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The Almost Bride
A runaway bride. A fake relationship. A town that loves a good love story. What could possibly go wrong?
Mia Tate is a good girl. She’s always done the right thing, followed the rules, and never, ever caused a scene. That is, until she runs out of her own wedding in a cloud of tulle and regret. Now, her ex won’t leave her alone, her parents are panicking, and the whole town is watching to see what she'll do next.
Enter Luna Truman, wild, unpredictable, and Mia’s complete opposite. She needs to prove to her grandmother that she’s responsible enough to inherit the family money, and Mia needs a distraction for her ex. The solution? A completely fake, totally platonic, no-feelings-involved relationship.
But keeping things pretend is easier said than done when hand-holding becomes second nature, forehead kisses start feeling a little too real, and Luna looks at Mia like she’s something worth staying for.
Mia thought running away from the altar was the biggest risk she’d ever take—but falling for Luna might just outdo it.
The Almost Bride is an opposites-attract lesbian romance featuring a very happy ending, from bestselling Sapphic writer Sienna Waters, author of The Wrong Date, Crossing the Pond, and Teaching Hope.
Mia Tate is a good girl. She’s always done the right thing, followed the rules, and never, ever caused a scene. That is, until she runs out of her own wedding in a cloud of tulle and regret. Now, her ex won’t leave her alone, her parents are panicking, and the whole town is watching to see what she'll do next.
Enter Luna Truman, wild, unpredictable, and Mia’s complete opposite. She needs to prove to her grandmother that she’s responsible enough to inherit the family money, and Mia needs a distraction for her ex. The solution? A completely fake, totally platonic, no-feelings-involved relationship.
But keeping things pretend is easier said than done when hand-holding becomes second nature, forehead kisses start feeling a little too real, and Luna looks at Mia like she’s something worth staying for.
Mia thought running away from the altar was the biggest risk she’d ever take—but falling for Luna might just outdo it.
The Almost Bride is an opposites-attract lesbian romance featuring a very happy ending, from bestselling Sapphic writer Sienna Waters, author of The Wrong Date, Crossing the Pond, and Teaching Hope.
241 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2025
91 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 26, 2025
4 stars. Mia is a runaway bride, she leaves Mike at the altar and skips town. She meets Luna and there’s definitely a spark there though Mia is straight. Luna is a free spirit and doesn’t take things too seriously whereas Mia is very by the book and a bit buttoned up.
I really loved the chemistry between them as I do love an opposites attract. They couldn’t be more different but their personalities meshed so well and I loved the fake dating that they do. It was cute to see Mia be so flustered as she realized that she was really falling for Luna and on the flip side Luna doesn’t do relationships so her panicking about falling for Mia was great.
There’s a lot of miscommunication between them which is never my favorite but Waters did it in a way that I didn’t find too bad. I completely understood why both women felt the way that they did but I wanted to shake them. The side characters were wonderful and are integral to helping them see how much they loved each other and I thought the ending was lovely. Overall, this is probably my favorite book by Waters that I’ve read so far and I would definitely recommend it.
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really loved the chemistry between them as I do love an opposites attract. They couldn’t be more different but their personalities meshed so well and I loved the fake dating that they do. It was cute to see Mia be so flustered as she realized that she was really falling for Luna and on the flip side Luna doesn’t do relationships so her panicking about falling for Mia was great.
There’s a lot of miscommunication between them which is never my favorite but Waters did it in a way that I didn’t find too bad. I completely understood why both women felt the way that they did but I wanted to shake them. The side characters were wonderful and are integral to helping them see how much they loved each other and I thought the ending was lovely. Overall, this is probably my favorite book by Waters that I’ve read so far and I would definitely recommend it.
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 21, 2025
I am so conflicted with this novel!!!! This was a lot of fun, an easy read, and had a lot of nice moments. At the same time, it was a little too much in some ways; unbelievable hijinks, too big of a lie too soon, plans that honestly don’t make sense, a repetitive middle section that dragged, and a painful amount of miscommunication/assumptions that wrecked the third act of the novel. Yet all that said, I still think this was a good book and a nice read???
I loved the image of a woman wandering into town with nothing but a wedding dress, and the townsfolk taking her in and taking care of her. Absolutely delightful beginnings. So many characters in this novel were rays of sunshine and the heartwarming moments are too many to count.
The plotline though had some major potholes. The characters logic simply didn’t make sense and it made the novel feel like an author-forced story as opposed to something that might actually happen. This was all forgivable though because I don’t demand realism in a romance novel. My main issue was the last third which was agonizing to read and featured a conflict that was based on absolutely nothing. There WERE characters going through some major growth and developments which was nice, but the angsty backdrop just lost me. Grand gestures are always nice and can be a lot of fun, but I dislike it when they take the place of a 20-second conversation that would have fixed everything just as well.
This was well written, because the author is awesome. I would recommend many of their other novels over this one.
I loved the image of a woman wandering into town with nothing but a wedding dress, and the townsfolk taking her in and taking care of her. Absolutely delightful beginnings. So many characters in this novel were rays of sunshine and the heartwarming moments are too many to count.
The plotline though had some major potholes. The characters logic simply didn’t make sense and it made the novel feel like an author-forced story as opposed to something that might actually happen. This was all forgivable though because I don’t demand realism in a romance novel. My main issue was the last third which was agonizing to read and featured a conflict that was based on absolutely nothing. There WERE characters going through some major growth and developments which was nice, but the angsty backdrop just lost me. Grand gestures are always nice and can be a lot of fun, but I dislike it when they take the place of a 20-second conversation that would have fixed everything just as well.
This was well written, because the author is awesome. I would recommend many of their other novels over this one.
May 4, 2025
The Almost Bride by Sienna Waters is another delightful, feel-good romcom. I rarely meet a book by Waters that I dislike, and this is no exception. She is still an auto-read author for me.
Mia and Luna are so sweet and fun, and the small town of Chipping is cozy and inviting. As always in this author's books, there is a well-meaning found family assisting the fledgling couple through their challenges. I appreciate the level of involvement from these friends. It struck a good balance between offering advice and not being overly pushy.
Mia and Luna have opposite personalities but complement each other well, and their banter is witty and entertaining. I had such a fun time reading this book. I chuckled and smiled a lot, and I loved them together.
Mia leaves her fiancé at the altar when she realizes the life she had planned out wasn't her plan after all. Luna returns home to ask her grandmother for her inheritance.
They clearly have some flirty chemistry from the start. They enter into a fake dating arrangement. It is a silly idea; all fake dating ideas are silly, though—aren't they? Along the way, they stop pretending. There is a third-act breakup due to misunderstandings. We are privy to each of their processing journeys through alternating perspectives.
This one has become one of my favorite books by Waters. I will always recommend her novels for low-angst, happy endings, and hopeful futures.
#lowangst #smalltown #returnhome #runawaybride #oppositesattract #fakedating #epilogue #HEA #foundfamily #romcom #backtohometown #mediumspice #hotelmanager #florist #interiordesign #comingout #selfdiscovery #toasterover
I received a free ARC from BookSprout. This is my honest opinion.
Mia and Luna are so sweet and fun, and the small town of Chipping is cozy and inviting. As always in this author's books, there is a well-meaning found family assisting the fledgling couple through their challenges. I appreciate the level of involvement from these friends. It struck a good balance between offering advice and not being overly pushy.
Mia and Luna have opposite personalities but complement each other well, and their banter is witty and entertaining. I had such a fun time reading this book. I chuckled and smiled a lot, and I loved them together.
Mia leaves her fiancé at the altar when she realizes the life she had planned out wasn't her plan after all. Luna returns home to ask her grandmother for her inheritance.
They clearly have some flirty chemistry from the start. They enter into a fake dating arrangement. It is a silly idea; all fake dating ideas are silly, though—aren't they? Along the way, they stop pretending. There is a third-act breakup due to misunderstandings. We are privy to each of their processing journeys through alternating perspectives.
This one has become one of my favorite books by Waters. I will always recommend her novels for low-angst, happy endings, and hopeful futures.
#lowangst #smalltown #returnhome #runawaybride #oppositesattract #fakedating #epilogue #HEA #foundfamily #romcom #backtohometown #mediumspice #hotelmanager #florist #interiordesign #comingout #selfdiscovery #toasterover
I received a free ARC from BookSprout. This is my honest opinion.
July 16, 2025
Loved it!
I love everything by this author. It's laugh out loud funny, heartfelt, and relatable. The characters are amazing. Can't wait to read all of her books.
I love everything by this author. It's laugh out loud funny, heartfelt, and relatable. The characters are amazing. Can't wait to read all of her books.
April 29, 2025
SW has never written a book I didn’t enjoy. This is another winner. It’s a light hearted opposites attract, fake dating story with a lovely epilogue to wrap up the HEA.
Special mention for the straight male character who is not a violent a***hole or villainous in any way. I can’t remember many of those in SapphFic & it was a good surprise.
I’m still a little concerned about the Mini Cooper abandoned and apparently still without petrol on the side of a road just outside Little Chipping.
Overall a good read & I recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Special mention for the straight male character who is not a violent a***hole or villainous in any way. I can’t remember many of those in SapphFic & it was a good surprise.
I’m still a little concerned about the Mini Cooper abandoned and apparently still without petrol on the side of a road just outside Little Chipping.
Overall a good read & I recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2025
Mia is just about to get married to her long term boyfriend Mikey, but something hasn’t felt right to her for a while. She wants to do what is right, to live up to the expectations of Mikey and her parents. She has always done what was expected of her, but now that feels wrong, and so before she can think too much, she runs.
Luna has always been spontaneous, never staying in one place long enough to make friends, to put down roots or to get hurt. After being raised by her grandmother after the very young death of her mother, Luna left as soon as she could, and has never looked back, constantly moving for several years now. But now she is back in the village where her controlling grandmother still lives, trying to get the money her mother left for her.
This is a beautiful, funny and tear-jerking story. Both Mia and Luna are sincere women, each going through watershed moments in their lives. Mia has always been the good girl, never breaking the rules. Luna is a loose cannon, saying and doing whatever seems right at the time. But neither of these women are bad. Just very different. This is an opposites attract sweet story set in a small English village, with a wonderful cast of villagers and friends.
Luna has always been spontaneous, never staying in one place long enough to make friends, to put down roots or to get hurt. After being raised by her grandmother after the very young death of her mother, Luna left as soon as she could, and has never looked back, constantly moving for several years now. But now she is back in the village where her controlling grandmother still lives, trying to get the money her mother left for her.
This is a beautiful, funny and tear-jerking story. Both Mia and Luna are sincere women, each going through watershed moments in their lives. Mia has always been the good girl, never breaking the rules. Luna is a loose cannon, saying and doing whatever seems right at the time. But neither of these women are bad. Just very different. This is an opposites attract sweet story set in a small English village, with a wonderful cast of villagers and friends.
April 27, 2025
The Almost Bride is a sapphic, small town romance featuring Mia Tate and Luna Truman.
On the day of her wedding, wearing her dress and moments away from walking down the aisle, Mia grabs her car keys and flees. Mikey Andress is a lovely man but this is more than cold feet. Mia drives until she runs out of fuel and with nothing on her person, ends up walking to the small town of Little Chipping. Fortunately a kindhearted woman named Rachel takes her in, offering food and shelter in her inn, in exchange for her help.
Luna is from the same town but she's been away for 7 years, traveling and exploring. She returns home to see her grandmother, Evelyn, to request her inheritance once again. Unfortunately, her grandmother tells her that there were clear instructions that she is only to receive her inheritance once she becomes a responsible adult, emphasizing responsible. Luna now needs to somehow prove to her grandmother that she is indeed responsible and ends up getting a job at the florist.
There is an instant attraction between Luna and Mia when they meet. The two are complete opposites; Luna is a loud, eccentric, free spirit while Mia is quiet, diligent and responsible. The duo quickly become friendly, with Luna innocently teasing and flirting with Mia.
When Mikey tells Mia he is coming to see her, she panics. She's not ready to see him. She doesn't know what to tell him or how to explain her uncharacteristic actions as she is still trying to figure herself out. Luna suggests a fake relationship both to help let Mikey down easily while perhaps satisfying her grandmother's need for her to display the responsibility and maturity required to access her inheritance.
Mia and Luna end up spending more time together, going on fake dates which leads to real feelings. Unfortunately neither is ready to confess and risk heartbreak so they risk losing it all.
I was introduced to Waters' writing via Booksprout and am now always on the lookout for her newest release. This book, like the others I have read, is a delightful and sweet small town romance. This is the first I believe I have read featuring characters from Little Chipping but I certainly hope there are more to come.
On the day of her wedding, wearing her dress and moments away from walking down the aisle, Mia grabs her car keys and flees. Mikey Andress is a lovely man but this is more than cold feet. Mia drives until she runs out of fuel and with nothing on her person, ends up walking to the small town of Little Chipping. Fortunately a kindhearted woman named Rachel takes her in, offering food and shelter in her inn, in exchange for her help.
Luna is from the same town but she's been away for 7 years, traveling and exploring. She returns home to see her grandmother, Evelyn, to request her inheritance once again. Unfortunately, her grandmother tells her that there were clear instructions that she is only to receive her inheritance once she becomes a responsible adult, emphasizing responsible. Luna now needs to somehow prove to her grandmother that she is indeed responsible and ends up getting a job at the florist.
There is an instant attraction between Luna and Mia when they meet. The two are complete opposites; Luna is a loud, eccentric, free spirit while Mia is quiet, diligent and responsible. The duo quickly become friendly, with Luna innocently teasing and flirting with Mia.
When Mikey tells Mia he is coming to see her, she panics. She's not ready to see him. She doesn't know what to tell him or how to explain her uncharacteristic actions as she is still trying to figure herself out. Luna suggests a fake relationship both to help let Mikey down easily while perhaps satisfying her grandmother's need for her to display the responsibility and maturity required to access her inheritance.
Mia and Luna end up spending more time together, going on fake dates which leads to real feelings. Unfortunately neither is ready to confess and risk heartbreak so they risk losing it all.
I was introduced to Waters' writing via Booksprout and am now always on the lookout for her newest release. This book, like the others I have read, is a delightful and sweet small town romance. This is the first I believe I have read featuring characters from Little Chipping but I certainly hope there are more to come.
April 30, 2025
Mia and Mike are meant to be married. A real tongue twister for sure so luckily she flees the wedding before the I Do’s and gets in her car and drives. She keeps on driving till her car is out of fuel but luckily gets rescued by her fairy godmother Rachel who even offers her a job in return for board.
Luna meanwhile has been off galavanting around the world but returns to her home town and finds that to get her inheritance she has to prove she’s grown up and good at adulting. Unfortunately she’s not.
Mikey comes after Mia to talk, eugh, so Mia and Luna start fake dating to help the other out.
But strait-laced Mia is straight. Isn’t she? Rebel Luna starts to see that the purchase of a toaster oven is likely in her future as they spend more and more time together.
Another fun, witty book by Sienna that takes place in Little Chipping so there’s a whole host of new quirky characters too.
Opposites attract, fake dating, return to home town(kinda) and toaster oven romance all in one book. Phew!
Luna meanwhile has been off galavanting around the world but returns to her home town and finds that to get her inheritance she has to prove she’s grown up and good at adulting. Unfortunately she’s not.
Mikey comes after Mia to talk, eugh, so Mia and Luna start fake dating to help the other out.
But strait-laced Mia is straight. Isn’t she? Rebel Luna starts to see that the purchase of a toaster oven is likely in her future as they spend more and more time together.
Another fun, witty book by Sienna that takes place in Little Chipping so there’s a whole host of new quirky characters too.
Opposites attract, fake dating, return to home town(kinda) and toaster oven romance all in one book. Phew!
May 2, 2025
Mia has always been the perfect student with a perfect degree. A perfect daughter at her perfect wedding. Her future playing out in hef head sends her into a state of panic about to pass out. She sees her keys, grabs them and runs.
Luna has been away from her grandmother's for seven years backpacking through parts of Africa and Asia. She has returned to get her inheritance money from her mother's estate which her grandmother is the executor. Luna believes her to be cold and disapproving. I liked the interaction between Luna's carefree take life as it comes and Mia's serious matter of fact way. Made me chuckle how Mia got flustered by Luna in their conversations. Highly recommend this feel good book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Luna has been away from her grandmother's for seven years backpacking through parts of Africa and Asia. She has returned to get her inheritance money from her mother's estate which her grandmother is the executor. Luna believes her to be cold and disapproving. I liked the interaction between Luna's carefree take life as it comes and Mia's serious matter of fact way. Made me chuckle how Mia got flustered by Luna in their conversations. Highly recommend this feel good book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 29, 2025
I found this book really engaging from the first page. All her life Mia had done the right things, been the person her parents wanted, until she couldn’t take it anymore and left her perfect fiancé at the alter. She just left in her wedding dress and with just her car. She drove until she ran out of petrol and ended up in a small town,which was were she met Luna. Luna is the rebel of the family, who was brought up by her grandmother and who escaped to go round the world. Luna and Mia are total opposites but they click and agree to a fake relationship to get both their families off their backs. As usual, this is well written, with good interesting characters and a HEA.
May 13, 2025
Mia is a runaway bride, having fled just before the groom arrived. Taken in by kindly inkeep Rachel, she's trying to figure out what to do.
Luna has come home to try to claim her inheritance, overseen by her stubborn granny. She has to prove she's responsible to inherit.
(She's better hope her Granny is ethical. 'Responsible' is hard to prove, she could keep Luna's money forever.)
Luna has several fun encounters with Mia, inspiring her to suggest they fake date. That way Mia has a partner to scare off the groom, and Luna hopes having a steady girlfriend might prove to Granny that she's responsible.
Then real feelings creep in...
4 out of 5 stars. Good, fun read.
Luna has come home to try to claim her inheritance, overseen by her stubborn granny. She has to prove she's responsible to inherit.
(She's better hope her Granny is ethical. 'Responsible' is hard to prove, she could keep Luna's money forever.)
Luna has several fun encounters with Mia, inspiring her to suggest they fake date. That way Mia has a partner to scare off the groom, and Luna hopes having a steady girlfriend might prove to Granny that she's responsible.
Then real feelings creep in...
4 out of 5 stars. Good, fun read.
April 29, 2025
Another fun, light hearted romance from Sienna Waters.
Mia has always done the right thing, which was expected of her as the golden child - but then she leaves Mikey at the altar.
She heads off to find herself and sort her had out and the fun starts. She ends up in a small country town and stays while she figures things out.
This is the kind of story that is guaranteed to cheer you up when you are feeling just that bit too aware of every terrible thing happening in the world.
It's a stand alone in a new town - so a whole host of new characters to get to know.
Mia has always done the right thing, which was expected of her as the golden child - but then she leaves Mikey at the altar.
She heads off to find herself and sort her had out and the fun starts. She ends up in a small country town and stays while she figures things out.
This is the kind of story that is guaranteed to cheer you up when you are feeling just that bit too aware of every terrible thing happening in the world.
It's a stand alone in a new town - so a whole host of new characters to get to know.
June 9, 2025
The Almost Bride combines run-away bride Mia with Luna, who needs to get married for an inheritance. There is an opposites-attract theme to the story, but to be fair, neither woman is entirely happy with the way life has been going. Their developing romance has a few self-induced bumps in the road along with occasional outside complications such as Mia’s ex-fiancée, who appears at terribly inconvenient times. This is an enjoyable read with moments of angst and a satisfying conclusion.
May 3, 2025
genuinely adoreable
I would give it a 5, because I enjoy all the stories in this little series but I can’t do a half star. The only reason I knocked it a star is the *spoiler*
Third act breakup thing, I do get WHY, as in this story you have two commitment phobes, I just feel like the trope gets over used. It’s a me problem. I really do like the characters and the village and its silly cast.
I would give it a 5, because I enjoy all the stories in this little series but I can’t do a half star. The only reason I knocked it a star is the *spoiler*
Third act breakup thing, I do get WHY, as in this story you have two commitment phobes, I just feel like the trope gets over used. It’s a me problem. I really do like the characters and the village and its silly cast.
April 29, 2025
Sienna Waters is one of my favorite authors and she delivered another home run. This is a fake relationship, opposites attract, toaster oven love story. From the beginning, I was hooked and rooting for Mia and Luna. This is a feel good happily ever after story that does not disappoint.
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.
May 1, 2025
Running to love
Mia runs from her wedding with nothing but her dress and her car. She ends up in a small town and is helped by many of the towns people. Luna is home long enough to get her money and then she's off again. These two make an unlikely couple, but even while fake dating they realize they both want more. There are some wonderful characters who give the 2 some words of wisdom to help them see what life could be like together. A very enjoyable read.
Mia runs from her wedding with nothing but her dress and her car. She ends up in a small town and is helped by many of the towns people. Luna is home long enough to get her money and then she's off again. These two make an unlikely couple, but even while fake dating they realize they both want more. There are some wonderful characters who give the 2 some words of wisdom to help them see what life could be like together. A very enjoyable read.
May 2, 2025
ok this read is cute and funny at times and hots so many tropes.
A runaway bride, fake relationship, small town, an opposites-attract lesbian romance with a very happy ending.
this was blast to read a happy ending love story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A runaway bride, fake relationship, small town, an opposites-attract lesbian romance with a very happy ending.
this was blast to read a happy ending love story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 8, 2025
what an enjoyable read..
Runaway bride meets a runner. Luna ran to avoid everything. Mia was a runaway bride. There were definite fireworks between Luna and Mia lot of snipping and batting heads until they weren’t. Somewhere along the line they developed feelings. The story that followed was enjoyable. Think you’ll enjoy this book. Sienna writes a very nice story.
Runaway bride meets a runner. Luna ran to avoid everything. Mia was a runaway bride. There were definite fireworks between Luna and Mia lot of snipping and batting heads until they weren’t. Somewhere along the line they developed feelings. The story that followed was enjoyable. Think you’ll enjoy this book. Sienna writes a very nice story.
April 20, 2025
Really enjoyed this book, i know the format for the story is a well known one, it was brilliantly written.
The characters started out as friends and then embarked on a fake relationship, that turned into a great love story.
Not giving anymore away, another great book from Sienna.
The characters started out as friends and then embarked on a fake relationship, that turned into a great love story.
Not giving anymore away, another great book from Sienna.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2025
Totally Opposits who find each other. Lots of humor, misunderstandings and romantic gestures. Quirky Characters. Loved it very much.
May 11, 2025
A fun romp with a runaway bride, a bad-rep heiress, and a fake romance that will get them both everything they didn't know they ever wanted. Immediately on my re-read list.
May 19, 2025
recovering from a long planned wedding that somehow wasn't right anymore takes a lot of twists, turns, a new lead, and some trust issues, a big of fear, and lots of bravery
June 18, 2025
I wanted to like it but the pacing and how fast this felt it was moving really threw me off I spent most of my time reading just confused.
April 29, 2026
Love those author!
If you have not read this author you are missing out. So get her books and make sure you leave your reviews.
If you have not read this author you are missing out. So get her books and make sure you leave your reviews.
June 26, 2025
I really enjoyed this runaway bride story.
April 30, 2025
This a sweet and romantic fake relationship, opposites attract, toaster oven love story. It had me hooked and pulling for Mia and Luna from the start. This is a feel good happily ever after story that I needed right now. A delightful book you do not want to miss. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 29, 2025
Mai has always been the good girl who does the right thing. However, she makes a bold decision to run away from her wedding just minutes before she is supposed to walk down the aisle. She finds herself in a small town where she meets Luna, who is almost her complete opposite in every way. The two of them keep crossing paths and eventually enter into a fake dating relationship that blossoms into something sweet. I really enjoyed the book; it was a fun, easy read. I would definitely recommend it.
I received an arc
I received an arc
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews