Waking up next to my best friend? No big deal. Only our clothes are MIA. And his ring is on my finger. I didn't just sleep with my best friend. I married him.
Post-breakup, I'm ready to console myself with books and ice cream. My best friend has other ideas. According to Griff, there's only one real way to get over someone: get under someone else. We've been friends since third grade. He's, ahem, experienced. I trust him. We go out. Drink. Dance. Kiss. That's right, I kiss the guy who used to pull my pig tails. Then we're drinking more, kissing more, and he's pulling my hair in a way that's all grown up. I wake up sore, happy, confused. Because I didn't just sleep with Griff. I married him. Now, I have a choice. Either I stay with my accidental husband or lose my best friend forever.
Accidental Husband is a standalone accidental marriage romance full of heat, humor, and heart. Come see why readers say "no one writes broken bad boys like Crystal Kaswell."
Crystal Kaswell is the author of the Sinful Serenade series. She writes steamy new adult romance with flawed characters. She loves police procedurals, tea, and The Hunger Games series. She lives in Portland, OR with her husband.
“Oh...umm...I...you...ah...but...we...” “I want you to put your big...ahem...in my...you know...ahem...”
GAH!! I just...NOPE, I couldn’t deal with this. Also, I highlighted EVERY. SINGLE. TIME the author used the phrase “he nods his head hell yeah” or “she nods her head I guess so” or some variation of this. A head nod is a head nod...but the characters in this book seem to be able to have whole conversations with a simple nod or shake of their head.
Marriage of convenience is one of my favourite tropes, and I was so excited to read this one because of all the amazing reviews. Unfortunately, it was just really lacking something for me. The writing was very repetitive and stilted, with very short sentences, and in some places, it was juvenile (particularly with the use of “ahem” constantly - just say “stick your dick in me, or whatever. It makes me cringe when this 22yr old woman can’t use her adult words!!) Also the Hero of our story was an absolute slut. He even admits it himself. And it really irked me when he was at a party with all his mates, his new wife sat on his lap, and he is entertaining everyone with his stories about previous conquests and threesomes and actually acting like he is proud of it. As you can tell, I’m really pissed off. I know I’m going to be the minority with this review but I have to be honest...
3.5 Hard Won Trust Through Matcha Stars * * * 1/2 Spoiler Free No matter how hard we try, we are products of our experiences, good and bad. We can fight the bad and look to do better, be better than what we observed as children... Or we can flourish and be a result of times which had no real traumas if we are lucky. Or as most of us have experienced, we can be a product of a little of both...as there is no perfect... Just all the experiences we have had and how we react to them.
In Accidental Husband by Crystal Kaswell, a lot of this is touched upon besides the fun and games of an accidental, sort of drunken marriage between to life long friends. These two have been there for each other for everything... and even though their friends have felt there was something There There... each of these two denied it.
When Juliette cancels her wedding days before it was supposed to happen, Griff is there for her. He never liked the guy in the first place and decides he wants to take Jules away from it all. He arranges a group run to Vegas and with the bribe of all the matcha tea and booze, Jules decides to let herself go on this road trip.
Griff only wants to make Jules happy and vows to make it happen, and with his very intense sexual experience, he has decided Jules needs to have a one night stand to get over her situation. The only trouble is the more he thinks about a stranger touching Jules or being close to her in any way, it starts to make him a bit crazy. During all the years together as friends, he fought those first teenage thoughts of her. She was off limits.
Now in Vegas with Jules dressed and showing off her long legs, toned body and everything else which screams beautiful woman is everything he wants. As they go through major tourist spots on the strip drinking as they go, both Griff and Jules start to let their guards down, allow themselves to feel the want which has been the undercurrent between them and before they know it, Elvis is pronouncing them Man and Wife.
This story starts flirty with lots of banter and sexy teasing. All of this is the foundation of the story. However, there is another part of this tale. Both characters have had situations with their parents and childhood causing them to have difficulty with the concept of love. Griff's dad cheated all the time on his mom. Jules's dad left and her mother has never given her much information about him. These factors have had a huge impact on them and even more so with Jules. There are serious hurdles to overcome and understanding these characters are only 22 and 23 causes them to sometimes seem unable to communicate what really is their issues.
Being this young did have an impact on the story for me. I had to step back and accept the thought process expressed. I also had to accept the repetitive sexy times, talk and joking...The story was sweet with acceptance and understanding.
This had many of the characters from the author's other series Inked Hearts, however, I did not feel lost while reading it.
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
Audiobook review. 3.5 stars. What made this book for me was the narrators. My goodness y’all. Wen Ross and Kai Kennicott gave life to these characters. Their chemistry was palatable, which was only enhanced by their recent revelation that they are indeed married irl.
Griff and Jules are the typical bff to lovers/Vegas wedding couple. The conflict was mostly internal with no big surprises. I liked Griff’s determination and persistence and Jules’ openness. Their friendship felt effortless.
There were some opportunities for improvement in the prose but nothing that listening to Wen Ross didn’t cure. All in all a fun listen.
Complimentary copy received and voluntarily reviewed.
When Griffin and Juliette (Jules) take a trip to Vegas, somehow what happens in Vegas most definitely does not stay in Vegas...
Griff and Jules have been best friends for a long time. They know the other so well and others have always wondered if they were more than friends. Well now they are way more than just friends considering they accidentally got married. But if they want to stay married, they have a lot of work to do because they've both got baggage, a lot, especially Jules, and they need to learn how to be married vs just being best friends.
I like how sensitively the author treated Jules' secret, and how they finally figured out how to be married. Staying married is not something you just naturally know - you have to work at it, and the way they worked at it was great to read. This series is always entertaining, steamy and witty, but this entry takes it a little deeper, and it's appreciated.
Not feeling this one. Normally the accidental marriage plot appeals to me, but I struggled with the writing style, there was too much pointless wittering dialogue, and the male character seemed juvenile.
Wow this book is just non-stop steam, mixed with shots of angst. I’ve seen Crystal Kaswell’s books on the bestseller charts before, so I was excited to give one of her books a try, and the premise of best friends getting married in Vegas was an intriguing one. The story follows Juliette in the days after she ends her engagement to another man, and Griffin, her lifelong best friend who just wants to support her and make her feel better in her time of need. They take a trip to Vegas with friends, and Jules’ newly single status changes the dynamics of their relationship.
As I began reading the book, I really got into the writing style - the banter is great, the story is infused with humor, and the dialogue-based writing made the pages flow quickly. I thought both Griffin and Juliette’s denial of their feelings for each other would make for a great read, but as the story progressed the tone shifted and the inner monologues became so infused with angst and constant sexual thoughts that the light-hearted, funny tone disappeared. The story just became about all of the sexual tension that rose to the surface once Jules became single - so much so that I found myself skimming through some of the steamy scenes because it all just felt repetitive. I like steam just as much as the next girl, but this level of sexuality did nothing to advance the story - do I really want to hear the details about all of the threesomes Griffin has had with other men/women? Does Jules really want to hear about them? It was offputting, and that coupled with the increased angst during the second half made my opinion of the book change significantly. I’m sure there are those who will enjoy this book, but for me the second half just didn’t live up to the promise of the first.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
So freaking good! Crystal Kaswell you have done it again, I freaking love the Inked Heart guys and the new additions are just as fun. I can truly say that I will pretty much read anything that she puts out because she does the broody sexy guy SO FREAKING WELL. Except in this book's case, Griffin was not super broody, but he definitely was intense!
Jules and Griffin have been BFF for a freaking while and have always been there for each other. She has always been in a relationship with her long term boyfriend/fiance and he was kind of a manwhore and did not discriminate. All of this comes to a head when Juliette tells Griff that the wedding is off. When he takes her on a trip to Vegas and they are both completely single it is if the two of them are finally seeing each other and then BAMM the next morning they are married.
Read this book and take this wild ride with the characters the amount of depth in this book is what makes it so freaking good and trust me, it is absolutely a great read!
PS: I received a copy of this book for free, but am voluntarily reviewing it!
I read and reviewed this book voluntarily. Jules just called off her wedding to Jefferson. Griffen her best friend convinces her a trip to Vegas to have a one night stand is just what she needs. Neither of them realize that it will be with each other, and that after a drunken trip to the wedding chapel, will it be forever. They are best friends, can they be each others forever; especially when Griffen feels love means being hurtful, because that is what he saw growing up. Jules has her own demons, ones that she feels will make her unlovable to Griffen. Will they walk away and lose each other or see that they really need each other, and love each other and can have forever? This book talks about what could be a sensitive subject matter for some; please beware. I love it when best friends finally realize they are perfect for each other.....
Sorry Griffin , you deserve a 5 star rating but Juliette.. with her constant ,pathetic ,lame excuses and whining only deserves 1 star.. she doesn't really deserve you, she is so selfish... so many excuses and evasions... I get tired of the whining....I will try to be more sympathetic and understanding in my re-read, but its hard... you deserve 10 star though Griffin.. you were such an awesome husband... you did try your best...
Re-read it.. and as I suspected.. Juliette isn't so bad..she definitely get 3 stars..well no one is perfect and sometimes we don't see clearly in our first read...zshe may not be my fav h of the series but she is not bad..on a reread she comes out much better... just a person with many many problems, who doesn't have those..?
Sorry for being so harsh , on my first read Juliette... you really do deserve some sympathy and understanding... you are okay..and you are perfect for Griffin, now that has never been in question..
Jules and Griff have been friends forever so when she tells him that her engagement is over he knows that its now or never to let her know he loves her. They end up going to Vegas with a group of friends and after partying they end up drunk in a limo. The next day they wake up married and Jules wants to forget the whole thing happened. Griff knows that he wants to keep her as his wife and he's willing to do whatever he needs to in order for her to stay with him. Will he succeed and claiming his woman? Can Jules see that they are meant to be?
This is a great story that once I started it I couldn't put it down. The chemistry is blazing hot between them. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover.
This was a good read. Jules and Griffin have been friends for a long time. Jules was supposed to get married but then called it off. She and Griffin then go to Vegas for a fun trip. You can tell by the title of the book what happens to them while there. They spend the rest of the book coming to terms with what happens and getting it all together in the end.
A FANTASTIC ROMANCE THAT WAS SINFULLY FUN AND SINCERELY SWEET! I fell in love with Accidental Husband. It made my heart gallop and melt and had me enjoying the wild ride that went on between these amazing characters. The story had some crazy good times and some very sexy ones too. It was fun and sweet and everything I could of wanted in a good romance.
A heartfelt read about two best friends Griffin and Juliette who take a trip to Vegas and end up getting married. Love the banter between the main characters and how they help each other heal.
The blurb for this book made me think it would be a sweet story about longtime friends who finally realize they're in love. I also expected a little steam because that's always present in this genre. What I didn't expect was for the entire book to be about sex. I'm not exaggerating. Either they're having sex, talking about sex, or thinking about sex. The guy is a walking cliche for this genre. The alpha male who has sex with every available woman and women fall at their knees for even a moment of his attention. He's not good with words so he has to show his woman how he feels... with his dick. He also says or thinks the word "cunt" a dozen times in this book. We all know how much the ladies love that. Now the heroine. She can't complete a thought or sentence. Get ready for a lot of "I -, He-, We-" This stuttering is used repeatedly. Not that it really matters because when she does try to speak, Griffin immediately cuts her off because they're is nothing more romantic than making sure the woman you love knows you don't care what she has to say. Why the author would choose to right a book in this was is something I will never understand. Just when you think the book is finally going to touch on a serious issue it is quickly undercut by sex. We're lead to believe that the guy uses sex as a way to cope with his inability to address his emotions. I believe that the author uses it as a way to cope with her inability to tell a good story. I really hate to be that harsh, but this was basically a long Penthouse Forum letter. Will never read another of her books.
I found this book low on the angst level and HIGH on the sexy time. I usually love “accidental” marriages in Vegas but this one was written very literal. I understand we all stumble when we talk, we say Um a lot, and don’t finish sentences, but this book was written that way and while it was real, it was annoying to read that. I liked both characters and felt bad for Jules because I could relate to her. Griff I ended up liking but again with these guys who bang everyone before they find the love of their lives who was right in front of them the whole time. I feel like I’m the only one who doesn’t like this, and that’s ok. If you like high amounts of sex, a bad boy who is a reformed player, and a wedding in Vegas, this is the book for you! It really was a sweet book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Trying to get him to stop smoking, my sister once told daddy, ‘If you stop smoking, you’ll live a lot longer’. To which daddy replied, ‘Well, it sure would FEEL a lot longer, anyhow!’ That came to mind as I was closing out, and deleting this book. I have only read to the 5% point. But it sure did FEEL a lot longer. Maybe it’s not a fair chance, but there was just nothing to hold my interest, and that first 5% required a lot more effort than it should have. For me, this book is a ‘No. No way, no how. Just nope.’
Oh, my. I was waiting for this story so long and I was SO excited for Griff's and Jules' story. Crystal Kaswell did not disappoint with this book! I love all of her books and "Accidental husband" was no exception. Crystal's books always have a deeper meaning, not everything is blue skies and happy faces. Her characters struggle, like everyone. They have their own problems which affect their relationships. "Accidental husband" shows that, too, and I found it absolutely great to see how the H and h dealt with those problems and worked through them together.
Because Griffin and Juliette are best friends, we miss the part where the two main characters get to know each other. Normally, I especially like that part in a story. However, I did not miss it in "Accidental husband" because I was captured by the connection Griff and Jules have from the very beginning. It's just amazing how the two of them interact with each other, how they know the opposite even better than themselves. I think their connection is what everybody wishes for. And don't let me get started on the bedroom-scenes. Is it just me or was book even hotter than the ones before?! To be honest, there was a lot of s*x going on in this story. However, those scenes were written very well.
What I also loved about this book was that we meet all the other characters from the books before again. This group is like a family, and I simply love that. It's great that they all appear again and we get a glimpse of their lives. I love how every time a part of the group struggles (most likely the hero), someone comes to help, and they are there for each other. This friendship is amazing, and I wish I was part of it, too. (Even when I already feel like a part of their group. :D)
I can recommend this story (and the whole series) to everyone, and I am so hoping for Chase' story to be the next. And for it to be released veeeery soon!! *can't wait*
***I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.***
I love the Inked Heart series and I loved this. After having a small sample of Jules and Griff in the previous book I was eager to know what their full story was and how it would play out.
This book (like so many of Crystal Kaswells books) was packed full of emotions and I love how she writes it in an almost stream of consciousness way. We get the actual thought process of each character, meaning the story has that extra touch of raw realism.
Jules’ history of cutting herself is not something I have any personal experience of, but the way it was written was very honest and real. Her reactions to how Griff would react, the way she felt she needed support, the way she even needed him to act just so she could function did not belittle the subject, if anything I felt it helped me understand more. Griffs reaction was very normal and his response when younger was pure instinct, however as they grew older and were able to talk and understand themselves more he was able to understand that his instinctive reaction, whilst natural was not what she needed. I love how he was so willing to do anything to support her.
I love this couple and loved their friends interactions with them. I can’t wait to read the next book.
Griff and Jules have been best friends since elementary school. Everyone has always questioned their relationship. Jules and Griff have always maintained they are best friends and nothing more. When Juliet calls off her wedding, Griff decides to take Jules to Las Vegas for some fun. With overwhelming emotions, smoking hot chemistry, and lots of alcohol, Jules and Griff see each other in a different light and make an impulsively decision to get married. What happens in Vegas doesn't always stay in Vegas. Griff and Jules both struggle with their new found emotions surrounding the change in their relationship. How will Griff react when Jules reveals a secret she has been hiding from him? Can Jules and Griff overcome past and present demons and find their happily ever after? Will Griff walk away to ensure Jules' happiness? Can Griff and Jules tell each other how they really feel before it is too late? I love Griff and Jules. Their chemistry is so HOT! Loved Accidental Husband by Crystal Kaswell. Accidental Husband is a great story with amazing characters and full of hot chemistry, scorching passion, humor, and secrets. Crystal Kaswell is a MUST read author for this reader. I would highly recommend getting Accidental Husband by Crystal Kaswell. I received an ARC of this book, and I am leaving my honest review.
As I read the blurb I was thinking this is going to be a great read. Well it turned into a fantastic read!
Juliette and Griffin have been friends since grade school and have always been there for each other. She is set to get married and her world is turned upside down. Griffin is there to take her to Sin City to get her mind off of everything.
Griffin knows Jules better than anyone and he knows she needs to get away for a few days and what better place to do that than Vegas? And he is determined to make sure she is satisfied.
These two have an amazing relationship but amazing also comes with complications. Honesty, self harm and love are all an integral part of this story. These two find a way to work with what issues they may have between them because they know how they feel about each other. Whether they stay together or separate it’s all that matters is that they don’t lose each other.
Griffin was such a sex pot full of stamina, love for Jules and the will to persevere. I couldn’t have loved his character more. He was like many men who wanted nothing more than for their SO to be happy and healthy. I absolutely loved how much he loved Jules. Not just her mind and her soul but for while she is. Flaws and all. He loved her for the scars she had and didn’t think twice about letting her know how much he loved her.
Jules was such a sweet character. Like so many people she struggled with how to say what she wanted to say and how she felt. She had trouble dealing with her feelings and turned to cutting. That was her release. Her way of coping even when she couldn’t handle things. She felt guilt and shame for her doing this to herself and for lying to Griff. But she knew more than anything that Griff was the one that she loved most. He had always been there and she didn’t want to lose the one person she knew she could always depend on.
These two characters were two of my absolute favorite. They had flaws, so does everyone else. It made them that much more identifiable and real. I am super excited to see if Krystal will continue their story!!
Thank you so much to Crystal for the free review copy in exchange for my honest opinion!
True to form, Crystal Kaswell's heroes are hot. They're sexy. They like sex and know their way around the bedroom. This was a little different for her in that the heroine, while maybe not so sexually sure of herself, at least talked a good game.
Griff and Jules pretty much ignored the signs that were there, but I wouldn't really expect anything different. I loved the use of the strip club to up the ante/change the dynamic. It wasn't something I've seen a lot of, and it really worked in this context. A character denying his/her feelings can only go so long before the reader gets impatient. Crystal solved that cleverly here.
The Inked Hearts book are a great tattoo artist series. I love seeing the characters from other books return, and just like the comfortable feel of this world. I'm not a huge fan of the self-harm books, but Crystal always handles it well. Anyone who's read the other books is bound to be satisfied again.
While in Vegas do as many do... But keep it in Vegas unless you get hitched. For Griffin and Jules throwing her engagement away and moving their years long friendship from platonic to passionate seems like a good idea while intoxicated. It helps then to admit your feelings, be brave and jump into what you really want. But then after Vegas things get real...
This story I was excited to read, ever since reading about Wes and I'm a big believer in best friends to lovers. This story was a beautiful mix of tough love, hurt and admission of love. The moments you finally realize that the love for your best friend is really you being in love with your best friend and then learning to accept each other and build a life together. It's complicated, messy and wonderful.
Whether a couple faces depression of one of the partners, or a situation like Chloe's or like Jule's or such there will always be baggage and working through that is part of the love story. So I am glad this couple could build strong foundations and got the help they needed to, to continue building their home.
I am curious to know what her mom thought.
I couldn't put this book down, especially the sweet and steamy parts of their relationship. I am glad they could go the distance even though I shed a couple of tears while I waited to find out if they would. The appointment visit reminds me of another story by another author- I just love it when they get their shit together even if it takes til the last second.
Should Chase be the next in the story?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Jules and Griffin have been best friends since elementary school. Neither of them can imagine a life without the other. Griffin is a bit of a man-whore, while Jules has been engaged to a man until she suddenly cancels her wedding. To take her mind off of the situation, Griffin takes Jules to Las Vegas with the intent of finding her someone to sleep with. Very quickly, the two realize they are attracted to each other, and they make a big decision, after getting drunk, to have $ex and get married. The next morning, Griffin knows he wants to stay married to Jules, but Jules is hiding a secret, one that could push Griffin away and cause him to divorce, potentially ending their friendship.
I've read Crystal Kaswell before in her Inked Hearts series. I love the characters she creates, and the connections she makes between the characters. However, I tend to struggle with her style. There was something a little stilted with the language of the story. If I put my Master's cap on for reading this one, I believe it is her way of showing the difficulty that Jules and Griffin have in communicating their feelings and desires. What it tends to do is make the story choppy.
However, overall, I enjoyed the angsty nature of this story. As the reader, you root for Jules and Griffin to figure out their deep love for each other. Even more, there is an important message in Jules's secret. It suggests that love cannot always take away everything, but it can make it better in the end.
This being my first Crystal Kaswell book I didn't know what to expect - the great news is that I really enjoyed Accidental Husband. Its a great friends to lovers to husband & wife that is filled with great dialog, complex characters, and a good storyline.
Griffin and Jules have been best friends since the 3rd grade and have been through everything together. When Jules is dumped 3 days before she is supposed to get married Griffin steps in to take her on a spontaneous trip to Las Vegas. There they figure out that their feelings for each other may not be as platonic as they think. When they do the unthinkable and decide to get married their love life seems to be taken an unexpected turn - but with Jules' secret and Griffin's fear of love things may not turn out as they had hoped.
Accidental Husband is more than I thought it would be - Ms. Kaswell dives into some pretty dark territory that affects people across this country and doesn't shy away. Told in dual POVs we get to see the struggle both Griffin and Jules go through as they come to grips with who they are and how they can manage this new relationship neither expected. There a lot of secondary characters that filter in and out and in some cases I got a little confused on all of the relationships, which ultimately I found to be ok it will just make me go and read the other books in this series. The story of Griffin and Jules is solid and is really the heart of this book.
Griffin and Juliet are best friends since grade school. Jules is about to marry Jackson. Juliet has not been happy with Jackson for 2 of their 5 year relationship. The feeling is mutual and they break up before the wedding.
Griffin tries to cheer Jules.up with a weekend to Las Vegas. Griffin is determined to get Jules some decent sex. Griffin just did not realize he works be the one giving her the decent sex. Lol
The 2 realize they love each other in a different way than when they were kids. And they have to work out some things like Juliet's secret and part of the reason her and Jackson did not work. But Griffin is not willing to let her secret tear them apart after they just figured out they belong together.