Almost a Wedding

Left at the Altar #2

by Ruth Cardello

Barrett

When Paul asked me to be his best man, I didn’t think we’d make it this far. He’s 0 for 3 on engagements, but he says he’s serious this time.

The moment I meet Audrey, the maid of honor, I’m conflicted. She’s recovering from an injury. She needs my help, but all I want is to help her into my bed. What we have is wild and hot as hell—but that doesn’t mean I’m looking for it to continue past this trip. I’ve worked too hard to get to where I am to let anyone drag me down—but before I know it she’s got me turned around, and chasing after what I swore I’d never want—a chance at forever.

Audrey

I’m still recovering from ankle surgery after a severe break, but I’m the maid of honor and I refuse to let pain stop me from being part my best friend’s wedding. When I overdo it, I retreat to recover and regroup.

That’s how I meet Barrett. He’s brooding and blunt, but when he picks me up and carries me as if I’m nothing then brings me ice and takes care of me—I’m ready for my first wedding hookup. He is exactly what I need to get my mojo back.

Being bad never felt this good.

When he tells me he's not ready for a relationship I believe him—after all, his best friend just left mine at the altar. Where do we go from there?

Is it wrong to hope for make up sex considering we weren't the ones who broke up?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary

136 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 24, 2018

About the author

Ruth Cardello hit the NYTs and USA Today for the first time back in 2012. Millions of sales are evidence that her books are akin to potato chips, addictive from the first one. She has created a multi-series billionaire world with a combination of escapism and realism that has gained her a faithful following of readers.

What Kindle Reviewers write about her:

"Wow hot at every page. Heart stoping, fear raging, mind blowing wonderful."

"I'm a true fan of Ms. Cardello. I ran on to her first book a few years back and have been hooked ever since. I could go on and on about the story like of this book, but I'm not. All of her books are total page turners, unique, heart wrenching, and I love them all. There isn't two alike in the bunch and I feel like i know the characters personally. I personally read 97 authors books. And I buy every book they put out. This author is in my top 10. Great job and keep them coming."

"Love this series. Got me to start reading again. I look forward to the next book. Thank you for giving me the love of reading back."

Ruth Cardello was born the youngest of 11 children in a small city in northern Rhode Island. She spent her young adult years moving as far away as she could from her large extended family. She lived in Boston, Paris, Orlando, New York--then came full circle and moved back to New England. She now happily lives one town over from the one she was born in. For her, family trumped the warmer weather and international scene.

She was an educator for 20 years, the last 11 as a kindergarten teacher. When her school district began cutting jobs, Ruth turned a serious eye toward her second love- writing and has never been happier. When she's not writing, you can find her chasing her children around her small farm or connecting with her readers online.

Email Notice of New Releases: www.RuthCardello.com/Signup

You can find her on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/RuthCardello

Follow her at Twitter @RuthieCardello

If you'd like to email her directly, you may contact her via her website: www.ruthcardello.com

Lone Star Burn Series
Book 1: Taken, Not Spurred
Book 2: Tycoon Takedown
Book 3: Taken Home
Book 4: Taking Charge

Want to hear the song Charles proposed to Melanie with? https://youtu.be/SGZT5nVKfMs

The Legacy Collection
Book 1: Maid for the Billionaire (FREE on Amazon!)
Book 2: For Love or Legacy
Book 3: Bedding the Billionaire
Book 4: Saving the Sheikh
Book 5: Rise of the Billionaire
Book 6: Breaching the Billionaire: Alethea's Redemption
Book 7: (Novella) A Corisi Christmas

The Andrades:
Book 1: Come Away With Me (FREE on Amazon)
Book 2: Home to Me
Book 3: Maximum Risk
Book 4: Somewhere Along the Way
Book 5: Loving Gigi
Christmas Novella: A Recipe for Love (Maddy and Richard)

The Barrington Billionaires:
Book 1: Always Mine
Book 2: Stolen Kisses
Book 3: Trade It All
Book 3.5: A Billionaire for Lexi
Book 4: Let It Burn
Book 5: More than Love
Book 6: Forever Now
Book 7: Never Goodbye
Book 8: Reluctantly Alpha
Book 9: Reluctantly Rescued
Book 10: Reluctantly Romanced
Book 11: Loving a Landon
Book 12: Loathing a Landon


For a more complete list visit her website at www.ruthcardello.com

Reviews

[Nerdy Dirty & Flirty · Rating 5 out of 5]

-Kacie, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I loved this book so much! Everything I’ve read by Ruth Cardello is fantastic and this was no exception. I was sucked into the story right off the bat.

Audrey is the maid of honor in her best friend's wedding. She’s also recovering from surgery and she meets Barrett when she over does it on her injury. Barrett is the best man in his best friend's third attempt at getting married. He’s had a rough life growing up and lets very few people close. It also shaped his perspective on love.

I loved Audrey and Barrett together! They are complete opposites from each other but they fit together so well. When they are together, they feel like they are home. Barrett keeps saying and doing things to push Audrey away, yet he’s so drawn to her that he keeps coming back to her. Audrey is so strong! She seems to understand his insecurities and she never judges him. She accepts him as he is.

I loved all of the characters in this book, and I’m looking forward to reading the other books in this series.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life may not always be sunshine and rainbows, but through the grace of God and strength of character things tend to work out fine. Almost a Wedding serves as a reminder that there's always a bright side to every dark cloud. Audrey and Barrett find romance at the wedding that wasn't. Barrett is a pessimist, trudging through the baggage of a painful past. Sweet natured and optimistic Audrey is working her way back to fighting form after an accident interrupted her structured routine. Amidst a disappearing groom, a doomed wedding and emotional circumstances, fate plays matchmaker. Cardello never loses her sense of humor. Even as she works in a few life lessons and heartbreaking moments, she can always make me smile.

[Mayas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed the real life event Ruth incorporated into this story. The accident and struggle of getting back to 100%. Being there to help everyone and hoping they are okay before the needs of yourself and wellbeing is addressed. What made this book even better for me was the knowledge and attention of both Audrey and Barrett. They were the heart and souls as well as the voice of reason. It helped with their friends as well with themselves and each other. The truths expressed on that island was what helped Barrett see the full picture and grow from it.

Nothing is sweeter than evolving and living. Just know and understand that before anything else.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG. This is a fantastic start to a series!! I love the casualness of Barrett and Audrey. They are totally opposite but that's what makes them so interesting. I love how Audrey never really judges Barrett and just always seems to get him. I think that's what topples him over to her side!! Can't wait to read more of them!!!

[Marcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barrett and Audrey's story was fun from the start. The way they met and the wedding fiasco was unique and kept me entertained. They had great chemistry. Ruth's characters always have a depth about them, that make them so interesting and likable. I'm always rooting for their happily ever afters. I have really enjoyed every new book in this series. Always excited for more from Ruth Cardello.

[Christina Concus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book by Ruth Cardello that I have read and I really enjoyed it.

I loved that this was a fast paced, quick read!

Even though the characters Barrett and Audrey were opposites of each other an wanted completely different things this book was so well written that it made them very interesting. Also, both characters show what true friendship to their best friends mean.

Overall, a great book with a fun setting and great writing style. Can't wait to read more.

*I had the pleasure of reading an ARC*

[Kathy Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maid of honor and best man at a destination wedding. Both Barrett and Audrey feel the attraction but it is side-lined when the groom makes it 0 for 3 weddings. And Barrett is just not ready for a permanent relationship. As he fights what he feels for Audrey, he just may find himself fighting for a forever.
A great book by Ruth Cardello and highly recommended!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in the Left At The Altar Series, this one is written by Ruth Cardello

The name's Barrett

When I was asked by Paul to be his best man, little did I know that i'd think he’d ever make it this far.
Paul’s an a zero for 3 on marriage engagements. Now Paul believes that he's totally serious this time.

When I saw the lovely Audrey who was the beautiful maid of honour. I’m now so so conflicted. Even though Audrey is now slowly recovering from an injury. I know that Audrey really needs my help. The help I want to give Audrey is help to make her scream out in passion and that involves my nice big warm bed. I mean I get turned on pretty bad whenever I see her and i know that she feels the same way. The passion is hot and wild, I don't know who prefers the chase more her or me.

Audrey

I’m the maid of honour who's still recovering from ankle surgery after suffering such severe break. I'm totally refusing to let the terrible pain stop me from being apart of my best friend’s wedding.

Then I meet the sexy handsome Barrett. The things that I like about him well the list is probably endless but the main two are the facts that Barrett’s totally a good brooder and also straight to the point. When Barrett then picks me up and carries me in a princess hold well it feels as though I weigh nothing more than a feather. Oh lord he treats me to ice cream. Does that mean I've chosen a great man to have a brief affair at my best friends wedding?

Acting and feeling this bad never felt this good.

My best friend got jilted at the alter by his best friend. I know that I should be supporting my friend but there is something about Barrett that I'm just not going to give up on at the moment, I'm desperate to figure out what he really wants.

[Kath Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost a Wedding - Ruth Cardello
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I absolutely loved this story. Ruth Cardello packed so much detail into the personalities of Audrey and Barrett but also the supporting Characters as well.... it was easy to imagine the Groomsmen trying to wrangle the Groom into finally making all the way down the aisle while the Bridemaids were reassuring the bride

Audrey was recovering from surgery for a badly broken ankle but when her best friend Isa asked her to be maid of honour, she couldn’t say no. But that’s just the start of this wonderfully heartwarming but equally sexy story.

Barrett is the epitome of the bachelor life. He’s a self made man, having spent his younger life in the worst conditions. His friends are few, but loyal and he’s only interested in satisfying his needs, one woman at a time. When his friend Paul asked him to be his best man at attempt number 4 down the aisle, Barrett’s cynical attitude can only see this ending badly...... or will a quick hook up with the maid of honour be enough to get him through this travesty of a wedding.

Loved the characters, great plot, plenty of heart, even more heat between Audrey and Barrett and definitely a fabulous story.

[Shelley Youngblood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almost a Wedding by Ruth Cardello is a quick fun read. I read it entirely in one setting and felt many emotions as I read it. I laughed, and even found myself misting up when the characters experienced many of their emotions.

Ruth has the ability to make you feel like you've escaped from reality and are completely emerged in the world she has created. It is a spin-off of her Bachelor Tower Series, so if you're a fan, you'll enjoy seeing some of the characters from that series as well. Though, this can be read on its own as well.

Barret is the best friend a guy could ask for. He may not agree with your choices, but he will be there with you when things go awry. That's exactly what he does for one of his best friends when he agrees to be the best man. The last thing he expects is to meet Audrey, and find himself going out of his way to assist her. She's recently undergone foot surgery and needs a bit of assistance. But for some reason, he doesn't seem to mind.

These two characters are fantastic. Ruth has created a world that is filled with love, laughter and combustible chemistry. I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next.

[Kyle Hakim · Rating 2 out of 5]

Barrett was Paul bestfriend. He was asked to find the chubby maid of honour, Audrey. He helped her getting ice packs for her swollen ankle, find her missing purse and getting a tailor for her dress. Paul was missing and he suspected he made foolish act again by fucking Audrey. She was just getting ready to bath and they kissed. Isa the bride came to Audrey’s room to check on her. Paul get back to his room insinuating the kiss was a mistake. The next day, he came to her room and they fucked. They get ready for the wedding and Paul was sick after his hangover and wrong medication so the wedding was cancelled. Audrey gently rejected his offer to stay as friends with benefit. He couldn’t forget her and make peace with his late mom’s memories. She butt dialed him and instead of accepting his offer to have coffee together to dinner with her family. He agreed. He wanted to try be in a relationship with her. She was initially shocked but accepted his request. Later he bought a house for them and proposed to her.

[Debbie Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Almost a Wedding" is the second book in the Left at the Altar series, written by different authors, and it was a fantastic read. It is the story of Barrett and Audrey, he is the best man at his best friends third attempt at marriage and she is the maid of honor for her best friend that hopes she will be getting married. Still recovering from ankle surgery but not wanting to let her friend down, Audrey has a time when a lot of walking is involved. Barrett comes to her rescue, he is blunt, brooding and straight to the point, but Audrey cannot hold that against him, even when he tells her he doesn't want a relationship. If you want to know if their best friends get married or if Barrett and Audrey have a chance at forever, you will have to read the book. It is filled with romance, passion, just the right amount of angst, friends and fun.
Five stars for this one and cannot wait for the next one in the series.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book couldn't put it down. Paul Friedman has decided to get married to Isa even though he has had three failed engagements. Barrett, Zeke and Gage are Pauls best friends and have flowned to a private island in the middle of the Caribbean for the wedding. They are hopping that Paul would go through with it this time because if he didn't his mother would be very upset with him. Barrett starts looking for the maid of honor Audrey because no one can find her, but when he finds her he sees that she's hurt. Barrett doesn't know why but he seems to be doing things for Audrey to make things better for her. Barrett and Audrey get together because they can't seem to stop thinking about each other, but when the wedding is off Barrett gets cold toward Audrey on their way to the airport. After a few weeks have passed Barrett can't seem to stop thinking about Audrey so when he goes to her house he hopes that she will take him back.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost A Wedding by Ruth Cardello is the first book I read in the Left at the Altar series! This book was awesome!

Barrett is the best man and Audrey is the main of honor. I love the these characters! I enjoy Barrett rough exterior and continue loyalty to his friend. Audrey this friend everyone can hope to have once in their life. Audrey would do anything for those she cares about.

I love watching as Audrey found her groove to do thing she has never done before to find happiness for herself.

This book is a five star read! I so enjoy the storyline and the characters! Ruth Cardello wrote another amazing book! I can always count on Ruth Cardello story to be awesome! I can pick up her books and I know I am going to get an amazing stories and characters that make the story come alive!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book...I’m usually not one for insta love stories but this one was paced very well. Isra’s situation upset me because I wanted her to have her HEA but I think we will be seeing more of her and Paul later whether in this series or the Billionaire Towers series I’m not to sure.

I must say I absolutely love how well the author weaves her different series together like she does. We see people from the Billionaire Towers series as well as people from the Left at the Alter series who were also weaved into author J. S. Scott’s series The Billionaire’s Obsession. The way these two authors have been able to seamlessly weave their different book series and characters together is amazing and I can’t wait to read more from both these authors.

[Jane Bowen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A love story that starts with a wedding not happening. Barrett Natick is best man for his friend Paul the forever groom who some how never gets married. Audrey Enfield is the maid of honor and best friend to Isa, the bride who is having second thoughts and disappears before the ceremony . Barrett meets Audrey while looking for the bride and one look and sparks fly! Audrey isn't looking for any LONG TERM hook up, maybe some fun. And Barrett is more than gun shy when it comes to relationships. Will that spark ignite ? Is this going to be more than a "Wedding Hook Up " "One Time and Done" ???? You will have to read and enjoy Ruth Cardello's version of a "Wedding Hook Up" in this Book; Almost a Wedding.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in one sitting and absolutely loved it! The hero has baggage he has to work through and the heroine is trying to get through an accident that has her sidelined. Sparks fly for Barrett and Audrey when they get together as the best man and maid of honor at their friend’s “wedding”. I loved the scene in the story where Barrett realizes what he wants in life, as it was a very moving situation for him. The humor between Zeke, Gage, Barrett and Paul was so laugh out loud funny and an extra added bonus to the story. The ending was the best as the author wrapped it all up quite nicely. Loved the romance!!!

[Tracey Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story, the meeting and what follows for Barrett and Audrey is engaging, endearing, engrossing love story. Barrett history doesn't make him relationship material, a resident in Batchelor Tower, building himself the type of life he wanted having dragged himself up from nothing. Audrey sees behind the brusque mask, without meaning to gets under his skin, and they could find something together meaning so much more? A Ruth Cardello gem of a read, gives the feels, the sighs, and the reader wanting it to work. Highly recommend. Can be read as standalone, but the series is good......

[Ani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book from Ruth Cardello and is the second in the series, however it can be read as a stand alone.

I didn’t think I was getting into this book at first, then I realised I was 5 chapters in before I took a breath and then I was finished before I knew it! This story had great flow and swept me along with the characters in it. My heart hurt for Isa and Paul but soared for Barrett and Audrey. Great chemistry and dynamic throughout and I just want more of them.

As soon as I finished the book I looked up Ruth Cardello. She just collected a new fan.

[Tianna Croy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love isn't easy, there are no truer words. After overcoming his poor beginning Barrett vows to never be poor again. He also doesn't want to share what he's worked so hard to accomplish with anyone. That is until he literally found the maid of honor, Audrey. He started wanting things he never thought he would. Audrey just thought a wedding one and done might be the thing to get her out of her funk, but it did so much more than that. This is a quick read about an almost wedding that lead to so much more.

"We were left at the alter-but that's how I found you"

[Mary Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great Read!!
This is a short sweet love story that will keep you engrossed until the end.
Audrey and Barrett meet at a wedding venue of their best friends. The bride and groom are having troubles so Audrey and Barrett try to figure out how to help them.
Barrett is totally not into weddings because of his past.
Audrey isn't even thinking of getting married.
This is a fun story and I enjoyed how easy it was to get involved in the story.
I recommend this book if you are looking for some laughs and romance.

[Jenn Avery · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella has a very well-developed story. Ruth Cardello manages to pack an interesting full plot along with complicated characters into a small package. Barrett is a reluctant and cynical hero and Audrey is his opposite with her positivity, but both are very loyal to their respective friends which is what ultimately brings them together. Fans of Cardello’s other works will instantly recognize the humor and charm she brings to all of her books and those new to her writing will certainly start reading her backlog.

[Nidia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting type of personalities, good read

I really like the way this story flows...there could be some more descriptions but I think it came out pretty well. The sexy scenes aren't too descriptive but my imagination is very good and I believe it reads well enough to describe for others as well. I liked the characters, they are not too often in this type of genre that I have read. I would like to get to read more by Ruth Cardello and see where her characters take me next.<3<3<3

[JoDeen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Iam a huge fan of Ruth Cardello so when I heard about. Almost a Wedding I got so excited! I dived into this book as soon as I could and OMG I loved it !. Barret and Audrey's story was just so much fun to read, it delivered on all the things I have come accustomed in a Ruth Cardello's books. It was sexy , addicting, romantic and swoon-worthy and had eager to get her next book. I love this story and if you're wondering if you should read it the answer is YES as soon as you can.

[Lisa Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almost wedding?.....

I liked Barrett and Audrey, they were actually two people cut from the same cloth. Both fathers not a part of their lives growing up. They were strong and independent and determined to be successful in life. They both attend their best friends wedding, best man and maid of honor. The wedding hits a few snags and doesn’t happen but what did happen was they got to know each other.

[Sharon A Shovan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, what a fast paced adorable story! Audrey and Barrett are at an island for their best friend’s wedding. They have never met each other before. But when they do WOW! The chemistry is way out there. But he does not do relationships. And she usually does not do flings. But this time may be a game changer. Besides helping the bride and groom, they might just help each other. It will be fun to find out.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another bachelor bites the dust...

Barrett and Audrey were suppose to be the co-stars of the Wedding as the best man and maid of honor but soon found themselves as the main attraction.

Totally unexpected but another beautifully weaved story of discovering a love, you didn't realize you were seeking!

[Michelle Eriksen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whenever I pick up one of Ruth Cardello's books, I can depend on getting a sweet romance with a little sass, lots of heat and enough humor to make it a fun read.

Almost a wedding lived up to all of those standards and then some. Barrett is hot and makes me wish the story would just keep going on. Audrey and Barrett are just to perfect together and their chemistry makes the pages just fly by.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Story!! Another bachelor leaves the Bachelor Tower's for love! Things might not work out for the bride and groom but the best man and maid of honor get dirty under the sheets and the shenanigans begin. I read this story in one sitting, which is not usual for me. It was fun getting to know Barrett and Audrey!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audrey & Barrett

They meet at Paul and Isa wedding when he goes to find her she nothing he looking for. He doesn't do weepy and she crying cause she was hurt. Heck he doesn't even do relationships and tells her right off the bat. But she decides way the heck I have fun while it last. When the wedding doesn't go as planned they are left to wonder will they ever see reach other again?