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Newlywed Games #1
From Ex To Eternity
Cara, wedding dress designer
Marital Jilted at the altar
Action Revenge on the runaway groom
Two years after waiting at the altar for Keith Mitchell, Cara isn't ready to meet him again, much less work with him as the consultant on her bridal fashion show! For his part, a misunderstanding sent him running, but now that he knows the truth, and they're spending long days working together, he wants her back in his bed. Will Cara use their passion to gain the ultimate revenge? Let the newlywed games begin.
Marital Jilted at the altar
Action Revenge on the runaway groom
Two years after waiting at the altar for Keith Mitchell, Cara isn't ready to meet him again, much less work with him as the consultant on her bridal fashion show! For his part, a misunderstanding sent him running, but now that he knows the truth, and they're spending long days working together, he wants her back in his bed. Will Cara use their passion to gain the ultimate revenge? Let the newlywed games begin.
192 pages, Paperback
First published March 20, 2015
28 people are currently reading
564 people want to read
About the author
Kat Cantrell
367 books287 followersUSA Today bestselling author Kat Cantrell read her first Harlequin novel in third grade and has been scribbling in notebooks since she learned to spell. What else would she write but romance?
When she's not writing about characters on the journey to happily ever after, she can be found at a taekwondo tournament, watching Big Bang Theory or dancing with her kids to Duran Duran and Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Kat, her husband and their two boys live in North Texas. She was the first Harlequin So You Think You Can Write winner and a former RWA® Golden Heart® finalist for best unpublished series contemporary manuscript.
When she's not writing about characters on the journey to happily ever after, she can be found at a taekwondo tournament, watching Big Bang Theory or dancing with her kids to Duran Duran and Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Kat, her husband and their two boys live in North Texas. She was the first Harlequin So You Think You Can Write winner and a former RWA® Golden Heart® finalist for best unpublished series contemporary manuscript.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
September 9, 2017
Freud wrote that “Love and work are the cornerstones of our humanness.”
This author tries to weave these two strands together in this jilted-at-the-altar story, but she commits too many sins for me to enjoy it.
Sins against work:
Both the H/h are from wealthy families and both want to prove to themselves that they are not the idle rich. Unfortunately, neither one of them would last a second in the real world economy.
Heroine has learned to sew and design wedding dresses in the two years since her jilting. She and her sister have started a company to make bespoke wedding dresses for Houston society brides. Making a dress a month (24- I did the math!) is apparently enough exposure and income to earn them an invite to a wedding industry conference on an island resort in the Turks and Caicos. She has the money (without taking anything from Daddy) to stay there for a week with her sister and to bring five runway models along.
The author apparently doesn’t know how long it takes to apprentice and to learn the skills necessary to sew at this level. Two years? No way.
The heroine’s wedding line is based on Disney Princesses. I’m not kidding – there is the Ariel (mermaid silhouette) the Mulan (mandarin collar) etc. . .
The heroine is considered a genius by the hotel management because she knows how to plan a wedding.
The heroine hand sews all of her wedding dresses and takes one out to the beach to work on so she can enjoy the view while she works.
The hero is consultant to a hotel resort consortium. During his management at this Turks and Caicos resort, the elevator breaks down, the air conditioning doesn’t work in the heroine’s room, the pool boy has a sexual affair with the heroine’s sister. The entire staff has a boozy party during a tropical storm that has closed the airport to “blow off steam.” He runs a real tight ship there.
Hero does not answer his phone or emails for hours at a time when he’s distracted by the heroine and people are waiting for his decisions.
Hero thinks managing is inspecting each room with his ipad in hand.
Hero thinks the heroine is a genius for hiding the broken patio furniture and directing the staff to trim back branches after the tropical storm is over and the guests are slated to arrive.
This is painful to read because it’s so simplistic and dismissive of people who are actually in these industries who have education, imagination and people skills.
Sins against romance:
Hero is an insensitive asshole:
Two years before, he did not love the heroine when he proposed marriage after she found out she was pregnant.
He jilted her an hour before the wedding when she told him it was a false alarm. His excuse? He thought she had never been pregnant and she had tried to trick him into marriage and now confessing out of guilt. ( “False alarm” was a strange word choice - she was trying to make light of the fact that the fetus had died in womb and she was going to miscarry shortly. Later that day she had a D&C)
He was relieved he didn’t have to get married and that there was no baby. He’s still relieved when the story opens.
He hadn’t thought about her in two years.
When he sees her again, he’s surprised she isn’t someone else’s trophy wife.
At the beginning of the story, he still thinks she’s stupid and shallow and he thought that of her the entire time they were dating the first time.
He still wants to have sex with her, though. And this time he gives her oral sex (something he never bothered with the first time she was his booty call).
He still thinks marriage is a trap and the woman is always the unequal partner because mommy issues until the last four pages.
He pats himself on the back for listening to the heroine talk rather than pressing her for sex.
His dim bulb brain finally figures out that there was an actual pregnancy and an actual medical procedure and his big response is to pat himself on the back for listening and not pressing for sex.
He has the fleeting thought that the baby was part of him and that something was lost.
Hero wants the heroine to trust him again so they can continue to have casual sex.
When he realizes that the casual sex is going to end because he will be traveling a lot, he proposes marriage so the heroine will come with him. She has her sister take over her company. So in the end she is a sex object/trophy that he wanted to get away from.
Heroine is an idiot:
She tells the hero she forgives him the first time she sees him because she doesn’t want him to know he hurt her.
She pats herself on the back for being a two-faced Southern Belle – smiling on the outside, good grooming, high heels – while crying and raging on the inside. This is what led her to dismiss her miscarriage to the hero the day of the wedding and it’s misleading him again.
Heroine still finds him attractive, but doesn’t trust her treacherous body. Which is why she agrees to everything he suggests to get her alone.
Heroine decides to have casual sex with the hero when she is not on the pill.
It takes the H/h playing the Newlywed Game at the boozy staff party for the heroine to realize she really doesn’t know the hero.
The heroine praises the hero for listening to her and not pressing for sex when she should be demanding he grovel for being an insensitive asshole who forgot all about her for two years.
When the heroine’s find out the hero’s true motivations for jilting her and for never wanting to be married, she thinks this is deep and profound. (Mommy issues) When it just shows the hero is nothing more than a sex machine and obsessed with the trivial issues of his work.
Okay – enough about sins. Was there anything to redeem this story?
How about the travelogue part? By mere serendipity, I had just looked up Turks and Caicos because of Hurricane Irma. I found out that it’s flat as a pancake, is made up of a bunch of islands and that its capitol is an old colonial city, Cockburn Town. It was founded when they used to process sea water into salt. There is no hint of this in the story.
Okay – what about the sequel bait? Is the sister interesting?
If you like your heroines to look like playboy models, walk around naked, and have sex with pool boys, then you’ll love the next story in the series.
Sex scenes?
I couldn’t get past the hero finally bothering to give the heroine oral sex to even care. Hot tub sex? Shower sex? Sex on the hero’s desk during working hours? Revolutionary- not.
That tropical storm must have been scary – they closed the airport, right?
Well the H/h went jogging in it, so no, not scary at all.
Sigh. What more can I say? This had all the tedium of watching someone answer their work texts with the mouth drop of listening to a girlfriend defend the worst guy in the world. Not recommended.
This author tries to weave these two strands together in this jilted-at-the-altar story, but she commits too many sins for me to enjoy it.
Sins against work:
Both the H/h are from wealthy families and both want to prove to themselves that they are not the idle rich. Unfortunately, neither one of them would last a second in the real world economy.
Heroine has learned to sew and design wedding dresses in the two years since her jilting. She and her sister have started a company to make bespoke wedding dresses for Houston society brides. Making a dress a month (24- I did the math!) is apparently enough exposure and income to earn them an invite to a wedding industry conference on an island resort in the Turks and Caicos. She has the money (without taking anything from Daddy) to stay there for a week with her sister and to bring five runway models along.
The author apparently doesn’t know how long it takes to apprentice and to learn the skills necessary to sew at this level. Two years? No way.
The heroine’s wedding line is based on Disney Princesses. I’m not kidding – there is the Ariel (mermaid silhouette) the Mulan (mandarin collar) etc. . .
The heroine is considered a genius by the hotel management because she knows how to plan a wedding.
The heroine hand sews all of her wedding dresses and takes one out to the beach to work on so she can enjoy the view while she works.
The hero is consultant to a hotel resort consortium. During his management at this Turks and Caicos resort, the elevator breaks down, the air conditioning doesn’t work in the heroine’s room, the pool boy has a sexual affair with the heroine’s sister. The entire staff has a boozy party during a tropical storm that has closed the airport to “blow off steam.” He runs a real tight ship there.
Hero does not answer his phone or emails for hours at a time when he’s distracted by the heroine and people are waiting for his decisions.
Hero thinks managing is inspecting each room with his ipad in hand.
Hero thinks the heroine is a genius for hiding the broken patio furniture and directing the staff to trim back branches after the tropical storm is over and the guests are slated to arrive.
This is painful to read because it’s so simplistic and dismissive of people who are actually in these industries who have education, imagination and people skills.
Sins against romance:
Hero is an insensitive asshole:
Two years before, he did not love the heroine when he proposed marriage after she found out she was pregnant.
He jilted her an hour before the wedding when she told him it was a false alarm. His excuse? He thought she had never been pregnant and she had tried to trick him into marriage and now confessing out of guilt. ( “False alarm” was a strange word choice - she was trying to make light of the fact that the fetus had died in womb and she was going to miscarry shortly. Later that day she had a D&C)
He was relieved he didn’t have to get married and that there was no baby. He’s still relieved when the story opens.
He hadn’t thought about her in two years.
When he sees her again, he’s surprised she isn’t someone else’s trophy wife.
At the beginning of the story, he still thinks she’s stupid and shallow and he thought that of her the entire time they were dating the first time.
He still wants to have sex with her, though. And this time he gives her oral sex (something he never bothered with the first time she was his booty call).
He still thinks marriage is a trap and the woman is always the unequal partner because mommy issues until the last four pages.
He pats himself on the back for listening to the heroine talk rather than pressing her for sex.
His dim bulb brain finally figures out that there was an actual pregnancy and an actual medical procedure and his big response is to pat himself on the back for listening and not pressing for sex.
He has the fleeting thought that the baby was part of him and that something was lost.
Hero wants the heroine to trust him again so they can continue to have casual sex.
When he realizes that the casual sex is going to end because he will be traveling a lot, he proposes marriage so the heroine will come with him. She has her sister take over her company. So in the end she is a sex object/trophy that he wanted to get away from.
Heroine is an idiot:
She tells the hero she forgives him the first time she sees him because she doesn’t want him to know he hurt her.
She pats herself on the back for being a two-faced Southern Belle – smiling on the outside, good grooming, high heels – while crying and raging on the inside. This is what led her to dismiss her miscarriage to the hero the day of the wedding and it’s misleading him again.
Heroine still finds him attractive, but doesn’t trust her treacherous body. Which is why she agrees to everything he suggests to get her alone.
Heroine decides to have casual sex with the hero when she is not on the pill.
It takes the H/h playing the Newlywed Game at the boozy staff party for the heroine to realize she really doesn’t know the hero.
The heroine praises the hero for listening to her and not pressing for sex when she should be demanding he grovel for being an insensitive asshole who forgot all about her for two years.
When the heroine’s find out the hero’s true motivations for jilting her and for never wanting to be married, she thinks this is deep and profound. (Mommy issues) When it just shows the hero is nothing more than a sex machine and obsessed with the trivial issues of his work.
Okay – enough about sins. Was there anything to redeem this story?
How about the travelogue part? By mere serendipity, I had just looked up Turks and Caicos because of Hurricane Irma. I found out that it’s flat as a pancake, is made up of a bunch of islands and that its capitol is an old colonial city, Cockburn Town. It was founded when they used to process sea water into salt. There is no hint of this in the story.
Okay – what about the sequel bait? Is the sister interesting?
If you like your heroines to look like playboy models, walk around naked, and have sex with pool boys, then you’ll love the next story in the series.
Sex scenes?
I couldn’t get past the hero finally bothering to give the heroine oral sex to even care. Hot tub sex? Shower sex? Sex on the hero’s desk during working hours? Revolutionary- not.
That tropical storm must have been scary – they closed the airport, right?
Well the H/h went jogging in it, so no, not scary at all.
Sigh. What more can I say? This had all the tedium of watching someone answer their work texts with the mouth drop of listening to a girlfriend defend the worst guy in the world. Not recommended.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2015
Cara and Keith were once engaged, and Keith left Cara at the altar after the Worst. Miscommunication. Of all TIME. Fast forward to present day and Cara has somehow (in two years because it's totally that easy) managed to become a successful wedding dress designer while Keith has become... well... I'm not sure. Some sort of wedding resort consultant. Oddly specific, but whatever. I guess it's a thing in a world where a woman can pay her bills in less than two years by becoming a successful wedding dress designer.
Either way, Cara ends up at a wedding expo for a resort Keith is whipping into shape. He likes this non-clingy, commitment-hating (except she doesn't hate commitment, she just hates the idea of it with him) successful Cara. His boy parts like her girl parts and he thinks nothing of trying to seduce the woman he humiliated in front of hundreds of people. It isn't long before his misconceptions about her are cleared up and he's set his sights on her for a short-term no-commitment affair because she's just so much more interesting when she doesn't want a ring on her finger. I honestly found his entire attitude condescending.
For her part, Cara was sort of a ditz back then. While it doesn't sound like she was only after Keith for the money, it did sound like she convinced herself she loved Keith because he fit a set of preconceived "husband tests" she had for herself. Eventually she comes to the realization she didn't really love him, something I was kind of impressed with the author for doing since usually in these situations the FMC has secretly luuuuurved the MMC for years.
I kind of liked Cara. She took herself out of a bad situation and tried to make it into a good one. She was a little wedding obsessed, which I'm not a fan of, but she turned it into a thriving business. Keith? I thought he was condescending, arrogant (and not in the good way) and kind of an asshat. If you come to the conclusion he did minutes before a wedding (and to be fair, I get why he came to that conclusion -- Cara worded things very badly), you clarify things before walking out and I'm sorry but I don't feel that there's any universe that it's okay to force a woman to go in front of hundreds of people and tell them that oops, no there won't be a wedding after all, without confronting her with your misconceptions and making very sure that you are both on the same page. I thought Cara let him off way too easily and I even could have gone for their no-strings-fling if she had played emotionally hard to get for a while longer (I liked that she refused to sleep with him after she was done, erm, sleeping with him). It would have been nice if Keith had felt like he had to work for her on an emotional level, because honestly, Cara was kind of a cool, if a bit flawed, character.
I don't see me ever reading this one again. I'm not sorry I read it and it was a good way to pass time while waiting for the mechanic to fix my car, but I am glad it was a library book and not one I'd spent money on.
Either way, Cara ends up at a wedding expo for a resort Keith is whipping into shape. He likes this non-clingy, commitment-hating (except she doesn't hate commitment, she just hates the idea of it with him) successful Cara. His boy parts like her girl parts and he thinks nothing of trying to seduce the woman he humiliated in front of hundreds of people. It isn't long before his misconceptions about her are cleared up and he's set his sights on her for a short-term no-commitment affair because she's just so much more interesting when she doesn't want a ring on her finger. I honestly found his entire attitude condescending.
For her part, Cara was sort of a ditz back then. While it doesn't sound like she was only after Keith for the money, it did sound like she convinced herself she loved Keith because he fit a set of preconceived "husband tests" she had for herself. Eventually she comes to the realization she didn't really love him, something I was kind of impressed with the author for doing since usually in these situations the FMC has secretly luuuuurved the MMC for years.
I kind of liked Cara. She took herself out of a bad situation and tried to make it into a good one. She was a little wedding obsessed, which I'm not a fan of, but she turned it into a thriving business. Keith? I thought he was condescending, arrogant (and not in the good way) and kind of an asshat. If you come to the conclusion he did minutes before a wedding (and to be fair, I get why he came to that conclusion -- Cara worded things very badly), you clarify things before walking out and I'm sorry but I don't feel that there's any universe that it's okay to force a woman to go in front of hundreds of people and tell them that oops, no there won't be a wedding after all, without confronting her with your misconceptions and making very sure that you are both on the same page. I thought Cara let him off way too easily and I even could have gone for their no-strings-fling if she had played emotionally hard to get for a while longer (I liked that she refused to sleep with him after she was done, erm, sleeping with him). It would have been nice if Keith had felt like he had to work for her on an emotional level, because honestly, Cara was kind of a cool, if a bit flawed, character.
I don't see me ever reading this one again. I'm not sorry I read it and it was a good way to pass time while waiting for the mechanic to fix my car, but I am glad it was a library book and not one I'd spent money on.
April 21, 2015
Next to cheating I think being jilted at the altar is one of the worse things anyone can do to another who obviously loves them enough to want to spend the rest of their lives with each other.
But as with most romance upsets there is a little something this one did or said or even just thought that led to then running from the altar instead of to it. This is the case in the new read from master story teller Kat Cantrell.
So let me set the scene for you, it's been two years since Cara was left at the altar , heartbroken and understandably very ashamed. She's not ready to meet Keith Mitchell again after the embarrassment and heartache he caused her, and she is definitely not ready to work with him either.
Keith feels terrible about leaving Cara at the altar, but to be fair a misunderstanding sent him running. But now that he knows the truth he wants Cara back in his bed. The only question that is to be asked, will Cara use their passion to gain ultimate revenge? Or will their be a happy ever after in their future?
This was an utterly gorgeous read, from start to finish, everything just flowed like a crystal clear stream. The read was not one of those Desire reads that has so many things that has to happen that it literally frustrates me to the point where I want to rather go see the dentist than read the book. There was none of the first this and than that happens and then oh let's not forget this has to happen first too before this part of the story can actually happen , and all the while you are sitting there thinking 'I know this already because it's as clear as day so why not just get on with it!"
I loved both characters and I adored the manner the author let their journey of love be like re-discovering a beautiful mystery. Through both characters the author gave the clear message that revenge is really a dish served cold, because being cold and unfeeling towards those that you think harmed you will always somehow blow up in your face and leave you feeling cold, alone and like you cannot find the way back to happiness. And as they say assumptions are the mother of all screw-up-s. Don't assume, run that final check before you let your shoes run faster than you can say I do!
I highly recommend this read for all fans of reuniting romances reads. It was fun and witty, passionate and emotional. Well done Kat you have once again shown just why you deserve the master of desire story telling title in my book!
5/5 star review
" It's her job to wow the crowd, it's his job to prove he really means I do"
But as with most romance upsets there is a little something this one did or said or even just thought that led to then running from the altar instead of to it. This is the case in the new read from master story teller Kat Cantrell.
So let me set the scene for you, it's been two years since Cara was left at the altar , heartbroken and understandably very ashamed. She's not ready to meet Keith Mitchell again after the embarrassment and heartache he caused her, and she is definitely not ready to work with him either.
Keith feels terrible about leaving Cara at the altar, but to be fair a misunderstanding sent him running. But now that he knows the truth he wants Cara back in his bed. The only question that is to be asked, will Cara use their passion to gain ultimate revenge? Or will their be a happy ever after in their future?
This was an utterly gorgeous read, from start to finish, everything just flowed like a crystal clear stream. The read was not one of those Desire reads that has so many things that has to happen that it literally frustrates me to the point where I want to rather go see the dentist than read the book. There was none of the first this and than that happens and then oh let's not forget this has to happen first too before this part of the story can actually happen , and all the while you are sitting there thinking 'I know this already because it's as clear as day so why not just get on with it!"
I loved both characters and I adored the manner the author let their journey of love be like re-discovering a beautiful mystery. Through both characters the author gave the clear message that revenge is really a dish served cold, because being cold and unfeeling towards those that you think harmed you will always somehow blow up in your face and leave you feeling cold, alone and like you cannot find the way back to happiness. And as they say assumptions are the mother of all screw-up-s. Don't assume, run that final check before you let your shoes run faster than you can say I do!
I highly recommend this read for all fans of reuniting romances reads. It was fun and witty, passionate and emotional. Well done Kat you have once again shown just why you deserve the master of desire story telling title in my book!
5/5 star review
" It's her job to wow the crowd, it's his job to prove he really means I do"
September 4, 2015
This just bored me. It was hard to stay in the romance and just didn't seem to have any depth. The h was kind of put together, if a little delusional but the H and his poor little rich boy thing. Didn't work. This just didn't hang together for me and I nearly DNF'd and so to avoid that(plays havoc with my need to complete everything) I skim read the last third.
Oh...and this also introduces Meredith, who has her own story. Except in this she seems to be having a fling with the pool boy. This doesn't really help in setting her up as an h in my mind. I kept associating her with the women I see holiday who just seem to pick up the nearest Lothario for a bit of fun. Oh dear...I'm coming across all judgmental and I don't mean to, but in a series romance, I'm thinking a little more class is required.
Maybe I'll have to read about her.
Oh...and this also introduces Meredith, who has her own story. Except in this she seems to be having a fling with the pool boy. This doesn't really help in setting her up as an h in my mind. I kept associating her with the women I see holiday who just seem to pick up the nearest Lothario for a bit of fun. Oh dear...I'm coming across all judgmental and I don't mean to, but in a series romance, I'm thinking a little more class is required.
Maybe I'll have to read about her.
April 9, 2015
***Review can also be found at Jackie's Book World*** :)
I absolutely loved reading From Ex to Eternity, Kat Cantrell did a great job starting off her new Newlywed Games series, from the characters to the setting, the book is a story of second chances at love and at life.
For wedding dress designer, Cara Chandler-Harris, her life turned upside down when her ex-fiance left her at the altar on their wedding day. Now, determined to give her new brides the happiness that she never got to experienced, Cara is willing to do anything for her company and that means exposure. Already packed and ready to go, she heads off to the opening of a new wedding resort with her sister in hopes of getting the exposure that she needs for her business. What she wasn't expecting to see was her ex-fiancee as the one running the show, now she has to decide whether she is going to ignore the handsome man that left her on their wedding day or take a chance and take what has always been hers.
For Keith Mitchell, his job as a consultant has taken him to a lot of spectacular places where he gets to work with new people all the time, and nothing is permanent. Yet nothing could have prepared him for his unexpected encounter with his past at his latest project. Having left Cara two years ago was one of the best decisions that he has ever made, and now after seeing the new Cara, it all seems like he made the worst decision of his life. Now he is determined to find out what really happened two years ago on their wedding day before letting her enter his heart once again.
Both of the main characters have had their own ups and downs, after Keith left Cara on their wedding day, she didn't know what to do with herself other than move on. She studied to be able to be a fashion designer, and now she has her own small wedding business that she runs with her sister. Whereas Keith, went right back to his work, and has traveled all over the world never settling down. Now that the two have met once again, new feelings start to resurface and the more time they spend together, the more they feel a new connection between them. I really liked Cara's personality, she is determined to succeed no matter what and she is not afraid to let Keith affect her work. There are secrets that she had to hide from Keith about what really happened the day of their wedding. Once he finds out, Keith truly begins to let go of the walls around him, and starts to understand Cara in a way that he didn't before. It is after a storm hits the resort that they both let go of the attraction that they have towards one another, and new relationship blossoms. But even after that, it is not enough for Cara to just forget what happened, and doubts start to form. Soon Keith finds himself trying to figure out how to win back the love of his life. Overall, the story was great. I loved the main characters, and the secondary character (which was Cara's sister). Everything flowed nicely, and the ending ties everything together very well. I highly recommend this book, and others by Kat Cantrell. You will not regret it. :)
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*
I absolutely loved reading From Ex to Eternity, Kat Cantrell did a great job starting off her new Newlywed Games series, from the characters to the setting, the book is a story of second chances at love and at life.
For wedding dress designer, Cara Chandler-Harris, her life turned upside down when her ex-fiance left her at the altar on their wedding day. Now, determined to give her new brides the happiness that she never got to experienced, Cara is willing to do anything for her company and that means exposure. Already packed and ready to go, she heads off to the opening of a new wedding resort with her sister in hopes of getting the exposure that she needs for her business. What she wasn't expecting to see was her ex-fiancee as the one running the show, now she has to decide whether she is going to ignore the handsome man that left her on their wedding day or take a chance and take what has always been hers.
For Keith Mitchell, his job as a consultant has taken him to a lot of spectacular places where he gets to work with new people all the time, and nothing is permanent. Yet nothing could have prepared him for his unexpected encounter with his past at his latest project. Having left Cara two years ago was one of the best decisions that he has ever made, and now after seeing the new Cara, it all seems like he made the worst decision of his life. Now he is determined to find out what really happened two years ago on their wedding day before letting her enter his heart once again.
Both of the main characters have had their own ups and downs, after Keith left Cara on their wedding day, she didn't know what to do with herself other than move on. She studied to be able to be a fashion designer, and now she has her own small wedding business that she runs with her sister. Whereas Keith, went right back to his work, and has traveled all over the world never settling down. Now that the two have met once again, new feelings start to resurface and the more time they spend together, the more they feel a new connection between them. I really liked Cara's personality, she is determined to succeed no matter what and she is not afraid to let Keith affect her work. There are secrets that she had to hide from Keith about what really happened the day of their wedding. Once he finds out, Keith truly begins to let go of the walls around him, and starts to understand Cara in a way that he didn't before. It is after a storm hits the resort that they both let go of the attraction that they have towards one another, and new relationship blossoms. But even after that, it is not enough for Cara to just forget what happened, and doubts start to form. Soon Keith finds himself trying to figure out how to win back the love of his life. Overall, the story was great. I loved the main characters, and the secondary character (which was Cara's sister). Everything flowed nicely, and the ending ties everything together very well. I highly recommend this book, and others by Kat Cantrell. You will not regret it. :)
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*
February 1, 2017
This was a s0-s0 read but marked down considerably because of a very unlikable hero. I did not care for Keith Mitchell. He was heartless, a jerk, a womanizer, a careless piece of garbage that left Cara at the church on their wedding day just hours after she miscarried their baby, as he ran for his life. For some reason he had it in his head that she was never pregnant and was trying to dupe him into marriage so she could spend all his money...like his mother had with his father. In his mind he views her as an airhead, a trophy-wife wannabe, a parasite if you will. Someone to suck him dry, live off his money and be his arm candy while she makes shopping and spending her new religion. Wow...He was crass and cool and even admitted that as soon as he left the church he put her out of his mind and never looked back! AND TALK ABOUT MISCOMMUNICATION and MISCONCEPTION! It was just too much. Honestly I don't think the man had an active brain cell in his head. He knew nothing of love and relationships and intended to keep it that way.
When I don't care for the hero or heroine, when either of them is unlikable, it becomes very difficult to review, but this guy takes the 'A$$hole of the Year' award. Oh, he became likable...on the last two pages. There was just way too little too late.
As for Cara, I like her. She had thought herself in love with Keith two years previously and the pregnancy just hurried things up a bit. Somehow she had gotten pregnant while they had doubled up on protection. Keith had hated the idea of getting married and even more so having a child.
Present day they run into each other at a Wedding Bazaar. Cara had really made something of herself as she was now a Wedding Dress designer and the CEO of her own business. And yet when she runs into him, with all of his misconceptions, he makes sure she knows he never loved her. What a guy!!!
I am sorry but I can't recommend this book and I will not be reading book two in this series.
When I don't care for the hero or heroine, when either of them is unlikable, it becomes very difficult to review, but this guy takes the 'A$$hole of the Year' award. Oh, he became likable...on the last two pages. There was just way too little too late.
As for Cara, I like her. She had thought herself in love with Keith two years previously and the pregnancy just hurried things up a bit. Somehow she had gotten pregnant while they had doubled up on protection. Keith had hated the idea of getting married and even more so having a child.
Present day they run into each other at a Wedding Bazaar. Cara had really made something of herself as she was now a Wedding Dress designer and the CEO of her own business. And yet when she runs into him, with all of his misconceptions, he makes sure she knows he never loved her. What a guy!!!
I am sorry but I can't recommend this book and I will not be reading book two in this series.
January 25, 2015
This has got to be one of the best books I have ever read. The story flows wonderfully and it is extremely hard to put down. I had to force myself to put it down last night so I could get a couple of hours of sleep. This is an extremely easy book to read and I found no grammatical error at all. Kat Cantrell is one of her best authors I have seen in a very long time and believe me, I constantly am reading so I have lots of experience reading hundreds of authors. The love story is very factual and completely believable. I felt every one of Cara's feelings and wanted to cry everything she did. When Keith was angry or confused, I could understand exactly why he was feeling those feelings. I felt like I was in the story and along for the ride. Cara's sister Meredith was a great supporting character and I can't wait to read her story next. I felt like I could almost be a sister to Cara and Meredith, this story was that real. Every emotional response was right on the money and exactly how someone in that situation would act. I hope you will give this story a try... It is the best story I have read in a very long time. The only bad thing was that I never wanted the story to end it was that good! Please give this book a chance. You will not regret it!
July 1, 2020
It was a decent book.
Nothing more than what I expected but nothing else either.
I actually liked the way the author spent some time in rekindling the romance between Keith and Cara. Because that was needed. I also liked that she got to the point of the story from the get go.
The emotional depth to the book was also decent.
A nice weekend read.
Nothing more than what I expected but nothing else either.
I actually liked the way the author spent some time in rekindling the romance between Keith and Cara. Because that was needed. I also liked that she got to the point of the story from the get go.
The emotional depth to the book was also decent.
A nice weekend read.
February 10, 2015
*ARC courtesy of Netgalley and Harlequin*
June 4, 2017
Dos Años Despues no es mi primera lectura de Maisey Yates, por lo que sabia que me encontraria en esta novela, no fue una mala historia pero le falto " chispa " para que fuera mucho mas adictiva y entretenida, ademas a pesar de no tener demasiadas paginas, a mi me resulto bastante lenta.
Mi siguiente libro sera la segunda parte de esta bilogia, que tiene como protagonista a la hermana de Cara y desgraciadamente tengo la sensacion de que no me gustara, en parte porque lo que vi en esta novela no me termino de convencer, ojala me equivoque.
2 Estrellas!
April 7, 2015
TWO YEARS AGO
Cara wanted nothing but to be Mrs. Someone. She plans the wedding of the year with her future groom, and moments before their I do’s, he told her that he couldn’t marry her. OUCH. To add to that pain, she lost something that completely shattered her heart.
PRESENT
Cara has her own line of wedding dresses. Something she was afraid she could never wear again, but she wouldn’t admit to that. She’s successful and made a name for herself. Some things change, but what hasn’t was the fact that she wasn’t ready to meet Keith Mitchell again, the groom who jilted her at the altar. But when they were forced to work together, and he once again tempted her right into his bed: will she fall for it? Can she detach her heart and emotions from reality?
Keith’s work jived with his personality: nothing permanent, only temporary, jumping from one project to the other, it brings him a sense of fulfillment until he came across with his ex. She was different from the woman he left at the altar. She was so much more, and it was turning him on. They had history together, but people change. Would he let their history define their present? Or will he be willing to give what they have a permanent second chance?
People change, people realize their mistake. Sometimes, things we would love to happen doesn’t: it’s all because of a reason. But I always believe that things that are bound to happen will happen in the right time, in the right place, with the right person. Two years ago, both of them were not ready, no emotional investment, they were almost forced to be together because of something. But this time, this is it. This is their chance for they happy-ever-after: they may not have embraced it initially, but when they finally realized it: everything went right into place.
Review originally posted on my blog
Purchase Links:
AMAZON Kindle | AMAZON Paperback
Follow me on: Twitter | Facebook | tsu | Instagram
•Complimentary Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.•
More of my reviews at http://reviewsofabookmaniac.blogspot.com
Cara wanted nothing but to be Mrs. Someone. She plans the wedding of the year with her future groom, and moments before their I do’s, he told her that he couldn’t marry her. OUCH. To add to that pain, she lost something that completely shattered her heart.
PRESENT
Cara has her own line of wedding dresses. Something she was afraid she could never wear again, but she wouldn’t admit to that. She’s successful and made a name for herself. Some things change, but what hasn’t was the fact that she wasn’t ready to meet Keith Mitchell again, the groom who jilted her at the altar. But when they were forced to work together, and he once again tempted her right into his bed: will she fall for it? Can she detach her heart and emotions from reality?
Keith’s work jived with his personality: nothing permanent, only temporary, jumping from one project to the other, it brings him a sense of fulfillment until he came across with his ex. She was different from the woman he left at the altar. She was so much more, and it was turning him on. They had history together, but people change. Would he let their history define their present? Or will he be willing to give what they have a permanent second chance?
People change, people realize their mistake. Sometimes, things we would love to happen doesn’t: it’s all because of a reason. But I always believe that things that are bound to happen will happen in the right time, in the right place, with the right person. Two years ago, both of them were not ready, no emotional investment, they were almost forced to be together because of something. But this time, this is it. This is their chance for they happy-ever-after: they may not have embraced it initially, but when they finally realized it: everything went right into place.
Review originally posted on my blog
Purchase Links:
AMAZON Kindle | AMAZON Paperback
Follow me on: Twitter | Facebook | tsu | Instagram
•Complimentary Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.•
More of my reviews at http://reviewsofabookmaniac.blogspot.com
April 27, 2015
This is a different woman then the one he was going to marry, she challenged him and he was intrigued but how far would their encounter go.
This is the first book in a new series for Ms. Cantrell and I liked reading this book. It was a different kind of read and it was very intriguing. There was something about the storyline that had me wanting to know what was going to happen to both Keith and Cara when were they going to share a passionate kiss and when was he going to realize that he was in love with Cara. I knew that they still had feelings for each other but they were both stubborn characters. I totally understood Cara and I don’t know if I could have forgiven the man that I was going to wed break off the wedding only hours before it was to start. I thought she forgave him too quickly but his reaction was genuine and I wanted to know more about him. There was something about Keith and his way of thinking about how he believed Cara was trapping him into marriage I couldn’t believe he actually believed that about her. Now that Keith knew the truth that their was a baby but she had a miscarriage he needed to know more information he wanted to know how it happened he had too many questions.
From Ex to Eternity was a good read. This was a read that flowed smoothly and it was just a read that I could enjoy and relax. These two characters ended up turning to work he was a successful consultant and she now ran her own business with her sister. Now here they were in a resort with feelings that ended up coming back full steam ahead and it was time for them to deal with them.
I recommend this read to readers that love romance.
Received ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an Honest Review
This is the first book in a new series for Ms. Cantrell and I liked reading this book. It was a different kind of read and it was very intriguing. There was something about the storyline that had me wanting to know what was going to happen to both Keith and Cara when were they going to share a passionate kiss and when was he going to realize that he was in love with Cara. I knew that they still had feelings for each other but they were both stubborn characters. I totally understood Cara and I don’t know if I could have forgiven the man that I was going to wed break off the wedding only hours before it was to start. I thought she forgave him too quickly but his reaction was genuine and I wanted to know more about him. There was something about Keith and his way of thinking about how he believed Cara was trapping him into marriage I couldn’t believe he actually believed that about her. Now that Keith knew the truth that their was a baby but she had a miscarriage he needed to know more information he wanted to know how it happened he had too many questions.
From Ex to Eternity was a good read. This was a read that flowed smoothly and it was just a read that I could enjoy and relax. These two characters ended up turning to work he was a successful consultant and she now ran her own business with her sister. Now here they were in a resort with feelings that ended up coming back full steam ahead and it was time for them to deal with them.
I recommend this read to readers that love romance.
Received ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an Honest Review
April 4, 2015
This is the second book I've read by Kat Cantrell and I am so glad I moved on to this one!
Keith left Cara on their wedding day, following a conversation they had, minutes before they were supposed to get married. Cara always dreamed about her perfect wedding and being married, so she believed it was a personal failure that her dream fell apart. Two years later, Keith is working as a resort consultant and he has to put together a bridal expo, so he hires Cara's company. Cara never saw it coming because her sister, Meredith (who is getting her own book, YAY!), doesn't tell her Keith was the one who hired them. So, now they have to work together on a romantic island.
[WARNING: possible minor spoilers]
I think the story started off a little shy but it just kept getting better and better. My first impression of Keith wasn't good. I thought that he was an arrogant rich boy, I mean his opinion on Cara, until they were stuck together in the elevator, got a little annoying. But then he kept surprising me with his thoughts and his interactions with Cara. Let me just say, Cara is probably one of the best female characters ever! I loved her, loved how she kept Keith on his toes and how she remained true to herself. it was funny how he didn't even know which way was up whenever she was around and I liked that Cara didn't fall for his smooth moves too soon. It was kind of perfect how they slowly let each other in.
I do love second chance love stories and Kat Cantrell definitely delivered a beautiful one. Can't wait to start reading Meredith's book.
I received a copy of this book for free, from the author, in exchange for an honest review.
Keith left Cara on their wedding day, following a conversation they had, minutes before they were supposed to get married. Cara always dreamed about her perfect wedding and being married, so she believed it was a personal failure that her dream fell apart. Two years later, Keith is working as a resort consultant and he has to put together a bridal expo, so he hires Cara's company. Cara never saw it coming because her sister, Meredith (who is getting her own book, YAY!), doesn't tell her Keith was the one who hired them. So, now they have to work together on a romantic island.
[WARNING: possible minor spoilers]
I think the story started off a little shy but it just kept getting better and better. My first impression of Keith wasn't good. I thought that he was an arrogant rich boy, I mean his opinion on Cara, until they were stuck together in the elevator, got a little annoying. But then he kept surprising me with his thoughts and his interactions with Cara. Let me just say, Cara is probably one of the best female characters ever! I loved her, loved how she kept Keith on his toes and how she remained true to herself. it was funny how he didn't even know which way was up whenever she was around and I liked that Cara didn't fall for his smooth moves too soon. It was kind of perfect how they slowly let each other in.
I do love second chance love stories and Kat Cantrell definitely delivered a beautiful one. Can't wait to start reading Meredith's book.
I received a copy of this book for free, from the author, in exchange for an honest review.
March 30, 2015
See more of my reviews on my blog Thoughts At One In The Morning.
My Thoughts:
I read the second book before reading the first (that's because the second one was available before the first for me on NetGalley), but it in no way made me enjoy one or the other less because I read them out of order. This series is definitely great!
Cara and Keith were supposed to be married a couple years ago, but after an unfortunate misunderstanding about a pregnancy, he left her at the altar. She, of course, was completely upset, and still is despite their obvious chemistry. But they have to work together now, however briefly it may be, and she needs to refrain from getting close to him again. It's not that easy, though, because there's still something there, something they explore a few times even though they shouldn't. It's only a matter of time before a decision needs to be made about what's going to happen tomorrow.
From Ex to Eternity is a story that draws you in and keeps you invested. I loved seeing Cara and Keith interact--talking, bantering, being sweet... all of it. And the underlying emotion with the circumstances surrounding their incomplete nuptials tugs at your heart. Kat Cantrell knows how to tell a great love story, people! Check her out!
My Rating: Very Good
My Thoughts:
I read the second book before reading the first (that's because the second one was available before the first for me on NetGalley), but it in no way made me enjoy one or the other less because I read them out of order. This series is definitely great!
Cara and Keith were supposed to be married a couple years ago, but after an unfortunate misunderstanding about a pregnancy, he left her at the altar. She, of course, was completely upset, and still is despite their obvious chemistry. But they have to work together now, however briefly it may be, and she needs to refrain from getting close to him again. It's not that easy, though, because there's still something there, something they explore a few times even though they shouldn't. It's only a matter of time before a decision needs to be made about what's going to happen tomorrow.
From Ex to Eternity is a story that draws you in and keeps you invested. I loved seeing Cara and Keith interact--talking, bantering, being sweet... all of it. And the underlying emotion with the circumstances surrounding their incomplete nuptials tugs at your heart. Kat Cantrell knows how to tell a great love story, people! Check her out!
My Rating: Very Good
April 22, 2015
Thoughts: From Ex to Eternity wound up being a really sweet, standard Harlequin romance title for me – though I have to admit for the majority of the book I wavered back and forth on whether or not I was really to enjoy it because of the characters - well, one character in particular - Keith. Keith takes almost every excuse possible to leave Cara at the alter – justifying his actions to himself for any number of reasons. Even when he finds out the truth, he’s still not really looking to make amends or to rekindle any romantic feelings….he still doesn’t want to marry her – just to get her into bed. His character was a lot less likeable than Cara’s. Cara’s character was a bit better – she actually fancied herself in love with him and her heart was simply crushed when she was left so coldly by the man she loved. Honestly, her character is what kept me reading it.
I have to admit though, that things slowly began to come together the further things progressed and turned out really sweet. Keith gradually thaws out a little bit, and the island atmosphere begins to work it's magic.
Overall, a little rocky in the beginning, but a slightly better than a usual Harlequin title by the end!
Rate: B+
Review by: Sarah
http://www.thebookreadinggals.com
I have to admit though, that things slowly began to come together the further things progressed and turned out really sweet. Keith gradually thaws out a little bit, and the island atmosphere begins to work it's magic.
Overall, a little rocky in the beginning, but a slightly better than a usual Harlequin title by the end!
Rate: B+
Review by: Sarah
http://www.thebookreadinggals.com
March 22, 2015
From Ex to Eternity the first book in Kat Cantrell’s series Newlywed Games. This was such a fun read that I couldn’t put it down and read it in one sitting. I love second chance romance books and it’s even better when the characters were either married or almost married. Cara Chandler-Harris always dreamed of being married and then her dreams fell through on her wedding day. Keith Mitchell redevelops vacation properties and is tasked with running a bridal expo. Cara after being jilted turns to designing wedding gowns and runs into Keith at a bridal expo. She has never recovered from their past and Keith discovers that the story she told him wasn’t the honest to god truth. He discovers a lost soul in Cara whose never gotten over the real reason for their break-up. Ms. Cantrell delivers a heartwarming story. Keith helps Cara heal and she also teaches him a little about true love. This is a fabulous book that I highly recommend. I’d like to disclose that I received a copy of From Ex to Eternity in exchange for a fair and honest review.
September 17, 2015
I received this book via the Goodreads First Reads giveaway. Thank you to Ms.Kat for sending it to me for review!
Let's take a moment to appreciate this beautiful cover.
I'm giving this a 3.5. If you're looking for a short, fast read this is a good one for you. You can probably tell by my status updates I made while reading that I had a few problems with this book as far as the romance went. I found Keith's sudden willingness to get married when he spent the whole book against it really unbelievable. I did really enjoy the humor in this book though. I enjoyed reading about the wedding and destination aspects.
I will be continuing to Meredith's story. I feel like I'm really going to like her too!
Let's take a moment to appreciate this beautiful cover.
I'm giving this a 3.5. If you're looking for a short, fast read this is a good one for you. You can probably tell by my status updates I made while reading that I had a few problems with this book as far as the romance went. I found Keith's sudden willingness to get married when he spent the whole book against it really unbelievable. I did really enjoy the humor in this book though. I enjoyed reading about the wedding and destination aspects.
I will be continuing to Meredith's story. I feel like I'm really going to like her too!
September 20, 2015
This is book 1 in Cantrell's Newlywed Games series and as with most of this author's books it doesn't disappoint! If you are looking for a great, easy read, love story with a bit of angst... This is a good fit. Getting stood up on your wedding day is a nightmare but Cara won't let that hold her down and decides to give the brides that come to her for their wedding dress what she did not have. Then Cara along with her sister start a new project that brings her up against her past. Keith didn't expect his new job to bring him face to face with his ex-fiance Cara and the two now need to work together in close quarters. You will have to read to see if the two can make a future after a past filled with secrets and heartache.
August 5, 2016
A second chance love story in the sweetest sense, From Ex to Eternity was a winner! Cara and Keith had great chemistry and a real passion for each other. I loved that they were both strong and ambitious. I also liked that they supported one another despite the circumstances of their past together. The author did a superb job with the characters, and I loved that she allowed the protagonists to both come to the place of self-actualization.
Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: Adult
Status: M
Chemistry/Intensity: Yes
Conflict/Drama: Yes
HEA: Yes
Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: Adult
Status: M
Chemistry/Intensity: Yes
Conflict/Drama: Yes
HEA: Yes
April 1, 2015
Reunion stories are so much fun. With From Ex to Eternity, Kat Cantrell created a story that has all the elements of a fun entertaining read. Exes who did not end on the best of her terms are thrown together on a romantic island getaway for work. I was given an ARC of the story and found it to be a funny fairytale that touched the romantic in me. Loved the story.
April 1, 2015
This was a really sweet story of misunderstandings and second chances. It is well written and the characters are detailed and have great interactions. I really enjoyed the storyline as Keith and Cara bring us along on their journey to find happiness in career, life and love. Wonderful read!
Received copy for review.
Received copy for review.
March 31, 2015
Who doesn't enjoy a story about love-gone-wrong that somehow turns right? A story that makes you hurt with sorrow, angry with frustration and sigh with relief when everyting works out as it should. I love angsty stories that ultimately bring you to the Happily Ever After. Once again, Kat Cantrell does not disappoint with this well written book.
February 8, 2015
I enjoyed this book. The story was believable and easy to follow. I liked how Keith's thoughts and feelings were written in. I also enjoyed the lack of unnecessary drama. I highly recommend From Ex to Eternity by Kat Cantrell.
February 28, 2015
Loved the book. Once again Kat has hit a home run. I loved the characters. You wanted to laugh, cry and shake them. The characters were real, dealing with real life issues. Can't wait to read the sequel!
Read
January 12, 2016"Who knew that mutual respect and meeting as equals could be such a turn-on? Watching them discover the truth is as hot as the island sun" (RT Book Reviews, 4 stars).
Miniseries: Newlywed Games
Miniseries: Newlywed Games
April 3, 2015
Even though it didn't work out the first time, Cara and Keith were giving another time.
August 8, 2015
Cara and Keith need better communication skills. Will a forced working environment do it for them? Love the story and there's nothing better then an HEA!
March 2, 2017
Hodnocení: 2,5/5.
April 13, 2015
2 great romantic reads, great chemistry between characters
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