Straight-laced businessman, James Fortune, always does the right thing. So when his reckless twin brother, Jackson, gets cold feet the day of his wedding, James decides to pretend to be the groom to protect his family’s name and honor, until his brother comes to his senses. However, his new bride, Ava Hughes, is also not who she seems. Soon James and Ava find themselves trying to outwit each other in a sensual game of cat and mouse. Until one of them is forced to surrender…
Dara Girard is a national bestselling and award-winning author. After many novels in various sub-genres from contemporary to paranormal romance, women’s fiction, and non-fiction Ms. Girard continues to win readers with each new book.
I was born many years ago in the American Midwest to a brave immigrant couple who decided to call themselves my parents. They moved around the country until they finally settled in Maryland. As a child I was always scribbling something and my family supported my efforts (with white knuckles and a lot of prayer).
After graduating from college, I worked various jobs and did some freelance writing hoping that one day my writing efforts would make me rich and famous and allow me to quit. That didn’t happen. Instead my last job was made redundant and I decided not to look for a new one. Instead I chose to live on my savings (and mild insanity) and write full time.
I would not recommend this route for other aspiring writers. Either marry well or have three years worth of salary saved. I took the risk because I wanted to and fortunately that same year I received an offer from a publisher for a two book contract–after a thirteen year effort, but that’s another story.
ENDEARING sweet quick read...I ENJOYED the quirky characters throughout this novel and this series...and so glad Ava and James actually made a love connection despite the secrets lies and deception surrounding their involvement...I hope Jackson gets swept off his feet next!
This was a captivating read told from a third person omniscient point of view, even though the book had a few typos. Unfortunately a lot of the story was summarized rather than shown. This type of story probably should have been a full length novel. That’s not to say that novellas can’t tell complete stories, because they can, but this story was too complicated to be told in a novella. I didn’t feel satisfied when I finished the book. It felt like the last third of the story was summarized when I wanted the details. That said, I still emotionally connected with all of the characters. I wish that Ava would have told James more about her dad and that her dad would have to answer for his crimes. With a good editor, this could easily become a 5 star novel. As it is, I would give 3.5 stars (but I always round up since half stars aren’t options and authors depend on ratings to drive sales).
Straight-laced (bio-engineering) businessman, James Fortune, always does the right thing. So, when his reckless twin brother, Jackson, gets cold feet at the rehearsal dinner and the day of his wedding, James decides to pretend to be the groom to protect his family’s name and honor, until his brother comes to his senses. Even though Jackson was to take over at the reception, he’s disappeared. And his new bride, Ava Hughes, is also not who she seems, and not easily fooled, she knows they’ve switched places and gets a quickie wedding in Vegas to make sure it’s legal. Soon James and Ava find themselves trying to outwit each other in a sensual game of cat and mouse. She’s trying to honor her father’s wishes to destroy the Fortunes, until one of them is forced to surrender…
There were parts of the book I really enjoyed; however it took a turn into fantasy land half way through and never returned. I liked the twins but Ava got on my last nerves.
Good read, I liked the characters and storyline. James and Ava got together under false pretenses, however, they're actually good match. I recommend this book.