Meet Him at the Altar

by E.L. Koslo

JOIN US IN CELEBRATING

the wedding of Kendall Grant and Her Groom

Will it be Rory, the cocky frat boy?

Will it be Dylan, the childhood best friend?

Will it be Joel, the guy in the friend zone?

Will it be Kale, the older TA?

or

Will it be Tyler, the first love?

Who will be your plus one to Meet Him at the Altar?

309 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 24, 2025

About the author

Find the funny in your life.

That’s what EL Koslo strives to do in her life every day. She spent her youth with her nose in a book, often conjuring up storylines in a composition notebook she hid under her mattress. Her love of writing continued on through high school as she served on the school paper and wrote poetry for the literary magazine.

At University, she studied Art and Art History where she met her own prince charming after kissing a few frogs, of course.

Her love of reading and writing have been a constant in her life with her nose always buried in a book, tablet, or computer—both writing and reading.

She resides in the Midwest United States with her husband and four rambunctious children. Her days are filled with driving kids to school, activities, and sports; frequently squeezing writing time in while waiting in the carpool line.

Koslo’s characters are often developed while running on the treadmill at the gym, and she has a DVR full of Hallmark movies.

Her debut novel, Foreplay on Words, combines her love of steamy romance, awkward but loveable leading males, and headstrong heroines with a dash of humor and a little bit of kink.

Follow her at: https://linktr.ee/elkoslo

Instagram: @elkoslo_writes

Tiktok: @elkoslowrites

Facebook Page: EL Koslo Romance Writer

Facebook Reader Group: Dirty Words Brigade

ELKoslo.com

**** Please do not add any freely published works to my account that you have not asked for permission to add. They will be deleted and you will be reported. Draft work on serial reading apps is not fair game for you to add to an author’s goodreads account. ****

Reviews

[Kristen Moran · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book....the absolute mystery of not knowing who the groom was. It sends you into her college life, a small group in the beginning of her college life, containing the possible groom.

it sends you into Kendalls love life with each relationship comes heartbreak until ultimately she ends up marrying the one for her.

I loved the mystery, I loved the romance, I loved the way Kendall grew with each break. This book was all I could think about until I got to finish it!

[Whatkatie.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just finished this arc read and omg 😭😭 what a heartbreaking and beautiful story all at once! Kendall has been through so much, and I had my hopes pinned on the right guy! Really loved this book the "who is it" mystery element was fantastically written!! This book made me laugh cry and feel all levels of anger! but I'm so happy they got they HEA 🩷🩵

[Torey · Rating 5 out of 5]

my poor heart is so battered. this story is exceptional and took me on a roller coaster of emotions. Kendall is getting married but to whom? Kale? Rory? Tyler? Joel? Dylan? who will it be.....I was so happy with the ending.

[Sabrina Mordini · Rating 3 out of 5]

✨ Not Quite the Wedding I RSVP’d For ✨
I was drawn in by the premise of Meet Him at the Altar: a mystery-style setup around which of Kendall's five significant love interests will be waiting for her at the altar. The structure—glimpses of her life and relationships through the years, building up to her wedding day—was promising and had a lot of emotional potential.

What I really appreciated was the way the story portrayed love as a winding, imperfect journey. Unlike many romance books that promise a neat “meet, fall in love, live happily ever after” arc, this one showed how messy, unexpected, and sometimes painful real love can be. Kendall's path includes heartbreak, growth, and learning to walk away when things aren’t right—and that’s a message I think will resonate with a lot of readers.

That said, the book didn’t fully land for me. The “mystery” of who she marries felt a bit misleading: there wasn’t much suspense or twist to it, and in the end, it’s just the last guy she dates. There were no second chances, no old flames coming back, and once a relationship ended, the person was out of the story completely. The structure made it feel more like a timeline than a layered emotional arc.

The relationships also moved very fast. Five men in five years, with engagement talk popping up quickly—it felt a bit rushed and surface-level. That might just be me not connecting with the college/early adulthood context, but I found it hard to feel invested in the love stories.

And while it’s not a flaw of the book, just a matter of expectations, I was definitely anticipating more steam based on the author's previous works. This read more like a closed-door or even young adult romance, which took me by surprise.

In the end, this wasn't quite the story I was hoping for, but I can see it appealing to readers who enjoy reflective coming-of-age romances with a gentle tone and a focus on emotional growth.

[Emily Johnston (Booked.Up.With.Emily) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so different than anything I’ve ever read; I enjoyed it so, so much! It is so much more than a romance - this is more a story of one women’s journey and her love life starting when she arrives at college.

💍College romance
💍Single POV
💍Dual timelines
💍Friends to lovers

When Kendall arrives at college, I doubt she expects the rollercoaster of the next years of her life to turn out the way it does. We see her go through the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. We see her go through betrayal, friendship, abandonment, love, and all of the emotions in between.

There are five men and possible love interests in this story and we know that she will end up with one of them, but who will it be?

Kale - the older TA, who also rides a motorcycle?
Joel - the guy in the friend zone who is willing to wait for her
Tyler - the serious one and also, her first love
Rory - the cocky frat boy and funny guy
Dylan - the high school best friend who is in love with her

I loved this concept and truly didn’t 100% know who she was going to end up with until closer to the end! I loved how the author makes you constantly change your mind and thinking about who will be her groom in the end.

[Crystal CC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meet Him at the Alter is a standalone book and the first book I’ve read from E.L. Koslo. I went into it with no expectations, but also couldn’t find much about the book which started the air of mystery for me.

I could not put this book down once I got started. It centers around Kendall Grant’s wedding, but the groom is not revealed in the beginning. We only find out that he “was the one all along.”

We are taken forward and backward in time over the course of Kendall’s college years and through her relationships. I felt her sadness and heartbreak at the reoccurring theme of being abandoned and betrayal. It’s a coming of age story of personal growth, joy, love, trauma, and healing.

Trigger warning: cheating/ other woman drama by supporting character

What to expect:

💍 Single POV (FMC)/ Past Tense/ Dual Timeline
💍 Friends to Lovers
💍 College Romance
💍 New Adult Romance with a Dash of Mystery
💍 Centered Around a Wedding
💍 Mental health rep
💍 Meet Cute(s)
💍 Happily Ever After

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Thank you E.L. Koslo and Naughty Nook PR for providing me with an advanced copy of this book!

[Telle Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review: 4.5/5⭐️

I loved how unique this book is from anything else I’ve read. Maybe I’ve been living under a rock, but Meet Him at the Altar feels like it belongs in a genre I didn’t know existed. I’ve read romance mystery before, but this isn’t the same… it’s not a whodunit, it’s a whoisit 😂

The entire time I was reading it I kept thinking about the movie Definitely, Maybe… the story is not the same as the movie of course, but they way the audience receives the important information is very similar. I thoroughly enjoyed guessing who the groom was going to be… and if I’m being honest I never actually settled on a guess before it was finally revealed who he was.

I’m really grateful to NaughtyNookPR and E. L. Koslo for my ARC of Meet Him at the Altar!
List of tropes and the full synopsis below 👇🏼

Tropes:
💍 Friends to Lovers
💍 College Romance
💍 New Adult Romance with a Dash of Mystery
💍 Centered Around a Wedding

JOIN US IN CELEBRATING
the wedding of Kendall Grant and Her Groom

Will it be Rory, the cocky frat boy?
Will it be Dylan, the childhood best friend?
Will it be Joel, the guy in the friend zone?
Will it be Kale, the older TA?
or
Will it be Tyler, the first love?

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This contemporary romance gave me a run for my money. I’m pretty good at puzzles and working out what the plot twists are going to be, so I thought this book would be a piece of cake. Working out which of her love interests she winds up marrying?? Please. I assumed it would be easy.

Except…it wasn’t. I found out exactly when the author intended us to find out. I literally read this in one sitting because I was so invested in the story.

So what do you get with this book? You get a multi-timeline story following our FMC through college and grad school. You see her relationships over that time period, giving you five options for the potential groom. You also get a longstanding supportive bestie, an adorable niece (who matters more to the story than you might think), and multiple breakups.

The book is open door, but most of the scenes are fade to black. There is cheating in one of the relationships (on his side, not hers) and discussions about communication in a therapeutic context.

Honestly, this book surprised me in a great way and I would have zero hesitations recommending it to fans of contemporary romance.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know when people say, this book emotionally destroyed me, and then turn around and recommend it to everyone they know?
That would be me with this book.
Throughout the book, we witness all of Kendall’s ups and downs with relationships throughout college. We get to see her fall in love for the first time, and each relationship after that is her falling deeper after they promise her the world, only for her to end up in heartbreak, and trying to navigate the fallout. There was one point where she writes a letter to her boyfriend explaining her insecurities that have been caused by these failed relationships at a recommendation of her therapist. Those words in her letter completely destroyed me, as someone who has dealt with a lot of similar insecurities. Watching Kendall’s story blossom and seeing her fall in love with the one man who truly cared for her above all, who was by her side through each heartbreak, and supported her.
I spent about 50% of this book in tears. And yes, I 100% recommend this book.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meet Him at the Altar is a cute book. It is definitely different than any other contemporary romance I've read recently so, it 100% stands out. I will say that it was fun to try and figure out who she was going to end up with considering how many relationships she went through. Her going to therapy to help heal some of the wounds she acquired throughout these relationships was also helpful. I will say the guy she ended up with I didn't think she was going to and it was a nice surprise.

This is my 1st book by KL Koslo but it won't be my last because it was different, mysterious (bc we didn't know who the groom was until near the end) and it showed just how helpful therapy can be when we think we're the problem or have too much baggage for the other person in the relationship to handle.

Thank you to Naughty Nook PR & the author for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Lauren Curley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, I loved this concept of not knowing who the MMC is, and your FMC is going through her college years, finding herself and her potential partner. It's obvious she will be on quite the learning journey. Spoiler Alert, she picks a guy. 😉

This book wasn't quite as spicy as previous titles from EL, but it was more plot focused on getting to the end game of the current beau Kendall is about to marry. It's giving How I Met Your Mother vibes, except you're not telling the story to your kids, just the readers.

Now I am the type that I had to flip to the end to know who, but I absolutely loved how the story then gets to the ending. It's a great story concept and reminded me of my 20s trying to find myself and later who I would eventually shack up with for life with the whole shebang of rings and commitments.

If you like a good mystery and can be edged until the MMC is showing through towards the end, this one's for you!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was unlike anything else I've ever read and I was so pleased to have such a fresh storyline. I absolutely loved the romantic mystery where we're trying to solve the story to find out WHO the groom is the whole way. I loved trying to pay attention for clues and even more, I loved that when I wasn't reading, I was thinking about the book and anxiously waiting to get back to it. I did have my suspicions and I am very happy to report that one of my options was correct, but the story coming together was even better than I could have imagined and I absolutely loved the way that Kendall finally found her perfect man. Even if she had to get through a few duds and a lot of heartache to get there. The one she ends up with is absolutely perfect and I could not be more happy about it.

TROPES:
Romantic Mystery
College
Friends to Lovers
Second Chance
Mental Health Rep

Thank you to E.L. Koslo for the ARC.

[Kelchickbooklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am still in awe from reading Meet Him at the Altar by the ever so talented Ms. Koslo. This book is very different from all her other books but just as captivating, enjoyable to read and impossible to put down.
She gives us the love life of Kendall Grant. Her ups and downs, her happiness and heartaches but most of all the man she finally meets at the altar. Page after page, we watch as she navigates through relationships from college to the present day. Yes, she has a few loves of her life, and with each of them, we watch Kendall grow as a woman. She gained insight as to what love was really about and what she deserved.
I had to see who finally had the honour of earning her heart and meeting her at the altar. I read this in one sitting because I needed to see who the mystery man was. I suggest picking up this beautifully written love story and seeing who the special man in Kendall's life ended up being.

[Kristyn Machado · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kendall is getting married and you are cordially invited. But who is going to be the groom? Tyler, Dylan,Kale, Joel, or Rory? The first love, the childhood friend, the older TA, the forever friendzoned, or the frat boy?
I don't get into the plot too much because I don't want to give anything away but this work of art could only be brought to you by the beautiful mind of EL Koslo.
Join Kendall on this wild life ride through love heartbreak love again more heartbreak on the quest to find her one true partner.
It's fantastic, it's epic, it covers a wide range of time and many different scenarios yet all comes together perfectly.
There is a little less spice in this book than the usual El Koslo book, but it felt completely fitting for the way the story is told. And we do get some spice.
I absolutely loved this book beginning to end and cannot recommend it enough.

[TarynLA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly I was a bit on the fence about reading this because it was so different from anything else I’ve read with the mystery of who the FMC would end up with. But….OMG I’m so glad I do it was such a wonderful book!! ❤️I could not put it down. It was beautifully written and kept me on my toes…. I just couldn’t wait to learn who was going to be there in the end!!

This book takes us on a journey through Kendall’s friendships and dating life through college and grad school and what a ride it was. There were so many emotions, happy and funny moments, great banter, mental/physical health issues, betrayal and heartache. There is a bit of spice but it’s not the main focus of the book. And really it didn’t need it.

I did have a favourite from the beginning and I’m so glad I picked right ❤️

Definitely recommend this book!!

[MaryAnn Walgamott · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC review
3⭐️
2.5🌶

A sweet college romance book that walks through Kendall's life while she navigates the dating world. She interests with 5 different guys throughout college and develops feelings and builds relationships with some of them.
This book bounces between the present day and Kendalls years throughout college. Its a great description about how hard dating/love is and learning what you ultimately want in a partner. Each relationship/interaction she has brings different insight and really helps Kendall grow as character.
Reading this book brought me back to the years of dating before my husband and how difficult it could be until you find the right one. It was a fun quick read that I enjoyed.

[Laci Steimel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVE this book! The mystery on who Kendall is marrying had me in total suspense from the first page. And when we finally find out...it is a little bit of a surprise but seems totally right! I love how the author made us feel the heart break Kendall experiences when her relationships before the marriage dont work out. And little moments of connections that lead to the bigger story. I was guessing throughout the whole book, and I was wrong when it came closer the finding out. This was such a fantastic read, with some delicious steam, and a ton of hilarious moments, especially the ones with a naughty little girl who has the heart of the main characters. Amazing read.

[Marla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meet him at the Altar is not a who done it.. but rather a Who is it mystery story. The book starts with Kendall her freshman year of college and through the course of the books you see her real life romances with her childhood best friend, first love, and assorted other men. You know she's meeting her mystery groom at the end of the aisle - at the end of the book, but you just don't know who she ends up with.

Do not read ahead for spoilers - the story unfolds with a good timeline and little clues throughout.

Characters written so real to life and the emotional impacts are real. Great read.

I did receive this as an ARC but my review is entirely my own.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the story starts, you are getting ready for the wedding of Kendall Grant. Then you are taken into the past to see where it started, and her relationships throughout the years. The whole time you are guessing who will be the Groom.

The men Kendall dates always start off so good, and then something always happens. She is left always feeling not good enough. Her love life is a roller coaster! There is one guy I really wanted to punch in the face 🤜🏻. I loved who she ended up with at the end, and the growth both characters had. Kendall definitely deserved her happily ever after.

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was unlike any I’ve read before. I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery of not knowing who the groom was and trying to figure it out along the way.
It felt like Kendall rushed into the next relationship, but if you pay attention to the chapter dates, they’re actually quite spaced out. You watch Kendall go through first loves, heartbreak, amazing friendships, and some total jerks. In the end, she ends up with the perfect person. However, I would have loved to see more of their present day relationship.

[Joanna C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kendall went through a couple of failed relationships before finally realizing that the one had been there all along. I think with this story we learn the importance of open communication between partners, even if it is something that may hurt the other. It is always better to know than to have to find out later. I loved that we didn't find out who the groom would be until near the end. I had fun trying to figure out who the groom would be and believe that they go together at the perfect time.

Thanks to Naughty Nook PR for the eARC!

[Delicate Rock · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great type of mystery. I guessed who it was but I loved all the misleading clues done on purpose that solidified my choice for me.

I did not understand Dylan’s character with how you pursued your childhood best friend and did her dirty? That could have been easily avoided but those two will have a terrible marriage as karma.

I got married at 24 but even I find it unusual how these college age young people talked about marriage.

[Alexis Cherrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh man this was a roller coaster my girl Kendall just could not catch a break and the MMCs were pmtfo so bad. Especially Dylan!! Oh my goodness I wanted to jump through the book but in the end I'm glad she got her happy ending I just hate she had to go through all those toads for her prince.

I'd definitely recommend...

[Priscilla Blankenship · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talk about a romance mystery. I loved this book and trying to figure out who Kendall would end up with. The ending was PERFECT. Couldn't have made a better choice. This book will hit home with a lot of women, I know it did for me.

[Rebekah Godfrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good!! I don't think I've read a book like it before. It goes back a forth from the present to when the FMC was in college. Trying to figure out who her man is was so much fun!! I just love everything that E.L. Koslo writes!!

[Christina Carberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started reading this book I was confused. The story starting off and then going to past time and present times keep me on edge to figure out who was the groom. The way it started I thought I wasn’t going to like but I did enjoy the book so much.

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cute book! It's full of mystery, romance, sadness, and funny. I thought I had things figured out, but I was totally wrong! I wanted to jump in the story and beat the stew out of some of the guys, but this is definitely a reread for me!

[Maddy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC! It was a cute book written unlike any other book I’ve read! Kendall is the FMC and the story jumps between her time in college and the present day when she’s getting married. The identity of the groom isn’t revealed until close to the end of the book. I enjoyed the mystery of it, but personally would’ve liked a little more mystery. Overall, it was well written and had a good plot!

[Ann Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really beautiful, emotional read that keeps you guessing who Kendall is marrying. It starts at her wedding and we follow her through college and relationships that end in heartbreak. A refreshing story full of love, hurt, healing and joy.

[Charlene Alana Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

what a heartbreaking and beautiful story all at once, I just couldn't stop reading it once I picked it up, I was totally consumed by it. I absolutely adored how ken grew with each breaking moment. I loved the mystery and romance. It definitely broke something inside me.

Highly recommend.