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The G.D. Taylors #1
Wanted Wed or Alive
A runaway groom. A cautious neighbor. Too many sexually fueled run-ins to speak of.
Mya...
I came to New York for a fresh start.
A new job.
A new apartment.
A new life.
The last thing I’m looking for is a man.
Been there.
Done that.
Jesse…
I flee for my life when I leave Chicago.
Escaping a lifetime of misery.
But from the moment my eyes land on Mya Whitfield—I’m done for.
And don’t even get me started on watching her play the cello.
I’ve never envied anything the way I envy that enormous piece of wood between her legs.
Move over, cello…
There’s a new man in town.
** This is book 1 in the G.D. Taylors series. Each one features a different sibling and can be read as a complete standalone. A HEA is guaranteed! **
Mya...
I came to New York for a fresh start.
A new job.
A new apartment.
A new life.
The last thing I’m looking for is a man.
Been there.
Done that.
Jesse…
I flee for my life when I leave Chicago.
Escaping a lifetime of misery.
But from the moment my eyes land on Mya Whitfield—I’m done for.
And don’t even get me started on watching her play the cello.
I’ve never envied anything the way I envy that enormous piece of wood between her legs.
Move over, cello…
There’s a new man in town.
** This is book 1 in the G.D. Taylors series. Each one features a different sibling and can be read as a complete standalone. A HEA is guaranteed! **
322 pages, Paperback
Published April 22, 2021
1128 people are currently reading
3967 people want to read
About the author
Willow Aster
54 books4,709 followersWillow Aster is a USA Today Bestselling Author of emotional, angsty love stories with a side of quirk. She is co-writer of The End of Men series with Tarryn Fisher and co-writer of the G.D. Taylors series with Laura Pavlov.
Website: http://www.willowaster.com/
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Website: http://www.willowaster.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 322 reviews
May 4, 2021
This was my first book from this writer and it will definitely be my last because her idea of humor and mine DO NOT match at all!
The hero in this book is a man-child. He gets engaged to a woman because she manipulates him and although he is aware of it, he cannot prevent it. He doesn't like being engaged to that woman, he doesn't want to marry her but he doesn't do anything about it. His family hate that woman but they don't do anything about it either. He waits and waits and waits ... and on their wedding day, he leaves her at the church and runs away.
A runaway groom, yes!
What kind of a man does that if he doesn't have a very VALID excuse (such as catching his bride-to-be having sex with his best friend just before the wedding? )
This man has no excuse other than that he was too stupid or a coward to do it before his wedding day.
*********************************************
Although I hated him at the beginning, I continued to read it to see how it would go on. Here is what happens:
As soon as he flees to NY, he meets a girl and suddenly feels like she is the one. And then the more ridiculous part of the book starts. Whenever she is around, he can't help but say stupid or inappropriate words. He embarrasses himself all the time.
The writer aims at being funny by doing these things, I guess, but the more the hero behaved like that, the sillier he was in my eyes.
What are you? A 13-year old teenager who sees a beautiful woman for the first time and thus forgets speaking?
I have read some books where the heroine embarrasses herself by doing silly things but I think this is the first time I have read a silly hero that embarrasses himself while talking to a woman he likes.
Look at the dialogues below. If it is not silly but funny to you, then, you can try this book but he got on my nerves every time he did that! It doesn't matter if it's the hero or the heroine, I hate it when the main characters act in a stupid way and embarrass themselves!
The door flies open, and a nervous-looking Mya stands on the other side, taking my breath away. I came up here to raise hell. Not to find the hot girl from the elevator wrapped up in a soft white robe. Is this a sign from God? If so, amen. Count me in.
“Can I help you?” Her light brown eyes are wide and questioning.
“Oh. Yeah. Mya, hey. Are you naked under that robe?” The words leave my mouth before I can stop them. Fuck.
“Excuse me?” She starts to push the door closed as if I am some kind of pervert. I did just ask if she was naked, and I actually wouldn’t mind an answer—so I guess I had it coming.
“Wait, no. I’m sorry. That came out wrong. I meant to ask if you were running the shower by any chance.”
“And that’s your business because—?” The door is barely cracked, prepared to slam in my face.
“I believe I’m in the condo beneath yours, and water just came pouring through my kitchen ceiling.” I motion to my head, which is currently soaked. “I was hoping you could shut off the water.”
***
She backs away and gives a little wave. I let myself take in the magnificence that is her in a pencil skirt, white blouse undone to the appropriate button, which only makes me want to sneak a peek even more, and her red kitten heels. “Good enough to eat,” comes out of my mouth. No, really? Fuck me.
“Pardon?”
I swipe a hand down my face. “Good to ... be on my feet,” I say, my tone as exhausted as I feel trying to keep my sanity around this woman.
***
I grab a bottle of wine off my counter and make my way back to the stairs for another flight up to the eighth floor. I knock on her door, running a quick hand through my hair. I left the house without thinking first. I need to do this.
...
“Big Pussy Chardonnay?” She barely gets the words out as she reads the label.
“Good Christ.” I lean over to look. “Fucking Gus. He left a few bottles on my counter when I moved in and I never thought to check the label.”
***
I can’t seem to function properly around her. It’s either all or nothing apparently. I’m either spewing crazy talk or can’t say a sentence without stuttering. Probably best that she’s looking at me like I have lice.
My hand goes up to my hair and it’s still reaching the heavens. “I’ve never had lice, not even when my sister got it in kindergarten.” Fuck me. I don’t even know what the hell I’m saying anymore.
The book is full of such silly things and when it is not silly, it is totally boring! I couldn't stand the book after a few chapters and I just wanted to know if I was right in my prediction of the plot twist. I thought
The writer thinks she has written a very good groveling scene - I know it because everyone talks about it but she can't even manage that. Trying to talk to her a few times, sending her texts a few times, sending flowers or sending her an expensive gift are - sorry but - not groveling in my eyes. I forgot who but someone in the book said he should camp in front of her door and beg her every time he sees her and yes, that would be some groveling!
All in all, as you may already guess, I hated this book. Not recommended at all.
*********************************************
You can follow my Instagram page from here
The hero in this book is a man-child. He gets engaged to a woman because she manipulates him and although he is aware of it, he cannot prevent it. He doesn't like being engaged to that woman, he doesn't want to marry her but he doesn't do anything about it. His family hate that woman but they don't do anything about it either. He waits and waits and waits ... and on their wedding day, he leaves her at the church and runs away.
A runaway groom, yes!
What kind of a man does that if he doesn't have a very VALID excuse (such as catching his bride-to-be having sex with his best friend just before the wedding? )
This man has no excuse other than that he was too stupid or a coward to do it before his wedding day.
*********************************************
Although I hated him at the beginning, I continued to read it to see how it would go on. Here is what happens:
As soon as he flees to NY, he meets a girl and suddenly feels like she is the one. And then the more ridiculous part of the book starts. Whenever she is around, he can't help but say stupid or inappropriate words. He embarrasses himself all the time.
The writer aims at being funny by doing these things, I guess, but the more the hero behaved like that, the sillier he was in my eyes.
What are you? A 13-year old teenager who sees a beautiful woman for the first time and thus forgets speaking?
I have read some books where the heroine embarrasses herself by doing silly things but I think this is the first time I have read a silly hero that embarrasses himself while talking to a woman he likes.
Look at the dialogues below. If it is not silly but funny to you, then, you can try this book but he got on my nerves every time he did that! It doesn't matter if it's the hero or the heroine, I hate it when the main characters act in a stupid way and embarrass themselves!
The door flies open, and a nervous-looking Mya stands on the other side, taking my breath away. I came up here to raise hell. Not to find the hot girl from the elevator wrapped up in a soft white robe. Is this a sign from God? If so, amen. Count me in.
“Can I help you?” Her light brown eyes are wide and questioning.
“Oh. Yeah. Mya, hey. Are you naked under that robe?” The words leave my mouth before I can stop them. Fuck.
“Excuse me?” She starts to push the door closed as if I am some kind of pervert. I did just ask if she was naked, and I actually wouldn’t mind an answer—so I guess I had it coming.
“Wait, no. I’m sorry. That came out wrong. I meant to ask if you were running the shower by any chance.”
“And that’s your business because—?” The door is barely cracked, prepared to slam in my face.
“I believe I’m in the condo beneath yours, and water just came pouring through my kitchen ceiling.” I motion to my head, which is currently soaked. “I was hoping you could shut off the water.”
***
She backs away and gives a little wave. I let myself take in the magnificence that is her in a pencil skirt, white blouse undone to the appropriate button, which only makes me want to sneak a peek even more, and her red kitten heels. “Good enough to eat,” comes out of my mouth. No, really? Fuck me.
“Pardon?”
I swipe a hand down my face. “Good to ... be on my feet,” I say, my tone as exhausted as I feel trying to keep my sanity around this woman.
***
I grab a bottle of wine off my counter and make my way back to the stairs for another flight up to the eighth floor. I knock on her door, running a quick hand through my hair. I left the house without thinking first. I need to do this.
...
“Big Pussy Chardonnay?” She barely gets the words out as she reads the label.
“Good Christ.” I lean over to look. “Fucking Gus. He left a few bottles on my counter when I moved in and I never thought to check the label.”
***
I can’t seem to function properly around her. It’s either all or nothing apparently. I’m either spewing crazy talk or can’t say a sentence without stuttering. Probably best that she’s looking at me like I have lice.
My hand goes up to my hair and it’s still reaching the heavens. “I’ve never had lice, not even when my sister got it in kindergarten.” Fuck me. I don’t even know what the hell I’m saying anymore.
The book is full of such silly things and when it is not silly, it is totally boring! I couldn't stand the book after a few chapters and I just wanted to know if I was right in my prediction of the plot twist. I thought
The writer thinks she has written a very good groveling scene - I know it because everyone talks about it but she can't even manage that. Trying to talk to her a few times, sending her texts a few times, sending flowers or sending her an expensive gift are - sorry but - not groveling in my eyes. I forgot who but someone in the book said he should camp in front of her door and beg her every time he sees her and yes, that would be some groveling!
All in all, as you may already guess, I hated this book. Not recommended at all.
*********************************************
You can follow my Instagram page from here
April 30, 2021
Oh my gosh, this was such a fun read!! I giggled like crazy and my heart is just... happy!
This is my first read by both of these authors and I'm so glad I took a chance on Jesse and Mya!!
Jesse was perfect. Like, I'm sure he had flaws (cause who doesn't), but he was so darn endearing. He was true and he was raw, for the most part. What you saw and heard was truly him. He fumbled with his words and let them fly before he fully processed them, but that just made me melt for him even more. His relationship with his family, especially with his brothers was THE BEST!!
OH.MY.GOSH - The banter between them was so awesome!! Goodness!!
All that said, Jesse was a runner. He ran away from a horrible woman, just moments from meeting her at the altar. He couldn't believe he ever let it get that far with the Ice Queen. He needed to clear his head so decided to leave his home in Chicago and move to New York.
That's where the beautiful and spunky Mya comes in. He sees her and is enamored with her. He hasn't a clue who she is, but just knows she is someone he wants in his life.
She is also going through some past dating trauma so her walls are up around her heart and they are sturdy. Her Mama was one of kind. She was quirky and is the epitome of a helicopter parent. It's all out of love, right. All the crazy dateline stories and statistics were too funny. Her best friend Emma is her ride or die. She keeps her sane and pushes her out of her comfort zone.
Little by little, one inappropriate comment after the another, numerous elevator rides and morning jogs later she lets him in. As friends. As her bestie with the hot hair. She realizes that he is just her heart needs. He brings out the best in her.
Each encounter between Jesse and Mya was better than the last. I 𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗗 their relationship.. the way they started as friends and grew into SO much more. They were simply adorable! Like you wanna just grab their cheeks and squeeze. Ugh, gosh... I'm sad their story ended.
Can't wait for the next Taylor brother and his story. Emma is gonna be a handful and I can't wait to read how she brings Spence to his knees.
This is my first read by both of these authors and I'm so glad I took a chance on Jesse and Mya!!
Jesse was perfect. Like, I'm sure he had flaws (cause who doesn't), but he was so darn endearing. He was true and he was raw, for the most part. What you saw and heard was truly him. He fumbled with his words and let them fly before he fully processed them, but that just made me melt for him even more. His relationship with his family, especially with his brothers was THE BEST!!
OH.MY.GOSH - The banter between them was so awesome!! Goodness!!
All that said, Jesse was a runner. He ran away from a horrible woman, just moments from meeting her at the altar. He couldn't believe he ever let it get that far with the Ice Queen. He needed to clear his head so decided to leave his home in Chicago and move to New York.
That's where the beautiful and spunky Mya comes in. He sees her and is enamored with her. He hasn't a clue who she is, but just knows she is someone he wants in his life.
She is also going through some past dating trauma so her walls are up around her heart and they are sturdy. Her Mama was one of kind. She was quirky and is the epitome of a helicopter parent. It's all out of love, right. All the crazy dateline stories and statistics were too funny. Her best friend Emma is her ride or die. She keeps her sane and pushes her out of her comfort zone.
Little by little, one inappropriate comment after the another, numerous elevator rides and morning jogs later she lets him in. As friends. As her bestie with the hot hair. She realizes that he is just her heart needs. He brings out the best in her.
Each encounter between Jesse and Mya was better than the last. I 𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗗 their relationship.. the way they started as friends and grew into SO much more. They were simply adorable! Like you wanna just grab their cheeks and squeeze. Ugh, gosh... I'm sad their story ended.
Can't wait for the next Taylor brother and his story. Emma is gonna be a handful and I can't wait to read how she brings Spence to his knees.
Read
April 3, 2021This book was everything I needed and more. Sexy, swoony, and oh so hilarious. I laughed so hard tears streamed down my face. Willow Aster and Laura Pavlov have cemented themselves as romcom royalty with Wanted Wed Or Alive. Prepare to fall in love with the GD Taylors. I’m already begging for book two.
July 7, 2021
Talk about a GD hilariously sexy romcom!! Who knew that two of my favorite people would become the dynamic duo together!! This book had me LAUGHING OUT LOUD, until there were tears shed, and fanning myself due to steamy hotness! I haven’t read hardly any romcoms so I’m glad Willow & Laura could set the bar for me!
I am in love with these GD brothers like you would not believe! Mya never stood a chance, and who could blame her with Jesse holy hot hair in her vicinity!
I knew I was hooked in the beginning just by this sentence alone.
“Long brown hair hooks over her breast like a comma taking a breath before continuing the sentence.”
The chemistry that was so palpable at times was my undoing! I loved Jesse’s GD brothers, and Mya’s family was just perfect as well. This is how you write a freakin romcom!! I love that the angst was minimal and with every turn of the page I was gripping my chair wondering when “it” was going to happen. No spoilers.
I look forward to the next book! I think we’ve seen hints as to which GD brother is up next to bat, and with whom..ahem. I need book two like yesterday!!
I am in love with these GD brothers like you would not believe! Mya never stood a chance, and who could blame her with Jesse holy hot hair in her vicinity!
I knew I was hooked in the beginning just by this sentence alone.
“Long brown hair hooks over her breast like a comma taking a breath before continuing the sentence.”
The chemistry that was so palpable at times was my undoing! I loved Jesse’s GD brothers, and Mya’s family was just perfect as well. This is how you write a freakin romcom!! I love that the angst was minimal and with every turn of the page I was gripping my chair wondering when “it” was going to happen. No spoilers.
I look forward to the next book! I think we’ve seen hints as to which GD brother is up next to bat, and with whom..ahem. I need book two like yesterday!!
April 22, 2021
Oh my goodness- this was SO adorable. Or should I say GD adorable?! Wanted Wed or Alive is delightful sweet and swoony and chock full of uproarious rom com fun. The more I read, the more I fell in love with these characters, their families, and their heartfelt and sexy love story. Sometimes we just need a story that makes us smile- that fills your heart with warm fuzzies, and this book did just the trick.
In a fun twist on the always humorous trope, our story starts with a runaway groom. Jesse and his hot hair narrowly escape a meaningless and toxic marriage and decide to start anew in NYC with his brothers- sans any relationship. Of course, a meet cute encounter straight away in their building elevator with the alluring Mya derails all plans to lay low. But, since Mya too is escaping a doomed relationship, they start merely as friends- but flirty ones. Feelings blossom as the friendship does, and a sincere, adorable, and super sexy romance begins- but will their pasts come back to haunt them?
I just LOVED these two together- I was goofy in love with them. Despite Jesse’s jerkish jilting of his former bride, he’s a super amiable and well intentioned guy. Emotionally available, thoughtful, caring, and very compassionate- he’s pretty darn swoony. And turns out being a nice guy is pretty damn sexy- cause he got me all hot and bothered. But his eyes are all for Mya- sweet little Mya who is chock full of baggage and insecurities because of her ex. She’s distrustful and cautious- which makes it hard for Jesse to win her heart. But their chemistry is so witty and captivating. From Jesse’s charming foot in his mouth moments to Mya’s unapologetic honesty to the incredible ways they emotionally support one another. We get the perfect balance of heated attraction and flirty banter, and while I’m in general not a huge fan of repeated miscommunication as a central conflict, I appreciated that those moments were usually quickly resolved and were an opportunity to demonstrate just how great these two are for each other- despite some emotional baggage, they are mature, respectful, and kind to each other. And so hot together, too. We have just the right dash of angst as well.
Setting up the series, we also get LOADS of fun with the GD Taylor brothers and their pistol baby sister- and I must admit, they almost stole the show. I appreciated the creative attention to the familial chemistry in this story as well with both characters’ families. This is a beautiful example of how to perfectly balance secondary characters with your primary- they are realized enough for us to adore them and be invested in them, but their roles still are in service of our hero/heroine’s arc. But, I’m super excited to get everyone’s books- because these brothers had me rolling. Each unique and witty in their own way, and their good-natured ribbing and family jokes made them so charming and funny and their supportive and loving moments provided great catalysts for our central characters' arcs.
I’m so charmed by this new Taylor world- and I didn’t want this sweet and swoony story to end. We all need a little feel good story magic, and I’ll definitely be grabbing up the other brothers’ stories to get my fix. Sincere, heartfelt, authentic, and SO GD ADORABLE!
In a fun twist on the always humorous trope, our story starts with a runaway groom. Jesse and his hot hair narrowly escape a meaningless and toxic marriage and decide to start anew in NYC with his brothers- sans any relationship. Of course, a meet cute encounter straight away in their building elevator with the alluring Mya derails all plans to lay low. But, since Mya too is escaping a doomed relationship, they start merely as friends- but flirty ones. Feelings blossom as the friendship does, and a sincere, adorable, and super sexy romance begins- but will their pasts come back to haunt them?
I just LOVED these two together- I was goofy in love with them. Despite Jesse’s jerkish jilting of his former bride, he’s a super amiable and well intentioned guy. Emotionally available, thoughtful, caring, and very compassionate- he’s pretty darn swoony. And turns out being a nice guy is pretty damn sexy- cause he got me all hot and bothered. But his eyes are all for Mya- sweet little Mya who is chock full of baggage and insecurities because of her ex. She’s distrustful and cautious- which makes it hard for Jesse to win her heart. But their chemistry is so witty and captivating. From Jesse’s charming foot in his mouth moments to Mya’s unapologetic honesty to the incredible ways they emotionally support one another. We get the perfect balance of heated attraction and flirty banter, and while I’m in general not a huge fan of repeated miscommunication as a central conflict, I appreciated that those moments were usually quickly resolved and were an opportunity to demonstrate just how great these two are for each other- despite some emotional baggage, they are mature, respectful, and kind to each other. And so hot together, too. We have just the right dash of angst as well.
Setting up the series, we also get LOADS of fun with the GD Taylor brothers and their pistol baby sister- and I must admit, they almost stole the show. I appreciated the creative attention to the familial chemistry in this story as well with both characters’ families. This is a beautiful example of how to perfectly balance secondary characters with your primary- they are realized enough for us to adore them and be invested in them, but their roles still are in service of our hero/heroine’s arc. But, I’m super excited to get everyone’s books- because these brothers had me rolling. Each unique and witty in their own way, and their good-natured ribbing and family jokes made them so charming and funny and their supportive and loving moments provided great catalysts for our central characters' arcs.
I’m so charmed by this new Taylor world- and I didn’t want this sweet and swoony story to end. We all need a little feel good story magic, and I’ll definitely be grabbing up the other brothers’ stories to get my fix. Sincere, heartfelt, authentic, and SO GD ADORABLE!
April 29, 2021
A cute rom com 1st book in the GD Taylor’s series. I really wanted to love this one but I just didn’t connect with it. I did like the banter between Spence and Emma. And Estella! Who doesn’t love Estella?! Mya kind of annoyed me - the punishment didn’t fit the crime in my opinion. But I did love the happy ending. Can’t wait to read about the next brother.
April 29, 2021
4.5 Switchero Stars
* * * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
Ok, Class, how many times have we wanted to grab a woman and shake her for being this "get along, go along" person in a relationship to the point where it Finally Dawns On Them to RUN...yes, Class you can put your hands down, I know. Willow Aster and Laura Pavlov know it too, and they decided to do something very different. They took that idea, put it on steroids, and have the guy mixed up with a horrible person and barely is able to escape.
This story was the groundwork for a new series about four brothers and a sister who have huge hearts, smart mouths, cool parents, and will make you want more and more. They were created with wit, care, comedic timing, and sex ways. Yes, it is about our main characters but people, this is only the tip...tip of the iceberg, people...see little things I learned from this book, heh heh.
Seriously, this is fun, touches on life lessons, and worth taking a break from any heaviness in your real life or reading life. You will have a smile plastered on your face most of the time you are reading.
Wanted Wed or Alive (The G.D. Taylors, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
These Are Just My "Nancy Drew" Guess They Are Part Of The G.D. Taylors!
The Bold and the Bullheaded
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Another Motherfaker
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Don't Cry Over Spilled MILF
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Friends with Benefactors
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
Willow Aster & Laura Pavlov...
Each Brings All The Goods...
Excited To Have The Fun...
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
Ok, Class, how many times have we wanted to grab a woman and shake her for being this "get along, go along" person in a relationship to the point where it Finally Dawns On Them to RUN...yes, Class you can put your hands down, I know. Willow Aster and Laura Pavlov know it too, and they decided to do something very different. They took that idea, put it on steroids, and have the guy mixed up with a horrible person and barely is able to escape.
This story was the groundwork for a new series about four brothers and a sister who have huge hearts, smart mouths, cool parents, and will make you want more and more. They were created with wit, care, comedic timing, and sex ways. Yes, it is about our main characters but people, this is only the tip...tip of the iceberg, people...see little things I learned from this book, heh heh.
Seriously, this is fun, touches on life lessons, and worth taking a break from any heaviness in your real life or reading life. You will have a smile plastered on your face most of the time you are reading.
Wanted Wed or Alive (The G.D. Taylors, #1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
These Are Just My "Nancy Drew" Guess They Are Part Of The G.D. Taylors!
The Bold and the Bullheadedhttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Another Motherfakerhttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Don't Cry Over Spilled MILFhttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Friends with Benefactorshttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
Willow Aster & Laura Pavlov...
Each Brings All The Goods...
Excited To Have The Fun...
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
September 29, 2021
This definitely had it's fun moments. I loved the relationship between the brothers and all their banter. I enjoyed how flustered Jesse got around Mya when they first met. It reminded me of the time I had a very attractive neighbor that I was a complete idiot around every time I saw him (though I definitely didn't say the type of things Jesse said...). For the most part I did like the romance between Jesse and Mya, too.
There were several things that brought the story down for me, though. I thought Mya was way too overdramatic. There were several instances where her reactions to things were just ridiculous. I also didn't like that Jesse had a big lie of omission - one of those things that one simple conversation would have solved all the drama before it happened. Things got a little too on the cheesy side for me sometimes, as well. While I don't plan on reading the next book in the series because it focuses on Mya's best friend, Emma, who I did not like at all, I do think I'll try some of the others. I definitely want to read a Gus book.
There were several things that brought the story down for me, though. I thought Mya was way too overdramatic. There were several instances where her reactions to things were just ridiculous. I also didn't like that Jesse had a big lie of omission - one of those things that one simple conversation would have solved all the drama before it happened. Things got a little too on the cheesy side for me sometimes, as well. While I don't plan on reading the next book in the series because it focuses on Mya's best friend, Emma, who I did not like at all, I do think I'll try some of the others. I definitely want to read a Gus book.
November 8, 2021
Somewhere between a 2.5-3 I’m still determining that.
I didn’t find the humor funny. At all. In fact, it annoyed me because I found it juvenile.
The second book, her best friend and his brother’s story intrigues me! It actually seems like it will be a lot better than this one due to the enemies to lovers component.
In the case of Wanted Wed Or Alive, I felt like I dragged reading it. It was boring to me but enough to keep me going. I was engaged on some level. My only issue was the humor and one character grated on my nerves but it wasn’t a main character.
The hero and heroine were fine. The romance component wasn’t there. No chemistry between them. I was actually taken aback when the “I love you” came. I didn’t know where it was coming from.
Alas, that’s just my opinion and I usually love Laura Pavlov so I’ll read her books.
I didn’t find the humor funny. At all. In fact, it annoyed me because I found it juvenile.
The second book, her best friend and his brother’s story intrigues me! It actually seems like it will be a lot better than this one due to the enemies to lovers component.
In the case of Wanted Wed Or Alive, I felt like I dragged reading it. It was boring to me but enough to keep me going. I was engaged on some level. My only issue was the humor and one character grated on my nerves but it wasn’t a main character.
The hero and heroine were fine. The romance component wasn’t there. No chemistry between them. I was actually taken aback when the “I love you” came. I didn’t know where it was coming from.
Alas, that’s just my opinion and I usually love Laura Pavlov so I’ll read her books.
March 22, 2021
I LOVE this writing duo. The writing is seamless, the story is so much fun, I can't even tell you how much I am IN LOVE with every single character in this book (secondary characters included!) Get ready to fall in love with the GD Taylors... I smiled, I laughed, the feelings are so real - This is my favorite writing duo of 2021!
April 9, 2021
This is the absolute funniest book I’ve read so far this year. I cried from laughing so hard at some parts. The elevator, Estella’s culinary prowess, the so perfectly spot-on antics between the GD brothers, and THE ELEVATOR (trust me, that poor elevator deserves a second mention).
Mya and Jesse are both fleeing failures, but luck is on their side in NYC. They just have to get their heads and hearts on board at the same time, preferably with honesty and no mess. Of course, things never go quite as planned, so while they become friends and so much more, there’s still some unresolved stuff lurking. And oh, boy, does that stuff blow up in spectacular fashion at the worst time. But I even loved the blowup because the misery and groveling were glorious also. Yeah, that’s right. The grovel was GOOD. And if it meant some misery while Mya and Jesse figure out how to get their relationship right, then okay.
This series begins on such a high note that I can’t wait to see how Emma and Spence manage to find their way and blow a few things up along their journey. I’ll be (im)patiently waiting.
Mya and Jesse are both fleeing failures, but luck is on their side in NYC. They just have to get their heads and hearts on board at the same time, preferably with honesty and no mess. Of course, things never go quite as planned, so while they become friends and so much more, there’s still some unresolved stuff lurking. And oh, boy, does that stuff blow up in spectacular fashion at the worst time. But I even loved the blowup because the misery and groveling were glorious also. Yeah, that’s right. The grovel was GOOD. And if it meant some misery while Mya and Jesse figure out how to get their relationship right, then okay.
This series begins on such a high note that I can’t wait to see how Emma and Spence manage to find their way and blow a few things up along their journey. I’ll be (im)patiently waiting.
May 7, 2021
4.5 Stars
Love the characters and the storyline.
I'm very impressed with this collab between these two authors.
***Review to come.
Read
November 5, 2021So, this book mainly hinges on how you like your MMC. If you like alpha, cocksure, smooth, dark, and/or all around badass, this guy IS NOT for you. If you like awkward with a pinch of sugar and half his backbone already ate by a black widow, then this guy is your cup o’ tea. Acts like goofy goober… described as a Greek god.
Own your vagina, says the FMC’s friend. Okay, I’ll say that’s fairly good advice, but g’zus why pray tell are we 20% through the book only to have two brief interactions between the MCs? Is this the MC’s book, or is this the vagina monologues and dick dissertation of exes? Seriously, why the hell are we still going on and on and on about both their ex’s?
The start is how damn lucky the MMC is to have been a runaway groom. Page after page of what the ex said, did, thought, looked like, etc. Every dynamic of their failed relationship is detailed. Not one, but TWO phone convos about splitting assets and BS about breaking up.
Then, the FMC jumps in to document her own exes. How they were in bed. Why it didn’t work. The size of their junk. One talked dirty in third person. Etc etc etc etc etc etc. 1) it’s TMI 2) IDGF 3) it’s a major turn OFF to spend 25% of the book going over every ex they’ve had.
It’s not until after 20% that we finally get an MC interaction beyond a few words. Of course, it’s the trapped in the elevator cliche. I will say that at least it’s not a damsel in distress. The MMC is the one having a meltdown. Some may find the vulnerability here endearing, but his word diarrhea, fumbling, and panicking is a major turn off for me.
Moving on…
This is trying entirely too hard to be funny. Sadly, it ends up coming off as that shit that makes your nose scrunch up like you’ve just smelled a can of sardines. The MMC just spews random shit when he comes into contact with the FMC… example:
“I’ve never had lice, not even when my sister got it in kindergarten.” Fuck me. I don’t even know what the hell I’m saying anymore.
^ Neither do we! Why does he say this? Lice, dandruff, scratchy heads or nothing akin was happening or being discussed. He just randomly says it. He sounds like a nut job, but at last he’s aware…
I’m never a bumbling idiot. I mean, I’m not bursting at the seams with confidence, but I’ve never been that guy. The one who makes a complete ass of himself in front of a gorgeous woman. What is it about this girl that makes me act like a fool?
Enquiring minds would love to know.
Of course, what kind of circus would this be if she didn’t find it oh so adorable but still want nothing to do with him…
But I find the man to be adorably charming, which is reason enough to stay away. I’ve been charmed by the wrong man one too many times.
Yes, after spending the first quarter detailing it, I think we are aware!
This is one of those books where character actions just don’t sit well with me, such as this after a coworker hits on the FMC and her friend “multiple times” and makes lewd and inappropriate comments….
“Don’t say anything now. We’re both so new. Let’s just hope that if we ignore him, it will stop,” I say and she nods.
It’s hard enough to deal with an FMC sounding like a broken princess, but when it’s the MMC….
and I wonder, when did I let my balls shrink so far up my ass that I let a little embarrassment stop me from anything?…….. I try to come up with all of the inspirational quotes I can think of .….. it’s time I let my inner badass come out…… Time to face a few things, starting with the man in the mirror…… Maybe something in me needs healing that I didn’t even realize.
I just can’t deal. I want a Prozac and bottle of Jack. Dude has 99 problems and being exhausting isn’t one of them.
Oh, and I’m still waiting to laugh….
Own your vagina, says the FMC’s friend. Okay, I’ll say that’s fairly good advice, but g’zus why pray tell are we 20% through the book only to have two brief interactions between the MCs? Is this the MC’s book, or is this the vagina monologues and dick dissertation of exes? Seriously, why the hell are we still going on and on and on about both their ex’s?
The start is how damn lucky the MMC is to have been a runaway groom. Page after page of what the ex said, did, thought, looked like, etc. Every dynamic of their failed relationship is detailed. Not one, but TWO phone convos about splitting assets and BS about breaking up.
Then, the FMC jumps in to document her own exes. How they were in bed. Why it didn’t work. The size of their junk. One talked dirty in third person. Etc etc etc etc etc etc. 1) it’s TMI 2) IDGF 3) it’s a major turn OFF to spend 25% of the book going over every ex they’ve had.
It’s not until after 20% that we finally get an MC interaction beyond a few words. Of course, it’s the trapped in the elevator cliche. I will say that at least it’s not a damsel in distress. The MMC is the one having a meltdown. Some may find the vulnerability here endearing, but his word diarrhea, fumbling, and panicking is a major turn off for me.
Moving on…
This is trying entirely too hard to be funny. Sadly, it ends up coming off as that shit that makes your nose scrunch up like you’ve just smelled a can of sardines. The MMC just spews random shit when he comes into contact with the FMC… example:
“I’ve never had lice, not even when my sister got it in kindergarten.” Fuck me. I don’t even know what the hell I’m saying anymore.
^ Neither do we! Why does he say this? Lice, dandruff, scratchy heads or nothing akin was happening or being discussed. He just randomly says it. He sounds like a nut job, but at last he’s aware…
I’m never a bumbling idiot. I mean, I’m not bursting at the seams with confidence, but I’ve never been that guy. The one who makes a complete ass of himself in front of a gorgeous woman. What is it about this girl that makes me act like a fool?
Enquiring minds would love to know.
Of course, what kind of circus would this be if she didn’t find it oh so adorable but still want nothing to do with him…
But I find the man to be adorably charming, which is reason enough to stay away. I’ve been charmed by the wrong man one too many times.
Yes, after spending the first quarter detailing it, I think we are aware!
This is one of those books where character actions just don’t sit well with me, such as this after a coworker hits on the FMC and her friend “multiple times” and makes lewd and inappropriate comments….
“Don’t say anything now. We’re both so new. Let’s just hope that if we ignore him, it will stop,” I say and she nods.
It’s hard enough to deal with an FMC sounding like a broken princess, but when it’s the MMC….
and I wonder, when did I let my balls shrink so far up my ass that I let a little embarrassment stop me from anything?…….. I try to come up with all of the inspirational quotes I can think of .….. it’s time I let my inner badass come out…… Time to face a few things, starting with the man in the mirror…… Maybe something in me needs healing that I didn’t even realize.
I just can’t deal. I want a Prozac and bottle of Jack. Dude has 99 problems and being exhausting isn’t one of them.
Oh, and I’m still waiting to laugh….
December 14, 2021
3 1/2 Stars!
It took me a while to read this one because it was easy for me to put down. Mainly because I felt like I knew exactly what was going to happen and as it turned out, I was right. The other thing was that eventhough I did like Jessie and I was rooting for him, I felt like he was a huge pushover and a bit of a coward because of his action with his ex. I mean... speak up man!
Mya was cool. I liked her and all the side characters. The Taylors are a trip. Emma was a great friend. Estelle was a hoot! This was very funny and I'm interested in Spense and Emma, so I might read their book. Happy reading!
It took me a while to read this one because it was easy for me to put down. Mainly because I felt like I knew exactly what was going to happen and as it turned out, I was right. The other thing was that eventhough I did like Jessie and I was rooting for him, I felt like he was a huge pushover and a bit of a coward because of his action with his ex. I mean... speak up man!
Mya was cool. I liked her and all the side characters. The Taylors are a trip. Emma was a great friend. Estelle was a hoot! This was very funny and I'm interested in Spense and Emma, so I might read their book. Happy reading!
January 16, 2022
3.5 stars
Read
March 28, 2021Wanted Wed or Alive is now available for Pre-Order!!
Grab it HERE: http://mybook.to/WantedWedOrAlive
𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐰𝐨𝐨𝐧. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐬! 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐀𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐚 𝐏𝐚𝐯𝐥𝐨𝐯 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐫𝐨𝐦-𝐜𝐨𝐦 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬.
A 𝑟𝑢𝑛𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑦 𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑜𝑚. 𝐴 𝑐𝑎𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑢𝑠 𝑛𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑏𝑜𝑟. 𝑇𝑜𝑜 𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑦 𝑠𝑒𝑥𝑢𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦 𝑓𝑢𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑟𝑢𝑛-𝑖𝑛𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑎𝑘 𝑜𝑓.
Mya...
I came to New York for a fresh start.
A new job. A new apartment. A new life.
The last thing I’m looking for is a man.
Been there. Done that.
Jesse…
I flee for my life when I leave Chicago.
Escaping a lifetime of misery.
But from the moment my eyes land on Mya Whitfield—I’m done for.
And don’t even get me started on watching her play the cello.
I’ve never envied anything the way I envy that enormous piece of wood between her legs.
Move over, cello…
There’s a new man in town.
Grab it HERE: http://mybook.to/WantedWedOrAlive
𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐰𝐨𝐨𝐧. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐬! 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐀𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐚 𝐏𝐚𝐯𝐥𝐨𝐯 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐫𝐨𝐦-𝐜𝐨𝐦 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬.
A 𝑟𝑢𝑛𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑦 𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑜𝑚. 𝐴 𝑐𝑎𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑢𝑠 𝑛𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑏𝑜𝑟. 𝑇𝑜𝑜 𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑦 𝑠𝑒𝑥𝑢𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦 𝑓𝑢𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑟𝑢𝑛-𝑖𝑛𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑎𝑘 𝑜𝑓.
Mya...
I came to New York for a fresh start.
A new job. A new apartment. A new life.
The last thing I’m looking for is a man.
Been there. Done that.
Jesse…
I flee for my life when I leave Chicago.
Escaping a lifetime of misery.
But from the moment my eyes land on Mya Whitfield—I’m done for.
And don’t even get me started on watching her play the cello.
I’ve never envied anything the way I envy that enormous piece of wood between her legs.
Move over, cello…
There’s a new man in town.
November 12, 2021
When Jesse realizes on his wedding day that his fiancée was not the woman he wanted to marry, he fled the scene and moved from Chicago to NYC for a fresh start. His brothers are renovating a building full of condos and they all happen to live there. Jesse’s new upstairs neighbor, Mya, also happens to be from Chicago and is new to NYC, too.
Mya caught her boyfriend cheating on her with her neighbor so she moved to NYC and got a job at her friend from law school’s law firm. That’s how she meets Jesse. Although the two of them are instantly attracted to one another, neither are ready for a relationship, so Jesse & Mya decide to be just friends.
But before long, it’s clear that their feelings are too strong to stay in the friend zone. Jesse knows the way he feels about Mya is something he’s never felt before, but he worries that if she finds out about him ditching his fiancée before “I do” that she’ll never be able to trust him.
Wanted Wed or Alive by Willow Aster & Laura Pavlov is book 1 in the GD Taylors series. If you’re a fan of Meghan Quinn or Max Monroe, you may enjoy this romance since the humor is somewhat similar to those authors’ romcom style. I enjoyed the neighbors to lovers meets friends to lovers tropes in this. What kept me from enjoying it more was once Mya & Jesse decided to give a relationship a try, they declared “I love you” too quickly for my taste. And the rest of the story was less entertaining after that point. This was a fun romance though so I may read more of the series in the future. 3/5 stars.
Mya caught her boyfriend cheating on her with her neighbor so she moved to NYC and got a job at her friend from law school’s law firm. That’s how she meets Jesse. Although the two of them are instantly attracted to one another, neither are ready for a relationship, so Jesse & Mya decide to be just friends.
But before long, it’s clear that their feelings are too strong to stay in the friend zone. Jesse knows the way he feels about Mya is something he’s never felt before, but he worries that if she finds out about him ditching his fiancée before “I do” that she’ll never be able to trust him.
Wanted Wed or Alive by Willow Aster & Laura Pavlov is book 1 in the GD Taylors series. If you’re a fan of Meghan Quinn or Max Monroe, you may enjoy this romance since the humor is somewhat similar to those authors’ romcom style. I enjoyed the neighbors to lovers meets friends to lovers tropes in this. What kept me from enjoying it more was once Mya & Jesse decided to give a relationship a try, they declared “I love you” too quickly for my taste. And the rest of the story was less entertaining after that point. This was a fun romance though so I may read more of the series in the future. 3/5 stars.
April 1, 2021
The book is a blast from start to finish, an absolute perfect rom com! I laughed out loud so many times, and the amount of angst was perfect, not too much to detail the comedic aspect of the story but still enough to make my heart race! I loved Jesse and Mya so much they had so much chemistry, and their sexual tension was palpable!!
Im so glad my two favorite authors decided to to write together! Their writing is seamless and I loved every minute of reading this gorgeous story! I loved every character and side character introduced and I’m so excited for each GD Taylor siblings book, I’m already impatiently awaiting the next one!
Im so glad my two favorite authors decided to to write together! Their writing is seamless and I loved every minute of reading this gorgeous story! I loved every character and side character introduced and I’m so excited for each GD Taylor siblings book, I’m already impatiently awaiting the next one!
September 11, 2021
I didn't like this book at all 😩. Everything about it was so unrealistic and bothersome. No chemistry between the main characters. The hero is the 𝗿𝘂𝗻𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺, how cliche.
At first, I find it interesting however I'm not a fan of how the plot was executed. Both story and characters aren't that fleshed out enough in my opinion. The pacing was weird 😕.
Even the conflict didn't save the story for me, it was shallow, I just didn't care.
I'm not entirely sure if I wanna continue with the series.
At first, I find it interesting however I'm not a fan of how the plot was executed. Both story and characters aren't that fleshed out enough in my opinion. The pacing was weird 😕.
Even the conflict didn't save the story for me, it was shallow, I just didn't care.
I'm not entirely sure if I wanna continue with the series.
April 21, 2021
Wanted Wed or Alive by Willow Aster and Laura Pavlov put a big smile on my face and filled my heart with warm, swoony, fuzzy and all good feels. This was such a witty, sexy and adorable romance! I didn't want it to end!
Jesse Taylor is a runaway groom. He finally got the courage to leave his good for nothing and horrible fiance on his wedding day. His brothers convince him to move from their Chicago hometown to New York where their family business is based. And there he meets Mya. A beautiful woman living in the same building as him and his brothers. She is also coming out of a bad relationship and she is really cautious about her heart. But Jesse wooed her till they fall for each other. What about his secrets? Will it break them?
I sometimes live for this kind of feel good romance. Simple but honest and intense emotions. Lovable, adorable and relatable characters. The authors created one whole new universe of the Taylors and you will want to read about each and every brother. The connection among the siblings and the parents added another level of awesomeness. I cannot have enough of them! The merciless teasing, the serious support, the various personalities..I loved it all. And thank god for nosey and precious and all knowing mamas!
Jesse is a nice guy. The kind of gentleman who makes me crave for one of my own. He is so amazing. He has a big heart. He is really sensitive and compassionate and emotional. And that turns me on like nothing else. He respects Mya's choices. He takes care of her needs. Every kind. He also embraces her family. His last relationship destroyed his confidence but he went after Mya with everything!Mya is such a pretty and smart woman! She has been betrayed way too many times but still she couldn't help but let Jesse in. They are so good together. Be it their awkward and sweet beginnings. Be it their nuclear hot passion. Be it the laughter filled and entertaining times they spent with family. I could feel their connection so hard. And no great love story is complete without a healthy dose of angst because heartbreak makes love stronger. I was just so giddy ( SEE WHAT I DID) with happiness when they finally found happily ever after.
Wanted Wed or Alive by Willow Aster and Laura Pavlov was an absolutely heart-warming romance. Full of real and swoonworthy feels. And with some incredible and memorable characters.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
Jesse Taylor is a runaway groom. He finally got the courage to leave his good for nothing and horrible fiance on his wedding day. His brothers convince him to move from their Chicago hometown to New York where their family business is based. And there he meets Mya. A beautiful woman living in the same building as him and his brothers. She is also coming out of a bad relationship and she is really cautious about her heart. But Jesse wooed her till they fall for each other. What about his secrets? Will it break them?
I sometimes live for this kind of feel good romance. Simple but honest and intense emotions. Lovable, adorable and relatable characters. The authors created one whole new universe of the Taylors and you will want to read about each and every brother. The connection among the siblings and the parents added another level of awesomeness. I cannot have enough of them! The merciless teasing, the serious support, the various personalities..I loved it all. And thank god for nosey and precious and all knowing mamas!
Jesse is a nice guy. The kind of gentleman who makes me crave for one of my own. He is so amazing. He has a big heart. He is really sensitive and compassionate and emotional. And that turns me on like nothing else. He respects Mya's choices. He takes care of her needs. Every kind. He also embraces her family. His last relationship destroyed his confidence but he went after Mya with everything!Mya is such a pretty and smart woman! She has been betrayed way too many times but still she couldn't help but let Jesse in. They are so good together. Be it their awkward and sweet beginnings. Be it their nuclear hot passion. Be it the laughter filled and entertaining times they spent with family. I could feel their connection so hard. And no great love story is complete without a healthy dose of angst because heartbreak makes love stronger. I was just so giddy ( SEE WHAT I DID) with happiness when they finally found happily ever after.
Wanted Wed or Alive by Willow Aster and Laura Pavlov was an absolutely heart-warming romance. Full of real and swoonworthy feels. And with some incredible and memorable characters.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
August 26, 2024
those little cuties <3
April 4, 2026
This book was hysterical, so upbeat and definitely worth a read.
Enjoyed all the characters and the brothers and her bestie are a scream.
Have already added the next in the series to my tbr
Kerry Kennedy Author
Enjoyed all the characters and the brothers and her bestie are a scream.
Have already added the next in the series to my tbr
Kerry Kennedy Author
March 30, 2021
New series and the Taylor boys are the GD bomb. This first book was a fun and heartfelt introduction to this new world. This world includes a fun and funny family, a bunch of hot brothers and friends that steal the show. Jesse and Mya, the MCs in this book, is such a cute couple and the best way to dive in this series. There is romance, there is happiness, there are secrets and heartbreak. I really enjoyed the story and even though, I was frustrated at times with the couple, because which romantic story doesn't have frustration; It was all justified. The characters' backgrounds were the source of a lot of their reactions and in the end, you realize that the story had to unfold the way it did.
The highlight of the book was Mya's best friend, Emma. She is feisty, the voice of reason and the "Ray Donovan of relationships". The second book is her book and I can't wait to read it. I do hope they keep using the Real Housewives references, they are hilarious.
Everything was awesome and the 4 stars are only because Emma was better than Mya as a character.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The highlight of the book was Mya's best friend, Emma. She is feisty, the voice of reason and the "Ray Donovan of relationships". The second book is her book and I can't wait to read it. I do hope they keep using the Real Housewives references, they are hilarious.
Everything was awesome and the 4 stars are only because Emma was better than Mya as a character.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 25, 2021
This was an amazing start to a new series by Willow Asher and Laura Pavlov.
I've read Ms. Pavlov's books in the past and enjoyed them. Ms. Asher is a new author to me, however after this read I'll be putting some of her back library into my TBR shelf.
Wanted Wed or Alive hit a lot of high points for me as a reader and a reviewer. As a reader, the punny title alone would have hooked me. The story behind the title was even better than I thought it would be.
Let's dive into what went so right I gave it five stars.
The opening scene of the book introduces us to Jesse, our hero, as he is coming to the sudden and shocking conclusion that he should NOT be getting married. As such, Jesse takes off. Into the woods behind the church. Just as his bride to be is rolling up to the said church.
In the next chapter, as well as over the course of flashbacks, we will learn that Jesse's ditched fiancée was not sugar and spice and all that is nice. In fact, with Jesse hightailing it out of the church his family is finally freed to voice their true feelings for the woman in a white dress. No one is upset with Jesse. They are in fact, relieved.
To get out from under the horrible near miss of his wedding, Jesse decides to move to Brooklyn with his brothers. The four of them own a real estate/construction firm based in Brooklyn with Jesse working as the accountant from his home in Chicago. The boys are giddy to have their baby brother out east with them and let him know it. In pure, unadulterated, fashion. Coming from a large family and having a parent who came from a larger family, the dialogue, the nicknames, the inside jokes, the snark, the sarcasm, and the support all rang true to me. There were several scenes where I could easily see the scene being played out by my uncles.
Mya, our female lead, is also fresh out of Chicago, fresh from law school, and her last relationship ended when she walked in on her boyfriend dirty talking their neighbor while acting out the dirty talk.
She moved out, graduated from law school, and moved on. Mya is very reserved and walled off from relationships now though. This wasn't the first relationship of hers to go sour, it was just the most jarring. Mya is determined to take this new life to focus on building her law career and enjoying the freedom to just be herself.
Mya and Jesse meet the day that Mya is moving into the building the brothers are in the process of renovating and renting out. She's one of the few new tenants besides the four Taylor brothers who are using it as office space and housing space while they work on it.
Jesse is struck with insta lust leading to disconnection of his brain to mouth function. Some of the dialogue Ms. Asher and Ms. Pavlov wrote from him is laugh out loud funny. Nothing screams "I'm a well educated successful man" like announcing out of the blue that you've never suffered from lice. That is one of the tamer things Jesse lets out during trying to talk to Mya. The opening interactions between the two are riddled with "what did he say?" moments and leave you hoping there is another meet up soon.
Jesse and Mya move back and forth between - flirting towards a relationship, back to strict friends (no benefits), back to "my mouth accidentally wound up on yours, but it liked it", and FINALLY Jesse succeeds in convincing Mya's guarded heart to take a chance where they dive into an actual relationship.
For all that the plot can be rompy, cute, and fun; Jesse deals with some emotional scars and realization that his ex-fiancee was an abusive partner. We start to see a playful, fun, and confident Jesse emerge from these sadder pieces. These are all welcome changes as noted by the brothers, their younger sister, and their parents.
Mya comes with a few fun characters on her side of the story as well. Her take no prisoners, blunt speaking, smart, assertive "she-devil" of a best friend lives to torment the Taylor brothers; the eldest in particular.
Mya's mom has to have a streaming subscription to 'Dateline' with the facts and conspiracy theories she throws out. Estella is not a woman to mess with, nor a woman whose food you want to consume; but she does have some stellar lines. I wound up sending one of Estella's pearls of wisdom to my mom - to thank her for raising me to be smart enough not to join a cult.
The biggest tension in the plot is Jesse's run from his wedding and Mya's trust issues. As you can guess, Jesse isn't proud nor talkative about his almost wedding day. He is also scared that when he shares the sordid details with Mya she will wind up running off on him. The tension then becomes the build up of when will he tell her and what will the fall out be. To be blunt - the explosion is epic, it is painful, and the fallout is almost physically hard to read with the graphic descriptions the reader is given of Jesse and Mya working through the aftermath.
The pieces of the plot for this story, the side characters, the world building and the characters themselves are amazing. Besides the Taylor brothers with their realistic sibling banter and play. The authors wrote Mya and Emma as intelligent, successful, and fun women. Emma really doesn't hold her opinion back. Mya is written as a woman with a wealth of love to give, an example of what a healthy marriage looks like, and life goals. She, like all of us, just doesn't want to go through the pain of being broken again. Jesse is that unicorn of a person who just "gets' her, loves her as is, and encourages her in her work as well as her hobbies. Best book boyfriend ever! In all fairness though, the Taylor brothers are all written as men who were raised by parents who were involved in their children's lives, loving, supportive, and expect their kids to show kindness, compassion, and acceptance to others. Jesse plays those traits out in spades.
I'm firmly addicted to the Taylors,. Luckily for all of us, Jesse and Mya are just the beginning. Ms. Asher and Ms. Pavlov have plans to write books for ALL of the remaining Taylor siblings. Yes. All of them. Even Penelope, their younger sister.
I'm hopeful that the next book is slated to come out soon. Based on this series starter, I have added them all to my TBR shelf, set publication update alerts and will just be as patient as a reader can be.
I've read Ms. Pavlov's books in the past and enjoyed them. Ms. Asher is a new author to me, however after this read I'll be putting some of her back library into my TBR shelf.
Wanted Wed or Alive hit a lot of high points for me as a reader and a reviewer. As a reader, the punny title alone would have hooked me. The story behind the title was even better than I thought it would be.
Let's dive into what went so right I gave it five stars.
The opening scene of the book introduces us to Jesse, our hero, as he is coming to the sudden and shocking conclusion that he should NOT be getting married. As such, Jesse takes off. Into the woods behind the church. Just as his bride to be is rolling up to the said church.
In the next chapter, as well as over the course of flashbacks, we will learn that Jesse's ditched fiancée was not sugar and spice and all that is nice. In fact, with Jesse hightailing it out of the church his family is finally freed to voice their true feelings for the woman in a white dress. No one is upset with Jesse. They are in fact, relieved.
To get out from under the horrible near miss of his wedding, Jesse decides to move to Brooklyn with his brothers. The four of them own a real estate/construction firm based in Brooklyn with Jesse working as the accountant from his home in Chicago. The boys are giddy to have their baby brother out east with them and let him know it. In pure, unadulterated, fashion. Coming from a large family and having a parent who came from a larger family, the dialogue, the nicknames, the inside jokes, the snark, the sarcasm, and the support all rang true to me. There were several scenes where I could easily see the scene being played out by my uncles.
Mya, our female lead, is also fresh out of Chicago, fresh from law school, and her last relationship ended when she walked in on her boyfriend dirty talking their neighbor while acting out the dirty talk.
She moved out, graduated from law school, and moved on. Mya is very reserved and walled off from relationships now though. This wasn't the first relationship of hers to go sour, it was just the most jarring. Mya is determined to take this new life to focus on building her law career and enjoying the freedom to just be herself.
Mya and Jesse meet the day that Mya is moving into the building the brothers are in the process of renovating and renting out. She's one of the few new tenants besides the four Taylor brothers who are using it as office space and housing space while they work on it.
Jesse is struck with insta lust leading to disconnection of his brain to mouth function. Some of the dialogue Ms. Asher and Ms. Pavlov wrote from him is laugh out loud funny. Nothing screams "I'm a well educated successful man" like announcing out of the blue that you've never suffered from lice. That is one of the tamer things Jesse lets out during trying to talk to Mya. The opening interactions between the two are riddled with "what did he say?" moments and leave you hoping there is another meet up soon.
Jesse and Mya move back and forth between - flirting towards a relationship, back to strict friends (no benefits), back to "my mouth accidentally wound up on yours, but it liked it", and FINALLY Jesse succeeds in convincing Mya's guarded heart to take a chance where they dive into an actual relationship.
For all that the plot can be rompy, cute, and fun; Jesse deals with some emotional scars and realization that his ex-fiancee was an abusive partner. We start to see a playful, fun, and confident Jesse emerge from these sadder pieces. These are all welcome changes as noted by the brothers, their younger sister, and their parents.
Mya comes with a few fun characters on her side of the story as well. Her take no prisoners, blunt speaking, smart, assertive "she-devil" of a best friend lives to torment the Taylor brothers; the eldest in particular.
Mya's mom has to have a streaming subscription to 'Dateline' with the facts and conspiracy theories she throws out. Estella is not a woman to mess with, nor a woman whose food you want to consume; but she does have some stellar lines. I wound up sending one of Estella's pearls of wisdom to my mom - to thank her for raising me to be smart enough not to join a cult.
The biggest tension in the plot is Jesse's run from his wedding and Mya's trust issues. As you can guess, Jesse isn't proud nor talkative about his almost wedding day. He is also scared that when he shares the sordid details with Mya she will wind up running off on him. The tension then becomes the build up of when will he tell her and what will the fall out be. To be blunt - the explosion is epic, it is painful, and the fallout is almost physically hard to read with the graphic descriptions the reader is given of Jesse and Mya working through the aftermath.
The pieces of the plot for this story, the side characters, the world building and the characters themselves are amazing. Besides the Taylor brothers with their realistic sibling banter and play. The authors wrote Mya and Emma as intelligent, successful, and fun women. Emma really doesn't hold her opinion back. Mya is written as a woman with a wealth of love to give, an example of what a healthy marriage looks like, and life goals. She, like all of us, just doesn't want to go through the pain of being broken again. Jesse is that unicorn of a person who just "gets' her, loves her as is, and encourages her in her work as well as her hobbies. Best book boyfriend ever! In all fairness though, the Taylor brothers are all written as men who were raised by parents who were involved in their children's lives, loving, supportive, and expect their kids to show kindness, compassion, and acceptance to others. Jesse plays those traits out in spades.
I'm firmly addicted to the Taylors,. Luckily for all of us, Jesse and Mya are just the beginning. Ms. Asher and Ms. Pavlov have plans to write books for ALL of the remaining Taylor siblings. Yes. All of them. Even Penelope, their younger sister.
I'm hopeful that the next book is slated to come out soon. Based on this series starter, I have added them all to my TBR shelf, set publication update alerts and will just be as patient as a reader can be.
June 30, 2024
Such a fun read. I really liked the hero and how flustered he got when he was near the heroine. I did have a bit of a problem with how he didn't tell her about his ex. The hero's family was s0 fun and I am excited to read their books.
March 28, 2023
This rom com was exactly what was needed 🔥🔥💋
This is the type of book to get the reader in you out of a slump and fall in love with storytelling.
This is the type of book to get the reader in you out of a slump and fall in love with storytelling.
April 21, 2021
I LOVED the GD Taylors!!
As soon as Willow Aster and Laura Pavlov announced this series, I knew they would make a fabulous writing duo and I was not wrong! Wanted Wed or Alive was an incredible start to what I know is going to be a favourite series this year. I fell so hard and fast for the Taylor brothers and I cannot wait for each of them to get their own HEAs.
The story is most definitely a rom-com. There were endless scenes that had me in fits of giggles, but not only is this a rom-com it is heartfelt and there is a ton of swoony, steamy moments to fall over too. I couldn’t get enough of the love, the friendship, and hilarious banter.
Jesse is a runaway groom. He was steps away from making the biggest mistake of his life by marrying the wrong woman for him when he finally comes to his senses and flees from his wedding in Chicago to New York to join his brothers in their construction business. They own an up and coming Condo in New York, and each brother have their own condo unit in the same building. This is where Jesse meets Mya and the moment they do there were instant sparks! The chemistry between them was palpable and the way he was drawn to her and fumbling over his attraction to her was so damn adorable!
Mya is also from Chicago, and has moved into the same building. She has recently been betrayed by an ex-boyfriend in an unforgivable way and she is starting over in a new city and a new job at the law firm her bestie, Emma works at. Mya is extremely cautious after having her heart obliterated the way she did. Jesse has his work cut out for him wearing her down but he does not back down and when they finally give into their attraction it was off the charts, sexy!
I adored Mya’s bestie, Emma so much! She had Mya’s back in every way. She is feisty, strong, stubborn and outspoken and I just know I am going to love her even more when we get her story.
The only thing I didn’t love was the conflict that arose and the lack of communication between Jesse and Mya. They could have handled it much differently if they had just communicated but it in no way takes away from how much I adored this story, and highly recommend it!
*Advanced reader copy received in exchange of a honest review.
As soon as Willow Aster and Laura Pavlov announced this series, I knew they would make a fabulous writing duo and I was not wrong! Wanted Wed or Alive was an incredible start to what I know is going to be a favourite series this year. I fell so hard and fast for the Taylor brothers and I cannot wait for each of them to get their own HEAs.
The story is most definitely a rom-com. There were endless scenes that had me in fits of giggles, but not only is this a rom-com it is heartfelt and there is a ton of swoony, steamy moments to fall over too. I couldn’t get enough of the love, the friendship, and hilarious banter.
Jesse is a runaway groom. He was steps away from making the biggest mistake of his life by marrying the wrong woman for him when he finally comes to his senses and flees from his wedding in Chicago to New York to join his brothers in their construction business. They own an up and coming Condo in New York, and each brother have their own condo unit in the same building. This is where Jesse meets Mya and the moment they do there were instant sparks! The chemistry between them was palpable and the way he was drawn to her and fumbling over his attraction to her was so damn adorable!
Mya is also from Chicago, and has moved into the same building. She has recently been betrayed by an ex-boyfriend in an unforgivable way and she is starting over in a new city and a new job at the law firm her bestie, Emma works at. Mya is extremely cautious after having her heart obliterated the way she did. Jesse has his work cut out for him wearing her down but he does not back down and when they finally give into their attraction it was off the charts, sexy!
I adored Mya’s bestie, Emma so much! She had Mya’s back in every way. She is feisty, strong, stubborn and outspoken and I just know I am going to love her even more when we get her story.
The only thing I didn’t love was the conflict that arose and the lack of communication between Jesse and Mya. They could have handled it much differently if they had just communicated but it in no way takes away from how much I adored this story, and highly recommend it!
*Advanced reader copy received in exchange of a honest review.
September 24, 2022
Jesse is a super adorable cinnamon roll hero who trips over his words any time he is around Mya at first. He definitely gets over this, but it is super adorable at the beginning. Jesse has recently left his fiancé at the altar. She was terrible and controlling. He didn’t even propose- she posted their “engagement” on social media and he felt stuck. After leaving her on their wedding day, he moves to New York where his three brothers live and renovate condos. They live in the building that they are renovating in their own apartments so that they are on site to make things easier.
Mya recently caught her boyfriend cheating on her, and moved to New York to get away and be closer to her best friend Emma when they both get jobs at the same law firm. Mya lives in the same building at Jesse, and they run into each other downstairs when she is moving in. They are both super attracted to each other, but with their pasts, they decide to just be friends. They become really good friends, but it becomes clear that they cannot deny their attraction for each other. Their relationship starts pretty soon in the book and they are super adorable and happy together, but I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop the whole time.
While Mya knows about Jesse’s ex, she is not aware that he was engaged or that he left her on their wedding day. When this information comes out before Jesse had a chance to tell her, she is very upset. I felt like this conflict didn’t really seem believable. He had so many chances to tell her beforehand. Not to mention she really over reacted. This conflict is the only reason that this book did not get 5 stars from me. I loved the way Emma and Estella (Mya’s mom) talked some sense into her, and Jesse’s grovel was so good.
The family aspect in this book was so good. We see so much of Jesse’s brothers, and they are hilarious. His younger sister Penelope is great as well, but we don’t see as much of her since she is still back home in Chicago going to college. Jesse’s parents and sister come out to New York for Thanksgiving. His mom wants everyone to feel important, so she plans a different course at each person’s apartment, including breakfast at Mya’s. It’s hilarious and ridiculous how frustrated the boys are about it. I loved it!
4 stars
Mya recently caught her boyfriend cheating on her, and moved to New York to get away and be closer to her best friend Emma when they both get jobs at the same law firm. Mya lives in the same building at Jesse, and they run into each other downstairs when she is moving in. They are both super attracted to each other, but with their pasts, they decide to just be friends. They become really good friends, but it becomes clear that they cannot deny their attraction for each other. Their relationship starts pretty soon in the book and they are super adorable and happy together, but I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop the whole time.
While Mya knows about Jesse’s ex, she is not aware that he was engaged or that he left her on their wedding day. When this information comes out before Jesse had a chance to tell her, she is very upset. I felt like this conflict didn’t really seem believable. He had so many chances to tell her beforehand. Not to mention she really over reacted. This conflict is the only reason that this book did not get 5 stars from me. I loved the way Emma and Estella (Mya’s mom) talked some sense into her, and Jesse’s grovel was so good.
The family aspect in this book was so good. We see so much of Jesse’s brothers, and they are hilarious. His younger sister Penelope is great as well, but we don’t see as much of her since she is still back home in Chicago going to college. Jesse’s parents and sister come out to New York for Thanksgiving. His mom wants everyone to feel important, so she plans a different course at each person’s apartment, including breakfast at Mya’s. It’s hilarious and ridiculous how frustrated the boys are about it. I loved it!
4 stars
April 22, 2021
Amazon / Amazon Worldwide
Jesse ran from what would have been the biggest mistake of his life - marrying a gold digging ice queen. Thank God he came to his senses before it was too late, even if it caused him to literally ditch her at the altar. Now he's in New York about to move in with his brothers, when he sees a veritable vision of beauty - she's going to be his new neighbor! But she's got walls around her heart, so anything Jesse hopes to start with Mya will be hard work.
First I have to say that Wanted Wed or Alive is laugh out loud funny and witty. Jesse's brothers, Mya's bestie and her mom - they're all so freaking funny that I must have laughed my butt off a ton of times while reading. But, Mya and Jesse and co aren't just funny and witty af, they all have so much heart. And that was what I loved most about this duo's writing - the heart. Combined with the humor and the heat all made for a seriously wonderful romantic comedy. I cannot wait for more of this pair of writers' work.
ARC via Social Butterfly for an honest review.
Review / Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.
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April 27, 2021
Wanted Wed or Alive is a pretty cool and entertaining rom com. Jesse Taylor makes the best decision when he flees the church on his wedding day. Then, he thinks it's better to stay at his NYC penthouse until the waters calm down. After reflecting on how toxic their relationship was, he decides not to become romantically involved with any woman again, without imagining that he will meet Mya in his building apartment. She's just been through a romantic disappointment and like Jesse, love is the last thing on her priority list. When they meet, the attraction is immediate and it’s the start of many hilarious events that always end up bringing them together. Shortly after meeting they begin to establish a friendship, which later is difficult to maintain without crossing the limits.
I enjoyed reading this book. It is an agile, fun reading with sweet romance. Ideal if you have a blockage. Jesse is the youngest of 4 brothers (and Pen, who is the baby sister). This clan is fascinating, each brother has their particularity and I loved all of them all. I loved the family union, they are always willing to help (and tease Jesse 😂). Jesse is handsome, sexy, charming but he has always gone the easy way when it comes to romantic relationships. He is not looking for any kind of relationship but things change as soon as he meets Mya. She has trust issues in men thanks to her previous relationship, but the connection she establishes with Jesse makes her reflect and try to make it work. They live a lot of ups and downs before they can establish their relationship, but in the end they achieve their HEA.
WWoA is a story whose message is that despite having bad experiences there are always new opportunities and love comes when one least expects it.
4.5 ⭐️
***𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰***
I enjoyed reading this book. It is an agile, fun reading with sweet romance. Ideal if you have a blockage. Jesse is the youngest of 4 brothers (and Pen, who is the baby sister). This clan is fascinating, each brother has their particularity and I loved all of them all. I loved the family union, they are always willing to help (and tease Jesse 😂). Jesse is handsome, sexy, charming but he has always gone the easy way when it comes to romantic relationships. He is not looking for any kind of relationship but things change as soon as he meets Mya. She has trust issues in men thanks to her previous relationship, but the connection she establishes with Jesse makes her reflect and try to make it work. They live a lot of ups and downs before they can establish their relationship, but in the end they achieve their HEA.
WWoA is a story whose message is that despite having bad experiences there are always new opportunities and love comes when one least expects it.
4.5 ⭐️
***𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰***
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