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Jasper Falls #2
The Best Man
A friends-to-lovers, small-town gem from bestselling and award-winning author Lydia Michaels!
He’s always loved her. She married someone else. Now they’re back in their hometown—with years of secrets between them.
Patrick has been in love with Julie since kindergarten, but she chose another man—the wrong man—and lost herself in the process. Years later, they’re both back in
Jasper Falls for a wedding, and to protect his heart, Patrick fakes a romance with his best friend, who also happens to be Julie’s sister.
Old feelings resurface, secrets unravel, and one thing becomes clear—the truest love never fades, and some second chances are forever.
He’s always loved her. She married someone else. Now they’re back in their hometown—with years of secrets between them.
Patrick has been in love with Julie since kindergarten, but she chose another man—the wrong man—and lost herself in the process. Years later, they’re both back in
Jasper Falls for a wedding, and to protect his heart, Patrick fakes a romance with his best friend, who also happens to be Julie’s sister.
Old feelings resurface, secrets unravel, and one thing becomes clear—the truest love never fades, and some second chances are forever.
174 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 27, 2021
44 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
About the author
Lydia Michaels
71 books1,899 followersLydia Michaels is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than forty novels. She writes heart-clenching, unpredictable romance with dark elements and high heat. Her work is character-driven and bursting with broken heroes and badass females. With a sweet spot for overbearing, territorial types, her deeply emotional books are spicy, emotionally satisfying, and guaranteed to leave readers with many book hangovers.
Lydia is the consecutive winner of the 2018 & 2019 Author of the Year Award from Happenings Media and the recipient of the 2014 Best Author Award from the Courier Times. She has been featured by USA Today, Romantic Times Magazine, the Women in Publishing Summit, and more.
Michaels has been a recognized presence in the author community since starting her career in 2007. She is the CEO of LMC Consulting and a certified author coach specializing in characterization and plot development. She takes great joy in hosting author events celebrating diversity within the book industry. She has bridged connections among many authors since founding renowned events such as the East Coast Author Convention and the Annual Behind the Keys Author Retreat. However, the gem of her work is, by far, her extensive backlist (see LydiaMichaelsBooks.com).
She is happily married to her childhood sweetheart. Her favorite things include cooking Italian cuisine, hosting extravagant dinner parties, sipping martinis, listening to her husband play piano, and escaping to her coastal home on the Jersey Shore. She’s an LGBTQ ally, a BLM supporter, and a firm believer that the patriarchy must burn (women’s rights are human rights).
You can follow Lydia on Instagram, TikTok, & Facebook!
Instagram: @lydia_michaels_books
Facebook: @LydiaMichaels
TikTok: @LydiaMichaels
Lydia is the consecutive winner of the 2018 & 2019 Author of the Year Award from Happenings Media and the recipient of the 2014 Best Author Award from the Courier Times. She has been featured by USA Today, Romantic Times Magazine, the Women in Publishing Summit, and more.
Michaels has been a recognized presence in the author community since starting her career in 2007. She is the CEO of LMC Consulting and a certified author coach specializing in characterization and plot development. She takes great joy in hosting author events celebrating diversity within the book industry. She has bridged connections among many authors since founding renowned events such as the East Coast Author Convention and the Annual Behind the Keys Author Retreat. However, the gem of her work is, by far, her extensive backlist (see LydiaMichaelsBooks.com).
She is happily married to her childhood sweetheart. Her favorite things include cooking Italian cuisine, hosting extravagant dinner parties, sipping martinis, listening to her husband play piano, and escaping to her coastal home on the Jersey Shore. She’s an LGBTQ ally, a BLM supporter, and a firm believer that the patriarchy must burn (women’s rights are human rights).
You can follow Lydia on Instagram, TikTok, & Facebook!
Instagram: @lydia_michaels_books
Facebook: @LydiaMichaels
TikTok: @LydiaMichaels
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
May 16, 2022
*Thank you to Valentine PR and the author for an Audio Copy of this title.*
Another beautiful short in the series. It was very well preformed and I flew through this story.
Patrick and Julie have been friends forever, but it's never been anything more than that. Patrick missed his chance when they were young and Julie ended up dating and getting engaged to someone else. They both moved away from Jasper Falls and lived their lives. When a wedding brings them both back, it may finally be time for them to try, but is it too late?
I really enjoyed this sweet little tale of Pat and Julie getting a chance. I wish it had been longer! They were just getting started in this, but I know we can assume it will all work out nicely for them. Jasper Falls is a beautiful place and the warm family feeling and welcoming environment is a place where love can thrive.
I also loved seeing Ryan (the hero from book 1) being a good brother to Patrick and I love the family, however over the top they can get.
4 stars
1.5 on the spice scale.
TW: Verbal and emotional Domestic abuse.
Another beautiful short in the series. It was very well preformed and I flew through this story.
Patrick and Julie have been friends forever, but it's never been anything more than that. Patrick missed his chance when they were young and Julie ended up dating and getting engaged to someone else. They both moved away from Jasper Falls and lived their lives. When a wedding brings them both back, it may finally be time for them to try, but is it too late?
I really enjoyed this sweet little tale of Pat and Julie getting a chance. I wish it had been longer! They were just getting started in this, but I know we can assume it will all work out nicely for them. Jasper Falls is a beautiful place and the warm family feeling and welcoming environment is a place where love can thrive.
I also loved seeing Ryan (the hero from book 1) being a good brother to Patrick and I love the family, however over the top they can get.
4 stars
1.5 on the spice scale.
TW: Verbal and emotional Domestic abuse.
March 11, 2021
SPOILERS INCLUDED BELOW
Patrick and Julie are realistic characters. Flawed but likable. Julie has gone through a lot due to verbal, emotional and physical abuse and I couldn't help but feel sorry for her. Patrick is a sweet loving man. Did he wait too long to make his intentions known to Julie? Definitely. It took him too many years to man up and he did so only after Julie broke up with her boyfriend. Do I understand why he delayed letting her know that he loved her? Yes, yes I do. Patrick was afraid of losing her friendship. However somethings are worth taking the risk and IMO love is one of them.
I like that it is the hero, Patrick, who was pining as opposed to the heroine. I liked too that Julie didn't real notice Patrick in a romantic light until shortly after the story opens. Too frequently it is the heroine that is carrying a torch for the hero as opposed to the other way around. What is worse is most pining heroines put themselves in a sexual deep freeze waiting for the person that they are yearning for to notice them. Pining heroes however, like Patrick, never seem to have that problem. Even though Patrick loved Julie he still received sexual satisfaction from other women, usually one night stands. In fact prior to being reunited with Julie he thought that he needed to get laid and intended to have a ONS. I could have done without reading that. At least the story didn't have sex scenes with OW.
As with all of this author's books that I have read, the story is well written. It kept my interest. I was never bored.
My preference is for jealous and possessive alpha heroes and while Patrick displayed a little jealousy and possessiveness because Julie had a long term boyfriend, I wanted him to show more. Right or wrong in Romanceland (as opposed to reality) I equate heroes showing those characteristics as being passionate and that was not the case here. For the same reason the sex scenes just didn't work for me. Everything was about Patrick being gentle with Julie and letting her initiate things. She needed to be treated with care. Passionate sex that resulted in losing control was viewed as bad. I understood why, due to Julie's past sexual abuse, but still it was something that I wanted the story to contain.
I would like it if the author would write more books that are not second chance romances, like British Professor from the McCullough Mountain series. I prefer that the hero and the heroine meet for the first time when the story begins and that they do not have other sexual partners after meeting each other.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Patrick and Julie are realistic characters. Flawed but likable. Julie has gone through a lot due to verbal, emotional and physical abuse and I couldn't help but feel sorry for her. Patrick is a sweet loving man. Did he wait too long to make his intentions known to Julie? Definitely. It took him too many years to man up and he did so only after Julie broke up with her boyfriend. Do I understand why he delayed letting her know that he loved her? Yes, yes I do. Patrick was afraid of losing her friendship. However somethings are worth taking the risk and IMO love is one of them.
I like that it is the hero, Patrick, who was pining as opposed to the heroine. I liked too that Julie didn't real notice Patrick in a romantic light until shortly after the story opens. Too frequently it is the heroine that is carrying a torch for the hero as opposed to the other way around. What is worse is most pining heroines put themselves in a sexual deep freeze waiting for the person that they are yearning for to notice them. Pining heroes however, like Patrick, never seem to have that problem. Even though Patrick loved Julie he still received sexual satisfaction from other women, usually one night stands. In fact prior to being reunited with Julie he thought that he needed to get laid and intended to have a ONS. I could have done without reading that. At least the story didn't have sex scenes with OW.
As with all of this author's books that I have read, the story is well written. It kept my interest. I was never bored.
My preference is for jealous and possessive alpha heroes and while Patrick displayed a little jealousy and possessiveness because Julie had a long term boyfriend, I wanted him to show more. Right or wrong in Romanceland (as opposed to reality) I equate heroes showing those characteristics as being passionate and that was not the case here. For the same reason the sex scenes just didn't work for me. Everything was about Patrick being gentle with Julie and letting her initiate things. She needed to be treated with care. Passionate sex that resulted in losing control was viewed as bad. I understood why, due to Julie's past sexual abuse, but still it was something that I wanted the story to contain.
I would like it if the author would write more books that are not second chance romances, like British Professor from the McCullough Mountain series. I prefer that the hero and the heroine meet for the first time when the story begins and that they do not have other sexual partners after meeting each other.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2021
4 star Review The Best Man (Jasper Falls #2) by Lydia Michaels
AUDIO REVIEW:
This was a good addition to the series. Not as emotional as the first book but still pulled at my heart strings as Julie did her best to break the bonds of her emotionally abusive relationship with her ex. ( A real piece of work that I would love to smack down).
Returning to Jasper Falls for Ryan and Maggie’s wedding she finds herself stressed on numerous levels having finally had the courage to leave her ex. Patrick has been in love with Julie for years but through a series of miss communications and loyalty finds himself engaged to her twin sister Jo, just when it seems that Julie is finally free, or is she?
The last thing Julie ever expected was to fall in love again, but Patrick is persistent and slowly she opens herself up to him and the chance to love and live again. Jo and Julie’s mother is a character that I dislike and I was cheering as they finally stood up to her overbearing ways.
Ashley Trumpler's narration was easy to listen to and brought the characters to life for me.
AUDIO REVIEW:
This was a good addition to the series. Not as emotional as the first book but still pulled at my heart strings as Julie did her best to break the bonds of her emotionally abusive relationship with her ex. ( A real piece of work that I would love to smack down).
Returning to Jasper Falls for Ryan and Maggie’s wedding she finds herself stressed on numerous levels having finally had the courage to leave her ex. Patrick has been in love with Julie for years but through a series of miss communications and loyalty finds himself engaged to her twin sister Jo, just when it seems that Julie is finally free, or is she?
The last thing Julie ever expected was to fall in love again, but Patrick is persistent and slowly she opens herself up to him and the chance to love and live again. Jo and Julie’s mother is a character that I dislike and I was cheering as they finally stood up to her overbearing ways.
Ashley Trumpler's narration was easy to listen to and brought the characters to life for me.
April 11, 2021
The Best Man is simply wonderful. You get so much feelings from this one when it comes to the Patrick, Jo and Julie dynamic. You feel for Patrick when he returns to his home town. He has loved Julie forever and when he thinks his chances are over your heart goes out to him. I love how he tries to help Jo when they return home knowing that he loves her twin. Jo and Julie go through so much when it comes to their family life. Learning that you begin to see different things in Julie's troubled relationship. There is such a bond between these three that you hope everything will work out in the end. Julie and Patrick have such a sweet relationship that will put a smile on your face as they start to start to discover what is really there between them. Julie is so much stronger then she believes she is. I love how she stands up to Lance and everything he put her through. This sweet read will steal your heart in one sitting. I cannot wait for more to come of the Jasper Falls series.
April 13, 2022
This is my second book by Lydia and the second book in this series, even though it wasn't as emotional as the first book, the author still managed to deliver a story that grabbed hold of my heart and hit home for me in a few ways.
Patrick has been in love with Julies since they we're children, but Julie has only ever seen him as a friend. Should Patrick be honest about his feelings for her? Or will he risk losing her all together?
A MUST READ!
5 Stars!
Patrick has been in love with Julies since they we're children, but Julie has only ever seen him as a friend. Should Patrick be honest about his feelings for her? Or will he risk losing her all together?
A MUST READ!
5 Stars!
May 4, 2022
Pat has always treasured his friendship with Julie and always wanted the best for her even if that meant that she would be with another man. Pat has recently returned to his hometown to not only attend his brother’s wedding but to open up his medical practice. He has agreed to pretend to be dating his friend Jo, Julie’s sister, to make their homecoming easier for both of them but finding out that not only was Julie attending but that she was alone was a complication he wasn’t expecting.
Julie thought she had her Prince Charming and her happy ever after all planned out only to find out that the truth was much different. She certainly wasn’t expecting that the feelings he now inspired in her went beyond friends especially since he is dating her sister. Let the fun begin!
This is a heartwarming story about love, family and new beginnings. Between the secrets and misunderstandings they definitely had some challenges to overcome but there is no denying they belong together. The narrator did a great job with all the characters.
Julie thought she had her Prince Charming and her happy ever after all planned out only to find out that the truth was much different. She certainly wasn’t expecting that the feelings he now inspired in her went beyond friends especially since he is dating her sister. Let the fun begin!
This is a heartwarming story about love, family and new beginnings. Between the secrets and misunderstandings they definitely had some challenges to overcome but there is no denying they belong together. The narrator did a great job with all the characters.
November 11, 2021
I loved this book!
Patrick has been crushing on Julie since kindergarten, however, life had different plans for these two and they soon grew apart. Years later, Patrick is set to return to Jasper Fall's for his brother's wedding, knowing he will soon see Julie.
I loved this audiobook so much. Patrick is perfect! Being Irish myself, I am very particular about reading books based on Irish families, however, Lydia Michaels got the culture perfectly! (I will admit when I heard Patrick's mother's voice, I thought to myself, do we really sound like that! haha!).
This family unit is so tight, supportive and I loved it!
Julie has had a few struggles, fortunately, she is strong and knows what has to be done! Together Patrick and Julie are perfect. I will admit, they did get together very quickly and I thought Patrick's feelings towards Julie were stronger, but they share such a bond, I couldn't help but love them.
Overall, I recommend this book. It is part of a series however it can be read as a standalone.
Patrick has been crushing on Julie since kindergarten, however, life had different plans for these two and they soon grew apart. Years later, Patrick is set to return to Jasper Fall's for his brother's wedding, knowing he will soon see Julie.
I loved this audiobook so much. Patrick is perfect! Being Irish myself, I am very particular about reading books based on Irish families, however, Lydia Michaels got the culture perfectly! (I will admit when I heard Patrick's mother's voice, I thought to myself, do we really sound like that! haha!).
This family unit is so tight, supportive and I loved it!
Julie has had a few struggles, fortunately, she is strong and knows what has to be done! Together Patrick and Julie are perfect. I will admit, they did get together very quickly and I thought Patrick's feelings towards Julie were stronger, but they share such a bond, I couldn't help but love them.
Overall, I recommend this book. It is part of a series however it can be read as a standalone.
April 9, 2021
A great story about second chances and first love. I loved the connection between Pat and Julie. For Julie, the connection has been one of friendship, but Pat has been in love with Julie since they were kids. Is he ready to share his feelings with her? Can Julie fall in love with Pat, or is will they only ever be just friends? This is the first book I have read by Lydia Michaels, but now I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
April 25, 2021
The Best Man is a quick read, second chances and first loves. Once Patrick is back in Jasper Falls, it becomes a small town at its finest; white lies, gossip, meddling, and big family celebrations.
Patrick has returned home to be the town's doctor, but first, he needs to be his brother’s best man. Surprise, his first love, who he thinks belongs to another, has returned home as well. Will the lies keep snowballing? Will Patrick tell Julie his true feelings?
Thank you to Booksprout and the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
Patrick has returned home to be the town's doctor, but first, he needs to be his brother’s best man. Surprise, his first love, who he thinks belongs to another, has returned home as well. Will the lies keep snowballing? Will Patrick tell Julie his true feelings?
Thank you to Booksprout and the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
December 26, 2025
4.5 Stars for The Best Man
Audio Review
I’m loving my visits to Jasper Falls even if I’m reading the series back to front. Julie and Patrick’s second chance at love is a great addition to the series and once again Ashley Trumpler’s narration was easy on the ears and she did a great job bringing the characters and their journey to life.
Patrick is back in Jasper Falls to take over as the towns doctor and to be best man at his brothers wedding, what he didn’t expect was to come face to face with his first love who has also returned for Ryan and Maggie’s wedding.
Miss communications and misguided loyalty lead Julie to walk away from Patrick but it seems they are now both single and back in Jasper Falls for Ryan and Maggie’s wedding and we all know weddings bring out the romance in us all. So will this time around be any kinder to Patrick and Julie or will an overbearing mother ruin this time around as well. Will this couple be prepared stand up for what they truly want….. guess you need to read or listen to the hook to find that out.
I really enjoyed this quick listen, it’s a great addition to the series, it’s emotional yet entertaining, it has some great characters as well as one that’s not so easy to like and it’s a wonderful journey that I recommend to all small town romance/second chance lovers.
Audio Review
I’m loving my visits to Jasper Falls even if I’m reading the series back to front. Julie and Patrick’s second chance at love is a great addition to the series and once again Ashley Trumpler’s narration was easy on the ears and she did a great job bringing the characters and their journey to life.
Patrick is back in Jasper Falls to take over as the towns doctor and to be best man at his brothers wedding, what he didn’t expect was to come face to face with his first love who has also returned for Ryan and Maggie’s wedding.
Miss communications and misguided loyalty lead Julie to walk away from Patrick but it seems they are now both single and back in Jasper Falls for Ryan and Maggie’s wedding and we all know weddings bring out the romance in us all. So will this time around be any kinder to Patrick and Julie or will an overbearing mother ruin this time around as well. Will this couple be prepared stand up for what they truly want….. guess you need to read or listen to the hook to find that out.
I really enjoyed this quick listen, it’s a great addition to the series, it’s emotional yet entertaining, it has some great characters as well as one that’s not so easy to like and it’s a wonderful journey that I recommend to all small town romance/second chance lovers.
April 26, 2021
Julie and Pat's story is a pretty fast read that will leave you wanting more. It was nicely written. I loved the connection they have. This one will definitely pull on your heart strings. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
September 14, 2021
I absolutely loved The Best Man by Lydia Michaels; it is an incredible best friends love story. It is the second book in her Jasper Falls series. Lydia Michaels shows that she is an amazing storyteller. I could not put The Best Man down and I loved every page. Who doesn't love hot sexy men, strong females, loving big Irish families, who always support one another? I really enjoy how the book is told from the perspective of the main characters. I love getting the insight and feelings from the different characters. The Best Man is a love story filled with heartbreaking and heartwarming moments. I love the lighter moments where I find myself smiling and laughing out loud. My favorite moments are the ones that pull at my heartstrings that cause me to sigh, as I read the heartbreaking moments. The Best Man is filled with such moments, and with so much emotion. It is filled with all those things that we have come to love and expect in a love story, Lydia Michaels did not disappoint, especially with the poignant and bittersweet moments that filled this page turner. The Best Man is the story of Patrick “Pat” Clooney, and Julie Cook. Patrick has returned to Jasper Falls for his brother, Ryan’s wedding to Maggie where he will be the best man and to set up his medical practice in Jasper Falls falling the completion of his residency in Philadelphia. Pat convinces Julie’s twin sister, Jo to attend Ryan’s wedding as his date. Jo is tired of her mother setting her up on random dates. When Patrick and Jo arrive at the Cook’s home, Jo blurts out that she and Patrick are engaged, and the rumor quickly spreads throughout Jasper Falls when they go to O’Malley’s Pub. Patrick’s first and only love, Julie returns home for Ryan’s wedding alone. Patrick has loved Julie since kindergarten when she shared her pudding with him. Patrick was a coward and never told Julie how he truly felt. He lost Julie to Lance Bassett, they were now engaged and living in Maryland. Unbeknownst to her family and friends, Lance has been mentally abusing Julie for years. This abuse has taken a toll on Julie’s self-esteem. Julie and Pat spend time together following a near meltdown by Julie. Conversation between the former best friends flows so easily, I love that both Julie and Pat share secrets with one another that they have not shared with anyone before, especially the secrets that Pat shares about his feelings for Julie and Julie’s about her relationship with Lance. She wants to believe that she has broken things off with Lance, but the damage to her psyche won’t allow her to commit. I love all the unexpected plot twists changes things between them and then reunite them. I loved that The Best Man is a more than just a romance, there are dilemmas that both Julie and Pat are facing that need to be resolved. I love how the storylines get so beautifully resolved. I love all the changes that Julie was willing to make in her own life to have a life with Patrick. Julie had to learn to trust what Patrick says to her and his feelings for her. I love the epilogue and how it went above and beyond the happily ever after. My favorite part was how the title of the book is incorporated into Julie and Pat’s love story. The Best Man is filled with poignant and bittersweet moments as well as plot twists. I love the characters and the family dynamic in The Best Man, the characters feel like family and friends. I enjoyed all the interactions between the characters especially their teasing that made me laugh. I loved all the characters in The Best Man, and I am looking forward to reading the other books in the series, as well as books in Lydia Michaels’s McCullough Mountain series, so I can catch up with the other characters in the book. Who doesn’t love family and friends that always have each other’s backs? I thoroughly enjoyed The Best Man, who doesn’t love a love story about taking another chance at finding love. Highly recommend this incredible best friend love story and am so looking forward to reading the other books in the series.
April 23, 2021
Je remercie Lydia Michaels et Grey's promotion pour ce service presse.
The Best Man est le tome 2 de la série A Jasper Falls.
Ici nous suivons Patrick, docteur, qui revient à Jasper Falls pour le mariage de son frère. Il y va accompagner de sa meilleure amie Jo. Cette dernière en a marre que sa mère lui arrange des rendez-vous avec des hommes. Et elle n'est pas prête à avouer à ses parents qu'elle est homosexuelle. Patrick est la couverture parfaite. Mais leurs familles à tous les deux sont très particulières. Et malheureusement, ils vont se faire prendre à leur propre jeu.
Patrick a toujours aimé Julie,la soeur de Jo. Et il ne s'attendait pas à la voir après tout ce temps au mariage, seule, sans son fiancé Lance.
Julie a tout quitté pour suivre son fiancé, son travail, sa ville et pourquoi? Pour vivre avec un pervers narcissique, qui lui fait ressentir de mauvaises choses. En sa présence elle se sent dénigrée, tout ce qu'elle fait n'est jamais assez bien et c'est un manipulateur. tout ce qu'il dit est son avantage, la faisant passer pour une menteuse. Elle ne se reconnait plus et lorsqu'il lui annonce qu'il ne viendra pas au mariage est une révélation. Les promesses qu'il fait, il les oublie.
Elle prend alors conscience qu'elle a gâché sa vie avec lui et que même si elle l'a aimé elle ne pourra jamais être heureuse avec lui.
Retrouver Patrick et fiancé à sa soeur lui fait un choc mais ce qu'elle veut c'est son ami, qui ne la jugera pas.
Patrick va écouter, elle va lui raconter sa vie, sa souffrance et lui il va peut être lui avouer ses sentiments. Même si elle vient de sortir d'une relation difficile il ne peut pas la laisser partir encore une fois. Bien sur il va lui laisser du temps.
Mais les secrets sont encore bien présents. Julie ne peut pas tout lui dire et comment va-t-il réagir?
Julie et Jo aiment leur famille mais on s'aperçoit aussi que leur mère n'est pas une femme facile. Elle est très rigide, croyante. Elle est manipulatrice à sa façon et cela risque de faire des étincelles.
Un mariage chez les Irlandais est toujours une fête mais avec des familles comme celle de Patrick et de Julie, dans une petite ville comme Jasper Falls, tout peut arriver!
J'ai préféré ce tome au précédent car on voit les conséquences que peuvent engendrer les actes et paroles de personnes comme Lance. Julie a beaucoup accumulé et rester risque de lui faire perdre son identité. Restez sur vos gardes face à des personnes comme cela!
The Best Man est le tome 2 de la série A Jasper Falls.
Ici nous suivons Patrick, docteur, qui revient à Jasper Falls pour le mariage de son frère. Il y va accompagner de sa meilleure amie Jo. Cette dernière en a marre que sa mère lui arrange des rendez-vous avec des hommes. Et elle n'est pas prête à avouer à ses parents qu'elle est homosexuelle. Patrick est la couverture parfaite. Mais leurs familles à tous les deux sont très particulières. Et malheureusement, ils vont se faire prendre à leur propre jeu.
Patrick a toujours aimé Julie,la soeur de Jo. Et il ne s'attendait pas à la voir après tout ce temps au mariage, seule, sans son fiancé Lance.
Julie a tout quitté pour suivre son fiancé, son travail, sa ville et pourquoi? Pour vivre avec un pervers narcissique, qui lui fait ressentir de mauvaises choses. En sa présence elle se sent dénigrée, tout ce qu'elle fait n'est jamais assez bien et c'est un manipulateur. tout ce qu'il dit est son avantage, la faisant passer pour une menteuse. Elle ne se reconnait plus et lorsqu'il lui annonce qu'il ne viendra pas au mariage est une révélation. Les promesses qu'il fait, il les oublie.
Elle prend alors conscience qu'elle a gâché sa vie avec lui et que même si elle l'a aimé elle ne pourra jamais être heureuse avec lui.
Retrouver Patrick et fiancé à sa soeur lui fait un choc mais ce qu'elle veut c'est son ami, qui ne la jugera pas.
Patrick va écouter, elle va lui raconter sa vie, sa souffrance et lui il va peut être lui avouer ses sentiments. Même si elle vient de sortir d'une relation difficile il ne peut pas la laisser partir encore une fois. Bien sur il va lui laisser du temps.
Mais les secrets sont encore bien présents. Julie ne peut pas tout lui dire et comment va-t-il réagir?
Julie et Jo aiment leur famille mais on s'aperçoit aussi que leur mère n'est pas une femme facile. Elle est très rigide, croyante. Elle est manipulatrice à sa façon et cela risque de faire des étincelles.
Un mariage chez les Irlandais est toujours une fête mais avec des familles comme celle de Patrick et de Julie, dans une petite ville comme Jasper Falls, tout peut arriver!
J'ai préféré ce tome au précédent car on voit les conséquences que peuvent engendrer les actes et paroles de personnes comme Lance. Julie a beaucoup accumulé et rester risque de lui faire perdre son identité. Restez sur vos gardes face à des personnes comme cela!
April 27, 2021
As the story began, Patrick "Pat" Clooney had just finished his medical residency in Philadelphia and made plans to move home to the small town of Jasper Falls to open his own practice. He arrived just in time for his brother Ryan's wedding to Maggie ("Wake My Heart"), bringing his best friend Jo along as his fake girlfriend. Jo's family was also from Jasper Falls, and she, Pat, and Jo's twin sister Julie had been inseparable while they were growing up. They started to grow apart in high school when Pat developed an unrequited crush on Julie, who was dating the class jerk, Lance. Julie and Lance had been together ever since, but their relationship wasn't as picture perfect as it seemed from the outside. When Julie came home alone to attend Ryan and Maggie's wedding, it seemed as if Pat might finally get his chance to confess his true feelings. Julie thought Pat was involved with her sister, however, which created a uniquely sticky situation for them all.
I felt bad for both Julie and Jo because their parents weren't very supportive or accepting of them. They had each other as they were growing up, but as adults, they had grown apart as their lives took them in different directions. Julie was also struggling with a lot of complex emotions in the aftermath of her relationship with Lance. To be honest, I thought it was probably too soon for her to move on with Pat, but I could see why she wanted to be with someone who made her feel safe after everything Lance put her through. Julie and Pat's chemistry was only so-so IMO, but I think that was mostly because the story was so short. There wasn't time for them to get to know each other again as adults, so their connection was based entirely on their past friendship. It was sweet how gentle and caring Pat was with Julie, however, and I did believe that he loved her.
Overall, I enjoyed "The Best Man" and recommend it for all contemporary romance fans. Ryan and Maggie's book remains my favorite of the two, however. I look forward to finding out what happens in book #3.
*Review copy provided by the author via Grey's Promotions. All opinions expressed are my own.
I felt bad for both Julie and Jo because their parents weren't very supportive or accepting of them. They had each other as they were growing up, but as adults, they had grown apart as their lives took them in different directions. Julie was also struggling with a lot of complex emotions in the aftermath of her relationship with Lance. To be honest, I thought it was probably too soon for her to move on with Pat, but I could see why she wanted to be with someone who made her feel safe after everything Lance put her through. Julie and Pat's chemistry was only so-so IMO, but I think that was mostly because the story was so short. There wasn't time for them to get to know each other again as adults, so their connection was based entirely on their past friendship. It was sweet how gentle and caring Pat was with Julie, however, and I did believe that he loved her.
Overall, I enjoyed "The Best Man" and recommend it for all contemporary romance fans. Ryan and Maggie's book remains my favorite of the two, however. I look forward to finding out what happens in book #3.
*Review copy provided by the author via Grey's Promotions. All opinions expressed are my own.
May 11, 2021
Lydia Michaels writes a story with a powerful impact for its length. I really enjoyed this second installment of the Jasper Falls Series.
A second chance friends to lovers. I was giggling at the situation best friends, Patrick and Jo, landed themselves in on their return to Jasper Falls for a wedding. At the same time the reasons for their deceptions made my heart ache. Patrick has loved Jo's twin Julie since kindergarten but always felt that friendship was all she'd allow. Jo knew her mother would never accept her for who she really was. She'd never been strong enough to realize she didn't need her acceptance. Their were many in her life that had her back. And she knew herself. Love these characters, Patrick a strong hero and Jo the perfect best friend and sister of the heroine.
The story starts with the main characters already on the road to resolving major conflicts in their lives and hoping they were on the right path.
Julie a victim of gaslighting abuse from her hopefully ex-fiance has returned home for the wedding, and hoping to regain her confidence, hoping she can find and trust her own mind. She pulled at my emotions and had me hoping for her future the first sentence from her POV.
Patrick has returned home to Jasper Falls to become the local doctor. He's loved Julie since kindergarten but assumed he was permanently friend zoned. In his heart he knew they were meant for each other and all the turn of events leading to the Wedding give him the chance to prove it to her.
Julie notices the difference in Patrick versus her life with Lance. How he makes her feel safe and lends his strength and support to her choices instead of tearing her down and filling her with doubt. He always had. This was a healthy desirable relationship.
But Patrick knows the final choice has to be hers. She had to reclaim her life. And in a "OMG you go girl" eruptive ending...both Julie...and Jo do just that! An awesome Happily Ever After!
Recommend everyone get to know the citizens of Jasper Falls
A second chance friends to lovers. I was giggling at the situation best friends, Patrick and Jo, landed themselves in on their return to Jasper Falls for a wedding. At the same time the reasons for their deceptions made my heart ache. Patrick has loved Jo's twin Julie since kindergarten but always felt that friendship was all she'd allow. Jo knew her mother would never accept her for who she really was. She'd never been strong enough to realize she didn't need her acceptance. Their were many in her life that had her back. And she knew herself. Love these characters, Patrick a strong hero and Jo the perfect best friend and sister of the heroine.
The story starts with the main characters already on the road to resolving major conflicts in their lives and hoping they were on the right path.
Julie a victim of gaslighting abuse from her hopefully ex-fiance has returned home for the wedding, and hoping to regain her confidence, hoping she can find and trust her own mind. She pulled at my emotions and had me hoping for her future the first sentence from her POV.
Patrick has returned home to Jasper Falls to become the local doctor. He's loved Julie since kindergarten but assumed he was permanently friend zoned. In his heart he knew they were meant for each other and all the turn of events leading to the Wedding give him the chance to prove it to her.
Julie notices the difference in Patrick versus her life with Lance. How he makes her feel safe and lends his strength and support to her choices instead of tearing her down and filling her with doubt. He always had. This was a healthy desirable relationship.
But Patrick knows the final choice has to be hers. She had to reclaim her life. And in a "OMG you go girl" eruptive ending...both Julie...and Jo do just that! An awesome Happily Ever After!
Recommend everyone get to know the citizens of Jasper Falls
April 25, 2021
Childhood best friends are both back in their hometown for a wedding. Time, distance and regrettable decisions stopped their communication with each other, but both mourn the loss and still feel a connection to the other. They both are about to embark on a new path in their lives, a path that unexpectedly leads them back to each other.
Patrick (Pat) has just finished his residency and will be setting up his medical practice in his hometown. He has always dreamed of a future with Julie in it, by his side and the mother of his children, but he has just learned she is engaged to the jerk face he has always hated. Julie is engaged to a man who specializes in tearing her down, belittling her and controlling her every move. A recent discovery has finally made her see her fiancé for the monster he really is and attending this wedding has given her the chance to escape his hold. She never expected to see her childhood best friend again so soon or to be told he is engaged to her sister Jo. Pat had suggested that Jo should be fake engaged to him when they went home for the wedding to keep her controlling and manipulative mother at bay. When Pat is told that Julie has left her ex, he wants to finally have a chance to claim her for his own, fake engagement or not. He makes some headway in that direction, but the path forward his laden with several roadblocks and bumps. Both sisters have secrets they have hidden from their family and others, but the time has come for them to be revealed no matter what the fallout will be. Will Pat and Julie finally get their chance at a happily ever after together?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Patrick (Pat) has just finished his residency and will be setting up his medical practice in his hometown. He has always dreamed of a future with Julie in it, by his side and the mother of his children, but he has just learned she is engaged to the jerk face he has always hated. Julie is engaged to a man who specializes in tearing her down, belittling her and controlling her every move. A recent discovery has finally made her see her fiancé for the monster he really is and attending this wedding has given her the chance to escape his hold. She never expected to see her childhood best friend again so soon or to be told he is engaged to her sister Jo. Pat had suggested that Jo should be fake engaged to him when they went home for the wedding to keep her controlling and manipulative mother at bay. When Pat is told that Julie has left her ex, he wants to finally have a chance to claim her for his own, fake engagement or not. He makes some headway in that direction, but the path forward his laden with several roadblocks and bumps. Both sisters have secrets they have hidden from their family and others, but the time has come for them to be revealed no matter what the fallout will be. Will Pat and Julie finally get their chance at a happily ever after together?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 29, 2021
3 1/2 stars
Patrick Clooney is going home to Jasper Falls to act as best man for his brother's wedding. He is also the "best man" in the lives of his friends, twins Jo and Julie Cook. He has been friends with them since kindergarten and in love with Julie since then.
Patrick had been an awkward and scrawny teen with red hair and freckles. He was afraid to damage his friendship and lose Julie, so he didn't pursue her romantically. Fast forward several years, and Patrick has changed and is returning to Jasper Falls as a doctor but still carries a torch for Julie.
Julie had moved away from Jasper Falls and was living with her boyfriend, Lance, who is so mentally and verbally abusive that she feels she can't trust herself and her own instincts. A fight with Lance sends her back home for the wedding alone. She intends to use the time to figure out what to do with her future.
Up to this point, I was definitely on board with the story line. We're told Julie is a long way from dating and needs a safe place to think, heal, recover and teach herself how to make decisions again. However, as soon as Julie finds out about the feelings that Patrick has been hiding from her, they are jumping into a relationship! I would have liked the author to let their adult relationship develop and allow Julie to deal with what Lance did to her before moving on to Patrick.
I loved how steadfast and loyal Patrick was to both Julie and Jo. He was definitely the best man all the way around!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Patrick Clooney is going home to Jasper Falls to act as best man for his brother's wedding. He is also the "best man" in the lives of his friends, twins Jo and Julie Cook. He has been friends with them since kindergarten and in love with Julie since then.
Patrick had been an awkward and scrawny teen with red hair and freckles. He was afraid to damage his friendship and lose Julie, so he didn't pursue her romantically. Fast forward several years, and Patrick has changed and is returning to Jasper Falls as a doctor but still carries a torch for Julie.
Julie had moved away from Jasper Falls and was living with her boyfriend, Lance, who is so mentally and verbally abusive that she feels she can't trust herself and her own instincts. A fight with Lance sends her back home for the wedding alone. She intends to use the time to figure out what to do with her future.
Up to this point, I was definitely on board with the story line. We're told Julie is a long way from dating and needs a safe place to think, heal, recover and teach herself how to make decisions again. However, as soon as Julie finds out about the feelings that Patrick has been hiding from her, they are jumping into a relationship! I would have liked the author to let their adult relationship develop and allow Julie to deal with what Lance did to her before moving on to Patrick.
I loved how steadfast and loyal Patrick was to both Julie and Jo. He was definitely the best man all the way around!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 11, 2022
Patrick was going to have a horrible morning. All his friends are at his and his best friend Josephine's place shoving shot after shot towards him wishing him farewells. He has just completed his degree and residency and is on his way back to Jasper Falls for his brother's wedding and to open his medical practice.
Jo has been getting message after message from her mother about attending the wedding...wanting to set her up with every single male as her date. Except Jo is gay and not out of the closet to her family and is determined not to return to their hometown and her mother's disappointments. So he jokes that she can tell them he is her date.
Patrick has been in love with Jo's twin Julie since kindergarten, but she moved to Maryland with her douchebag boyfriend Lance.
Julie is driving home for Ryan's wedding and wondering if she made the right decision. Her fiance is an arrogant, controlling jerk who only voices his criticism. She is so tired of being gaslit. Enough is enough. After their last fight where he told her they never discussed him attending the wedding, she told him she was leaving him.
This is book two of the Jasper Falls series and is was nice to be reacquainted with all the family and friends again. Patrick finally tells Julie his feelings, but Julie is not only on a rebound but she is holding a secret.
Like all of Lydia Michaels books, it is very well written and the characters are amazing! Ashley Trumpler did an amazing job narrating this story. I fell in love with her narration from listening to Wake My Heart, book one of this series, and I look forward to listening to more books read by her in the future.
Jo has been getting message after message from her mother about attending the wedding...wanting to set her up with every single male as her date. Except Jo is gay and not out of the closet to her family and is determined not to return to their hometown and her mother's disappointments. So he jokes that she can tell them he is her date.
Patrick has been in love with Jo's twin Julie since kindergarten, but she moved to Maryland with her douchebag boyfriend Lance.
Julie is driving home for Ryan's wedding and wondering if she made the right decision. Her fiance is an arrogant, controlling jerk who only voices his criticism. She is so tired of being gaslit. Enough is enough. After their last fight where he told her they never discussed him attending the wedding, she told him she was leaving him.
This is book two of the Jasper Falls series and is was nice to be reacquainted with all the family and friends again. Patrick finally tells Julie his feelings, but Julie is not only on a rebound but she is holding a secret.
Like all of Lydia Michaels books, it is very well written and the characters are amazing! Ashley Trumpler did an amazing job narrating this story. I fell in love with her narration from listening to Wake My Heart, book one of this series, and I look forward to listening to more books read by her in the future.
April 23, 2021
If you like stories about the underdog finding their way to victory, you will love this book. I wasn't certain which way this story was going to unfold for about the first four chapters.
Then Julie came home and everything started falling into place, and I became invested in Pat and Julie. ...And Jo, her twin and his best friend.
Pat reminded me of my husband before we married 40 years ago. I was in a much better place in my life than were Julie and her sister, Jo; so we figured things out faster and learned to communicate. Julie went from one toxic living situation to a worse one.
Julie's situation at the beginning of the story is tense and traumatic, and sadly, altogether too common among young women. Her ex, Lance, is described as a narcissistic personality, but frankly, I consider him to be emotionally abusive; and that can leave far deeper scars than simple physical abuse.
I had a great deal of respect for Julie for holding on to any of her self-worth at all. It was a treat that she found a resource in self-help audiobooks to learn to recognize and strategize a way to deal with this abuse, and ultimately extract herself from an increasingly dangerous situation. Patrick's constancy was pivotal to helping Julie affirm the decision made to return to her hometown.
I hope young women in toxic situations will read this book, recognize the behavior patterns and use the suggestions to build a better, healthier life forthemselves.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Then Julie came home and everything started falling into place, and I became invested in Pat and Julie. ...And Jo, her twin and his best friend.
Pat reminded me of my husband before we married 40 years ago. I was in a much better place in my life than were Julie and her sister, Jo; so we figured things out faster and learned to communicate. Julie went from one toxic living situation to a worse one.
Julie's situation at the beginning of the story is tense and traumatic, and sadly, altogether too common among young women. Her ex, Lance, is described as a narcissistic personality, but frankly, I consider him to be emotionally abusive; and that can leave far deeper scars than simple physical abuse.
I had a great deal of respect for Julie for holding on to any of her self-worth at all. It was a treat that she found a resource in self-help audiobooks to learn to recognize and strategize a way to deal with this abuse, and ultimately extract herself from an increasingly dangerous situation. Patrick's constancy was pivotal to helping Julie affirm the decision made to return to her hometown.
I hope young women in toxic situations will read this book, recognize the behavior patterns and use the suggestions to build a better, healthier life forthemselves.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 9, 2021
What I loved about this book... Patrick and Julie. Jo was a delight but don't tell her and the second chance for Pat that he never expected to have. So Pat has had a crush on Jo's twin, Julie forever. He thought his chance was over the moment Julie was promised to another. Things aren't always what they seem. Jo is hiding her lifestyle from her parents and Pat can help do that by pretending to be more than friends with her. Pat gets to have his best friend by his side at his brother's wedding and Jo gets her meddlesome mother off her back. Little did either of them know Julie would be coming home at the same time. There is trouble in Julie's supposed paradise and she needs time away to figure things out. I adore her strength in finding her own way. I adore Pat's patience with seeing a future with her no matter how long it may take. I hated some characters in this and I'm sure it was fully intentional on Ms. Michael's part. The friendship between Julie and Pat is established early in their lives and I love that they are friends first. I'm not so sure I like that Pat warned everyone away from her growing up without ever doing anything about his feelings before but he needs to learn and grow as well. Confidence comes to them at different times in their lives and we need to get to this point before they can be close to the same page. I cannot wait for the next book which from the sneak peak looks like someone will be eating her words.
April 28, 2021
I quickly fell in love with the town of Jasper Falls so anything coming out of there I want to read.
Patrick is going back home to become the town doctor but also for his brother's wedding. He convinced his best friend to go with him. They grew up together, she resists going home because her family is a bit much. So he offers to be her date. I was like wow okay fake romance I'm here for it. The thing is his best friend is a lesbian. I was like nooooo Lydia do not DO NOT do this to me. I was genuinely scared she was gonna turn her. But then I came across a little nuggie of info and well Patrick has always been in love with her sister Julie. PHEW okay. Crisis averted. Also, it MIGHT help if I don't know if I actually read the blurb.
Julie has been with her boyfriend for a while but he's a narcissist and she slowly and all at once decided she had enough. She heads home for the wedding and things are about to get messy.
When everyone gets to town things get out of hand.
Turns out Julie has feelings for Patrick and like now he's magically engaged to her sister.
BUT
He's not.
There were moments that I just couldn't help but roll my eyes because while they have had this attraction to each other for some time 3 days (this is most likely inaccurate but whatever) they are shacking up. like wine, dine me PLEASE. Do I always need that no. But this is a sweet contemporary romance and like that's the formula.
Patrick is going back home to become the town doctor but also for his brother's wedding. He convinced his best friend to go with him. They grew up together, she resists going home because her family is a bit much. So he offers to be her date. I was like wow okay fake romance I'm here for it. The thing is his best friend is a lesbian. I was like nooooo Lydia do not DO NOT do this to me. I was genuinely scared she was gonna turn her. But then I came across a little nuggie of info and well Patrick has always been in love with her sister Julie. PHEW okay. Crisis averted. Also, it MIGHT help if I don't know if I actually read the blurb.
Julie has been with her boyfriend for a while but he's a narcissist and she slowly and all at once decided she had enough. She heads home for the wedding and things are about to get messy.
When everyone gets to town things get out of hand.
Turns out Julie has feelings for Patrick and like now he's magically engaged to her sister.
BUT
He's not.
There were moments that I just couldn't help but roll my eyes because while they have had this attraction to each other for some time 3 days (this is most likely inaccurate but whatever) they are shacking up. like wine, dine me PLEASE. Do I always need that no. But this is a sweet contemporary romance and like that's the formula.
October 7, 2021
Patrick Clooney, you are the best-est man. You are too good to be true!
I was on the brink of getting a book slump during the first two chapters. Not that it was boring, but I was not feeling the chemistry of Patrick and Julie that much. The initial premise was a bit new to me, and it is pretty refreshing, to be honest, but I did not end up invested in Patrick's pining over Julie so much. What drew me into this book that made me finish it overnight is Julie's struggle over her psychologically and emotionally abusive relationship and how she decides to finally end it. As always, this author has a way of giving us a clearer picture of how this kind of domestic abuse looks and feels like, and I am grateful for her for this because I think we should also be aware of this kind of circumstances. However, I have to say that the outcome/ closure of the abuser and the plot twist of this story is quite disappointing for me. I want him to regret in the end, man!
As a whole, I think Patrick's love story is so selfless and bittersweet. You have to admire his ways to love someone, but at the same time, it is just so idyllic had he been a real person, and the same thing happened to you in real life; I wouldn't blame you if you get all paranoid a bit. Nonetheless, this is still a good read, and I am looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
I was on the brink of getting a book slump during the first two chapters. Not that it was boring, but I was not feeling the chemistry of Patrick and Julie that much. The initial premise was a bit new to me, and it is pretty refreshing, to be honest, but I did not end up invested in Patrick's pining over Julie so much. What drew me into this book that made me finish it overnight is Julie's struggle over her psychologically and emotionally abusive relationship and how she decides to finally end it. As always, this author has a way of giving us a clearer picture of how this kind of domestic abuse looks and feels like, and I am grateful for her for this because I think we should also be aware of this kind of circumstances. However, I have to say that the outcome/ closure of the abuser and the plot twist of this story is quite disappointing for me. I want him to regret in the end, man!
As a whole, I think Patrick's love story is so selfless and bittersweet. You have to admire his ways to love someone, but at the same time, it is just so idyllic had he been a real person, and the same thing happened to you in real life; I wouldn't blame you if you get all paranoid a bit. Nonetheless, this is still a good read, and I am looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
November 30, 2021
We're back in Jasper Falls, this time for a wedding and a bit of the one who got away romance for Patrick Clooney. This second in the series picks up where book one left off and can be read as a standalone. That said, I'd recommend starting at the beginning because there are so many terrific characters in this series, and you'll want to meet them all. Plus, it's just a truly awesome book.
Patrick and Julie's story is a bit lighter than the first book in the series but just a bit. It definitely hits on some emotional topics with Julie's past relationship. And that's where I had problems with this one. Without giving too much away, I'll just say that things happened a little too quickly between Pat and Julie. I get that Pat's been in love with her since they were kids, and they've been friends all the while, but it felt really rushed to me. Nevertheless, as I already mentioned, this series is packed full of great characters, and too fast or not, the storyline held my interest.
Ashley Trumpler was back for the narration, and she does a phenomenal job. She captures the emotion perfectly, so whether the characters are excited, scared, angry, sad... you feel it.
All things considered, The Best Man is an entertaining story with lovable characters - except a couple, but we've got to have someone to hate when things are getting all angsty.
Patrick and Julie's story is a bit lighter than the first book in the series but just a bit. It definitely hits on some emotional topics with Julie's past relationship. And that's where I had problems with this one. Without giving too much away, I'll just say that things happened a little too quickly between Pat and Julie. I get that Pat's been in love with her since they were kids, and they've been friends all the while, but it felt really rushed to me. Nevertheless, as I already mentioned, this series is packed full of great characters, and too fast or not, the storyline held my interest.
Ashley Trumpler was back for the narration, and she does a phenomenal job. She captures the emotion perfectly, so whether the characters are excited, scared, angry, sad... you feel it.
All things considered, The Best Man is an entertaining story with lovable characters - except a couple, but we've got to have someone to hate when things are getting all angsty.
August 3, 2022
The Best Man is the second book in the Jasper Falls series by Lydia Michaels; book one wake my heart is posted for review if you want to check that one out as well!
The Best Man is the story of Patrick Clooney, and Julie Cook. Patrick has returned to Jasper Falls for his brothers wedding to Maggie (book ones characters) where he will be the best man and to set up his medical practice in Jasper Falls. Pat convinces Julie’s twin sister, Jo to attend Ryan’s wedding as his date. Jo is tired of her mother setting her up on random dates. She feels like her family is judgmental and she's honestly not into men.
When Patrick and Jo arrive at her home Jo blurts out that she and Patrick are engaged, it was a heat of the moment blurt it out to get her mom off her back but this is one mistake you don't make in Jasper Falls, the rumor had circulated before the next day!! and
Patrick’s first and only love, Julie returns home for Ryan’s wedding alone. Patrick has loved Julie since kindergarten when she shared her pudding with him. He was a coward and never told Julie how he truly felt so she moved on and he lost Julie to Lance.
One of my favorite parts was how the title of the book is a sneak into Julie and Pat’s love story. I can't wait to see what is next in this series. Lydia is a author that I really enjoy and always pick up!
10/10 recommend.
The Best Man is the story of Patrick Clooney, and Julie Cook. Patrick has returned to Jasper Falls for his brothers wedding to Maggie (book ones characters) where he will be the best man and to set up his medical practice in Jasper Falls. Pat convinces Julie’s twin sister, Jo to attend Ryan’s wedding as his date. Jo is tired of her mother setting her up on random dates. She feels like her family is judgmental and she's honestly not into men.
When Patrick and Jo arrive at her home Jo blurts out that she and Patrick are engaged, it was a heat of the moment blurt it out to get her mom off her back but this is one mistake you don't make in Jasper Falls, the rumor had circulated before the next day!! and
Patrick’s first and only love, Julie returns home for Ryan’s wedding alone. Patrick has loved Julie since kindergarten when she shared her pudding with him. He was a coward and never told Julie how he truly felt so she moved on and he lost Julie to Lance.
One of my favorite parts was how the title of the book is a sneak into Julie and Pat’s love story. I can't wait to see what is next in this series. Lydia is a author that I really enjoy and always pick up!
10/10 recommend.
April 28, 2021
This is a very sweet first love second chance love story. Patrick fell in love with his best childhood friend, Julie, back in kindergarten. His friendship with her and her twin sister, Jo, blossomed for years as he secretly loved Julie. Meanwhile, Julie fell in love with her high school sweetheart Lance, moved away and got engaged. Pat and Jo are now platonic roommates, but Pat is moving back to Jasper Falls to become the new town doctor.
Pat and Jo decide to be each other’s date for Pat’s brother’s wedding. When they return to Jasper Falls, Jo becomes upset with her parents and blurts that she and Pat are engaged. When Julie returns to Jasper Falls without Lance for the wedding, she learns that Pat and Jo aren’t really engaged. We learn that her fairytale with Lance is actually much darker than anyone knew, and she is leaving him instead of marrying him. Pat and Julie are able to explore their mutual feelings and do get their happily ever after.
I will say that this book became difficult to read at times, as someone who has experienced narcissistic abuse in a prior relationship. The story is very sweet, and I love that Pat and Julie got their second chance to be together.
I do love a good small town romance series, so I am looking forward to Love Me Nots, Perrin’s story!
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Pat and Jo decide to be each other’s date for Pat’s brother’s wedding. When they return to Jasper Falls, Jo becomes upset with her parents and blurts that she and Pat are engaged. When Julie returns to Jasper Falls without Lance for the wedding, she learns that Pat and Jo aren’t really engaged. We learn that her fairytale with Lance is actually much darker than anyone knew, and she is leaving him instead of marrying him. Pat and Julie are able to explore their mutual feelings and do get their happily ever after.
I will say that this book became difficult to read at times, as someone who has experienced narcissistic abuse in a prior relationship. The story is very sweet, and I love that Pat and Julie got their second chance to be together.
I do love a good small town romance series, so I am looking forward to Love Me Nots, Perrin’s story!
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my review. All opinions expressed are my own.
December 27, 2021
The Best Man
Jasper Falls, Book 2
By: Lydia Michaels
Narrated by: Ashley Trumpler
Patrick returns back to Jasper Falls with his best friend Jo for a wedding. He has been in love with Jo's twin, Julie since they were six years old. Never taking the chance to win her heart, he thinks it's over now that she is engaged to the horrible, Lance. But when Julie comes home too, things begin to change. Could this be the chance these two deserve? I love Jasper Falls. The people are welcoming and interfering, the best kind of small-town!! The dynamic of Jo with her parents is dealt with as the relevant issue it is. Patrick is the sweetest man, patient and comforting. Julie is a mess, and Lance is a mean, horrendous man. Fun getting to know them all, love the storyline and the outcome brought a huge smile to my face!
Ashley Trumpler is a new narrator to me, and I enjoyed her voice. She has a warmth that generates through the narration creating that feeling I love. She has a good array of voices and her pacing is perfect! I will definitely be looking for more of her work.
Jasper Falls, Book 2
By: Lydia Michaels
Narrated by: Ashley Trumpler
Patrick returns back to Jasper Falls with his best friend Jo for a wedding. He has been in love with Jo's twin, Julie since they were six years old. Never taking the chance to win her heart, he thinks it's over now that she is engaged to the horrible, Lance. But when Julie comes home too, things begin to change. Could this be the chance these two deserve? I love Jasper Falls. The people are welcoming and interfering, the best kind of small-town!! The dynamic of Jo with her parents is dealt with as the relevant issue it is. Patrick is the sweetest man, patient and comforting. Julie is a mess, and Lance is a mean, horrendous man. Fun getting to know them all, love the storyline and the outcome brought a huge smile to my face!
Ashley Trumpler is a new narrator to me, and I enjoyed her voice. She has a warmth that generates through the narration creating that feeling I love. She has a good array of voices and her pacing is perfect! I will definitely be looking for more of her work.
April 10, 2021
I am so glad I got an ARC from Grey's Promotions because this was the first book I've read by Lydia Michaels and I cannot wait to read more. It had some very steamy pages and was also sweetly romantic, although a little bit cheesy sometimes, especially during the sex scenes. It felt a little rushed for developing the full plot, but that's what happens in 150 pages and I enjoyed it nonetheless for a quick read!
I loved the big Irish family aspect of this book and the way the author stuck with that theme from character names to the kilts and the choices in alcohol.
The sweet relationship between Julie and Patrick with the slight hero vibe really did it for me. I am a sucker for a sad story like Julie's when the man can help her see how great she is / what romance should really be like. Loved the supporting cast too!
I read the sneak peek of book 3 in the Jasper Falls series and I'm looking forward to reading the whole thing when it comes out.
I loved the big Irish family aspect of this book and the way the author stuck with that theme from character names to the kilts and the choices in alcohol.
The sweet relationship between Julie and Patrick with the slight hero vibe really did it for me. I am a sucker for a sad story like Julie's when the man can help her see how great she is / what romance should really be like. Loved the supporting cast too!
I read the sneak peek of book 3 in the Jasper Falls series and I'm looking forward to reading the whole thing when it comes out.
April 23, 2021
This story will warm your heart and spirit.
I love that all the characters can be related to.
They are down to earth, their struggles are real and experienced everyday in real life.
Patrick is such a sweetheart.
He’s family oriented, he’s intelligent and he’s loyal.
He’s also the type of man who only loves once in a lifetime.
Pat has been in love with Julie before his young age really knew what love is.
Julie is smart and beautiful and she definitely turns heads.
The relationship she’s in is destructive and toxic.
But she doesn’t know anything else.
This is her first relationship and she has nothing to compare it to.
Although deep in her heart and mind she knows it isn’t right, normal nor loving.
Together Pat and Julie will embark on a journey of learning what real love is, when to step back and when to take chances.
A beautiful story of the one who got away and a chance at a second time at love.
I love that all the characters can be related to.
They are down to earth, their struggles are real and experienced everyday in real life.
Patrick is such a sweetheart.
He’s family oriented, he’s intelligent and he’s loyal.
He’s also the type of man who only loves once in a lifetime.
Pat has been in love with Julie before his young age really knew what love is.
Julie is smart and beautiful and she definitely turns heads.
The relationship she’s in is destructive and toxic.
But she doesn’t know anything else.
This is her first relationship and she has nothing to compare it to.
Although deep in her heart and mind she knows it isn’t right, normal nor loving.
Together Pat and Julie will embark on a journey of learning what real love is, when to step back and when to take chances.
A beautiful story of the one who got away and a chance at a second time at love.
April 26, 2021
Quick read about unrequited love, lifelong friendship and repressed feelings. It’s also about mental abuse and what that looks like.
This is a good story, but it wasn’t “meaty.” Pat and Julie were childhood friends, but Pat has had a forever love for Julie but waffles on asking her out in high school, so someone named Lance latched onto Julia and hasn’t let go yet. Pat remains friends with Julie’s sister Jo and they are roommates in Philly where Pat attended med school and completed his residency. I’m not sure of the purpose of the Jo character unless there will be a book about her, but she’s gay and hasn’t told her uptight parents, they both go back to Jasper Falls for Pat’s brother’s wedding and fake an engagement. Anyway, Julie shows up sad with a box of belongings, a crushed soul and bombshell news, but it all resolves rather quickly and for a woman who has suffered from mental abuse and gaslighting for years especially when she seems rather confused about everything upon arriving back to Jasper Falls.
All in all a good book and I will read the next in the series. 3.5 stars.
This is a good story, but it wasn’t “meaty.” Pat and Julie were childhood friends, but Pat has had a forever love for Julie but waffles on asking her out in high school, so someone named Lance latched onto Julia and hasn’t let go yet. Pat remains friends with Julie’s sister Jo and they are roommates in Philly where Pat attended med school and completed his residency. I’m not sure of the purpose of the Jo character unless there will be a book about her, but she’s gay and hasn’t told her uptight parents, they both go back to Jasper Falls for Pat’s brother’s wedding and fake an engagement. Anyway, Julie shows up sad with a box of belongings, a crushed soul and bombshell news, but it all resolves rather quickly and for a woman who has suffered from mental abuse and gaslighting for years especially when she seems rather confused about everything upon arriving back to Jasper Falls.
All in all a good book and I will read the next in the series. 3.5 stars.
May 8, 2021
She has had the Best Man right in front of her all along
*** 3 1/2 Stars ***
The Best Man is the second book in the Jasper Falls series and is the story of Julie Cook and Patrick Clooney. These two have been perfect for each other since kindergarten but it has taken a love of years and distance for them to finally come together. This book was well written with an appealing story-line and wonderful characters, both Julie and Patrick and the numerous supporting characters as well. There is some drama, unrequited love, family (both the great and the bad), friends, love, romance and falling in love over a lifetime. There were some serious things in the story that were glossed over and resolved quickly which I wish had taken more time and were gotten into more. But that is the author's choice and I rolled with it while reading. Overall this is an enjoyable book.
I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
*** 3 1/2 Stars ***
The Best Man is the second book in the Jasper Falls series and is the story of Julie Cook and Patrick Clooney. These two have been perfect for each other since kindergarten but it has taken a love of years and distance for them to finally come together. This book was well written with an appealing story-line and wonderful characters, both Julie and Patrick and the numerous supporting characters as well. There is some drama, unrequited love, family (both the great and the bad), friends, love, romance and falling in love over a lifetime. There were some serious things in the story that were glossed over and resolved quickly which I wish had taken more time and were gotten into more. But that is the author's choice and I rolled with it while reading. Overall this is an enjoyable book.
I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
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