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Bay of Island Brides #1
Bride in Trouble
Librarian Note: An alternate cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.
She’s getting married in ten days, but she doesn’t remember the groom…
Phoebe Goldsmith wakes up in hospital after suffering a head injury to find that all her memories of the last eight years have vanished.
She doesn’t remember her father passing away. She doesn’t remember opening the Bay of Islands Brides shop with her mother and sisters.
And she definitely doesn’t remember Rafe Masters, the gorgeous firefighter who tells her that they’re due to be married on Valentine’s Day in ten days’ time.
Rafe insists they’re madly in love, but the thought of saying ‘I do’ to a complete stranger makes Phoebe want to run for the hills. Her family suggests she postpone the wedding until her memory returns. But Rafe’s determined not to give up on their marriage before it’s even started. He has ten days to convince Phoebe that he’s still her Mr. Right, and he’s determined to win her all over again, no matter what it takes.
She’s getting married in ten days, but she doesn’t remember the groom…
Phoebe Goldsmith wakes up in hospital after suffering a head injury to find that all her memories of the last eight years have vanished.
She doesn’t remember her father passing away. She doesn’t remember opening the Bay of Islands Brides shop with her mother and sisters.
And she definitely doesn’t remember Rafe Masters, the gorgeous firefighter who tells her that they’re due to be married on Valentine’s Day in ten days’ time.
Rafe insists they’re madly in love, but the thought of saying ‘I do’ to a complete stranger makes Phoebe want to run for the hills. Her family suggests she postpone the wedding until her memory returns. But Rafe’s determined not to give up on their marriage before it’s even started. He has ten days to convince Phoebe that he’s still her Mr. Right, and he’s determined to win her all over again, no matter what it takes.
189 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 14, 2018
1458 people are currently reading
938 people want to read
About the author
Serenity Woods
171 books917 followersUSA Today bestselling author Serenity Woods writes feel-good romances full of friends, family, and falling in love. Most of her stories are set in Godzone, aka Aotearoa New Zealand, where she lives.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
November 5, 2020
Smoking hot romance between a amnesic and a fireman set in New Zealand. When Phoebe wakes up in the hospital she can't remember the last 8 years. She can't remember he super hot super fiance, her father's passing, her last memory was at college. Rafe her fiance, is dreamy. He cares for her, loves her, and would do anything to keep her happy. It all ends in a HEA. Go grab a copy and enjoy. I love this author she write wonderful characters and believable stories.
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February 15, 2024💝FREE on Amazon & iBooks today (5/29/2018)!💝
Blurb:
Bride in Trouble (Bay of Islands Brides: Book 1)
She’s getting married in ten days, but she doesn’t remember the groom…
Phoebe Goldsmith wakes up in hospital after suffering a head injury to find that all her memories of the last eight years have vanished.
She doesn’t remember her father passing away. She doesn’t remember opening the Bay of Islands Brides shop with her mother and sisters.
And she definitely doesn’t remember Rafe Masters, the gorgeous firefighter who tells her that they’re due to be married on Valentine’s Day in ten days’ time.
Rafe insists they’re madly in love, but the thought of saying ‘I do’ to a complete stranger makes Phoebe want to run for the hills. Her family suggests she postpone the wedding until her memory returns. But Rafe’s determined not to give up on their marriage before it’s even started. He has ten days to convince Phoebe that he’s still her Mr. Right, and he’s determined to win her all over again, no matter what it takes.
Blurb:
Bride in Trouble (Bay of Islands Brides: Book 1)
She’s getting married in ten days, but she doesn’t remember the groom…
Phoebe Goldsmith wakes up in hospital after suffering a head injury to find that all her memories of the last eight years have vanished.
She doesn’t remember her father passing away. She doesn’t remember opening the Bay of Islands Brides shop with her mother and sisters.
And she definitely doesn’t remember Rafe Masters, the gorgeous firefighter who tells her that they’re due to be married on Valentine’s Day in ten days’ time.
Rafe insists they’re madly in love, but the thought of saying ‘I do’ to a complete stranger makes Phoebe want to run for the hills. Her family suggests she postpone the wedding until her memory returns. But Rafe’s determined not to give up on their marriage before it’s even started. He has ten days to convince Phoebe that he’s still her Mr. Right, and he’s determined to win her all over again, no matter what it takes.
April 25, 2019
Probably 2.5
I’m definitely not a prude but I feel like there’s a time and place for sex in most books. And under the circumstances I feel like sex was really out of place in this book and their whole relationship seemed to be placed on sexual value. Don’t get me wrong a good sex life is essential to any relationship but damn. The girl has amnesia! So who cares about your sex life maybe focus on making her comfortable and promoting healing. And if he said “your going to have to get used to it” one more time I would of crawled through my kindle and smacked him myself.
Not to mention 2 doctors in this book made it a point to tell him and her that her sex drive might change. WTH a doctor would probably address this yeah but not just by itself like it’s the most important thing he’s worried about. His main concern would be the patient not what her fiancé thinks of sex now vs before the accident.
In the end I can believe they are both in lust but I don’t see the love for either of them.
I’m definitely not a prude but I feel like there’s a time and place for sex in most books. And under the circumstances I feel like sex was really out of place in this book and their whole relationship seemed to be placed on sexual value. Don’t get me wrong a good sex life is essential to any relationship but damn. The girl has amnesia! So who cares about your sex life maybe focus on making her comfortable and promoting healing. And if he said “your going to have to get used to it” one more time I would of crawled through my kindle and smacked him myself.
Not to mention 2 doctors in this book made it a point to tell him and her that her sex drive might change. WTH a doctor would probably address this yeah but not just by itself like it’s the most important thing he’s worried about. His main concern would be the patient not what her fiancé thinks of sex now vs before the accident.
In the end I can believe they are both in lust but I don’t see the love for either of them.
January 25, 2019
3.75 Short review. Unusual second chance love story. Phoebe struggles with the fact that not only can't she remember the last eight years of her life she can't remember her fiance Rafe who she's suppose to be marrying in 10 days. The more Phoebe learns about who she has become the more she wonders if she wants to be old Phoebe again or should look at her memory lost as a second chance to be who she really is. Rafe is not only patient he's hopeful and determine to get Phoebe to fall in love with him again. I didn't really like Phoebe's mom I get her reason for wanting to keep some stuff from Phoebe not knowing how this new Phoebe would handle the information but I didn't like her encouraging everyone to lie to Phoebe. It's bad enough Phoebe was struggling to remember her life she didn't need the added pressure of suspecting those around her of lying about important parts of her life that affected why she changed so much. The secrets that are being kept have twisted to them that wasn't hard to figure out.
June 25, 2018
I liked the premise of this book and was enjoying until about halfway. I started to get a little bored hearing the same thing over and over. I pushed through and it ended ok. I skimmed the last chapter though- it was pretty much just setting up story lines for the next books in the series.
February 8, 2018
4.5 Star Review of Bride In Trouble by Serenity Woods (Bay of Islands Brides #1) by Serenity Woods
The first book in a new series from Serenity Woods and is about Phoebe Goldsmith and her hot fire fighter Rafe Masters. What happens when the woman you love is involverd in an accident 10 days before your scheduled wedding? That is the position and smoking hot Rafe finds himself suddenly in when Phoebe is hit by a car which causes retrograde amnesia/traumatic brain injury. All Phoebe's memories from the last 8 years have gone and although she knows her family, she has no recollection of meeting or falling in love with Rafe and subsequently planning their wedding. Not only that, but she has no recollection of the deaths of her father or her sister in law or the birth of her niece.
Phoebe is struggling and overwhelmed by all that she has lost. Rafe is determined to show Phoebe how in love they are, after all he has 10 days to convince her to go through with the wedding, it should be easy, right?
In essence this is a second chance at love story with the added complication caused by amnesia. This was a roller coaster of a read as you could not help but put yourself in both Phoebe and Rafe’s shoes and feel their torment, frustrations and pain. Adding to Phoebe uncertainty is the feeling that her family and Rafe are not being entirely truthful with her and are hiding some things. I certainly felt for all the characters as they manoeuvred their way through such a complicated path.
Well written and although not a particularly long read, it is a story that will capture your interest and hold it until the end. Can Phoebe find her true self again, or will she be lost forever along with the memories of the last eight years? One click and find out.
I look forward to reading more in the series.
The first book in a new series from Serenity Woods and is about Phoebe Goldsmith and her hot fire fighter Rafe Masters. What happens when the woman you love is involverd in an accident 10 days before your scheduled wedding? That is the position and smoking hot Rafe finds himself suddenly in when Phoebe is hit by a car which causes retrograde amnesia/traumatic brain injury. All Phoebe's memories from the last 8 years have gone and although she knows her family, she has no recollection of meeting or falling in love with Rafe and subsequently planning their wedding. Not only that, but she has no recollection of the deaths of her father or her sister in law or the birth of her niece.
Phoebe is struggling and overwhelmed by all that she has lost. Rafe is determined to show Phoebe how in love they are, after all he has 10 days to convince her to go through with the wedding, it should be easy, right?
In essence this is a second chance at love story with the added complication caused by amnesia. This was a roller coaster of a read as you could not help but put yourself in both Phoebe and Rafe’s shoes and feel their torment, frustrations and pain. Adding to Phoebe uncertainty is the feeling that her family and Rafe are not being entirely truthful with her and are hiding some things. I certainly felt for all the characters as they manoeuvred their way through such a complicated path.
Well written and although not a particularly long read, it is a story that will capture your interest and hold it until the end. Can Phoebe find her true self again, or will she be lost forever along with the memories of the last eight years? One click and find out.
I look forward to reading more in the series.
February 12, 2018
WOW ~ Just ~ W O W ~
Hooked from page one I could not put this book down till I finished the last page. Phoebe wakes in the hospital with no memory of the past eight years and learns that she is to be married in ten days to a man she does not remember. She is definitely attracted to him but how can she marry a stranger? Rafe, her fiancé, is determined to woo and win her in the time allotted and sets out to do just that. Some of the things Phoebe learns about herself and her life surprise her greatly and make her wonder if everyone is being 100% truthful with her…and that begins to create a dilemma for her. What will she do at the end of the ten days? Will she marry Rafe? Or will she not?
I loved the build-up of this story and the twist that remained a mystery till nearly the end. I loved Rafe – what a wonderful man he is – so easy to fall in love with! And Phoebe – her journey was not easy for her or for those around her – but what a great strength she showed as the days passed and revelations occurred.
I LOVED this book! The siblings of Phoebe and some friends of the couple make appearances and I hope that I will get to read their romantic stories as the series progresses.
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
Hooked from page one I could not put this book down till I finished the last page. Phoebe wakes in the hospital with no memory of the past eight years and learns that she is to be married in ten days to a man she does not remember. She is definitely attracted to him but how can she marry a stranger? Rafe, her fiancé, is determined to woo and win her in the time allotted and sets out to do just that. Some of the things Phoebe learns about herself and her life surprise her greatly and make her wonder if everyone is being 100% truthful with her…and that begins to create a dilemma for her. What will she do at the end of the ten days? Will she marry Rafe? Or will she not?
I loved the build-up of this story and the twist that remained a mystery till nearly the end. I loved Rafe – what a wonderful man he is – so easy to fall in love with! And Phoebe – her journey was not easy for her or for those around her – but what a great strength she showed as the days passed and revelations occurred.
I LOVED this book! The siblings of Phoebe and some friends of the couple make appearances and I hope that I will get to read their romantic stories as the series progresses.
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
June 26, 2018
Phoebe Goldsmith is a Bride in Trouble when she wakes up in the hospital after an accident and is missing eight years of her most recent memories and finds out she is ten days from wedding Rafe Master. Rafe is now a stranger that she can't remember.
Secrets, memory loss, fuzzy thinking, headaches, being over tired and frustrated make Phoebe feel she is lost and missing so much as Rafe tries to help her heal and convince her he loves her and still wants to get married in ten days.
Bride in Trouble is a hot sexy and compassionate romance full of love of the couple and family support making it a wonderful love story.
Secrets, memory loss, fuzzy thinking, headaches, being over tired and frustrated make Phoebe feel she is lost and missing so much as Rafe tries to help her heal and convince her he loves her and still wants to get married in ten days.
Bride in Trouble is a hot sexy and compassionate romance full of love of the couple and family support making it a wonderful love story.
February 8, 2018
He has ten days to make her fall in love with him again. 4.5*
Wow, find out what happens when you open your eyes to discover you’re in a hospital bed and have lost the last eight years of your life, oh and are getting married to a stranger in ten days time! Another wonderful book from Serenity.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
Wow, find out what happens when you open your eyes to discover you’re in a hospital bed and have lost the last eight years of your life, oh and are getting married to a stranger in ten days time! Another wonderful book from Serenity.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
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February 13, 2022So I downloaded this book as a freebie and when I opened it I had apparently already read it? 🤷🏼♀️
June 11, 2018
Phoebe Goldsmith is marrying her firefighter Rafe Masters on Valentines day before they both move to another city to take up a marketing job, leaving her family, friends and the bridal gown business she made with her mother and her twin sister. She’s out running when she’s hit by a car. When she wakes up she’s forgotten the last eight years.
She doesn’t know what an i-pad is and she doesn’t remember Rafe. She’s even forgotten her father’s death.
Her mother wants to put off the wedding and take her home just as if she was physically eighteen again. But Rafe argues to let her go home with him.
***
There was a rash of fanfiction stories with amnesia plotlines a few years ago and this felt kind of resonant of that for me.
Phoebe may not recognise Rafe but she doesn’t recognise herself either. When did she become a too thin, vegetarian addicted to marathon running? And why doesn’t she talk to her own twin any more?
Rafe is desperate to go ahead with the wedding. And he has some time off, so he spends it taking her to all their special places: first date, first kiss, and where he proposed. But she’s not remembering anything. She does know that just looking at him sets her on fire, and he told her they had sex every day.
It’s a bit like Sliding Doors, I suppose but she gets a chance to go back to that decision crossroads and take another path.
It’s also the first of an obvious series with a big cast of friends and siblings to match up.
4 stars
She doesn’t know what an i-pad is and she doesn’t remember Rafe. She’s even forgotten her father’s death.
Her mother wants to put off the wedding and take her home just as if she was physically eighteen again. But Rafe argues to let her go home with him.
***
There was a rash of fanfiction stories with amnesia plotlines a few years ago and this felt kind of resonant of that for me.
Phoebe may not recognise Rafe but she doesn’t recognise herself either. When did she become a too thin, vegetarian addicted to marathon running? And why doesn’t she talk to her own twin any more?
Rafe is desperate to go ahead with the wedding. And he has some time off, so he spends it taking her to all their special places: first date, first kiss, and where he proposed. But she’s not remembering anything. She does know that just looking at him sets her on fire, and he told her they had sex every day.
It’s a bit like Sliding Doors, I suppose but she gets a chance to go back to that decision crossroads and take another path.
It’s also the first of an obvious series with a big cast of friends and siblings to match up.
4 stars
June 25, 2018
Very mixed feelings on this romance. I really liked the premise, that the heroine woke up in the hospital after an accident not remembering the last few years and her fiance. I liked their newly developed relationship and the slow reveal of what had happened to the heroine in the months leading up to the accident. And I enjoyed the setting in New Zealand, as that's an exotic locale (to me) that I enjoy reading about. However, I really felt it was over the top with regard to sex scenes, and more than that, that they were over the line in regards to "rough play". I find that disturbing and a gateway to domestic violence.
September 7, 2018
I raced into this book after finishing another book (that I loved) by this author and was left feeling...a little flat. The start was fantastic but then went a bit downhill from there. The characters were very similar to the two main characters in the other book and even had similar dialogues in the two books. There was a build up around the secrets being kept from the heroine by her family which was resolved really quickly and was clichèd, the storm metaphor was very obvious and it just didn't 'grab' me like it should have. In saying all that, it was still a fun, light hearted read...just don't expect too much from it
February 18, 2018
Phoebe Goldsmith is getting married in just over a week. But she has a problem in that she cannot remember anything about the last several years, including her fiancé. Phoebe received a head injury as a result of an accident which has left her with amnesia and she cannot remember the last several years. She has no memory past her years at university.
Her fiancé, Rafe Masters, is a firefighter and wants them to be married on their planned wedding date in just ten days. Her family is against this since they think she should wait until her memory comes back, even if it never comes back.
Phoebe and her sister, plus their mom, own a shop up in the Northland called Bay of Islands where she and her sister create and sew exquisite one of a kind wedding dresses. But she doesn’t remember that either.
Rafe insists that Phoebe recuperates from her injury with him since they had been living together prior to her injury. And he thinks it is his best chance to win her back.
Their relationship was having some issues and you are left wondering up until the end who is responsible for the issues. Although using amnesia as a plot point does seem tried and tired, Ms. Woods manages to use it as a plot mechanism that moves the story along and makes you think about what you would do in the same place.
The relationship between Race and Phoebe is one that is loving and caring. I did not want this book to end since I want to see what happens next.
I did receive a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair, unbiased review. Although to be completely honest, I do pre-order her books as soon as it is possible. I think I have not read 2 or 3 of her novels that she has written. And I am working on making sure that the list is 100% read.
Her fiancé, Rafe Masters, is a firefighter and wants them to be married on their planned wedding date in just ten days. Her family is against this since they think she should wait until her memory comes back, even if it never comes back.
Phoebe and her sister, plus their mom, own a shop up in the Northland called Bay of Islands where she and her sister create and sew exquisite one of a kind wedding dresses. But she doesn’t remember that either.
Rafe insists that Phoebe recuperates from her injury with him since they had been living together prior to her injury. And he thinks it is his best chance to win her back.
Their relationship was having some issues and you are left wondering up until the end who is responsible for the issues. Although using amnesia as a plot point does seem tried and tired, Ms. Woods manages to use it as a plot mechanism that moves the story along and makes you think about what you would do in the same place.
The relationship between Race and Phoebe is one that is loving and caring. I did not want this book to end since I want to see what happens next.
I did receive a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair, unbiased review. Although to be completely honest, I do pre-order her books as soon as it is possible. I think I have not read 2 or 3 of her novels that she has written. And I am working on making sure that the list is 100% read.
February 14, 2018
Phoebe and Rafe are getting married in 10 days. Unfortunately, Phoebe is in an accident and now suffers from amnesia. She cannot remember the last 8 years of her life, which means that she does not remember her fiancé whom she met 2 years ago. She agrees to go home with him as they recently bought a house together in the hopes that something will jog her memory of the past. Phoebe experiences many ups and downs with this "new" life. She eats a roast beef sandwich, only to find out that she is a vegetarian. She finds out that her father passed away, which is a huge shock to her and an emotional emotional one. Rafe is kind and sweet to her. He takes her to many of their favorite places, but unfortunately none of that helps her. She feels that her family and Rafe are keeping something from her, but she is uncertain what it is. She is completely confused as to why she changed her life so drastically after her dad passed away. She is also confused as to why she would agree to a new job, in a new city, when her love of her bridal shop with her twin sister is everything she ever wanted. These questions are many of which she needs to deal with. So, with a lot of seriousness in the story, there is also a lot of fun with it. Especially between her and Rafe and him "informing" her what their sex life was like. She finds herself very eager to learn from him.
It's a great story of love and loss, but ultimately, love finds its way back to Phoebe in her love of Rafe.
I was given a free ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
It's a great story of love and loss, but ultimately, love finds its way back to Phoebe in her love of Rafe.
I was given a free ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
February 14, 2018
Bride in Trouble is Bay of Islands Brides book one by Serenity Woods. The story begins with the mystery of Phoebe Goldsmith missing memory after an accident. This is a very effective way of drawing in the reader, because I was caught up in the story as soon as Phoebe opened her eyes in the hospital. From there, the missing eight years continue to haunt the family, her fiancé and Phoebe herself.
Phoebe and Rafe’s story is one of complexity as Rafe works to win Phoebe’s love again. His trying to win her heart again makes this a second chance story. The amnesia plot line works well with the family and the couple trying to work through it all. I loved with how Rafe and Phoebe’s family supported Phoebe no matter what she was thinking or couldn’t remember. Whether or not the wedding will go on as scheduled is a big question. Tied to this is, will Phoebe remember something that would stop the wedding? Questions that I had that kept me reading.
I enjoyed how this is a realistic story of what could happen to someone with a head injury. It is not a murder mystery or dangerous situation story but one like my friend’s son went through after a severe head injury. The emotional intensity that Ms. Woods writes so well is part of this compelling story with solid everyday characters. This is a family and community that I want to read about more.
The publisher/author gave me a complimentary ARC of the book which I chose to read and review.
Phoebe and Rafe’s story is one of complexity as Rafe works to win Phoebe’s love again. His trying to win her heart again makes this a second chance story. The amnesia plot line works well with the family and the couple trying to work through it all. I loved with how Rafe and Phoebe’s family supported Phoebe no matter what she was thinking or couldn’t remember. Whether or not the wedding will go on as scheduled is a big question. Tied to this is, will Phoebe remember something that would stop the wedding? Questions that I had that kept me reading.
I enjoyed how this is a realistic story of what could happen to someone with a head injury. It is not a murder mystery or dangerous situation story but one like my friend’s son went through after a severe head injury. The emotional intensity that Ms. Woods writes so well is part of this compelling story with solid everyday characters. This is a family and community that I want to read about more.
The publisher/author gave me a complimentary ARC of the book which I chose to read and review.
January 29, 2018
I’m usually not a fan of amnesia-based plots since it always seems like such a contrived plot device. But I found this book surprisingly thoughtful in how the author approached questions about questions that a victim would face when she wakes up from an accident and eight years of her life have been erased from her memory. Phoebe Goldsmith was hit by a car and wakes up having lost the past eight years. She finds out that she’s engaged to marry a gorgeous firefighter, Rafe, whom she has no memory of. And they have just 10 days before their wedding. Rafe clearly loves her and is determined to convince her of that and marry her anyway.
She comes to realize that she had become a different person in recent years than she was from the time she remembers. But neither her family nor her fiance will tell her why she changed so drastically in her personality.
So the question is - who is she - the person she became or the person she feels like now?
Rafe seems like such a wonderful guy. He is sexy and thoughtful and caring. He clearly is crazy about her and torn up by her accident. And he cooks! Of course, she wants to marry this guy whom she can’t remember once she gets to know him.
I was given a free ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review
She comes to realize that she had become a different person in recent years than she was from the time she remembers. But neither her family nor her fiance will tell her why she changed so drastically in her personality.
So the question is - who is she - the person she became or the person she feels like now?
Rafe seems like such a wonderful guy. He is sexy and thoughtful and caring. He clearly is crazy about her and torn up by her accident. And he cooks! Of course, she wants to marry this guy whom she can’t remember once she gets to know him.
I was given a free ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review
February 12, 2018
First book in the new series Bay of Islands Brides and if this book is anything to go by this is going to be another great series from Serenity Woods. What happens when you wake up with no recognition of the last eights years of your life well that’s exactly what happened to Phoebe and in her mind she is 18 just about to go off to University when in reality she is 28 and is about to get married in a couple of weeks. What follows is a man needing to show his fiancée why she loves him, Rafe needs to prove to Phoebe not only that he loves her but she also loves him.......
This book captivated me, it drew me in from the first chapter and I couldn’t put it down, it’s a beautifully written love story with characters you can’t help falling in love with, there are some twists and turns as well as some seriously hot scenes. Rafe is a man we would all love to have fighting in our corner, he is determined to do what ever is needed to make Phoebe fall in love with him again and did I mention how hot he is. If this series is anything like previous ones I have read by this author each book will be a stand-alone with a connection to the series. Looking forward to the next book in the Bay of Islands Brides.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book
This book captivated me, it drew me in from the first chapter and I couldn’t put it down, it’s a beautifully written love story with characters you can’t help falling in love with, there are some twists and turns as well as some seriously hot scenes. Rafe is a man we would all love to have fighting in our corner, he is determined to do what ever is needed to make Phoebe fall in love with him again and did I mention how hot he is. If this series is anything like previous ones I have read by this author each book will be a stand-alone with a connection to the series. Looking forward to the next book in the Bay of Islands Brides.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book
February 21, 2018
Bride in Trouble is the first book in the Bay of Islands Brides series, and in usual flare for this author, it’s a great start to the series. Phoebe awakes in the hospital to find that she has been hit by a car and can’t recall the past 8 years of her life, including being engaged to a hunk of a firefighter, Rafe, and is to be married in a little over a week. I really love the way this author dives into difficult subjects, and writes a very emotional and steamy story around someone having amnesia and how it’s dealt with. I had a difficult time with how quickly Phoebe slid back into her relationship with Rafe, especially not really knowing anything about him. The big secret wasn’t what I thought it was going to be, so that was a bit of a surprise, but in the end, Serenity takes this well written story and ends on a very uplifting and romantic note. The story dragged on in parts, but overall another great book by an amazing author. So many different characters to look forward to hearing their stories, can’t wait to see what’s next!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book
May 13, 2018
Bride In Trouble is another great book by Serenity Woods and a good start to a new series. I was hooked from the opening scene to the last page. I enjoyed the family dynamics between Phoebe and her family. The love between them was strong, even when they didn't see eye-to-eye. The way Rafe loved and respected Noelle was heartwarming. The relationship between Rafe and Phoebe was volatile. There was definitely sexual chemistry.
I didn't give the book 5 stars for a couple of reasons. I felt Phoebe's physical recovery was a bit fast. Maybe things are different in NZ than here in the US, but I've never seen patients allowed to leave their rooms and go to the hospital cafe or a nurse make the decision to remove an IV. I didn't like the way Rafe didn't back off when Phoebe tried to push him away. He just kept going until she finally gave in. IMO, that's not right.
I do look forward to reading the next book in the series. I'm really looking forward to Noelle's story. I love mature romances.
I didn't give the book 5 stars for a couple of reasons. I felt Phoebe's physical recovery was a bit fast. Maybe things are different in NZ than here in the US, but I've never seen patients allowed to leave their rooms and go to the hospital cafe or a nurse make the decision to remove an IV. I didn't like the way Rafe didn't back off when Phoebe tried to push him away. He just kept going until she finally gave in. IMO, that's not right.
I do look forward to reading the next book in the series. I'm really looking forward to Noelle's story. I love mature romances.
February 15, 2018
Serenity Woods has opened her new series with a sweet, compelling read. Imagine waking up in a hospital thinking you're still in college. You remember some people and not others, and you especially don't remember the gorgeous hunk sitting in your room telling you you're to be married in ten days. A lot to take in.
Phoebe has to face all the unknowns as she struggles to decipher what is real for herself. What if her memory doesn't come back? Who is this gorgeous man who says she loves him? There are so many things that don't add up in her jumbled mind.
Rafe is a very attentive fiancée and he is determined Phoebe will get her memory back and they will go on with their lives. He's sweet, kind, attentive, and sexy. Why does Phoebe feel he isn't telling the truth? How can she trust what anyone says?
Make sure you read this fascinating tale. You won't be disappointed.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book. My opinions are my own.
Phoebe has to face all the unknowns as she struggles to decipher what is real for herself. What if her memory doesn't come back? Who is this gorgeous man who says she loves him? There are so many things that don't add up in her jumbled mind.
Rafe is a very attentive fiancée and he is determined Phoebe will get her memory back and they will go on with their lives. He's sweet, kind, attentive, and sexy. Why does Phoebe feel he isn't telling the truth? How can she trust what anyone says?
Make sure you read this fascinating tale. You won't be disappointed.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book. My opinions are my own.
February 22, 2018
Romance Readers, you've got to read this book!
This book captivated me from the very first page and never let go. The exquisite emotions, the loveable characters, and the sensory imagery kept me blissfully anchored in the story. I think this is Serenity’s best series yet because I could not ask for or imagine a better contemporary romance novel. It is so romantic and has such intimate and sensual love scenes. Plus, the setting is the lovely town of Kerikeri on the Bay of Islands, New Zealand.
I absolutely love Rafe! He is my new favorite book boyfriend. Sure, he is not quite perfect, but the way he loves Phoebe melts my heart. I highly recommend this book to all fans of sexy contemporary romance.
I received a free advanced reading copy from the author, and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
This book captivated me from the very first page and never let go. The exquisite emotions, the loveable characters, and the sensory imagery kept me blissfully anchored in the story. I think this is Serenity’s best series yet because I could not ask for or imagine a better contemporary romance novel. It is so romantic and has such intimate and sensual love scenes. Plus, the setting is the lovely town of Kerikeri on the Bay of Islands, New Zealand.
I absolutely love Rafe! He is my new favorite book boyfriend. Sure, he is not quite perfect, but the way he loves Phoebe melts my heart. I highly recommend this book to all fans of sexy contemporary romance.
I received a free advanced reading copy from the author, and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
June 23, 2018
Fantastic story concept. It starts with Phoebe opening her eyes in the hospital with amnesia. So we the reader get to unravel her life as she does. 8 years of her life was lost. I can't even fathom how one would feel to lose that many years. In this case her and Rafe's entire relationship was gone. And they are to be married in 10 days. What does one do?
I love Serenity Woods. She captures a good mix of emotional pull and heart stopping sensuality. It was amazing watching Phoebe try to decipher her feelings for Rafe and even her family and friends. Some people were total strangers to her, like her own niece... her own self was a stranger. Eight had molded her into a person she did not recognize. It was almost like having a clean slate and recapturing precious moments of her life. Imagine having a do-over at pivotal moments in your life. Well done! On to the next book in the series.
I love Serenity Woods. She captures a good mix of emotional pull and heart stopping sensuality. It was amazing watching Phoebe try to decipher her feelings for Rafe and even her family and friends. Some people were total strangers to her, like her own niece... her own self was a stranger. Eight had molded her into a person she did not recognize. It was almost like having a clean slate and recapturing precious moments of her life. Imagine having a do-over at pivotal moments in your life. Well done! On to the next book in the series.
February 15, 2022
3.5 stars
This was an enjoyable read with a unique premise. I've read amnesia-related romances in the past, but this is the first time I've read one where the character wakes up and feels like a totally different person who doesn't relate to their "new" self. I thought it was a unique twist on the trope, and it was interesting seeing Phoebe struggle to understand how she could have changed so drastically and try to decide which version of herself she wanted to be.
I liked how supportive and loving Rafe was, although I wish we got to know a little more about him. He felt more of a side character in Phoebe's story, rather than an equal protagonist. I did really like their chemistry, thought I was not a fan of the first steamy scene. It was too aggressive and not in a sexy way, and I felt a little uncomfortable while reading it. Luckily the later scenes were much better.
The "mystery" aspect of the book (Phoebe feels like her family and Rafe are hiding things from her) was really interesting to me. I would have liked for Phoebe to have had a conversation with her family about what they kept from her, because it all wrapped up a little quickly, but I was glad it wasn't anything too life-altering or major.
This was an enjoyable read with a unique premise. I've read amnesia-related romances in the past, but this is the first time I've read one where the character wakes up and feels like a totally different person who doesn't relate to their "new" self. I thought it was a unique twist on the trope, and it was interesting seeing Phoebe struggle to understand how she could have changed so drastically and try to decide which version of herself she wanted to be.
I liked how supportive and loving Rafe was, although I wish we got to know a little more about him. He felt more of a side character in Phoebe's story, rather than an equal protagonist. I did really like their chemistry, thought I was not a fan of the first steamy scene. It was too aggressive and not in a sexy way, and I felt a little uncomfortable while reading it. Luckily the later scenes were much better.
The "mystery" aspect of the book (Phoebe feels like her family and Rafe are hiding things from her) was really interesting to me. I would have liked for Phoebe to have had a conversation with her family about what they kept from her, because it all wrapped up a little quickly, but I was glad it wasn't anything too life-altering or major.
February 27, 2022
Phoebe suffers a traumatic brain injury (hit by a car while running). When she wakes up in the hospital room, she doesn't recognize the man she's supposed to marry in ten days. She agrees to go home with Rafe (they were living together at time of accident) and hopefully jog her memory from the familiar setting. Rafe is desperate to keep her in his life. His love and devotion are true. But she's very damaged, and it's a hard slog for both of them. Fortunately, their sexual compatibility is off the charts, and the novel is very steamy. On the way to the HEA, Phoebe begins to recognize that the person she'd become before the accident was on the wrong path. This was a good novel that treated the situation with the gravity it deserved. The author brought you into the hearts of the MCs in a way that resonated.
February 10, 2025
The couple: Rafe and Phoebe
Romance trope: amnesia
Series: Bay of Island Brides
Length: 189 pages
Plot: Phoebe wakes up in the hospital after an accident but is missing the last few years of her life. She doesn't remember opening a store with her sister or becoming a fitness fanatic or planning to move or...her fiance. Rafe is devastated that Phoebe doesn't remember him but he's determined to win her back in time for the wedding in 10 days.
Commentary: I kept waiting for the big reveal - what was the secret that nobody wanted to tell her and what was the catalyst for the change in her personality? It turns out she just needed some grief counseling. And it's not that it was bad, it was just a little anticlimactic. Rafe was a gem, to be sure, since he stuck with her despite her serious personality change (into a raving running lunatic). But apparently her aggressive, almost violent, style of sex was part of her normally sweet personality? And it was okay for her to practically force him into it? I don't know - that part felt a little off to me.
Next book in the series: Bride by Mistake
Romance trope: amnesia
Series: Bay of Island Brides
Length: 189 pages
Plot: Phoebe wakes up in the hospital after an accident but is missing the last few years of her life. She doesn't remember opening a store with her sister or becoming a fitness fanatic or planning to move or...her fiance. Rafe is devastated that Phoebe doesn't remember him but he's determined to win her back in time for the wedding in 10 days.
Commentary: I kept waiting for the big reveal - what was the secret that nobody wanted to tell her and what was the catalyst for the change in her personality? It turns out she just needed some grief counseling. And it's not that it was bad, it was just a little anticlimactic. Rafe was a gem, to be sure, since he stuck with her despite her serious personality change (into a raving running lunatic). But apparently her aggressive, almost violent, style of sex was part of her normally sweet personality? And it was okay for her to practically force him into it? I don't know - that part felt a little off to me.
Next book in the series: Bride by Mistake
February 9, 2018
This is the first book in a new series by Serenity Woods, and it is amazing. Phoebe wakes up in the hospital, realizing she has been in an accident, and can’t remember the last eight years of her life. She also finds out she is supposed to be married in ten days, but can’t remember the groom, or any of their relationship. Rafe, is the hot firefighter, who is deeply in love with her, and sets out to remind her how and why they feel in love before the big day arrives.
This is such a wonderful, sweet, sexy love story. As always, Serenity gives us great characters, and her writing makes me feel as if they are real people I would love to know. This book pulled me in from the very first page, and kept me engrossed to the very end.
I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!
This is such a wonderful, sweet, sexy love story. As always, Serenity gives us great characters, and her writing makes me feel as if they are real people I would love to know. This book pulled me in from the very first page, and kept me engrossed to the very end.
I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!
February 21, 2018
What an absolutely gorgeous cover and a beautiful book! I received a freecopy of this book to review on Goodreads, but I had already pre-ordered it because I love Serenity Woods’ work. I know I can pick up a copy of anything she writes and immediately get lost in the story. Her characters are always very believable, real and interesting. Her settings in New Zealand are a breath of fresh air.
Phoebe and Rafe’s story was a unique twist on a tale of amnesia right before a wedding. I waited and waited for the expected conclusion, but the story had an interesting twist that made the plot and conclusion a bit unexpected, in a good way. Both Phoebe and Rafe were enjoyable characters, and this book was a nice dose of comfort reading.
Phoebe and Rafe’s story was a unique twist on a tale of amnesia right before a wedding. I waited and waited for the expected conclusion, but the story had an interesting twist that made the plot and conclusion a bit unexpected, in a good way. Both Phoebe and Rafe were enjoyable characters, and this book was a nice dose of comfort reading.
March 26, 2020
Great New Zealand Romance
I'm loving New Zealand based romances at the moment,and Serenity Woods writes them well.
Rafe, gorgeous, strong, fit, and a fireman, is passionately in love with Phoebe. But there's a probem...Phoebe has just woken up a coma and can't remember a life with him.
Superbly written, wonderful characters. Phoebe struggles to remember Rafe and their life together.
Through family issues, Rafe navigates Phoebe through until she realises that something is wrong.
Phoebe is a strong female, who feels like an 18 year old trapped in a 26 year old body. While I was frustrated about her lack of memories and then coming back, the reason played out beautifully in this story.
I'm loving New Zealand based romances at the moment,and Serenity Woods writes them well.
Rafe, gorgeous, strong, fit, and a fireman, is passionately in love with Phoebe. But there's a probem...Phoebe has just woken up a coma and can't remember a life with him.
Superbly written, wonderful characters. Phoebe struggles to remember Rafe and their life together.
Through family issues, Rafe navigates Phoebe through until she realises that something is wrong.
Phoebe is a strong female, who feels like an 18 year old trapped in a 26 year old body. While I was frustrated about her lack of memories and then coming back, the reason played out beautifully in this story.
August 8, 2024
Great start to a series
I love books by Serenity. I have read many of them but not this series and I was really impressed with this first one.
I wasn’t sure how I would feel about a story centred around memory loss but Serenity wrote it with so much empathy and understanding.
I loved the characters of Rafe and Phoebe, I also liked the other characters woven into the story, I am hoping some of them will feature in some of the other books in this series.
I loved that there was not too much extended angst or unnecessary partings. The couple worked through the problems instead of not talking about them or running away. There was however lots of emotion, happy and sad and the HEA was well worth waiting for ❤️
I love books by Serenity. I have read many of them but not this series and I was really impressed with this first one.
I wasn’t sure how I would feel about a story centred around memory loss but Serenity wrote it with so much empathy and understanding.
I loved the characters of Rafe and Phoebe, I also liked the other characters woven into the story, I am hoping some of them will feature in some of the other books in this series.
I loved that there was not too much extended angst or unnecessary partings. The couple worked through the problems instead of not talking about them or running away. There was however lots of emotion, happy and sad and the HEA was well worth waiting for ❤️
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