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Something Borrowed #1
Something Borrowed
Something old. Something new…?
When Chloe Cassidy is jilted at the altar it’s all her nightmares rolled into one. Her mother is convinced she’s the victim of the family curse. Her sister believes she just hasn’t found The One yet. But Chloe’s not listening; she’s too busy taking her humiliation out on the infuriating best man, Vaughn Brooks.
Three months later, Something Borrowed—her wedding planning business— is failing. In a last ditch attempt to save it, Chloe is forced to swallow her pride, and work with the enemy: too-hot for his own good, award-winning chef Vaughn. She soon realizes the sparks flying between them are nothing to do with their dubious past, but from something else altogether…
This fun perfect summer read features one sizzling chef, a meddling family and a wedding planner who's given up on love.
When Chloe Cassidy is jilted at the altar it’s all her nightmares rolled into one. Her mother is convinced she’s the victim of the family curse. Her sister believes she just hasn’t found The One yet. But Chloe’s not listening; she’s too busy taking her humiliation out on the infuriating best man, Vaughn Brooks.
Three months later, Something Borrowed—her wedding planning business— is failing. In a last ditch attempt to save it, Chloe is forced to swallow her pride, and work with the enemy: too-hot for his own good, award-winning chef Vaughn. She soon realizes the sparks flying between them are nothing to do with their dubious past, but from something else altogether…
This fun perfect summer read features one sizzling chef, a meddling family and a wedding planner who's given up on love.
274 pages, ebook
First published July 3, 2016
1385 people are currently reading
1905 people want to read
About the author
Louisa George
240 books165 followersAward-winning author Louisa George has been an avid reader her whole life. In between chapters she managed to fit in a BA degree in Communication Studies, trained as a nurse, married her doctor hero and had two sons. Now, she spends her days writing chapters of her own in the medical romance, contemporary romance and women’s fiction genres.
Louisa’s books have variously been nominated for the coveted RITA® Award and the NZ Koru Award (which she won in 2014 and 2016 for the Short Sexy Category) and translated into twelve languages. She lives in Auckland, New Zealand and, when not writing or reading, likes to travel, drink mojitos and do Zumba®- preferably all at the same time.
Visit her at www.louisageorge.com
Louisa’s books have variously been nominated for the coveted RITA® Award and the NZ Koru Award (which she won in 2014 and 2016 for the Short Sexy Category) and translated into twelve languages. She lives in Auckland, New Zealand and, when not writing or reading, likes to travel, drink mojitos and do Zumba®- preferably all at the same time.
Visit her at www.louisageorge.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
August 21, 2019
3,25 stars for this better-than-the-average & better-than-expected chick-lit/romance.
This was a kindle freebie which I downloaded & then promptly forgot about it until a few days ago.
I did not have great expectations, especially as I hadn't fared well with this genre for a while (growing old or what?) so I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book.
The story as you can see from the blurb, is rather trite: Chloe Cassidy, wedding planner, is jilted at the altar, on her BIG DAY. The bad news - which she, understandably, takes very badly- is delivered by the best man, who also has to bear her fury: "...a man who everyone thought she’d tried to disembowel with white roses, silver pine cones and a delicate but not overpowering smattering of heather."
Of course this affects not only her personal life, but also her business. She's trying to get back on her feet and make something of the business which she runs with her mother and widowed younger sister, when the aforementioned best man gets back to town and they are thrown into each other's path again...
Despite the run-of-the-mill plot, this story has more humour and yet more depth to it than most, though sometimes it gets a bit more convoluted than strictly necessary.
It is refreshingly down-to-earth with imperfect, but perfectly likeable characters and it handles some more serious topics -like loss of loved ones through death- with feeling & understanding but without dragging you down too much.
There are some steamy, explicit sex scenes involved, so not recommended for clean-romance fans.
This was a kindle freebie which I downloaded & then promptly forgot about it until a few days ago.
I did not have great expectations, especially as I hadn't fared well with this genre for a while (growing old or what?) so I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book.
The story as you can see from the blurb, is rather trite: Chloe Cassidy, wedding planner, is jilted at the altar, on her BIG DAY. The bad news - which she, understandably, takes very badly- is delivered by the best man, who also has to bear her fury: "...a man who everyone thought she’d tried to disembowel with white roses, silver pine cones and a delicate but not overpowering smattering of heather."
Of course this affects not only her personal life, but also her business. She's trying to get back on her feet and make something of the business which she runs with her mother and widowed younger sister, when the aforementioned best man gets back to town and they are thrown into each other's path again...
Despite the run-of-the-mill plot, this story has more humour and yet more depth to it than most, though sometimes it gets a bit more convoluted than strictly necessary.
It is refreshingly down-to-earth with imperfect, but perfectly likeable characters and it handles some more serious topics -like loss of loved ones through death- with feeling & understanding but without dragging you down too much.
There are some steamy, explicit sex scenes involved, so not recommended for clean-romance fans.
December 2, 2016
There's something about a jilted bride that intrigues me. I'm not sure exactly what about the situation draws me in like a moth to a flame. I can't help but read books about it. I'm interested in how these men and women get past the hurt and the embarrassment. Not everyone is great at illustrating the "after", but I find that Louisa George did a fine job.
Chloe was left at the alter by her fiance... and her best friend. She was obviously humiliated and took it out on the best man, Vaughn. I guess no one told her not to shoot the messenger. As a result of the scandal, her business, Something Borrowed, a wedding planning service, starts to fail. She swallows her pride and turns to Vaughn for help.
Chloe was likable enough. She carried some bitterness that left her a bit jaded when it came to love, relationships, or men in general and that definitely didn't help her business. But it was impossible for her to resist the overall hotness factor that embodied the incredible Vaughn (loved this character). I really liked him and how persistent and determined he was to bulldoze her walls.
As the blurb says, this was a fun read!
Chloe was left at the alter by her fiance... and her best friend. She was obviously humiliated and took it out on the best man, Vaughn. I guess no one told her not to shoot the messenger. As a result of the scandal, her business, Something Borrowed, a wedding planning service, starts to fail. She swallows her pride and turns to Vaughn for help.
Chloe was likable enough. She carried some bitterness that left her a bit jaded when it came to love, relationships, or men in general and that definitely didn't help her business. But it was impossible for her to resist the overall hotness factor that embodied the incredible Vaughn (loved this character). I really liked him and how persistent and determined he was to bulldoze her walls.
As the blurb says, this was a fun read!
January 27, 2020
Oh-Emm-Gee.
Something Borrowed by Louisa George was seriously cute and is totally hyping me up for Valentine's Day!
Chloe Cassidy just had the worst thing that could possibly happen to a wedding planner happen - her husband left her at the altar. Jump forward, and suddenly she's getting flirty with the Best Man, otherwise known as the sexy Vaughn Brooks. Will this chef and wedding planner fall in love? Will her ex come running back to her? No matter what happens, romantic chaos ensues!
This book was seriously fun and absolutely delightful. I couldn't put it down and I honestly didn't want to. I love a good dramatic romance when I want to take a break from schoolwork. This book perfectly fit the bill! It is a wee bit stereotypical, but that's exactly what I signed up for!
The big bonus of this book is that the characters are definitely flawed. They aren't perfect and they've all had some rough times. Chloe's ex does seem like quite the psychopath, but having one strange character out of the bunch is fine with me. I enjoyed watching these characters grow and change, it was refreshing. I don't always see character in romance-y chick lit books so I'm impressed.
I also thoroughly enjoyed the side plot that I think will be carried on into another book. It was very sweet! I was confused at first as to why it was happening, but then I just enjoyed the ride. No spoilers, of course, because that would give away half the fun!
Are there negatives for this book? Yep, there sure are. Chloe's Mother's depression made me feel uncomfortable. There's also a lot of blame in this book for certain situations that realistically wouldn't happen (only through assumptions). None of this tore me away from the book, but I can see some readers not enjoying these aspects.
Overall, this book was a great read and I totally loved it. I want more books by Louisa George ASAP! I accidentally stumbled upon this book from Bookbub and the free iTunes bookstore, and I'm so glad I did. Hopefully more Louisa books find their way onto my shelves.
Four out of five stars.
Something Borrowed by Louisa George was seriously cute and is totally hyping me up for Valentine's Day!
Chloe Cassidy just had the worst thing that could possibly happen to a wedding planner happen - her husband left her at the altar. Jump forward, and suddenly she's getting flirty with the Best Man, otherwise known as the sexy Vaughn Brooks. Will this chef and wedding planner fall in love? Will her ex come running back to her? No matter what happens, romantic chaos ensues!
This book was seriously fun and absolutely delightful. I couldn't put it down and I honestly didn't want to. I love a good dramatic romance when I want to take a break from schoolwork. This book perfectly fit the bill! It is a wee bit stereotypical, but that's exactly what I signed up for!
The big bonus of this book is that the characters are definitely flawed. They aren't perfect and they've all had some rough times. Chloe's ex does seem like quite the psychopath, but having one strange character out of the bunch is fine with me. I enjoyed watching these characters grow and change, it was refreshing. I don't always see character in romance-y chick lit books so I'm impressed.
I also thoroughly enjoyed the side plot that I think will be carried on into another book. It was very sweet! I was confused at first as to why it was happening, but then I just enjoyed the ride. No spoilers, of course, because that would give away half the fun!
Are there negatives for this book? Yep, there sure are. Chloe's Mother's depression made me feel uncomfortable. There's also a lot of blame in this book for certain situations that realistically wouldn't happen (only through assumptions). None of this tore me away from the book, but I can see some readers not enjoying these aspects.
Overall, this book was a great read and I totally loved it. I want more books by Louisa George ASAP! I accidentally stumbled upon this book from Bookbub and the free iTunes bookstore, and I'm so glad I did. Hopefully more Louisa books find their way onto my shelves.
Four out of five stars.
April 8, 2018
This is a cute, charming contemporary romance that has some endearing characters, delectable food, funny moments, and a satisfying HEA ending.
It is a light, easy, enjoyable read and I look forward to reading more in “Something About You”, the second novel in the series.
It is a light, easy, enjoyable read and I look forward to reading more in “Something About You”, the second novel in the series.
January 1, 2017
Gah, someone recommended this and I can't remember who!
Chloe Cassidy is a wedding planner, unfortunately after being dumped by proxy at the altar (the best man, her fiance's cousin, broke the news) because her fiance and her bridesmaid were a couple, she went a leetle crazy and ended up plastered all over the local newspaper. Three months later the wounds are still raw, her business is failing and she has a widowed sister and depressed mother to support.
When she finds out that her ex-fiance's best man, the despicable Vaughn Brooks, has opened a new restaurant right on her doorstep, she thinks things can't get any worse - then she finds out that her ex-bridesmaid is pregnant and the two of them are invited to a wedding that she is planning! As we all would, Chloe breezily announces that she too is bringing a Plus One to the wedding and immediately embarks on a series of disastrous dates with scary men using a dating website.
In a twist of fate, Chloe ends up helping Vaughn with managing his restaurant and they start to actually enjoy each other's company - but it can't get serious right?
I really enjoyed this but I could have done without the irritating family. Also, was Chloe really so unlikable that no-one wanted to remain friends with her after the wedding debacle? Even though she was the one who was publicly humiliated at the altar?
Anyway, a great Summer read, set in London.
Chloe Cassidy is a wedding planner, unfortunately after being dumped by proxy at the altar (the best man, her fiance's cousin, broke the news) because her fiance and her bridesmaid were a couple, she went a leetle crazy and ended up plastered all over the local newspaper. Three months later the wounds are still raw, her business is failing and she has a widowed sister and depressed mother to support.
When she finds out that her ex-fiance's best man, the despicable Vaughn Brooks, has opened a new restaurant right on her doorstep, she thinks things can't get any worse - then she finds out that her ex-bridesmaid is pregnant and the two of them are invited to a wedding that she is planning! As we all would, Chloe breezily announces that she too is bringing a Plus One to the wedding and immediately embarks on a series of disastrous dates with scary men using a dating website.
In a twist of fate, Chloe ends up helping Vaughn with managing his restaurant and they start to actually enjoy each other's company - but it can't get serious right?
I really enjoyed this but I could have done without the irritating family. Also, was Chloe really so unlikable that no-one wanted to remain friends with her after the wedding debacle? Even though she was the one who was publicly humiliated at the altar?
Anyway, a great Summer read, set in London.
January 12, 2018
I feel like there was too much going on, but not in a good, organized way--More like it could have used another good edit.
Characters weren't clearly developed--Is Chloe a mess? Is she a volatile person? What did she actually DO to make her mom mad?
Also--depression isn't anyone's fault and I don't like that Chloe got blamed for her mom's "bad time" when there were clearly other things that led to her taking to her bed.
eh. Obviously I have strong feeling about this book, but I will not be reading the next one.
Characters weren't clearly developed--Is Chloe a mess? Is she a volatile person? What did she actually DO to make her mom mad?
Also--depression isn't anyone's fault and I don't like that Chloe got blamed for her mom's "bad time" when there were clearly other things that led to her taking to her bed.
eh. Obviously I have strong feeling about this book, but I will not be reading the next one.
February 23, 2017
I was so close to really liking this book but it just didn't live up to the hype in blurbs and back cover catch.
The writer has a real grasp for writing but she needs to put the her words into the plots and characters so they flow together. I too often found myself literally scratching my head wondering what was going on.
I am a fan of romance, chick-lit, and others but this one just lost me.
The writer has a real grasp for writing but she needs to put the her words into the plots and characters so they flow together. I too often found myself literally scratching my head wondering what was going on.
I am a fan of romance, chick-lit, and others but this one just lost me.
October 15, 2016
Something Borrowed is by Louisa George. It is the first book in a series. It is a cute romance that brings out the romance for all of us. The characters and situations they find themselves in are definitely realistic. It is easy enough to read in several short sessions or one long session. It is a really good book.
Chloe Cassidy is the woman behind Something Borrowed her wedding planning business. She handled the administrative portion of the business and carried out the bride’s wishes while her sister Jenna did the flowers and their mother Bridget made the wedding dresses. Chloe had planned her own wedding to Jason and all the plans were starting to come together when she got to the altar to find Jason not there. Vaughn Brooks, Jason’s best man and cousin, had to tell her that Jason had run off with her best friend, Amy instead of marrying her. He and Amy had been having an affair for some time. Chloe had gone into a Bridezilla mode and fell and as she fell, tackled Vaughn and then hit him with her bouquet. All this was in the paper the next day. This would hit her business and not with good news. If she didn’t find more weddings, the business would be ruined. One of the weddings she was currently working on still needed a venue. The bride heard about a new restaurant, Vaughns, and wanted to see the premises. Chloe wasn’t familiar with the restaurant so went along. To her horror, it was owned and run by Vaughn Brooks! What was she to do now?
Is Chloe professional enough to handle seeing Vaughn again? At the same time, things are not looking up for her sister and her mother. Can Chloe handle all the problems and fix them?
Chloe Cassidy is the woman behind Something Borrowed her wedding planning business. She handled the administrative portion of the business and carried out the bride’s wishes while her sister Jenna did the flowers and their mother Bridget made the wedding dresses. Chloe had planned her own wedding to Jason and all the plans were starting to come together when she got to the altar to find Jason not there. Vaughn Brooks, Jason’s best man and cousin, had to tell her that Jason had run off with her best friend, Amy instead of marrying her. He and Amy had been having an affair for some time. Chloe had gone into a Bridezilla mode and fell and as she fell, tackled Vaughn and then hit him with her bouquet. All this was in the paper the next day. This would hit her business and not with good news. If she didn’t find more weddings, the business would be ruined. One of the weddings she was currently working on still needed a venue. The bride heard about a new restaurant, Vaughns, and wanted to see the premises. Chloe wasn’t familiar with the restaurant so went along. To her horror, it was owned and run by Vaughn Brooks! What was she to do now?
Is Chloe professional enough to handle seeing Vaughn again? At the same time, things are not looking up for her sister and her mother. Can Chloe handle all the problems and fix them?
January 13, 2018
The plot sounded interesting but the book was full of inconsistencies that annoyed me a lot. Only the slowly developping love between Chloe and Vaughn kept me reading.
- I wondered why Chloe was standing in front of the altar waiting for her groom to show up. Usually the groom is waiting and the bride the last one to appear. Why wasn't she in a side room waiting for her time to walk down the aisle?
- Even if her wedding planer business went well before I doubt she would have been affluent enough to afford to buy an apartment let alone additionally pay rent for her mother and sister's house on Portobello Road in London. It is one of the more expensive locations of London starting around 1million pounds for flats.
- Why would clients cancel? Her wedding was a disaster because her groom failed not because her organizational skills failed. How could clients cancel a valid contract without having to pay a fine?
- How does she organize these weddings? Her mother is retired to her bed, her sister is looking after her daughter, Chloe is pondering about her lost love.
Next chapter she is at a wedding, but we didn't get a glimpse how she or her sister responsible for the flowers set anything up.
-Vaughn is an experienced restaurateur whose restaurants in Paris and Manchester run itselves. Why did he have problems in London with the manager?
None of the characters except Vaughn were very sympathetic, I will not read any of the sequels.
- I wondered why Chloe was standing in front of the altar waiting for her groom to show up. Usually the groom is waiting and the bride the last one to appear. Why wasn't she in a side room waiting for her time to walk down the aisle?
- Even if her wedding planer business went well before I doubt she would have been affluent enough to afford to buy an apartment let alone additionally pay rent for her mother and sister's house on Portobello Road in London. It is one of the more expensive locations of London starting around 1million pounds for flats.
- Why would clients cancel? Her wedding was a disaster because her groom failed not because her organizational skills failed. How could clients cancel a valid contract without having to pay a fine?
- How does she organize these weddings? Her mother is retired to her bed, her sister is looking after her daughter, Chloe is pondering about her lost love.
Next chapter she is at a wedding, but we didn't get a glimpse how she or her sister responsible for the flowers set anything up.
-Vaughn is an experienced restaurateur whose restaurants in Paris and Manchester run itselves. Why did he have problems in London with the manager?
None of the characters except Vaughn were very sympathetic, I will not read any of the sequels.
October 18, 2016
Chloe Cassidy is jilted at the altar and she takes her humiliation out on the best man, Vaughn Brooks.Since then they were enemies some sort of :D she has a wedding planning business named
Something Borrowed and it's failing since the wedding. so Chloe is forced to swallow her pride, and work with the enemy the incredible chef Vaughn Brooks.
İt's a nice read , very funny and I love all the characters of this book. It's captivating. There's a side story with chloe's sister jenna and her best friend going on boyfriend nick. I must say I'm more interested in that story. I can not wait to read what happens between jenna and nick. They were so cute together. I wanna read their HEA.
Ending was rushed , He gone and came back like nothing happened , no groveling ! really . :)
Arc provide by netgalley
Something Borrowed and it's failing since the wedding. so Chloe is forced to swallow her pride, and work with the enemy the incredible chef Vaughn Brooks.
İt's a nice read , very funny and I love all the characters of this book. It's captivating. There's a side story with chloe's sister jenna and her best friend going on boyfriend nick. I must say I'm more interested in that story. I can not wait to read what happens between jenna and nick. They were so cute together. I wanna read their HEA.
Ending was rushed , He gone and came back like nothing happened , no groveling ! really . :)
Arc provide by netgalley
July 31, 2020
This was a surprisingly sweet romance.
What I enjoyed:
* Chloe and her sister Jenna. Chloe is having a hard time keeping the wedding planning business afloat after being left at the alter and keeping everything together to for her family. Jenna is a single mom who hasn't recovered from her husband's unexpected death. They both need to remember how to live again.
* Vaughn. He is an interesting character with his past love and promises.
What could be better:
* I could have done without the Jason subplot
What I enjoyed:
* Chloe and her sister Jenna. Chloe is having a hard time keeping the wedding planning business afloat after being left at the alter and keeping everything together to for her family. Jenna is a single mom who hasn't recovered from her husband's unexpected death. They both need to remember how to live again.
* Vaughn. He is an interesting character with his past love and promises.
What could be better:
* I could have done without the Jason subplot
September 5, 2016
Good read. 3.5 stars
This was a good read. It flowed well and had some good humour to it. My only issue is that I'm not a fan of stories where the heroine puts her heart out there, gets crushed, and takes the hero back without any grovelling. I mean, I know he's a great guy and he didn't deserve to have to grovel, but I love a good grovel so I wish there was some in the end
This was a good read. It flowed well and had some good humour to it. My only issue is that I'm not a fan of stories where the heroine puts her heart out there, gets crushed, and takes the hero back without any grovelling. I mean, I know he's a great guy and he didn't deserve to have to grovel, but I love a good grovel so I wish there was some in the end
Want to read
January 11, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon today (1/11/2018)! 💝
dnf
September 25, 2019I'm just frustratingly bored with this book, and I honestly don't care about any of the characters. Sadly, I think I'm just going to have to put this down and move on to (hopefully) better things.
December 27, 2021
Now I Wonder if Jason Will Be the Best Man 🤬
This story was hard for me to wrap my mind around. Everything should have been reversed. The jilted bride loses all her friends to the cheating couple, and she is considered the mean one? Makes no sense at all. They blame her for not letting go but it’s only been three months since left humiliated at the alter…. after a 10 year relationship with the fiancé. Who moves on that quickly? And not only that, but the so-called friends choose the cheaters’ sides…. yes, I said cheaters, plural. Her fiancé jilted her on their wedding day and took off with her best friend, bridesmaid! They had been dating for a while unbeknownst to the ‘bride’. And the ‘bride’ was the the bad guy?????
I wanted to see a public display of Aunty Karma but nothing like that ever happens… the hypocritical, betraying ‘friends’ never have to look in the mirror. And the best friend, bridesmaid is all self-righteous.
👁^👁 My thoughts as I flipped through the pages🤯
… Poor Amy???? I don’t think so! Amy got just what she deserved. You don’t stab your best friend in the back, sleep with her fiancee and not pay a price. I wanted to read more of her ‘enlightenment’! Her predicament. Just what is her reaction when she realizes ‘Searching4You’ was Jason’s cheating ID? Did she EVER realize her own wrongdoing?
… Jason is and was a jerk. Why would anyone overlook what he did? A serial cheater who doesn’t even have the nerve to face his bride to be. He’s a coward who doesn’t even have enough character to call the wedding off. Instead he leaves her waiting at the alter. How can he have all these ‘good’ friends?
… Chloe, who everyone is whispering about how she was dumped and that she should move on…. NEWSFLASH, three months is not nearly enough time to get over a 10 year relationship and being humiliated at the alter.
… This book is just so wrong. Jenna needs to get her own life in order and quit sticking her nose into Chloe’s business. (They are sisters)
… What a dysfunctional family. They lack gumption and just feel sorry for themselves. Mum and sister, Jenna, played the victim role and Chloe played the hero, the fixer. Co-dependents. Enabler. Whatever you choose, these people had big issues and it was difficult to relate or even like them.
… As for those so called friends…. well, with friends like that who needs enemies? This is ridiculous ….. how would a ‘friend’ take the side of two cheaters? How? Not realistic at all. It’s like elementary school age children.
… And Jane was the real bridezilla… certainly not a true friend.
… Vaughn said to Chloe: ‘He really hurt you didn’t he’?’ … Uhhh, she’d been with Jason for 10 years, they are getting married, Jason is cheating with her best friend and doesn’t show up for his/her wedding. Unbelievable. How could it not have hurt.
… As for Vaughn? Why did he wait until the wedding day to convince the groom to jilt the bride? Had he cared the way he claims, he would have told Chloe days before the wedding. Why wait until she’s at the church waiting? Nope, none of this made sense.
This book is not romantic and not a comedy.
I seldom give one star rating but this was just too unbelievable and disappointing. I wanted to really like this. Maybe I had set my hopes and expectations too high. I made myself finish the book just in case there was redemption and I hate to begin reading a book and not finish it.
This story was hard for me to wrap my mind around. Everything should have been reversed. The jilted bride loses all her friends to the cheating couple, and she is considered the mean one? Makes no sense at all. They blame her for not letting go but it’s only been three months since left humiliated at the alter…. after a 10 year relationship with the fiancé. Who moves on that quickly? And not only that, but the so-called friends choose the cheaters’ sides…. yes, I said cheaters, plural. Her fiancé jilted her on their wedding day and took off with her best friend, bridesmaid! They had been dating for a while unbeknownst to the ‘bride’. And the ‘bride’ was the the bad guy?????
I wanted to see a public display of Aunty Karma but nothing like that ever happens… the hypocritical, betraying ‘friends’ never have to look in the mirror. And the best friend, bridesmaid is all self-righteous.
👁^👁 My thoughts as I flipped through the pages🤯
… Poor Amy???? I don’t think so! Amy got just what she deserved. You don’t stab your best friend in the back, sleep with her fiancee and not pay a price. I wanted to read more of her ‘enlightenment’! Her predicament. Just what is her reaction when she realizes ‘Searching4You’ was Jason’s cheating ID? Did she EVER realize her own wrongdoing?
… Jason is and was a jerk. Why would anyone overlook what he did? A serial cheater who doesn’t even have the nerve to face his bride to be. He’s a coward who doesn’t even have enough character to call the wedding off. Instead he leaves her waiting at the alter. How can he have all these ‘good’ friends?
… Chloe, who everyone is whispering about how she was dumped and that she should move on…. NEWSFLASH, three months is not nearly enough time to get over a 10 year relationship and being humiliated at the alter.
… This book is just so wrong. Jenna needs to get her own life in order and quit sticking her nose into Chloe’s business. (They are sisters)
… What a dysfunctional family. They lack gumption and just feel sorry for themselves. Mum and sister, Jenna, played the victim role and Chloe played the hero, the fixer. Co-dependents. Enabler. Whatever you choose, these people had big issues and it was difficult to relate or even like them.
… As for those so called friends…. well, with friends like that who needs enemies? This is ridiculous ….. how would a ‘friend’ take the side of two cheaters? How? Not realistic at all. It’s like elementary school age children.
… And Jane was the real bridezilla… certainly not a true friend.
… Vaughn said to Chloe: ‘He really hurt you didn’t he’?’ … Uhhh, she’d been with Jason for 10 years, they are getting married, Jason is cheating with her best friend and doesn’t show up for his/her wedding. Unbelievable. How could it not have hurt.
… As for Vaughn? Why did he wait until the wedding day to convince the groom to jilt the bride? Had he cared the way he claims, he would have told Chloe days before the wedding. Why wait until she’s at the church waiting? Nope, none of this made sense.
This book is not romantic and not a comedy.
I seldom give one star rating but this was just too unbelievable and disappointing. I wanted to really like this. Maybe I had set my hopes and expectations too high. I made myself finish the book just in case there was redemption and I hate to begin reading a book and not finish it.
October 31, 2019
[3.5] A decently cute contemporary romance about a jilted bride and hot, brooding chef.
Chloe, the MC, owns a company that plans weddings, “Something Borrowed” along with her widowed sister and her mother.
Ironically enough, she has not gotten her own happy ending after being jilted at the alter, when her to-be-husband’s cousin, Vaughn Brooks, came bearing bad news that the wedding would not be happening. Which she then reacted to the news by proceeding to tackle him and smack him with her bouquet.
Flash forward to the present day where her paths once again cross with Vaughn’s, who has been successful, opening up a chain of restaurants before coming back home to open up another. The sparks fly the instant they meet, although at first it may be more from friction, since Chloe clearly still holds its against him for bringing the bad news to her at her wedding.
Gradually things heat up between them, and there’s a particularly sexy scene in the kitchen (look I totally agree with her fantasy about that). However, he’s a commitment-phobe, due to a tragic history with love, and Chloe’s not as nonchalant about one-night stands as she seems.
While not a particularly remarkable book, I thought it was cute, funny, and easy to read.
Chloe, the MC, owns a company that plans weddings, “Something Borrowed” along with her widowed sister and her mother.
Ironically enough, she has not gotten her own happy ending after being jilted at the alter, when her to-be-husband’s cousin, Vaughn Brooks, came bearing bad news that the wedding would not be happening. Which she then reacted to the news by proceeding to tackle him and smack him with her bouquet.
Flash forward to the present day where her paths once again cross with Vaughn’s, who has been successful, opening up a chain of restaurants before coming back home to open up another. The sparks fly the instant they meet, although at first it may be more from friction, since Chloe clearly still holds its against him for bringing the bad news to her at her wedding.
Gradually things heat up between them, and there’s a particularly sexy scene in the kitchen (look I totally agree with her fantasy about that). However, he’s a commitment-phobe, due to a tragic history with love, and Chloe’s not as nonchalant about one-night stands as she seems.
While not a particularly remarkable book, I thought it was cute, funny, and easy to read.
October 9, 2019
Quite enjoyed this one. Loved the buildup in the relationship, though, I wished Chloe would have waited a bit longer before the swarm of butterflies came along. Not to mention that I thought it went a bit too quick before the confession of love. They were ‘together’ for what - two, three days? - before she confessed. I shan’t accept that my friends. Otherwise though, I had a great time. Love the whole jilted lover thing, thought that was great, especially seeing how Chloe fest with everything. And how she reacted with Vaughn compared to Jason was really interesting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2016
This is a very engaging romance. The heroine is very funny and clever. The hero is swoon worthy. I want someone to cook for me. He's a man that belongs in the kitchen or in the bed, whatever works. I can't wait to read what happens with Jenna and Nick.
August 24, 2021
Ending?
How can you end this one like that? You really have to have some kind of conclusion, wedding or no wedding? I understand about the proposal but to stop right where you did is unthinkable!
How can you end this one like that? You really have to have some kind of conclusion, wedding or no wedding? I understand about the proposal but to stop right where you did is unthinkable!
October 8, 2016
It kept me captivated
This story was wonderfully written. The author had my attention with every word.. I couldn't put it down. I laughed, I cried and I laughed some more...
This story was wonderfully written. The author had my attention with every word.. I couldn't put it down. I laughed, I cried and I laughed some more...
March 9, 2019
Probably a 3.5. I didn't love some of the characters . The writing is funny though, and a sweet story. Will prob read more of the series.
May 5, 2018
4 za mój śmiech czytając :-)
February 16, 2018
Here’s the thing: I think this genre is so self indulgent sometimes. Why can’t you have a good romance novel without feeling the need to peddle really base narratives about relationships?
So you have Chloe, right, the main character who after a decade long mediocre relationship to a tool gets stood up at the aisle. The woman has zero self awareness and yet is said to be ambitious and organised? I’m not clear on why she doesn’t use those personality traits in her relationship. She’s locked up her heart because she got jilted. It’s... plausible. I’ll give it that.
Then you have obvious love interest Vaughn who for reasons unbeknownst to himself or the author he makes a promise to his long dead first love that he’ll never love anyone again. Which, first of all, his first love sounds like an absolute selfish crazy but also is ridiculous!? And so he’s spent his life being arrogant and withdrawn. Apparently these traits make him appealing to women (I actually don’t know why) but are really armour that he hides his masculinity behind because he’s really a (not so secret) marshmallow
Several times I asked myself why I was reading this and then I remembered that I’m alone on Valentines Day and why the hell not but I also asked myself why there couldn’t be a LITTLE more originality and whether my eyes were bleeding or it was just my lack of self worth instructing me to keep reading.
Granted I gave it three stars because the show down at her friends’ wedding was hilarious and uncomfortable and then the subsequent drama with her ex at her apartment bursting in on her with his cousin and her in bed was actually kind of great.
(...I also read the sequel so that says more about me.)
So you have Chloe, right, the main character who after a decade long mediocre relationship to a tool gets stood up at the aisle. The woman has zero self awareness and yet is said to be ambitious and organised? I’m not clear on why she doesn’t use those personality traits in her relationship. She’s locked up her heart because she got jilted. It’s... plausible. I’ll give it that.
Then you have obvious love interest Vaughn who for reasons unbeknownst to himself or the author he makes a promise to his long dead first love that he’ll never love anyone again. Which, first of all, his first love sounds like an absolute selfish crazy but also is ridiculous!? And so he’s spent his life being arrogant and withdrawn. Apparently these traits make him appealing to women (I actually don’t know why) but are really armour that he hides his masculinity behind because he’s really a (not so secret) marshmallow
Several times I asked myself why I was reading this and then I remembered that I’m alone on Valentines Day and why the hell not but I also asked myself why there couldn’t be a LITTLE more originality and whether my eyes were bleeding or it was just my lack of self worth instructing me to keep reading.
Granted I gave it three stars because the show down at her friends’ wedding was hilarious and uncomfortable and then the subsequent drama with her ex at her apartment bursting in on her with his cousin and her in bed was actually kind of great.
(...I also read the sequel so that says more about me.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2019
Something Borrowed, by Louisa George, became available at booksellers in July of 2016. It's the first book in Ms Georges new Something Borrowed series. The title refers to a wedding planning business. Chloe Cassidy, the owner & chief wedding planner, was unfortunately jilted at the alter. Not a good look for someone in her business. She's hurt, confused, wondering if it was her fault, and trying to keep the business afloat. We meet her 4 months after The Jilting episode and she's still a hot mess, wallowing in her grief. She's a nice enough character but you know from the first page that she needs to get things together before they get worse. Her life is complicated and it's driving her round the bend.
Vaughn Brooks was the cousin and best man of the Jilter. Turns out he's still nursing a romantic wound too. Chloe and Vaughn are thrown together by business needs and the attraction is quick and hot. Both are scaredy cats and it takes almost the entire book to get a HEA. They deserve it, both are nice people.
The worst part of the book, and why only 3 stars, are the unnecessary e-mails scattered through the story. They're from sister Jenna and her soon-to-be beau, Nick. They're in the next book, a mention of them was enough. Their e-mails invaded the story in a annoying way. I stopped reading them after the first 2. If that's all I can say negative then the book is certainly worth a read.
#LouisaGeorge #AmazonDigitalServices #SomethingBorrowed #ContemporaryRomance
Vaughn Brooks was the cousin and best man of the Jilter. Turns out he's still nursing a romantic wound too. Chloe and Vaughn are thrown together by business needs and the attraction is quick and hot. Both are scaredy cats and it takes almost the entire book to get a HEA. They deserve it, both are nice people.
The worst part of the book, and why only 3 stars, are the unnecessary e-mails scattered through the story. They're from sister Jenna and her soon-to-be beau, Nick. They're in the next book, a mention of them was enough. Their e-mails invaded the story in a annoying way. I stopped reading them after the first 2. If that's all I can say negative then the book is certainly worth a read.
#LouisaGeorge #AmazonDigitalServices #SomethingBorrowed #ContemporaryRomance
August 15, 2019
After being jilted on her wedding day for her best friend, and attacking the best man, with the bouquet, it doesn’t exactly do wonders for the reputation of Chloe’s wedding planning business, and as if heartbreak and financial woes weren’t enough to deal with, it turns out Chloe’s attracted to the best man she thought she hated, who happens to be the groom’s cousin, so life is complicated.
I thought Chloe and Vaughn were great together, especially the conversations they have, how supportive he is of her, how they bounce business ideas off one another. Obviously chemistry is super important, and they do have that, but for me to buy in to a long term happily ever after, a romance novel needs to show me there’s something there beyond the physical, and Something Borrowed does that convincingly.
Chloe, her mom, and her sister, they have secrets, they bicker, they meddle, and the love is always apparent, they share some of the most entertaining and heartfelt scenes in the book, and although the interludes of the sister emailing a soldier were ultimately a set-up for another book, they made for a satisfying secondary story in this novel.
The tone and pacing were probably my favorite things about Something Borrowed, the humor sprinkled throughout gives this a bright, bubbly vibe while the transitions into serious moments were seamless and thoughtful, exactly the balance I crave in a good romance.
I thought Chloe and Vaughn were great together, especially the conversations they have, how supportive he is of her, how they bounce business ideas off one another. Obviously chemistry is super important, and they do have that, but for me to buy in to a long term happily ever after, a romance novel needs to show me there’s something there beyond the physical, and Something Borrowed does that convincingly.
Chloe, her mom, and her sister, they have secrets, they bicker, they meddle, and the love is always apparent, they share some of the most entertaining and heartfelt scenes in the book, and although the interludes of the sister emailing a soldier were ultimately a set-up for another book, they made for a satisfying secondary story in this novel.
The tone and pacing were probably my favorite things about Something Borrowed, the humor sprinkled throughout gives this a bright, bubbly vibe while the transitions into serious moments were seamless and thoughtful, exactly the balance I crave in a good romance.
February 19, 2018
Chloe was putting together the pieces of her life after being jilted at the alter by Jason. She needed to recover from her in threads wedding business, help her mum who made the dresses, and help her widower sister and niece who took care of the flowers.
She didn’t expect the best man who had delivered the blow of her groom leaving with the bridesmaid (her ex best friend) and she’d trampled and bowled over with a bouquet to come back into her life. She hated him. She detested him. She has no idea why she feels the zing when he’s around. Forced to work with him for a couple she’s working with. Things heat up.
I really loved this story. Friendship, family, sisters, business, fun, sex....
I absolutely love the dynamic between Vaughn and Chloe- unexpected, unwanted and absolutely perfect.
She fell even though she tried not to, she fell even though she had tried denying and protecting her heart. And he fell too.
I also love Jenna- I am rooting for her and Nick- for her heart, her daughter, her life. She deserved a new HEA. Cannot wait to read her story next.
I also hope to read more about their mum.
My one question will it be weird at family gatherings on Vaughn’s side? Do they have to keep the best man pact in tact now that Vaughn was best man at the almost wedding of Jason and Chloe to him now being the groom with Chloe? Talk about awkward.
She didn’t expect the best man who had delivered the blow of her groom leaving with the bridesmaid (her ex best friend) and she’d trampled and bowled over with a bouquet to come back into her life. She hated him. She detested him. She has no idea why she feels the zing when he’s around. Forced to work with him for a couple she’s working with. Things heat up.
I really loved this story. Friendship, family, sisters, business, fun, sex....
I absolutely love the dynamic between Vaughn and Chloe- unexpected, unwanted and absolutely perfect.
She fell even though she tried not to, she fell even though she had tried denying and protecting her heart. And he fell too.
I also love Jenna- I am rooting for her and Nick- for her heart, her daughter, her life. She deserved a new HEA. Cannot wait to read her story next.
I also hope to read more about their mum.
My one question will it be weird at family gatherings on Vaughn’s side? Do they have to keep the best man pact in tact now that Vaughn was best man at the almost wedding of Jason and Chloe to him now being the groom with Chloe? Talk about awkward.
August 20, 2019
This is a pretty classic romantic story in the "chick lit" vein... our protagonist is a wedding planner who has never quite recovered from The Jilting. Several months before the start of the book, she was left at the altar. To make matters worse, there was video footage circulated of her rugby tackling the best man (who bore the bad news) and beating him with her bouquet, so business has dwindled over time.
Predictably, the best man is now back in her life, and she's discovering that maybe she doesn't hate him after all? But after unlocking his Tragic Backstory, she has to face the notion that he'll never want to be more than friends with benefits. Which should be great, since she's professed to no longer believe in love. But it's always more complicated than that.
Quick, light-hearted read with some great moments. It's the first of a series of books by the author, but honestly, I think I'll keep it as a stand alone.
Predictably, the best man is now back in her life, and she's discovering that maybe she doesn't hate him after all? But after unlocking his Tragic Backstory, she has to face the notion that he'll never want to be more than friends with benefits. Which should be great, since she's professed to no longer believe in love. But it's always more complicated than that.
Quick, light-hearted read with some great moments. It's the first of a series of books by the author, but honestly, I think I'll keep it as a stand alone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2017
Short review. Enjoyed the slow build romance between Chloe and Vaughn they both bring out the best in each other and believe in the other. I went back and forth between liking Chloe's sister Jenna but end up liking her and wanting to read the next book about her, I didn't like their mom and how she reacted to them learning that she had been keeping a secret from them nearly all their lives. They had a right to be upset that she had been lying to them instead she makes them especially Chloe feel guilty for not being happy about the secret. I felt bad for Chloe that none of her so call friends stood by her in the aftermath of her not wedding, her ex friend and ex fiance are a real piece of work and deserve whatever life brings them.
July 3, 2019
Charming.
Chloe and Vaughn met when he came to tell her that her groom wasn't coming to their wedding. Which puzzled me. Why was she at the front of the church instead of preparing to walk down the aisle?
It was disaster both personally and professionally for Chloe. Planning weddings for others when your own failed so spectacularly was very difficult. Having her widowed sister and mother dependent on her made it worse.
Reconnecting with Vaughn wasn't something she wanted, but a business opportunity brought them together It soon became more.
While it isn't quite a cliffhanger the story does continue in the next book. For more of Chloe and Vaughn and to learn about her sister read the next one. This can be considered as a stand alone book.
Chloe and Vaughn met when he came to tell her that her groom wasn't coming to their wedding. Which puzzled me. Why was she at the front of the church instead of preparing to walk down the aisle?
It was disaster both personally and professionally for Chloe. Planning weddings for others when your own failed so spectacularly was very difficult. Having her widowed sister and mother dependent on her made it worse.
Reconnecting with Vaughn wasn't something she wanted, but a business opportunity brought them together It soon became more.
While it isn't quite a cliffhanger the story does continue in the next book. For more of Chloe and Vaughn and to learn about her sister read the next one. This can be considered as a stand alone book.
November 23, 2017
What starts out as a fairly light, humorous romance quickly reveals some unexpected depths. From how we see our own self worth to how to honor promises while still being true to ourselves. Disaster after disaster keeps Chloe running, trying to catch up, trying to outwit the Cassidy curse. She’s surrounded by her wacky family and equally quirky friends who, when they aren’t trying to ruin her life, are trying to get her to live it. Vaughn embodies the strong, silent type, and there’s really not much sexier than a man who cooks. I loved watching them navigate their way through all the past baggage to find their new forever.
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