Win, Lose...or Wed!

Keeper at Heart #1

by Melissa McClone

This would be the most amazing and romantic race of their lives!

After being dumped so publicly, Millie Kincaid never wanted to see Jace Westfall or be on reality TV ever again. But she finds herself on Cash Around the Globe—with Jace! Although she doesn't trust him, to win they must work as a team.

They race around the world, tested to their limits, and everything is captured on camera—including their stolen kisses! Can they determine what is real and what is just for TV? And, with the finish line in sight, will they win the one thing that money cannot buy?

Genres: Romance, Second Chance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Clean Romance, Harlequin, Teachers

192 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

I live in the Pacific Northwest with my husband, two daughters, son, dog and too many cats! I write "sweeter" contemporary romance novels for Harlequin and Tule Publishing.

Reviews

[Lisa H · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jace is not leading man material.

The Bachelor meets the Amazing Race.
Millie was on a dating show and was in love with Jace and believed that he was going to propose. He didn’t. He proposed to another girl.

Then, she’s on another reality show and Jace is her partner on the race for money. I found Jace to be weak and indecisive and consistently makes poor choices and never shows contrition for popping the question to another girl.

I did like the travel race, though.

[Ivana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was intrigued by the blurb since I like reality shows and I've always wondered how it actually works. Trust would definitely be an issue for me in that setting because people have different reasons for entering. It was a nice story that kept my attention. I really loved Millie for her strength and values.

[Kathy * Bookworm Nation · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

A good friend suggested this book when she saw it was a mix of The Bachelor and Amazing Race, two of my favorite shows! I of course, dropped everything and dove in. I thought this was a fun read with a fun plot. Millie first meets Jace as a contestant on The Groom, a reality TV show similar to The Bachelor. She makes it to the end, when Jace dumps her and choses the other girl. Fast forward a year, and they're now contestants on Cash Around the Globe, where they are competing for a one million dollar prize. This was a cute story and enjoyable read, I wouldnt have minded the tension notched up a bit, but they have a sweet relationship. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

Content Rated PG
Romance: Kissing
Language: None
Violence: None

[Smadma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this quick standalone HEA; however, I suspect I would have liked it even more if I was into reality tv. It starts with Millie and Jace on a reality show called The Groom, where Jace breaks Millie’s heart. Fast forward to a year later and a new game show where the two of them are thrown together as partners competing for a million dollars. Jace needs the money to keep his business going and Millie wants the money for her school. The two need to perform various stunts that would test anyone but when you add in fighting their attraction for each other, things get interesting. It was frustrating to see all the bad choices Jace made, and I needed to know if he would finally figure out what is truly important or if Millie would concentrate on a future with someone worthy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Millie met Jace on a reality show she thought she had found her happy ever after but she is about to find out her Prince was actually a frog when he chose another. Since then all she wants to do is forget it ever happened but when she has the opportunity to compete in an adventure show she agrees as not only will it give her some distance but allow her to help her students as well.

Jace regrets how things ended with Millie and he has paid the price as well. The opportunity to compete on another show seems like the answer to his problems but working with Millie could be the biggest challenge of all. Will this be their second chance or are they destined to end in heartbreak once again?

[Isha Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

McClone uses emotion and deep thought to tear the heart right out of your chest and humor to restore it to it's rightful place. The Groom gives a large dose of common sense and a handful of heartache all in one sitting. Millie and Jace are struggling with their foolish hearts, on top of wounded pride. Will risking happily ever after cost them their hearts or help them to heal their souls? Heartache takes the long route to happy and it's anything but subtle.

[Arceli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this sweet romance. It was super awesome and clean. I love the characters. I highly recommend this novel.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gerrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 out of 5 stars

[Doni · Rating 4 out of 5]

As Millie stands before millions
of TV viewers see to if Jace will
choose her as his bride, everyone
including Millie, is shocked.
Now a year later, she approached
about doing another show.
A contest to race around the world.
Hesitant at first, she thinks only
of her special needs students.
Ready to do this alone, the producer's
throw a surprise at Millie.
A new teammate. Last person she
every wants to see again.
It's an engaging, fast paced & moving
story. I enjoyed reading it!!

[JenniK · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very basic story. This is not a 5star book. I use the word Basic in its original meaning of bare-bones and bland. There is a story here and characters, but no padding whatsoever. This story is all Tell and no Show: “they did X, they went to Y, the clue was located at Z.” We get told things, but we do not get shown the actual relationship developing. Add that to the fact that the story is very short, and it felt more like an outline to a novel than a finished, fleshed out novel. Plus, the Hero is a major disappointment, not once but continually. When you are hoping that there will be a trick ending so that the heroine will end up with a side character, you know something is not quite right with the writing.

[Jennifer Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Groom is the first book in the A Keeper Heart series by Melissa McClone. Falling in love on national television was awkward but having your heart broken in front of viewers was devastating. Millie Kincaid signed up for the popular dating show, The Groom. She never expected to be picked, let alone make it to the finale. When Jace Westfall doesn’t pick her in the season finale, she is hurt and humiliated that she wants to escape from the spotlight and return to her quiet life as a school teacher. Until a new reality TV show provides her a shot at money that her school desperately needs. When Jace made his choice, he didn’t expect to fall from fan favorite to villain overnight. His choice cost him everything: his reputation, his endorsements and even his heart. Now on the verge of financial ruin, he is forced to do another reality tv show. Millie and Jace never expected to see each other again, let alone be teamed up. As they race from country to country, competing in challenge after challenge, they have a real shot at the prize money and a second chance at love. Their only obstacle: each other.
The Groom is a light heartened, fun romance. I am not a fan of reality shows and do not watch many of them. However, reading Jace and Millie’s adventure on the reality show, Cash Around The Globe, was much more entertaining and enjoyable than watching the real thing. I cheered them both on as they fought being teammates, found their rhythm together and fell in love. Millie had been boxed into the image that she was mousy and no man would find her attractive. She struggles with the fact that that image is wrong. Jace thinks with his head for practical purposes but fails to consider his heart. Every decision he makes is to better his family’s livelihood even at the expense of his own happiness. These two are perfect for each other, they just need to open their eyes and hearts to see it. A romance story with a happily ever after was just what I needed after reading a much heavier and darker book. Overall, I enjoyed The Groom and look forward to reading the rest of the A Keeper Heart series. If you enjoy light hearted romance with a happily ever after, I highly recommend The Groom.

The Groom is available in paperback and eBook

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brief thoughts not a full review: As some they used to watch reality TV, I really appreciated and enjoyed it with some of the recognizable elements that those type of shows had. I liked that the focus of this was the show the Amazing Race because it was different and nothing I read in a romance before, which made all the more interesting with the challenges and locations that were featured. I thought it was very interesting that by Millie and Jace participating that it helped them build a relationship by working together and becoming a team as they faced challenges. I really liked that became the solid foundation for their relationship as they got this second chance together and learn about each other as well as grow as a couple. It showed strength and weaknesses they had, but how the other could pick the other up because they were a team. I really liked that message. It made me root for them as they developed that solid relationship. It just made it more meaningful than the time on the dating reality show they were on, which seemed shallow and superficial compared to the current show they were on. Despite the fact he rejected Millie on that dating show, it was better that he did otherwise they wouldn’t have developed what they had on the race to something real and more meaningful for both. It was great learning experience as well as a growth for both that was great and very fulfilling to see. Of coarse I liked all the drama, angst, and tension when they met again, making it fun and entertaining to watch play out as they worked together to win the money. It just brought another edge to the story that I enjoyed. Loved the attraction building and growing as the went further and further in the game together. I love that tango scene. Very sexy and sensual with their chemistry on full display for all to see. It was sweet too though and I appreciated the balance between the sexy and the sweet. It was just a good time and a joy of a ride to go along with Jace and Millie. I really liked it.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Millie and Jace’ love story in The Groom is a fun, heartwarming, sweet romance by Melissa McClone, book one in her A Keeper series. Take The Bachelor and cross it with The Amazing Race and you basically get the premise of this reality TV romance. While on the reality show The Groom, Millie learned a valuable lesson to not trust handsome men, especially Jace, the star of the show; after being rejected and having her heart broken. Returning to her teaching job, Millie discovers her school is in need of money. When she receives an invitation to be on another reality TV show she knows she must do it. Having to hurt the sweet and shy Millie was the last thing Jace wanted to do, but he had his reasons. In doing so the once beloved hero was now the world’s worst villain, costing him endorsements and customers. He needed to save his failing business and support his family, so Jace agreed to do another reality show. What these two did not expect on this new reality show was to be forced together, racing from country to country, in order to win; win a million dollars which each of them needed. With the cameras capturing their every move, they realize that money isn’t the only thing at stake; they must also overcome their past. Overcoming their past will not only help them win the money, but also each other’s heart; along with learning about their strengths, willingness to contribute and compromise, as well as themselves.

Ms. McClone wrote a wonderfully sweet and moving story that is not to be missed. This story contains fun dialogue, the magic of love, discovery of oneself, and endearing characters giving Millie and Jace a second chance at love, happiness, and future I highly recommend The Groom to other readers and look forward to the next book in this series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Jennifer Lui · Rating 4 out of 5]

Could he be considered her ex if they were never actually together? After having her heart broken during a reality show on TV, Millie is teamed up with the man who rejected her when she agrees to be on another reality show - this one racing around the world to win a million dollars. They're just teammates trying to win, right?

Okay, here's the good. I really liked the storyline and how different each of the characters was. From Millie and Jake to the other competitors, they were all unique and had their own backstories. I also liked how the author included how viewers of reality shows form parasocial relationships with the people in the show and often will have negative feelings towards individuals in the shows when things don't go the way they want them to. (Really, be honest. How many times have you cursed guys on The Bachelor when they didn't pick the girl you wanted them to?) It was also a great way to learn a bit about countries that I'll probably never get a chance to travel to.

But to me, there wasn't enough of a reason for me to root for Millie and Jake. She was in the competition to win money for her school and prove to her father that she wasn't a coward. Great, but why does her father think she's a coward? What kind of relationship to they have? Jake wants to win because he needs the money to save his business. Okay...it mentions that his mom and his sisters work for him. But it's all on him to save the company? I didn't feel as much of a connection to either of them as I wish I had. The small insight into Jake's past was great. But I needed more. And what happened with the girl he did pick? The character development just felt...incomplete.

But overall I did like the book and was happy with the conclusion.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

After His Past Rejection- Could They Become a Winning Team?

Fun, fast paced and lots of action as these two race from country to country to win a billion dollars in a reality TV show. The only problem is that these two have been together on a reality show, The Groom, in the past and he chose the other girl. Can Millie Kincaid put aside her hurt and embarrassment that she suffered after being the rejected woman? She wants to win the money to help out her school and the special ed students she teaches so going home isn't an option.
Jace Westfall decided on the other girl on The Groom and his business and reputation have suffered ever since, as Millie was the small town sweet woman every one was rooting for him to choose. His business is in trouble and he needs to win this race to help support his family. He doesn't think that Millie has what it takes to win. Knowing that they need to become a team to win he reluctantly agrees to stay her partner.

This was such a fun story and I enjoyed the parts about their travel from country to country. Millie proved to be more than Jace could have imagined and he had to deal with his regrets of the choice he made on The Groom. Would Jace let this special woman go a second time?

Looking forward to other stories in this new series A Keeper Series-

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Silvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an entertaining read. It was basically The Bachelor meets The Amazing Race. The plot line felt pretty original, especially with that twist at the beginning of the competition.
I really liked Millie and I felt bad that she got her heart broken on national tv. Her father was a real piece of work! What a hypocrite! I loved how Millie saw all the other contestants as real people and not just competition.
I was honestly unsure about Jace with how he kept going back and forth over Millie. It was almost like he was trying to talk himself out of his feelings for her. Because he needed to help his family? This is where I had an issue. If his sisters were old enough to work, they didn’t have to work for his company and thereby could have lightened the load from Jace’s shoulders. The book never goes into what the real deal is with his family and company other than the business desperately needing money.
I am glad that Millie got her HEA!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Millie Kincaid, a schoolteacher, came in second on a TV reality show called “The Groom”. Her heart was broken when Jace Westfall, a money manager, picked Desiree instead of Millie. He became a villain overnight because the viewers wanted him to pick Millie. A year later Millie can’t resist doing another TV reality show called “Cash Around the Globe” in the hopes of winning the prize money for her school. The first task in the game is to pick up something to help with the game. It turns out to be Jace. He’s on the show in the hopes of winning to save his business and his family. Jace discovers that Millie isn’t the shy girl he knew a year prior. Millie has become a strong woman. They embark on a round the world trip chasing a million dollar prize. They learn more about each other. I loved their interactions with each other and the rest of the teams. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first time reading something by this author and I enjoyed it. It caught my interest right away and held it throughout. It is the first installment of A Keeper Series. Millie and Jace meet on a reality show and he basically breaks her heart. Coincidentally, they meet again a year later on another show and both are competing as partners to win a million dollars. They both have a definite attraction to each other, but because of what happened on the first show, Millie understandably doesn't trust Jace. Jace realizes the mistake he made, but will Millie give him a second chance? This was a sweet and heartwarming story well worth the read. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author. I enjoyed reading Millie and Jace's story. There were plenty of twists to keep me turning the pages and some laughs to keep me smiling along the way. I enjoyed this sweet read and look forward to reading more by this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cindy y · Rating 5 out of 5]

The beginning of a new series - Melissa McClone is bringing us some new characters to fall in love with. Jace and Millie met on the set of a Reality TV show called "The Groom". As one of the last two contestants, Millie was sure that Jace would pick her to be his Bride - but he didn't. She was embarrassed, felt completely duped and left humiliated. Now a year later, she agreed to be on a race around the world for a million dollars. But what she thought was a race run on her own, turns into a team race......with none other than Jace as her teammate. Talk about awkward! Because she really isn't over him, and it seems he may have more feelings for her than she thought. They will have to figure out how to work together not only to win the race, but to just get through each day being close to each other. Let the race begin!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CarolKat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Millie was heartbroken when 'The Groom' ended and Jace picked Desiree, In spite of all the offers she received after that debacle she wasn't tempted take any. Until this one, 'Cash Around the Globe offered something she really wanted, thirty days without her phone, without people asking how she was doing all while traveling the globe. Any money she wins she would donate to her school to help offset budget cuts affecting her students.

Millie was feeling confident and excited as the race begins, but of course the show has a major twist.

Angry but resigned, she accepts the fact that in order to continue, it would be Jace by her side.

I want to say here that I hate reality shows, but reading about it totally different! I loved the progression as these two work their way through the obstacles set by the show. I laughed and cried and screamed at my kindle.

I can't wait to see what Melissa has in store for the next book in this series.

[Beach · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say I really enjoyed reading this book. Some good laughs, great character development by the author as the character experience their own personal growth, understanding why things are not always as they appear, attraction, competitiveness and more. Engaging primary and secondary characters (hope to see a few in their own story).

After being sent home in the final episode of the realty t.v. show The Groom, Millie is approached by the network to compete in another realty that involves a competition using both brains and brawn. Unknown to her she is paired with none other than The Groom, Jace who rejected her on national t.v. All the other competitors are also paired with those they are not on the best of terms with. Lots of fireworks and personal growth.

A great read that transports you around the world.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

As much as I hate reality tv, I love this book! The Groom was a fun behind the scenes tale of what it really could be like to film not one but two shows where the participants have feelings for each other, but it might not seem that way to viewers.
Millie really grew as a person throughout the book, which made me so happy as a reader. It can be hard for an author to show the progression of growth in a characters life, but Ms. McClone did a great job of turning Millie from a shy mouse to a powerful young woman who doesn’t allow fear to hold her back. Jace had his own transition to make, and he did, but I found myself less impressed with him. I think I’m turning into a harsher judge of character with the books I read!
Interesting characters, a unique and winning storyline and wonderful writing make The Groom a fun must read!

[Pam Conway · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received an arc from Booksprout for an honest review.” This is the second book I’ve read by this author & I really enjoyed it (despite it being based on two reality shows I’ve never watched)!! Jace rejected Millie on “The Groom” & broke her heart. A year later unbeknownst to them, they are paired together on another show. They have to find a way to move on from the past so they can work together to win. It was also interesting to see what takes place behind the scenes when filming the show. The book had funny moments, sad moments, honest moments & frustrating moments between the characters while following their journey on the show. Millie finally finds out why Jace did what he did & he finds out that he completely underestimated her. What a wonderful book this was & I’m looking forward to reading the next one!!

[Pamela Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this clean and wholesome romance with incredible characters and a great story that kept me entertained and engaged from the beginning and I didn't want to say goodbye to my new book friends when I got to the end. I loved the attraction and undeniable chemistry between Jace Westfall and Millie Kincaid. "The Groom" is a great debut to the Keeper Series and a book I will want to read again. I always enjoy books from Melissa McClone because she writes with love and emotion and gives us wonderful books we can share with all of our family and friends. I received an advance reader copy of this book from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review. I also purchased a copy for my keeper library.

[Lindsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Groom is pretty much just The Amazing Race in book form. Don’t get me wrong I enjoyed this book and the characters. I just felt like I was skimming at times because of the layovers and the airport scenes, etc.
I enjoyed Millie as a character and was glad she had character development towards the end. This book seemed a little back and forth again with Millie and Jace. They went from not talking to being teammates to not really speaking again until Jace finally figured his stuff out.
I enjoyed the side characters also and felt bad for some of the other teams that got “canceled”.
The ending was good for Millie and Jace. I wish we could have actually met the families of these two and seen how that went but I’m glad they finally figured things out.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading the Groom by Melissa McClone because it was such a great book. Millie and Jace were previously on a reality show together where it didn't end well for either. A year later, Millie is on another reality show where it pairs her and Jace again and it was a learning experience for them both. Millie really became so confident in this reality show. She knew what she wanted and her drive to win the money is what kept her going forward. Jace had his own reasons for the money. I loved Millie and Jace together. I also liked the other contestants in this book. This was a very sweet book and I highly recommend reading it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Leisel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A pleasant clean romance story with a creative little connection to reality television series The Amazing Race.
For characters Millie and Jace, an earlier experience on reality TV didn't quite end as hoped but now given a second chance unknown to both of them. A story complete. with exotic locations and exhilarating opportunities to test both individuals and relationships all whilst under the constant eyes and ears of a production team recording for a new TV series. Loved the characters of Millie and Jace and not only because we see them develop as individuals but also as a couple. Throw in the typical issues of money or lack of and how it weaves problems for both characters but on different levels. Sometimes the greatest win is not about money at all! ❤

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I volunteered to read this ARC for an honest review. I enjoyed this story about Millie and Jace.. They originally meet in the set of The Groom, a bachelor show. She thought they hit it off but he chose another. Now a year later, hoping to rid herself of the persona from that show, she joins a race around the world, called Cash Around The Globe. Unfortunately there is a twist and she becomes teamed up with Jace. They agree to work together but soon realize it is more than that. As they battle to overcome obstacles they learn about each other. When forced to do things out of character they cheer each other on. But winning for his family could cost him more. Great HEA in the end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Millie didn't let her fears and the past hold her back from doing this new reality show. Millie was surprised that they put her and Jace together to do this reality show. Jace felt horrible about the way he treated Millie on the last reality show. Millie wanted to move on and not talk about the last reality show they were on. Jace thought Millie would hold him back at first in the race, but Millie pulled her own weight and helped their team. Jace and Millie fought that they had feelings for each other during the whole race. Millie stayed true to herself and put herself out there and got out of her comfort zone and became more confident. Jace realized he was totally wrong about Millie. Loved this book!

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Bachelor meets the Amazing Race!! This was a different kind of romance for me but I really enjoyed it. I’m not much for reality tv but, I found while reading this that the Mrs. McClone makes the words jump off the page and you feel like your a part of the race. And it was FUN!! Millie is a sweet girl that can hold her own when she needs to. Loved that!! Jace made me want to smack him upside the head to wake him up and at times feel sorry for him. BUT, when he FINALLY woke up to see what was right in front of him it was FANTASTIC!! This story was sweet, exciting and loads of fun you won’t want to miss.