she fell for everything at times. Over all this story was very decent and the writing wasn’t terrible. The story had more potential and that’s why I gave it 3 stars.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[ES · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is perfection.

I hated Marcus up until the final chapter, I was convinced they wouldn't work. But omg the way I cried so much towards the end. I felt so on edge and sick with apprehension waiting for the other shoe to drop throughout the book and when it finally did I wasn't ready.

I am now fully team Marcus and Hallie.

Such a rollercoaster of emotions and so beautifully written. Highly recommend, it's well worth the read!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[52kaosangel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story between Hallie and Marcus, it was full of laughter, good banter, and a lot of heartbreaking tears.

I loved how the two of them had to figure out how to work together for her best friends' and his brother's wedding while navigating their present day connection and reconciling the past hurts.

This was brilliantly written and I loved how everything came together. I'm looking forward to more from this author in the future!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well written book with strong characters in Hallie and Marcus. The author does a great job developing the story and paints her scenes perfectly. She takes you into their lives with a second chance romance, chemistry, emotions and humor and kept me turning the pages with the banter and entertaining storyline. She moves the story fluidly and delivers a terrific read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.

[Hanna Beyrouti · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is everything you could ask for in a book and more. Banter, romance, spice, moments that tug on your heartstrings, and moments that shatter it all together. Not to mention it has all THE BEST romance tropes.

It’s written so well that you can’t help but connect and fall in love with the main characters. Can’t wait to see where the series goes.

[Rose · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hated the side characters, they were too fuckin pushy. Main girl is a slut, like bitch he hurt you and you still want him. Ending sucked, everything is fixed to quick. Stupid book, read something else.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I annihilated this book! It was so freaking good! I love Marcus and Hallies story so much!
This book pulled on my heartstrings from the very beginning. There wasn't a ton of spice but the spice that it had was yummy! I definitely recommend reading this book ASAP!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It's my first book by this author and I'm a fan. I would read more books by her. I loved the sass both Hal and Marcus dish out to each other, but I also believed the chemistry they have. The book is funny, but also very "awww" (just the way I like my romance books).

[Amy Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! I love the lovers to enemies to lovers. It was very well written and the details were fantastic. I would highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys enemies to lovers and young love.

[Megann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love second chance romance, it has an absolute great story plot, i could not put it down

[Christine Pappas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great writing, great story of second chances, with angst, sarcastic wit, passion and an HEA. I easily got lost in the book, well worth a read from this author!

[alcreads (Aila) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I know everyone has a different interpretation of what home means to them, of what it looks like and feels like, be it a place or people. I just want you to remember you don’t need to live at home. Sometimes it can be enough to know where it is—to simply visit and let yourself rest in the place your heart resides for a little while……”

A second-chance romance between Hallie, who left town after getting hurt by the people around her, and Marcus, her best friend’s older brother who broke her heart on the worst way possible given her circumstances. As the maid of honor and best man for Julian and Erica’s upcoming wedding, they’re forced behave around each other’s presence.

I really enjoyed reading this book. The banters between H and M are to die for. They’re both snarky and entertaining and reading them exchange words didn’t get too old or feel forced. I also love that both characters have enough maturity in acknowledging what they’re feeling, so their story wasn’t unnecessarily dragged out. Also, the spice? Divine 🥵

(I was given the opportunity to read the advance readers copy for an honest review)

[Tanisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of traditional romance, although there are certain “tropes” that I enjoy more than others. One of my absolute favorites is “enemies to lovers.” Because of this, I was extremely excited to read this book. Just based on the description, I knew that this was a book that I would enjoy.

I am sometimes hesitant to read books from a new author, because it can sometimes take me a while to get used to their writing style. I didn’t have any problems with this book, and I liked that I got to read from both main characters’ point of view.

This book hooked me from the very beginning, and I wanted both of the characters to “win” although I didn’t see how that path could happen initially. I will say that I got so frustrated with the male lead because he definitely could have prevented most of the misunderstandings from happening.

All in all, I really enjoyed this book, and I cannot wait to see what this author writes next!

**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

[Dessie White · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will take you on an emotional rollercoaster but in the best possible way. From heartbreak, to realizing their feelings are still there this book has everything in between with the perfect amount of spice! Loved Hallie's independence and just wished Marcus got a little more jealous over Cade. Overall definitely a wonderfully written book with the best characters and worth a read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Amanda Ciccone · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy of this book for free and i am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you for the opportunity to be an ARC reader.

I enjoyed the book more than I thought I would. The author does a great job at painting a picture of the scenes. I will say that I had a bit of a hard time relating to the FMC, I found her a little bit annoying and the MMC wasn’t as swoon worthy as others but they made a good pair. I would recommend the book, for sure!

[Teacy Bishop · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my usual type of read but I enjoyed it!

[❅ Karen ❅ · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the moment I read chapter 1, I knew I was going to love this book! It was just what my hopeless romantic heart needed.
You follow Hallie, who returns to her hometown for the first time in nearly a decade. And Marcus, who owns the company he always dreamed of while still regretting his past mistakes. They get thrown back together in the most unsurprising way. There is a list made to keep them in check. Little do they know, that they'll need to make one of their own.
This book is the epitome of love and hate blurring the lines. They truly had me giggling and getting angry at the MCs.

🌶️🌶️.5/5

[Mariah Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review 🖤
3.5 ⭐️
2 🌶️

This was a cute fast paced read. I feel like parts of it drug out, but for the most part I liked it. I loved the banter between the two MCs.

[Tegan Blaikie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!

It’s sexy, witty, emotional and well written - everything you need in a book! Hallie is the sassy woman we all have in us!

[Mahnoor Lasania · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the writing!!!! The way I cried throughout the damn book should be prove enough! And Hallie is just so strong❤️

The way she handles everything and faces the world, I could never! I mean if someone broke my heart the way Marcus broke hers when they were young and I’d been asked to be cordial with him, I would’ve walked out (or there’ll be literal flames). I was so frustrated with her for that lol, I think she could’ve put up a better fight.

Also, how Hallie can separate Markus from her friendship with Julian is beyond my comprehension, I mean, it’s amazing that she has that ability but I can’t even imagine the pain she would’ve felt every time she looked at Julian. Again, if any of my friends were to try ambushing me into being cordial with someone who betrayed me in the past, they would’ve been in the same boat as that person. No excuses whatsoever. But this just showed how much Hallie truly loved Erica and Jules.

I can’t even begin with how much I hated Markus at first, but he did end up making a small place in my heart in the end.

Overall, it was a pretty good read. And if you feel like crying and are looking for an excuse, this is it😉

Thank you to Book Sirens and Author Jessie Elizabeth for the ARC ✨🫶

[Petrine_reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Love Notes PR for this ARC copy.

So I liked the plot and I get why Hallie despised Marcus. I do however don’t understand why Marcus is treating Hallie that way. I think the reasons for the first break up should have been explained better.
The Friends reference made me laugh. Mostly because I was thinking it before I read it. Spot on.

- Enemies-to-lovers
- Best friends brother
- Second chance
- Forced proximity

It’s well written and I liked it, but not more than that.

[Alex T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written plot line. The romance the drama between the characters were intresting to read. I definitely recommend the book.received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Donatella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like to turn into romance when life gets busy and I want a light read with (hopefully) a happy ending. This book was perfect for that! Well written, fun and spicy 🌶️ Highly recommend!

[Fluff & Smut · Rating 4 out of 5]

* second chance romance
* best friends brother
* forced proximity
* enemies to lovers ish
* always been you
* get it out of our system
* banter for days
* spice (3/5 - rating is for how much of book has spicy content. The spice itself felt a bit unpolished)

TLDR - great debut! MCs were frustrating at times but also was rooting for them. The heartbreak had me crying and my heart hurting. Would read more from author. Awesome writing and story.

Hallie is best friends with Jules (childhood friend and brother to Marcus) and his fiancé (her college best friend) Erica. So for their wedding they ask both Hallie and Marcus to be their best man/maid of honor and to co-exist as peacefully as possible in public and coordinating their duties because the couple loves both of them very much and doesn’t want to leave either of them out.

But Hallie feels betrayed by Marcus (justly) and Marcus is mad at himself yet takes it out on Hallie (real emotions are complicated so I get the unhinged natures of these very real complicated feelings but also umm no Marcus).

Marcus does his absolute best to rile Hallie up and generally pushes her buttons constantly. And Hallie gives it back to him with lots of banter. All that bantering was really good stuff and didn’t really feel too old it just evolved.

As someone who was insecure and in ways still is, I’m very surprised there wasn’t more apologizing and groveling by Marcus (and by more I mean there really wasn’t any but saying sorry once? Twice?) especially for the way things went down back then and again now.

But I also think it was obvious he’s always cared for and loved her - especially as more details about Marcus are revealed. But personally I’m not a fan of the “if you love em let em go”; I prefer the if you love em fight for them and do what you need to do within reason to make it work without losing yourself. Letting someone go only makes sense in very few limited situations and this one wasn’t it.

And as for Hallie, I felt for her, I cried reading about her heartbreak (author wrote it so well), my heart was hurting for her. Given the level of heartbreak and her response to it I’m surprised how quickly she was willing to get sucked into him but I get the body and mind can be contradictory particularly when someone hasn’t felt loved by the people who should love her it leaves you love starved and their physical attraction was heightened and there is a thin line between love and hate especially when you still like someone. Heart has a mind of its own right?

Overall Marcus and Hallie frustrated me at times often but it felt real and messy because we as humans are messy. But overall I was rooting for them. And I think their friends really did what was needed and pivoted to adjust their stances as things developed.

Overall loved the writing and story and will definitely keep an eye on the authors future works! Great debut!

[Sara Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to LovenotesPr for the ARC!

Oh my god! I loved this book! Marcus is one of my favorite book boyfriends now! Truly at first I didn’t know how I would like Marcus with the start but he quickly made me fall in love with him! The dynamic between Marcus and Hallie is one of my favorites! I love banter I love playful stabs back and forth with words. And this book had it all! I cried I laughed and blushed just good stuff top to bottom. I love highlighting my favorite quotes in books so here are my favorites:

“This home that isn’t a home but a display house for a display life.”

“Skin I’d so recently touched and devoured shouldn’t hold such power.”

“It’s not that fancy of an establishment. Now, cover your ass before I forget which round of seconds I’m looking to eat,”

“How you felt about him previously was enough to make you run.”

“It wasn’t running. He was an asshole and didn’t want me—it was self-preservation,”

“Hal, if you wanted to leave, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.”

“ “Since when did you get so wise?”
“To be honest? When I started to stand still. If you’re not ready to be still yet, to pull up roots, or to pick a new place to put roots down, it’s okay. There’ll always be a home for you here.”


“Because after everything, he’s here, exactly where he said he’d be.”


“There’s no stretching out of this discomfort.”

“I don’t know about you, but I kind of hope I don’t ever grow out of the heart-racing age.”

“Home.
She’d called my house home. ”

This one is funny after the above one: “Hallie, what would you even know about a home?” My tone is scathing. “If you clicked your ruby-red boots together three times, where the hell would you even end up?”

“I’ll make the house beautiful because if I can’t have you, I’ll take the scraps you leave behind.”

“That I loved you then enough to let you go. And I love you now in the very same way.”

“Hallie,” Marcus says. “Will you stay?”
And it’s…
It’s a relief to be asked. To be still next to him.”


Truly 5/5 I loved every bit of this book!
Spice was 5/5 for me too it was perfect!


LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS BOOK

Excerpt are From
Best Man Speaking by Jessie Elizabeth
Love Notes PR
This material may be protected by copyright.

[Mishelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

The banter in this book was a plenty and very flirty.

Hallie left her home town when she was 18. But it wasn’t on good terms. Her grandmother had just died, the closest person she had to parent. The day of the funeral, her long-term boyfriend, Marcus, decides that is the time to end things with her. So she leaves and never looks back.

That is until her two best friends get engaged and invite her to the wedding.

Now Hallie is back in a town she never thought she would be. She would be happy being the maid of honor for her two best friends, if her ex wasn’t also the best man. The one who broke her heart and caused a distrust in those around her. But as much as she should and does hate him….she can’t deny he makes her feel a certain way.

Marcus can’t deny it either. The second he saw Hallie, all the feelings came flooding back, ones that never truly left.

This was a good and easy read that I enjoyed. I will say there was a miscommunication that happened and was 100% Hallie’s fault but Marcus took responsibility for it, which I didn’t agree with. But other than that, their back and forth banter was fun and exactly what you want.

Spice Rating: ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥