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Never the Bride
No strings attached to diamond rings...
Divorce lawyer Vanessa Hill was content with always being the bridesmaid to her sister or her “insane” friends. She never wanted to be the bride. Marriage wasn’t for her.
When her ailing grandmother invites Vanessa to discuss the terms of her will, Vanessa faces a dilemma, get married or lose everything. When under pressure, she invents an engagement with her neighbor and friend with benefits, Josiah.
Josiah Thomas, a no-nonsense celebrity tattoo artist, has already been through the marriage thing. He was done with diamond rings until Vanessa propositioned him. He’d do anything for the sexy girl next door and a promised two million dollars wouldn’t hurt.
Now Vanessa and Josiah will be doing the one thing they swore they would stay away from, marriage.
When hearts collide in lies, they just might belong together.
NOTE: This novel contains content for mature adults only.
Divorce lawyer Vanessa Hill was content with always being the bridesmaid to her sister or her “insane” friends. She never wanted to be the bride. Marriage wasn’t for her.
When her ailing grandmother invites Vanessa to discuss the terms of her will, Vanessa faces a dilemma, get married or lose everything. When under pressure, she invents an engagement with her neighbor and friend with benefits, Josiah.
Josiah Thomas, a no-nonsense celebrity tattoo artist, has already been through the marriage thing. He was done with diamond rings until Vanessa propositioned him. He’d do anything for the sexy girl next door and a promised two million dollars wouldn’t hurt.
Now Vanessa and Josiah will be doing the one thing they swore they would stay away from, marriage.
When hearts collide in lies, they just might belong together.
NOTE: This novel contains content for mature adults only.
174 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 20, 2018
About the author
Janae Keyes
33 books217 followersBorn and raised in the California Bay Area, Janae Keyes is an American mom, wife, and hopeless romantic living in Europe. She loves to explore various cultures coming together through the magic of love. Residing in a suburb of Brussels, Belgium, with her husband and daughter, Janae loves to share her passion for romance with others.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
April 25, 2018
This was an interesting, if not a slightly different, read about two broken people who struggle with love for two different reasons. It is not your typical love story, it is a fight between two people who share a deep connection but prefer to live in a state of denial.
The chemistry between Vanessa and Josiah is hot hot hot, however I could have done without the Daddy reference, I personally find this weird and off putting. Despite this you could clearly see the compatibility these two had between the sheets, in the shower, by the door... you get my drift.
One thing I would have liked more of is depth, especially regarding the characters lives. We are thrown straight into a story that starts smack bang in the middle of Vanessa and Josiah’s very chaotic relationship. Critical plots were whimsically popped into the storyline and it would have been nice to have gone back in time to when those discussions were had to get an idea of how they felt at the time.
Certain plots could have been developed more and it seems like some aspects were completely forgotten about, although not critical to the actual story it would have been nice to have some understanding of what happened in the end.
All in all an okay read, with an intriguing storyline, hot alpha males and a stubborn woman who doesn’t know what hit her!!
The chemistry between Vanessa and Josiah is hot hot hot, however I could have done without the Daddy reference, I personally find this weird and off putting. Despite this you could clearly see the compatibility these two had between the sheets, in the shower, by the door... you get my drift.
One thing I would have liked more of is depth, especially regarding the characters lives. We are thrown straight into a story that starts smack bang in the middle of Vanessa and Josiah’s very chaotic relationship. Critical plots were whimsically popped into the storyline and it would have been nice to have gone back in time to when those discussions were had to get an idea of how they felt at the time.
Certain plots could have been developed more and it seems like some aspects were completely forgotten about, although not critical to the actual story it would have been nice to have some understanding of what happened in the end.
All in all an okay read, with an intriguing storyline, hot alpha males and a stubborn woman who doesn’t know what hit her!!
April 28, 2018
When fierce and independent Vanessa learns her grandmother is sick, she is devastated. To make matters worse, grandma's will states that to get her inheritance (though money is not a problem for the well-to-do divorce lawyer) she must be settled down.
To get her family off her back, she lies. She neighbour, who she's been on a friends-with-benefits relationship with for the past year is actually her fiance. Let the wedding plans begin!
Except Josiah knows nothing about these plans. When Vanessa tells him, he has no problem playing along. After all, it's to make grandma happy and if it makes Vanessa happy too, then he figures it's a win for everyone... until he realises his affection may be only one sided.
This book keeps you on your toes from start to finish. Hot and heavy to soft and sweet, it has it all. I wish there was more conflict and the epilogue seemed a bit too wrapped up for me, but a great read overall. Jo and Nessa's story is relationship goals.
To get her family off her back, she lies. She neighbour, who she's been on a friends-with-benefits relationship with for the past year is actually her fiance. Let the wedding plans begin!
Except Josiah knows nothing about these plans. When Vanessa tells him, he has no problem playing along. After all, it's to make grandma happy and if it makes Vanessa happy too, then he figures it's a win for everyone... until he realises his affection may be only one sided.
This book keeps you on your toes from start to finish. Hot and heavy to soft and sweet, it has it all. I wish there was more conflict and the epilogue seemed a bit too wrapped up for me, but a great read overall. Jo and Nessa's story is relationship goals.
June 12, 2018
Review to come
August 16, 2018
This was an interesting if not a slightly different read about two broken people who struggle with love for two different reasons. It is not your typical love story, it is a fight between two people who share a deep connection but prefer to live in a state of denial.
The chemistry between Vanessa and Josiah is hot hot hot, however I could have done without the Daddy reference, I personally find this weird and off putting. Despite this you could clearly see the compatibility these two had between the sheets, in the shower, by the door... you get my drift.
One thing I would have liked more of is depth, especially regarding the characters lives. We are thrown straight into a story that starts smack bang in the middle of Vanessa and Josiah’s very chaotic relationship. Critical plots were whimsically popped into the storyline and it would have been nice to have gone back in time to when those discussions were had to get an idea of how they felt at the time.
Certain plots could have been developed more and it seems like some aspects were completely forgotten about, although not critical to the actual story it would have been nice to have some understanding of what happened in the end.
All in all an okay read, with an intriguing storyline, hot alpha males and a woman stubborn woman who doesn’t know what hit her!!
"Read on Behalf of Books After Fifty"
The chemistry between Vanessa and Josiah is hot hot hot, however I could have done without the Daddy reference, I personally find this weird and off putting. Despite this you could clearly see the compatibility these two had between the sheets, in the shower, by the door... you get my drift.
One thing I would have liked more of is depth, especially regarding the characters lives. We are thrown straight into a story that starts smack bang in the middle of Vanessa and Josiah’s very chaotic relationship. Critical plots were whimsically popped into the storyline and it would have been nice to have gone back in time to when those discussions were had to get an idea of how they felt at the time.
Certain plots could have been developed more and it seems like some aspects were completely forgotten about, although not critical to the actual story it would have been nice to have some understanding of what happened in the end.
All in all an okay read, with an intriguing storyline, hot alpha males and a woman stubborn woman who doesn’t know what hit her!!
"Read on Behalf of Books After Fifty"
April 27, 2018
This is a 3.5 stars for me. Good storyline and I loved Josiah, but I had a hard time connecting with Vanessa. The chemistry between the two was undeniable and hot and I found myself hoping Vanessa would hurry up and smell the roses. There was one thing that kind of bugged me. The whole "Daddy" talk. I just can't get into that. Might just be me, but kind of grosses me out lol. Aside from that, and having a hard time connecting, I did enjoy the story.
I actually thought maybe there should have been a little more depth or clarification during some scenes. There were certain times I would be thinking, where was this person? They should have been there for Vanessa, or just little things, I thought would have been mentioned weren't. Maybe, I just wanted a little more detail in certain parts of the book. I found myself chuckling at the scene in the elevator with her old neighbor. That was pretty funny and unexpected. All in all, though I had a hard time connecting with the story, it was an easy read, with a good storyline. One more thing I will say, this book gives you a full range of emotions, as I found myself crying during certain parts of the story, so be prepared for some ups and downs!
#B2BKristina
I actually thought maybe there should have been a little more depth or clarification during some scenes. There were certain times I would be thinking, where was this person? They should have been there for Vanessa, or just little things, I thought would have been mentioned weren't. Maybe, I just wanted a little more detail in certain parts of the book. I found myself chuckling at the scene in the elevator with her old neighbor. That was pretty funny and unexpected. All in all, though I had a hard time connecting with the story, it was an easy read, with a good storyline. One more thing I will say, this book gives you a full range of emotions, as I found myself crying during certain parts of the story, so be prepared for some ups and downs!
#B2BKristina
April 29, 2018
This is a fresher, intriguing slant on a story where two broken, yet fairly strong, individuals fake a relationship because they fear the power of love.
Josiah & Vanessa have been in a casual relationship for about two years. They've each stopped hanging out with and dating the opposite sex, but are in denial about what it means about their feelings for each other. A surprise reveal from Vanessa's grandmother sends Vanessa panicking into a made-up engagement with Josiah. As the two spend more time together, they soon realised that the only two people being fooled are themselves.
While I enjoyed the way the story was told, and believed in the couple's chemistry from the minute they were together on the same page, I wasn't totally sold on the entire plot. There were some unfinished plots within the book, and some questions about the characters' pasts were just left unanswered.
If you're looking for a fast-moving, dramatic love story with lots of heat and a bit of heart, look no further!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book.
Josiah & Vanessa have been in a casual relationship for about two years. They've each stopped hanging out with and dating the opposite sex, but are in denial about what it means about their feelings for each other. A surprise reveal from Vanessa's grandmother sends Vanessa panicking into a made-up engagement with Josiah. As the two spend more time together, they soon realised that the only two people being fooled are themselves.
While I enjoyed the way the story was told, and believed in the couple's chemistry from the minute they were together on the same page, I wasn't totally sold on the entire plot. There were some unfinished plots within the book, and some questions about the characters' pasts were just left unanswered.
If you're looking for a fast-moving, dramatic love story with lots of heat and a bit of heart, look no further!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book.
April 21, 2018
A Steamy Heartfelt Novel
Another wonderful novel by this author!
Strong independent divorce lawyer Vanessa and sexy tattoo artist Josiah are perfect for each other! They had been a fierce support for each pther after tragedies, could enjoy time out with each other and have a steamy and kinky sex life together. All with no strings attached.
Bit when Nessa's grandmother is dying, the two have to pull off a sham marriage to keep her happy. But, what happens when feelings get real?
The storyline itself is very well written, pulling at my heart strings one minute, and leaving me breathless at other times.
The characters are very relatable with their own unique backstory and personalities. The author has a way with words that allows the reader to really feel for the characters and find themselves dropped in the middle of every scenario as if they were a part of it.
Overall very well done and highly recommended !
Another wonderful novel by this author!
Strong independent divorce lawyer Vanessa and sexy tattoo artist Josiah are perfect for each other! They had been a fierce support for each pther after tragedies, could enjoy time out with each other and have a steamy and kinky sex life together. All with no strings attached.
Bit when Nessa's grandmother is dying, the two have to pull off a sham marriage to keep her happy. But, what happens when feelings get real?
The storyline itself is very well written, pulling at my heart strings one minute, and leaving me breathless at other times.
The characters are very relatable with their own unique backstory and personalities. The author has a way with words that allows the reader to really feel for the characters and find themselves dropped in the middle of every scenario as if they were a part of it.
Overall very well done and highly recommended !
April 21, 2018
Great read
This was a great book. Josiah and Vanessa are neighbors who became friends with benefits. This situation seems so work well for both of them as they both had some issues in the past. It is obvious to everyone except them that they are in love. She opens up to him in a way that she doesn’t do with others. They both always go to each other first when they need something. Vanessa’s grandmother is dying from cancer and one things she wants is for Vanessa to be settled down. Since she has no plans on doing that she tells her Grandmother that she and Josiah are engaged. The fake engagement shows them both how they really feel but Vanessa tries to deny it because she thinks love means losing who you are. Josiah realizes it and tries to let her know how he feels but Vanessa makes it so hard. This book was a quick read because of how well the story was written. Nothing felt forced or out of place. This was a great book that I am sure you will enjoy.
This was a great book. Josiah and Vanessa are neighbors who became friends with benefits. This situation seems so work well for both of them as they both had some issues in the past. It is obvious to everyone except them that they are in love. She opens up to him in a way that she doesn’t do with others. They both always go to each other first when they need something. Vanessa’s grandmother is dying from cancer and one things she wants is for Vanessa to be settled down. Since she has no plans on doing that she tells her Grandmother that she and Josiah are engaged. The fake engagement shows them both how they really feel but Vanessa tries to deny it because she thinks love means losing who you are. Josiah realizes it and tries to let her know how he feels but Vanessa makes it so hard. This book was a quick read because of how well the story was written. Nothing felt forced or out of place. This was a great book that I am sure you will enjoy.
April 29, 2018
Friends with the Benefit of Catching Feelings
The three/four-star split is hard to determine with the system available here. On the positive hand, the author avoids many of the easy tropes used by a lot of interracial authors. Also, the steamy scenes fit the characters' relationship perfectly in tone, frequency, and pace...
...and then there's the negative hand. I was frequently pulled out of the flow of this dual, first-person POV by the use of passive voice. And the copy editing as well, left a lot to be desired, with one example being "were not the best of friends," instead of what contextually was supposed to be "NOW were the best of friends (emphasis mine)..." which is a big freaking difference in meaning.
Still though, these characters brought me as a reader, back to a previous life stage, reminding me that realistic romances exist that represent the full spectrum of how people who look like me and my friends, connect and relate to one another.
The three/four-star split is hard to determine with the system available here. On the positive hand, the author avoids many of the easy tropes used by a lot of interracial authors. Also, the steamy scenes fit the characters' relationship perfectly in tone, frequency, and pace...
...and then there's the negative hand. I was frequently pulled out of the flow of this dual, first-person POV by the use of passive voice. And the copy editing as well, left a lot to be desired, with one example being "were not the best of friends," instead of what contextually was supposed to be "NOW were the best of friends (emphasis mine)..." which is a big freaking difference in meaning.
Still though, these characters brought me as a reader, back to a previous life stage, reminding me that realistic romances exist that represent the full spectrum of how people who look like me and my friends, connect and relate to one another.
June 11, 2018
This is my first time to receive an ARC from Janae Keyes, and although the storyline of this one isn't something I haven't read before, I must say that I enjoyed it!
Having a physical relationship with someone will always, always lead to feelings. I mean I get that guys can separate their emotions like how a baker separates the yolks from the whites, still feelings are bound to surface sooner or later... whether it's a bit or more, there will be feelings... and especially if you're neighbors coz duh, you see eachother all the time! Feelings are inevitable... well unless you're a heartless pig who does it for sports.
It has more drama than a normal romance would have but it doesn't leave a heavy feeling like how other angsty, drama-filled romances does. (Shivers) ugh I hate those... lol
For those fans of unexpected romances, badass long-legged esquires and sexy tattooed heroes, this is the book to pick up next.
Having a physical relationship with someone will always, always lead to feelings. I mean I get that guys can separate their emotions like how a baker separates the yolks from the whites, still feelings are bound to surface sooner or later... whether it's a bit or more, there will be feelings... and especially if you're neighbors coz duh, you see eachother all the time! Feelings are inevitable... well unless you're a heartless pig who does it for sports.
It has more drama than a normal romance would have but it doesn't leave a heavy feeling like how other angsty, drama-filled romances does. (Shivers) ugh I hate those... lol
For those fans of unexpected romances, badass long-legged esquires and sexy tattooed heroes, this is the book to pick up next.
April 18, 2018
Great read! The author has written a wonderful storyline with strong characters that are very easy to relate to.
The male lead, Josiah, has pulled himself up from nothing to be a successful business owner and our female lead, Vanessa, is an independent woman who is a successful divorce attorney. They are neighbors who are friends with benefits, both having their reasons for not wanting marriage or a deep relationship. But the bond they have is a strong one. So strong they are always there for one another no matter how big or small the reason (including Vanessa needing a temporary fiancée).
The storyline has some twists and turns that will keep you guessing as well as times that will having you smiling and sighing. I enjoyed Never a Bride very much and I’d recommend it to everyone. 2 Thumbs Up!
The male lead, Josiah, has pulled himself up from nothing to be a successful business owner and our female lead, Vanessa, is an independent woman who is a successful divorce attorney. They are neighbors who are friends with benefits, both having their reasons for not wanting marriage or a deep relationship. But the bond they have is a strong one. So strong they are always there for one another no matter how big or small the reason (including Vanessa needing a temporary fiancée).
The storyline has some twists and turns that will keep you guessing as well as times that will having you smiling and sighing. I enjoyed Never a Bride very much and I’d recommend it to everyone. 2 Thumbs Up!
April 26, 2018
I didn't like this book.....I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!! This is such a wonderfully written storyline with characters that are amazingly written and so very well defined. You've probably seen movies where the rich old grandfather says that his grandchild can't get the money they will inherit unless they are married or something....well it's something like that. Kinda sorta.
Josiah is a self made man who is a successful business owner. Vanessa is a successful divorce attorney. They have known each other for some time and they each have their reason for not wanting anything to do with marriage, until Vanessa needs a fiance' because of her Grandmother, and Josiah, being the wonderful friend (with benefits) that he is, takes the job.
Oh Yeah....LET THE FUN BEGIN
This is a fantastic book and I highly recommend it.
Josiah is a self made man who is a successful business owner. Vanessa is a successful divorce attorney. They have known each other for some time and they each have their reason for not wanting anything to do with marriage, until Vanessa needs a fiance' because of her Grandmother, and Josiah, being the wonderful friend (with benefits) that he is, takes the job.
Oh Yeah....LET THE FUN BEGIN
This is a fantastic book and I highly recommend it.
April 21, 2018
I enjoyed this book a great deal. Vanessa and Josiah are compelling characters that drew me into the story from the first page. They both have issues in their past that make them hesitant to love. The writing is good, and I loved the plot/story-line. Vanessa thinks the only way to be successful is to prove to everyone that she is worthy, and Josiah is closed off due to the death of his first wife. I totally get both perspectives and have struggled with some of these same issues. There are a few editing issues that pulled me out of the story, but I absolutely adored the characters and the growth they both experienced. Good book Janae Keyes!
April 18, 2018
Never The Bride, 3,5 stars.
Never the Bride by Janae Keyes is a full length, standalone rom-com. Meet Vanessa, she´s a commitment-phobe like they come. She lives and breathes her job as divorce lawyer. She enjoys her friend with benefits and that´s it. She doesn´t want a relationship and kids are not in the book. She has everything planned out, but then comes karma and throws a wrench her way.
The plot is intriguing and I liked the story. But, and yes there´s a but, I couldn´t connect with the characters. I give 3,5 stars.
Never the Bride by Janae Keyes is a full length, standalone rom-com. Meet Vanessa, she´s a commitment-phobe like they come. She lives and breathes her job as divorce lawyer. She enjoys her friend with benefits and that´s it. She doesn´t want a relationship and kids are not in the book. She has everything planned out, but then comes karma and throws a wrench her way.
The plot is intriguing and I liked the story. But, and yes there´s a but, I couldn´t connect with the characters. I give 3,5 stars.
April 21, 2018
I thought Never the bride was a good read this would be the second book I've read by Janae Keys and the first book by Deliaria Davis I know I'll be reading more by them in the future . After seeing the blog soon fallowed by the cover I knew this book needed to be in my kindle as soon as possible and I was a happy camper when I received it . The story line was very refreshing the characters were likable with great chemistry even though they did frustrate me at times . Never the bride is a must read that will soon be dived into .
April 22, 2018
In Janae Keyes interracial romance Never the Bride, it not what you think. Vanessa Hill a high powered divorce attorney has come up with a scheme to make her ailing grandmother's wish come true and enlist the help of her best friend and friend with benefits Josiah Thomas's help. Everyone but Vanessa and Josiah sees that they are in love with each other. Will they realize it too late both have faced a tragic time in their lives will their past hinder the future they both could have together? Find out.
April 20, 2018
Smoking HAWT and like No Other!!!
This book was everything. It touched my heart but then had my heart beating fast from all the heat that was pouring from the words. Janae has a way with words that makes you feel every single word.
The connection I have to this book is off the charts. Being able to relate to Vanessa. Wanting to have Josiah. This book was everything, plus so much more.
Must Read!!!!
This book was everything. It touched my heart but then had my heart beating fast from all the heat that was pouring from the words. Janae has a way with words that makes you feel every single word.
The connection I have to this book is off the charts. Being able to relate to Vanessa. Wanting to have Josiah. This book was everything, plus so much more.
Must Read!!!!
April 25, 2018
Two total opposites, and yet so perfect together! Vanessa is a divorce lawyer, and Josiah is a famous tattoo artist. Both of these characters have past issues to overcome. This is a wonderful story, which had me hooked and captivated throughout. Looking forward to reading more of this authors’ work, and I highly recommend her work for all readers.
April 27, 2018
Love it!
Vanessa had gone through a few hurdles in life and Josiah just wanted to love her, issues and all. You can't help but be impressed when it comes to her grandmother. A woman that will steal your heart. Josiah had to get Vanessa to understand he will always be their for her. With all the resistance, all it did was hurt her and him instead.
Vanessa had gone through a few hurdles in life and Josiah just wanted to love her, issues and all. You can't help but be impressed when it comes to her grandmother. A woman that will steal your heart. Josiah had to get Vanessa to understand he will always be their for her. With all the resistance, all it did was hurt her and him instead.
April 29, 2018
Nice Twist On Fake Engagement Story
This fake engagement book is different than the majority of the other books with a twist. Vanessa is the one needing the someone to marry to gain her inheritance, chooses her FWB Josiah to help her out. This book truly delves into those who loves us can see behind the masks we wear.
This fake engagement book is different than the majority of the other books with a twist. Vanessa is the one needing the someone to marry to gain her inheritance, chooses her FWB Josiah to help her out. This book truly delves into those who loves us can see behind the masks we wear.
April 21, 2018
I loved the chemistry between Josiah and Nessa. The nonexistent relationship they had was the best and they were both blind to the fact. If wouldn't have lied to her grandma they would've still been playing games with their selves.
April 23, 2018
Love It
I read every single book you wrote. This was really good. Vanessa and Josiah were friends with benefits. Along the way their feelings changed. Looking forward to reading your next book.
I read every single book you wrote. This was really good. Vanessa and Josiah were friends with benefits. Along the way their feelings changed. Looking forward to reading your next book.
April 24, 2018
Vanessa and Josiah
I loved this couple! Their chemistry was off the charts! This was a well written novel with great character development. I read in one night! You should definitely buy!
I loved this couple! Their chemistry was off the charts! This was a well written novel with great character development. I read in one night! You should definitely buy!
April 22, 2018
Great love story
I love this book because they had to fight for love and its ups and downs. Plus i love the back ground of family and how we are always there for each other.
I love this book because they had to fight for love and its ups and downs. Plus i love the back ground of family and how we are always there for each other.
April 24, 2018
Hmmm
Vanessa made me want to choke her. Josiah I my eyes got the short end of the stick. It was good book though.
Vanessa made me want to choke her. Josiah I my eyes got the short end of the stick. It was good book though.
April 24, 2018
Very goid
Vanessa and Josiah were a match. She was so afraid of love because she assumed it made you weak instead of stronger.
Vanessa and Josiah were a match. She was so afraid of love because she assumed it made you weak instead of stronger.
April 29, 2018
Good read
The book has a nice pace for me and it kept me interested the entire time. I'm glad Vanessa choice love in the end.
The book has a nice pace for me and it kept me interested the entire time. I'm glad Vanessa choice love in the end.
June 12, 2018
A good read👍🏾
This was the first book I have read by this author. This book was a good read. It had a lot of twists and turns that I didn't see coming. Loved it 👏🏾
This was the first book I have read by this author. This book was a good read. It had a lot of twists and turns that I didn't see coming. Loved it 👏🏾
December 26, 2018
It was a terrific read!!
May 1, 2018
From friends with benefits to true love which each one denied for years. Everyone saw it but them. It was quite an eye opener when they did. An unusual love story but it worked . Janae Keyes is an excellent author
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews