The Producer's Unlikely Bride

by Lorana Hoopes

He's given up on love. She's a romance writer. When they are thrown together at a cottage on the beach, will love bloom or sparks fly?Justin Miller is one of the producers and host of the reality dating show Who Wants To Marry a Cowboy, but he's tired of helping others find love. He's tired of love in general. Why can't it just be a little business arrangement, like everything else in his life? His business partner sends him on a little vacation to clear his head, and cheer him up. It was just supposed to be a week at a cottage on the beach. Until he meets Ava.

Romance writer Ava McDermott believes in love even though she has yet to find the one for her. However, after struggling with her current book, she decides to take a few days off and recharge at a cottage by the sea. She expected some time alone, but when a strange man shows up, she finds herself in a romance of her own.

Justin and Ava must decide if it's time to create their own fairy tale ending, even if it's not real. A fictional relationship for two people who are ready to escape reality sounds like the perfect plan, until it isn't. Real feelings can get hurt, even when you're fake dating someone. Image isn't everything, and Ava and Justin have to choose. Is love real, or make believe?

Fans of Karen Kingsbury and Colleen Coble will love this new inspirational Christian romance by Amazon best selling author Lorana Hoopes, this story focuses on second chances and trusting God to bring the right people into your life at the right time. Though titled the sixth book in the series, this is Lorana's third book in the Blushing Brides series and follows The Cowboy's Reality Bride and The Reality Bride's Baby. Book includes discussion questions for book groups. Follow the journey by clicking the button above.

Genres: Clean Romance, Christian Fiction

198 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 25, 2019

About the author

Lorana Hoopes is an inspirational romance and children’s author originally from Texas. She now lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and three children. When not writing, she can be found singing or acting on stage or kickboxing at her gym. You can also find her hosting her show Write the World where she interviews authors and writers.

Reviews

[Judith McNees]

This wasn't my favorite. I should have read the blurb, but I didn't since it was next in line in the series. I don't care for the "fake dating" trope in Christian fiction. There weren't any real consequences to the two of them for lying to everyone, and that kind of bugged me.

It wasn't a bad book, and if you don't mind that trope it would probably be enjoyable.

[Timothy Hendricks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book from Lorana Hoopes. I enjoyed it thoroughly. My favorite character is Ava McDermott. She is such a likable person you kind of wonder what took Justin Miller to figure out how lucky he is to find a person like her. However the problem is not her its him. He has become jaded about love and is mad at God. Ava is a romance author and Justin is one of the producers and host of the show, “Who Wants to Marry a Cowboy.” They meet each other when they are both booked into a cabin in a resort. Justin had been married to the love of his life and she had died young and Justin blamed God for her loss. And, then a few years later he finds a woman only to have her run off with his half-brother. And out of the 10 years he has been hosting and producing the show only 2 of the couples had lasted. There were parts that were funny and parts that were sad. The portion where he asks forgiveness from Heavenly Father and restores his relationship with him, I found to be particularly moving. I liked how the book ended. I highly recommend this book. This book is clean and contains no profanity or graphic sex and this is true of every book this Author produces.

[Lori R · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun, clean romance about a matchmaker being told from above to double book her cottage, A Slice of Tranquility so the two people staying their will fall in love by the beautiful ocean. I enjoyed the two main characters a lot. Ava is a romance author who is having trouble writing her next book so she decides to stay at the cottage to refresh her writing,
Justin is the host and producer of Who Wants to Marry a Cowboy reality show and he does not believe in love. He is such a skeptic since his first wife died that he now has been told he has to go remake his image while taking a vacation at the cottage. And that is where all of the fun in this story begins as these two decide a fake relationship between them would be beneficial for both of their careers. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Vibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even better as an audiobook!

I read this book before I listened to the audio, and actually found it more enjoyable to listen. Lorana Hoopes has a pleasant story-telling voice & does a great job with it.

The story starts out with a meet cute that you can see coming right away, but is fun to watch unfold anyway. Justin is a committed cynic, and Ava is a diehard romantic so it's no surprise that they immediately irritate each other.

Full shields are up, & I wondered how they could ever end up liking each other, until Justin realizes that he could use Ava's help, and suggests a mutually beneficial arrangement. As they work things out, he lets his defenses slip, and thus begins his undoing.

Their relationship develops from there, and it's a sweet story of not just romance, but also healing & reconciliation. It all happens very quickly, & while some elements I could see happening that fast, others left me a little doubtful, but it had all the warm fuzzies that I could want & left me smiling.

Clean romance level: sweet kisses
Religion: overtly Christian, with discussions of the faith that are organic to the story

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

After 10 years producing the TV Reality show “Who Wants to Marry a Millionaire”, Justin is more than burned out, he no longer believes in love. After telling the current cowboy that it doesn’t matter who he chooses, it won’t last anyway, he is forced by his co-producer and friend, Peter, to take a beach vacation. Peter books Justin a month at the cabin where he met his wife. Ava is a romance writer who believes in love, she just has hit a writer’s block of major proportion. Her editor and friend, Genevieve, is convinced the problem is Ava hasn’t experienced love even a second date, herself. Ginny persuades Ava to book a vacation at the beach. Peter and Ava find themselves double booked at the same cabin with a no refund until after 3 days clause. To say love at first glance would be a lie, it is a good thing that neither wants to forfeit their refund and they decide to share to cabin until the 3 days are past. This is a fun story to read and it was a good follow up to previous books.

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Producer's Unlikely Bride: A Clean Christian Opposites Attract Romance (Blushing Brides #6), my eighteenth incredible read from wonderful Christian author Lorana Hoopes. This is another amazing Christian read & God's hand is apparent throughout the book, if there's a flaw in this book it's that it's too short, After having read The Cowboy’s Reality Bride (Blushing Brides #1) and The Reality Bride’s Baby (Blushing Brides #2) I wanted to read more Blushing Brides series. The depth of the story in this book is amazing, I don't do spoilers though so you'll have to read it and find out for yourself! I was given an Audible copy of this book & am voluntarily reviewing & since I own both the Kindle & Audible editions I was able to follow along while being read to. Lorana Hoopes’s talented self-narration & Texas accent/drawl adds to the well-written book's enjoyment as no one knows her characters like the creator. I look forward to the next book in the series. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

[Victoria - txreadingnook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava and Justin’s love story . ❤️
Ava is a Romance author with writers ✍️ block and her editor encourages her to go to the beach 🏖 and relax .
Ava thinks that might be a great idea so she books a 🏠bungalow .
Justin is the producer of a reality tv 📺 show “ Who Wants to Marry a Cowboy “ 🤠
How can Justin be on a show that encourages love ❤️ when he does not believe in it .
His boss tells him he needs a vacation so Justin books a bungalow house 🏠 for a week at the beach. 🏖
There is a twist : Ava and Justin book the same bungalow 🏠 . The land lord ‘s contract states that the refund can’t be paid back for three days .
So two opposites sharing a bungalow .
🏠
What can go wrong ?
This romance book will make you laugh , cry , and rejoice .
A little bit of drama is mixed in as well . There is a spiritual message too . Absolutely loved it !
Everything a romance book needs to keep the reader flipping pages till the early morning hours.
I give the romance story
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Valri Western · Rating 4 out of 5]

Justin and Ava are a fun couple. They are definite opposites! Justin is burned out on love and his boss makes him take a forced vacation at the beach to "just chill". He's the producer of a dating reality series but he doesn't believe in love so that makes things kind of awkward! His boss wants him to "re-evaluate"! Ava writes romance and has writer's block. She thinks being by the beach in a cottage will help her get over it. Although she hasn't had a date in ages, she still believes in love and believes her parents have a "perfect" marriage! Trouble begins when Justin and Ava rent the same cottage! Various events happen in both their personal and professional lives to test them and bring them together! I enjoyed this story and loved how Ava helped Justin come back to his spiritual roots!

[Judy and Jim Burdett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Justin is the producer and host of the reality tv show ‘Who wants to Marry a Cowboy. For him he is hoping it will be a jumping stone to something better, but he has been stuck on the show for 10 years. His boss or co-producer feels that his lack of interest in love is hurting the show and sends him on a vacation. He gets there only to find the cabin already occupied by Ava.

Ava is a romance author but has hit a dry spell. She and her editor are hoping this mini vacation will help her writing. After a bit Justin and Ava realize that they can help each other out by pretending to be a couple. She has been looking for a man that can give her a perfect marriage. Justin has been married twice and vows to not get married again. Do they fall in love? Does it all fall apart?

The Producer’s Unlikely Bride is a clean romance.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Justin and Ava can’t stand each other upon meeting in the vacation cabin they both booked for the same week. But they agree to embark on a fake relationship to fix their images, he as a heartless Grinch who hates romance and she as a romance author who can’t keep a romantic relationship. They are opposites in many ways. She likes quiet and he likes loud music. She believes in God and he lost that belief when his wife died and it was reinforced when his second wife left him for his brother. He has to learn to trust another woman again. She has to learn that real romance is not a fairy tale and you have to work at it every day. Margie the matchmaker was a riot. I thought it was funny that they both liked Code Red Mountain Dew. I didn’t like Justin much in a last book, but I understand now why he was a jerk and he redeemed himself in this book. There was plenty of humor, romance, and some sad moments in this story.

[Sunnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun contemporary clean romance. Justin is a burned-out reality show producer whose boss sees he needs a mandatory vacation to get back into things. Ava is a romance writer, with spiritual feelings, Justin not so. They meet because their vacation getaway beach house was double booked.\ by them both. And they can only get a refund after 3 days. Their forced togetherness appears as a possible business advantage for both and a "fake relationship" is formed. They are complete opposites in every possible way. How is this going to work?

This is a fun read and very modern in it's scope. I enjoyed the book and the main characters. It was a fun and clean read and an entertaining read. Lots of fun and surprises.

I received an ebook copy from the author. All thoughts are my own.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

When total opposites attract, are there always sparks? Margie, the reservation taker always takes her cue from a higher authority, but in the case of Justin and Ava, she believes it to be true. When these two are double booked into a cabin, we get to see if she is right! Lorana Hoopes has a gift when she writes, creating warm, loving stories. I love Ava McDermott. She knows what she wants out of life and is open to love. Justin is a little jaded, but that makes the story that much more fun. With a strong faith based message, this book is heartwarming and full of love. It's a journey of family, forgiveness, grief, and love and will leave you happy. Lorana Hoopes performs her story with her talents as a narrator. She brings it all to life, makes you feel the emotions and love. Another great listen!

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audio version of this book. This is a sweet, clean Christian romance that deals with a man's loss of faith in love and God.
Justin's job as a TV reality dating show is hanging in the balance because it has become known that he is super skeptical of love. Who better for him to spend time with than a Christian romance author? Just about anyone if you ask him. When his agent suggests a fake relationship with Ava, he reluctantly agrees to ask her.
Ava's words just aren't coming for her, but she finds inspiration in Justin. Will this fake relationship with a non-believer be good for her? It will certainly give her writing more exposure, but what about her heart?
Another great job on the story and narration by Lorana Hoopes!
I was given a complimentary copy of this audiobook. All thoughts are my own.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

A unique story, fun to read!
Justin unwilling to believe in love—or, so it seems. He is letting that affect his performance as the host of the dating show Who Wants to Marry a Cowboy, so his business partner sends him on a trip and tells him to get his act together, if he wants to keep working. Meanwhile, Ava McDermott believes in love, but she’s having trouble believing she’ll ever find someone of her own to love. Kind of sad, for a romance book writer! Her agent tells her to head for the beach for a week, and she agrees to see if she can come up with a story, during that week. The two meet there, at the beach cabin. Not exactly instant attraction, but give it time! 😊 Funny things happen, and you will enjoy the ending!

[Leslie Bakke · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when a romance writer who is a Christian and a man who doesn’t believe in love or God end up renting the same cottage by the sea? Add a fake romance and we have the framework of Lorana Hoopes newest book, The Producer’s Unlikely Bride. I really enjoyed the book. The characters were such opposites that I wondered how they would pull off their fake romance. Especially with paparazzi following them everywhere. Ms. Hoopes did an excellent job with character development. I was surprised at the growth in Justin and Ava. God works some miracles and the story end with a HEA. Another excellent book by Ms. Hoopes.

[Cindy Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Writer Ava McDermott is a writer that sort of hits a writing wall. Her friend/editor suggests she take a break, get away for a few days. Justin Miller is a producer and host of a dating reality show. His boss thinks he needs a break. He's gotten smarmy about the show and love. They both end up in double booked cottage on a lovely beach, I picture on the California coast. What happens when two totally opposites come together? Please read to find out.

Another winner by Lorana Hoopes. Love the characters and her writing. A truly gifted writer that weaves her stories with love and faith. I highly reccormend this book. Enjoy, blessings.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Producer's Unlikely Bride is a very enjoyable read. Justin and Ava agree to a fake relationship that is mutually beneficial. Both main characters are well developed and likable. I appreciated getting both points of view. I felt along with Justin and Ava and was happy to see Justin return to his faith and Ava stay solid in hers. There is a perfect HEA for this couple. I hope to read more of Lorana Hoopes' books. I received an ARC. I chose to write a review and share my opinion of this sweet and clean romance.

[Rhonda Grindstaff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opposite can attract

Wonderful story of Justin, a reality dating show producer and Ava a romance writer. After they separately rented a house for a week. They find out they both had reservations and it was double booked and they could not get refund until after they stay there for 3 days. Never one of them are happy, because they were planning to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and Ava was going to write her book. However. God had other plans for this vacation. Opposites can attract, but with God leading he can heal lives and bring them together.

[Ashley Hedden · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Producer’s Unlikely Bride: A Clean Christian Opposites Attract Romance (Blushing Brides #6) was a great read by Lorana Hoopes. Justin produces a reality dating show and finds himself helping others find love. This makes him tired of love. Ava is a romance author who can’t seem to find a love of her own. They both decide to go on a small vacation separately but end up at the same cottage. This was another great read. I absolutely loved reading Justin and Ava’s story and can’t wait to read more by Lorana Hoopes.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Producer's Unlikely Bride is a fun, clean romance from one of my favorite authors - Lorana Hoopes. Just and Ava end up double booked for a beach vacation and have to wait at least three days before asking for a refund. These two opposites have an interesting few days and decide to enter a fake relationship to help their careers. Of course, nothing goes smoothly. That's all I will say except to tell you that you will not want to miss this engaging book.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was so sweet while being realistic at the same time. I loved the characters and adored Margie. The couple are definitely opposites but they complement each other well. You don't need to read the other books in this series to understand this book but the ones I've read are really good to so...why not?!
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opposites attract in sweet romance with fake relationship
Justin and Ava meet in an unconventional way and separate goals unite them into a fake relationship (I love this trope) even though they are nothing alike. It is a sweet, clean, Christian romance where they aren't afraid to flirt, well maybe a little afraid, but that's part of the story ; ). I received a copy of this book and am giving my own opinion. [You should totally buy it!]

[Nethanja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Justin, a producer of a reality series doesn’t believe in love any more, what he now needs is some time to relax. His boss booked him a place at the beach. Ava, a romance writer needs some inspiration to finish her book and find herself at the same place as Justin. They need to stay together for three days and that isn’t easy when you have nothing in common. But then there comes a moment they have to work together. How can these two ever fall in love?
Really enjoyable Christian story.

[Vicki Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Justin and Ava's story! This was a very enjoyable new book by this author. She has done an excellent on pulling two exact opposites into the most horrid of situations and brought them through a lot of growth, change, a fake relationship and so much more! You won't know whether to laugh, cry, scream at these two, but you will love their story. Margie adds a little hilarity off to the side. God does work miracles as they find an HEA.
VICKI FROM WYOMING

[Shonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A definite 5 star! I was hooked from page one, and didn’t put it down until the last page. The characters were so well written, my feelings for them changed as they grew. From heartaches and lost love to just finding a love of a lifetime the characters learned life lessons that changed them. A beautiful story of forgiveness and how God is always there for us. Lorana Hoopes has definitely outdone her self with this captivating story!

Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute clean Christian book. We get to know Justin who we met in The Cowboy’s Reality Bride. He has become jaded against love. Then there is his opposite, Ava, who is a romance writer. She believes in true love. They get booked at the same time for the same small cottage. They have no choice but to make it work for a few days when they realize they can both benefit from a fake relationship. But can opposites really make things work when they start to develop real feelings?

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

It seems the mysterious little old lady at the resort knows a lot more that would be expected and turns up in places that seem strangely coincidental (?). But whoever she is, she seems to bring something special to Ava and Justin. This is another example of the sweet, clean, romantic stories and wonderful characters that Ms. Hoopes brings to delight and inspire me.

Ms. Hoopes narration is always superb and lends a spark to her stories.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good book to read. I like that it has a christian take on it. I thought I knew where things were going between the 2 main characters but then learned there was a twist I had not expected that made the story more interesting. I think you would like this book a lot. Lorna Hoopes is a very good writer. I received an ARC of this book. This is my honest, voluntary review.

[D'anah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Different

I am not usually interested in game show or television type stories. However, what made this one interesting and readable, was their faith and humility. It was well done, showing the hardships of the whole set up, whilst balancing it well with the growing attraction. A nice ending too.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet romance of opposites attracting.
He produces finding romance on a reality show, but doesn’t believe in love. She’s a romance writer who can’t seem to find love.
The two are interesting individually as well as together. Sweet romance and all tied into God and how things happening according to a greater plan.
Another must read by Lorana Hoopes!