Happy Is the Bride

Morgan Ranch #3.5

by Lori Wilde, Janet Dailey, Cat Johnson

Love and trouble are in the air at a ranch wedding in Texas tornado country in this romance anthology featuring four New York Times–bestselling authors.

Opposites attract when a wealthy cattleman and a penniless artist decide to get hitched at a Texas dude ranch in tornado country—and the whirlwind festivities are as filled with surprises as their love . . . especially when the guest list one pretty party crasher on a mission, a sheriff known as the One Night Stand King, and a workaholic event planner who definitely did not plan to fall for a laid-back cowboy. Toss in a shocking behind-the-scenes bet, a fateful power outage, and a Man of Honor and a Best Woman determined to see the worst in each other (between hot kisses), plus thrilling lessons in love at first—and second—sight, and the celebrations are going to go all night long!

“The lovers’ smart repartee is enjoyable, and each couple sizzles with chemistry. . . . There are plenty of heartwarming moments for fans of lighthearted fare.” —Publishers Weekly

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Anthologies, Westerns

382 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 25, 2017

About the author

Lori Wilde can’t remember a time when she didn’t want to write. She even went to nursing school so she could have a schedule flexible enough to allow her to write on the side. She nursed for 20 years, working in a variety of settings from the newborn nursery to the recovery room, to dialysis. But she never lost her desire to write.

She sold her first book in 1994 to Silhouette Romance but later discovered she had a flair for comedy and branched out to Harlequin Duets and now, to Blaze.

Lori is an adventuresome soul who loves to travel. She’s taken flying lessons, completed two marathons, rode in a hot-air balloon, performed with a professional jazz band, traveled Europe as a teenager, hiked volcanoes in Hawaii, trod on glaciers in Alaska, shot white-water rapids, water-skied, snow-skied, raced all-terrain vehicles, bodysurfed in the Gulf of Mexico, and photographed grizzly bears in Yellowstone.

She lives in her native Texas, with her own real-life hero, Bill.

Reviews

[Cheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of Net Galley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

This book is a compilation of four different authors to tell the stories of four different couples leading up and during the wedding of their friends. Brady and Ellie are having a whirlwind wedding and want all of their friends and family to be there. Some have history with each other, others are meeting for the first time. These four stories deal with the weeks leading up to the wedding of Brady and Ellie as well as the wedding itself. It is a fun concept and a I enjoyed going along for the ride.

Man of Honor
by Lori Wilde

I so wanted to engage with this story. The concept was great and the characters were wonderful, yet there was something missing for me. It could have been partly due to the length that made me miss the depth that I so wanted from Shane and Meg. They definitely had the potential for personal depth as well as depth as a couple. Plus, there were a bit too many tense shifts…often in the same paragraph! I’ve said before I hate to judge too much on grammar/spelling when it comes to an ARC, but this is surely things that should have been caught in beta and not made it as far as the ARC. It’s a sweet story, but just not enough for me. 2.5 stars

Getting Saddled
by Cat Johnson

This story has a severe case of insta-romance, but that’s to be expected in short stories. I loved it! Sometimes I appreciate characters acknowledging how quickly they fall in love, other times I like to just go with the flow without that being an issue. In this case, Tanner and Erin never really mention how fast they fell and I’m okay with that. They are both such likeable characters I just wanted them to both be happy. 4 stars

Taming the Sheriff
by Kate Pearce

Love, love, love this story. Is it because I am already familiar with Nate from the other books in the Morgan Ranch series? I’m not sure, but I don’t think so. I just love Kate Pearce’s writing. This is a super sweet story and, although I was leery of her at first, Della tugged at my heartstrings. Something about the familiarity Nate and Della fell into so quickly seemed natural and inevitable. 5 stars

The Wedding Bet
by Janet Dailey

I love when a compilation book like this one introduces me to an author I haven’t tried yet and it’s a success. Janet Dailey is a new-to-me author although she’s been around for quite a while. That just means I have a lot of books to go through! I really enjoyed this story. Linc and Tracy were truly meant to be together, they just needed to actually talk to each other about their wants, needs, and fears. It doesn’t happen often in such a short story, but this one gave me warm-fuzzies. 5 stars

So I mentioned in the review of the first story about there being errors. Oddly enough, they were pretty much contained in that one story. Overall I really enjoyed this book and I’m glad I decided to give it a try. Not only did I “meet” some new-to-me authors, but I also got to visit with a character from one of my favorite authors, Kate Pearce. If you enjoy short and sweet romance, this would be a great pick for you.

4.25 stars

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[Bernadette Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this anthology of inter-related stories that take place at the Morgan Ranch and revolve around the wedding of Ellie Carson and Brady Cutwright. It was fun to witness the relationships that bloomed between the man of honor and best woman, as well as the romance between the wedding planner and cowboy, and the "one night stand" sheriff and the stalker.

This book is for anyone who loves western romance and happily ever afters.

Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for an ARC; all opinions are my own.

[Bette Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great anthology of fun snappy stories of four different couples involved in the wedding of Ellie and Brady. Each one is well done with interesting characters and fun storylines and each of these authors know how to write great stories. A great book to pick up and enjoy as we gear up for wedding season. I highly recommend this one.

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great anthology of four novellas written by the talented Lori Wilde, Cat Johnson, Kate Pearce and Janet Dailey. All centered around the wedding of Ellie and Brady.
I enjoyed all the stories, but my favorite was Man of Honor by Lori Wilde. In this one the main characters are Shane, an Air Force pilot and best friend of Ellie and Meg, the manager of her family’s dude ranch. and Brady’s best friend . In this non-traditional wedding , Shane is “the man of honor” and Meg is the “ best woman”.
The story highlights the question, can you fall in love at first sight, or is it lust? Can you trust those feelings? Trust , being the keyword. The story is also a reminder that our childhood experiences do in fact affect us as adults and our outlook in life.
So, pick up this book and enjoy this and all the other stories in the book.
I was gifted this book by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Each story is linked through Ellie and Brady's wedding. The authors take a snapshot in time and weave their stories with only a few characters overlapping. There are curve balls thrown at each couple, nature, trust issues, rebuilding bonds and skepticism, we get four happily ever afters for each of the couple's.

[Siobhan Muir · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this compilation. Cat Johnson and Kate Pearce are already favorite authors, but it was so great to read a Lori Wilde tale and experience Janet Dailey's writing. It was a fun set with a little bit of adventure and a lot of sweet sexy connection. From opponents to lovers, opposites attract, love of a good cop, and second chances, these stories had something for everyone all centered around Brady and Ellie's wedding. If you get a chance to read this set, even if you're not a "contemporary romance" fan, I think you'll enjoy it. There was enough "outside the box" events around the wedding that made the stories entertaining, at least for me.

[lisa jung · Rating 4 out of 5]

It happened at a wedding -Texas style. Four award winning authors write 4 great book tied together by the wedding of Brady & Elle. Lori Wilde sets the stage in -Man of Honor and each book is tied to that couple. As each author introduces a new set of characters who find love at a dude ranch wedding. .A perfect book if you love a good romance or a great wedding -read this set of books . (from Net Galley) Lisa

[Kenya Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

All great stories. I love how they all surrounded one main wedding. It was great to get view points from different characters. I loved each one of them.

[Ann Lorz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed for Romancing the Readers Blog:
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Man of Honor by Lori Wilde (Shane and Meg)

I love Lori Wilde's books. She always writes wonderful characters that you want to know more about. Man of Honor is such a good story. It starts everything off and sets a good tone for the stories to follow. You'll love how protective Shane and Meg are for their friends.

Getting Saddled by Cat Johnson (Tanner and Erin)

From the first book of Johnson's that I read I've enjoyed them. You'll enjoy Tanner & Erin's story. These two find love as they help set up the wedding. Great characters.

Taming the Sheriff by Kate Pearce (Nate and Della)

This in only the third book I've read of Pearce's but it won't be the last. I really enjoyed it. Their love story happened very quick but believable. This story for me was the most heartbreaking because of Della's life. Thankfully she had Nate there by her side.

The Wedding Bet by Janet Dailey (Linc and Tracy)

Unfortunately I won't read Janet Dailey. I have the memory of a elephant.


Summary of the book:

As a whole I really enjoyed the three stories that I read. They nicely went together and I enjoyed them. This is the perfect weekend read!

If you haven't yet read any of the these authors this is the perfect time to do so. The only story that is part of a series is Taming the Sheriff by Kate Pearce. It's part of her Morgan Ranch series. I'm sure after you read this you'll want to go and read them.

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ARC received for a honest review

[Sue Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good book. Ellie and Brady are getting married, after a very short courtship. All the other stories center around couples attending their wedding. Funny, so enjoyable, great characters. A truly feel good book!

[Kim Vanravenswaay · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great anthology, full of happiness and skepticism. All four stories surround Ellie and Brady's wedding. It was pretty cool to have the four authors write a happily ever after for some of Brady's and Ellie's best friends, coworkers and family. And to have them all flow seamlessly into the next story.

[Sharlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute anthology of interconnecting, concurrent stories about a couple getting married on a dude ranch, and their friends an relatives finding romance in the process. Each story was well-written and the book was better than I anticipated! Loved it!

[Hina · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars!

Man of Honor by Lori Wilde. - ★★★★★

Getting Saddled by Cat Johnson - ★★★★

Taming the Sheriff by Kate Pearce - ★★★

The Wedding Bet by Janet Dailey - ★★

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy is the Bride was a great bundle of short stories written around one main event, the wedding of Ellie and Brady. They each did a superb job of intertwining characters and events but yet making each story their own.

Having met Nate in Ms. Pearce's Morgan Ranch series, my main objective with reading this anthology was to see if he finally found "the one" but this book was so much more. It was highly entertaining and I even found a few more authors that I will definitely be checking out.

An ARC of the book was provided through NetGalley.

[Ruby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love books like this. If you have never read any of these woman authors, this is a great book to pick up and read. It showcases their abilities rather well and is good sweet western romance that is easy to read and a welcome breath of fresh air. I always enjoy anything Janet Daily writes, but found I really enjoyed Kate Pearce who I hade ever had the pleasure. A perfect story filled with love, cowboys, and wedding bells!

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Singularly this group of authors is awesome. Together they are fabulously praiseworthy. Happy is the Bride brings heartwarming, humorous and hearty stories to the party in this tempting anthology. Romantic scenarios, love - hate relationships and an all around good time awaits with this unforgettable collection of tales.

[Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy is the Bride is an anthology consisting of 4 novellas. They all revolve around the wedding of Brady and Ellie, who meet thru the internet. The first story by Lori Wilde is about the MAN of honor, Shane and the best WOMAN, Meg. We are seeing more of this in today's wedding so it rang true for me.
One problem both Shane and Meg don't believe their friends are in love, more like lust, and decide to work together to get them to push the wedding back until they know each other better. Well you guessed it they got caught in trying to figure lust over love and found themselves in love.
My second favorite story was Cat Johnson's "To Tame the Sheriff" She is a author to me and I will be looking for her back library to read more.
This was a quick,read. Perfect for a summer read

[BBMoreB ~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ellie and Brady's wedding is the prefect setting for falling in love!

I selected this anthology initially to read the Taming the Sheriff by Kate Pearce - part of the Morgan Ranch series. However, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that these authors gave readers a set of four lighthearted stories.

Great job ladies ~ I enjoyed navigating my way through the devilishness and witness these couples fall hard.

[Tami · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

Each book by itself is awesome. However, lumped together in an anthology will have you gnashing your teeth in frustration. The timelines just don't seem to mesh.

This review is based on the ARC provided by the author and/or the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Madm007 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love!!!

Thoroughly enjoyed each story in here. So well written, each involving different people, but all associated with Ellie and Brady's wedding.
From the Man of Honor and Best Woman just watching out for their bffs. That whole reverse concept was too cool. Meg and Shane were perfect for each other.
A wedding planner and a rancher. Erin and Tanner are a bit older (which I loved) and totally opposite of each other. She's city and he's country, opposites do attract.
Nate and Della just helping each other out. This story just proved there's love at first sight. This one tugged at my heart. Della was trying to save her niece, and was willing to do almost anything. Finding out Nate was a deputy Sheriff didn't help at all. Was she breaking any laws?
Second chance romances are always a good thing. Traci and Linc had been married up until 5 years ago. Can they make it this time? Oh boy, Linc got himself in trouble and he knows it. He just doesn't know how to get out of it.

I think the authors did a spectacular job of writing around Ellie and Brady's wedding, without them actually being the main couple. The stories just fit wonderfully and I truly enjoyed reading them all.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a delightful collection of linked stories by several different authors based around a wedding between Brady and Ellie, a wealthy rancher and an artist who meet through a dating service. Each has a BFF of the opposite sex, who first try to talk them out of getting married so fast, but end up falling in love with each other. The ranch manager falls for the wedding planner, a college classmate for a wedding crasher and a divorce couple get back together. I originally chose to read this book, because one of the authors is Kate Pearce, author of the Morganville series, and I was happy to see that Nate finally find his The One. I read an ARC supplied by the publisher through netgalley.com.

[JoAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read from some of my favorite authors. An anthology that centers around a wedding that is not a match made in heaven according to their friends. But Brady and Ellie are out to prove them all wrong since they know they've found love even if it was through an unorthodox online dating service. Each story has a different couple front and center. Will they find love as well?

Unexpectedly I found that this book is part of the Morgan Ranch series and I will go back and read the other books in the series.

[Merle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some stories are better than others. Cat Johnson's Getting Saddled is my favorite. This one involves a big-city wedding planner whose weekends are too busy with other people's parties to have any fun herself, and a laid-back ranch manager who is quite prepared to dislike her. When he sees her and gets to know her a little (using a well-known wedding trope of bridesmaid without a date), they realize they both have been mistaken in their assumptions.

The other stories are not as good, but the idea of different authors around a single event is a good one.

[Juliewheatcox.Net · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a collection of four short stories dealing with four different couples who are all attending the same wedding.

The approach to the story was really clever, although three romances developing from one small wedding is a bit in the fantasy realm.

I enjoyed the first three stories the most. The last one was questionable because it was about a couple getting back together. Although it wasn’t written that way, I felt their chances were really iffy.

Each story was steamy, but not overly so.

If you just want to indulge in a guilty pleasure, try this book.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an anthology of four novellas that are connected to each other. The four romances that are told are all a result of one wedding. Three of the stories are about couples who meet for the first time at the wedding and the other is about a divorced couple who reunite on what would have been their anniversary. This is an interesting concept for an anthology and it worked.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable

Four stories by four different authors, two of the four being new to me. The first story, by Lori Wilde, takes us to the wedding of Ellie and Brady, where we meet another couple drawn to each other. The other stories carry on with events leading up to the wedding, and other couples getting together. Love, romance, forgiveness, second chances and new beginnings.

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who would of thought 4 different authors could write 4 intertwined but also indivual stories of different characters all at the same wedding....combined into 1 book its an amzingly sweet and romantic story that pulls on the heart strings but is written so well it leaves you wanting more! Absolutely loved it!

[Pansy · Rating 5 out of 5]

*sigh*

Gotta love a wedding. I loved how the various authors had a different couple, but they were all at the same event and falling in love. Each story wove together well with the rest for a beautiful reading experience. Well done ladies.

[Christi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I almost wish this was 2 stories instead of 4. Then perhaps there could been a bit more story.
Obviously this made the 4 stories seem rushed fitting it into 1 book. Fun, but predictable. Cute, but safe.

[Jacqueline Seewald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four romantic novellas interconnect in relation to a happy wedding. The setting is on a Texas ranch. The wedding is romantic and gives impetus to four other couples to find love as well as the romance of the bride and groom. This is an enjoyable read that I would recommend.