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The Wedding Date #2
The Wedding Date Bargain
When Sarah Cole finds herself in Chicago with two months to kill before her New York promotion goes through, she decides it’s time to take care of a few things—like the inconvenient issue of her virginity. Sarah knows the right guy for the job too: Max, the notorious lady’s man she’s been crushing on since college.
Max Brandt is all for a fling, just not with Sarah. She’s way too good for him. He walked away from her once, but it wasn’t easy.
Things are different now, and the plan is so simple. There’s no way either of them would do something as silly as fall in love…
Max Brandt is all for a fling, just not with Sarah. She’s way too good for him. He walked away from her once, but it wasn’t easy.
Things are different now, and the plan is so simple. There’s no way either of them would do something as silly as fall in love…
323 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 6, 2017
83 people are currently reading
1150 people want to read
About the author
Mira Lyn Kelly
93 books2,745 followersFor Mira's latest book news, sign up for her newsletter at http://www.miralynkelly.com/newsletter
Hard core romantic, stress baker, and housekeeper non-extraordinaire, Mira Lyn Kelly is the USA TODAY bestselling author of more than a dozen sizzly love stories with over a million readers worldwide. Growing up in the Chicago area, she earned her degree in Fine Arts from Loyola University and met the love of her life while studying abroad in Rome, Italy… only to discover he’d been living right around the corner from her back home. Having spent her twenties working and playing in the Windy City, she’s now settled with her husband in rural Minnesota, where their four amazing children and two ridiculous dogs provide an excess of action and entertainment. When she isn’t reading, writing, or running the kids around, she loves watching the Chicago Blackhawks and action/adventure movies, blabbing with the girls, and cooking with her husband and friends.
Hard core romantic, stress baker, and housekeeper non-extraordinaire, Mira Lyn Kelly is the USA TODAY bestselling author of more than a dozen sizzly love stories with over a million readers worldwide. Growing up in the Chicago area, she earned her degree in Fine Arts from Loyola University and met the love of her life while studying abroad in Rome, Italy… only to discover he’d been living right around the corner from her back home. Having spent her twenties working and playing in the Windy City, she’s now settled with her husband in rural Minnesota, where their four amazing children and two ridiculous dogs provide an excess of action and entertainment. When she isn’t reading, writing, or running the kids around, she loves watching the Chicago Blackhawks and action/adventure movies, blabbing with the girls, and cooking with her husband and friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
March 28, 2022
The Wedding Date Bargain puts me on dilemma. I do like the comedy of it. The banter is alive and funny. Max and Sarah certainly have all the comedy, the vulnerable moments and also the sweet moments. Miss Kelly done a good job bringing the chemistry and the characters alive.
What I do not get is, what is it with a long push and pull? I feel like being parading into so many minor plots about their push and pull and yet, not bringing it into climax. I want to like this book more than 3 stars. I really do.
At the end I stopped short.
3 stars
What I do not get is, what is it with a long push and pull? I feel like being parading into so many minor plots about their push and pull and yet, not bringing it into climax. I want to like this book more than 3 stars. I really do.
At the end I stopped short.
3 stars
June 13, 2017
ARC provided by NetGalley and Publisher for an honest review.
Sarah Cole is in Chicago for a short spell. She's working at a temporary job before she moves to New York where her dream job will finally come to fruition. While in Chicago she runs into Max, our hero at a wedding.
Max and Sarah had a special relationship in college, but when it was time to take it to the next level or commitment wise they had a difference of opinion and expectations. Each went their own way with unresolved issues, hurt and baggage.
When at the wedding they find the attraction is as strong as ever and that their feelings haven't gone away but were just as intense as in college. Recently Sarah has been mulling over a problem that needs a resolution and comes to the conclusion that Max can help. Sarah is still a virgin and would like Max to help her take care of that little issue.
Max has some reservations on helping Sarah, telling her she's deserving of someone special and it shouldn't be taken so casually. Max doesn't believe he's good enough for Sarah and that was also his short coming in college and also why he walked away from their relationship (without ever sharing that with Sarah). But the two renew their friendship but realize that there is so much more under the surface. Their attraction and feelings are too strong to fight any longer so Max concedes to Sarah's request. They try and put on a facade that's it casual and no commitment or future, but things become too heated and emotions too intense. Sarah struggles with the realization that she's loves Max and always had, but fears what will happen as she is headed to New York. Max, still struggling with his issues of not being good enough and Sarah moving to New York. He's at a loss, trying to figure out what he should or shouldn't do.
I loved these two characters. Both had such depth and growth as their relationship evolved and past hurts and misunderstands began to surface. Handled in a mostly mature manner, but I did find Max's issue a little overplayed but understandable to an extent. Sarah, I loved her, she was sweet, caring but independent and wanting to not give up on her dreams. The secondary characters where just as likable as well their contribution to the story. The friendships and family, as well as future aspirations of work made this a realistic and enjoyable read.
Well written and good pacing. Both points of views as well as not an overplay in dialogue. Very enjoyable read.
Sarah Cole is in Chicago for a short spell. She's working at a temporary job before she moves to New York where her dream job will finally come to fruition. While in Chicago she runs into Max, our hero at a wedding.
Max and Sarah had a special relationship in college, but when it was time to take it to the next level or commitment wise they had a difference of opinion and expectations. Each went their own way with unresolved issues, hurt and baggage.
When at the wedding they find the attraction is as strong as ever and that their feelings haven't gone away but were just as intense as in college. Recently Sarah has been mulling over a problem that needs a resolution and comes to the conclusion that Max can help. Sarah is still a virgin and would like Max to help her take care of that little issue.
Max has some reservations on helping Sarah, telling her she's deserving of someone special and it shouldn't be taken so casually. Max doesn't believe he's good enough for Sarah and that was also his short coming in college and also why he walked away from their relationship (without ever sharing that with Sarah). But the two renew their friendship but realize that there is so much more under the surface. Their attraction and feelings are too strong to fight any longer so Max concedes to Sarah's request. They try and put on a facade that's it casual and no commitment or future, but things become too heated and emotions too intense. Sarah struggles with the realization that she's loves Max and always had, but fears what will happen as she is headed to New York. Max, still struggling with his issues of not being good enough and Sarah moving to New York. He's at a loss, trying to figure out what he should or shouldn't do.
I loved these two characters. Both had such depth and growth as their relationship evolved and past hurts and misunderstands began to surface. Handled in a mostly mature manner, but I did find Max's issue a little overplayed but understandable to an extent. Sarah, I loved her, she was sweet, caring but independent and wanting to not give up on her dreams. The secondary characters where just as likable as well their contribution to the story. The friendships and family, as well as future aspirations of work made this a realistic and enjoyable read.
Well written and good pacing. Both points of views as well as not an overplay in dialogue. Very enjoyable read.
June 6, 2017
4 - "You with the lines..." Stars!
The Wedding Date Bargain is the second book in Mira Lynn Kelly’s Wedding Date Series. Max Brandt and Sarah Cole are your quintessential friends who are denying the fact that they want more.
Its Live!
Amazon--> http://amzn.to/2saEnQJ
IBooks--> http://apple.co/2qytKGm
Barnes & Noble--> http://bit.ly/BN_TWDB
Kobo--> http://bit.ly/2rRZ1bf
Google Play--> http://bit.ly/2qwJptE
That is until Sarah asks Max to help her out with a little something...
Eight years have passed since this couple were last in the same city, Max used to walk Sarah home from the college library, their attraction then was strong, but back then Max believed himself to not be good enough for her. Sarah is in Chicago on a work secondment until her new role opens up in New York, determined to get rid of her virginity before hitting the Big Apple, she makes Max and offer she hopes he won’t refuse.
"Not sure you can hold out against a little lace and a lot of skin…"
It’s plainly obvious he is as attracted to her as she is him, but initially he declines. Doesn’t take long for him to change his mind though once the thought of another guy doing the deed with her hits his brain cells.
"I’ve been losing my mind thinking about you with some other guy… I can do this for you. I could do this with you, and I could do it right…"
Friends-to-lovers is always a trope I enjoy, Max and Sarah have the added benefit of a great cast of secondary characters to keep things entertaining. I haven’t read the first book in the series; May the Best Man Win from which I am guessing they were all introduced, but it didn’t affect my reading enjoyment of this one, once I had got to grips with who everyone was.
"I don’t want to be some box you check off your bucket list… I want it to be good."
Four dates over two weeks, inevitably stretches into more, and with Sarah being offered the opportunity of a lifetime, Max’s commitment issues are put firmly in the fore. I liked that the author kept the drama between them relevant but didn’t drag it out, they were a great couple together, plenty of diverse sexy-times and a few teases as to who the next book is likely to be about, which I won’t lie I cannot wait to get my hands on.
Luckily I have the first book in the series sitting on my Kindle ready to go, and I think it will be the perfect accompaniment to my next vacation. Mira Lynn Kelly offers up the perfect contemporary romance in my opinion, with Heroes you want to be with and Heroines you want to be friends with.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.
The Wedding Date Bargain is the second book in Mira Lynn Kelly’s Wedding Date Series. Max Brandt and Sarah Cole are your quintessential friends who are denying the fact that they want more.
Its Live!
Amazon--> http://amzn.to/2saEnQJ
IBooks--> http://apple.co/2qytKGm
Barnes & Noble--> http://bit.ly/BN_TWDB
Kobo--> http://bit.ly/2rRZ1bf
Google Play--> http://bit.ly/2qwJptE
That is until Sarah asks Max to help her out with a little something...
Eight years have passed since this couple were last in the same city, Max used to walk Sarah home from the college library, their attraction then was strong, but back then Max believed himself to not be good enough for her. Sarah is in Chicago on a work secondment until her new role opens up in New York, determined to get rid of her virginity before hitting the Big Apple, she makes Max and offer she hopes he won’t refuse.
"Not sure you can hold out against a little lace and a lot of skin…"
It’s plainly obvious he is as attracted to her as she is him, but initially he declines. Doesn’t take long for him to change his mind though once the thought of another guy doing the deed with her hits his brain cells.
"I’ve been losing my mind thinking about you with some other guy… I can do this for you. I could do this with you, and I could do it right…"
Friends-to-lovers is always a trope I enjoy, Max and Sarah have the added benefit of a great cast of secondary characters to keep things entertaining. I haven’t read the first book in the series; May the Best Man Win from which I am guessing they were all introduced, but it didn’t affect my reading enjoyment of this one, once I had got to grips with who everyone was.
"I don’t want to be some box you check off your bucket list… I want it to be good."
Four dates over two weeks, inevitably stretches into more, and with Sarah being offered the opportunity of a lifetime, Max’s commitment issues are put firmly in the fore. I liked that the author kept the drama between them relevant but didn’t drag it out, they were a great couple together, plenty of diverse sexy-times and a few teases as to who the next book is likely to be about, which I won’t lie I cannot wait to get my hands on.
Luckily I have the first book in the series sitting on my Kindle ready to go, and I think it will be the perfect accompaniment to my next vacation. Mira Lynn Kelly offers up the perfect contemporary romance in my opinion, with Heroes you want to be with and Heroines you want to be friends with.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.
October 4, 2020
I always choose to start my reviews with a quote from the book, something that is meaningful to me. I just realized I highlighted 41 different passages - this is has to be a record or something!
This is a very solid 4.5 stars, and it's not a 5 because I'm comparing it to Jase and Emily's story.
“I love the sound of your maybes.”
Max is the sexy, but sweet, cop that goes through women at great speed and seems to want nothing serious with any of them. And the one he got serious with... that was because she reminded him of someone else, from his past. The one who got away. The one he looked up a few times and thought was married and happy somewhere else, away from him. Because he wouldn't be enough for her and she might come to resent him for it.
Sarah is in Chicago for a couple of months and she is the one who got away. Since she left town, her life has been turned upside down by her ex, and she hasn't found her happily ever after. She's still a virgin, and she wants to get rid of her virginity so she can move forward. And Max is right there, but it's not going to be that easy... they strike up a deal for a few dates, then for a few weeks and then for a few more. But then her heart gets in the way.
"I think my next breath depends on you,"
Friends to lovers never ever gets old. Slow-burning stories never get old either. And this is a particularly sweet one - from Max being absolutely clueless, to Sarah, the workaholic who is maybe too focused on her future to see the "right now".
This book was sexy, very hot and so sweet. I laughed and some of it brought tears to my eyes. Other parts had me wanting to shake them - if only they stopped overthinking things... So infuriating!
These two people should have been together 8 years before. Life doesn't always give you a second chance, but this time it did. Sometimes the right thing is not turning away because you think you won't be perfect for that person, but being brave enough to embrace that.
I can't help but mention the circle of friends, and Molly, Max's sister, whose story is next in this series. Ms. Kelly always manages to write the best groups of friends –you can't help but want to be a part of them yourself!
This is a very solid 4.5 stars, and it's not a 5 because I'm comparing it to Jase and Emily's story.
“I love the sound of your maybes.”
Max is the sexy, but sweet, cop that goes through women at great speed and seems to want nothing serious with any of them. And the one he got serious with... that was because she reminded him of someone else, from his past. The one who got away. The one he looked up a few times and thought was married and happy somewhere else, away from him. Because he wouldn't be enough for her and she might come to resent him for it.
Sarah is in Chicago for a couple of months and she is the one who got away. Since she left town, her life has been turned upside down by her ex, and she hasn't found her happily ever after. She's still a virgin, and she wants to get rid of her virginity so she can move forward. And Max is right there, but it's not going to be that easy... they strike up a deal for a few dates, then for a few weeks and then for a few more. But then her heart gets in the way.
"I think my next breath depends on you,"
Friends to lovers never ever gets old. Slow-burning stories never get old either. And this is a particularly sweet one - from Max being absolutely clueless, to Sarah, the workaholic who is maybe too focused on her future to see the "right now".
This book was sexy, very hot and so sweet. I laughed and some of it brought tears to my eyes. Other parts had me wanting to shake them - if only they stopped overthinking things... So infuriating!
These two people should have been together 8 years before. Life doesn't always give you a second chance, but this time it did. Sometimes the right thing is not turning away because you think you won't be perfect for that person, but being brave enough to embrace that.
I can't help but mention the circle of friends, and Molly, Max's sister, whose story is next in this series. Ms. Kelly always manages to write the best groups of friends –you can't help but want to be a part of them yourself!
July 12, 2017
I was having a hard time buying the premise of the hot chick once saving herself for love and still a virgin looking to lose it with a might-have-been. I mean, the words were all there. And Max and Sarah practically vibrated with suppressed attraction. And I was all-in for Max from the start (he's a sweetie and exactly my type). But Sarah? At first I thought she was just naïve and maybe a little capricious. But then (and this is in the first 20% of the book, so not going to spoiler-tag it) she decides that losing her V-card is her life's goal and she only has two months and Max made a (for her) handy assumption that she was no longer the virgin he once knew was saving herself for love. And she hatches a plan to act sexually sophisticated so he'd sleep with her (like he does) and he need never know, or, at least, not until it was too late. This plan is not only stupid and with pretty much unlimited back-fire potential, but it is also subtly evil in how it treats Max as an object to manipulate for her own purposes. Which, okay, people learn and grow and forgiveness and love can overcome this. Only, from the tone and setup, I get the distinct feeling that the author doesn't think there's really anything wrong with this behavior and plan. Indeed, the emotional beats all point to Sarah being the good person who finally finds her happiness as a reward for being so kind and good and hard-working.
If I had any faith in the author I might have persevered. As it stands, the other two books of hers I've read were not conducive to that kind of trust. So I'm cutting my losses early.
If I had any faith in the author I might have persevered. As it stands, the other two books of hers I've read were not conducive to that kind of trust. So I'm cutting my losses early.
June 4, 2017
I didn't read the first in this series but I don't think I missed anything. This is definitely fine as a stand alone story! And I really liked this one. I wasn't sure that the virginity stuff was going to work for me but it didn't bother me. This one was fun and interesting. The pacing was fantastic. I really liked Sarah and Max as a couple. I didn't want to put this story down. I found it to be engrossing and found the romance itself worked well for me. I really liked the group of friends in this series ... their camaraderie and playfulness was really engaging. This is a series that I'll continue to follow!
NOTE: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review.
NOTE: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review.
June 1, 2017
Sigh.
At 61%, I was totally digging this story and thinking that it was a solid 4 star with potential to go all the way. And then the final stretch just killed it for me. There was a heavy dose of mansplaining that just suffocated the romance and brought it back down to earth. The insistence on explaining to the heroine how she felt was ANNOYING, no matter how well-intentioned it was. Between this and some questionable actions..yeah, I just can’t. For the first half alone, I will say that I did like it and the deflowering scene gets high marks from me. I could have loved it, but the last part was just not my cuppa tea.
**ARC provided by publisher via netgalley for review**
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August 11, 2021
Cute, sweet, forgettable but holy hell I hated Piper.
January 5, 2019
Okay, so it's been a while since I dove into the first book of this series and I'm trying to finish series that I've started.. but hot damn, I was a bit bored with this one.
The Wedding Date Bargain sounded like it was going to be a sweet audio book to listen to .. but at some parts I just kind of zoned out of the audio. In it, you will meet Sarah and Max. They sort of had a thing together once before but nothing happened from it. They were both pretty butt hurt about the whole situation. Years later, they start this fling and ended up falling for each other.
Of course, they screw it up because they are idiots. The whole push and pull relationship was just getting on my nerves. It just didn't make sense and I can totally see people staying in this kind of relationship too - which irks me. I really wanted to like this story, characters, and the whole shebang.. but it was just meh. I'm glad it's over though.
The Wedding Date Bargain sounded like it was going to be a sweet audio book to listen to .. but at some parts I just kind of zoned out of the audio. In it, you will meet Sarah and Max. They sort of had a thing together once before but nothing happened from it. They were both pretty butt hurt about the whole situation. Years later, they start this fling and ended up falling for each other.
Of course, they screw it up because they are idiots. The whole push and pull relationship was just getting on my nerves. It just didn't make sense and I can totally see people staying in this kind of relationship too - which irks me. I really wanted to like this story, characters, and the whole shebang.. but it was just meh. I'm glad it's over though.
May 28, 2017
Whenever I read a Mira Lyn Kelly novel, I'm reminded of a greeting card. With a few choice words and in a matter of minutes, each knows how to leave their mark. The Wedding Date Bargain uses Ms. Kelly's quick witted sense of humor to charm readers as she spins a tale of romance and awkward situations to warm even the coldest of hearts. Sarah is a bit neurotic. Max, a tad clueless. Yet underneath all the crazy you find a story of devotion that leaves readers with a good feeling from beginning to end.
June 7, 2017
Max and Sarah knew each other in college but parted ways. 8 years later, they run into each other again and the chemistry is still there.
Sarah is only in town for a small amount of time before she's off to New York for her dream job. On the way to that new phase in life, she's looking for help. To lose her virginity. And Max is just the guy to do it.
However, Sarah is looking towards her future. All Max sees is his past. Will he be able to help Sarah? No strings attached for a few months...nothing can go wrong. Right?
This is another fun, sexy, angsty story by Mira Lyn Kelly. I loved the banter between Sarah and Max and I totally fell in love with the both of them. Sarah knew what she wanted/needed and at times I just wanted to throw something at Max! The dates that the two of them go on? One word...HOT. The entire story line was entertaining as were all of the friends thrown into the mix.
What a wonderful story!
Sarah is only in town for a small amount of time before she's off to New York for her dream job. On the way to that new phase in life, she's looking for help. To lose her virginity. And Max is just the guy to do it.
However, Sarah is looking towards her future. All Max sees is his past. Will he be able to help Sarah? No strings attached for a few months...nothing can go wrong. Right?
This is another fun, sexy, angsty story by Mira Lyn Kelly. I loved the banter between Sarah and Max and I totally fell in love with the both of them. Sarah knew what she wanted/needed and at times I just wanted to throw something at Max! The dates that the two of them go on? One word...HOT. The entire story line was entertaining as were all of the friends thrown into the mix.
What a wonderful story!
September 16, 2018
Loved this! After reading book 1, I was eager to read Max’s story. And Ms. Kelly did not disappoint!
With this book, we get more fun with the gang, and we get inside Max’s head...and his heart. He and Sarah met in college, went their separate ways, then run into each other at a bar 8 years later. And the sparks between them from back then were definitely still there.
She needs a favor, and he’s the perfect guy for the job.
If you enjoyed the first book, you’ll definitely want to read this one! Another fabulous book in the series!
With this book, we get more fun with the gang, and we get inside Max’s head...and his heart. He and Sarah met in college, went their separate ways, then run into each other at a bar 8 years later. And the sparks between them from back then were definitely still there.
She needs a favor, and he’s the perfect guy for the job.
If you enjoyed the first book, you’ll definitely want to read this one! Another fabulous book in the series!
June 18, 2020
That was unexpectedly great. I loved Sarah and Max and their whole story. They had perfect chemistry and it was one of those books I didn’t want to stop reading. I found I enjoyed this book a lot more than book one and it left me needing book 3. Definitely a book I would recommend. So happy I finally read it!
Want to read
April 21, 2017I received an advance copy in exchange for a review. It doesn't influence my opinion.
More reviews and book talk at :
You can find me here too ☞
More reviews and book talk at :
You can find me here too ☞
June 7, 2017
Every time I open a Mira Lyn Kelly book I know that I'm in for an awesome story. She has the awesome ability to craft a story that burns slowly and keeps me turning pages with an urgency I can't really describe. I think I'm having a love affair with her words.
Max and Sarah had a bit of a "thing" in college but were not on the same page about it and parted ways, only to run into each other 8 years later. The years might have passed but the chemistry between them is still there and a lot harder for Max to avoid.
Sarah is only in town for a transitional period before she's off to New York for her dream job. There just one little thing she needs to take care of before she gets there. Her virginity. Who better to help her than her college crush turned sexy as hell policeman.
She's running towards her future and he's running away from his past.
Another slow burning, sexy, fun story from Mira Lyn Kelly, this had just the right amount of angst without the drama being dragged out. Max will make you angry but then he'll turn around and make you fall in love all over again. The dates, the seduction and the easy banter between Sarah and Max was exactly what made me fall in love with this story.
The secondary characters and the fantastic dynamic of this group of friends has me yearning for a night hanging out at Belfast throwing some darts and drinking a few beers. They definitely help to round out the story and amp up my excitement for the next books in the series. I can't wait for Sean's story!!!
*I received an ARC from NetGalley for voluntary review
See this review and others like it at www.fictionfangirls.com
Max and Sarah had a bit of a "thing" in college but were not on the same page about it and parted ways, only to run into each other 8 years later. The years might have passed but the chemistry between them is still there and a lot harder for Max to avoid.
Sarah is only in town for a transitional period before she's off to New York for her dream job. There just one little thing she needs to take care of before she gets there. Her virginity. Who better to help her than her college crush turned sexy as hell policeman.
She's running towards her future and he's running away from his past.
Another slow burning, sexy, fun story from Mira Lyn Kelly, this had just the right amount of angst without the drama being dragged out. Max will make you angry but then he'll turn around and make you fall in love all over again. The dates, the seduction and the easy banter between Sarah and Max was exactly what made me fall in love with this story.
The secondary characters and the fantastic dynamic of this group of friends has me yearning for a night hanging out at Belfast throwing some darts and drinking a few beers. They definitely help to round out the story and amp up my excitement for the next books in the series. I can't wait for Sean's story!!!
*I received an ARC from NetGalley for voluntary review
See this review and others like it at www.fictionfangirls.com
June 13, 2017
The Wedding Date Bargain
Mira Lyn Kelly
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Such a cute and flirty story. I really enjoyed reading this one. Couldn't stop thinking to myself how completely stupid men can be when it comes to relationships and love.
Sarah and Max met in college but were just friends due to Max's stupidity. Then as they run into each other years later Sarah wants Max to be the one to take her virginity. Who in the world waits till 28 to give that up? Lol!
Sarah is only in Chicago for a couple months and then is making a giant move to NYC for work.
So they decide to have a whirlwind romance while she is in town. But instead of admitting their feelings for each other, they push each other away and try to be "just friends".
This was a good sweet romance with a couple of funny scenes to make you laugh.
She leaves you hanging wanting to read the next book in this series. Can't wait to read more about Sean and Molly.
Thanks NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
Mira Lyn Kelly
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Such a cute and flirty story. I really enjoyed reading this one. Couldn't stop thinking to myself how completely stupid men can be when it comes to relationships and love.
Sarah and Max met in college but were just friends due to Max's stupidity. Then as they run into each other years later Sarah wants Max to be the one to take her virginity. Who in the world waits till 28 to give that up? Lol!
Sarah is only in Chicago for a couple months and then is making a giant move to NYC for work.
So they decide to have a whirlwind romance while she is in town. But instead of admitting their feelings for each other, they push each other away and try to be "just friends".
This was a good sweet romance with a couple of funny scenes to make you laugh.
She leaves you hanging wanting to read the next book in this series. Can't wait to read more about Sean and Molly.
Thanks NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
March 13, 2017
Max is one sexy beefcake, "...he leaned closer, whispering conspiratorially, “You have no idea what’s coming, baby. But you can be sure you’re going to like it.” Even when at odds end Sarah thinks about Max, and caring for him, "she adjusted the oversize tote on her shoulder. “Have you eaten? I brought a few things, in case you hadn’t. Simple stuff, so don’t get too excited, but if you’re hungry?” I really liked this book, I loved Max.
April 7, 2017
Sweet and sexy. A slightly misleading title...? But I think it's because it's part of a series. To review for Shelf Awareness.
February 26, 2018
Originally posted on Adria's Musings and Reviews.
* A copy of this book was and provided by the publisher via NetGalley for the purpose of an honest review. All conclusions are my own responsibility and I was not compensated for this review.
What’s it About? Sarah’s killing some time in Chicago while waiting for her promotion in New York and decides she wants to lose her virginity and she has someone in mind to help her, Max Brandt, playboy extraordinaire. Meanwhile Max thinks he’s no good for Sarah, he turned her down once but this time it might not be possible. He’s the fun time guy, not the forever guy that Sarah deserves but since Sarah is only proposing a little fun, Max thinks they’ll both be safe from falling in love.
Overall reaction to the story? I liked The Wedding Date Bargain for the most part. Sarah and Max had a lot of chemistry and some history that lead to a pretty sexy fling-turned-into-more romance. Mira Lyn Kelly does really great work when it comes to sex and angst in her characters and this book is no exception.
I loved the heat and history between Max and Sarah, they're both amiable characters that are easy to get along with but both are carrying around the memories of broken hearts and failed relationships.
The problem I had with it, and it’s kind of a biggie for me, was Max’s behavior in the last quarter or so of the book. He and Sarah have been sleeping together for a bit, but wouldn’t you know it those pesky things called feelings are starting to pop up for him and definitely for her since she’s been crazy about him since college. Well, instead of treating Sarah as an adult with her own mind, Max does this really annoying thing where he basically tells her how she’s feeling. How he just knows she can’t be in love with him, and the degree that he does it was a big no-no for me. Dude, you just stick to explaining or denying your own feelings and don’t go around acting like you know better how Sarah should feel okay?
Max isn’t totally to blame though because Sarah’s lack of assertiveness in their relationship was annoying and did contribute to the conflict in a way that just frustrated me. She knew how she felt and she knew what she wanted but when Max pushed her away she didn’t push back and fight for a chance at a real relationship.
And I’m not gonna lie, I’m not really crazy about virgins in contemporary romance. Whether they be male or female, I just can’t buy it. Sarah’s hang-up about her virginity got to me too.
Click It or Skip It? Click It. The Wedding Date Bargain isn’t as good as its predecessor but it’s still worth a read.
* A copy of this book was and provided by the publisher via NetGalley for the purpose of an honest review. All conclusions are my own responsibility and I was not compensated for this review.
What’s it About? Sarah’s killing some time in Chicago while waiting for her promotion in New York and decides she wants to lose her virginity and she has someone in mind to help her, Max Brandt, playboy extraordinaire. Meanwhile Max thinks he’s no good for Sarah, he turned her down once but this time it might not be possible. He’s the fun time guy, not the forever guy that Sarah deserves but since Sarah is only proposing a little fun, Max thinks they’ll both be safe from falling in love.
Overall reaction to the story? I liked The Wedding Date Bargain for the most part. Sarah and Max had a lot of chemistry and some history that lead to a pretty sexy fling-turned-into-more romance. Mira Lyn Kelly does really great work when it comes to sex and angst in her characters and this book is no exception.
I loved the heat and history between Max and Sarah, they're both amiable characters that are easy to get along with but both are carrying around the memories of broken hearts and failed relationships.
The problem I had with it, and it’s kind of a biggie for me, was Max’s behavior in the last quarter or so of the book. He and Sarah have been sleeping together for a bit, but wouldn’t you know it those pesky things called feelings are starting to pop up for him and definitely for her since she’s been crazy about him since college. Well, instead of treating Sarah as an adult with her own mind, Max does this really annoying thing where he basically tells her how she’s feeling. How he just knows she can’t be in love with him, and the degree that he does it was a big no-no for me. Dude, you just stick to explaining or denying your own feelings and don’t go around acting like you know better how Sarah should feel okay?
Max isn’t totally to blame though because Sarah’s lack of assertiveness in their relationship was annoying and did contribute to the conflict in a way that just frustrated me. She knew how she felt and she knew what she wanted but when Max pushed her away she didn’t push back and fight for a chance at a real relationship.
And I’m not gonna lie, I’m not really crazy about virgins in contemporary romance. Whether they be male or female, I just can’t buy it. Sarah’s hang-up about her virginity got to me too.
Click It or Skip It? Click It. The Wedding Date Bargain isn’t as good as its predecessor but it’s still worth a read.
June 8, 2019
Four and a half stars.
The Wedding Date Bargain by Mira Lyn Kelly is the second in the Wedding Date series.
Sarah Cole and Max Brandt meet again when she's temporarily in Chicago before completing a transfer to New York. They were friends eight years ago, but Max had pulled back from more because he hadn't wanted to ruin a great friendship. But now that they're back in the same town, they realize that attraction hasn't gone away. Sarah's convinced herself she knows the score, and for Max, well, if they've only got a couple months, they can enjoy that time without letting something as silly as feelings get in the way. Right?
Ms Kelly does a great job with this--Sarah and Max have a scrumptious chemistry. And their friendship is also warm and joyful and wonderful. I also LOVE their support--the circle of friends around them is solid and sweet, and their conversations, whether light-hearted teasing or deeply probing, are deeply satisfying. I very much enjoyed The Wedding Date Bargain, and can't wait for the rest of the series!
The Wedding Date Bargain by Mira Lyn Kelly is the second in the Wedding Date series.
Sarah Cole and Max Brandt meet again when she's temporarily in Chicago before completing a transfer to New York. They were friends eight years ago, but Max had pulled back from more because he hadn't wanted to ruin a great friendship. But now that they're back in the same town, they realize that attraction hasn't gone away. Sarah's convinced herself she knows the score, and for Max, well, if they've only got a couple months, they can enjoy that time without letting something as silly as feelings get in the way. Right?
Ms Kelly does a great job with this--Sarah and Max have a scrumptious chemistry. And their friendship is also warm and joyful and wonderful. I also LOVE their support--the circle of friends around them is solid and sweet, and their conversations, whether light-hearted teasing or deeply probing, are deeply satisfying. I very much enjoyed The Wedding Date Bargain, and can't wait for the rest of the series!
September 4, 2017
Mira Lyn Kelly writes sweet and sexy romances featuring real people living their lives and looking for love. The Best Men series – now re-titled as the Wedding Date series – is a planned set of four standalone books with best friends Jase, Max, Sean and Brody as their heroes. Jase got his happy ever after with Emily in May the Best Man Win (one of my favorite reads of 2016) and this time around it’s Max’s turn in The Wedding Date Bargain. While this latest story doesn’t quite live up to the first one, it’s still a very enjoyable and sexy romance and a solid addition to the series.
Max Brandt and Sarah Cole once shared a close friendship at college in Chicago. Meeting Max one night in the library as part of the campus Safewalk program, they’d hit it off and found good reasons to spend time together. But their friendship never progressed beyond wishful thinking for something more. Sarah was clear that she was looking for love and long term commitment and Max was equally steadfast in looking for no commitment at all. One night, one rejected advance (when Max turned Sarah down) was all it took to break apart the status quo and leave their friendship in the dust.
Several years later, both have moved on and have only bittersweet memories of their past friendship. Max is a cop and has maintained close ties with his college friends who in turn have become buddies with his co-workers. At his partner CJ’s bachelor party, a bar night out turns up an unexpected surprise – Sarah is back in Chicago, on a two month work stop before heading for her final job destination in New York. Even more surprising is that she’s working for his friend Sean at Wyse hotels, and shows up at CJ’s wedding a week later as Sean’s plus one.
Max can’t believe Sarah is back in his orbit again, or that she’s working for his long-time friend. Rekindling their friendship comes naturally, but it also brings back all those unrequited feelings. Sarah confesses to Max that she never did find the right guy to be that special someone, and she’s still a virgin. This time when she asks for help to ‘get the deed done’, he can’t say no. They are older and wiser, and besides, she’s only going to be in town for two months. If they are both on the same page, they can have a sexy fling with an end date and put their friendship back to rights. But once they’ve reconnected, and added sex into the mix, will they really be able to say goodbye to each other for a second time?
Max wins the award for being the most committed ‘anti-commitment’ hero I’ve ever read! He is determined to stick to his guns, even when he can tell that his feelings for Sarah are changing, both in the past at college, and again now in the present. He has strong reasons for his opinions about marriage, stemming from the poor example he got from his parents and the damage they caused him emotionally as a child. He’s close to his younger sister, Molly, but one night stands are more his style after his last attempt at a relationship fell apart. His stubborn belief that Sarah can do better than him is frustrating for her (and somewhat for the reader as well!) and almost costs him the chance at his happy ending.
Sarah is a bright, caring young woman who has become a workaholic as a way to deal with her lack of a personal life. The job she’s heading for in New York is a dream come true for her, and the stop in Chicago is meant to be a vacation of sorts, even while she fills in at the hotel there. It’s also a chance to visit with her best friend, Piper – who can’t believe that ‘Safewalk Stud’ is back in the picture! Her virginity feels a bit like a millstone around her neck and despite being rejected by Max the first time, she can promise him that this time there are no strings attached. She’s not looking for love any more, and has no expectations other than having a good time. Max’s agreement to help her deal with her ‘problem’ comes with conditions – three dates first to ‘warm her up’, followed by a fourth to do the deed. The sexual chemistry between them is unmistakable and Sarah is definitely ready by the time they get to date four. For a modern ‘deflowering’ scene, this is probably one of the best I’ve read, and in no time at all they are happily sexing things up on a regular basis, all the while the clock is counting down to her start date in NYC. Emotions run high on both sides as they try not to show each other what they’re really feeling and ruin it all, but it comes at a cost.
The beginning of the story is a bit confusing, as there are a lot of characters introduced in a short time. Max’s circle of friends is pretty big, plus his sister Molly is an important part of his life. Since Sarah work’s for Max’s friend Sean and is spending time with Max on a regular basis, they become her friends too. There are accounts of several social functions that are fun to read with lots of laughs and teasing, the kinds of scenes that are heartwarming and show the depth of friendship between the characters. For me, those kinds of relationships are equally as important as the one between the main characters and are a big reason why I read series romances. The ones here are particularly good.
The title of this novel doesn’t really reflect the plot, but that aside, I like how the story progresses, the glimpses we see of Max and Sarah in the past and how they get to their happy ending (Max’s stubbornness notwithstanding). The Wedding Date Bargain is a fun and sexy friends-to-lovers romance and I’m looking forward to the next in the series.
This review can also be found at All About Romance at: https://allaboutromance.com/book-revi...
A coy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
Max Brandt and Sarah Cole once shared a close friendship at college in Chicago. Meeting Max one night in the library as part of the campus Safewalk program, they’d hit it off and found good reasons to spend time together. But their friendship never progressed beyond wishful thinking for something more. Sarah was clear that she was looking for love and long term commitment and Max was equally steadfast in looking for no commitment at all. One night, one rejected advance (when Max turned Sarah down) was all it took to break apart the status quo and leave their friendship in the dust.
Several years later, both have moved on and have only bittersweet memories of their past friendship. Max is a cop and has maintained close ties with his college friends who in turn have become buddies with his co-workers. At his partner CJ’s bachelor party, a bar night out turns up an unexpected surprise – Sarah is back in Chicago, on a two month work stop before heading for her final job destination in New York. Even more surprising is that she’s working for his friend Sean at Wyse hotels, and shows up at CJ’s wedding a week later as Sean’s plus one.
Max can’t believe Sarah is back in his orbit again, or that she’s working for his long-time friend. Rekindling their friendship comes naturally, but it also brings back all those unrequited feelings. Sarah confesses to Max that she never did find the right guy to be that special someone, and she’s still a virgin. This time when she asks for help to ‘get the deed done’, he can’t say no. They are older and wiser, and besides, she’s only going to be in town for two months. If they are both on the same page, they can have a sexy fling with an end date and put their friendship back to rights. But once they’ve reconnected, and added sex into the mix, will they really be able to say goodbye to each other for a second time?
Max wins the award for being the most committed ‘anti-commitment’ hero I’ve ever read! He is determined to stick to his guns, even when he can tell that his feelings for Sarah are changing, both in the past at college, and again now in the present. He has strong reasons for his opinions about marriage, stemming from the poor example he got from his parents and the damage they caused him emotionally as a child. He’s close to his younger sister, Molly, but one night stands are more his style after his last attempt at a relationship fell apart. His stubborn belief that Sarah can do better than him is frustrating for her (and somewhat for the reader as well!) and almost costs him the chance at his happy ending.
Sarah is a bright, caring young woman who has become a workaholic as a way to deal with her lack of a personal life. The job she’s heading for in New York is a dream come true for her, and the stop in Chicago is meant to be a vacation of sorts, even while she fills in at the hotel there. It’s also a chance to visit with her best friend, Piper – who can’t believe that ‘Safewalk Stud’ is back in the picture! Her virginity feels a bit like a millstone around her neck and despite being rejected by Max the first time, she can promise him that this time there are no strings attached. She’s not looking for love any more, and has no expectations other than having a good time. Max’s agreement to help her deal with her ‘problem’ comes with conditions – three dates first to ‘warm her up’, followed by a fourth to do the deed. The sexual chemistry between them is unmistakable and Sarah is definitely ready by the time they get to date four. For a modern ‘deflowering’ scene, this is probably one of the best I’ve read, and in no time at all they are happily sexing things up on a regular basis, all the while the clock is counting down to her start date in NYC. Emotions run high on both sides as they try not to show each other what they’re really feeling and ruin it all, but it comes at a cost.
The beginning of the story is a bit confusing, as there are a lot of characters introduced in a short time. Max’s circle of friends is pretty big, plus his sister Molly is an important part of his life. Since Sarah work’s for Max’s friend Sean and is spending time with Max on a regular basis, they become her friends too. There are accounts of several social functions that are fun to read with lots of laughs and teasing, the kinds of scenes that are heartwarming and show the depth of friendship between the characters. For me, those kinds of relationships are equally as important as the one between the main characters and are a big reason why I read series romances. The ones here are particularly good.
The title of this novel doesn’t really reflect the plot, but that aside, I like how the story progresses, the glimpses we see of Max and Sarah in the past and how they get to their happy ending (Max’s stubbornness notwithstanding). The Wedding Date Bargain is a fun and sexy friends-to-lovers romance and I’m looking forward to the next in the series.
This review can also be found at All About Romance at: https://allaboutromance.com/book-revi...
A coy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
July 10, 2018
I loved this second installment in the Wedding Date series. Sweet, light and very funny. And an epilogue that sets up the next story, for which I cannot wait! The books can be considered stand alones, but there are references to a circle of friends, which include couples who have gotten together in previous books. Kelly is very good at writing authentic dialogue, with a great sense of humor. The audio version was thoroughly enjoyable because of the talented narration by Seraphine Valentine and Tad Branson representing the different viewpoints of the main protagonists, who were able to adopt different voices to distinguish the various characters.
October 28, 2019
4 1/2 stars. Again I listened to the audio version of this. I think this one was a stronger storyline than the first one. I really enjoyed Max. It was a little hard to believe that she would still be a virgin but I went with it. I like getting to know all the other characters and their camaraderie. A nice touch of humor to it.
June 4, 2017
I usually loved second chance romance, particularly with a charming hero like Max. Yet somehow this book didn't work for me. You wouldn't guess from that cover, but oi the amount of steamy scenes here... it's too many for me.
Much as I liked Max and his circle of friends, and sympathized with his childhood, the prolonged devirginization topic here just put me off. That Sarah kept indicating Max's action and words as some sort of "lines" was not helping. When pretty soon the pages became a steamy scenes to another... I just had it. For a couple of former good friends reunited, the foremost on their head when thinking about one another seemed to revolve around sex. And sex. And sex.
The barely told background of where both Max and Sara came into their position (on love, career, family) took place so late in the book it failed to raise my interest. If it wasn't for Max's yahoo of friends and sister, I would've put down the book sooner. And frankly, the way this entry turned out I'm wary on how the next book would bring. And I was actually looking forward to Max's sister's story (which I suspect would share the spotlight with one of his best friend). I guess I'll just gonna take a wait and see stance on that.
Advanced copy of this book is kindly provided by the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Much as I liked Max and his circle of friends, and sympathized with his childhood, the prolonged devirginization topic here just put me off. That Sarah kept indicating Max's action and words as some sort of "lines" was not helping. When pretty soon the pages became a steamy scenes to another... I just had it. For a couple of former good friends reunited, the foremost on their head when thinking about one another seemed to revolve around sex. And sex. And sex.
The barely told background of where both Max and Sara came into their position (on love, career, family) took place so late in the book it failed to raise my interest. If it wasn't for Max's yahoo of friends and sister, I would've put down the book sooner. And frankly, the way this entry turned out I'm wary on how the next book would bring. And I was actually looking forward to Max's sister's story (which I suspect would share the spotlight with one of his best friend). I guess I'll just gonna take a wait and see stance on that.
Advanced copy of this book is kindly provided by the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 3, 2023
It was going well until the pointless conflict a little over an hour before the ending. I hate it when one of the main characters think they know better than the other lead. I did love the strong friendship and found family theme.
June 28, 2022
Book 2 of this series. I listened to the audio book. MF romance main characters were Max and Sarah. Sarah is only staying in Chicago for about 2 months. she needs her V card taken and uses old friend from school Max. Lots of miscommunications and reasons for friendship, relationship or live long relationship.
March 11, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. It’s the second book I’ve read by this author and I’m looking forward to reading more.
March 4, 2022
Very much enjoyed this book loved the back and forth between the main characters. It made me laugh. It was a good light hearted read.
May 7, 2017
Sarah Cole is still a virgin and now at twenty-eight, she's looking to finally have her cherry popped. However, she's not willing to pick just any guy to be the one, and when she finds herself in the company of Max Brandt, the guy she had a huge crush on through college, she decides he'd be the perfect man to introduce her to sex. The only thing she needs to remember is to not fall in love with him, especially when she's only in Chicago for two months. Yet, the more time she spends with Max, the harder she begins to see how impossible it is not to fall in love with him. Will Max realize how right they are for each other before it's too late, or will his believing Sarah's too good for him lose him the one person that's always been special to him?
Ms. Kelly has penned a fabulous read in this book that had me engrossed from the moment I started reading and held my attention to the very end. Seriously, the way this story started was very attention-grabbing, because of Max's dilemma. What would he do to his best friend? Would he find himself in trouble? However, it was from the moment that the hero and heroine come face-to-face for the first time in this story where things get very interesting. Max wants Sarah, but after what happened in the moment where they came face-to-face for the first time in years, Max isn't sure where he stands with the heroine.
Both the main characters charmed me with their back stories and their growing relationship. There was really strong chemistry between Sarah and Max, which was there in college and is still there in the present and I loved how it just kept getting stronger throughout this story, as Max fights his feelings until he finally realizes what he wants. Will he be the man to show Sarah how good sex can be? Furthermore, Sarah was a wonderful heroine. She's strong, brave, independent and it's understandable why she concentrated so hard on her career after what her ex did. However, she also knows that being a virgin at her age isn't the norm. Can she convince Max to be her first? Then there's the tough decisions she has to make, as she and Max get closer. What will she do about her career? Will she stay in Chicago or go to New York?
While Max, I absolutely loved him, despite the fact that he believed he wasn't good enough for Sarah, all because of his parents volatile relationship and the fact that it's made him afraid to commit to a woman. I also liked the close friendship he had with his friends and how tight he was with his sister. All love to offer their advice when it comes to his relationship with Sarah, and I'm glad that he finally began to listen to it before it was too late. Especially since life is too short not to be with the one he loves, which is proven by what happens to one of the secondary characters that Max is really close to. Luckily, things worked out right in that instant, but it could have easily turned out grim.
Overall, this was a superb read that has me looking forward to reading more of this series as well as the first book -- May the Best Man Win. The way this story ended was perfect, especially because of what one of the secondary characters did to get these two back together. Luckily, it spurs Max into realizing how much he loves Sarah and that he's not going to let her go without a fight. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up nicely, because it sets things up for the next book, with a certain secondary character going to be in big trouble with another secondary character. I would recommend The Wedding Date Bargain by Mira Lyn Kelly, if you enjoy the second chance romance trope or books by authors Melody Anne, Kelly Jamieson or Lucy Parker.
June 14, 2017
I can't explain how much I love this book,not just the book but the whole series!
Can't wait for the next part!!!
Molly and Sean omg!!!!!
Can't wait for the next part!!!
Molly and Sean omg!!!!!
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