The Bride Swap

Morally Grey Billionaires #0.5

by L. Steele, Shane East (Narrator), Roxy Isles (Narrator)

The wedding planner’s biggest mistake? Falling for the groom.

The one man I cannot stand.
The one wedding I wish I never agreed to plan.
Liam Kincaid. Billionaire. Powerful. My best friend’s fiancé.
And now…my biggest problem.

He’s cold. Arrogant. Impossible.
The man has the emotional depth of a stone wall and treats his wedding like a business deal.
I should dislike him. I do dislike him.
Until one vivid dream changes everything.

Because when I close my eyes, it’s the memory of him that lingers, his voice in my ear, his presence consuming every thoughts.
This cannot happen.
It’s all wrong.
He’s meant for someone else.
So why does every part of me tell me I’ve already made the biggest mistake of all?

Intense chemistry, undeniable tension, and the start of a love story that was never meant to be. This is the prequel to The Proposal, Liam & Isla's story.

Genres: Audiobook, Romance

2 pages, Audible Audio

Published January 22, 2026

About the author

L. Steele loves to write romance novels featuring powerful men and strong women who bring them to their knees. When she's not writing she enjoys trading trivia with her filmmaker husband, watching lots and lots of movies, and walking nature trails.

Reviews

[Faerie]

Pre-read: Brief Valentines themed interlude before I finish Wicked.

[Ashlee Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a steamy introduction to The Proposal. A novella....a little taste if you will. It gives you a glimpse into Liam and Isla, before the proposal....I don't want to give too much away, so you will just have to read it!

[Kirsty · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bride Swap is the kind of book that sneaks up on you, trips you, and then sits on your chest until you admit you’re already in love. I went in expecting drama and tension and came out fully obsessed with Liam Kincaid and Isla, emotional wreckage scattered everywhere.

Wedding planner falling for the groom is already a dangerous setup, but L. Steele dials it all the way up by making him the one man she absolutely should not want. Billionaire. Cold. Controlled. Emotionally unavailable to the point it hurts. And yet… every scene with Liam felt loaded, like something electric was about to snap. The hate-to-love tension was immaculate. Sharp looks, clipped words, and that simmering undercurrent that made every interaction feel like foreplay.

Isla is sunshine with a spine. She’s capable, warm, and trying so hard to do the right thing even while her heart is betraying her. Watching her unravel over one vivid, unforgettable dream and then fight her feelings every step of the way was painful in the best way. The longing in this book? Absolutely feral. The stolen moments, the restraint, the “this can’t happen” spiral had me glued to the page.

And Liam. Grumpy billionaire perfection. He says so little but feels so much, and when you glimpse the cracks in that stone wall, it hits hard. Their chemistry is intense, inevitable, and completely wrong on paper which just makes it better. Found family vibes, emotional angst, and that slow realization that maybe the biggest mistake isn’t falling for the wrong person, but denying what’s already real.

As a prequel, this book does exactly what it should. It hooks you, hurts you, and leaves you desperate for more. Liam and Isla are amazing together and I loved them so much it honestly should be illegal. If you love grumpy x sunshine, opposites attract, and forbidden chemistry that burns slow and deep, The Bride Swap is a must-read 💍🔥📖

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about smoulder, heat, and combustion! This prequel has lots of sizzle, plenty of snark and loads of tension. Isla is the wedding planner tasked with pulling off the epic society wedding between her friend Lila and Liam her wealthy, bridegroom. She is not supposed to notice that he is gorgeous, smells divine and sets off sparks every time they inadvertently touch. His maddening arrogance, rudeness and dismissiveness don’t lessen her attraction to him, though she does her best to hide it. Isla has no idea that the groom is equally attracted to her and enjoys riling her up just to see the fire in her eyes and hear the snap in her voice. His marriage to Lila is no more than a business arrangement between two wealthy families meant to secure his inheritance. When Lila backs out, Liam refuses to be a laughingstock and demands Isla take her place. Which is the perfect lead in to The Proposal, Isla and Liam’s story. Who wouldn’t want to know what happens next for these two fascinating characters?

[Stacy Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

ALC Audiobook Review
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️
3🌶️🌶️🌶️

Author: L. Steele

The Bride Swap is the prequel to The Proposal. It is part of the Morally Grey Billionaires series. This is a quick taste of Isla and Liam’s story. Isla is a wedding planner. She is planning her friend’s wedding. Liam is to be the groom. He is marrying for convenience. The moment he sees Isla he instantly is drawn to her. He makes up an excuse in the middle of the night for a chance to see Isla again. She rushes to his house in the middle of the night. Isla has been in lust with Liam for years. She keeps having very inappropriate dreams including Liam. Liam has to see if the spark and attraction to Isla is still there and possibly reciprocated by Isla. I can’t wait to dive into their full story.

Roxy Isles and Shane East did a phenomenal job narrating this book in dual narration. The accents in this book are incredibly delicious.

[Minnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐|4🌶|17%🌶frequency

I read "The Proposal" in 2024. And I just couldn't go without this prequel 😎 Yes, I'm a sucker for all of Laxmi's books.

I love Liam and Isla so much. Liam is such an arrogant alphahole 😁
Isla is the cute girl. Sure, she is tough, really tough, and holds his strength against Liam, but Liam is Liam 🤣
The storyline of "The Proposal" MIGHT remember a bit of "The Wedding Planner" because, yes, Isla is Liam's wedding planner, but it's still also so different.

I won't say much more because it's just a short prequel, and the real story is in the novel, but this is really a good start and already shows the huge chemistry that's between Liam and Isla💥

I recommend reading the prequel first, otherwise you might get the same shock I got 🙈 The prequel really got me 🤣


Follow me on IG for more
https://www.instagram.com/minnie.love...

[Kazz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bride Swap is the Prequel to The Proposal which is Book one in the Morally Grey Billionaires series, it’s a fast paced quick read that has Isla a wedding planner for her friend Lily’s wedding to Billionaire Liam Kincaid. Liam is marrying for business reasons and hasn’t got time for the wedding preparations and when Isla arrives after trying several times to get an appointment to discuss and get sign off for the wedding budget, he reluctantly sees her. Isla is struggling dealing with the arrogant, cold Liam, but there is unbelievably intense chemistry between them, Liam signs off on the budget without any questions at all and sends her on her way!
A hot, spicy quick read that I highly recommend you read before The Proposal by L.Steele where Isla and Liam’s story continues
I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book from the author and I am writing this review voluntarily

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bride Swap by L. Steele is a quick, addictive novella with just the right mix of tension and swoon. Isla is focused on growing her wedding planning business when she lands a job planning the wedding of Liam Sinclair—the sentry with steely eyes, alpha energy, and a clear let’s just get this over with attitude toward wedding planning.
The chemistry between Isla and Liam is instant and intense, making the whole situation feel deliciously forbidden since she’s planning his wedding. Their banter, the simmering attraction, and the constant push-and-pull kept me hooked from start to finish.
If you’re looking for a fast, steamy read with an alpha hero, strong heroine, and undeniable sparks, this novella is perfect for a quick Goodreads win. 💍🔥

[Felecia Rodney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio Review:
Dual Narration by Roxy Isles and Shane East

Tropes:
Best friend’s fiancé
Billionaire MMC /Wedding planner FMC
Slow-burn tension
Series prequel

This novella serves as a cute intro into the next book in the series, laying the groundwork for Isla and Liam’s complicated dynamic. I’m already curious about their chemistry and how their relationship will evolve once the full story begins.

Roxy Isles captures Isla’s internal struggle beautifully, balancing professionalism with emotional confusion. Shane East embodies Liam with a calm, commanding presence that hints at far more beneath the surface, making every interaction feel charged and meaningful.

Short, compelling, and full of promise, this audiobook is a strong setup that left me eager for more of Liam and Isla’s story.

[Laure · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never fall for the groom.

Isla Bailey is thrilled to be her friend’s wedding planner for what is already being referred to the wedding of the century. Too bad the sinfully handsome billionaire bride groom, Liam Kincaid, seems to have no interest whatsoever in the planning of his own wedding. Isla has a problem with that, but when her friend calls off the wedding, she never expected to be confronted in her own office by a furious former groom.
I think these are fantastic characters; they are all well written and compelling. While this is not a rom com I have to admit to getting a few chuckles out of this short and steamy prequel. I can’t wait for Isla’s and Liam’s full story.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provided by the author.

[Lyn Brownlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this Prequel
This is the prequel to The Proposal, Book 1 in the Morally Grey Billionaires series and features Liam and Isla.
I loved these two characters in The Proposal so listening to The Bridal Swap was a must for me.
Having more of Liam and Isla’s snarkiness as they pretend to not be interested in each other was definitely a highlight.
Their attraction is palpable and oh so hot 🔥 and I enjoyed listening to this short story knowing what happened with them in the full length novel.
This was narrated by Shane East and Roxy Isles and they were impeccable once again.
I loved every minute of this prequel and the listening experience.

[Maryjane · Rating 4 out of 5]

One man, two women. Not good for one of the women.

Liam is set to marry Lila. Isla is the wedding planner. When Isla meets Liam and needs to get him to sign the agreement, sparks fly between them but they can't stand each other. He wants Isla but he doesn't want any feelings coming between him and getting married to stop him from getting his inheritance. However, Isla doesn't want to see Lila get hurt by marrying a man that doesn't love her. He doesn't even want anything to do with the wedding planning. What will she do about it?

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liam and Isla rub each other wrong from the start, meaning they are instantly attracted to each other. But Isla is a wedding planner, and the wedding she is planning is between Liam and Lila. So, how will these two who feel this insane pull to each other, find their way through this conundrum? Let's find out! And be ready to laugh with humor and moan with pleasure as they find their path together.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Primrose Hill’s Enemies to Lovers Romance

This is a fast paced intriguing prequel for “The Proposal”. It is spicy and the twists have me anxious to read more about Liam Kincaid and Isla Bailey’s intense chemistry where their attraction seems to have no bounds. Not what either of them expected or planned on, but going to make a fabulous story.
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

[Adri · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delicious little teaser!! This is me running off to get THE PROPOSAL.
The Bride swop is a novella a relatively short listen of 2 plus hours making it a spicy bitesized audiobook with great narrators!

Its Wedding planner meets Groom (of her Friend and the Bride… )
There is a very tense meeting… and another…. and will there be another????
How does this work for the Bride???

(and Shane East.... dreamy sigh)

[Reading.With.Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

If your looking for a novella this is for you. I was hooked from the start. We meet Isla and Liam. Isla is a wedding planner is tasked to planher friend Lila and Liam is the bridegroom. The marriage between them is a business arrangement between two families to secure his inheritance. What happens when Lila backs out and Liam refuses to be a laighingstock and demands that Isla take her place. Read and finf out.

[Rick Molitor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short quick prequel read. Liam is getting married to ensure his inheritance. Isla is the wedding planner. They are like fire and ice. He is barely there for his fiancé, Lila. Isla tells Lila she deserves better and Lila calls off the wedding. But, what about the sparks between Liam and Isla?

[Amanda M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was hooked from the first page. This lays out the foundation for more to come and delivers just enough of a story to leave you wanting more. Loved the grumpy/sunshine trope in this, it is one of my favorites to read. And another thing that I really liked was the intense chemistry between the main characters. I can't wait to find out what's in store for Liam and Isla.

[Laced In Lit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delicious little teaser for the next book The Proposal 📚🔥
Thank you so much to the author for sending me this prequel 👌
Moody Liam is set to marry Lila in a marriage of convenience situation. Isla the wedding planning is tempting him in the best possible way... is he brave enough to go after who he wants and risk it all?

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the perfect prequel. It catches the reader’s attention immediately and leaves so much more to be explored in the next book. The ending has a little twist before leading up to the start of Liam and Isla’s interesting interactions.

I was given an ARC by the author and am leaving my honest review.

[Latasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isla and Liam’s chemistry is absolutely electric in this novella, giving readers a tantalizing glimpse into the push-and-pull of their evolving dynamic. From witty banter to steamy tension, every scene crackles with attraction. Fast-paced, flirty, and full of heart-racing moments, it’s the perfect teaser that leaves you eager for the full story!

[JigsawGirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a prequel or "teaser" to the book The Proposal. I initially thought things in the book went from 0 to 60. Then I was surprised.

This honestly could have been a prologue in the next book. It included an excerpt from The Proposal read by Shane East. That book actually sounded more interesting.

I voluntarily listened to and reviewed this audiobook.

[L KQ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Untangle the Background

Fabulous introduction to a complicated mess of emotions that is waiting to untangle in The Proposal. I liked that we get background into the wedding planning and dynamic between Liam and Isla as well as Lila as well. This prequel was a fun addition to their story which just was very entertaining.

I am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Rhonda Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a prequel to The proposal. Isla is hired as the wedding planner for Lila and Liam’s wedding. This was a quick read and just enough spice to make you sweat. I can not wait to read more of L Steele’s books she has me hooked.

[Kena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella was a cute yet steamy read, giving readers a peek into the developing dynamic between Isla and Liam. A very fast paced romance with an instant chemistry and an off-the-charts attraction towards one another. This was the best preview before the entire book!!

[Winnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got an ARC copy of the book. I loved the story it's a perfect prequal to the Proposal, this explain so much of the mood in the Proposal. It is short and sweet, brilliantly written. It follows Liam and Isla and how she plans his wedding, the drama is all there and it was amazing

[REBECCA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lila & Liam are like chalk & cheese. Complete opposites but and some sexy tension and they are fire. They simply can’t resist each other no matter how much they hate each other.

This is the prequel I can’t wait to read the full book The Proposal

[Kristina Maysonet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a super quick prequel novella to The Proposal. This is Liam and Isla’s story. I really liked Liam’s intensity.

[Debbie Lyon · Rating 4 out of 5]

New Bride!

I have the Bride Swap so I had to read the prequel! I did leave leave a review when I read the story.I enjoyed the prequel.

[Donna Nalbandian Woerner Homschek · Rating 5 out of 5]

This prequel is a great start to the Morally Grey Billionaires. Tantalizing, seductive and so good. You will definitely want more of Ilsa and Liam’s love story.