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Groom #1
The Loyal Groom
Rosy comes from an affluent family that expects her to follow a certain path. But when the new guy at school comes to her rescue, she's derailed. She gives up everything to follow her heart, and although they struggle financially over the years, their love never wavers.
Darian works all the time to give his wife the perfect life he thinks she deserves. But could that be the thing that's tearing them apart? When their foundation begins to rock, he starts seeing things in a new light.
Warning: Married romances are the BEST and this is no exception. Young love can be tough when you're trying to make ends meet, but what about when you get everything you dreamed of…? Can it last in bad times and in good? Find out just how Loyal this Groom is!
Darian works all the time to give his wife the perfect life he thinks she deserves. But could that be the thing that's tearing them apart? When their foundation begins to rock, he starts seeing things in a new light.
Warning: Married romances are the BEST and this is no exception. Young love can be tough when you're trying to make ends meet, but what about when you get everything you dreamed of…? Can it last in bad times and in good? Find out just how Loyal this Groom is!
101 pages, Nook
First published February 11, 2021
About the author
Alexa Riley
290 books16.2k followersAlexa Riley is two sassy friends who got together and wrote some dirty books. They are both married moms of two who love football, donuts, and obsessed book heroes.
They specialize in insta-love, over-the-top, sweet, and cheesy love stories that don’t take all year to read. If you want something SAFE, short, and always with a happily ever after, then Alexa Riley is for you!
Feel free to follow us each on twitter @smut_sasshole & @SassNSmut
They specialize in insta-love, over-the-top, sweet, and cheesy love stories that don’t take all year to read. If you want something SAFE, short, and always with a happily ever after, then Alexa Riley is for you!
Feel free to follow us each on twitter @smut_sasshole & @SassNSmut
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
March 6, 2021
"The Loyal Groom" is the story of Rosy and Darian.
You know those movie montages that sum up a couple's life in a few scenes? That was what this book felt like.
Our hero and heroine meet in college, where she's the rich girl and he's the scholarship earning foster boy. He saves her and the story takes us through various points in their life, from prom, to their first night, eventual wedding and life after it. Ofcourse, they struggle to be financially stable, have very minimal drama- but this is an AR couple- so they are instantly apologetic and forgiven in the next five pages. The book ends in a heartwarming HEA.
Maybe it was because I was utterly gutted by WandaVision tonight, but I immensely enjoyed this experience and it left me feeling happy.
Safe
4/5
You know those movie montages that sum up a couple's life in a few scenes? That was what this book felt like.
Our hero and heroine meet in college, where she's the rich girl and he's the scholarship earning foster boy. He saves her and the story takes us through various points in their life, from prom, to their first night, eventual wedding and life after it. Ofcourse, they struggle to be financially stable, have very minimal drama- but this is an AR couple- so they are instantly apologetic and forgiven in the next five pages. The book ends in a heartwarming HEA.
Maybe it was because I was utterly gutted by WandaVision tonight, but I immensely enjoyed this experience and it left me feeling happy.
Safe
4/5
March 26, 2021
Las historias de Alexa Riley de este estilo son mis preferidas, me gusta mucho leer como los protagonistas se enamoran desde muy jovenes y siguen estando juntos hasta el final, sin importar que problemas se le pongan en el camino.
The Loyal Groom fue un lindo romance, de haber sido mas largo y con un desarrollo mas completo creo que podia haberse convertido en un libro bastante correcto, pese a eso me agrado conocer a Rosy y Darian.
En fin, un relato conciso y simple con el que pasar un rato distraida.
2.25 Estrellas!
November 14, 2023
2.5⭐
This is the story of Rosy and Darian, who were high school sweethearts, from their young love until marriage.
Rosy came from a wealthy family, while Darian is an orphan from the wrong side of the tracks. Rosy chose to be with Darian despite her family's disapproval of their relationship, and as a result, her parents cut her off.
Darian eventually achieved success and became well-known in his chosen field years later. However, Darian's focus on his achievement made him busier, and he slowly lost time for his wife.
He even once forgot Rosy's birthday, but he was still able to organize and celebrate her day only because his sister called to remind him. Then months passed, and he went back to his old routine and has been busier than ever.
Rosy can no longer stand the way their lives have turned out. She then made the decision to write him a letter, explaining that she was at her breaking point and that she simply needed time to gather her thoughts.
Well, after reading the letter, Darian understood his error. His biggest fear is losing Rosy, so he didn't want that to happen. Instead of listening to her request, he didn't give her space and went banging on his sister's door to get his wife back. He apologized to her, release the company's control to his sister, and assured Rosy that he would never lose sight of the fact that she's the only person who truly matters to him.
Perhaps I'm just irritable because I recently read a book with a marriage in crisis theme. Rosy forgiving Darian so easily, didn't sit well with me. He has been unintentionally neglecting her for quite some time due to his busy schedule. Rosy tolerated it since she wanted to help him in any way she could and was aware of the sacrifices he had made. But when she finally had enough, he stormed in and apologized profusely for all of his mistakes and Rosy simply accepted him back so quickly, putting her marital disappointments and heartbreaks behind her.
Idk, maybe the theme of marriage in crisis isn't just really for me.
This is the story of Rosy and Darian, who were high school sweethearts, from their young love until marriage.
Rosy came from a wealthy family, while Darian is an orphan from the wrong side of the tracks. Rosy chose to be with Darian despite her family's disapproval of their relationship, and as a result, her parents cut her off.
Darian eventually achieved success and became well-known in his chosen field years later. However, Darian's focus on his achievement made him busier, and he slowly lost time for his wife.
He even once forgot Rosy's birthday, but he was still able to organize and celebrate her day only because his sister called to remind him. Then months passed, and he went back to his old routine and has been busier than ever.
Rosy can no longer stand the way their lives have turned out. She then made the decision to write him a letter, explaining that she was at her breaking point and that she simply needed time to gather her thoughts.
Well, after reading the letter, Darian understood his error. His biggest fear is losing Rosy, so he didn't want that to happen. Instead of listening to her request, he didn't give her space and went banging on his sister's door to get his wife back. He apologized to her, release the company's control to his sister, and assured Rosy that he would never lose sight of the fact that she's the only person who truly matters to him.
Perhaps I'm just irritable because I recently read a book with a marriage in crisis theme. Rosy forgiving Darian so easily, didn't sit well with me. He has been unintentionally neglecting her for quite some time due to his busy schedule. Rosy tolerated it since she wanted to help him in any way she could and was aware of the sacrifices he had made. But when she finally had enough, he stormed in and apologized profusely for all of his mistakes and Rosy simply accepted him back so quickly, putting her marital disappointments and heartbreaks behind her.
Idk, maybe the theme of marriage in crisis isn't just really for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2021
The book was just so sweet- and exactly what I needed to read atm.
February 15, 2021
First few chapters the couple meet when they are young then we skip to them married.
Issues over work and trying o provide her the life she gave up to be with him.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
Both virgins.
No other woman or man drama.
HEA.
Epilogues.
Issues over work and trying o provide her the life she gave up to be with him.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
Both virgins.
No other woman or man drama.
HEA.
Epilogues.
October 13, 2021
3.75 stars
February 14, 2021
This book seemed to prove that Alexa Riley still got it after all this time. I had been waiting for them to write another romantic sway with enough plot; this one was not disappointing at all.
The book was about finding a forever-kind-of-love at a young age. The love then flourished during hard times. But what about during good times? I guessed it was an interesting theme to be written. The most couple survived during the bad times, financially or not, because they needed to stick together. The troubles and problems seemed to be the "glue". But it would be different when things got better. Life happened. It was kinda mellowing my heart to follow this couple journey and finding their way back to each other. It was close to reality than I thought it would be, which made it bittersweet journey; though still being wrapped in instant-attraction Alexa Riley's style.
Dual virgin
Both met and got together when they were in school
No condoms, contraceptions used
Bit drama and angsty with h's family and their money issue as a couple
No cheating, No OW/OM, No exes
Safe read, HEA, Epilogue
Overall score: 4.5 marital bliss stars
The book was about finding a forever-kind-of-love at a young age. The love then flourished during hard times. But what about during good times? I guessed it was an interesting theme to be written. The most couple survived during the bad times, financially or not, because they needed to stick together. The troubles and problems seemed to be the "glue". But it would be different when things got better. Life happened. It was kinda mellowing my heart to follow this couple journey and finding their way back to each other. It was close to reality than I thought it would be, which made it bittersweet journey; though still being wrapped in instant-attraction Alexa Riley's style.
Dual virgin
Both met and got together when they were in school
No condoms, contraceptions used
Bit drama and angsty with h's family and their money issue as a couple
No cheating, No OW/OM, No exes
Safe read, HEA, Epilogue
Overall score: 4.5 marital bliss stars
February 23, 2021
The Loyal Groom tells the story of Darian and Rosy. The story is told in snippets of their lives together.
Rosy and Darian meet in the 7th grade at their elite prep school. Rosy is there because her family is wealthy; Darian is attending the prep school via scholarship. He's a foster kid who lives with his non-caring foster mother and three very supportive foster sisters. When the two literally run into one another, it's instant smitten for Darian. Rosy, who was never comfortable around other students feels protected and at home with Darian. Darian's family (that is, his "sisters") accept and love Rosy. Rosy's parents don't like Darian because he's not "one of them" and don't support the relationship at all.
The description tells us that Rosy chooses a life with Darian. Darian vows to give her the life he feels she deserves, the life she gave up to be with him. But... is that the life she wants? (I love the question asked in the "warning" part of the description, Young love can be tough when you're trying to make ends meet, but what about when you get everything you dreamed of…? That question is kind of the main focus of the story.)
While I loved Rosy and Darian and their story, there were nagging issues with things from the story that kept me from loving the book as a whole. Some of it has to do with the way the story is told. As mentioned, it's told in snippets of their lives together going from their meeting in 7th grade to their prom, to their wedding, and so on. I don't have an issue with that. It's a quick way of giving readers background on the characters, their relationships, feelings, motivations, etc. while moving the story forward. (It was utilized effectively in Riley's Ringing in the New Year, one of my favorites! [My Reivew])
However, the writing in this isn't as tight as it could have been. Things appeared in snippets that weren't built on so sort of made no sense. For example, Rosy's 7th-grade best friend, Lily, is mentioned once (Ch01) and never again. Why mention her at all?? In another snippet, Darian & Rosy meet an old prep school classmate who was never previously mentioned. I thought it would have been better if there had been a previous scene with this classmate so he was familiar enough that we "knew" the type of person he was.
I'll put other things I noticed or would have liked to have seen in a spoiler tag.
I love Alexa Riley stories -- admittedly, some more than others. Though some of those things noted affected my overall enjoyment of this story, I still liked it well enough to recommend it. Can I say it's the best thing I read by the author? No, but I still loved the characters and rooted for their HEA. I also like what it implicitly says about the family you choose and who chooses you.
This is the first in the Groom series. None of the issues I had with this would keep me from reading future entries. And, if the others in the series feature Darian's sisters, some of the questions could get answered.
Rosy and Darian meet in the 7th grade at their elite prep school. Rosy is there because her family is wealthy; Darian is attending the prep school via scholarship. He's a foster kid who lives with his non-caring foster mother and three very supportive foster sisters. When the two literally run into one another, it's instant smitten for Darian. Rosy, who was never comfortable around other students feels protected and at home with Darian. Darian's family (that is, his "sisters") accept and love Rosy. Rosy's parents don't like Darian because he's not "one of them" and don't support the relationship at all.
The description tells us that Rosy chooses a life with Darian. Darian vows to give her the life he feels she deserves, the life she gave up to be with him. But... is that the life she wants? (I love the question asked in the "warning" part of the description, Young love can be tough when you're trying to make ends meet, but what about when you get everything you dreamed of…? That question is kind of the main focus of the story.)
While I loved Rosy and Darian and their story, there were nagging issues with things from the story that kept me from loving the book as a whole. Some of it has to do with the way the story is told. As mentioned, it's told in snippets of their lives together going from their meeting in 7th grade to their prom, to their wedding, and so on. I don't have an issue with that. It's a quick way of giving readers background on the characters, their relationships, feelings, motivations, etc. while moving the story forward. (It was utilized effectively in Riley's Ringing in the New Year, one of my favorites! [My Reivew])
However, the writing in this isn't as tight as it could have been. Things appeared in snippets that weren't built on so sort of made no sense. For example, Rosy's 7th-grade best friend, Lily, is mentioned once (Ch01) and never again. Why mention her at all?? In another snippet, Darian & Rosy meet an old prep school classmate who was never previously mentioned. I thought it would have been better if there had been a previous scene with this classmate so he was familiar enough that we "knew" the type of person he was.
I'll put other things I noticed or would have liked to have seen in a spoiler tag.
I love Alexa Riley stories -- admittedly, some more than others. Though some of those things noted affected my overall enjoyment of this story, I still liked it well enough to recommend it. Can I say it's the best thing I read by the author? No, but I still loved the characters and rooted for their HEA. I also like what it implicitly says about the family you choose and who chooses you.
This is the first in the Groom series. None of the issues I had with this would keep me from reading future entries. And, if the others in the series feature Darian's sisters, some of the questions could get answered.
March 30, 2021
Alexa Reilly are absolute solid gold, delivering a read that ticks every box. Their name alone has me one clicking.
The stories are fun, sweet and hot! The characters are always engaging, the dialogue along with the banter is hilarious.
The male leads are protective and passionate about their woman. And the leading heroine is always someone you can relate too.
They don’t create any pointless drama and for that I’m thankful. No cheating just a guaranteed happily ever after.
It’s a yes from me.
The stories are fun, sweet and hot! The characters are always engaging, the dialogue along with the banter is hilarious.
The male leads are protective and passionate about their woman. And the leading heroine is always someone you can relate too.
They don’t create any pointless drama and for that I’m thankful. No cheating just a guaranteed happily ever after.
It’s a yes from me.
![Profile Image for Lori [semi-hiatus].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1652024485i/125758944._UX200_CR0,0,200,200_.jpg)
February 18, 2021
3*
It covered too much time for a novella.
Safety:
It covered too much time for a novella.
Safety:
February 19, 2021
So many stars for this heartfelt and beautiful soulmate love story. This book is for every hopeless romantic, like me. These two were everything, and so much more. A true love like no other. This is one of my favorite Alexa Riley books, and one of my favorite 2021 reads. And yes, it was that good.
These two meet in high school, and it was definitely love at first sight. This story takes you from their first meeting in high school, through college, and to a wonderful hea. I honestly cannot say enough about this book, and how much I loved it. It shows you the value of what is truly important, or what should truly be important, family is who and what you make it, and never forget the important things in life.
A wonderful and heartfelt storyline, that will sweep you up in their love. Safe read, with two sweet soulmates, that are each other’s first. Honestly, just writing this review...I think I am going to have to read it again...nowish. I will just end it there, or with epilogues and a hea. If you want all the beautiful feels, then this is the book for you. For all the hopeless romantics...you’re welcome.
These two meet in high school, and it was definitely love at first sight. This story takes you from their first meeting in high school, through college, and to a wonderful hea. I honestly cannot say enough about this book, and how much I loved it. It shows you the value of what is truly important, or what should truly be important, family is who and what you make it, and never forget the important things in life.
A wonderful and heartfelt storyline, that will sweep you up in their love. Safe read, with two sweet soulmates, that are each other’s first. Honestly, just writing this review...I think I am going to have to read it again...nowish. I will just end it there, or with epilogues and a hea. If you want all the beautiful feels, then this is the book for you. For all the hopeless romantics...you’re welcome.
April 30, 2021
2.5
Honestly it just needed that little bit more. That little bit more of a conflict and this book would have been gucci. A small separation, just something. Otherwise it was a very decent read and had more depth than some other AR reads.
He’s poor when they meet as teenagers. They marry. Eventually he becomes rich so he can provide her everything she deserves but becomes so immersed in his work that he neglects her needs. Homeboy is working to death for you whilst you twiddle your thumbs. Put your finance degree to work in his company. Then she leaves him for a few hours leaving him a letter that she needs time to think; next thing you know he relinquishes all control of his company to his sister so they can be rich and taskless together. Bang, happy ending.
Dual virgins. First everything.
Honestly it just needed that little bit more. That little bit more of a conflict and this book would have been gucci. A small separation, just something. Otherwise it was a very decent read and had more depth than some other AR reads.
He’s poor when they meet as teenagers. They marry. Eventually he becomes rich so he can provide her everything she deserves but becomes so immersed in his work that he neglects her needs. Homeboy is working to death for you whilst you twiddle your thumbs. Put your finance degree to work in his company. Then she leaves him for a few hours leaving him a letter that she needs time to think; next thing you know he relinquishes all control of his company to his sister so they can be rich and taskless together. Bang, happy ending.
Dual virgins. First everything.
March 5, 2021
Una historia muy tierna donde nuestros protagonistas Darian y Rosy se enamoran desde muy jóvenes y prometen su vida juntos, incluso cuando la familia de Rosy le da la espalda por a ver escogido a Darían sobre la herencia familiar, pero no están solos a través de todo su camino cuentan con las hermanas adoptivas de Daría que los apoyan y ayudan durante toda su vida, pero cuando Darían por fin alcanza el éxito y cumple su sueño de poder darle todo a Rosy también pierde de vista lo que es lo más importante su familia, es una historia muy tierna con un gran mensaje a todos los matrimonios que superan todo juntos, es muy romántica y ligera de leer.
February 16, 2021
Loved it, cant wait for Lindsey's stoey!
February 16, 2021
4.5✯
°Each other's first and only
°Switching POVs
°Insta love/lust
°Free of OW/OM drama
°No separation
°No cheating
°Intimate scenes only between hero and heroine
°Epilogue: 2 years and 5 years later
°Each other's first and only
°Switching POVs
°Insta love/lust
°Free of OW/OM drama
°No separation
°No cheating
°Intimate scenes only between hero and heroine
°Epilogue: 2 years and 5 years later
February 14, 2021
An AR book and not once did I roll my eyes! Loved this
June 9, 2024
THE LOYAL GROOM, es la historia de una pareja desde que se conocen en la secundaria, hasta su matrimonio y todo lo que tienen que enfrentar por estar juntos.
Estuvo bien y ya, Rosy y Darian, me gustaron.
Son tiernos y leer como el amor que se tenían era constante, fue muy bonito.
Las personas y la vida cambian, pero este libro es sobre la fe y agarrarse a los sueños.
Estoy feliz por ellos, pero el libro se corta mucho y a veces era medio indiferente.
Está bueno para pasar una tarde leyéndolo mientras escuchas música y piensas en el amor.
Tiene sus puntos positivos, como la ejecución para adaptarse a la duración del libro, así que le doy crédito a la escritora.
Estuvo bien y ya, Rosy y Darian, me gustaron.
Son tiernos y leer como el amor que se tenían era constante, fue muy bonito.
Las personas y la vida cambian, pero este libro es sobre la fe y agarrarse a los sueños.
Estoy feliz por ellos, pero el libro se corta mucho y a veces era medio indiferente.
Está bueno para pasar una tarde leyéndolo mientras escuchas música y piensas en el amor.
Tiene sus puntos positivos, como la ejecución para adaptarse a la duración del libro, así que le doy crédito a la escritora.
February 15, 2021
Hermoso, es lo que siempre pienso al terminar de leer una historia de Alexa Riley, si quieres leer una buena historia de amor, hermosos sentimientos, verdadero amor, con lo que todas soñamos encontrar, lo podemos encontrar en los libros de Alexa Riley...
February 14, 2021
These ladies write the best after HEA romances and my single soul needed some heart warming stuff from them.
February 14, 2021
Finally AR are back, the book was awesome.
March 30, 2021
Huh.. 🤔
Definitely an easy cute read.
Definitely an easy cute read.
October 29, 2025
Rosy and Darian. Met in middle school.
Easy to read story but nothing new.
Safe
Easy to read story but nothing new.
Safe
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2023
Avoid. ⛔️
I really wanted to love this one since I do adore Alexa Riley works and can always trust them to bring me a little comfort and entertainment. However, Darian was one of those heroes who just developed into such a selfish and cruel husband.
It turned into a story of misogyny disguised as an idiot hero who doesn't think about how his actions and his neglect effects the heroine. I seriously felt so bad for Rosie when Darian abandoned her in their marriage.
So a little backstory: Rosie and Darian meet at a private school for gifted children in the 6th grade. Rosie comes from insanely wealthy and controlling parents who have her whole life mapped out. Darian is an extremely gifted foster kid who received one of the scholarships to the private school where he met Rosie.
We get to see the relationship develop between these childhood sweethearts and everything is going great until Daria turns into a total asshole and abandon's Rosie to be essentially alone in their marriage while he rides the high of finally being a wealthy and successful man.
Before college, Rosie's parents forbid her from seeing Darian any further so she gets cut off but her father takes it a step further and tarnishes her professional name so that she can't get any work in her field and has to work dead end jobs at diners and restaurants because she chose to love Darian.
This is all nice but then, Darian gets the internship of a lifetime and their lifestyle is fast tracked to being the wealthy elites that Rosie grew up around. There's only one huge problem: Rosie still can't find work and is completely dependent on Darian to survive. Thus begins the downfall of their marraige.
Over time Darian starts to choose business dinners, having drinks with exectutives, and working late over being with Rosie. Sometimes going days without even having a conversation with her and only coming home when she's asleep. She doesn't have a life outside of their marriage and can't find a job still since her father has threatened anyone who would hire her.
I felt so bad for Rosie when she has to spend her birthday alone and then I felt such rage when Lindsay had to call Darian at 10PM that night to remind him that it was his wife's birthday and that he was a total piece of shit. If Lindsay never called him he would have just completely forgotten about Rosie's birthday and that was so fucking shitty of him. She never complained or made him choose between his career and her.
It doesn't help that Darian:
1) abandons and neglects her completely her in their marriage
2) completely FORGETS ROSIE'S BIRTHDAY AND SHE HAS TO SPEND IT ALONE while he galivants around with other rich men
3)parades her around rich charity functions/ events and just ignores her to talk shop with other executives there (he basically dresses her up as a shiny trophy wife)
4) only has sex with her and the intimacy of their marriage is completely gone by this point since he doesn't actually spend anytime with her other than when he's in between her thighs at night and the he rolls over and goes to bed
"When I look into the crowd, I see Darian surrounded by people. I didn't want to be one of them. I’d chosen him.
But is he choosing them?"
⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
Dual virgins
Age: 13/13, 18/18, then 25/25
Childhood Sweethearts
Marriage in Crisis
No OW/OM drama
No Cheating/sharing
Zero grovel from H
🌟1.5/5 Since it's Alexa Riley I trust that Darian wasn't a cheating husband but who knows. The man literally only had a conversation with Rosie unless it was to climb on top of her and then roll off of her when he finished. Rosie gave up her whole future to be with Darian and he repays her by abandoning her for the very upper crust people she left behind to be with him. This whole story can suck my dick actually. Rosie deserved a better HEA than to have to give her shit husband another chance. After being neglected and abandoned for so long some other dude could have made her so much happier than Darian IMO. Zero grovel and he never even learned his lesson.
Lindsey and the twins stories were good so I recommend those.
I really wanted to love this one since I do adore Alexa Riley works and can always trust them to bring me a little comfort and entertainment. However, Darian was one of those heroes who just developed into such a selfish and cruel husband.
It turned into a story of misogyny disguised as an idiot hero who doesn't think about how his actions and his neglect effects the heroine. I seriously felt so bad for Rosie when Darian abandoned her in their marriage.
So a little backstory: Rosie and Darian meet at a private school for gifted children in the 6th grade. Rosie comes from insanely wealthy and controlling parents who have her whole life mapped out. Darian is an extremely gifted foster kid who received one of the scholarships to the private school where he met Rosie.
We get to see the relationship develop between these childhood sweethearts and everything is going great until Daria turns into a total asshole and abandon's Rosie to be essentially alone in their marriage while he rides the high of finally being a wealthy and successful man.
Before college, Rosie's parents forbid her from seeing Darian any further so she gets cut off but her father takes it a step further and tarnishes her professional name so that she can't get any work in her field and has to work dead end jobs at diners and restaurants because she chose to love Darian.
This is all nice but then, Darian gets the internship of a lifetime and their lifestyle is fast tracked to being the wealthy elites that Rosie grew up around. There's only one huge problem: Rosie still can't find work and is completely dependent on Darian to survive. Thus begins the downfall of their marraige.
Over time Darian starts to choose business dinners, having drinks with exectutives, and working late over being with Rosie. Sometimes going days without even having a conversation with her and only coming home when she's asleep. She doesn't have a life outside of their marriage and can't find a job still since her father has threatened anyone who would hire her.
I felt so bad for Rosie when she has to spend her birthday alone and then I felt such rage when Lindsay had to call Darian at 10PM that night to remind him that it was his wife's birthday and that he was a total piece of shit. If Lindsay never called him he would have just completely forgotten about Rosie's birthday and that was so fucking shitty of him. She never complained or made him choose between his career and her.
It doesn't help that Darian:
1) abandons and neglects her completely her in their marriage
2) completely FORGETS ROSIE'S BIRTHDAY AND SHE HAS TO SPEND IT ALONE while he galivants around with other rich men
3)parades her around rich charity functions/ events and just ignores her to talk shop with other executives there (he basically dresses her up as a shiny trophy wife)
4) only has sex with her and the intimacy of their marriage is completely gone by this point since he doesn't actually spend anytime with her other than when he's in between her thighs at night and the he rolls over and goes to bed
"When I look into the crowd, I see Darian surrounded by people. I didn't want to be one of them. I’d chosen him.
But is he choosing them?"
⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
Dual virgins
Age: 13/13, 18/18, then 25/25
Childhood Sweethearts
Marriage in Crisis
No OW/OM drama
No Cheating/sharing
Zero grovel from H
🌟1.5/5 Since it's Alexa Riley I trust that Darian wasn't a cheating husband but who knows. The man literally only had a conversation with Rosie unless it was to climb on top of her and then roll off of her when he finished. Rosie gave up her whole future to be with Darian and he repays her by abandoning her for the very upper crust people she left behind to be with him. This whole story can suck my dick actually. Rosie deserved a better HEA than to have to give her shit husband another chance. After being neglected and abandoned for so long some other dude could have made her so much happier than Darian IMO. Zero grovel and he never even learned his lesson.
Lindsey and the twins stories were good so I recommend those.
May 15, 2023
The Loyal Groom, Book 1 of the Groom trilogy, was about Rosy, a young girl/woman from an affluent family, and Darian Wilson, a young boy/man from a foster family.
Darian and Rosy met on their first day of middle school. For her, it was Rosy's first time attending a school that was co-ed. For him, it was Darian's first time in attending a school for kids of the upper-class members.
This book moved through the lives of the two main characters, from middle school, into high school, then college. After college, it followed them into marriage, and then it described how things turned out for them as they either grew together...or further apart.
It was written almost like a journal, telling the story of how Darian and Rosy met, the ins and outs of their relationship, not only with each other but their extended families as well, and it embodied the failures and triumphs they experienced along the way. The story talked about how their focuses changed through the years...sometimes for the better and sometimes, not so good. But in the end, the couple got the HEA they both longed for all those years ago.
I wasn't quite ready for this type of story from this author because it was so unlike her usual writing style. Oh, don't get me wrong. It was an excellent story. But it wasn't the usual smutty "quickie" she usually writes. It actually had content and a plot, albeit a small one. It wasn't the normal "wham-bam-thank you, ma'am" type of book. It covered years instead of days or weeks, and it chronicled their entire relationship instead of just their first meeting, their first sexual encounter, and their HEA. It was the "whole nine yards" written into a meager 13 chapters and two epilogues. It was a nice change of pace, and I look forward to reading the other two books in the trilogy.
Yes, I added this book to my Keeper for the Shelves collection, and I did give it a five-star rating...mainly because of the reasons listed above. I loved the style it was written in and I hope the other two books follow the trend.
Darian and Rosy met on their first day of middle school. For her, it was Rosy's first time attending a school that was co-ed. For him, it was Darian's first time in attending a school for kids of the upper-class members.
This book moved through the lives of the two main characters, from middle school, into high school, then college. After college, it followed them into marriage, and then it described how things turned out for them as they either grew together...or further apart.
It was written almost like a journal, telling the story of how Darian and Rosy met, the ins and outs of their relationship, not only with each other but their extended families as well, and it embodied the failures and triumphs they experienced along the way. The story talked about how their focuses changed through the years...sometimes for the better and sometimes, not so good. But in the end, the couple got the HEA they both longed for all those years ago.
I wasn't quite ready for this type of story from this author because it was so unlike her usual writing style. Oh, don't get me wrong. It was an excellent story. But it wasn't the usual smutty "quickie" she usually writes. It actually had content and a plot, albeit a small one. It wasn't the normal "wham-bam-thank you, ma'am" type of book. It covered years instead of days or weeks, and it chronicled their entire relationship instead of just their first meeting, their first sexual encounter, and their HEA. It was the "whole nine yards" written into a meager 13 chapters and two epilogues. It was a nice change of pace, and I look forward to reading the other two books in the trilogy.
Yes, I added this book to my Keeper for the Shelves collection, and I did give it a five-star rating...mainly because of the reasons listed above. I loved the style it was written in and I hope the other two books follow the trend.
July 3, 2025
THE LOYAL GROOM
HERO /HEROINE:
Rosy is the only daughter of a wealthy couple. She was never the popular girl in school and grew into someone her parents deemed not good enough. Until she met a boy, and became his entire reason for living.
Darian is a foster child, growing up with three older foster sisters. He's smart and his oldest foster sister helped him get into a prep school that would set him up for life. At school he met the only girl who ever turned his head and he knew he would marry her.
REPRESENTATION: childhood sweethearts
OVERALL THOUGHTS:
Wholesome and sweet. Rosy and Darian met in middle school and we see clips from their life, their struggles, the rewards and finally the present story, which is the breaking point of their marriage.
Darian is working constantly and is convinced that Rosy deserves the rich life she had before, but was shut out because she chose him over the future her parents wanted for her. In working so hard to give her what he thinks she deserves, he loses sight of the bigger picture. His love for Rosy
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:
Rosy was too good to that man, she could have let him sweat a little bit longer.
Regarding the epilogue, they're too forgiving of her parents imo
SAFETY
AGE:
The story starts during middle school and ends around their mid to late 20s.
SEXUAL HISTORY:
They were each other's firsts.l for everything.
CONDOMS:
Birth control
TUMMY BUTTERFLIES:
🦋 3/ 5 not very filthy, but so sweet.
PUSH/PULL:
Rosy pulled away during the main conflict.
SEPARATION:
A few hours.
CHEATING:
No
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama:
No
SEX SCENE WITH OW/OM:
No
POSSIBLE PET PEEVES/TRIGGERS:
Neglectful parents
HEA/HFN:
HEA
HERO /HEROINE:
Rosy is the only daughter of a wealthy couple. She was never the popular girl in school and grew into someone her parents deemed not good enough. Until she met a boy, and became his entire reason for living.
Darian is a foster child, growing up with three older foster sisters. He's smart and his oldest foster sister helped him get into a prep school that would set him up for life. At school he met the only girl who ever turned his head and he knew he would marry her.
REPRESENTATION: childhood sweethearts
OVERALL THOUGHTS:
Wholesome and sweet. Rosy and Darian met in middle school and we see clips from their life, their struggles, the rewards and finally the present story, which is the breaking point of their marriage.
Darian is working constantly and is convinced that Rosy deserves the rich life she had before, but was shut out because she chose him over the future her parents wanted for her. In working so hard to give her what he thinks she deserves, he loses sight of the bigger picture. His love for Rosy
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:
Rosy was too good to that man, she could have let him sweat a little bit longer.
Regarding the epilogue, they're too forgiving of her parents imo
SAFETY
AGE:
The story starts during middle school and ends around their mid to late 20s.
SEXUAL HISTORY:
They were each other's firsts.l for everything.
CONDOMS:
Birth control
TUMMY BUTTERFLIES:
🦋 3/ 5 not very filthy, but so sweet.
PUSH/PULL:
Rosy pulled away during the main conflict.
SEPARATION:
A few hours.
CHEATING:
No
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama:
No
SEX SCENE WITH OW/OM:
No
POSSIBLE PET PEEVES/TRIGGERS:
Neglectful parents
HEA/HFN:
HEA
May 16, 2021
"Rosy. tu eres la razón por la que me despierto cada día. Si ti, todo no significa nada"
Rosy es de una familia acomodada y Darian es un chico de acogida sin mucho que ofrecer más que su amor, y Rosy lo acepta encantada a pesar de las penurias económicas que pueden sufrir pero cuando pasa los años y el futuro le sonríe a la pareja todo parece a su vez, tambalear esa relación... ¡serán capaces de afrontar las dificultades?
Creo que de todas las historias de Alexa, esta es mi favorita... si bien hay instalove entre Rosy y Darian, son apenas estudiantes de secundaria que vemos crecer, que los vemos apoyarse y que van generando un vinculo extremadamente bello entre ellos y con las hermanas de Darian a las que adoré, pero a los que si no adoré ni una pizca fueron a los padres de ella...
Denle una oportunidad a este pequeño libro que no los va a defraudar, amor y más amor es todo lo que tiene para dar.
Rosy es de una familia acomodada y Darian es un chico de acogida sin mucho que ofrecer más que su amor, y Rosy lo acepta encantada a pesar de las penurias económicas que pueden sufrir pero cuando pasa los años y el futuro le sonríe a la pareja todo parece a su vez, tambalear esa relación... ¡serán capaces de afrontar las dificultades?
Creo que de todas las historias de Alexa, esta es mi favorita... si bien hay instalove entre Rosy y Darian, son apenas estudiantes de secundaria que vemos crecer, que los vemos apoyarse y que van generando un vinculo extremadamente bello entre ellos y con las hermanas de Darian a las que adoré, pero a los que si no adoré ni una pizca fueron a los padres de ella...
Denle una oportunidad a este pequeño libro que no los va a defraudar, amor y más amor es todo lo que tiene para dar.
February 23, 2021
Rosy and Darian meet on their fist day of classes at their prep school, she was rich and he was there on scholarship but they hit off right away. We get snippets of their lives, them going to prom and having sex for the first time, them going to college and graduating and then them getting married. Rosy's parents didn't approve of her being with the boy from the other side of town but Darian's sisters Lindsey, Amber and Allisson welcomed Rosy with open arms. Over the years, the girls and Darian became Rosy's family. I liked this story, it wasn't just about the sex, it was about two people who found each other quite young and have to go through the ups and downs of life. But Rosy and Darian's love for one another never waned, it they only got stronger. I loved Lindsey and the twins Amber and Allisson and I hope they also get their own books.
April 7, 2021
First things first; I like the cover of this book!
This story is short, fast paced and an enjoyable read. I read this book in one sitting and was satisfied throughout. I found the writing style easy to follow, the characters likeable and the storyline enjoyable. Rosy met Darien in high school, from the moment they met, they connected. Through the years Rosy and Darien have faced their struggles together. When their life changes for their better, is their love as unbreakable as always?
The chemistry between Rosy and Darien is clear to see and I liked them together. I thought Rosy and Darien were perfect together. I loved that despite their real struggles they stuck together.
I loved Darien’s bond with his sisters, especially Lindsey.
I really liked the ending and the epilogue for this story.
The storyline for this book is easy to follow and it is an enjoyable read.
This story is short, fast paced and an enjoyable read. I read this book in one sitting and was satisfied throughout. I found the writing style easy to follow, the characters likeable and the storyline enjoyable. Rosy met Darien in high school, from the moment they met, they connected. Through the years Rosy and Darien have faced their struggles together. When their life changes for their better, is their love as unbreakable as always?
The chemistry between Rosy and Darien is clear to see and I liked them together. I thought Rosy and Darien were perfect together. I loved that despite their real struggles they stuck together.
I loved Darien’s bond with his sisters, especially Lindsey.
I really liked the ending and the epilogue for this story.
The storyline for this book is easy to follow and it is an enjoyable read.
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