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Brides and Belles #3
One Week with the Best Man
What happens when a fake wedding date gets all too real?
Pretend to be famous bachelor Julian Cooper's girlfriend? Some women might be thrilled with the request—not Gretchen McAlister. Her job is planning weddings, not being the best man's date. But after Julian's latest celebrity breakup, "ordinary" Gretchen is the perfect PR ploy.
Julian is against the whole plan…until he meets Gretchen. Honest and beautiful—even beneath her fancy makeover—his new "girlfriend" makes him want something more, something real…
Enjoy a special Texas Cattleman's Club: Lies and Lullabies bonus prequel short story from Janice Maynard, Reclaimed by the Rancher
.222 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2015
39 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
About the author
Andrea Laurence
379 books211 followersAndrea Laurence has been a lover of reading and writing stories since she learned to read at a young age. She always dreamed of seeing her work in print and is thrilled to finally be able to share her special blend of sensuality and dry, sarcastic humor with the world. A dedicated West Coast girl transplanted into the Deep South, she's working on her own "happily ever after" with her new husband and a golden retriever puppy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
November 9, 2015
Laurence has definitely created a fun and romantic third instalment in her Brides & Belles series. I couldn’t help but laugh and try to figure out what I’d do if I were in the same situation. I really enjoyed the way that being famous and in the media spotlight was portrayed. Laurence showed the difference between what the camera sees, who the individuals really are, and how it all comes about.
This is one of those novels that wouldn’t have been nearly as enjoyable if the cast weren’t quite so perfect for their roles. Gretchen’s bombshell definitely threw me for a loop, yet I love how she stayed true to herself. Julian’s mix of caring and protective with Hollywood hero was a blast. I appreciated the way that Laurence brought out both of the main characters’ insecurities as well. Neither was perfect, but they were both perfect for each other.
Laurence set this novel forward with the seamless writing and enticingly captivating plot that I’ve come to expect from her. It was a fantastic way to spend an afternoon and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to others.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
This is one of those novels that wouldn’t have been nearly as enjoyable if the cast weren’t quite so perfect for their roles. Gretchen’s bombshell definitely threw me for a loop, yet I love how she stayed true to herself. Julian’s mix of caring and protective with Hollywood hero was a blast. I appreciated the way that Laurence brought out both of the main characters’ insecurities as well. Neither was perfect, but they were both perfect for each other.
Laurence set this novel forward with the seamless writing and enticingly captivating plot that I’ve come to expect from her. It was a fantastic way to spend an afternoon and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to others.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
November 3, 2015
I love this next installment in this series. I highly recommend reading it. In this one Gretchen who is on the curvier side and a little awkward when it comes to interacting with the opposite sex. She is a very relatable character to me. She's very different then movie star Julian Cooper, but to Julian the Kentucky boy not so much. It's an unusual arrangement Gretchen is hired to be Julian's date for his friend's high profile wedding. Both are unsure about the whole idea, but the more time they spend together they find themselves drawn to each other. We get to see a different side of Julian that he keeps private from the world, but happens to share with Gretchen. Will a huge misunderstanding cause Julian to lose the best thing to come into his life? Can he repair the damage? I liked that there is a little set up for the next book in the series.
March 4, 2017
Definitely my favorite of the 4. Gretchen is a curvy, awkward woman with very little experience with men...so much so that she freezes when she's around them. So the upcoming week is going to be difficult for her because she's acting as Julian Cooper, famous action star's "fake date." Only as they spend time together, they realize that there isn't so much fakeness and there is a whole lot of chemistry and interest. Julian spends most of the week building up Gretchen's self-esteem and she spends her week supporting him and being the only person in his life who doesn't demand anything from him.
This was very nearly a 4 star book. Julian was intriguing as an actor with a hidden past (as if that would actually be possible in Hollywood) and whose life has been manipulated around his career. But he's actually a nice guy and he's super sweet to Gretchen. Until he isn't. Gretchen I can identify with. She's insecure and awkward, but she's also snarky, sarcastic and self-deprecating, but not in a pathetic way. She has a lot of trouble believing that an A-list actor could ever want to be with her. And maybe that's where she got annoying, but she turned herself around and learned a lot in just a week. What I didn't like about the book was the ending. It felt somewhat rushed and there wasn't nearly enough grovel from the hero. I just couldn't seriously believe that the Gretchen would forgive him so easily considering. Despite the ending, this book had me hooked from the get go and I was totally immersed. It was a really engaging story.
This was very nearly a 4 star book. Julian was intriguing as an actor with a hidden past (as if that would actually be possible in Hollywood) and whose life has been manipulated around his career. But he's actually a nice guy and he's super sweet to Gretchen. Until he isn't. Gretchen I can identify with. She's insecure and awkward, but she's also snarky, sarcastic and self-deprecating, but not in a pathetic way. She has a lot of trouble believing that an A-list actor could ever want to be with her. And maybe that's where she got annoying, but she turned herself around and learned a lot in just a week. What I didn't like about the book was the ending. It felt somewhat rushed and there wasn't nearly enough grovel from the hero. I just couldn't seriously believe that the Gretchen would forgive him so easily considering. Despite the ending, this book had me hooked from the get go and I was totally immersed. It was a really engaging story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2015
Series: Brides and Belles (Book 3)
What happens when a fake wedding date gets all too real?
Pretend to be famous bachelor Julian Cooper's girlfriend? Some women might be thrilled with the request -- not Gretchen McAlister. Her job is planning weddings, not being the best man's date. But after Julian's latest celebrity breakup, "ordinary" Gretchen is the perfect PR ploy.
Julian is against the whole plan…until he meets Gretchen. Honest and beautiful -- even beneath her fancy makeover -- his new "girlfriend" makes him want something more, something real…
Fun book. The wedding planning service that Gretchen and her friends own is hosting the wedding of a music superstar. The groom's best friend, Hollywood star Julian Cooper, just broke up with his girlfriend, so his agent hires Gretchen to be Julian's "girlfriend" during the wedding events. Gretchen is wary, but the money offered will allow her to fulfill her dream of visiting Italy, so she says yes.
Gretchen is not very comfortable around men. She has spent her life feeling unattractive just because she is short and curvy instead of tall and thin. She doesn't think Julian will be at all interested in her as his date, but she goes through the planned makeover anyway. I loved the way that it gave her a new view of herself, even though she didn't think it would make her any more appealing to Julian.
The first meeting between them is a bit awkward, as Julian isn't sure it's necessary and Gretchen is sure that he won't be interested. But there's something about Gretchen that draws Julian in, and he's suddenly more than willing to give the scheme a chance. I liked how he tried to put her at ease and his insistence on "practicing" so that their relationship looks real. Julian realized how much he liked being with a woman who seemed to be unaffected by his stardom and he really started to enjoy their time together. I loved the way that he told Gretchen about how fake Hollywood women are in order to help her see that she has nothing to be afraid of.
I really liked seeing the way that Julian's attention helps Gretchen gain confidence in herself. The attraction between them is there from the beginning, though it takes a little while for her to accept that he just as attracted to her. There's a little hiccup in their growing relationship when Gretchen reveals the basis for her discomfort, but once Julian recovers he is everything she could hope for. Gretchen also has an effect on Julian. Her joy in her work is a positive influence on him, as he struggles with his need to continue filming hits and his desire to portray something with more substance. As they grow closer he opens up about the secret he has kept from the rest of the world, happy to have her support during a crisis.
When that secret is revealed, he reacts badly. He's hurt to think that she's like all the rest and says some terrible things to her. Gretchen is devastated to think that he believes she would do such a thing. When the true culprit is revealed (and I didn't see that one coming) he realizes just how stupid he was. I liked that he knew he had some serious grovelling to do, and how he went about doing it. I did feel that Gretchen could have made him work just a little bit harder before she forgave him. Overall, the ending was very satisfying.
Reclaimed by the Rancher by Janice Maynard
Series: Texas Cattleman's Club: Lies and Lullabies (Book .5)
Only the fiancé she left in the dust can help her!
To fend off a mysterious oil company's aggressive buyout offer and save her family land, Lucy Peyton can only turn to one man for help. Yes, she'd practically left Jeff Hartley at the altar, but she'd had her reasons. Such as catching the rich rancher kissing her best friend before the wedding! But now, face-to-face with Jeff on his doorstep, she realizes the chemistry between them is as strong as ever and panics.
If Lucy wants his help, she'll have it—on his terms. She'll also receive a lesson in what she missed when she ran. Because in the end, Jeff Hartley always gets what he wants…no matter how long he has to wait.
Short story/prequel to the series, found on the Harlequin website and in the back of the November Desire books. It begins with Lucy showing up at Jeff's for the first time in two years, ever since she cancelled their wedding the day before it was to happen. Jeff is stunned, and none too happy to see her, remembering what her desertion felt like.
Lucy is desperate to keep her cousin from selling their family land to an oil company, she goes to Jeff for help. She's still hurt by the way he betrayed her, but believes that he'll be willing to do what's needed to protect the land. She doesn't think that the man she's worked so hard to forget can still attract her but he does.
Jeff can't believe that Lucy had the guts to come to him for help, but has to admit she knows which buttons to push to get him to agree. He's not going to make it easy for her, though, and lays down some conditions. He's determined to either get her out of his heart forever, or take the future they should have had from the start.
I liked the way that Lucy wanted to protect the family land. She seemed to have a realistic view of her cousin, though he insists that this time will be different. I'll be interested to see if there's any followup in future books. When she confronts Jeff about what happened at the rehearsal dinner, I could see the problem from both sides. Lucy felt betrayed that Jeff was kissing her maid of honor, and Jeff was furious that she never gave him a chance to tell her what happened. She simply reacted, without showing enough faith in him to want the truth. Jeff made his own mistakes by giving in to wounded pride and not insisting.
The heat between them when they met for dinner to discuss the deal was intense. Jeff was determined to show her what she had missed. Though his method was a bit underhanded, if she hadn't been willing I'm sure he wouldn't have done it.
The confrontation with Kristin went just the way I expected to and I didn't feel badly for her at all. I did feel for Lucy, whose feelings of betrayal were brought back to the surface, but with a different focus. The ending was good, especially with Jeff insisting on not waiting to get on with their future.
What happens when a fake wedding date gets all too real?
Pretend to be famous bachelor Julian Cooper's girlfriend? Some women might be thrilled with the request -- not Gretchen McAlister. Her job is planning weddings, not being the best man's date. But after Julian's latest celebrity breakup, "ordinary" Gretchen is the perfect PR ploy.
Julian is against the whole plan…until he meets Gretchen. Honest and beautiful -- even beneath her fancy makeover -- his new "girlfriend" makes him want something more, something real…
Fun book. The wedding planning service that Gretchen and her friends own is hosting the wedding of a music superstar. The groom's best friend, Hollywood star Julian Cooper, just broke up with his girlfriend, so his agent hires Gretchen to be Julian's "girlfriend" during the wedding events. Gretchen is wary, but the money offered will allow her to fulfill her dream of visiting Italy, so she says yes.
Gretchen is not very comfortable around men. She has spent her life feeling unattractive just because she is short and curvy instead of tall and thin. She doesn't think Julian will be at all interested in her as his date, but she goes through the planned makeover anyway. I loved the way that it gave her a new view of herself, even though she didn't think it would make her any more appealing to Julian.
The first meeting between them is a bit awkward, as Julian isn't sure it's necessary and Gretchen is sure that he won't be interested. But there's something about Gretchen that draws Julian in, and he's suddenly more than willing to give the scheme a chance. I liked how he tried to put her at ease and his insistence on "practicing" so that their relationship looks real. Julian realized how much he liked being with a woman who seemed to be unaffected by his stardom and he really started to enjoy their time together. I loved the way that he told Gretchen about how fake Hollywood women are in order to help her see that she has nothing to be afraid of.
I really liked seeing the way that Julian's attention helps Gretchen gain confidence in herself. The attraction between them is there from the beginning, though it takes a little while for her to accept that he just as attracted to her. There's a little hiccup in their growing relationship when Gretchen reveals the basis for her discomfort, but once Julian recovers he is everything she could hope for. Gretchen also has an effect on Julian. Her joy in her work is a positive influence on him, as he struggles with his need to continue filming hits and his desire to portray something with more substance. As they grow closer he opens up about the secret he has kept from the rest of the world, happy to have her support during a crisis.
When that secret is revealed, he reacts badly. He's hurt to think that she's like all the rest and says some terrible things to her. Gretchen is devastated to think that he believes she would do such a thing. When the true culprit is revealed (and I didn't see that one coming) he realizes just how stupid he was. I liked that he knew he had some serious grovelling to do, and how he went about doing it. I did feel that Gretchen could have made him work just a little bit harder before she forgave him. Overall, the ending was very satisfying.
Reclaimed by the Rancher by Janice Maynard
Series: Texas Cattleman's Club: Lies and Lullabies (Book .5)
Only the fiancé she left in the dust can help her!
To fend off a mysterious oil company's aggressive buyout offer and save her family land, Lucy Peyton can only turn to one man for help. Yes, she'd practically left Jeff Hartley at the altar, but she'd had her reasons. Such as catching the rich rancher kissing her best friend before the wedding! But now, face-to-face with Jeff on his doorstep, she realizes the chemistry between them is as strong as ever and panics.
If Lucy wants his help, she'll have it—on his terms. She'll also receive a lesson in what she missed when she ran. Because in the end, Jeff Hartley always gets what he wants…no matter how long he has to wait.
Short story/prequel to the series, found on the Harlequin website and in the back of the November Desire books. It begins with Lucy showing up at Jeff's for the first time in two years, ever since she cancelled their wedding the day before it was to happen. Jeff is stunned, and none too happy to see her, remembering what her desertion felt like.
Lucy is desperate to keep her cousin from selling their family land to an oil company, she goes to Jeff for help. She's still hurt by the way he betrayed her, but believes that he'll be willing to do what's needed to protect the land. She doesn't think that the man she's worked so hard to forget can still attract her but he does.
Jeff can't believe that Lucy had the guts to come to him for help, but has to admit she knows which buttons to push to get him to agree. He's not going to make it easy for her, though, and lays down some conditions. He's determined to either get her out of his heart forever, or take the future they should have had from the start.
I liked the way that Lucy wanted to protect the family land. She seemed to have a realistic view of her cousin, though he insists that this time will be different. I'll be interested to see if there's any followup in future books. When she confronts Jeff about what happened at the rehearsal dinner, I could see the problem from both sides. Lucy felt betrayed that Jeff was kissing her maid of honor, and Jeff was furious that she never gave him a chance to tell her what happened. She simply reacted, without showing enough faith in him to want the truth. Jeff made his own mistakes by giving in to wounded pride and not insisting.
The heat between them when they met for dinner to discuss the deal was intense. Jeff was determined to show her what she had missed. Though his method was a bit underhanded, if she hadn't been willing I'm sure he wouldn't have done it.
The confrontation with Kristin went just the way I expected to and I didn't feel badly for her at all. I did feel for Lucy, whose feelings of betrayal were brought back to the surface, but with a different focus. The ending was good, especially with Jeff insisting on not waiting to get on with their future.
August 5, 2015
I LOVE the Brides and Belle's series so far and I was not disappointed with One Week with the Best Man, this is a DEFINITE MUST read for romance lovers out there.
Gretchen part owns From This Moment wedding chapel and she is at a meeting with her partners with a gentleman who asks them to provide a date for the best man at a wedding they are arranging, they are taken aback but their is a $10,000 pay cheque for the woman who pretends to be his date at the end of the arrangement. He wants an average woman and explains it is for his client the movie star Julien Cooper and he thinks that his fans would love him to be seen with an everyday woman. They agree to help and this is where Gretchen is persuaded to be his date.
Gretchen is shy, nervous around men and thinks it is stupid that she is doing this, as she believes that no one would believe that Julien Cooper would date her. So off she goes to meet the man himself.
Just before Gretchen arrives at the hotel, Ross is in Julien's hotel room explaining to him that he has found him a date for the wedding to help his image, Julien is furious, Ross leaves and Gretchen arrives.
Gretchen sees that Julien is not happy and assumes its because she does not meet his standards in a girlfriend, he assures her that he had only just found out about the arrangement and was not to keen on it.
Gretchen has to have a spa day and then a shopping day with Amelia, so that she looks and has clothes suitable to be seen with Julien but when they finished their shopping spree they bumps into Julien and his best friend at the restaurant - he loves her makeover and kisses her when he sees her - Gretchen is wary and asks why? did he do that. Gretchen amuses Julien because she is so shy and explains to her that they would have to practice if it was to believed that they were a couple.
Julien and Gretchen's story is one of shy awkward moments, practising, blushes that Julien loves to see, attraction, family secrets, jealousy and love. This book is a definite 5 stars and I know I will be re-reading this.
Gretchen part owns From This Moment wedding chapel and she is at a meeting with her partners with a gentleman who asks them to provide a date for the best man at a wedding they are arranging, they are taken aback but their is a $10,000 pay cheque for the woman who pretends to be his date at the end of the arrangement. He wants an average woman and explains it is for his client the movie star Julien Cooper and he thinks that his fans would love him to be seen with an everyday woman. They agree to help and this is where Gretchen is persuaded to be his date.
Gretchen is shy, nervous around men and thinks it is stupid that she is doing this, as she believes that no one would believe that Julien Cooper would date her. So off she goes to meet the man himself.
Just before Gretchen arrives at the hotel, Ross is in Julien's hotel room explaining to him that he has found him a date for the wedding to help his image, Julien is furious, Ross leaves and Gretchen arrives.
Gretchen sees that Julien is not happy and assumes its because she does not meet his standards in a girlfriend, he assures her that he had only just found out about the arrangement and was not to keen on it.
Gretchen has to have a spa day and then a shopping day with Amelia, so that she looks and has clothes suitable to be seen with Julien but when they finished their shopping spree they bumps into Julien and his best friend at the restaurant - he loves her makeover and kisses her when he sees her - Gretchen is wary and asks why? did he do that. Gretchen amuses Julien because she is so shy and explains to her that they would have to practice if it was to believed that they were a couple.
Julien and Gretchen's story is one of shy awkward moments, practising, blushes that Julien loves to see, attraction, family secrets, jealousy and love. This book is a definite 5 stars and I know I will be re-reading this.
August 29, 2015
One Week with the Best Man is the third book in Andrea Laurence’s Brides to Belles series. I’ve read the first two books in this series and Gretchen’s story is a great addition. Gretchen is part-owner of From This Moment wedding chapel. She is a decorator, consultant and designer. She and her partners enter into an agreement to host the wedding of a music superstar—Murray Evans. His best man, Hollywood heartthrob actor Julian Cooper needs a date for the wedding.
From This Moment is presented with a situation. They needed to find someone to attend the wedding with Julian as he’s just experienced a Hollywood style breakup with his ‘girlfriend’. A sizable fee would be paid for this woman to pretend to be with Julian and attend the event’s leading up to the wedding. Gretchen McAlister wanted to go to Italy and this was her only way to earn the money for her trip. She agreed to be Julian’s companion at the wedding.
Gretchen is shy and nervous around men. She accepts the challenge, but doesn’t believe Julian will find her the least bit attractive. At first their initial meeting doesn’t go well, but he agrees to the arrangement that his manager made on his behalf.
Almost from their first moments together, they both feel an attraction. As they participate in the various events they grow closer together.
But when a secret about Julian’s family is divulged, can Julian get over it and move on with Gretchen?
I highly recommend One Week with the Best Man. It is a standalone book but the reader would enjoy reading the other books in the series. I’d like to disclose that I received an advance copy of One Week with the Best Man in exchange for a fair and honest review.
From This Moment is presented with a situation. They needed to find someone to attend the wedding with Julian as he’s just experienced a Hollywood style breakup with his ‘girlfriend’. A sizable fee would be paid for this woman to pretend to be with Julian and attend the event’s leading up to the wedding. Gretchen McAlister wanted to go to Italy and this was her only way to earn the money for her trip. She agreed to be Julian’s companion at the wedding.
Gretchen is shy and nervous around men. She accepts the challenge, but doesn’t believe Julian will find her the least bit attractive. At first their initial meeting doesn’t go well, but he agrees to the arrangement that his manager made on his behalf.
Almost from their first moments together, they both feel an attraction. As they participate in the various events they grow closer together.
But when a secret about Julian’s family is divulged, can Julian get over it and move on with Gretchen?
I highly recommend One Week with the Best Man. It is a standalone book but the reader would enjoy reading the other books in the series. I’d like to disclose that I received an advance copy of One Week with the Best Man in exchange for a fair and honest review.
October 12, 2015
Julian Cooper needs to have a date for a wedding events so his agent offers Gretchen McAlister part owner of the wedding venue "from this moment" $10,000.00 to accompany him. She has always wanted to go to Italy so this money will get her there so she agrees. Gretchen has spent her life feeling she is not attractive and questions whether Julian will feel she is not the person for this job. After meeting her and realizing she is insecure he enjoys the fact that she isn't impressed by his fame and fortune which is unique for him. He helps her dress the part of his date for the few events and he finds the relationship developing to the point that he confides in her the one secret he keeps from every one. He has a twin brother with a debilitating disease he takes care of . He trusts her but somehow the media find out and he believes its Gretchen as she is the only one who knows about it. Hurt that he would think this she would betray him she takes the money he gave her and donates it to charity. When he finds out he realizes how wrong he was. This is such a lovely story of two people so opposite each other and yet so alike you will not put down the book till you finish. Wonderful story and another fantastic Brides and belles story. Ms. Laurence never fails giving us the best stories.
November 1, 2015
One Night with the Best Man by Andrea Laurence is a well-written and engaging read. I totally loved insecure and wary Gretchen and intrigued but mistrustful Julian. They were a great match for each other and their story felt effortless and real. I could completely see these two coming together and falling for each other in real life because Laurence made them living, breathing people on each and every page of this story. She sprinkled so many excellent character gems and true-to-life realisms throughout the story that the more I learned about both of these characters, the more I wanted to know and the more anxious I got to see Gretchen and Julian reach their happily ever after. Each and every scene drew me more and more into Gretchen and Julian’s journey, making this a truly delightful, entertaining, and sexy read. One of my favorite Desire reads, in fact. Highly recommend reading it!
Reclaimed by the Rancher by Janice Maynard might be a short story, but it packs some heat and has plenty of emotional depth to make it a great romance read. The idea of people getting a second chance at love appeals to me, which is why reunion romances have always been among my favorite romances to read. Reclaimed by the Rancher was a short, but well-written reunion romance and an excellent start to the new continuity series.
Rating: 5 Stars
Okie Dreams Book Reviews Top Pick
Reclaimed by the Rancher by Janice Maynard might be a short story, but it packs some heat and has plenty of emotional depth to make it a great romance read. The idea of people getting a second chance at love appeals to me, which is why reunion romances have always been among my favorite romances to read. Reclaimed by the Rancher was a short, but well-written reunion romance and an excellent start to the new continuity series.
Rating: 5 Stars
Okie Dreams Book Reviews Top Pick
March 20, 2016
This is another installment in Andrea Laurence’s series Brides & Belles and I must say I’m enjoying all the stories so far. The characters are diverse and strong in their own right. They fit their roles perfectly and I think they were the perfect actors for said roles. I really enjoyed all the drama and glitz which came with both Gretchen and Julian’s jobs. Everything about this novel is on par: the plot, the scenes, the characters, the dialogue, the descriptions and every other unmentionable detail adds something unique to this sensational story. Gretchen McAlister is a wedding planner who has spent more time criticizing every attribute about her image than anything else. And she finds that being around men makes her uncomfortable. So when she is asked to be the pretend boyfriend of famous actor Julian Cooper, she is more than uncomfortable. She is downright going nuts in the head. But the money she can make parading as a Hollywood star's girlfriend can make her dreams happen. So she says yes. Saying ‘yes’ creates a chain reaction of scenes that are hilarious and totally entertaining! Overall, One Week with the Best Man by Andrea Laurence is winning a story that is sure to have you turning the pages in anticipation to see what happens next!
Highly Recommended
5 Stars
January 21, 2018
Andrea Laurence has given us another great read with Brides and Belles number three. I enjoyed this one just as much as I enjoy all the other Laurence reads I have read.
Gretchen is a curvy woman and is sort of awkward with the way she acts around men. Gretchen just doesn't have much experience with men so she tends to freeze up when she is around them. When she is asked to stand in for Jillian, a Hollywood actors, as his stand in fake date. With Gretchen's fear of being around men, this next week is going to be fun.
Jillian and Gretchen tend to get along pretty well and Gretchen gets to where she relies on Jillian to take care of her. These feelings that they are having for each other are not so much acting anymore both of them begin to realize. Who would have guessed that Gretchen would have feelings for Jillian after her fear of men?
Jillian is living with a hidden past and Gretchen begins to question why someone like Jillian would want to be with her? Isn't she below Jillian's standards?
When something happens and Jillian blames Gretchen for it, my opinion of him changed quickly. Will these two be able to overcome this obstacle and get back to what they had? You will have to read this one to find out. I thought this was a very good read. Thanks Andrea Laurence for another great book in the Brides and Belles series!
Gretchen is a curvy woman and is sort of awkward with the way she acts around men. Gretchen just doesn't have much experience with men so she tends to freeze up when she is around them. When she is asked to stand in for Jillian, a Hollywood actors, as his stand in fake date. With Gretchen's fear of being around men, this next week is going to be fun.
Jillian and Gretchen tend to get along pretty well and Gretchen gets to where she relies on Jillian to take care of her. These feelings that they are having for each other are not so much acting anymore both of them begin to realize. Who would have guessed that Gretchen would have feelings for Jillian after her fear of men?
Jillian is living with a hidden past and Gretchen begins to question why someone like Jillian would want to be with her? Isn't she below Jillian's standards?
When something happens and Jillian blames Gretchen for it, my opinion of him changed quickly. Will these two be able to overcome this obstacle and get back to what they had? You will have to read this one to find out. I thought this was a very good read. Thanks Andrea Laurence for another great book in the Brides and Belles series!
October 21, 2023
I didn't like it. They did not have nearly enough chemistry to make the progression (week and a half) from meeting to being in love and engaged at all believeable.
Him proposing felt wrong, because he so easily believed that she betrayed his trust, meaning he didn't really know her and they weren't even close to being ready to be engaged. Np.
I wasn't really a fan of the hero, I felt he was kind of weak. He did whatever his manager told him to do from the roles he took to who he did or didn't date. At first I thought the manager was the one who leaked the story of his brother, he seemed slimy and manipulative.
Also I felt the heroine forgave him and accepted his proposal a little to fast.
With how insecure she was and how he treated her by telling her that he was an actor and faked being interested in her and accused her of selling the story about his brother, I just think she would have been a lot more resistant to believing him again.
Him proposing felt wrong, because he so easily believed that she betrayed his trust, meaning he didn't really know her and they weren't even close to being ready to be engaged. Np.
I wasn't really a fan of the hero, I felt he was kind of weak. He did whatever his manager told him to do from the roles he took to who he did or didn't date. At first I thought the manager was the one who leaked the story of his brother, he seemed slimy and manipulative.
Also I felt the heroine forgave him and accepted his proposal a little to fast.
With how insecure she was and how he treated her by telling her that he was an actor and faked being interested in her and accused her of selling the story about his brother, I just think she would have been a lot more resistant to believing him again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2023
A fresh enjoyable read. I loved Gretchen from the start - hurrah for juicy women! She lived in the real world, despite creating fairy-tale weddings. Julian seemed a real person. It made me wonder how many people in entertainment end up in roles they aren't enjoying but it's what the punters want. I was annoyed with him for believing Ross over his gut feeling, but nobody's perfect I suppose. The sexy scenes were heated and fun. Loved the ending. I'll be looking for more books by Andrea Laurence.
January 18, 2021
Julian's manager tells Gretchen Julian needs a date to his friend's wedding. He wants a normal girl. m She agrees to the contract but the heart wants what the heart wants. A story appears in the paper and Julian immediately blames Gretchen. Some ugly things were said. Boy, is he in hot water when he finds out the truth.
May 9, 2020
I like the book especially the ending its quite different from others ,the woman stand up for herself as he proposed and clarified her doubts before accepting in place of forgeting all worries and jump on him when proposed it was kind of a moment due to which a book is remembered in a long run
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2023
I got introduced to the romance world reading the graphic novel of this book and went into the actual book itself eventually. I was originally just into young adult and popular fictional reads, but this was an opening to a door that has now led me to the romance reader I am.
October 14, 2020
I hate hyper-insecure heroines and that's exactly what you get in this book.
January 13, 2023
I was enjoying this one but as with many of these, it was 99% build up, 1% resolution. More energy needs to be put into the endings of these books.
February 12, 2017
3+ stars = HD #2410
March 10, 2017
Una excelente lectura para pasar una buena tarde. Tanto los dos anteriores como este merecen mucho la pena. Ahora, a por el cuarto!!!
March 12, 2016
Another woman that works at From the Moment is finding herself falling in love just when she thought she would never get rid of one thing that has frightened all men she went out with.
This is a wonderful story about a woman, Gretchen that just needed a little push to find love. A woman that was beautiful but was self-conscious. But when she talked about her job her whole face would light up so when the girls pushed her to pretend to be a celebrity’s wedding date she only did it because she had a possibility to go to Italy. But the moment she saw herself after the beauty torture she saw a different woman in the mirror.
Then there is Julian Cooper a movie star that needed to be seen with a normal woman or should I say a woman that was not an actress. He had just suffered a breakup and it was time for him to show the media that he was moving on. But when he saw Gretchen for the first time there was this instant chemistry she was just different. So when he talks with her about not stiffening up when he gets near her he has a great plan.
I absolutely loved his plan because it involved him kissing her until she would became available with his touch. There was only one problem they loved being near each other but could their relationship last when they lived far apart. Julian surprised me when he opened up about his family and what his family struggles were. But as you already know it can’t be all flowers and sweetness there has to be drama that happens and separates the happy couple. All I can say is that I wanted to strangle Julian because Gretchen had given him something so sacred to her and she was falling for him or should I say had already fallen for him. Yet he didn’t believe her and because of that my tears started and would not stop. Will it be too late for Julian to talk to Gretchen? What would he do after seeing a donation come in would he know who made it.
One Week with the Best Man was a good read! It was just one of those reads that I can just read anytime I’m feeling blue and by the end I know that I will grinning from ear to ear. I loved seeing the other characters from the other books in the series and seeing that they are still beautifully in love. I liked how the dialogue just flowed. The chemistry between these two characters was sensual and passionate. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. Ms. Laurence is a wonderful author with amazing writing skills.
Totally recommend this read!
Received ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an Honest Review
This is a wonderful story about a woman, Gretchen that just needed a little push to find love. A woman that was beautiful but was self-conscious. But when she talked about her job her whole face would light up so when the girls pushed her to pretend to be a celebrity’s wedding date she only did it because she had a possibility to go to Italy. But the moment she saw herself after the beauty torture she saw a different woman in the mirror.
Then there is Julian Cooper a movie star that needed to be seen with a normal woman or should I say a woman that was not an actress. He had just suffered a breakup and it was time for him to show the media that he was moving on. But when he saw Gretchen for the first time there was this instant chemistry she was just different. So when he talks with her about not stiffening up when he gets near her he has a great plan.
I absolutely loved his plan because it involved him kissing her until she would became available with his touch. There was only one problem they loved being near each other but could their relationship last when they lived far apart. Julian surprised me when he opened up about his family and what his family struggles were. But as you already know it can’t be all flowers and sweetness there has to be drama that happens and separates the happy couple. All I can say is that I wanted to strangle Julian because Gretchen had given him something so sacred to her and she was falling for him or should I say had already fallen for him. Yet he didn’t believe her and because of that my tears started and would not stop. Will it be too late for Julian to talk to Gretchen? What would he do after seeing a donation come in would he know who made it.
One Week with the Best Man was a good read! It was just one of those reads that I can just read anytime I’m feeling blue and by the end I know that I will grinning from ear to ear. I loved seeing the other characters from the other books in the series and seeing that they are still beautifully in love. I liked how the dialogue just flowed. The chemistry between these two characters was sensual and passionate. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. Ms. Laurence is a wonderful author with amazing writing skills.
Totally recommend this read!
Received ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an Honest Review
November 5, 2015
One Week with the best Man Is the third book in the Andrea Laurence's Brides and Bells series.
I received an advanced copy of this book for a honest review. Although this book can standalone this is a great series and I recommend that you read the first two books. Like all of Andrea Laurence's books this one does not disappoint!
This series is about four women who own a wedding business together called "From This Moment" and this is Gretchen's story. Gretchen is an everyday hard working business woman and when it comes to her art and work she is very confident and excels in what she does, but when it comes to men she struggles with her self confidence. Gretchen sees herself as unattractive, fat and plain. When she accepts the job to be Hollywood heartthrob Julian Coopers date for a week during a wedding event from his manager without Julian seeing her first, she doesn't believe Julian will happy with his managers choice.
When Julian sees Gretchen for the first time he is surprised by her indifference towards him. He can see that she finds him attractive but she isn't bending over backwards to win his attention, in fact she is quite nervous and shy. He finds her uniquely real, unlike the Hollywood starlets that he is use to, who only want to be with him for his fame or fortune. Julian soon realizes that if he wants people to believe that they are a real couple he is going to have to get Gretchen to loosen up a bit. She tenses up every time he goes near her and he is surprised that she can't see how beautiful and real she is. He is quite looking forward to giving Gretchen a few acting lessons.
There is chemistry from the first encounter. As Julian and Gretchen get to know each other a relationship begins to blossom and Julian finds himself opening up to Gretchen and introducing her to his family that he has thus far managed to keep hidden from the media. It doesn't take long after the introductions for Julian's family to become media fodder though, and Gretchen is the only person who could have possibly leaked things to the press. Julian is so disappointed when he discovers that Gretchen is just like the Hollywood starlets after all.
I received an advanced copy of this book for a honest review. Although this book can standalone this is a great series and I recommend that you read the first two books. Like all of Andrea Laurence's books this one does not disappoint!
This series is about four women who own a wedding business together called "From This Moment" and this is Gretchen's story. Gretchen is an everyday hard working business woman and when it comes to her art and work she is very confident and excels in what she does, but when it comes to men she struggles with her self confidence. Gretchen sees herself as unattractive, fat and plain. When she accepts the job to be Hollywood heartthrob Julian Coopers date for a week during a wedding event from his manager without Julian seeing her first, she doesn't believe Julian will happy with his managers choice.
When Julian sees Gretchen for the first time he is surprised by her indifference towards him. He can see that she finds him attractive but she isn't bending over backwards to win his attention, in fact she is quite nervous and shy. He finds her uniquely real, unlike the Hollywood starlets that he is use to, who only want to be with him for his fame or fortune. Julian soon realizes that if he wants people to believe that they are a real couple he is going to have to get Gretchen to loosen up a bit. She tenses up every time he goes near her and he is surprised that she can't see how beautiful and real she is. He is quite looking forward to giving Gretchen a few acting lessons.
There is chemistry from the first encounter. As Julian and Gretchen get to know each other a relationship begins to blossom and Julian finds himself opening up to Gretchen and introducing her to his family that he has thus far managed to keep hidden from the media. It doesn't take long after the introductions for Julian's family to become media fodder though, and Gretchen is the only person who could have possibly leaked things to the press. Julian is so disappointed when he discovers that Gretchen is just like the Hollywood starlets after all.
March 14, 2016
This book was fun! Gretchen is very good at her job as part of a wedding consulting team. She puts together designs for brides and helps make their day unforgettable. But as a woman she is very shy and insecure about herself.
Julian, the best man for their current wedding just happens to be a big-time movie star. His manager approaches the team to set up a fake girlfriend to serve as Julian's date for the wedding and offers $10,000 to whomever agrees to do it. The girls convince Gretchen to do it. She reluctantly meets him and both of them are surprised. He's surprised by her indifference because most women fawn all over him. Her shyness intrigues him.
They agree to the ruse and set out to play the part. But Julian realizes for them to be believable as a couple they have to be more comfortable with each other. A few kisses later she decides she really does like kissing him! Over the course of their time together they become friends and the chemistry grows. He develops such a rapport with her that he introduces her to his family, including his twin who has severe health issues. He's never shared that part of his life with his Hollywood crowd and has been able to keep it out of the media. So when the secret gets out, he immediately blames Gretchen. After a heated exchange in which they end things, he pays her the $10,000. A hurt and miserable Gretchen promptly donates it to charity.
Julian realizes he's miserable without Gretchen and that he has really fallen for her. As new info comes to light he's able to find out how the media got word of his brother. All throughout this part of the book you are rooting for him to find out quickly and go after Gretchen. You're also able to get satisfaction when he sets the true troublemaker straight. Finally, you're cheering and smiling and laughing as Julian and Gretchen head to their happily ever after.
Julian, the best man for their current wedding just happens to be a big-time movie star. His manager approaches the team to set up a fake girlfriend to serve as Julian's date for the wedding and offers $10,000 to whomever agrees to do it. The girls convince Gretchen to do it. She reluctantly meets him and both of them are surprised. He's surprised by her indifference because most women fawn all over him. Her shyness intrigues him.
They agree to the ruse and set out to play the part. But Julian realizes for them to be believable as a couple they have to be more comfortable with each other. A few kisses later she decides she really does like kissing him! Over the course of their time together they become friends and the chemistry grows. He develops such a rapport with her that he introduces her to his family, including his twin who has severe health issues. He's never shared that part of his life with his Hollywood crowd and has been able to keep it out of the media. So when the secret gets out, he immediately blames Gretchen. After a heated exchange in which they end things, he pays her the $10,000. A hurt and miserable Gretchen promptly donates it to charity.
Julian realizes he's miserable without Gretchen and that he has really fallen for her. As new info comes to light he's able to find out how the media got word of his brother. All throughout this part of the book you are rooting for him to find out quickly and go after Gretchen. You're also able to get satisfaction when he sets the true troublemaker straight. Finally, you're cheering and smiling and laughing as Julian and Gretchen head to their happily ever after.
February 22, 2018
I liked that the heroine is described as short and stout. Points for that. Gretchen is the designer at From This Moment, a wedding/planning venue. Julian Cooper is a big name actor in need of a pretend date for the wedding of his best friend. And again I find myself wishing for a better rating system 0n this site. While I really liked the heroine and at the end after learning about Julian's brother and the love and care he bestowed on him, Julian won me over; the fact that this premise has been used so many times kind of turned me off a little. And falling in love in a week and making it sound like being virgin at thirty is sort of a disease one needs to find the cure for fear of ... I really have no idea what, made me rate this book the way I've done.
In spite of my objections, I did enjoy certain parts of the story. The fact that Gretchen didn't care much about Julian's wealth or how she discovered that one can be beautiful no matter the body type or her friendship with her business partners or the conversations with Julian. I only wish there was more time for the relationship to develop and the reason for getting together wasn't one I've read a hundred times. But, there's one more book in the series, the last one, and I curious.
In spite of my objections, I did enjoy certain parts of the story. The fact that Gretchen didn't care much about Julian's wealth or how she discovered that one can be beautiful no matter the body type or her friendship with her business partners or the conversations with Julian. I only wish there was more time for the relationship to develop and the reason for getting together wasn't one I've read a hundred times. But, there's one more book in the series, the last one, and I curious.
November 6, 2015
See more of my reviews on my blog Thoughts At One In The Morning.
My Thoughts:
I adored the premise of this book! When you pair two unlikely to meet people into a situation like this, it can go several different ways. For Julian, he's enamored by Gretchen--she's real and isn't fawning all over him. That's entirely new. And for Gretchen, she gets to discover a side to Julian that not many people know about. During their time together, he has to loosen her up to play the role of girlfriend. The attraction is there, and when they touch and kiss, so is the chemistry. Since this is only temporary, and she's getting paid, there's no way it will go on beyond their one week, right?
One Week with the Best Man is another winning book from Andrea Laurence! Gretchen completely bloomed as the story progressed--her insecurities were there, but she started to overcome them as she gained confidence in herself. The romance between her and Julian was phenomenal, and you could feel it slowly turning from a job to something more. This book was a great continuation to the Brides and Belles series!
My Rating: Very Good
My Thoughts:
I adored the premise of this book! When you pair two unlikely to meet people into a situation like this, it can go several different ways. For Julian, he's enamored by Gretchen--she's real and isn't fawning all over him. That's entirely new. And for Gretchen, she gets to discover a side to Julian that not many people know about. During their time together, he has to loosen her up to play the role of girlfriend. The attraction is there, and when they touch and kiss, so is the chemistry. Since this is only temporary, and she's getting paid, there's no way it will go on beyond their one week, right?
One Week with the Best Man is another winning book from Andrea Laurence! Gretchen completely bloomed as the story progressed--her insecurities were there, but she started to overcome them as she gained confidence in herself. The romance between her and Julian was phenomenal, and you could feel it slowly turning from a job to something more. This book was a great continuation to the Brides and Belles series!
My Rating: Very Good
January 7, 2016
The 3rd book in the Brides and Belles series was hard to put down! The characters are adorable together and light quite a spark!
Gretchen McAlister works hard to make things beautiful as part owner of a wedding planning business, but the shy, awkward woman doesn't see the beauty in herself.
Julian Cooper is a famous, sought-after bachelor who is best man in one of the weddings Gretchen is helping plan. When his Manager pulls some strings and makes them an offer they can't refuse, Gretchen's business partners volunteer her to "pretend" to be Julian's current flame at the wedding festivities.
Julian gets a kick out of how shy Gretchen is, and sets in to make her more comfortable around him and people in general. During all of their acting, true feelings start to emerge. Can there ever be a future for these two people from different worlds?
** Received free in a contest/giveaway **
Gretchen McAlister works hard to make things beautiful as part owner of a wedding planning business, but the shy, awkward woman doesn't see the beauty in herself.
Julian Cooper is a famous, sought-after bachelor who is best man in one of the weddings Gretchen is helping plan. When his Manager pulls some strings and makes them an offer they can't refuse, Gretchen's business partners volunteer her to "pretend" to be Julian's current flame at the wedding festivities.
Julian gets a kick out of how shy Gretchen is, and sets in to make her more comfortable around him and people in general. During all of their acting, true feelings start to emerge. Can there ever be a future for these two people from different worlds?
** Received free in a contest/giveaway **
October 26, 2015
Review posted at HarlequinJunkie.com
If there’s one place in the world Gretchen McAlister dreams of travelling to, it is Italy, except she doesn’t have the money to afford such a trip, and couldn’t possibly take the time off work. However, when asked to find a date for the best man, of the wedding she and her friends are organizing, she reluctantly accepts to be his date. Because it’ll get her one step closer to achieving her dream.Yet, she’s not sure she can convince anyone they’re a real couple. For starters, she’s so not his type and secondly, she’s extremely awkward with men. Read More
April 6, 2016
I enjoyed getting to know the characters in this book. Gretchen is shy and insecure about her body, and Julian seems to be the perfect specimen of male action hero. I loved how Julian took the time to see the real Gretchen and loved her for it and how getting to know all the fake stuff that Julian had to go through in his acting career made him more of a real person to Gretchen.
Julian's commitment to his family and Gretchen's secret gave this story depth and made it stand out from other stories about a handsome actor falling for the plain woman. They had to learn to trust and appreciate themselves before they could truly give their love to each other.
Julian's commitment to his family and Gretchen's secret gave this story depth and made it stand out from other stories about a handsome actor falling for the plain woman. They had to learn to trust and appreciate themselves before they could truly give their love to each other.
June 26, 2016
This book had a lot of good things going for it right up until the ending. I don't want to spoil anything but how quickly and extremely fast things happened as the issue was resolved was just completely unbelievable. And then to follow it up with an epilogue that was only a few pages to pretty much set up the next book leaves me feeling ripped off. I try not to expect too much with these short quick reads but to not even get at least a smidge of the main couple's HEA in the epilogue makes me wish it didn't have one at all. Another pet peeve, don't try sell the heroine as being "fluffy" and curvy but put a model-thin lady on the cover, if the character is curvy us a curvy model please!
September 4, 2015
3rd of 4 in the series? MUST GO FIND 1 & 2! Great concept using the wedding planning business as the backdrop for these women finding their own happily ever afters. Gretchen is the visual concept girl. She is in charge of the picture perfect elements that make a wedding memorable. Julian needs a fake date for the long wedding weekend. His Hollywood manager has asked the business to provide the perfect woman, for a $10,000 bonus. What is real and what is for the money?
November 3, 2015
This is the continuation of four friends in this series and this time we find out more about Gretchen. She's not your model thin beauty but still beautiful in her own right. She's been fixed up to be the best man, Hollywood movie star Julian Cooper's pretend girlfriend for an upcoming wedding. Both are dealing with their own insecurities as they pretend to be a couple in love. This was a funny, sexy, down to earth read that was very relatable for a lot of people.
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