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Seven Brides for Seven Mothers #4
You're So Vain
Family drama is something Lutéce Choate struggles to avoid. With a mother who’s an award-winning country western song writer, an aunt who’s a Country Music Hall of Famer, and a brother who’s a rock star, it hasn’t exactly been a low-key kind of life, and she’s ready for a break.
Then Lu’s younger sister, Claire, goes off and gets engaged to a prince from Malquar, bringing the dreaded spotlight back to shine on their family once again. Lu wants to go to the engagement party about as much as she wants to yodel the Star Spangled Banner at the Grand Ole Opry with her crazy relatives. Alas, not going, doesn’t appear to be an option.
Alistair George Henry Bere Hale is not the heir, but the spare. Without the weight of the Crown in his future, he’s managed to live the carefree life of a man about town. That is until his younger brother gets engaged before him and their mother starts pressuring him to settle down.
Alistair represents everything that Lutéce has come to despise—he’s a rich, playboy, partier, who’s always in the spotlight…
But Alistair doesn’t feel the same about Lu. In fact, he’s quite drawn to his brother’s future sister-in-law, prickles and all.
When Lu and Alistair’s mothers witness the sparks between their children, they start to make plans of their own. Will Lu relax her prejudices long enough to get to know Alistair?
Then Lu’s younger sister, Claire, goes off and gets engaged to a prince from Malquar, bringing the dreaded spotlight back to shine on their family once again. Lu wants to go to the engagement party about as much as she wants to yodel the Star Spangled Banner at the Grand Ole Opry with her crazy relatives. Alas, not going, doesn’t appear to be an option.
Alistair George Henry Bere Hale is not the heir, but the spare. Without the weight of the Crown in his future, he’s managed to live the carefree life of a man about town. That is until his younger brother gets engaged before him and their mother starts pressuring him to settle down.
Alistair represents everything that Lutéce has come to despise—he’s a rich, playboy, partier, who’s always in the spotlight…
But Alistair doesn’t feel the same about Lu. In fact, he’s quite drawn to his brother’s future sister-in-law, prickles and all.
When Lu and Alistair’s mothers witness the sparks between their children, they start to make plans of their own. Will Lu relax her prejudices long enough to get to know Alistair?
261 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 12, 2021
131 people are currently reading
1033 people want to read
About the author
Whitney Dineen
66 books808 followersWhitney loves to laugh, play with her kids, bake, and eat french fries -- not always in that order.
She's a USA Today Bestselling & multi-award-winning author of romantic comedies, non-fiction humor, thrillers, and middle reader fiction. Basically, she writes whatever the voices in her head tell her to.
She lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her husband, Jimmy, where they raise children, chickens, and organic vegetables.
Gold Medal winner at the International Readers' Favorite Awards 2017.
Silver medal winner at the International Readers' Favorite Awards, 2015, 2016, 2019.
Finalist RONE Awards, 2016.
Finalist at the IRFA 2016, 2017, 2019
Finalist at the Book Excellence Awards and Top Shelf Book Awards, 2017
She's a USA Today Bestselling & multi-award-winning author of romantic comedies, non-fiction humor, thrillers, and middle reader fiction. Basically, she writes whatever the voices in her head tell her to.
She lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her husband, Jimmy, where they raise children, chickens, and organic vegetables.
Gold Medal winner at the International Readers' Favorite Awards 2017.
Silver medal winner at the International Readers' Favorite Awards, 2015, 2016, 2019.
Finalist RONE Awards, 2016.
Finalist at the IRFA 2016, 2017, 2019
Finalist at the Book Excellence Awards and Top Shelf Book Awards, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
September 16, 2021
4 meddling mothers stars
A FUNNY AND DELIGHTFUL STORY
It was my first Whitney Dineen book and I fell in love with her humor! It was a fun easy read that made me laugh out loud and smiling in the end.
I hadn’t read the previous installments of the series, so I lacked some previous interactions between Lu and Alistair that would have been nice to witness, but it didn’t hinder my understanding of the plot at all.
In my opinion, this story landed somewhere between romance and women’s fiction. We followed Lu’s journey in her attempt to have a child. She first tried IVF first and (little spoiler ahead) then turned to adoption after meeting the sweetest girl. It seemed to me this theme was more central to the book than the actual romance – that was also nice by the way – so I don’t know if I’d have shelved it as a romance.
I had some trouble with Lu and Alistair’s love story. Their constant push-and-pull became a bit tiring, especially because there weren’t so many elements preventing their relationship. However they had some very good scenes. Their beach one was one of their best, but I also liked the kitchen one. Is it really possible to make Play dough using flour?! I wished we saw more of them together as a couple. The orphanage arc – such a good part – overshadowed everything at the time. So, women’s fiction…
As I said before, the humor was everything! It was in Lu and Alistair’s banter, but also a big part of the moms’ story. Their slowly grew on me, even if Sheila was a really really weird mother. But she was so much fun. And this supper scene! It was hilarious 🤣 I’d recommend this book just for this.
The ending was a little bit sketchy. I didn’t feel like we got a true closure with the orphanage plotline. Maybe it was on purpose and we’ll hear more about it in the next installment, but I doubt it as it seems it’ll take place at sea – at least part of it. We’ll see!
I'm writing this honest review after receiving a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
A FUNNY AND DELIGHTFUL STORY
It was my first Whitney Dineen book and I fell in love with her humor! It was a fun easy read that made me laugh out loud and smiling in the end.
I hadn’t read the previous installments of the series, so I lacked some previous interactions between Lu and Alistair that would have been nice to witness, but it didn’t hinder my understanding of the plot at all.
In my opinion, this story landed somewhere between romance and women’s fiction. We followed Lu’s journey in her attempt to have a child. She first tried IVF first and (little spoiler ahead) then turned to adoption after meeting the sweetest girl. It seemed to me this theme was more central to the book than the actual romance – that was also nice by the way – so I don’t know if I’d have shelved it as a romance.
I had some trouble with Lu and Alistair’s love story. Their constant push-and-pull became a bit tiring, especially because there weren’t so many elements preventing their relationship. However they had some very good scenes. Their beach one was one of their best, but I also liked the kitchen one. Is it really possible to make Play dough using flour?! I wished we saw more of them together as a couple. The orphanage arc – such a good part – overshadowed everything at the time. So, women’s fiction…
As I said before, the humor was everything! It was in Lu and Alistair’s banter, but also a big part of the moms’ story. Their slowly grew on me, even if Sheila was a really really weird mother. But she was so much fun. And this supper scene! It was hilarious 🤣 I’d recommend this book just for this.
The ending was a little bit sketchy. I didn’t feel like we got a true closure with the orphanage plotline. Maybe it was on purpose and we’ll hear more about it in the next installment, but I doubt it as it seems it’ll take place at sea – at least part of it. We’ll see!
I'm writing this honest review after receiving a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
November 2, 2021
You’re So Vain is the fourth book in the Seven Brides for Seven Mothers series following Lutéce Choate and Prince Alistair Hale. 36 year-old Lu is exhausted of the dating scene in Los Angeles. Where have all the chivalrous, handsome men gone? With her biological clock ticking, she wants to have a baby.With or without a partner by her side... With her sister getting married to the prince of Malquar, the last thing Lu wants is to be in the limelight. She definitely doesn't want to encounter Prince Alistair, who is a complete flirt and obnoxious.
Alistair Hale is the perfect paparazzi victim. He is in his early 30's and is the spare prince in line for the throne. They always catch him partying, or being a naughty playboy. The truth is he has a different side than what the public sees. He's kind and gentle to those he loves, like his family and the children at the orphanage. When Lu arrives in Malquar, he is smitten at first but deterred by her prickly personality. Both of their mothers concoct a plan to bring these two opposites together. Because what could be better than enemies to lovers?
2.5 stars ⭐️ My first Whitney Dineen book didn’t impress me enough to want to read others by her. As much as this series sounds endearing; there is something about mothers meddling in their children’s love lives that irks me. Lu and Alistair’s character development didn’t evolve well enough for me to understand them when they finally began acting like adults. The plot circles around Lu desperately wanting to have children of her own but the epilogue doesn’t suggest that occurring.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing to read this book in exchange for my honest opinion!
Alistair Hale is the perfect paparazzi victim. He is in his early 30's and is the spare prince in line for the throne. They always catch him partying, or being a naughty playboy. The truth is he has a different side than what the public sees. He's kind and gentle to those he loves, like his family and the children at the orphanage. When Lu arrives in Malquar, he is smitten at first but deterred by her prickly personality. Both of their mothers concoct a plan to bring these two opposites together. Because what could be better than enemies to lovers?
2.5 stars ⭐️ My first Whitney Dineen book didn’t impress me enough to want to read others by her. As much as this series sounds endearing; there is something about mothers meddling in their children’s love lives that irks me. Lu and Alistair’s character development didn’t evolve well enough for me to understand them when they finally began acting like adults. The plot circles around Lu desperately wanting to have children of her own but the epilogue doesn’t suggest that occurring.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing to read this book in exchange for my honest opinion!
September 27, 2021
הספר הרביעי בסדרת "שבע כלות לשבע אמהות" החביבה עליי של ויטני דינין, סופרת שאני מאוד מחבבת ונהנית לקרוא.
הפעם הספר מתמקד באליסטר, אחיו של ג'פרי מהספר הקודם, ובלוטיס, אחותה של קלייר מהספר הקודם. לאליסטר יש מוניטין של פלייבוי קל דעת, אבל למען האמת הוא בכלל בחור הגון שרוצה להקים משפחה, וליבו נשבר מאישה שבגדה בו בעבר. לוטיס נכוותה פעמים רבות מבני זוג שבגדו בה ועזבו אותה, היא בת 36 וחלומה הגדול הוא להיות אמא. אליסטר ולוטיס מצד אחד כל הזמן רבים, ומצד שני נמשכים אחד לשניה.
ספר כיפי ומהנה. זו אחלה סדרה ואני מקווה שהספר החמישי יצא במהרה!!
הפעם הספר מתמקד באליסטר, אחיו של ג'פרי מהספר הקודם, ובלוטיס, אחותה של קלייר מהספר הקודם. לאליסטר יש מוניטין של פלייבוי קל דעת, אבל למען האמת הוא בכלל בחור הגון שרוצה להקים משפחה, וליבו נשבר מאישה שבגדה בו בעבר. לוטיס נכוותה פעמים רבות מבני זוג שבגדו בה ועזבו אותה, היא בת 36 וחלומה הגדול הוא להיות אמא. אליסטר ולוטיס מצד אחד כל הזמן רבים, ומצד שני נמשכים אחד לשניה.
ספר כיפי ומהנה. זו אחלה סדרה ואני מקווה שהספר החמישי יצא במהרה!!
September 14, 2021
Annoying Schemes . . .
Alistair George Henry Bere Hale (“Alistair”) and Lutéce Choate (“Lu”) are about to become victims of their mothers’ matchmaking scheme which will provide lots of entertainment for the reader (unless it gets on your nerves and annoys you).
Lu's younger sister, Claire, becomes engaged to a Prince from Malquar. Although Lu totally does not want to attend the engagement party, she can’t find a way to gracefully get out of it. Alistair is “the spare”, not the heir, so his life has been fairly easy-going. But when his younger brother gets engaged, it seems to signal his mother to start urging him to find someone immediately.
Lu considers Alistair – through assumption and unsubstantiated rumor – to be a wild playboy, an uncontrollable party-goer, and a man craving the spotlight for attention, all the traits she despises. He is none of those things. And he kind of likes Lu, despite the attitude he is sensing from her. But as Lu and Alistair's mothers observe the interest between their children, the plots and intricate annoying plans begin! Will this actually drive the two apart? Or will they bargain their futures to stop the incessant scheming of their moms? Grab your copy and find out how it all works out among the families.
Alistair George Henry Bere Hale (“Alistair”) and Lutéce Choate (“Lu”) are about to become victims of their mothers’ matchmaking scheme which will provide lots of entertainment for the reader (unless it gets on your nerves and annoys you).
Lu's younger sister, Claire, becomes engaged to a Prince from Malquar. Although Lu totally does not want to attend the engagement party, she can’t find a way to gracefully get out of it. Alistair is “the spare”, not the heir, so his life has been fairly easy-going. But when his younger brother gets engaged, it seems to signal his mother to start urging him to find someone immediately.
Lu considers Alistair – through assumption and unsubstantiated rumor – to be a wild playboy, an uncontrollable party-goer, and a man craving the spotlight for attention, all the traits she despises. He is none of those things. And he kind of likes Lu, despite the attitude he is sensing from her. But as Lu and Alistair's mothers observe the interest between their children, the plots and intricate annoying plans begin! Will this actually drive the two apart? Or will they bargain their futures to stop the incessant scheming of their moms? Grab your copy and find out how it all works out among the families.
October 15, 2021
This was a quick, fun read that I didn't want to put down. Despite her best efforts, Lutece cannot find someone to share her life with. I laughed at the stories of her dating mishaps and applauded her decision to have children on her own. Whitney Dineen's writing is witty and engrossing and enjoyed all the characters and their antics. I particularly loved the spotlight on adoption. Can't wait to read the rest of the series to catch up!
I received a copy from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 4, 2021
An enchanting story that will draw you in with a few chuckles and hints at a budding romance, some meddling mothers, a bunch of orphans and a shocking reveal that will leave you laughing-loved it
Read
September 29, 2021It was good read, just thrown off as to why Claire & Lu's mother is named Sharon in Claire's book (It's my party) and named Sheila in this book?
November 5, 2021
Wrong mother's name?
I'm sorry, but is Claire's and Lutece's mother's name Sharon (previous book) or Sheila (current book)? I'm confused. But it's s cute story.
I'm sorry, but is Claire's and Lutece's mother's name Sharon (previous book) or Sheila (current book)? I'm confused. But it's s cute story.
September 17, 2021
This is book four of the Seven Brides for Seven Mothers series and tells the story of Lu (Lutece) Choate (36) and Prince Alistair George Henry Bere Hale (32), the second in line to the throne. Lu is asked to come to the small monarchy of Malquar to support her younger sister Claire as they announce her engagement to Alistair’s younger brother Geoffrey, along with her parents and aunt Tooty. They arrive to a huge fanfare, not something Lu was expecting nor dressed for, with lots of press there to take pictures of the happy couple. Luckily, Alistair pops up beside her and gives her the chance to escape by faking a headache, and drives her to the palace. The two of them met at a wedding in Oregon and hated each other and nothing seems to have changed much, as she is exactly as he remembered. After a string of bad relationships and dates, Lu has decided to try IVF to have a child of her own, much to her mother’s disdain, feeling that her biological clock is running out and she may never find someone in time. She is on lots of hormone tablets to help with this and her emotions have been on a hair trigger. She didn’t exactly want to come to Malquar, but her mother kind of insisted she support her sister. Alistair seems to be exactly as she remembered, flirting with anything that moves and living the lifestyle of a carefree playboy.
Nothing is as it seems with Alistair and he is getting fed up that even his own mother is beginning to believe the pictures and stories she sees about him in the press. Women see him as an easy way into a royal family and never having to work a day in their lives again. He is actually the patron for the local orphanage and loves spending his free time there playing and reading to the kids and they all adore him. It is run by the formidable Sister Hennepin, who used to tutor him when he was a child and she still treats him like an ordinary child and makes him do what she asks! Although his mother thinks his reading to the kids is an excuse to get out of meeting Claire and her family. The two mums, Sheila and Charlotte, want to see more of their children married off and try to play matchmaker with Lu and Alistair, throwing them together at every opportunity. She refuses his advances to begin with and he states he will just treat her like a sister, which makes their time together easier. That is until she realises that she likes the side of him that she is seeing and gets herself involved with the orphanage and takes a shine to one of the young girls there!
Just to throw a spanner in the works of them finally getting comfortable with each other, is the appearance of the woman who broke his heart, Ellery, who started dating him first and then his oldest brother Andrew, with the eye on the prize of getting to become the next queen. When both found out she was seeing them at the same time, she was dropped like a hot potato and no matter how hard she tries, she won’t be getting either back. But she makes this as hard as she can for Alistair, using the press to take compromising photos of the two of them as she throws herself at him again. Thankfully, Lu’s mother Sheila has been secretly staying at the palace with Queen Charlotte, as the two play matchmakers, and helps to show just what she is up to, to everyone. There is more on the sidelines with Bree and Grady finally clashing heads over his love life, when she has carried a torch for him since she was little, but he feels his position is too low to allow any sort of relationship between them. I bet some sparks are going to fly in one of the next books, if it is about them. Still plenty of siblings to get married off yet, on both family’s sides, so lots of fun and capers still to read all about! Each book tells a story of one main couple’s romance and so can be read as a standalone book. Great fun and always an easy light-hearted read, as you find out what various members of these famous families are up to. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Nothing is as it seems with Alistair and he is getting fed up that even his own mother is beginning to believe the pictures and stories she sees about him in the press. Women see him as an easy way into a royal family and never having to work a day in their lives again. He is actually the patron for the local orphanage and loves spending his free time there playing and reading to the kids and they all adore him. It is run by the formidable Sister Hennepin, who used to tutor him when he was a child and she still treats him like an ordinary child and makes him do what she asks! Although his mother thinks his reading to the kids is an excuse to get out of meeting Claire and her family. The two mums, Sheila and Charlotte, want to see more of their children married off and try to play matchmaker with Lu and Alistair, throwing them together at every opportunity. She refuses his advances to begin with and he states he will just treat her like a sister, which makes their time together easier. That is until she realises that she likes the side of him that she is seeing and gets herself involved with the orphanage and takes a shine to one of the young girls there!
Just to throw a spanner in the works of them finally getting comfortable with each other, is the appearance of the woman who broke his heart, Ellery, who started dating him first and then his oldest brother Andrew, with the eye on the prize of getting to become the next queen. When both found out she was seeing them at the same time, she was dropped like a hot potato and no matter how hard she tries, she won’t be getting either back. But she makes this as hard as she can for Alistair, using the press to take compromising photos of the two of them as she throws herself at him again. Thankfully, Lu’s mother Sheila has been secretly staying at the palace with Queen Charlotte, as the two play matchmakers, and helps to show just what she is up to, to everyone. There is more on the sidelines with Bree and Grady finally clashing heads over his love life, when she has carried a torch for him since she was little, but he feels his position is too low to allow any sort of relationship between them. I bet some sparks are going to fly in one of the next books, if it is about them. Still plenty of siblings to get married off yet, on both family’s sides, so lots of fun and capers still to read all about! Each book tells a story of one main couple’s romance and so can be read as a standalone book. Great fun and always an easy light-hearted read, as you find out what various members of these famous families are up to. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
September 30, 2021
This romcom is the fourth book in the Seven Brides for Seven Mothers Series and revolves around 36-year-old Lutéce Choate (a.k.a Lu) from Los Angeles whose younger sister, Claire, gets engaged to a prince from Malquar and so necessities her whole family to move to the palace to celebrate the engagement.
The 32-year-old Prince Alistair is the ‘spare’, not the heir to the throne. Lu can't stand him because of his carefree nature and playboy image, a facade the press loves to paint him in but in fact, Alistair is someone who enjoys spending time with the children in the orphanage, make gourmet peanut butter sandwiches, and love to stay in his yacht, alone, staring into the ocean.
Lu is determined to use this break to relax so she can get pregnant through IVF because she has given up on trying to find true love and can't wait to be a mother. But her own meddlesome mother, Sheila, and Queen Charlotte (Alistair’s mother) have other plans. They are determined to bring Lu and Alistair together and concoct a scheme to brew romance between these two.
It was a sweet, short read. I enjoyed the story and the characters. Lu and Alistair are lovely characters to read about. Lu is headstrong and Alistair is thoughtful and super sweet. The family is fun, especially the mothers who ensure comedy prevails. More than romance, this book deals with the topic of adoption, and in a brilliant way shows why that is a wonderful option for potential parents to consider. Lu gets really close with one of the kids at the orphanage and decides to adopt her. Alistair supports her wish and the family comes up with another excellent idea to make sure no child feels left out.
The only thing I didn’t like was the pacing of the book. It felt rushed as if the writing happened in a hurry to churn out a book in record time and as a result felt a bit artificial. It speeds up the reading but makes the book lack soul. More justice could have been done to the characters. They had great potential.
Here are a few of my favourite scenes from the book:
Lu and Beatrice making a wish at the fountain. That was heartwarming.
Alistair putting aside his romantic interest in Lu after understanding her past fears, to help her loosen up and the subsequent burger dinner on the boat. Lovely.
Overall, the book is a fun and easy read with likable characters, perfect for rom-com lovers and teens.
I received a free copy from NetGalley for an honest review of the book.
The 32-year-old Prince Alistair is the ‘spare’, not the heir to the throne. Lu can't stand him because of his carefree nature and playboy image, a facade the press loves to paint him in but in fact, Alistair is someone who enjoys spending time with the children in the orphanage, make gourmet peanut butter sandwiches, and love to stay in his yacht, alone, staring into the ocean.
Lu is determined to use this break to relax so she can get pregnant through IVF because she has given up on trying to find true love and can't wait to be a mother. But her own meddlesome mother, Sheila, and Queen Charlotte (Alistair’s mother) have other plans. They are determined to bring Lu and Alistair together and concoct a scheme to brew romance between these two.
It was a sweet, short read. I enjoyed the story and the characters. Lu and Alistair are lovely characters to read about. Lu is headstrong and Alistair is thoughtful and super sweet. The family is fun, especially the mothers who ensure comedy prevails. More than romance, this book deals with the topic of adoption, and in a brilliant way shows why that is a wonderful option for potential parents to consider. Lu gets really close with one of the kids at the orphanage and decides to adopt her. Alistair supports her wish and the family comes up with another excellent idea to make sure no child feels left out.
The only thing I didn’t like was the pacing of the book. It felt rushed as if the writing happened in a hurry to churn out a book in record time and as a result felt a bit artificial. It speeds up the reading but makes the book lack soul. More justice could have been done to the characters. They had great potential.
Here are a few of my favourite scenes from the book:
Lu and Beatrice making a wish at the fountain. That was heartwarming.
Alistair putting aside his romantic interest in Lu after understanding her past fears, to help her loosen up and the subsequent burger dinner on the boat. Lovely.
Overall, the book is a fun and easy read with likable characters, perfect for rom-com lovers and teens.
I received a free copy from NetGalley for an honest review of the book.
September 7, 2021
After everything that Lu had gone through in her life with her famous family, her taking everything she reads about Alistair at face value gets old. She’s really insecure. Alistair on the other hand is a patient man and nothing at all like his reputation. They bond over orphans. For me, that is one of the best themes of this book. It strongly advocates adoption.
The thing that bugged me the most about this book was the continued interference of the mothers. I found it beyond annoying. The Queen wasn’t as bad as Sheila, in my mind. Sheila telling Lu that IVF was wrong, then threatening to leave her husband and move in with her while she was pregnant to “take care of her”, then staying in Malquar without her daughter not knowing. She did eventually help, but overall I just skipped reading almost all the Sheila and Queen chapters until close to the end as they got to the point they outright ticked me off.
I can’t help but wonder where the heroine’s name -Lutece came from. I looked it up to see if it was a type of lettuce since her brother’s name is Romaine, but all that came up was a restaurant name. Weird.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. There were just parts I could have lived without. I look forward to Brady and Bree’s book. Their getting stuck in the yacht seems to be less likely for “mom interference” than in this book. One can only hope.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The thing that bugged me the most about this book was the continued interference of the mothers. I found it beyond annoying. The Queen wasn’t as bad as Sheila, in my mind. Sheila telling Lu that IVF was wrong, then threatening to leave her husband and move in with her while she was pregnant to “take care of her”, then staying in Malquar without her daughter not knowing. She did eventually help, but overall I just skipped reading almost all the Sheila and Queen chapters until close to the end as they got to the point they outright ticked me off.
I can’t help but wonder where the heroine’s name -Lutece came from. I looked it up to see if it was a type of lettuce since her brother’s name is Romaine, but all that came up was a restaurant name. Weird.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. There were just parts I could have lived without. I look forward to Brady and Bree’s book. Their getting stuck in the yacht seems to be less likely for “mom interference” than in this book. One can only hope.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 5, 2021
Royal playboy and music royalty come together in this fun romance.
I’m a big fan of Whitney’s work and this story was super fun. You’re So Vain follows the same recipe as the rest of the Seven Brides for Seven Mothers series, it follows a romance that’s been tinkered with by nosy mothers who mean well and hope for the best. In this case the Queen of Malquar has high hopes for her son Alister and for American music royalty, Lutece Choate whose mother has been close friends of Malquar royalty. Alister has been the royal playboy for the past few years with scandalous headlines but it’s not who he really is and he hasn’t bothered to fix his image. Lu on the other hand has been stuck with some real duds the past few years to the point she’s become bitter and afraid. It takes some meddling from their mothers to get them to open up with one another and to take a chance.
I enjoyed this! It’s not my favorite but it was still a fun read. I think the main turn off that I had was just how bitter Lu was. Her attitude just rubbed me the wrong way. Alister seemed really great! His character was warm and fun and he wasn’t cocky in a way you’d think a prince could be. I think Lu and Alister had great fun getting to know each other, I enjoyed seeing the benefits of their charity work and I loved the ending. This was a great read. Definitely recommend to others.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.
I’m a big fan of Whitney’s work and this story was super fun. You’re So Vain follows the same recipe as the rest of the Seven Brides for Seven Mothers series, it follows a romance that’s been tinkered with by nosy mothers who mean well and hope for the best. In this case the Queen of Malquar has high hopes for her son Alister and for American music royalty, Lutece Choate whose mother has been close friends of Malquar royalty. Alister has been the royal playboy for the past few years with scandalous headlines but it’s not who he really is and he hasn’t bothered to fix his image. Lu on the other hand has been stuck with some real duds the past few years to the point she’s become bitter and afraid. It takes some meddling from their mothers to get them to open up with one another and to take a chance.
I enjoyed this! It’s not my favorite but it was still a fun read. I think the main turn off that I had was just how bitter Lu was. Her attitude just rubbed me the wrong way. Alister seemed really great! His character was warm and fun and he wasn’t cocky in a way you’d think a prince could be. I think Lu and Alister had great fun getting to know each other, I enjoyed seeing the benefits of their charity work and I loved the ending. This was a great read. Definitely recommend to others.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.
September 7, 2021
This romance was so much fun!
Between catfishing teenagers and well-meaning mothers, Lutéce can barely keep her focus on achieving her main goal in life: becoming a mother herself. But those plans are put on hold while she joins her family in celebrating her sister's upcoming marriage to a European prince. Who has a sexy yet annoying brother, a charmer who can't seem to turn off the flirt no matter how cold she is toward him.
Alistair is the perfect playboy prince with a heart of gold. He can see that Lutéce has built a fortress around her heart so he decides to just be her friend and help her enjoy her time in his country. If only they weren't constantly being manipulated by the united efforts of their mothers. Throw in a heart-tugging orphanage run by a bossy nun and a status-hungry social climber with her own agenda and you've got a story filled with heartwarming family moments and swoon-worthy romantic entanglements.
By the time the dust settles around the bunny slippers, all the secrets are revealed and all the walls have been torn down, paving the way to the sweetest HEA ever. I adored every bit of this story, and I hope that Sheila and Charlotte have a few more tricks up their sleeves for another story or two. If you love royal intrigue and intelligent, witty rom-coms this is the book for you. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Between catfishing teenagers and well-meaning mothers, Lutéce can barely keep her focus on achieving her main goal in life: becoming a mother herself. But those plans are put on hold while she joins her family in celebrating her sister's upcoming marriage to a European prince. Who has a sexy yet annoying brother, a charmer who can't seem to turn off the flirt no matter how cold she is toward him.
Alistair is the perfect playboy prince with a heart of gold. He can see that Lutéce has built a fortress around her heart so he decides to just be her friend and help her enjoy her time in his country. If only they weren't constantly being manipulated by the united efforts of their mothers. Throw in a heart-tugging orphanage run by a bossy nun and a status-hungry social climber with her own agenda and you've got a story filled with heartwarming family moments and swoon-worthy romantic entanglements.
By the time the dust settles around the bunny slippers, all the secrets are revealed and all the walls have been torn down, paving the way to the sweetest HEA ever. I adored every bit of this story, and I hope that Sheila and Charlotte have a few more tricks up their sleeves for another story or two. If you love royal intrigue and intelligent, witty rom-coms this is the book for you. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
September 19, 2021
Lutece's last date turned out to be a 14-year-old kid pretending to be his dad. Her quest to find the man of her dreams and daddy to her babies was thwarted once again. So, Lu's decided IVF will be the answer. If she can't find a man on the same biological clock as her, she'll make her own decisions.
Now that Alistair's younger brother is engaged (to Lu's sister!) his mother is once again pressuring him to find his other half and settle down. That's something Lu and Alistair have in common: meddling mamas! The problem is, paparazzi follow him everywhere and portray him as Royalty's Playboy. But Alistair really is a good guy, he just has to get past his tattered image and the crazy Royal Chasers.
Lu's defensive stance toward men almost thwarts Alistair's, once they're in the same room they can't stand each other. But Alistair can't help himself...he's drawn to her and persues her nonetheless. Once Lu realizes that Alistair isn't the man he's portrayed to be she begins to open up.
Crazy exes.
Meddling mamas.
Adorable orphans.
The only thing that wasn't my cup of tea was the level of intimacy. This was a sweet romance and I usually gravitate toward the spice. Despite that I would still direct you toward reading the story. It's super fun!
I received this book as an advanced reader copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Now that Alistair's younger brother is engaged (to Lu's sister!) his mother is once again pressuring him to find his other half and settle down. That's something Lu and Alistair have in common: meddling mamas! The problem is, paparazzi follow him everywhere and portray him as Royalty's Playboy. But Alistair really is a good guy, he just has to get past his tattered image and the crazy Royal Chasers.
Lu's defensive stance toward men almost thwarts Alistair's, once they're in the same room they can't stand each other. But Alistair can't help himself...he's drawn to her and persues her nonetheless. Once Lu realizes that Alistair isn't the man he's portrayed to be she begins to open up.
Crazy exes.
Meddling mamas.
Adorable orphans.
The only thing that wasn't my cup of tea was the level of intimacy. This was a sweet romance and I usually gravitate toward the spice. Despite that I would still direct you toward reading the story. It's super fun!
I received this book as an advanced reader copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 12, 2021
Lutéce and Alistair…this is their story. For me, it tells about what effects life has on you when you are from an important or famous family – the good, the bad, and the ugly. It truly impacts Lutéce and Alistair tremendously, especially when it comes to relationships.
Lutéce is very…testy…about life and she trust no one. She is on a quest, all on her own, and it’s her choice. But, leave it to her family to stick their noses in, in a good way, even when she fights them tooth and nail.
Alistair is living a public, royal life but he has cultivated a lie – as a prince who is carefree and has a playboy lifestyle. Nothing could be further from the truth though there are few who actually see thru the façade. And Lutéce, being Lutéce, doesn’t trust that Alistair is one of the good guys.
Lu and Alistair, especially Lu, need to learn to trust each other, while taking a larger leap of faith that the other won’t hurt them. I loved Alistair – he really got the short end of the stick with Lu. She always doubted his word – her trust issues run very deep.
I loved Sister Hennepin and the kids! And Lu’s crazy family. And don’t get me started on the royals, especially the Queen. Lu and Alistair have a great story and I enjoyed. It was fun catching up with both families.
Lutéce is very…testy…about life and she trust no one. She is on a quest, all on her own, and it’s her choice. But, leave it to her family to stick their noses in, in a good way, even when she fights them tooth and nail.
Alistair is living a public, royal life but he has cultivated a lie – as a prince who is carefree and has a playboy lifestyle. Nothing could be further from the truth though there are few who actually see thru the façade. And Lutéce, being Lutéce, doesn’t trust that Alistair is one of the good guys.
Lu and Alistair, especially Lu, need to learn to trust each other, while taking a larger leap of faith that the other won’t hurt them. I loved Alistair – he really got the short end of the stick with Lu. She always doubted his word – her trust issues run very deep.
I loved Sister Hennepin and the kids! And Lu’s crazy family. And don’t get me started on the royals, especially the Queen. Lu and Alistair have a great story and I enjoyed. It was fun catching up with both families.
September 12, 2021
This was a continuation of an enjoyable series of books. Claire’s family is making the trek to celebrate her engagement to Geoffrey at his family’s royal palace. Her sister Lutéce sure isn’t thrilled, and finds Geoffrey’s older brother Alistair especially annoying … until she doesn’t! Meanwhile, though Alistair believes Lutéce to be unbelievably prickly and rude, he is also intrigued by her life’s goals in spite of her past failures in relationships. As a rom-com, it was fun watching the main characters stumble their way from protagonists/antagonists on to like-minded compadres, while family members and court members continually add turmoil and don’t hesitate to stir-up challenges. So long as the reader suspends realism and accepts this as a fantasy plot where none of the contrived events would ever occur, it is a rollicking good time towards a “happy ever after” ending. I am certainly looking forward to the next installment of the series for it is a quick light-hearted read that leaves one smiling!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 13, 2021
Lutéce's biological clock is ticking so she is planning to get IVF on her own. In the meantime, she gets invited to a royal engagement party in a country called Malquar. Prince Alistair is the younger brother of the heir. He has a flirty playboy persona and Lutéce wants to resist his charms, but it turns out that despite all the tabloid headlines, he's not all bad. No one would believe how cute he is with orphaned children, and she begins to regret rebuffing him. Every chapter starts with a vignette about meddlesome relatives who want to matchmake. Most of these seemed rather superfluous. I get it, their families want them to find love and would like to help. They think inciting jealousy would be helpful so luckily Alistair has a cooperative ex (she is a bit over the top though).. Lutéce starts to bond with one of the orphans but she cannot adopt if she's not a Malquarian citizen. I liked this quite a bit. Favorite line (talking about fairytales): "If I were writing one, there would be fewer frog kissing incidents, and more forest creatures knowing how to clean a house."
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 11, 2021
.Alistair George Henry Bere Hale is not the heir, but the spare. Without the weight of the Crown in his future, he’s managed to live the carefree life of a man about town. That is until his younger brother gets engaged before him and their mother starts pressuring him to settle down. Alistair represents everything that Lutéce has come to despise—he’s a rich, playboy, partier, who’s always in the spotlight… But Alistair doesn’t feel the same about Lu. In fact, he’s quite drawn to his brother’s future sister-in-law, prickles and all.When Lu and Alistair’s mothers witness the sparks between their children, they start to make plans of their own. Will Lu relax her prejudices long enough to get to know Alistair? Find out in the fabulously funny fourth book in the Seven Bride’s for Seven Mothers Series.
What a fun book to read. The main characters are very likable but the mothers stole the book for me. :) They are hilarious.... :) Fun, fast-moving plot. :) A perfect rom-com....
Thanks to the publisher for providing an arc.
What a fun book to read. The main characters are very likable but the mothers stole the book for me. :) They are hilarious.... :) Fun, fast-moving plot. :) A perfect rom-com....
Thanks to the publisher for providing an arc.
September 12, 2021
All reviews posted at Tales of Love, Life, and Murder
This is a cute story, a modern fairy tale where the everyday woman lives HEA with a real prince. It’s cute, sweet and a quick read. Lu and Alistair were cute together when she was being nice, but he was completely understanding and so patient with her. Their moms interfered a lot and the depth of that meddling frankly scared me, they were so smothering and overbearing, especially Sheila (Lu’s mother). Luckily, Alistair and Lu know how their moms are and were able to handle those ladies so the meddling didn’t make a mess of things. This book has goofy country music stars, silly royalty and orphans pining for families of their own, what more could you want?
September 5, 2021
You're So Vain is the fourth book in the Seven Brides for Seven mothers; it's about Alistair George Henry Bere Hale and Lutéce Choate. We first met them in book three, A Hidden Identity, Lutéce is Clarie's older sister, and Alistair is Geoffrey's older brother.
This is a charming story that will have you falling in love with these delightful characters. It's about finding your true love, the strong urge to bond and create a family, adopting children or biological, meddling mothers, and how far they will go to protect their own. While there are some outrageous scenes in this story, it has more heart, more intense feelings. It's no secret that I adore Whitney Dineen's writing and find her to be one of the best Rom-Com writers, and I would highly recommend reading anything written by her.
This is a charming story that will have you falling in love with these delightful characters. It's about finding your true love, the strong urge to bond and create a family, adopting children or biological, meddling mothers, and how far they will go to protect their own. While there are some outrageous scenes in this story, it has more heart, more intense feelings. It's no secret that I adore Whitney Dineen's writing and find her to be one of the best Rom-Com writers, and I would highly recommend reading anything written by her.
September 12, 2021
4.5 Stars
This is the fourth book in the series and a great addition. This gave me everything I look forward in a book in this series. It delivers o the humor. I was laughing quite often. There is meddling moms and aunts that want to see their kids happy. Alistair and Lu had me gobbling up the pages. Lu is not a fan of Alistair and his playboy reputation. He has a lot of work to prove to Lu he is more than his reputation says he is. This book took me on such a delightful ride. We got to know Lu's sister and Alistair's brother in the previous book so it's great to see how their HEA is progressing. There were moments this book pulled on the heartstrings. It's also shows sometimes were are meant to be on unconventional paths that lead us to our dreams. If you're a fan of this series it's going to be hard to put this book down!
This is the fourth book in the series and a great addition. This gave me everything I look forward in a book in this series. It delivers o the humor. I was laughing quite often. There is meddling moms and aunts that want to see their kids happy. Alistair and Lu had me gobbling up the pages. Lu is not a fan of Alistair and his playboy reputation. He has a lot of work to prove to Lu he is more than his reputation says he is. This book took me on such a delightful ride. We got to know Lu's sister and Alistair's brother in the previous book so it's great to see how their HEA is progressing. There were moments this book pulled on the heartstrings. It's also shows sometimes were are meant to be on unconventional paths that lead us to our dreams. If you're a fan of this series it's going to be hard to put this book down!
September 21, 2021
After reading the other book in the series, I was so excited for Lu's and Alistair's story and I was not disappointed! Their chemistry and relationship was well written. Lu visits Malquar to celebrate her sister's engagement to Alistair's brother. Lu's uptight personality clashes with Alistair's laidback personality, however behind the arguing is passion. Lu's desire to have a child is a vital part of the story which was not mentioned in the synopsis of the book but was an interesting addition to the book. The only reason I did not give this book 5 stars was the negative portrayal of single motherhood. If you have previously enjoyed the series or other books by Whitney Dineen, you will enjoy this novel!
Thank you to NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for a free copy of the book in exchange for an hones review!
Thank you to NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for a free copy of the book in exchange for an hones review!
September 4, 2021
💘Scheming mothers strike again: sweet & playful😊
When a renowned country music songwriter and a queen get together to plot a romance between two more of their children, secret scheming and some good-natured interference erupt for a thirty-something woman desperate to become a mother and a handsome playboy prince whose reputation precedes him. But does he really live up (or down!) to all the press?
This is a cute, light & sweet romance with some adorable orphans and a requisite blast-from-the-past villain. Though it's part of a delightful series about said scheming moms, it would be no problem whatsoever reading it as a standalone with a HFN conclusion while the moms line up their next romance targets.
When a renowned country music songwriter and a queen get together to plot a romance between two more of their children, secret scheming and some good-natured interference erupt for a thirty-something woman desperate to become a mother and a handsome playboy prince whose reputation precedes him. But does he really live up (or down!) to all the press?
This is a cute, light & sweet romance with some adorable orphans and a requisite blast-from-the-past villain. Though it's part of a delightful series about said scheming moms, it would be no problem whatsoever reading it as a standalone with a HFN conclusion while the moms line up their next romance targets.
September 8, 2021
What happens when a thorny cynic meets a misunderstood prince? Well, sparks fly, for one! This book hits the mark for all the things you want to feel when you're looking for a sweet, funny, completely satisfying romance. And if you're not an unfeeling ogre, there will be more than one poignant moment that puts a lump in your throat and leaves you wishing you could climb into the book and start giving out hugs. With meddling mothers, adorable orphans, and a lot of characters from the series you've already come to love, this is the perfect example of a great escape read--you will be transported to a faraway land where a modern-day prince can still find his princess and live happily ever after.
September 13, 2021
Lutece' and Alistair were not the happy couple at the start of this story. But her sister meeting, falling in love and getting engaged to his brother is the gift that neither saw coming. Add in some well meaning meddling mothers who see the spark and a chance to pull off a two-fer in the getting your kids hitched department and you have a lovely and humorous story about a girl who didn't think she liked a boy or anything that she thought that boy represented. Lu just wants to quietly guard her heart and recede into the background. With Alistair there is more there than meets the eye and he is perfect for her. Too cute.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 14, 2021
I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review. This is the fourth book in the Seven Brides For Seven Mothers series. I really enjoyed the characters and the way they interacted. Lu and Alistair have sparks flying between them but share a common passion. Lu has her famously crazy family issues to deal with. Alistair appears not worried about a thing in life. These two clash until they see beneath to the real person. Oh my, involve the mothers and you have all kinds of issues. That's when you should just wave the white flag and accept what you needed all along. I loved all of the characters in this story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 19, 2021
Lu and Alistair are going to be future in-laws when his brother (first in line Prince) and her sister tie the knot. His mother, the Queen and her mother, the country western singer star are such matchmakers and a riot seeing what they come up with. Loved the phone bit with the waitress. Poor Lu and Alistair need some time to think things through, without interference. The characters have great banter along with strength and determination. The storyline has wild situations, drama, sneaky mothers, lots of orphans and much more. The story grabs you right from the start. Loved the ending and the crazy solution that really works.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 19, 2021
Peanut butter and bacon....two food groups everyone loves
You're So Vain is the fourth book in the Seven Brides for Seven Mothers series and it is a lighthearted and entertaining story. Scheming mothers are at it again when they devise a plot to get their children together, with some unintended consequences and more than a little crazy antics along the way to a sweet HEA.
This is an at times laugh out loud funny story with a whole host of characters that interfere with sometimes wildly different results than intended. I like this series as it is a light, fun, charming and very entertaining.
I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
You're So Vain is the fourth book in the Seven Brides for Seven Mothers series and it is a lighthearted and entertaining story. Scheming mothers are at it again when they devise a plot to get their children together, with some unintended consequences and more than a little crazy antics along the way to a sweet HEA.
This is an at times laugh out loud funny story with a whole host of characters that interfere with sometimes wildly different results than intended. I like this series as it is a light, fun, charming and very entertaining.
I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
September 8, 2021
You're So Vain is Whitney Dineen's latest story in the Seven Brides for Seven Mothers series. I love the continuity with the characters. It feels like we're reading about friends, since we've met most of the characters in previous stories. Whitney has a way of introducing characters gradually, who we will surely meet up with again in future installments. In this story we get to read about Claire's sister Lutéce and find out what the future holds for her. There are CV always some laughs along the way in these stories. A great read to unwind with after a busy day. I highly recommend checking out Whitney's books .
September 11, 2021
What did I just read? And how soon until I can go back and do it again? That was just so much fun. I don’t even know how to describe this book without giving away the best parts of it. Because, the whole thing was fantastic. The snarky Banter between Lu and, well, everyone else kept me turning pages to see what she’d say next. And the outlandish shenanigans of the mothers kept me reading furiously to find out what they’d scheme next. I loved everything about this book and I hate that it’s over already. I can’t wait until I can get my hands on the next one.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book through Booksprout.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book through Booksprout.
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