Unexpected Bride

by Abigail Graham

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, until you marry your best friend's brother!

When my best friend asked me to be her maid of honor, I said yes. When she asked me to join her for a weekend in Vegas before a destination wedding in Hawaii, I said yes. When I saw her brother again, I said yes, yes yes!

Ryan has been the star of my dreams since I first saw him. His winning smile, powerful tight muscles, strong hands... I can't think about him without breaking into a sweat. I can't talk to him without stammering. All I want to do is get my hands on his belt and yank him into bed with me.

I was expecting him to be too cool for me, but when I got roped into 'chaperoning' the bachelor party and things got a little too wild, Ryan came to the rescue and carried me off to a limo ride that turned wild, and my dreams came true in a night of passion I'll never forget.

Then the next thing I know, I wake up next to him and we're both wearing wedding bands. When my best friend finds out...

Genres: Romance

184 pages, Paperback

Published December 31, 2018

Reviews

[vee · Rating 1 out of 5]

it wasn’t a DNF, but it was so bad i had to skim through the last 40% to finish because there was no way i was actually reading it

[Kim · Rating 1 out of 5]

I sincerely hope the author is not releasing this book on January 2nd. The state of this book is on par with a first draft, riddled with mistakes and disjointed dialogue. Even an ARC is better presented than this.
The characters are not likeable in the least. The h, goes from this shy, starstruck girl, to a type A clinger with a stalking tendencies. The H tells her he doesn’t want a relationship, but she doesn’t listen. It’s pathetic, and more than a touch mentally unstable.
The H, I don’t really know how to describe him. He claims to be a player, but he seems so insecure that I don’t see how that is possible. He should have put his sister and his clinger, into their places from the beginning.
The sister, what an absolute B she was. She was not a good friend, she treated Julia like a dog. She acted horribly toward her brother, because of jealousy.
This was a just a great disappointment to me, the synopsis was written for the promise of what this book could have been.

[Christy Bailey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quick read

I'm not really sure how I feel about this book. It had a good story line but it was also a jumbled mess. There were alot of errors in this book as though it was written quickly or something. This would of been a great book if it wasn't for things being repeated throughout the book or how they talked about doing something in the beginning of the book and then talking about it in the end but when they Revisit the scenario it's told differently than how it was the first time. I'm not sure how to really explain it. Again the storyline was great it just needs some tweaking. Also some of the characters roles seemed to get a bit confusing. One minute the guy is a cousin and the next he's a brother. With some work it could be an amazing read.

[Pelusa Rivera · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was ok, I tend to enjoy best friend's brother or sisters romance and I enjoyed this one to a point, but I have to say that I times I was confused and wondering if I was reading the same book from the beginning the info given was not adding up. Ryan's age was changed, once he was 10 years another just 2? Yeah I didn't get it either and since it was a fairly short story I kind of thought maybe they took a little more care on what they put out there, so maybe I am just nitpicking buuuuut I like to know what it happening.

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

[Stacey Timmons · Rating 2 out of 5]

I only finished this book simply because it was an ARC. To be honest the amount mistakes and inconsistencies in this book was really annoying. Eg. One second the hero is only 2 years older than the heroine but in another chapter he's 8 yes older, then back to 2 yrs. (I've seen better Arc's put out by this author. And in the back, it stars that she's an English teacher? And also, this book was Man Of The House? Wrong book name.)
She calls them by the wrong name quite a few times. And I really didn't like Karen at all. To be honest, I don't think I really liked any of the characters.
Julia was weak and wimpy but then all of a sudden she turns into a temptress?!! Not believable one bit. And Ryan? Well he was portrayed to be a ladies man but yet, he wasn't one!!? And don't even get me started on the lap dancers!! And his father!!

Overall this book could have been better if not for all the mistakes. Hope they're all caught before publishing. I hate to criticize an author's work, I know how much work goes into creating a story but this needs another overhaul from her comeback book. And I know this author is a lot better than this work.

[Gale · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brother and sister…plus the girl who grew up with them, separated by social class. Wow. What a story! It was smexy and hawt, along with much pre-determined prejudices about how “rich folk” think and act. And how the author smashes ‘em all. Julia has been in “crush” with Ryan who happens to be the brother to her best friend, Karen, the three people I mentioned above. I won’t retell the story but these three have issues and history with each other that will make you shake your head – all believable stories, just heartbreaking at times. The author handles all the sticky stituations well, and delivers a very hawt story that is both touching and believable. I enjoyed it, especially when certain characters get what’s coming to them, in the most spectacular way.

[April Symes · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was ok, I tend to enjoy BFF brother romances as my go to reads and for this book, this was a good book in that genre. This is Ryan and Julia's story. Ryan is Karen’s sexy brother who is coming into town for just for his sister's wedding and he JUST happened to be Julia’s crush for a number of years. Af the wedding where Ryan and Julia are thrown together, they have a steamy and boozed up night that when dawn arrives, their lives will be perhaps changed forever. This story has good moments and steamy moments. I will say that I wish it could have been more cohesive but overall, this is a good best friend brother romance. Oh there is alot more but I don't want to give any spoilers away.

My Rating: 4.4 stars *****

[Stephanie Ditmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. I loved the story of Ryan and Julia. Ryan is Karen’s hot, sexy brother who is coming to town for his sisters wedding and just happens to be Julia’s crush for years. When Ryan and Julia are thrown together for a night when the dawn comes their lives will be changed forever. Some truths will come to light and some secrets as well. No spoilers here, great read, highly recommend it!

[Ruby Ap. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes the most unexpected thing that can happen to you, can lead to your happily ever after and that's exactly the case in this story! :) This was my first time reading this author's work and it was a great story. Loved every single moment of reading it and would recommend it to anyone who wants a sexy, safe and guaranteed happy ending read :) <3

[Jamie Lee Zonneveld · Rating 3 out of 5]

This read was not terrible, but it wasn very good either. I like best friends brother story and this story was a fun read, but there were a lot of mistakes. One moment Ryan is 10 years older and further in the book he was only 2 years older.

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

[Melissa ❤️ bookaddict_fanatic · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read a few books by Abigail and this was another great read to add to the collection. This story had a little bit of everything laugh out loud moments, romance and of course some drama. I loved the storyline and the way the characters came together that the story was equal parts hot sex and off the charts chemistry. If you're looking for a quick fun easy read grab this book.

[Nate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one. It was an entertaining & fun read. I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review for a copy of the book via booksprout.

[Starri Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Julia has always been in the shadow of her best friend Karen. Julia was the help’s daughter and came to work with her so Karen had a friend. Julia couldn’t help but notice Karen’s order brother Ryan. Obviously he’s totally off limits and he would never look at her like that, right? Fast forward all adults and everyone is coming together for Karen’s wedding. Her dad has never liked Julia but he never says anything out loud but it’s written all over his face. Enters Ryan, Ryan tries to play it cool like he doesn’t really remember Julia and Julia is at a loss of words. Then Karen ropes in her into chaperoning the bachelor party and Ryan can’t help but stay close and be protective over her. One thing leads to another and the end up in the back of a limo and things happens. Julia can’t help but but yes, yes, and yes. Wake up the next morning and they are married though Julia remembers everything Ryan not so much. But how are they going to explain this to Karen? Ryan and Karen’s dad pulls Ryan aside at the wedding to warn him to stay away from the “help” (Julia) she is not worthy to be with someone with Ryan’s status in the world. Little does he know they are already married. Things come crashing down the day after the wedding and EVERYONE finds out about Julia and Ryan. Karen first, at first she is upset but eventually is happy to see them happy. Their dad not so much he cuts Ryan off and continues to talk down about Julia and that’s when Ryan finally hits him. Ryan has always wanted Julia but was to scared to cross his dad. Now he’s adult and he’s taking what he wants even if it mean everything changes.

[LMR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unexpected Bride By: Abigail Graham
The "Unexpected Bride" Finally Gets HER Man, But Can She Keep Him When Everyone Finds Out!?!
He's Sooo F.I.N.E!
Who'da thought he'd be M.I.N.E!
But, after headin' to a Bachelor's Night OUT,
They get a Li'l Soused!
That's when they have a bit O' S€X...
And in the Mornin' woke in the same BED!
Although, that's NOT the Biggest Shock...
It seems they Managed to Tie the Knot!
What's her Bestfriend, HIS Sister gonna Say...
Especially, after she warned THEM to Stay Away!
They'll have to keep it under Wraps...
Otherwise, who knows what it'll impact!
I was granted an ARC of Abigail Graham's "Unexpected Bride" via Booksprout; 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!

[Cherye Elliott · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hmmmmm



The first half of the book I see Bruce and Julia as slimy poor people hopping on the gravy train.

I don't feel the attraction the author is trying to portray between Ryan and Julia. Julia is......fake, desperate, something.....
Then the author turns Ryan a naval officer who flew in the war into a bleeding heart, whoa as me I am so depressed because I "might" have killed innocents.
Right when the book starts to get normal, Karen tells us she is pregnant and then promptly goes out and gets drunk or just drinks heavily.

Downhill again. Dad cuts them off and Ryan takes a minimum wage job? In order for him to be a pilot in the military and a officer, he has to have a degree. Are you fword kidding me? The book is spiraling down fast into ridiculousness. Hear that noise? It is me hitting my head with this kindle. I can't believe I am still reading this.....

Last discrepancy I will post: When you were sixteen my mom found a stack of Playboys under your bed and didn't rat you out." Hello? The beginning of the book the author says Julia's mom told Ryan's mom. Get the facts straight.

My advice to the author.
1. Read what you write after you finish.
2. Do a outline. One of the characters one of the plot
3. Get your facts straight
4. Research

Two stars is being generous.

[MJM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Julia and Ryan were sweet on each other when her mum worked for his family. But his father, who was not at all even slightly likeable, demanded that he stop giving her attention otherwise her mum would lose her job and he's never see her ever again. But he left joined the navy and became a fighter pilot and then came to work for his father. But now it's Karen's, his sister, hen p[arty and bachelor party for her creepy husband to be, and Julia is there as Karen's best friend. The party is in Las Vegas and then they will fly out for the actual wedding. However, not all goes as planned and another wedding takes place first. This is the first time that I've read a book by Abigail Graham but it won't be the last as I liked the story and most of the characters. There does, however, need to be better proof reading as there are some glaring inconsistencies such as ages, names, occupations, and just mix ups. However, by looking past them, and as the rest is so good that was not a problem, I can easily score this a 4 star book [the extra star needs the proof reading]. I look forward to reading more of her stories. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Definitely recommended.

[Jami · Rating 2 out of 5]

Where to start. I would like to start off by warning that I did receive an ARC of this book and not the finished book for publication. The premise of this story sounded fun and exciting and it really could have been but there were so many mistakes and disjointed dialog that it made it hard to really settle in and enjoy the story. I read a TON of ARC’s and most are close if not ready for publication but this one read like it needed a good editor to give feedback not to mention a proofreader to correct grammar. Then there were the characters themselves. Julia was weak and helpless begging Ryan to not leave her. Ryan kept saying he wasn’t good enough for Julia but then wouldn’t stop pulling her back in. Then there was Karen, the best friend/sister. Wow how annoying can a supporting character be? I wanted Julia to be stronger, Ryan to be more confident and Karen to shut up or at least be funny and actually supportive. All of the pieces of the puzzle are there for a good romance but it really isn’t ready yet.

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

[Joyce Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read. The family dynamics of the main male character were harsh, in that, animosity was the strongest connection between them all. Very sad to read about a family operating in this way but unfortunately these situations are sometimes a fact of life. This reader viewed the story as very authentic due to, not only bringing forward the positives in life, but also, presenting some of the negatives people face in life.

This reader did not totally understand the two main male and female characters. They were presented clearly enough but, it felt like there was a mystique being created about these two characters, without very many revelations to assist the reader in better understanding the make up of the characters. All-in-all, this novel was enjoyable to read as this reader watched the main characters come into their own.

I voluntarily received an advance review copy of this novel via Booksprout and I am leaving an honest and unbiased review. I have no affiliation to this author.

[Maloma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Waffling right now on how to explain how I feel after reading this book and the best words to describe it is confused and irritated. I don’t know if the characters underwent major reversal changes that I never read about in the book but the behavior, initial inner thoughts and background information changed course somewhere along the line. Inconsistency played a major part in distracting from the flow of this story. Julia and Ryan needed a longer time line from their reconnection to their leaping into a relationship. I myself wasn’t sure about Ryan’s true feelings concerning Julia and neither was he. His sister, Karen, was just a horrible friend and treated Julia like an unmentionable step sibling. Everything needed to make this story phenomenal was there but never got connected correctly. I liked it but hated the confusion it created.

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

[Raecharmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julie has always been attracted to her best friend's older brother but nothing ever happened between them. They are both in Vegas for her friend's wedding when things get heated between them. Julie is following the men to the bachelor party as a favor for her friend. When Ryan sees her he goes to her to find out what she's doing. He ends up helping her at the party and they two of them end up drunk in the back of a limo. Not long after they have sex only to wake up the next morning married. What will Julie's friend say when she learns that she married her brother? Will Ryan want out of the marriage?

This is a great story once I started it I couldn't put it down. The chemistry between them is off the charts hot. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover..

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

[Cindy Caron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it! What an awesome gem, this romantic comedy had me rolling with laughter and hot and bothered, all at the same time. Ms. Graham certainly has a knack at keeping your attention. Who ever would have guessed how much could possibly go wrong with such a small request? When Karen asks her BFF/bridesmaid Julia to keep an eye on her fiance while out at his bachelors' party, she didn't expect didn't expect the outcome, and neither did Julia. Having had a massive crush on her BFF's brother forever, with him starring in her most intimate dreams, when she finally sees him again after ten years, she now finds herself deeply in lust with him. Only problem is he's always thought of her as his little sisters' tagalong. But as the saying goes....What goes on in Vegas (should) stay in Vegas....NOT!
A must read in my opinion!
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily giving my honest opinion.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this quick read that ultimately ends in a HEA, but not before a bit of push and pull between the main characters interspersed with lots of sexy times. Julia has been crushing on Ryan forever, but as the older brother of her best friend he is off limits. Ryan has managed to stay away from Julia since they were teens, but throw in some alcohol, a wild bachelor party, and an Elvis impersonator and they wake with gold rings. All Ryan wants to do is run away and all Julia wants to do is keep her man. Will Ryan let his past dictate his future or will he follow his heart? Does Julia have it in her to fight for what she has always wanted? Definitely check out this short, sexy read. Unexpected is not always a bad thing!

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

[Kerry Boulanger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book in advance for a voluntary honest review. Loved it!! Julia has been in love with Ryan, her best friend’s older brother for years. Turns out Ryan has been interested for years too. Together again, her best friend asks her to go with her fiancé and his buddies to his bachelor party to make sure he behaves. Trying to protect her Ryan makes it his mission to keep her safe. Unable to fight their mutual attraction they have wild, drunken sex in the limo and wake up married the next morning. Julia is ecstatic but Ryan is worried he’ll hurt her or she’ll learn about his past and hate him. Against his father and sister’s wishes Ryan can’t help but be in love with Julia. When Ryan’s dad threatens to cut him off if he remains married to the “help”, he has to chose money or love. Over the top sexiness and steamy pages will have you unwilling to put the book down.

[Philleys Peters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Julia has always crushed on her best friend Karen's older brother Ryan. Now Ryan is back to attend his sister's destination wedding starting with the bachelor/bachelorette parties in Vegas. As a favor to Karen to keep tabs on her fiance Bruce, Julia tags along with the guys for a supposedly tame night of fun. But heavy partying and an embarrassing situation has Ryan whisking her away and the next morning finds them married. With a little humor and some passionate moments, Ryan and Julia keep their marriage secret while Karen's wedding moves on to the final stop in Hawaii. Many hidden truths and familial secrets come to light as Ryan and Julia decide whether or not to stay together. A great story in its entirety. I enjoyed reading it.

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

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great fun story that is just a joy to read it flows extremely well and draws you in as your reading Yes there are plenty of steamy scenes but there are also some heartfelt moments

Julia has always had the hots for her best friend brother Ryan but he has always been off limits. When she attends her best friends wedding her and Ryan spend a passion filled few hours inside a limo, but how did they end up waking the next morning with wedding bands on in bed together. Now Julia will do whatever she needs to keep her man (she becomes almost stalkerish) while Ryan worries about her finding out about his past and his father disowning him for taking up with the help. Will he choose love or the family money you need to read to see. This book does need a good edit but as this was a pre release coy the mistakes may have been picked up

[Sheila Moss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bother and sister Karen and Ryan come from a wealthy family. Julia and Karen have been friends from childhood when Julia’s mother was their housekeeper. They now run a company together. Julia has always dreamt about Ryan but as he a Karen are estranged they haven’t seen each other in years. Julia is the maid of honour at Karen wedding so they meet again. Karen asks Julia to go on the stag party which is being held in Vegas to make sure nothing goes wrong. When one of the groomsmen takes them to a lap dancing club thing get out of hand so Ryan and Julia leave. They wake up the next morning in bed together and wearing wedding rings

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

[Robin M · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Unexpected Bride” by Abigail Graham is a very exciting, funny and sexy book all in one. I enjoyed the storyline which had me captivated with the very first paragraph. This book is a very fast paced read. The exciting and sizzling chemistry between Julia and Ryan is exceptional. In the beginning you think it’s all one sided on the attraction, but boy did that change quickly. I loved how each character evolved. This book is wonderfully written with well-developed characters. This is a must read book. I did not put it down until I read the very last sentence. Thank you Abigail Graham for an exciting story that I thoroughly enjoyed. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Caroline Doig · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my 1st read and review for this author and this is a fantastic story. Julia has loved Ryan since they were young but it’s her best friends older brother and both have been warned about staying away from each other but Ryan has feelings for Julia too they get drunk at a bachelor party and Ryan escapes with Julia out to the limousine where they have hot passionate sex, in the morning they wake up together in bed with rings on their fingers. Now Ryan has a choice stay married to Julia or get cut off by his father, which one will he chose money or love?. There are some pretty hot sizzling scenes and this is a heartwarming emotional story I enjoyed it immensely, it’s a fantastic story and I highly recommend this book it’s definitely well worth the read.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unexpected Bride
By Abigail Graham
Main Characters: Julia and Ryan
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
3 1/2 out of 5 stars
I liked the premise of this book but I did not really care for the characters. None of them were strong emotionally like I think at least the H should have been. There were some inconsistencies (for instance the age of Ryan) which I find annoying but perhaps they were corrected before the book was released. It was a shorter book and I do like the best friends brother/sister premise. All in all, I would read more by this author.

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

[Leo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Julia has always harbored feelings for her best friend's brother. Growing up with the siblings, Julia has always felt inferior to Karen but yet has always wanted Ryan's affections. Being the housekeeper's daughter, Julia kept Karen preoccupied in the form of companionship and the pair have been inseparable. Forbidden to have anything to do with Julia, Ryan spent time away from his family and has been the recipient to Karen's dislike through the years. Years later, Karen's upcoming nuptials bring Julia and Ryan together and the two must realize in the time that they have if there is a deeper connection between them and can love be the strength that they optimally need.

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