The Reluctant Groom

by Marilyn Shank

Grant Carpenter, widowed father of two, shows up at the Blue Bonnet Wedding Chapel near Dallas to pursue “happily ever after.” But before the ceremony, Grant overhears his fiancée tell the organist that his kids are spoiled brats—a situation she will soon rectify! Grant realizes he can’t marry a woman who doesn’t love Tara and Todd as much as he does and must walk out of the wedding. Maid of honor Leslie Lane had agreed to babysit the groom’s children during the honeymoon. Even though the honeymoon’s history, Leslie doesn’t retract her offer. But it’s not just the kids who show up at Leslie’s ranch for some rest and relaxation. The groom shows up as well! As the days pass, Leslie and Grant feel strongly attracted to each other, but Leslie’s still hurting from the loss of a past relationship, and a rebound relationship is the last thing Grant wants. Can this unlikely couple build a future together and create the loving family they both desire?

192 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2002

About the author

Marilyn Shank worked as a legal secretary, office manager, proofreader, and editor, before discovering her true passion: writing fiction. She has a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Missouri at Kansas City, speaks fluent German, and often teaches writing workshops in public schools and libraries. When she’s not writing, Marilyn enjoys reading, amateur radio operation, and loves to travel with her husband John. Originally from Chicago, she now lives in Independence, Missouri.

Reviews

[Deborah Lynn Sudbeck · Rating 1 out of 5]

Weak

Seriously, repeated lines throughout. Week long courtship. A rebound romance. Not even remotely believable. The female character is a total not wit

[dorothy keefe · Rating 4 out of 5]

The reluctant groom

Miss Shank hit the emotional road with her depictions of the characters Even the children had believable characters and emotions.The plot is believable though a little time worn. Dorothy Keefe

[Deborah J. Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy way to spend an afternoon

This is an easy and uncomplicated way to enjoy an afternoon in a lounge chair. The story is exactly as billed, a sweet and simple romance. If you're looking for steamy sex scenes, this isn't for you. This is general audiences all the way. I gave it four stars. The plot and characterization were fine (not above average), BUT it appeared that the book actually had an editor. It was possible to enjoy the story without being bombarded with errors in mechanics. I have only a mild criticism. I felt like the last fifteen percent of the book was a bit rushed, however, the author did include an epilogue for the happily ever after.

[Pascale’s*ARC,Unwind,Read,Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the humour in this story. It was tasteful, subtle, and I nearly laughed out loud on more than one occasion. This book is an easy read with a good flow and pacing. Likeable characters. Not a lot of conflict. Just a nice, clean, romantic, pleasant, light read. It's in no way boring, though. I really enjoyed it and I would read more by this author. I recommend it.

[Henrietta Cullinane · Rating 5 out of 5]

The recent groom

This is a light delightful book that makes you feel good after reading it. I hated to stop reading the story. Enjoy and read something that is not all cuss and bedroom scenes.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun, little (not very long) chick lit story about the groom and the maid of honor falling in love. There seemed to be a lot of rehashing of old heartbreaks--more than necessary--but over all a cute story with likable characters.

[Elise · Rating 3 out of 5]

-Spoiler alert-
If you can look past the fact that the groom was just about to get married and a few days later falls in love with the bridesmaid, then it is a very charming book.

[Rose Helg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok book

This was an ok book. But, it was missing something was it more romance. Out was an ok read. Will read more of her books.

[Cici · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet

This was a sweet, clean romance. The story line is good and full of a lot more depth than anticipated.