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Always a Bridesmaid #2
Keeping You
“Why did we spend so much time hating each other?”
Aria March has spent the past decade trying to forget the way Nash Geary made her feel. The way his mouth moved over her skin, the way he kissed her like he she was going to be his, forever…
The way he broke her heart.
But now she has a daughter, and an ex who’ll stop at nothing to rip custody away with every dirty trick in the book. Aria doesn’t think she can win against him this time. Unless she can find a fake husband. A fake father for her kid. A fake perfect life to protect her family.
What are the odds Nash would be looking for a fake wife?
“What kind of crazy?”
“The kind of crazy where we give this a real chance.”
Now Aria and Nash are stuck pretending that they love each other. They have to fool their families, their friends, and the rest of the small town who can’t stop talking about their newfound love.
And if they’re not careful, they might just end up fooling themselves…
Aria March has spent the past decade trying to forget the way Nash Geary made her feel. The way his mouth moved over her skin, the way he kissed her like he she was going to be his, forever…
The way he broke her heart.
But now she has a daughter, and an ex who’ll stop at nothing to rip custody away with every dirty trick in the book. Aria doesn’t think she can win against him this time. Unless she can find a fake husband. A fake father for her kid. A fake perfect life to protect her family.
What are the odds Nash would be looking for a fake wife?
“What kind of crazy?”
“The kind of crazy where we give this a real chance.”
Now Aria and Nash are stuck pretending that they love each other. They have to fool their families, their friends, and the rest of the small town who can’t stop talking about their newfound love.
And if they’re not careful, they might just end up fooling themselves…
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 19, 2013
35 people are currently reading
768 people want to read
About the author
Jessie Evans
46 books664 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Jessie Evans, gave up a career as an international woman of mystery to write the sexy, contemporary romances she loves to read.
She's married to the man of her dreams, and together they're raising a few adorable, mischievous children in a cottage in the jungle. She grew up in rural Arkansas, spending summers running wild, being chewed by chiggers, and now appreciates her home in a chigger-free part of the world even more.
When she's not writing, Jessie enjoys playing her dulcimer (badly), sewing the worlds ugliest quilts to give to her friends, going for bike rides with her house full of boys, and drifting in and out on the waves, feeling thankful for sun, surf, and lovely people to share them with.
Learn more at www.jessieevansauthor.com.
She's married to the man of her dreams, and together they're raising a few adorable, mischievous children in a cottage in the jungle. She grew up in rural Arkansas, spending summers running wild, being chewed by chiggers, and now appreciates her home in a chigger-free part of the world even more.
When she's not writing, Jessie enjoys playing her dulcimer (badly), sewing the worlds ugliest quilts to give to her friends, going for bike rides with her house full of boys, and drifting in and out on the waves, feeling thankful for sun, surf, and lovely people to share them with.
Learn more at www.jessieevansauthor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
December 4, 2013
This one was even better than Betting On You. Love Nash & Aria:)
June 1, 2014
Fudge. I wrote a pretty comprehensive review on this novel, but it somehow got lost when I submitted it. *sigh* Perhaps I'll get around to rewriting it later. Dammit. :/
*3/5 stars*
*3/5 stars*
September 11, 2014
Sexy, Sweet Second Chance Romance
Man, I am a sucker for a reunion romance. You know the one... where the hero and heroine were once together and something drove them apart only to have them get back together years later. This was actually my first Jessie Evans book and holy smokes did it blow me away!
Aria and Nash are from two very different worlds and their marriage of convenience seems like the perfect solution to their respective troubles. He's fresh from an ugly break-up and she's in a custody battle that could use a dose of stable household. Neither wants to be dishonest with the people they love but if they want to pull this deception off they're going to have to come to terms with their shattered relationship as teenagers... and deal with their families.
Admittedly, my blurby thoughts on this one aren't so hot but who needs me to rehash it with a good blurb already in place? I was so swept up in this story I was quickly adding Evans' entire backlist to my wishlist, she has a terrific voice as a writer. It's sweet and sassy, a little askew from the usual, and she can keep it sexy in the smoldering slow-burn kinda way that makes it hard to put a book down. Nash is just alpha enough that he'll please readers who like them and gentleman enough to make the rest of us swoon. Aria is determined and capable and I really liked her.
I actually listened to this on audio and I liked it so much I went and bought the first book too. I will definitely be recommending this series to all of my contemporary romance reading friends who like witty humor and second chances.
Notes: Review copy received via author.
Man, I am a sucker for a reunion romance. You know the one... where the hero and heroine were once together and something drove them apart only to have them get back together years later. This was actually my first Jessie Evans book and holy smokes did it blow me away!
Aria and Nash are from two very different worlds and their marriage of convenience seems like the perfect solution to their respective troubles. He's fresh from an ugly break-up and she's in a custody battle that could use a dose of stable household. Neither wants to be dishonest with the people they love but if they want to pull this deception off they're going to have to come to terms with their shattered relationship as teenagers... and deal with their families.
Admittedly, my blurby thoughts on this one aren't so hot but who needs me to rehash it with a good blurb already in place? I was so swept up in this story I was quickly adding Evans' entire backlist to my wishlist, she has a terrific voice as a writer. It's sweet and sassy, a little askew from the usual, and she can keep it sexy in the smoldering slow-burn kinda way that makes it hard to put a book down. Nash is just alpha enough that he'll please readers who like them and gentleman enough to make the rest of us swoon. Aria is determined and capable and I really liked her.
I actually listened to this on audio and I liked it so much I went and bought the first book too. I will definitely be recommending this series to all of my contemporary romance reading friends who like witty humor and second chances.
Notes: Review copy received via author.
June 25, 2016
Wow, what an amazing novel! Keeping You by Jessie Evans is the perfect combination of two contemporary romance genres, a second chance romance and a marriage of convenience. I was immediately captivated by the gripping prologue that set the appealing tone of the story. The characters are likeable, kindhearted and real. This is a loving and sexy read that kept me engaged from start to finish.
Aria March and Nash Geary, the story's two main characters, grew up on opposite sides of the tracks. Their summer camp romance ended horribly, and with the exception of a painful word or two, they have not talked to each other since their time together ended so abruptly. Now twelve years later, they find themselves needing each other to save their futures. So they get married, become a family and end up falling in love all over again. The obstacles that they face only makes their relationship stronger.
Keeping You is a well-written book with a genuine love story that took hold of my heart and soul from the very beginning. Because the characters are described so intimately, I was able to truly experience their emotions and affections. The love scenes are sexy and romantic. I felt a connection with all of the characters and was rooting for Aria and Nash to stay together throughout the novel’s entirety. This is book two in the Always A Bridesmaid series, but it can be read as a stand alone.
Aria March and Nash Geary, the story's two main characters, grew up on opposite sides of the tracks. Their summer camp romance ended horribly, and with the exception of a painful word or two, they have not talked to each other since their time together ended so abruptly. Now twelve years later, they find themselves needing each other to save their futures. So they get married, become a family and end up falling in love all over again. The obstacles that they face only makes their relationship stronger.
Keeping You is a well-written book with a genuine love story that took hold of my heart and soul from the very beginning. Because the characters are described so intimately, I was able to truly experience their emotions and affections. The love scenes are sexy and romantic. I felt a connection with all of the characters and was rooting for Aria and Nash to stay together throughout the novel’s entirety. This is book two in the Always A Bridesmaid series, but it can be read as a stand alone.
January 29, 2015
Aria March is in deep trouble, the kind that a single mom, leaving with her parents, one of which just got arrested, can't get out of on her own. Nash Geary still fights the anger of how quickly he was replaced by his ex, and bumping into her at every other corner in town wasn't making things easier for him. Neither was his big mouth. But was marrying his first summer fling really the solution to any of their problems? Probably not... While the idea of having Aria back seemed ludicrous, every moment Nash and Aria spend together surpasses the last on how special it is. Having Aria and her baby girl living with him quickly becomes something Nash doesn't want to give up. Not now, not ever. Aria has been heart broken twice. Once by Nash himself. Being vulnerable to him again scares her, but her heart doesn't care. And falling for the love of your life once again is easier than she believed possible. Making her believe that maybe, just maybe they can be happily ever after. Nash and Aria's story starts with enough animosity to set the town on fire, but quickly hate turns to love and second chances become possible with the one true love that got away. It is sweet, funny, sexy and fun.
July 26, 2016
A cute story. The circumstances are a little too far on the unbelievable side, but it's fun and light. Brain candy well done.
June 21, 2016
Review to follow
March 12, 2020
I gave this book 4.25 stars. It was an okay book. It had a sweet romance and a good conflict. I think the reason I didn't love the book was because I wasn't in the mood to read a light fluffy book. In the end, I don't think that I would recommend this book however I think I will continue to read the series.
November 25, 2017
I could not wait to read this book. The author grabbed me with these two characters in the first book and after reading the first chapter as a freebie at the end I could not wait to get into this story. I enjoyed there story and can't wait to read the third book about the youngest sister.
April 29, 2019
Jessie continued the story of the March sisters, that started w/BETTING ON YOU, that I read as BOOK 6 in the HAPPILY EVER AFTER SERIES. It may be a bit "cheesy" to some; but for me it was a different read and I ended up purchasing WILD FOR YOU, BOOK 3 in the ALWAYS A BRIDESMAID SERIES.
June 12, 2018
I came across this book on audible in the romance package, needless to say il be continuing on with this series.
October 30, 2018
sweet book
books-boxed-sets
April 22, 2020In boxed set - "Epic Love"
October 3, 2016
***Listened to the Audiobook***
This second book is another sweet and sexy second chance romance. Nash and Aria fall in love as teens but are forced to separate in a horrible way. When they meet again weeks later, they are unable to get past their hurt feelings and broken hearts. In order to protect themselves, they resort to hurtful words, pushing each other away. Now twelve years later they are both enduring fresh breakups that lead to situations where they need help. One night after too many beers they agree to help each other by getting married temporarily. They agree that no one, including their very close friends and family can know the truth. What could go wrong when they have to act in love to make their marriage believable? Will the lines begin to blur behind closed doors when heat still sizzles below the surface? They both are so afraid of what happened in the past and having their hearts broken again, that they try to hide their true feelings. Will time prove they are meant for each other and can be a real family? or will outside forces interfere again and tear them apart? Nash is my new bbf! He is so caring, loving, and protective. He loves Aria and her little girl Felicity, unconditionally. Aria has grown stronger and I love how she can stand up to her Dad. This is a fast paced, heartfelt and sexy story that I enjoyed from start to finish. Piper Goodeve is narrating again and did a fabulous job. She expertly sets the scenes, her inflections are spot on, drawing me in, allowing me to become completely immersed in this book. This series just gets better and I really enjoyed Keeping You. I look forward to reading/listening to the next books in this series.
This second book is another sweet and sexy second chance romance. Nash and Aria fall in love as teens but are forced to separate in a horrible way. When they meet again weeks later, they are unable to get past their hurt feelings and broken hearts. In order to protect themselves, they resort to hurtful words, pushing each other away. Now twelve years later they are both enduring fresh breakups that lead to situations where they need help. One night after too many beers they agree to help each other by getting married temporarily. They agree that no one, including their very close friends and family can know the truth. What could go wrong when they have to act in love to make their marriage believable? Will the lines begin to blur behind closed doors when heat still sizzles below the surface? They both are so afraid of what happened in the past and having their hearts broken again, that they try to hide their true feelings. Will time prove they are meant for each other and can be a real family? or will outside forces interfere again and tear them apart? Nash is my new bbf! He is so caring, loving, and protective. He loves Aria and her little girl Felicity, unconditionally. Aria has grown stronger and I love how she can stand up to her Dad. This is a fast paced, heartfelt and sexy story that I enjoyed from start to finish. Piper Goodeve is narrating again and did a fabulous job. She expertly sets the scenes, her inflections are spot on, drawing me in, allowing me to become completely immersed in this book. This series just gets better and I really enjoyed Keeping You. I look forward to reading/listening to the next books in this series.
January 4, 2014
2nd book in this series. With this story we get to know Aria, the older sister to Lark and Melody. We finally get to understand what and why things happened to Aria when she was younger and this also helps us sort out why she is so set against love.
Nash Geary, the man that held Aria's heart back when they were teenagers and due to bad communication he also was the boy who broke her heart. As we read, we can see all the places where they went wrong and while reading saying if only, if only. Communication is the key, but then we wouldn't have this fantastic story.
We got to meet Nash in the first book as he is Mason's best friend. We get the crisscross over of all the characters from the first book. I love it when we get to see how all the characters lives intertwine and their love stories play out in a sort of mini series.
I think the story is actually maturing and getting better with each book. Looking forward to the next part of this story and then we can see how these love interest grow. Fantastic HEA, hot hot hot love scenes of this not so conventional romance.
Enjoyed and looking forward to more.
Nash Geary, the man that held Aria's heart back when they were teenagers and due to bad communication he also was the boy who broke her heart. As we read, we can see all the places where they went wrong and while reading saying if only, if only. Communication is the key, but then we wouldn't have this fantastic story.
We got to meet Nash in the first book as he is Mason's best friend. We get the crisscross over of all the characters from the first book. I love it when we get to see how all the characters lives intertwine and their love stories play out in a sort of mini series.
I think the story is actually maturing and getting better with each book. Looking forward to the next part of this story and then we can see how these love interest grow. Fantastic HEA, hot hot hot love scenes of this not so conventional romance.
Enjoyed and looking forward to more.
October 1, 2016
I needed a little "fluff" romantic book and this fit the need perfectly. H/h met years ago at a summer art camp. He was 18, she was 16. They fell for each other but were caught the night they were going to do "the act". He was sent home as her father berated him and called him "poor white trash" but she was allowed to finish out the camp because she was younger, and came from better "stock." The boy felt that the girl never really defended him to her family (but she had) and so now, as we come to the here and now, to two have met off and on, being from the same home town, but have scorned and berated each other when their paths cross.
Well, due to circumstances that might be just a tad unbelievable, our two warring lovebirds get married to try and keep the now grown girl's former lover from getting custody of her daughter. Feelings from long ago come back and it seems that maybe these two were back then and still are mad (in a good way) about each other.
I loved the boy stepping right into the daddy role. He loved that little girl like his own and it was heartwarming. In fact, the whole book was heartwarming. I really liked it.
Well, due to circumstances that might be just a tad unbelievable, our two warring lovebirds get married to try and keep the now grown girl's former lover from getting custody of her daughter. Feelings from long ago come back and it seems that maybe these two were back then and still are mad (in a good way) about each other.
I loved the boy stepping right into the daddy role. He loved that little girl like his own and it was heartwarming. In fact, the whole book was heartwarming. I really liked it.
January 11, 2014
Keeping You
I was just wondering what to read next, when Keeping You by Jessie Evans arrived via goodreads.com.
I started it straightaway, and then had trouble putting it down.
This book is a simple formulaic love story. Boy meets girl, boy loses girl.Many years later they meet up again and get married almost immedisately (read the book to find out why, you won't be disappointed) Then it all goes pear shaped, then they get back together again - and how!
I found this very charming in its simplicity, and loved the characters - both the two protagonists and the supporting cast.
The sex scenes are very hot, but tastefully written. Until, that is, we reach the very last page, and the reason I have given this book 4 stars instead of 5. "Mr Magic and I will love it and pet it and give it kisses when it is very good!" Cringe making.
However, all in all this is a light frothy romantic read, which will leave you feeling good.
I was just wondering what to read next, when Keeping You by Jessie Evans arrived via goodreads.com.
I started it straightaway, and then had trouble putting it down.
This book is a simple formulaic love story. Boy meets girl, boy loses girl.Many years later they meet up again and get married almost immedisately (read the book to find out why, you won't be disappointed) Then it all goes pear shaped, then they get back together again - and how!
I found this very charming in its simplicity, and loved the characters - both the two protagonists and the supporting cast.
The sex scenes are very hot, but tastefully written. Until, that is, we reach the very last page, and the reason I have given this book 4 stars instead of 5. "Mr Magic and I will love it and pet it and give it kisses when it is very good!" Cringe making.
However, all in all this is a light frothy romantic read, which will leave you feeling good.
September 26, 2014
Jessie did it to me again in the 2nd in the series! Totally enjoyed Nash and Aria in this story of a marriage of convenience that turns into so much more. It reconnects two people who had met as kids, started to fall and then are ripped apart; leaving a great deal of hurt, anger and anamosity in its wake. Aria is raising a baby alone after finding her ex was cheating. Nash has recently been left by his ex who is now engaged to a jerk that Nash has never liked. With Aria panicking over being sued for custody of her daughter and Nash trying to prove he could care less about his, he proposes they get married and counter her ex's claims she can't support or provide stability for her daughter. The heat between Aria and Nash is HOT. He's a cop, she's a pastry chef and then throw in a baby and you've got a recipe for sweetness.
*I was provided an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
*I was provided an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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May 11, 2015Aria and Nash's book was a great read. Exactly what I expected- fun, sweet, care free and a happily ever after. I do think Aria & Nash's book is better than Always A Bridesmaid Book 1- not really sure why it's called Bridemaid book when neither of the are actually in a wedding during the books. Aria and Nash met 12 years prior at summer camp. Falling in love and on the cusp of making love they are caught and Nash is sent home. Aria's father says the usual harsh things and Nash believes them. Cut to years later, they meet up again, agree to a marriage of convienence and fall in love. If you want a quick read where everything that's wrong works out perfectly and they all ride into the sunset this book is for you. I do wish this writer would create a little bit of drama and turmoil so it's not as predictable, but for the most part the story was good, characters flowed, and it was engaging. I would recommend this book to those who just want a happily ever after love story.
September 26, 2014
3.5 STARS
This was part of the box set I bought, which includes books 1-3. I read the first one a few months ago, and I liked this one a little bit more.
Nash and Aria clearly learned a few things about communication since they were teenagers, so that was refreshing. No inane misunderstandings. Nash was a pretty sweet guy, and Aria seemed to have learned from her mistakes in the first book. I was a bit perplexed at Aria's defense of her father, he was AWFUL. I wouldn't have spoken to him for a long while after what he said.
As with the first book, it's pretty short, so everything kind of moves at warp speed. But it was a fun way to spend an hour or so.
This was part of the box set I bought, which includes books 1-3. I read the first one a few months ago, and I liked this one a little bit more.
Nash and Aria clearly learned a few things about communication since they were teenagers, so that was refreshing. No inane misunderstandings. Nash was a pretty sweet guy, and Aria seemed to have learned from her mistakes in the first book. I was a bit perplexed at Aria's defense of her father, he was AWFUL. I wouldn't have spoken to him for a long while after what he said.
As with the first book, it's pretty short, so everything kind of moves at warp speed. But it was a fun way to spend an hour or so.
May 16, 2016
Aria finds herself in an unexpected custody battle with her baby's daddy, who has ignored them both since she was born. She needs to create a stable home life outside her parents' home in order to retain custody. Nash's ego has him creating a fake fiancee in order to save face in front of his ex.
To solve both their problems, they come together in a fake marriage. The feelings they once had for each other when they were kids resurface, but their families and their own stubbornness still might keep them apart...
This was the second book in the series, but they don't have to be read in order. I enjoyed this one even more than the first and can't wait to read the next.
To solve both their problems, they come together in a fake marriage. The feelings they once had for each other when they were kids resurface, but their families and their own stubbornness still might keep them apart...
This was the second book in the series, but they don't have to be read in order. I enjoyed this one even more than the first and can't wait to read the next.
October 22, 2013
Nash (recently dumped)and Aria (bitter single mom) hate each other. Right?? After an awful teen experience these two don't speak. Ever. But when circumstances arise that could be put right by a short fake marriage, they both agree to it. These characters are so great you can't help but pull for them in this beautifully crafted story. I highly recommended this book to everyone.
http://www.amazon.com/Keeping-You-Alw...
http://www.amazon.com/Keeping-You-Alw...
January 31, 2014
This is my favorites in the series (Always a Bridesmaid). Nash is just so easy to love in this nbook. You are first introduced to him in Betting on You (first book) and i immediately knew i would like him. i am drawn to strong male romance characters. Ones that are protective/possessive of their love interest (but in a positive way).
September 15, 2015
Aria and Nash past made it hard for people outside of their love bubble to embrace their union of mutual convenience that turned into one of a love lost to misunderstanding.
Determined to fight for what makes them happy and complete the two set out to confront the respective parties and get visita that help seal the fate for the best HEA second chance to date. To Meaty and Red
Determined to fight for what makes them happy and complete the two set out to confront the respective parties and get visita that help seal the fate for the best HEA second chance to date. To Meaty and Red
April 24, 2014
Book 2 in the Summerville series. Another light and easy read. The only thing I didn't totally expect was Bob's reaction. Again, at the end of the school year I look for quick, easy, and fun reads. This one fit the criteria. On to book 3......
May 6, 2014
I enjoyed Aria as a character enough in the first book to continue the series. I wasn't disappointed. She is tough as nails and not afraid to make hard choices for her family. I really enjoyed Nash and her together. I think I'm done after this one though. Melody just doesn't interest me enough.
August 18, 2014
Is Nash real?! Can he be? Please. Seriously, there wasn't a thing wrong with him. From his six pack to his love of babies and family, he was absolutely perfect. This story move pretty quickly and without much drama at all, just pure romance at its best. My favorite Jessie Evans book yet!!
April 12, 2015
It was an entertaining short read. I listened to all three books in the series in one weekend while painting and redecorating my daughter's room....it was perfect for that task. While this might be considered new adult there was limited sexual content.
January 22, 2015
Aria finds herself in need of help. The father of her child is fighting for custody of their daughter. Her old flame Nash finds himself claiming he's thinking of proposing to someone. Aria volunteers for the position of wife which will help her case also.
June 23, 2015
NASH HAS STOLEN MY HEART! I LOVED HIM MORE THAN I LOVED MASON AND I REALLY LOVED MASON.... WHAT AN AMAZING MAN HE IS THAT NASH! THE STORY WAS TO SHORT I WANTED MORE AND MORE, HOWEVER I DID LOVE THIS BOOK AND THE FIRST ONE CAN'T WAIT TO START ON MELODY'S STORY NEXT!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews