Never Catch The Bouquet

by River Laurent

He was my best friend’s older brother so it should NEVER have happened, but we were in Vegas, I was feeling horribly vulnerable, not to mention a bit tipsy, and he was saying and doing all the right things. Oh, and have I told you about his eyes? Pools of seductive delight. Don't even get me started on his body. Just think taut, and rock hard. When he looked at you it was as if a team of angels were pouring warm, thick chocolate all over your body. Even now it makes me shiver to think of the way he looked at me.It was the best night of my life, but technically, it was still a one night stand, and I didn’t want it to get all awkward and gross so I snuck out in the morning without saying goodbye. They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas so I thought that would be the end of the matter, but apparently no one told Cole that. I turned around one day and there he all big, and gorgeous, and wanting to repeat that incredible night all over again...Would you blame me for not saying no?A full length standalone romance with HEA

Genres: Romance, Ebooks, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance

177 pages, ebook

First published January 31, 2019

Reviews

[Stacey Timmons · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh! This book started out great, if a little predictable. But I think Cole got the raw end of the deal with Annette and just in general. Even his sister dissed him, which I didn't like. He seemed to build Annette up but she kinda kept everything to herself. It seemed like it was mostly a porno with a little story thrown in, just so it's not completely filled with sex.
Also what her nanna done was completely wrong and not something to joke about. I don't care what the circumstances are. I know first hand what it's like to watch some die from cancer and how devastated that makes you feel.

I started out liking both MC's but by the end I only liked Cole in this book. Considering he was protrayed as a playboy he was actually quite sweet and attentive to Annette's needs. She just came across as selfish.

But a lot could also been avoided if they just talked.

And it need another edit. A few mistakes throughout the book.

[☆☆Hannah☆☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read. Annette is at her best friend's wedding. Her grandma tells her that she is ill and would like to see her married soon. Of course that makes her panic and she sets off to find a husband. Before that begins she has a fling with Cole. She thought it would only be temporarily but of course it became so much more in the end.

[Pelusa Rivera · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well I like River Laurent so tend to get her books anytime a new one comes out. So we meet Annette who is at her best friends wedding when she finds out that her grandmother the one person who she loves the most is dying and Annette realizes that she will be all alone, she gave up a lot for her job. She runs into her best friends older brother Cole who is known as a player and has a reputation. Cole has always been interested in Annette but she is forbidden to him since she is his sisters best friend and he doesn't go there. They end up having a hot night together and she leaves without waking him up, then gets upset that he doesn't call. They end up running into each other and resume their affair. This is the part that bugged me, they were adults that acted like children. He liked her but wouldn't admit, she gets her feeling hurt which I totally did not understand since she played games with him and kept saying that he wasn't marriage material and asking him to hook her up with his friends. A split personality much, just say what you really want and grow up.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[AWB · Rating 1 out of 5]

Soooo, I could NOT get into this book. I’m throwing in the towel with a DNF at 41%, as I’d rather eat my arm hair than force myself to continue reading this.

The H was contradictory and sleazy. At the wedding his internal dialogue made no sense. He hasn’t ‘hooked up for a while, because allllll the ladies got boring’, but then we get a ton of mental references to his not so past tense hook ups. And he brought a condom with him because he always hooks up at weddings. He then consoles the h while she has a drunken mental break down and cry’s... which leads to their ‘one night stand’ pretty upstanding dude (*sarcasm*), amirite?

The blurb was pretty misleading. The author leads you to believe that this dude comes for the h after their one night stand because he wants her. When in the book- they literally accidentally run into each other a couple weeks later. On ACCIDENT. Then sleep with each other again.

The whole time we’re in the H’s head, he is constantly comparing the h to his MANY MANY MANY past sexual partners. And how this one MIGHT be ‘special’, but forget that nonsense because he just needs to screw her out of his system, just like all of his past MANY MANY MANY hookups. See a theme here?

In the h’s perspective she comes across as a scatter brained moron. She jumps from tears to horny in a
Split second, and makes bad choices for stupid reasons.

Her grandma (her only family connection and most important person in her life) is dying of cancer. Lovely grams tells her in the middle of her besties wedding, because she’s an asshole grandma? A dying one, but still. She just wants the h to get married and be taken care of, oh by the way, you have six months before I die, so get on that shit. This whole dying cancer thing should probably be a bigger deal than random internet dates, speed dating, and what not... so dumb.

So she randomly dates losers, stomps out of bad dates like a toddler, and hooks up with the H. That’s all pretty bad.

Then at the end of chapter 11, beginning of chapter 12, she agrees to go to Vegas for a sex weekend with the H. Where he books her into his ‘usual’ suite at a hotel where he brings all his ladies. His sexual hookups. Because that’s so romantic. He does this so often that the girl who checks them in says ‘your usual?’ And that folks, is near the half way mark in this short ass book. He brings the h to a hotel like a hooker, pays for everything, so he can ‘screw her out of his system’ and she agrees because ‘maybe I can marry one of his less man slutty friends.’

This romance took a turn to the ‘what the f@&$ing hell?’ And a ‘why would ANYONE consider this shi7 romantic?’ And I’m over it.

No thanks. K bye.

[Shelley C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Consequences have a dominoe effect😀

Ever wondered if the choices you make now affect your future self? Well this story is a perfect demonstration of consequences and how your decisions affect you in the future....but in this case in a good romantic way❣️

Annette is the bridesmaid at her best friends wedding and when she receives bad news, she retreats to the bathroom and when she comes out she accidentally bumps into Cole, the brides OFF LIMITS brother.....need I say also a player. One thing leads to another and the end up spending the night together.....but hey, whatever happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Not this time😍

Great story, loved that both Cole and Annette didn’t know each other well but got together and then endured obstacles that would have prevented them being together. Thank you to River and Booksprout for my advanced copy for which I leave my honest review💕

[Jami · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love is in the air, especially when you catch the bouquet. Annette and Cole made for an interesting couple. I liked how well the story was thought out and executed. Cole was a fantastic character that was easy to fall for. I also really liked Annette in the beginning but about 1/2 to 2/3 of the way through the story my shine for her started to wain a little. I found myself getting frustrated, feeling like she was acting immature and spoiled. So much of the angst could have been avoid if she in particular would have tried communicating instead of playing games. So with that being said, I still read every single word and I still enjoyed my reading experience. I just wish I could have smacked Annette a few times. I recommend this sold romance read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gladys · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an entertaining read. There were so many ups and downs in Annette and Cole's romance that I practically got whiplash. There was a certain amount of sweetness and cuteness to the story and I liked the chemistry between this couple. However, I found them all too often very frustrating. I know the back and forth, push/pull added to the drama and emotional turmoil of the book but I wish that they had wised up a bit sooner. Other than that it was a good read. This is my sincere, voluntary review.

[Cathy P · Rating 3 out of 5]

Could not stand Annette

This started out 5 star, moved to 4 star about 60%, then the longer it went the more I couldn't stand the female lead. She was completely unfair to Cole. This started out sweet and sexy. I actually feel bad he is stuck with her. I really liked Cole. All of the angst could have been resolved with even a little communication.

[LMR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never Catch The Bouquet By: River Laurent
She'll "Never Catch The Bouquet," But That's Okay... She'd Rather Catch The Brides Brother Instead!
She's Always the Bridesmaid & NEVER the Bride,
And to Make matters Worse,
"Never Catch The Bouquet" seems her unspoken Motto!
Or Maybe that's just HER Luck...
After ALL, how many Bridesmaids have you seen Plowed Down...
By an Enormous Dog Stealing the Bouquet Right from her Grasp!
But, of course this particular Wedding is nothing but a Disaster,
As she's MET with News that SHATTERS her World...
Then there's HIM... A MAN she knows better than Touching,
But he's there when everything is Crumbling Down...
Just holding her up & making it better!
It was supposed to be a One-Night-Thing...
But that Zing is HARD to ignore!
Soon, they're indulging again, & Again, & yet AGAIN...
Trying to get it OUT of their Systems!
But, Maybe they'll soon have to admit that's an impossible Task!
I was granted an ARC of River Laurent's "Never Catch The Bouquet;" I recommend this book to others based upon its own merits. All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given!
Until next time... Happy Reading!

[ViolinVixen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always a bridesmaid...

Annette has watched her best friends all fall in love and find their forever happiness, but Annette can't even catch the bouquet at her BFFs wedding, never mind catch the eye of a man she wants to spend her life with.

After being humiliated at the wedding and receiving some terrible, life altering news, Annette finds comfort in the arms of her best friend's older brother Cole. They agree that it's just a one night thing. Strictly sex, no strings and as Annette sneaks out in the morning, she wonders how long it'll be until someone else is warming Cole's bed.

Cole's reputation is notorious, but he insists he's grown up and is looking for a real relationship. Annette doesn't have time to waste with a man she doesn't trust, especially now that the clock is ticking. It doens't matter that their chemistry is through the roof. Or that they have fun together. Or that he's actually super sweet. He's not marriage material in her mind.

Can Cole convince Annette to give him another chance? He's not willing to let one night in Vegas be the end for them. She's too special and his mind can't stop replaying their time together. How can he get her to forget about dating apps and speed dating to see if they can make it work? Annette is sure Cole will run for the hills at the first test of their relationship and when she receives the shock of a lifetime, she's sure Cole will run into the sunset as fast as he can.

Great romance with a rollercoaster of emotions, some twists I didn't see coming and a fabulous, absolutely perfect happy ending. Sexy, sweet and fun!

[Julianne Macneil · Rating 5 out of 5]

i read this book as part of an arc program. This is the story of Annette and Cole. Annette was best friends with Cole's sister and was a bridesmaid at her wedding. When it came time for the bouquet, Annette didn't want to join in, but she had to. When the bouquet heads her way, she goes to catch it, but a big dog cuts her off. Annette is embarrassed, but brushes it off. When her grandmother comes to talk to her, she tells Annette she is sick and she wants her to find love. Annette is very upset and Cole finds her crying. He takes her back to her hotel room and Annette tells him about her grandmother being ill. Cole comforts Annette and soon it leads to more. Annette is attracted to Cole, but thinks he is a playboy. The next morning, Annette sneaks off and doesn't say goodbye to Cole. A few weeks later, Annette is determined to find love so she starts online dating, then turns to speed dating. Annette and Cole run into each other and Annette tells him about trying to find love. Cole agrees to help Annette find love and tells her he will introduce her to his single friends, but Cole only wants her for himself. Cole is willing to wait for Annette to realize their fling is so much more. I enjoyed this book. I loved how Cole pushed into Annette's dates and made her crazy. They had great chemistry and i think Annette wanted to be with him, only she thought he would never settle down. Great book.

[Sassy Beta Reading & Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

River Laurent is a new to me author that I look forward to reading more of.

Annette is a bridesmaid for one of her BFF's and is one of the last unattached females in her group. She is beginning to feel the pressure to find her own HEA, especially when she finds out her only living family member is not expected to be around for much longer. She decides to do what ever it takes to find her true love and it is a comedy of errors. Cole is the playboy older brother of the bride. He's finally grown out of the playboy stage but can he convince Annette that there is more to him than a weekend of fun and fantasy?

Written as a 1st person, multi pov (More Annette than Cole - I would have loved more of Cole's pov)

Strong story line, entertaining dialogue, easy to visualize description to details, and easy to fall in love with characters.

Would I recommend this book? Yes

Would I read more from this author? Yes

Sassy Beta Reading and Review

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Magali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story but finally the few events that change it are rather predictable. I really liked the idea of the beginning both dramatically and comically. Then, the reactions of the characters are finally quite immature, with complications where they could simply talk to each other.
The marriage of her friend Collette, becomes a nightmare for Annette, when a dog pushes her to the ground and catches the bride's bouquet on the fly, and then, her grandmother announces that she is sick. Desperate, she is helped by Cole, Collette's brother, with whom she spends the night, before fleeing in the morning so as not to suffer from the shame of having a one night stand ... The following days, she starts going out to meet men with whom she talks via an app, but she is disappointed by every date. When Cole meets Annette again, he wants to hold her and he will do everything to prove to her that he is not so frivolous as she thinks, and he succeeds in persuading her with an absurd idea that she accepts.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book

[Raecharmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annette was enjoying her bestie's wedding until the bouquet toss incident and then her Nanna gives her bad news. Cole goes to check in on her and they end up back at her hotel talking. Its not long before they move on to more than talking. They share an amazing night together but Annette thinks he is only with her for the night. So once she gets home she signs up for dating apps and goes to speed dating. One after another its a bad ending until she runs into Cole again. However he tells her that after they share an amazing weekend together he'll set her up with his friends. Will Cole wake up and claim his woman before its too late?

This is a great story that will have you captivated from beginning to end. The chemistry between them is blazing hot. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover


I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.

[Kat Catesby · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

This is tough for me to write as I really like River Laurents books, but this one is my least favourite. Sure, it was well written with developed characters and plenty of heart and steam, but Annette annoyed the bell out of me. She made unfair assumptions about Cole and what he wanted without ever asking him, she pushed him away and dated others despite desperately wanting him and then blamed the whole thing on Cole. "I couldn't understand why he didn't come after me"... Um, perhaps because you gave him mixed signals, judged him as a manwhore and dated his colleague??? Yet it was Cole who had to do all the word to 'win' her back. Sorry, it really upsets me to say it but this wasn't the book for me. Please don't let that put you off other River Laurent books though.

[Rebel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new to me Author and I will definitely be reading more.
This is the story of Annette and Cole and their road to love.
Annette is single but looking to settle down and find a husband after her grandmother tells her she is dying during the wedding of Annette's best friend. Annette is understandably distraught and runs straight into Cole,her best friends brother.He consoles her and it heats up.
Cole is a player, but there's something about Annette and he can't get her out of his head.And he goes all out to pursue her but she thinks he isn't the right one for her as she thinks he will break her heart.
The characters are well written and the story is fast paced with some hot and steamy parts and some are funny as.
All in all a really enjoyable read.

[Maura Pritchard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet Sexy Friend’s Older Brother Story
River’s storyline is engaging right from the start I was drawn in to the characters’ story. I liked the dual POV and that the storyline went back and forth between the heroine’s and the hero’s perspectives of what is happening in the storyline. The hero and heroine are well developed characters and entirely believable within the story. Cole and Annette have agreed to have a fling. But both are in for more than what they bargained for. They make no promises to each other but they both suddenly realize that more is exactly what they do want they just don’t know how to make the other believe they are really all in. There’s some very hot sexy scenes between these two. Loved the book and recommend it.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was not my first read by River Laurent and it certainly won't be the last. Annette is at her best friend's wedding. She is the last single woman in her circle of friends. Her grandmother has just given her bad news prompting her to increase her efforts in finding her soulmate. Because her Nana is sick, she wants her settled before she passes away. Devastated by the news, she finds herself having a one-night stand with Cole, her best friend's older brother. Cole has the reputation as a total player, but he was so much more than that. In fact, I think Annette wasn't totally fair in her treatment of Cole at times. Even his sister Collette seemed quick to judge him. Can Cole finally convince Annette that his playboy days are over and she is the one for him? Great read!

[Jessica CW · Rating 4 out of 5]

Annette is the bridesmaid for her best friend and just so happens to get horrible news from her one living family member- her nana- that she's terminal. In walks a distraction- Cole; her best friends brother. But he's the best way to deal with the news, except a weekend in Vegas after the second time is more right? Until you let insecurities in your way.

This was a cute story of a concerned grandma pushing her grand-daughter to settle down and wham does her life change, it even changes the playboy more then he was doing on his own.

Steamy, sweet but also a little annoying with the mind games and just not coming out and saying what you feel. Glad their was some maning up there.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I kind of loved this story. It was entertaining and enjoyable especially with the misconceptions that both Annette and Cole had about what they were doing would mean. The characters were interesting and likable. Colette and Nana cracked me up. Nana was a bit ornery especially with the decision she made that affected Annette so much. I loved that Cole and Annette were so drawn to each other. Even when they didn't want to be and didn't understand why they were, they were still drawn to each other. They both wanted more but weren't sure or were too afraid about how to communicate that with each other. I loved the way they figured it out. I loved their happy ever after. I recommend reading this book.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annette was a brides maid prepping to catch the bridal bouquet when out of know where a dog knocks her down and retrieves it before running off. Not only was she humiliated her behind hurt as well then to top it off, but her grandmother also gives her some bad news. Needless to say, Annette was having a bad day. She runs into Cole her best friend's brother literally when she comes out of the bathroom. After taking her back to her room, it sets into motion events that will change their lives forever. This is a cute story involving a cunning nanny who only wants to push her granddaughter into living and having a happy life with a family of her own. I voluntarily agreed to receive an ARC of this book for an honest review.

[M Hurford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Catch this Romantic Story...
Never Catch the Bouquet by author River Laurent was a delicious read. Her main characters, Cole the supposedly playboy and Annette, bridesmaid and best friend to Cole’s sister, come together at Collette’s wedding when Annette receives devastating news and Cole comforts her at the receptions Dan weekend in Vegas. (aka takes her to bed). Their short term fling has consequences. Will this lead to an HEA? Who grows up first?
My only criticism is the Nana deception. Totally uncalled for in moving the plot along.
I’m recommending this book for your reading enjoyment and leaving this review for your consideration.

[Carol 27 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun, best friend’s older brother romance. I enjoyed the interactions between Annette and Cole – their flirtation, their chemistry and their passion. I laughed at Annette's efforts to meet eligible men and broaden her dating pool. I liked the desperate schemes Cole employed to win Annette over when he realized she was his future. There’s a little bit of drama, plenty of angst, several misunderstandings, some deception, some humour plus several very steamy encounters that eventually result in a really sweet romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Treasa · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOT & ENJOYABLE!

A fun exciting read that kept me entertained from beginning to end with some great eye rolls and fun smirky smiles with sum sass and arrogant bad boy attitude that was intense as the nail-biting suspense had me picking up the pace to get to the end and was so worth all the drama because I was leaping with joy from the OH so SWEET exciting ending that made all the crazy drama worth while. Thrilling hot chemistry and edgy intense twists that make it hard to put down and are heartfelt. An amazing must read.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really have to hand it to this author, they can spin a good yarn. Always a bridesmaid and not yet a bride, Annette is the last single gal in her group of friends. She attempts to catch the bouquet but is foiled by a big hairy dog at the last moment, getting knocked down into the grass in the process. There are some giggle worthy moments throughout the whole book. But overall I found it to be a sweet read. Give it a read and decide for yourself. I think you'll enjoy it too.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a roller coaster ride! Some things have an equal and opposite reaction. Knocking into things, tripping over nothing, spilling things - all could cause embarrassment or you could just shake it all off and move along. Annette sees her life as one long and lonely one. Cole wants something, he just doesn’t know what that is. And between all the push and pull of life and the drama we inflict on ourselves, things either work themselves out or they fail miserably.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Darcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this quick but beautiful story. Cole is this strong, intelligent, caring alpha male that just makes you wish you had him for yourself. Annette is this fiery, sweet, but has a side that just makes you love her. It is well written and the flow of the story is superb. It has drama and excellent chemistry throughout the entire story. It will have you wanting to know what happens next and is definitely worth reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debra Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! Fantastic Book! It is well written, quite the page turner, and will captivate you from beginning to end as it did me. Easily read in one sitting; It will keep you on the edge of your seat from all the excitement! The plot is realistic and the sex is AMAZING and HOT! It is full of drama, twist, turns and hotness! The characters are so deep and well developed I fell in love with them from the get go. The story ended beautifully, it could not have been better in my opinion.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This definitely has the hotness factor. Annette is on a mission after hearing some bad news from her nan & the fact that both her friends are married. She falls into the arms of Cole, her friends brother, who has a bit of a reputation.
Annette makes a few attempts at dating but fails badly. Then there's Cole. He's definitely not marriage material or is he?
Well you need to read it to find out the rest.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Miss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annette and Cole share one amazing night in Vegas. It was a passionate night that should have stayed in Vegas but neither could forget about it. Soon these two are trying to figure out what they feel for each other as they take us on a wild ride. I enjoyed reading their story and look forward to reading more books by this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.