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The Sinclair Brides #2
Between a Honeymoon and a Hot Mess
If anybody deserves a drink, it's Hope Sinclair.
After catching her fiancé cheating, all Hope wants is to get through her sister's Las Vegas nuptials and then return home to cancel her own wedding.
But champagne and too many martinis screw up the straitlaced Sinclair sister's best-laid plans. She wakes up the next day with a hangover, a ring on her finger, and in the bed of a man from her past.
Hope's new husband insists she's always been the love of his life, but she won't commit without trust. Twice-burned, will Hope go with her heart - when her man and marriage are tested by a hot mess?
After catching her fiancé cheating, all Hope wants is to get through her sister's Las Vegas nuptials and then return home to cancel her own wedding.
But champagne and too many martinis screw up the straitlaced Sinclair sister's best-laid plans. She wakes up the next day with a hangover, a ring on her finger, and in the bed of a man from her past.
Hope's new husband insists she's always been the love of his life, but she won't commit without trust. Twice-burned, will Hope go with her heart - when her man and marriage are tested by a hot mess?
260 pages, Paperback
First published June 7, 2017
167 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
About the author
Phyllis Bourne
25 books137 followersA native of Chicago’s Southside, Phyllis Bourne began her writing career as a crime reporter for the Ft. Wayne News-Sentinel and the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. After years of chasing cops and criminals, she left reporting to write about life’s sweeter side.
Nowadays her stories are filled with heart-stopping heroes and happy endings. Phyllis is 2010 RT Book Reviews nominee for Best Multicultural Romance, as well as a two-time Romance Writers of America Golden Heart finalist. When she’s not writing, she can usually be found at a make-up counter feeding her lipstick addiction. Phyllis currently resides in middle-Tennessee.
She also writes as Phyllis Bourne Williams.
Nowadays her stories are filled with heart-stopping heroes and happy endings. Phyllis is 2010 RT Book Reviews nominee for Best Multicultural Romance, as well as a two-time Romance Writers of America Golden Heart finalist. When she’s not writing, she can usually be found at a make-up counter feeding her lipstick addiction. Phyllis currently resides in middle-Tennessee.
She also writes as Phyllis Bourne Williams.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
April 30, 2018
Fun book. The language is more raunchy than what I am used to. I love that there is no big drama at the end.
August 21, 2025
Bourne's books are just. . . . fun. As a bonus, I think I got some helpful hints for myself from life coach, Julian. If you're looking for a rom-com, this is the book for you.
June 30, 2017
Good fun
This was as much fun as the first. It's warm family feel is offset by the sexy action of the lead characters. By this I mean there is connection to the family of the characters and it gives them depth, reason for behaviours and the security to know whatever happens someone has their back. The sexiness is all their own, and is as romantic as it is hot.
Well written with wonderful humour.
This was as much fun as the first. It's warm family feel is offset by the sexy action of the lead characters. By this I mean there is connection to the family of the characters and it gives them depth, reason for behaviours and the security to know whatever happens someone has their back. The sexiness is all their own, and is as romantic as it is hot.
Well written with wonderful humour.
Read
August 24, 2017Whenever a book is set in Vegas, I cross my fingers and pray for an oops-we-got-married plot. Poor Hope just ended her engagement, so when she’s celebrating her sister’s wedding in Vegas, bumping into her long-lost college love, Julian, seems like a cosmic joke… made worse when they wake up with wedding bands on their fingers. I love heroes who fall hard and fast, and Julian is all-in and ready to make amends from “I do.” —Alisha Rai (https://www.bookish.com/articles/seco...)
March 18, 2021
Not as good as the first but there were some funny moments. I don't see how Julian was so in love with Hope but I loved his conviction. He made me believe in their love.
July 24, 2017
Between a Honeymoon and a Hot Mess is Phyllis Bourne’s long-anticipated second installment of the Sinclair Brides series, and it doesn’t disappoint. The story is infused with Phyllis’s signature sexy humor that keeps you turning the page. The sensual scenes are generally closed-door, though the shower scene adds a little tease to the mix. The story is told from both Hope and Julian’s POV, and how they ended up in the hot mess of marriage in Vegas. Though the two of them were in a relationship back in college, things ended badly, and Julian was the last person that Hope ever wanted to end up with again. Now she has to try and make this marriage thing work, while she deals with her own family issues at Sinclair Construction -- most notably with her sister Riley.
I thought the interaction with the sisters was well thought out. Their personalities are practically polar opposite, especially when it comes to Sinclair Construction. But their differences is also what keeps the two of them so close.
I liked Julian, especially that he was faithful to Hope to the very end. However, I thought at times he was a little too pushy toward Hope, especially when it came to trying to convince her to stay married to him.
That said, while I was reading this, I kept questioning the believability of the two of them getting married, having a party, and doing everything they did in the span of a night and Hope not remembering any of it.
It was nice to see the Hot Mess show make an appearance in this book again. I definitely got a kick out of it. Delilah Cole plays a bigger role in this book, and there’s a fun little twist near the end.
Though Riley was a secondary character in this book, she was still my favorite of the bunch. I love her attitude. Phyllis continues to work her magic with another satisfying read.
March 11, 2023
Premise of the book? Solid, had me hooked from the get go. And the scene where she wakes up the next day? Hilarious and well done.
(I do wish the consent issue has been brought up a bit, or that we had Julian’s internal thoughts about possibly taking advantage of Hope, who he thought was sober.)
I enjoyed Julian and Hope’s chemistry but felt their relationship was a bit too quick to be resolved, and needed a bit more development.
My two main gripes,
1. The constant interruptions, I get that it was intended as a running gag but this happened at least 5 times. Three times is enough.
2. Riley. I can’t with her. She’s too over the top, quick to threaten violence, completely disregards everyone else’s feelings, and refuses to apologize for accusing Julian without any justification. (I was full on ready to DNF with the Ike comment. That’s a huge accusation to throw at someone, and when presented with proof he’s innocent - all she does is shrug.)
Lastly, this book needs some review and editing. There was several typos, and character names changing (like Knight/Night) which really pulled me out of the reading experience.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2017
Good premise, not fleshed out enough for me
I really enjoyed the story, especially considering that I don't think I've read a romance where the hero had previously cheated on our heroine.
I just think I wanted a bit more out of their story, maybe more angst? It seemed like, based on their history, they would need more time to work through their issues, but it all went by pretty quickly.
I guess you just have to really buy into Hope's ability to forgive. This is a fun, lighthearted romance, and I would definitely recommend it if you're looking for that, but I think based off of their history, I wanted it to be more serious, and more angsty, just more in general.
I really enjoyed the story, especially considering that I don't think I've read a romance where the hero had previously cheated on our heroine.
I just think I wanted a bit more out of their story, maybe more angst? It seemed like, based on their history, they would need more time to work through their issues, but it all went by pretty quickly.
I guess you just have to really buy into Hope's ability to forgive. This is a fun, lighthearted romance, and I would definitely recommend it if you're looking for that, but I think based off of their history, I wanted it to be more serious, and more angsty, just more in general.
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July 18, 2018Funny and frothy. I wished it was a little longer and there were a little more character development, and I cringe a whole lot at the getting-hitched-in-Vegas-while-drunk angle in general, but it's an enjoyable read.
January 27, 2024
This is a wake-up married/vegas wedding trope and I loved the whole thing.
I took away a star because the heroine was problematic. If you know you black out when you drink and somebody tells you you did some dumb ish after drinking why wouldn't you believe them? It was funny at first that Hope didn't remember marrying Juilian, but it got tired real quick when she kept telling him he was lying and that she would never do x, y and z. I would have liked it better if she believed him and was simply mortified and questioning her subconscious--maybe she never did stop loving him.
Julian was hilarious in the morning when he didn't realize she didn't remember. That was funnneeeee.
One thing about Julian is that he should have maybe been going through something too to explain his decision to get married impulsively after drinking--especially when he wasn't drunk. It was explained that he saw it as their second chance. Even though he didn't know that Hope blacks out after drinking very little, he knew she was upset after catching her fiance cheating. She told him all about it right before she proposed to him . He should have known that--even if not drunk--she might regret it the next day.
I didn't have a problem with Hope forgiving Julian for his past cheating. I have to admit that there have been times when reading a romance novel that I preferred the ex that slipped up and cheated *over* the new hero. So I was glad to finally see a couple actually heal after a discretion.
Besides Julian was what a 20 year old college student back then? Sheez...He learned his lesson and is ready to be fully devoted. I don't remember her asking tho, if he'd ever cheated on anyone else after that.
Overall the book was really, really funny fromt the beginning all the way to the end.
I took away a star because the heroine was problematic. If you know you black out when you drink and somebody tells you you did some dumb ish after drinking why wouldn't you believe them? It was funny at first that Hope didn't remember marrying Juilian, but it got tired real quick when she kept telling him he was lying and that she would never do x, y and z. I would have liked it better if she believed him and was simply mortified and questioning her subconscious--maybe she never did stop loving him.
Julian was hilarious in the morning when he didn't realize she didn't remember. That was funnneeeee.
One thing about Julian is that he should have maybe been going through something too to explain his decision to get married impulsively after drinking--especially when he wasn't drunk. It was explained that he saw it as their second chance. Even though he didn't know that Hope blacks out after drinking very little, he knew she was upset after catching her fiance cheating. She told him all about it right before she proposed to him . He should have known that--even if not drunk--she might regret it the next day.
I didn't have a problem with Hope forgiving Julian for his past cheating. I have to admit that there have been times when reading a romance novel that I preferred the ex that slipped up and cheated *over* the new hero. So I was glad to finally see a couple actually heal after a discretion.
Besides Julian was what a 20 year old college student back then? Sheez...He learned his lesson and is ready to be fully devoted. I don't remember her asking tho, if he'd ever cheated on anyone else after that.
Overall the book was really, really funny fromt the beginning all the way to the end.
February 5, 2019
If anybody deserves a drink, it’s Hope Sinclair (admin assistant at family construction company). After catching her fiancé Rob cheating with his boss’ wife, all Hope wants is to get through her sister’s Las Vegas nuptials and then return home to cancel her own wedding plans. But champagne and too many martinis screw up the straitlaced Sinclair sister’s best-laid plans. She wakes up the next day with a hangover, a ring on her finger, and in the bed of a man from her past who was once the love of her life. Hope’s new husband insists, she has her own Las Vegas nuptials while blacked out, she’s always been the love of his life, but catching him get a blow job from her roommate makes it hard to take him at his word, and she won’t commit without trust. Twice-burned, will Hope go with her heart - when her man and marriage are tested by a hot mess? Can Julian Reeve’s life-coaching save his marriage and save Hope?
June 26, 2018
My feelings on this are mixed. I liked Julian and Hope but I don't like the idea of someone being so drunk they can't remember anything. I get that Julian didn't realize she was drunk (which seems unbelievable to me) but even if she wasn't drunk, how likely would it have been for Hope, even the Hope he used to know in college, to just marry someone after years apart? When they obviously left each other under strained circumstances. He had to know she wasn't in her right mind. Also, I would have liked to see more of a fall out over Rob's cheating and ending of the engagement. That part seemed rushed. I did enjoy the chemistry between Hope and Julian and the love they had for each other.
June 30, 2018
Hope Sinclair is just trying to make it through her sister’s wedding. Right before she came to Vegas, she found her fiancé in flagranto dilecto with his boss’s wife. She doesn’t want to bring everyone down, especially since this isn’t the first time a guy has cheated on her; she knows how her sister will react. She just wants to drown her sorrows and wake up tomorrow.
Too bad tomorrow means waking up to her college sweetheart. Married. It seems like now is as good a time as any to take some time off and evaluate her life. Good thing her new husband is a life coach.
I liked this one better than the first in the series. It went deeper into the romance and showed why Hope and Julian might make it to an HEA.
Too bad tomorrow means waking up to her college sweetheart. Married. It seems like now is as good a time as any to take some time off and evaluate her life. Good thing her new husband is a life coach.
I liked this one better than the first in the series. It went deeper into the romance and showed why Hope and Julian might make it to an HEA.
June 30, 2020
Pretty good...
I’m searching for Black romance authors and Ms. Bourne’s book was recommended on Shondaland.com. Though it was fairly well written, I can’t say that I really liked the female characters. The two secondary women were mean and/or rude in a way that was supposed to be BFF/sisterly love but it definitely didn’t come across that way. The heroine was weak and didn’t believe in herself until the hero helped her find greatness. Meh. I prefer a strong heroine. The hero was great though - not a work-a-holic billionaire, or a player, or commitment-phobe. The third star is all for Julian. If you’re testing out Black romance authors and need a break from predictable heroes, give “Hot Mess” a spin.
I’m searching for Black romance authors and Ms. Bourne’s book was recommended on Shondaland.com. Though it was fairly well written, I can’t say that I really liked the female characters. The two secondary women were mean and/or rude in a way that was supposed to be BFF/sisterly love but it definitely didn’t come across that way. The heroine was weak and didn’t believe in herself until the hero helped her find greatness. Meh. I prefer a strong heroine. The hero was great though - not a work-a-holic billionaire, or a player, or commitment-phobe. The third star is all for Julian. If you’re testing out Black romance authors and need a break from predictable heroes, give “Hot Mess” a spin.
August 12, 2017
Second Chance
Loved Hope's story. Waking up married to the man that broke your heart. That Riley was competitive, Hope has a bit of a competitive nature also. Loved catching up with Riley, Hudson,and Plum again. I hope there is a story for Plum in the works. Hope caught her fiance cheating before she left for Riley's wedding in Vegas. A few drinks after the reception she wake up with a ring on her finger and a man waking her up in a most exciting way. This story has Hope standing up to do what she has always wanted to do, and of the man that broke her heart years ago getting a second chance to make it right.
Loved Hope's story. Waking up married to the man that broke your heart. That Riley was competitive, Hope has a bit of a competitive nature also. Loved catching up with Riley, Hudson,and Plum again. I hope there is a story for Plum in the works. Hope caught her fiance cheating before she left for Riley's wedding in Vegas. A few drinks after the reception she wake up with a ring on her finger and a man waking her up in a most exciting way. This story has Hope standing up to do what she has always wanted to do, and of the man that broke her heart years ago getting a second chance to make it right.
November 20, 2017
Hope is in Las Vegas for her sister's wedding (Riley from book #1). She wanders into the hotel bar and encounters her former college flame, Julian. They have a drink together, but Hope can't handle liquor and wakes up the next morning married to him! Julian has always regretted their breakup and sees this as his second chance. Hope is at a crossroads in her life - she wants to make some changes so she agrees to stay in Las Vegas and engages Julian's services as a life coach. A fun romance story that I totally enjoyed - a different scenario from book one so it can be read as a standalone.
June 13, 2017
I love a GOOD romantic comedy...and that's EXACTLY what Hope and Julian gave us in the second Hot Mess book...the romance between these to is CUTE sweet and sensual...I love that Hope was able to forgive Julian and give him a second chance...Riley and Plum kept the story entertaining with their CRAZY antics...and the mama jokes although a bit corny still made me chuckle...can't wait for Plum's story...Kudos Mrs. Bourne!
June 18, 2017
Love this story of Hope and Julian. It was laugh out loud funny and sexy at the same time. Kudos to author Phyllis Bourne for combining the two successfully. Hot Mess is still a hot mess! That Elsie Lou is a real character. So, that leaves Plum. Will she have her story? I hope so.
I recommend this book. Believe me, you will not be sorry. Just make sure you read Book 1 (Between A Rock and a Hot Mess) first. This story picks up right where Book 1 ends. It's a true sequel.
I recommend this book. Believe me, you will not be sorry. Just make sure you read Book 1 (Between A Rock and a Hot Mess) first. This story picks up right where Book 1 ends. It's a true sequel.
June 21, 2017
Knock Knock
Hope and Julian are a special couple,there story kept me laughing. Well written characters with real life problems. It was so easy to identify with Hope. Julian persistence had me pulling for him as I turned each page. The Sinclair Bride books are a quick read each book stands on its own merit but I promise you want to read them both. Can't wait to read Plum story.
Hope and Julian are a special couple,there story kept me laughing. Well written characters with real life problems. It was so easy to identify with Hope. Julian persistence had me pulling for him as I turned each page. The Sinclair Bride books are a quick read each book stands on its own merit but I promise you want to read them both. Can't wait to read Plum story.
July 8, 2017
In Between a Honeymoon and a Hot Mess, we meet Hope, a feisty but frustrated woman who recently called off her engagement. While attending her sister's wedding in Vegas, Hope runs into "the one that got away"...and wakes up married to him the next morning. The chemistry between Hope and Julian is irresistible but what sets Phyllis's books apart is her voice. She has a hilarious, engaging voice that makes you fall in love with every word she writes.
August 5, 2017
Between a Honeymoon & a Hot Mess (The Sinclair Brides Book 2)
Julian aka Big Daddy Reeves & Hope aka Fancy Pants Sinclair share drinks at a hotel bar in Vegas, NV. She wakes up Mrs. Reeves married to Jules her college sweetheart. What happens in Vegas stats in Vegas? Take a hilarious ride along with these characters and their friends/family as they try to decide to give in to 💘, stay married and set up house together... or not!
Julian aka Big Daddy Reeves & Hope aka Fancy Pants Sinclair share drinks at a hotel bar in Vegas, NV. She wakes up Mrs. Reeves married to Jules her college sweetheart. What happens in Vegas stats in Vegas? Take a hilarious ride along with these characters and their friends/family as they try to decide to give in to 💘, stay married and set up house together... or not!
July 16, 2018
A quick funny read
Between a Honeymoon and a Hot Mess is the second book of the Sinclaire Sisters duo. The books can be read out of order but spoilers will be revealed so I suggest reading them in order.
This book was hilarious and a lot more enjoyable than book 1. Hope is as prissy as they come and seeing her shoved into chaos was very entertaining. I highly recommend this lighthearted tale. Enjoy!
Between a Honeymoon and a Hot Mess is the second book of the Sinclaire Sisters duo. The books can be read out of order but spoilers will be revealed so I suggest reading them in order.
This book was hilarious and a lot more enjoyable than book 1. Hope is as prissy as they come and seeing her shoved into chaos was very entertaining. I highly recommend this lighthearted tale. Enjoy!
June 15, 2017
Loved, loved🤓😅 this story
The second part in the story was just as engaging and hilarious as the first. I enjoyed Riley and Parker. But Hope and Julian we're equally as entertaining. I laughed, and talked to my Kindle throughout this story. Hope getting hitched to the wrong man was so much fun.. Bravo Phyllis Bourne, you did it again....
The second part in the story was just as engaging and hilarious as the first. I enjoyed Riley and Parker. But Hope and Julian we're equally as entertaining. I laughed, and talked to my Kindle throughout this story. Hope getting hitched to the wrong man was so much fun.. Bravo Phyllis Bourne, you did it again....
September 14, 2017
Love and Laughter
I absolutely loved watching Hope and Julian reconnect and find love again. Everyone was so hilarious in this story. I'm glad the book featured Riley and Hudson and now I can't wait for Sugar Plum's story. This is a story I will read again. And if you're looking for romance and fun, look no further.
I absolutely loved watching Hope and Julian reconnect and find love again. Everyone was so hilarious in this story. I'm glad the book featured Riley and Hudson and now I can't wait for Sugar Plum's story. This is a story I will read again. And if you're looking for romance and fun, look no further.
February 16, 2019
Loved this one!
I definitely didn’t expect the book to start off so crazy but I loved every chapter! Loved the story of sharing trust can be rebuilt and love conquering all. Not sure which story I liked better but they are both great! Will we be hearing about Plum and her fiancé?? Can’t wait!
I definitely didn’t expect the book to start off so crazy but I loved every chapter! Loved the story of sharing trust can be rebuilt and love conquering all. Not sure which story I liked better but they are both great! Will we be hearing about Plum and her fiancé?? Can’t wait!
June 17, 2017
Laugh Out Loud Funny!
The crazy Sinclair crew is back and crazy as ever. I love how Phyllis Bourne brings funny and steamy in her books. The author always manages to bring the funny, without going being ridiculous or too over the top.
Let's bed, loved, loved Hope and Julian! The storyline, characters and that quickie wedding combined to give an unforgettable read. And that scene with Rob? Hilarious! Loved how the one and only Delilah Cole actually became part of the storyline.
So, is the other Sinclair sister and my cousin, Sugar Plum Watson, getting a story? I've got my fingers crossed. Cause she's hilarious!
Well done, Phyllis Bourne. Thanks for another great read!
The crazy Sinclair crew is back and crazy as ever. I love how Phyllis Bourne brings funny and steamy in her books. The author always manages to bring the funny, without going being ridiculous or too over the top.
Let's bed, loved, loved Hope and Julian! The storyline, characters and that quickie wedding combined to give an unforgettable read. And that scene with Rob? Hilarious! Loved how the one and only Delilah Cole actually became part of the storyline.
So, is the other Sinclair sister and my cousin, Sugar Plum Watson, getting a story? I've got my fingers crossed. Cause she's hilarious!
Well done, Phyllis Bourne. Thanks for another great read!
June 14, 2017
Wonderful
Oh wow, I didn't think I can like a book as much as I like this one. Part one in this series was good, but this one was fantastic. Hope story was great. I laughed so much. I can't wait for the next part in this series.
Oh wow, I didn't think I can like a book as much as I like this one. Part one in this series was good, but this one was fantastic. Hope story was great. I laughed so much. I can't wait for the next part in this series.
June 25, 2017
Comedy with a Heart
I love reading Phyllis Bourne. Her books are a combination of humor and romance seldom encountered. Her writing style is fresh and original. I never fail to laugh out loud several times while devouring each chapter. Thanks Phyllis for another great read.
I love reading Phyllis Bourne. Her books are a combination of humor and romance seldom encountered. Her writing style is fresh and original. I never fail to laugh out loud several times while devouring each chapter. Thanks Phyllis for another great read.
June 29, 2017
Good refresher
Hope and Julian's story was a good refresher about long lost loves and second chances. I love the motto of the story was to be confidence in yourself and to step outside of your comfort zone sometimes.
Hope and Julian's story was a good refresher about long lost loves and second chances. I love the motto of the story was to be confidence in yourself and to step outside of your comfort zone sometimes.
June 30, 2017
Loved it! Hilarious!
Loved this story! Hope and Julian had me cracking up laughing out loud Great follow up to the first book! This series is the best this author has written!
Loved this story! Hope and Julian had me cracking up laughing out loud Great follow up to the first book! This series is the best this author has written!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews