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Veils and Vows #1
The Surprise Wedding
Sometimes exes come in handy.
Devon Mattson’s week couldn’t get much worse. Not only is he fake engaged to the sexy woman who broke his heart (then stomped on it for good measure) a decade ago, but his goal of saving his hometown of Blueberry Springs has become dependent on the two of them playing nicely.
Olivia Carrington isn’t happy to have her ex back in her life. She’s spent ten long years regretting how they ended things back in college and she’s worked hard to move on. She should be focusing on saving her family’s company, not on the handsome, helpful, fun-loving Devon who has just offered her a lifeline she can’t resist…
Tied together by mutual need, will they ruin each other’s chance of success or will a fake engagement help them overcome their painful past and lead them back to love once again?
This is the first book in the Veils and Vows series and it can be read out of series order and as a standalone. The couple, Olivia and Devon, also have a prequel novella, The Promise, which can be read before or after this book for readers who want more about Olivia and Devon’s past.
Devon Mattson’s week couldn’t get much worse. Not only is he fake engaged to the sexy woman who broke his heart (then stomped on it for good measure) a decade ago, but his goal of saving his hometown of Blueberry Springs has become dependent on the two of them playing nicely.
Olivia Carrington isn’t happy to have her ex back in her life. She’s spent ten long years regretting how they ended things back in college and she’s worked hard to move on. She should be focusing on saving her family’s company, not on the handsome, helpful, fun-loving Devon who has just offered her a lifeline she can’t resist…
Tied together by mutual need, will they ruin each other’s chance of success or will a fake engagement help them overcome their painful past and lead them back to love once again?
This is the first book in the Veils and Vows series and it can be read out of series order and as a standalone. The couple, Olivia and Devon, also have a prequel novella, The Promise, which can be read before or after this book for readers who want more about Olivia and Devon’s past.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 25, 2017
2520 people are currently reading
1754 people want to read
About the author
Jean Oram
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Jean Oram grew up in an old schoolhouse in a Canadian town, population 100 (cats and dogs not included). She is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling romance author of feel-good, heartwarming romances that make readers smile.
Jean lives in Canada with her husband, two kids, cat, dog, and the pesky neighbourhood rabbits that hop through her garden like it's an open salad bar. She can often be found outdoors or reading a book. (And of course at her laptop writing your next irresistible read!)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews
May 18, 2018
Emotionally thrilling, sweetly sexy, highly entertaining second chance romance with a fake not so fake fiance twist. Very enjoyable reading.
Devon Mattson is a sweet, charming and sexy hometown boy that never dreamed he would be fake engaged to the one women that broke his heart to save his small hometown. Olivia Carrington is a sassy, sexy, sweet and determined woman looking to save her family company. She never dreamed a fake engagement to the one that got away a decade ago would be the solution. Looking forward to more Veils and Vows.
Devon Mattson is a sweet, charming and sexy hometown boy that never dreamed he would be fake engaged to the one women that broke his heart to save his small hometown. Olivia Carrington is a sassy, sexy, sweet and determined woman looking to save her family company. She never dreamed a fake engagement to the one that got away a decade ago would be the solution. Looking forward to more Veils and Vows.
December 30, 2018
Yuck! This h is HORRIBLE! If it wasn't for my stupid aversion to DNFing books at this time of year (they all count to the yearly total 8/), I would have dropped this one pronto. And stupidly, when I forced myself to push on, I didn't check to see how long it was. I thought it was a fairly short one but geez, it just kept dragging.
Back to the spineless, cowardly, spoiled h who ran from every hiccup that didn't have an easy answer. She first did that 10 years ago *at 20* for crying out loud and then let her daddy control her life ever after. God, from the first moment she was introduced, I just wanted her to be struck down with food poisoning and replaced by a halfway decent h we could give a little bit of a damn about... but no, she stayed... and just kept getting worse.
When she'd finally twisted everything to her liking and promised they were in it together... she ran as soon as someone challenged her and left him to deal with the fall out alone... All for his own good of course!
And her constant whining about him (or anyone) trying to warn her about something or get her out of situations with people that they know better than she does ... 'I can do this, I can fix this, I'm trained for this, this is what I do...' Obviously, in the book, when ever they don't interfere (cause there's no reason to), she rocks it and it all goes great. But when they try, and she ignores them... her pouty little rich spoiled spineless princess girl child shines thru and at best, makes things harder, but eventually just fucks it all up enough that she runs away and hides.
Back to the spineless, cowardly, spoiled h who ran from every hiccup that didn't have an easy answer. She first did that 10 years ago *at 20* for crying out loud and then let her daddy control her life ever after. God, from the first moment she was introduced, I just wanted her to be struck down with food poisoning and replaced by a halfway decent h we could give a little bit of a damn about... but no, she stayed... and just kept getting worse.
When she'd finally twisted everything to her liking and promised they were in it together... she ran as soon as someone challenged her and left him to deal with the fall out alone... All for his own good of course!
And her constant whining about him (or anyone) trying to warn her about something or get her out of situations with people that they know better than she does ... 'I can do this, I can fix this, I'm trained for this, this is what I do...' Obviously, in the book, when ever they don't interfere (cause there's no reason to), she rocks it and it all goes great. But when they try, and she ignores them... her pouty little rich spoiled spineless princess girl child shines thru and at best, makes things harder, but eventually just fucks it all up enough that she runs away and hides.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2017
I love Devon and Olivia's story. They were so in love when they first dated but life wasn't meant to be easy and circumstances caused them to part. They should have trusted and believed in each other, but they were young. They get a second chance when Devon reaches out to Olivia for help in saving his home town. What starts as a fake relationship quickly spirals into dangerous territory as old feelings come to the surface. Can they make it work? This story is filled with great characters and has lots of emotions. I look forward to reading more about the people of Blueberry Springs.
May 26, 2017
WOW! An awesome start to a new series! Devon and Olivia meet again 10 years after their college break-up. They need each other in order to further their careers. If Devon becomes Mayor, Olivia will get what she needs for her business venture. So, she helps Devon run for Mayor. Sounds simple right? Guess again. Nothing is simple when it comes to these two.
I laughed, cried, got angry...the whole gamut of emotions. But this isn't an angsty book, it's a sweet romance full of hope for the future. Full of love. All kinds of love, not just romance. That is one of the things I love about Jean Oram's books--they showcase all kinds of love and are full of hope. A feel good read.
The prequel, The Promise, offers a lot of insight into Devon and Olivia's relationship. While you don't have to read it first, I recommend reading it before you read The Surprise Wedding. It will make this book so much more fulfilling. I highly recommend reading all of Jean Oram's books. She is an excellent author and never disappoints.
I laughed, cried, got angry...the whole gamut of emotions. But this isn't an angsty book, it's a sweet romance full of hope for the future. Full of love. All kinds of love, not just romance. That is one of the things I love about Jean Oram's books--they showcase all kinds of love and are full of hope. A feel good read.
The prequel, The Promise, offers a lot of insight into Devon and Olivia's relationship. While you don't have to read it first, I recommend reading it before you read The Surprise Wedding. It will make this book so much more fulfilling. I highly recommend reading all of Jean Oram's books. She is an excellent author and never disappoints.
August 8, 2019
To be fair, I skimmed the last 2/3rd of this book. I suppose it's possible to dislike this story more. But not likely. But if you enjoy a heroine who cares more about her name than the hero, who would accept another man's proposal and ring while still 'in love' with the hero then this book might be right up your alley.
September 7, 2023
It was a quick, fun, easy read. I needed a light hearted love story, and it fit the bill.
May 21, 2018
The Surprise Wedding is really a continuation of The Promise where Olivia Carrington and Devon Mattson met and dated in college. Things ended bitterly between them because of pressure from her family, owners of Carrington Cosmetics. She was taken away from college by her father and enrolled at Harvard. Devon had a family emergency that took him away about the same time. Present day-ten years later-Devon interrupts a business retreat the Carrington company is holding at a resort a few hours away from his hometown of Blueberry Springs, Colorado. He has a business proposition for Olivia and her company, one he hopes will benefit them both. Olivia is developing a new organic cosmetic line and a plant grows outside Devon's town that he thinks will work for her. But will she hear him out and check out the plant? The current mayor has made arrangements to have a dam is built that will destroy the businesses in the small town and will also flood the land where the plant is. Devon is running for mayor and hopes to stop the dam but he needs Olivia's help. Olivia and Devon really loved each other and haven't gotten past those feelings but neither realizes how the other feels. In fact, they have no interest in getting involved with each other. The time gives them the opportunity to deal with their past and maybe get some closure while working together to save their own interests. This is a sweet story of healing, forgiveness and moving forward but there are many obstacles along the way. Others don't want a resolution and will not stop to end their efforts fail.
Thanks to Jean Oram for the opportunity to read this story through NetGalley. The opinions stated are my own.
Thanks to Jean Oram for the opportunity to read this story through NetGalley. The opinions stated are my own.
September 3, 2017
This is my first read by Jean Oram. Her main characters, Olivia Carrington and Devon Mattson, were believable, quirky, and intertwined with humor. I wondered how a relationship that had failed ten years ago could possibly have a chance when there were so many bad memories between them.
When Olivia's company needs an ingredient only found in Blueberry Springs, where Devon just happens to be running for mayor, things heat up between them. I found myself cheering Devon on for being relentless in pursuing his dream as Mayor and for Olivia determined to solve her companies issues.
I loved the surprising ending which wrapped everything up nicely. This was a warm, sweet romance that leaves you with a feel good feeling.
I was provided with a copy and voluntarily chose to review it.
When Olivia's company needs an ingredient only found in Blueberry Springs, where Devon just happens to be running for mayor, things heat up between them. I found myself cheering Devon on for being relentless in pursuing his dream as Mayor and for Olivia determined to solve her companies issues.
I loved the surprising ending which wrapped everything up nicely. This was a warm, sweet romance that leaves you with a feel good feeling.
I was provided with a copy and voluntarily chose to review it.
June 12, 2025
Prima boek, op zich wel een interessant verhaal, maar het enigszins abrupte einde maakte het voor mij niet geloofwaardig meer (luisterboek).
July 26, 2023
Jean Oram is a good author. She knows how to write well and this book was no different. Characters, town, storyline... I got to know them all well. Stars for that.
I liked the main guy, Devon, as well. A fun, guy who doesn't take life too seriously, but steps up to the plate when needed to help family, friends, and his town. Stars for that.
The loss of stars was that I really didn't like Olivia. On a scale of one to dysfunctional, she was off the charts (OK, so maybe a slight exaggeration there).
When we meet her, she is selfish, conceited, judgemental, materialistic, looks down the nose at Devon because he doesn't have the designer products and expensive car she has, and is all about pleasing daddy and keeping his company going. She gives Devon a much-needed image makeover but she needed a serious personality makeover. Unfortunately, I didn't feel that she actually had enough of one.
In their past, the pair ended up with an unexpected pregnancy. Devon wanted to make a life of it. Olivia ran back to her parents. I get that. The big problem was, she ended up angry that when she said "don't see me again", Devon should have magically known that she meant "when I have this baby, I'll hand over custody to you and then, when things die down with the family, come back into your life." Surprisingly, NOT, he doesn't get that message and they go separate ways.
Fast-forward to ten years later, she's bitter and selfish, and only works with Devon because this is what her project needs, but she completely looks down on him because he's just a small-town nobody while she's a wealthy Carrington. Then she discovers her sister is sick from Carrington cosmetics. She seduces Devon because she needs comfort, but come morning, she's back to pushing him away. Then she throws him into a fake engagement, where he has to lie to all his family, because she needs him to win the election. At that point, he gives her an amazing promise. He will stick it out if she promises not to run again.
Fast-forward a few days, and the shit hits the fan when they are confronted by reporters and protesters. What does Olivia do? She runs. She heads straight to the safety of daddy's helicopter, leaving Devon behind to deal with the mess. Then (and this is the bit that really got me angry), just like before, she gets all upset because when she left, Devon should have magically worked out that she was trying to help him and that as soon as things settled down, he should come and find her and pick up where they left off. Seriously, for someone who is supposedly so good at PR, she is hopeless at talking to people and even worse at reading them. Anyway, as expected, Devon doesn't get the message she's mentally sending out, so she goes into the sulks and once again pours herself into daddy's company.
Anyway [spoiler alert] the town intervenes and they end up married. But then, right at the end, Olivia decides that she wants it all - kids and career - and starts asking about Devon becoming a stay-at-home dad (even though he has just become mayor). Then she asks him if he would go along with it if she comes up with a plan. This confirmed that as a couple, they are not going to make it. It should have been them coming up with a plan together, or at least "if I come up with a plan, can I talk to you about it?", but she's still trying to live her own life and making Devon march to her beat. Poor Devon.
Ah, glad I got all that off my chest.
I liked the main guy, Devon, as well. A fun, guy who doesn't take life too seriously, but steps up to the plate when needed to help family, friends, and his town. Stars for that.
The loss of stars was that I really didn't like Olivia. On a scale of one to dysfunctional, she was off the charts (OK, so maybe a slight exaggeration there).
When we meet her, she is selfish, conceited, judgemental, materialistic, looks down the nose at Devon because he doesn't have the designer products and expensive car she has, and is all about pleasing daddy and keeping his company going. She gives Devon a much-needed image makeover but she needed a serious personality makeover. Unfortunately, I didn't feel that she actually had enough of one.
In their past, the pair ended up with an unexpected pregnancy. Devon wanted to make a life of it. Olivia ran back to her parents. I get that. The big problem was, she ended up angry that when she said "don't see me again", Devon should have magically known that she meant "when I have this baby, I'll hand over custody to you and then, when things die down with the family, come back into your life." Surprisingly, NOT, he doesn't get that message and they go separate ways.
Fast-forward to ten years later, she's bitter and selfish, and only works with Devon because this is what her project needs, but she completely looks down on him because he's just a small-town nobody while she's a wealthy Carrington. Then she discovers her sister is sick from Carrington cosmetics. She seduces Devon because she needs comfort, but come morning, she's back to pushing him away. Then she throws him into a fake engagement, where he has to lie to all his family, because she needs him to win the election. At that point, he gives her an amazing promise. He will stick it out if she promises not to run again.
Fast-forward a few days, and the shit hits the fan when they are confronted by reporters and protesters. What does Olivia do? She runs. She heads straight to the safety of daddy's helicopter, leaving Devon behind to deal with the mess. Then (and this is the bit that really got me angry), just like before, she gets all upset because when she left, Devon should have magically worked out that she was trying to help him and that as soon as things settled down, he should come and find her and pick up where they left off. Seriously, for someone who is supposedly so good at PR, she is hopeless at talking to people and even worse at reading them. Anyway, as expected, Devon doesn't get the message she's mentally sending out, so she goes into the sulks and once again pours herself into daddy's company.
Anyway [spoiler alert] the town intervenes and they end up married. But then, right at the end, Olivia decides that she wants it all - kids and career - and starts asking about Devon becoming a stay-at-home dad (even though he has just become mayor). Then she asks him if he would go along with it if she comes up with a plan. This confirmed that as a couple, they are not going to make it. It should have been them coming up with a plan together, or at least "if I come up with a plan, can I talk to you about it?", but she's still trying to live her own life and making Devon march to her beat. Poor Devon.
Ah, glad I got all that off my chest.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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October 28, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (10/28/2018)! 💝
Blurb:
Sometimes exes come in handy.
Devon Mattson’s week couldn’t get much worse. Not only is he fake engaged to the sexy woman who broke his heart (then stomped on it for good measure) a decade ago, but his goal of saving his hometown of Blueberry Springs has become dependent on the two of them playing nicely.
Olivia Carrington isn’t happy to have her ex back in her life. She’s spent ten long years regretting how they ended things back in college and she’s worked hard to move on. She should be focusing on saving her family’s company, not on the handsome, helpful, fun-loving Devon who has just offered her a lifeline she can’t resist…
Tied together by mutual need, will they ruin each other’s chance of success or will a fake engagement help them overcome their painful past and lead them back to love once again?
This is the first book in the Veils and Vows series and it can be read out of series order and as a standalone. The couple, Olivia and Devon, also have a prequel novella, The Promise, which can be read before or after this book for readers who want more about Olivia and Devon’s past.
Blurb:
Sometimes exes come in handy.
Devon Mattson’s week couldn’t get much worse. Not only is he fake engaged to the sexy woman who broke his heart (then stomped on it for good measure) a decade ago, but his goal of saving his hometown of Blueberry Springs has become dependent on the two of them playing nicely.
Olivia Carrington isn’t happy to have her ex back in her life. She’s spent ten long years regretting how they ended things back in college and she’s worked hard to move on. She should be focusing on saving her family’s company, not on the handsome, helpful, fun-loving Devon who has just offered her a lifeline she can’t resist…
Tied together by mutual need, will they ruin each other’s chance of success or will a fake engagement help them overcome their painful past and lead them back to love once again?
This is the first book in the Veils and Vows series and it can be read out of series order and as a standalone. The couple, Olivia and Devon, also have a prequel novella, The Promise, which can be read before or after this book for readers who want more about Olivia and Devon’s past.
August 5, 2020
The best thing in the book was the flatulent dog's name, Mr. Right. The heroine is unlikeable, and the situations go from improbable to "Hi. I'm Earth, have we met?" fairly quickly. I started skimming about halfway through when I realized not even the sex scenes were going to be told in any way that made sense. I feel dumber for having read it, I award it no points, and may God have mercy on its soul.
March 26, 2018
The Surprise Wedding" (Veils and Vows Book 1) by Jean Oram was a fun read. This story takes place in a small town called Blueberry Springs. Olivia and Devon dated during college and a painful breakup sent them in opposite directions. It is Devon that makes contact after ten years to offer something he has discovered that will help both Olivia and Blueberry Springs, but will she be brave enough to investigate his find? This sweet story has a second chance romance, lots of humorous moments, witty conversation, turmoil, suspense, and of course a surprise. I look forward to reading more in this series.
May 7, 2024
It's not my cup of tea. Too sappy, too expected. Typical scenario of a couple that wasn’t supposed to get together but did. An oops happened, and they went different ways. Years later, they meet up and don't want anything to do with each other. Yet, they have a business need from each other. Well, two single people... I will let you guess from the title what happens. It wasn't very imaginative.
Sappy 👎
Sappy 👎
June 27, 2021
Very cute!
What a good story and without gratuitous sex! Amazing. Just good old romance. Hmmm, how did that happen? Will recommend.
What a good story and without gratuitous sex! Amazing. Just good old romance. Hmmm, how did that happen? Will recommend.
September 19, 2017
Well here we are again. Devin and Olivia are playing engaged to help each other. The problem is they ended update with broken hearts in the prequel so this arrangement isn't going to easy. She want to get the natural ingredients for her new skin care line and she needs Devin to help her. Devin is running for Mayor and nobody can see past his wild years. They both need each other's help without getting their hearts destroyed again. Another great book by Jean Oram and start to her new series.
April 15, 2022
The Surprise Wedding is the first book in the Veils and Vows series by Jean Oram. Devon Mattson is desperate to get his ex-girlfriend's attention. He’d rather not have to talk with her but he needs her help to save Blueberry Springs, his hometown. Olivia Carrington isn’t happy that Devon shows up at her private event. But he offers a solution that she is desperately looking for that could save her company’s organic cosmetic line. As the current mayor is running an election on a proposed dam, Devon decides to run against him to stop the dam. Olivia offers to help him with his image as the dam would ruin her chance to find what she needs for her cosmetics. Now they must play nice in order to achieve their goals including faking an engagement. When they get caught up in the charade, they are forced to confront their past. Will they ruin their chances of success? Or will their fake engagement lead to a real wedding?
I recently read a book that dealt with a pretty heavy topic and I felt the need for a light hearted, fun story and The Surprise Wedding was it. The Surprise Wedding is a sweet romance with a bit of drama. A fast read, it is perfect for a laid back, lazy afternoon, I was able to read it in a few hours. I enjoyed the characters, especially Devon and Olivia. Their drama, history and attraction to each other made for a great story of re-falling. love. I enjoyed their banter. At first, their angry snaps at each other to their flirty, carefree banter was great. I also enjoyed their heart to heart talk as they confront their past, their hurts and their wrongs. It was heartfelt and real. I look forward to continuing the series and visiting Blueberry Springs again. If you like sweet romance set in a fun small town, I recommend The Surprise Wedding.
The Surprise Wedding is available in paperback and eBook.
I recently read a book that dealt with a pretty heavy topic and I felt the need for a light hearted, fun story and The Surprise Wedding was it. The Surprise Wedding is a sweet romance with a bit of drama. A fast read, it is perfect for a laid back, lazy afternoon, I was able to read it in a few hours. I enjoyed the characters, especially Devon and Olivia. Their drama, history and attraction to each other made for a great story of re-falling. love. I enjoyed their banter. At first, their angry snaps at each other to their flirty, carefree banter was great. I also enjoyed their heart to heart talk as they confront their past, their hurts and their wrongs. It was heartfelt and real. I look forward to continuing the series and visiting Blueberry Springs again. If you like sweet romance set in a fun small town, I recommend The Surprise Wedding.
The Surprise Wedding is available in paperback and eBook.
January 5, 2018
Second Chance With her Ex...
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Devon and Olivia were from different sides of the tracks - she was filthy rich and he wasn't. But that had no impact on their love for one another and from young sweethearts they stayed together even when they went to college. But things happen and life intrudes and Olivia broke up with Devon. Devon is a character that was so easy to like and love. he cares passionately about their small town and all the people that he loves. Olivia has left their hometown and bitterly regrets the way that she broke up with Devon. Now, ten years later, she has to go back as her family business is in trouble. Devon offers her a lifeline and before they even realise what is happening, they are engaged to each other. Furthermore, Devon is still the wonderful fun-loving, caring and sexy male that she loved all those years ago. Is this fake engagement going to become real? Will they realise the mistakes they made were just that, mistakes, and grasp this second chance of being together? Remember Devon's heart was crushed by her leaving him and he's been guarding it ever since. I loved the way Jean Oram described the characters so well that they seemed like the type of people I would like to know in my friendship group. The storyline was good and very realistic. I realise that this is part of a series and I confess that I haven't read the book before but this was still easy to understand as a standalone. having said that I did enjoy this story very much and want to know more about the people and their town so I will be starting to look for more of the series to enjoy.
DEFINITELY RECOMMENDED
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Devon and Olivia were from different sides of the tracks - she was filthy rich and he wasn't. But that had no impact on their love for one another and from young sweethearts they stayed together even when they went to college. But things happen and life intrudes and Olivia broke up with Devon. Devon is a character that was so easy to like and love. he cares passionately about their small town and all the people that he loves. Olivia has left their hometown and bitterly regrets the way that she broke up with Devon. Now, ten years later, she has to go back as her family business is in trouble. Devon offers her a lifeline and before they even realise what is happening, they are engaged to each other. Furthermore, Devon is still the wonderful fun-loving, caring and sexy male that she loved all those years ago. Is this fake engagement going to become real? Will they realise the mistakes they made were just that, mistakes, and grasp this second chance of being together? Remember Devon's heart was crushed by her leaving him and he's been guarding it ever since. I loved the way Jean Oram described the characters so well that they seemed like the type of people I would like to know in my friendship group. The storyline was good and very realistic. I realise that this is part of a series and I confess that I haven't read the book before but this was still easy to understand as a standalone. having said that I did enjoy this story very much and want to know more about the people and their town so I will be starting to look for more of the series to enjoy.
DEFINITELY RECOMMENDED
January 4, 2018
I loved the small town of Blueberry Springs. All the eccentric, nosy and loving neighbors are wonderful. They look out for each other and are willing to lend a helping hand when needed ....or when they believe it’s needed. Hahaha
I really liked Devon. He is such a sweet, caring and good hearted man. Seeing that his town is in trouble Devon is willing to do whatever it takes to save it. Even if that means working together with his ex. She blew his heart to smithereens years ago and he’s still trying to recover. Doing what’s in the best interest for his town will be hard but he’s not willing to just give up and let the town fall to ruin.
Olivia is sweet, hardworking and determined. She’s on a mission to not only save her family’s company but make it better. Imagine her surprise when Devon is the one to present her with an opportunity to do just that. Their relationship had ended less than amicably and she always regretted it. With walls built high around her heart Olivia excepts Devon’s offer and travels to Blueberry Springs.
Things start to get crazy as protesters attack every chance they get. Trying to win over the hearts and minds of the people in Blueberry Springs and dispel the negative PR Olivia and Devon suddenly find themselves engaged.
Will this fake engagement end up destroying both their careers and leave them both still heartbroken...or will it help them to overcome the past? Allowing them to heal and mend the broken pieces. Will it rekindled the love they once had for each other?
I really liked Devon. He is such a sweet, caring and good hearted man. Seeing that his town is in trouble Devon is willing to do whatever it takes to save it. Even if that means working together with his ex. She blew his heart to smithereens years ago and he’s still trying to recover. Doing what’s in the best interest for his town will be hard but he’s not willing to just give up and let the town fall to ruin.
Olivia is sweet, hardworking and determined. She’s on a mission to not only save her family’s company but make it better. Imagine her surprise when Devon is the one to present her with an opportunity to do just that. Their relationship had ended less than amicably and she always regretted it. With walls built high around her heart Olivia excepts Devon’s offer and travels to Blueberry Springs.
Things start to get crazy as protesters attack every chance they get. Trying to win over the hearts and minds of the people in Blueberry Springs and dispel the negative PR Olivia and Devon suddenly find themselves engaged.
Will this fake engagement end up destroying both their careers and leave them both still heartbroken...or will it help them to overcome the past? Allowing them to heal and mend the broken pieces. Will it rekindled the love they once had for each other?
December 8, 2017
This is such a good book. I am so glad to see the author start a new series in Blueberry Springs. It is so wonderful to catch up with some of the characters tears I her previous books. In this book Devon Mattson is trying to get Olivia Carrington to talk to him about a plant he thinks she can use for her new cosmetic line that is all natural and won’t hurt women. Unfortunately they had a bad break up in college and haven’t talked for ten years. They both have been trying to get over the other. He finally breaks into a meeting her company is having at a retreat and is able to talk to her. She comes to Blueberry Springs to see what Devon is talking about. This starts a precarious relationship.
There are many variable affecting their relationship. There is a mayor race going on that Devon is in. The current mayor does not play well. There are protestors regarding a dam that may be put in the town. Olivia had an old family friend that is ready to propose to her, and so much more. I just loved the book and how I felt a part of the town. I was so happy to see Devon and Olivia talking again and learning to trust again. It was heart wrenching finding out what happened to the two that broke them up. I strongly encourage you to read the book. I was given a copy of the book to read.
There are many variable affecting their relationship. There is a mayor race going on that Devon is in. The current mayor does not play well. There are protestors regarding a dam that may be put in the town. Olivia had an old family friend that is ready to propose to her, and so much more. I just loved the book and how I felt a part of the town. I was so happy to see Devon and Olivia talking again and learning to trust again. It was heart wrenching finding out what happened to the two that broke them up. I strongly encourage you to read the book. I was given a copy of the book to read.
July 31, 2021
3.5 stars
I was very disappointed with this one. I thought I was going to enjoy this a lot because it was Devon, but Devon lost his charm. I know he was going through the emotional fallout with Olivia because of their hurtful past, but even still I wanted to see him woo Olivia more with his charm. There wasn’t a lot of romance going on. There was just a lot of repetition that made the story drag to an agonizing pace. I just wasn’t feel it at all. I appreciated that there was healing between them, yet I wanted to feel it more because I just didn’t. I didn’t care about the valerian storyline. It was boring. The mayor storyline was better, but not amazing. The second chance wasn’t making me feel what I should have been feeling especially with all the pain surrounding it. I didn’t get that raw, gut wrenching feeling I was looking for. As for the rest of it, it was just okay. There was nothing overly exciting about it. It was underwhelming. It was unforgettable. I liked the small town with the family and friends. The ending was the best part that finally added some heart and soul that it was lacking throughout that made it pretty end. The elements of the end needed to be sprinkled in more. The ending and the friends were what gave this a higher rating. The romance was just lackluster to me.
I was very disappointed with this one. I thought I was going to enjoy this a lot because it was Devon, but Devon lost his charm. I know he was going through the emotional fallout with Olivia because of their hurtful past, but even still I wanted to see him woo Olivia more with his charm. There wasn’t a lot of romance going on. There was just a lot of repetition that made the story drag to an agonizing pace. I just wasn’t feel it at all. I appreciated that there was healing between them, yet I wanted to feel it more because I just didn’t. I didn’t care about the valerian storyline. It was boring. The mayor storyline was better, but not amazing. The second chance wasn’t making me feel what I should have been feeling especially with all the pain surrounding it. I didn’t get that raw, gut wrenching feeling I was looking for. As for the rest of it, it was just okay. There was nothing overly exciting about it. It was underwhelming. It was unforgettable. I liked the small town with the family and friends. The ending was the best part that finally added some heart and soul that it was lacking throughout that made it pretty end. The elements of the end needed to be sprinkled in more. The ending and the friends were what gave this a higher rating. The romance was just lackluster to me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2018
A second chances romance, one where all the pain from the past comes back to haunt Devon and Olivia. Devon had always been able to make Olivia laugh and to take chances, until life happened. Forced to turn her back on Devon, Olivia is the dutiful daughter, always doing what is best for her family. However, when Olivia’s conscience is pricked, she realises that she has to find better sources of products that improve the quality of the cosmetics being produced by her family. The answer lies in her ex-boyfriend’s hometown. When she realises that the only way in which she be able to get her hands on the rare species of plant, is to make a deal with the devil. This book is well written, romantic without unnecessary bedroom scenes, with suspense and a some intrigue. I felt drawn into the story, and felt the pain and suffering that the main characters went through. When malicious people begin their campaign against Devon and Olivia, I felt the sense of betrayal and anger that they experienced. Although this book is part of a series, it is nevertheless a stand-alone and comes to a surprising and humorous conclusion. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.
April 26, 2018
This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.
While I enjoyed the book and loved the ending, I really had hard time getting into the book at the beginning. I think in part because the reason for their break up was taking so long to be explained and the fact that I really didn't care for Olivia for a lot of the book.
I really liked Devon and how he was such a fun loving guy yet he cared about the people in town. He was there to help when Nicola had her baby, and he was there when someone needed help. It was frustrating to see that even though he was such a great guy, the townspeople were portrayed as oblivious to his personality until Olivia came along.
Olivia's redeeming act was caring so much about her sister that she wanted to make sure there was a safe alternative for cosmetics. It was also nice to see that she did not give into her parents like in the past, but she still was a runner and really wished she had been more adult to actually talk to Devon.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and will be looking at others, especially Ginger and Logans's story! They sound like an interesting story behind their love.
While I enjoyed the book and loved the ending, I really had hard time getting into the book at the beginning. I think in part because the reason for their break up was taking so long to be explained and the fact that I really didn't care for Olivia for a lot of the book.
I really liked Devon and how he was such a fun loving guy yet he cared about the people in town. He was there to help when Nicola had her baby, and he was there when someone needed help. It was frustrating to see that even though he was such a great guy, the townspeople were portrayed as oblivious to his personality until Olivia came along.
Olivia's redeeming act was caring so much about her sister that she wanted to make sure there was a safe alternative for cosmetics. It was also nice to see that she did not give into her parents like in the past, but she still was a runner and really wished she had been more adult to actually talk to Devon.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and will be looking at others, especially Ginger and Logans's story! They sound like an interesting story behind their love.
June 2, 2017
WOW! An awesome start to a new series! Devon and Olivia meet again 10 years after their college break-up. They need each other in order to further their careers. If Devon becomes Mayor, Olivia will get what she needs for her business venture. So, she helps Devon run for Mayor. Sounds simple right? Guess again. Nothing is simple when it comes to these two.
I laughed, cried, got angry...the whole gamut of emotions. But this isn't an angsty book, it's a sweet romance full of hope for the future. Full of love. All kinds of love, not just romance. That is one of the things I love about Jean Oram's books--they showcase all kinds of love and are full of hope. A feel good read.
The prequel, The Promise, offers a lot of insight into Devon and Olivia's relationship. While you don't have to read it first, I recommend reading it before you read The Surprise Wedding. It will make this book so much more fulfilling. I highly recommend reading all of Jean Oram's books. She is an excellent author and never disappoints.
I laughed, cried, got angry...the whole gamut of emotions. But this isn't an angsty book, it's a sweet romance full of hope for the future. Full of love. All kinds of love, not just romance. That is one of the things I love about Jean Oram's books--they showcase all kinds of love and are full of hope. A feel good read.
The prequel, The Promise, offers a lot of insight into Devon and Olivia's relationship. While you don't have to read it first, I recommend reading it before you read The Surprise Wedding. It will make this book so much more fulfilling. I highly recommend reading all of Jean Oram's books. She is an excellent author and never disappoints.
October 25, 2020
This book took me a bit to get through. I had a hard time connecting to the story and the characters. This is about two people who were once in love, it ended badly, new circumstances place them in a position to need each other again and they fall back in love. My only problem...I didn’t really buy into it.
Olivia comes from a wealthy family who owns a cosmetic company. She has been the face of the company for years. She is now in charge of PR and lately some questions about their business practices have her searching for a way to make some long overdue changes.
Devon doesn’t like the way things are being run in his town. In order to make sure the right choices are made he decides to run for Mayor. The only problem...he needs help from his ex. The way things ended he isn’t sure she is going to be willing to help him.
These two had a history and because of that there was a constant question of whether or not they are good enough. This story had potential, but I had a tough time getting into it. Overall ⭐️⭐️
Olivia comes from a wealthy family who owns a cosmetic company. She has been the face of the company for years. She is now in charge of PR and lately some questions about their business practices have her searching for a way to make some long overdue changes.
Devon doesn’t like the way things are being run in his town. In order to make sure the right choices are made he decides to run for Mayor. The only problem...he needs help from his ex. The way things ended he isn’t sure she is going to be willing to help him.
These two had a history and because of that there was a constant question of whether or not they are good enough. This story had potential, but I had a tough time getting into it. Overall ⭐️⭐️
May 7, 2020
A very sweet second time around love story about college sweethearts who's romance ended tragically. It's been years, and they've both gone their own way- sort of, but now he's running for mayor and trying to save Blueberry Springs from a dam project that will flood meadows full of rare flowers, threaten the town's security and bring very few jobs or tax benefits and she's looking for the secret ingredient in her organic make-up line. That meadow full of flowers might provide both their answers if they can work together.
Big city slick meets small town wholesome in exactly the kind of story I've come to expect of the Blueberry springs stories. There are lots of old friends from the previous books, a few laughs, a few sighs and even a few tears as Devon and Olivia deal with old hurts, new vulnerabilities and the love neither of them ever quite put behind them.
A great read for the hopeless romantic in all of us.
Big city slick meets small town wholesome in exactly the kind of story I've come to expect of the Blueberry springs stories. There are lots of old friends from the previous books, a few laughs, a few sighs and even a few tears as Devon and Olivia deal with old hurts, new vulnerabilities and the love neither of them ever quite put behind them.
A great read for the hopeless romantic in all of us.
January 25, 2018
This a second chance love story. I like Blueberry Springs as a setting and, basically, all the characters from other books of the series.
Devon and Olivia met at university. They fell in love. Olivia got pregnant, Devon proposed but she, being weak, left him to be with her rich family (they own a big make-up Company). Then She lost the baby.
Ten years later they meet again.
Devon is laid back and fun. He is a good man. He loves his family, he is liked by people.
He is committed to ensuring his town welfare. He needs Olivia Company to save Blueberry Springs, but he doesn't trust her, justly.
Olivia is stuck up, manipulative yet indecisive. She makes a lot of bad choices. She still loves Devon, sure, but until the last moment, she is conflicted between him and her family.
I didn't like her at all. Hence the three stars.
Devon and Olivia met at university. They fell in love. Olivia got pregnant, Devon proposed but she, being weak, left him to be with her rich family (they own a big make-up Company). Then She lost the baby.
Ten years later they meet again.
Devon is laid back and fun. He is a good man. He loves his family, he is liked by people.
He is committed to ensuring his town welfare. He needs Olivia Company to save Blueberry Springs, but he doesn't trust her, justly.
Olivia is stuck up, manipulative yet indecisive. She makes a lot of bad choices. She still loves Devon, sure, but until the last moment, she is conflicted between him and her family.
I didn't like her at all. Hence the three stars.
May 26, 2018
The Wedding Surprise is the 1st book in the Veils & Vows Series, and reunites us with Devon Mattson and Olivia Carrington. It's been 10-years since Olivia broke Devon's heart, but Devon is trying to save his hometown and needs her help. Devon reaches out to Olivia because his town has the ingredient that Olivia has been looking for, a plant base all natural ingredient to use in The Carrington Cosmetic Line. Old feeling come back as they maneuver to try and accomplish both of their goals. Olivia becomes Devon's "fake fiancé" even though it doesn't feel fake for either of them. Can they get their second chance at HEA, or will the past and family come in the way again.
A beautiful read by Jean Oram. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the Veils & Vows Series. I received an Advanced Reader Copy from NetGallery and volunteered to write a review.
A beautiful read by Jean Oram. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the Veils & Vows Series. I received an Advanced Reader Copy from NetGallery and volunteered to write a review.
June 3, 2021
I had a hard time getting into this second-chance romance. For the first quarter of the book, the hero and heroine were too cliche, and I didn't like either of them very much. Although I did warm up to them as their personal issues became more evident, I never got the warm fuzzies I want from a romance. For a smart woman, Olivia did such dumb stuff (and I wanted her to stand up to her dad which she never really did). Devon was a more developed character but I finished with the impression that he did more for her than she did for him. The townsfolk also felt a little too cliche and the issues that brought the two of them together felt like a stretch. The ending wasn't much of a surprise (see title of book), but also felt like it lacked depth to me; they really hadn't talked about why she left, etc. An okay read, just not my fave.
November 26, 2021
I loved this book. It was a very sweet story that reminded me a bit of my own. Devon and Olivia could not be more unalike. They fall in love in college but are separated becuase Olivia wants to please her parents. Fast forward 10 years and she is a successful business woman. She is a powerful executive with a cosmetic company that is searching for an organic stabilzer for their products. Devon lives in a small town that has what she needs, so he seeks her out in an effort to help her business and to save his town, Blueberry Springs< from a dam that will impact the lives and landscape of their town. After a fake engagement that has happened to change his image goes awry.....
There was one thing I have to mention. The author mentioned a stitch ripper several times in the story. As a quilter and sewer, the proper term is seam ripper. Minor, yes, but it still bugged me.
There was one thing I have to mention. The author mentioned a stitch ripper several times in the story. As a quilter and sewer, the proper term is seam ripper. Minor, yes, but it still bugged me.
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