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Her Best Man: A Second Chance at Love, Fake Relationship Romantic Comedy
Falling in love with him is a bad idea. But how can she keep from doing it?Sarah Stevens experiences a bride's worst nightmare; being dumped at the altar. When she goes on the Caribbean cruise meant to be her honeymoon in order to lick her wounds, she discovers her ex-fiancé has sent his brother, Will Marshall, the former best man, on the cruise as well. Everyone on board thinks they're newlyweds, and Sarah is too embarrassed to set them straight. How is she supposed to share a tiny cabin with a man she barely knows? How is she supposed to pretend that she and Will are on their honeymoon? Even worse, how can she keep from falling in love with him? Sarah discovers the best man for her really is the best man.
Join Will and Sarah as they cruise into love and start reading HER BEST MAN today!
Join Will and Sarah as they cruise into love and start reading HER BEST MAN today!
- GenresRomance
219 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 27, 2025
2 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Jana Richards
36 books883 followersJana Richards has tried her hand at many writing projects over the years, from magazine articles and short stories to paranormal suspense and romantic comedy. She loves to create characters with a sense of humor, but also a serious side. She believes there's nothing more interesting then peeling back the layers of a character to see what makes them tick.
When not writing up a storm or dealing with dust bunnies, Jana can be found pursuing hobbies like golf (which she does very badly) and reading (which she does much better).
Jana lives in Western Canada with her husband Warren.
Contact her at:
http://www.janarichards.com
http://www.facebook.com/JanaRichardsA...
https://www.janarichards.com/blog
https://www.instagram.com/janarichard...
When not writing up a storm or dealing with dust bunnies, Jana can be found pursuing hobbies like golf (which she does very badly) and reading (which she does much better).
Jana lives in Western Canada with her husband Warren.
Contact her at:
http://www.janarichards.com
http://www.facebook.com/JanaRichardsA...
https://www.janarichards.com/blog
https://www.instagram.com/janarichard...
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 23, 2025
Watching the groom flee from the church tilts Sarah’s world sideways. Jilted doesn’t begin to describe how she feels. She escapes her friends and family by going on the cruise that was supposed to be her honeymoon. Imagine her surprise when the best man, Will, shows up. Everyone on the ship thinks they’re newlyweds. Sarah spends a lot of time with Will and before she knows it, she’s fallen for her best man. Does he feel the same? Is Will the best man for Sarah or will he abandon her like his brother?
Her Best Man is a romantic comedy filled with awkward situations, comical dialogue, rediscovering yourself, and falling in love with someone you shouldn’t. Jana Richards is a prolific romance author who knows how to write addictive, realistic romance. Her gift for comedic banter and situations makes Her Best Man an unputdownable read. Seriously, I stayed up until two in the morning finishing this delightful romance.
The characters are enchanting. Sarah is the jilted bride who falls in love with the best man on her honeymoon cruise. I connected with Sarah right away. Somehow along the way, Sarah has lost herself. She’s become a turtle, seeking safety inside herself. Will brings out the best in her and challenges her to try new things.
Will is a man who travels the world writing articles. He has a half-finished novel. He’s supposed to be on the cruise so he can finish his manuscript and achieve his dream. Sarah distracts him in the best possible way. I found Will to be a realistic hero who falls for his brother’s bride. There’s a lot of conflict Will has to deal with, most of it self-inflicted. Reading from his viewpoint was a treat.
If you love romantic comedy stories with endearing characters, comedic dialogue, and a beautiful setting, pick up Her Best Man. Romance readers will love Her Best Man.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Nancy
This review first appeared: https://substack.com/@nnlightsbookhea...
Her Best Man is a romantic comedy filled with awkward situations, comical dialogue, rediscovering yourself, and falling in love with someone you shouldn’t. Jana Richards is a prolific romance author who knows how to write addictive, realistic romance. Her gift for comedic banter and situations makes Her Best Man an unputdownable read. Seriously, I stayed up until two in the morning finishing this delightful romance.
The characters are enchanting. Sarah is the jilted bride who falls in love with the best man on her honeymoon cruise. I connected with Sarah right away. Somehow along the way, Sarah has lost herself. She’s become a turtle, seeking safety inside herself. Will brings out the best in her and challenges her to try new things.
Will is a man who travels the world writing articles. He has a half-finished novel. He’s supposed to be on the cruise so he can finish his manuscript and achieve his dream. Sarah distracts him in the best possible way. I found Will to be a realistic hero who falls for his brother’s bride. There’s a lot of conflict Will has to deal with, most of it self-inflicted. Reading from his viewpoint was a treat.
If you love romantic comedy stories with endearing characters, comedic dialogue, and a beautiful setting, pick up Her Best Man. Romance readers will love Her Best Man.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Nancy
This review first appeared: https://substack.com/@nnlightsbookhea...
August 15, 2025
In book one in the Left at the Altar series, Sarah Stevens goes on her honeymoon cruise alone after her fiancé, Brad, backs out of their wedding. The last thing she expects is for his brother to show up on the ship, in her cabin.
Will Marshall needs a vacation. With his repentant brother, Brad, determined to win Sarah back, Brad gives Will his cruise ship ticket, not realizing Sarah is going on the cruise, too. Now, Will and Sarah are stuck together, and they have to pretend to be husband and wife, or Will could get in serious trouble for using Brad’s passport and ticket to board the ship. What follows is a slow-burn romance neither Will nor Sarah saw coming.
I really enjoyed this story. Sarah and Will have so much chemistry. At first, they seem to have nothing in common, but as she loosens up and he shows maturity, it’s easy to see their connection. My only real issue falls with Will. He was determined to keep Sarah at arm’s length because his brother wanted to win her back, but he never bothered to ask Sarah if she wanted to take Brad back. He didn’t show her the respect she deserved in this, but his actions furthered the plot, so it made sense in the long run. Beyond that, I was immersed in the story. I especially loved the cast of secondary characters. The people they meet on the ship were a hoot.
What was most surprising to me is that Brad turned out to be a pretty decent guy. I thought for sure when I started reading he was going to be a world-class jerk, but nope. That wasn’t the case at all.
Readers who enjoy slow-burn rom coms and contemporary romances will love Her Best Man. This is my first Jana Richards book, and I would love to read more.
4.5 Stars
Will Marshall needs a vacation. With his repentant brother, Brad, determined to win Sarah back, Brad gives Will his cruise ship ticket, not realizing Sarah is going on the cruise, too. Now, Will and Sarah are stuck together, and they have to pretend to be husband and wife, or Will could get in serious trouble for using Brad’s passport and ticket to board the ship. What follows is a slow-burn romance neither Will nor Sarah saw coming.
I really enjoyed this story. Sarah and Will have so much chemistry. At first, they seem to have nothing in common, but as she loosens up and he shows maturity, it’s easy to see their connection. My only real issue falls with Will. He was determined to keep Sarah at arm’s length because his brother wanted to win her back, but he never bothered to ask Sarah if she wanted to take Brad back. He didn’t show her the respect she deserved in this, but his actions furthered the plot, so it made sense in the long run. Beyond that, I was immersed in the story. I especially loved the cast of secondary characters. The people they meet on the ship were a hoot.
What was most surprising to me is that Brad turned out to be a pretty decent guy. I thought for sure when I started reading he was going to be a world-class jerk, but nope. That wasn’t the case at all.
Readers who enjoy slow-burn rom coms and contemporary romances will love Her Best Man. This is my first Jana Richards book, and I would love to read more.
4.5 Stars
April 5, 2025
In "Her Best Man," the first instalment of Jana Richards' "Left at the Altar" romance series, protagonist Sarah Stevens finds herself living a bride's ultimate nightmare when she is unceremoniously dumped by her fiancé on their wedding day.
Devastated and seeking solace, Sarah decides to embark on the Caribbean cruise originally booked as her honeymoon, hoping to nurse her emotional wounds in paradise. However, a shocking twist of fate awaits Sarah when she discovers that her ex-fiancé has sent his brother, Will Marshall, who was meant to be the best man at their wedding, on the cruise as well. Forced into close quarters as they share a tiny cabin, Sarah must navigate the complexities of feigning a honeymoon with a man she hardly knows while grappling with the raw pain of her recent heartbreak.
As Sarah and Will spend more time together amidst the tropical splendour of the Caribbean, an undeniable chemistry begins to spark between them, leaving Sarah questioning how she can possibly resist falling for her almost-brother-in-law. In a poignant journey of self-discovery and unexpected romance, Sarah comes to realize that sometimes the best laid plans go astray, and the person truly meant for her may have been standing by her side all along.
While billed as a romantic comedy, the story is more of a light, breezy read than an outright humorous tale. "Her Best Man" follows Sarah's journey as she recovers from heartbreak and unexpectedly finds a second chance at love with the man who truly is the "best man" for her.
Devastated and seeking solace, Sarah decides to embark on the Caribbean cruise originally booked as her honeymoon, hoping to nurse her emotional wounds in paradise. However, a shocking twist of fate awaits Sarah when she discovers that her ex-fiancé has sent his brother, Will Marshall, who was meant to be the best man at their wedding, on the cruise as well. Forced into close quarters as they share a tiny cabin, Sarah must navigate the complexities of feigning a honeymoon with a man she hardly knows while grappling with the raw pain of her recent heartbreak.
As Sarah and Will spend more time together amidst the tropical splendour of the Caribbean, an undeniable chemistry begins to spark between them, leaving Sarah questioning how she can possibly resist falling for her almost-brother-in-law. In a poignant journey of self-discovery and unexpected romance, Sarah comes to realize that sometimes the best laid plans go astray, and the person truly meant for her may have been standing by her side all along.
While billed as a romantic comedy, the story is more of a light, breezy read than an outright humorous tale. "Her Best Man" follows Sarah's journey as she recovers from heartbreak and unexpectedly finds a second chance at love with the man who truly is the "best man" for her.
April 27, 2025
Her Best Man by Jana Richards is exactly the kind of feel-good romance this busy Indiana mama needed!
As a wife of 24 years, I know real love isn’t always perfect — and that’s why I adored this story. It’s full of heart, laughter, second chances, and just the right amount of heat to make you blush a little but still keep it sweet enough to enjoy with a glass of sweet tea on the porch.
The chemistry between the characters jumped off the page from the very beginning. It wasn’t over-the-top drama; it was the kind of slow-burn, flirty back-and-forth that made me smile like a teenager again. Plus, the whole “best man” twist gave the story such a fun, emotional hook — it had me flipping pages way past my bedtime (and trust me, this tired mama doesn’t stay up late unless it’s worth it!).
If you love small-town vibes, lovable characters, and a romance that feels both swoony and grounded in real emotion, you’ll fall head over heels for this one. Five stars from this happily married Hoosier girl!
Spice Level:
🌶️🌶️ — A little sizzle, a lot of sweet!
As a wife of 24 years, I know real love isn’t always perfect — and that’s why I adored this story. It’s full of heart, laughter, second chances, and just the right amount of heat to make you blush a little but still keep it sweet enough to enjoy with a glass of sweet tea on the porch.
The chemistry between the characters jumped off the page from the very beginning. It wasn’t over-the-top drama; it was the kind of slow-burn, flirty back-and-forth that made me smile like a teenager again. Plus, the whole “best man” twist gave the story such a fun, emotional hook — it had me flipping pages way past my bedtime (and trust me, this tired mama doesn’t stay up late unless it’s worth it!).
If you love small-town vibes, lovable characters, and a romance that feels both swoony and grounded in real emotion, you’ll fall head over heels for this one. Five stars from this happily married Hoosier girl!
Spice Level:
🌶️🌶️ — A little sizzle, a lot of sweet!
April 15, 2025
Chick lit at its best.
This is a charming contemporary romance that delivers humour, fun and a touch of emotional depth. The story follows Sarah Stevens, who faces every bride’s worst nightmare—being left at the altar. Determined to salvage her honeymoon cruise, she embarks on the trip alone, only to discover that her ex-fiancé’s brother, Will Marshall, is also on board, in his brother's place!
The author uses awkward yet endearing moments between Sarah and Will to make the plot into a "slow-burn" romance. The chemistry between them is palpable, but there is emotional conflict—Will’s loyalty to his brother versus his growing feelings for Sarah—adds layers to the narrative. The novel tries to balances humour with emotion, making it an engaging read for fans like me of the chicklit genre. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a charming contemporary romance that delivers humour, fun and a touch of emotional depth. The story follows Sarah Stevens, who faces every bride’s worst nightmare—being left at the altar. Determined to salvage her honeymoon cruise, she embarks on the trip alone, only to discover that her ex-fiancé’s brother, Will Marshall, is also on board, in his brother's place!
The author uses awkward yet endearing moments between Sarah and Will to make the plot into a "slow-burn" romance. The chemistry between them is palpable, but there is emotional conflict—Will’s loyalty to his brother versus his growing feelings for Sarah—adds layers to the narrative. The novel tries to balances humour with emotion, making it an engaging read for fans like me of the chicklit genre. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 5, 2025
When Sarah’s wedding ends with a runaway groom she’s hurt and humiliated, but she realizes she’s not heartbroken. She decides to use the ticket for what was supposed to be her honeymoon cruise or to have her ex-fiancé’s brother and best man show up instead.
I enjoyed reading how these two nearly perfect strangers gradually got to know each other and how Will helped push Sarah out of her comfort zone. The story has humor and a little sass as they navigate sharing a cabin with just one bed. Attraction simmers and they both attempt to avoid temptation.
This is a fairly light and easy read with some angst as Will tries to avoid his attraction to the woman his brother loves and wants back.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoyed reading how these two nearly perfect strangers gradually got to know each other and how Will helped push Sarah out of her comfort zone. The story has humor and a little sass as they navigate sharing a cabin with just one bed. Attraction simmers and they both attempt to avoid temptation.
This is a fairly light and easy read with some angst as Will tries to avoid his attraction to the woman his brother loves and wants back.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 9, 2025
this fun story—Jana Reynolds at her best—opens with a drama queen mother-in-law, wielding a spike-heeled shoe, going after a reluctant groom in front of the minister, a church filled with guests and God. And it only gets better.
‘Abandoned’ bride, Sarah, and stalwart best man, Will, try to cope with the disaster of a ruined wedding by taking advantage of the non-refundable cruise tickets and enjoy the Caribbean over the Christmas holiday. While coping with a host of diverse and witty cruise-goers, the faux ‘newlyweds’ learn volumes about themselves, life, and most important—love for ever after.
Based on a scale of 1-5, Her Best Man merits a 7.
Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews
‘Abandoned’ bride, Sarah, and stalwart best man, Will, try to cope with the disaster of a ruined wedding by taking advantage of the non-refundable cruise tickets and enjoy the Caribbean over the Christmas holiday. While coping with a host of diverse and witty cruise-goers, the faux ‘newlyweds’ learn volumes about themselves, life, and most important—love for ever after.
Based on a scale of 1-5, Her Best Man merits a 7.
Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews
May 8, 2025
This is book 1 in Richards' new series Left at the Alter. A fun contemporary romance read as we follow main character Sarah Stevens who gets dumped at the alter and flees on her would be honeymoon on a cruise to the Carribean but once there realizes her ex-fiancé sent his brother, Will Marshall in his place. A fun chick lit read that I found entertaining and lighthearted.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 7, 2025
Her Best Man" is a delightful and humorous read! Jana Richards delivers a charming story with engaging characters and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. It's a fun, feel-good romance that's perfect for anyone looking for a lighthearted escape.
My opinions are my own. Thank you to Voracious Readers Only for this free ebook.
My opinions are my own. Thank you to Voracious Readers Only for this free ebook.
September 4, 2025
This was a fun read, but I wouldn't say I enjoyed it as much as "The Unhoneymooners," which is what it reminded me of. I love a good fake dating romance and an exotic setting though, so this was enjoyable!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews