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Marry Me
Allison Hale had always played second fiddle. She didn’t win the science fair, have a million friends, or become the world’s best mom. That was her sister, Betsy. However, Ally’s managed to do something her sister couldn’t, connect her family’s failing business to the wealthy Carmichaels through her engagement to their son, Brent. All she has to do is plan the wedding of the century with the hottest wedding planner in town, Megan Kinkaid. How could she have ever guessed that Megan and her zest for life would threaten everything she’d carefully planned?
Megan Kinkaid knows how to produce a wedding for the history books and she’s not about to miss out on the chance to tackle high-profile Brent Carmichael’s. His fiancée, however, is not who Megan imagined for shiny Brent. Ally Hale is beautiful, earnest, selfless, and fun. She’s also everything Megan ever wanted for herself, and their chemistry hovers in the stratosphere. But can she make Ally see that there’s more to life than making others happy before it’s too late?
Megan Kinkaid knows how to produce a wedding for the history books and she’s not about to miss out on the chance to tackle high-profile Brent Carmichael’s. His fiancée, however, is not who Megan imagined for shiny Brent. Ally Hale is beautiful, earnest, selfless, and fun. She’s also everything Megan ever wanted for herself, and their chemistry hovers in the stratosphere. But can she make Ally see that there’s more to life than making others happy before it’s too late?
290 pages, Paperback
First published November 16, 2021
45 people are currently reading
802 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Brayden
32 books2,757 followersMelissa Brayden is the multi-award winning author of more than twenty-five sapphic romance novels and is hard at work on more. She is a wine enthusiast, a fan of all donuts, and is probably staring off into space as you're reading this. You can find her at www.melissabrayden.com and on most social media sites.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
November 2, 2021
'ARC provided by both NetGalley and The Publisher in exchange for a honest review'
**'Storytelling inspires inspiration. Words are meant to be the raw material in the storyline because the greater a writer's vocabulary the more effective their stories comes across...'
Heartwarming read!
'MARRY ME' is what i'd like to call a comfort read, an effortless written love story that is clean has a few hiccups here & there but evens out to be a bit old-fashioned in it's contents. Two people who meets by chance and their lives are upended and changed forever because of it.
Trapped between pleasing her parents, selfish sister and in a dissatisfying relationship that's on the cusp of marriage, Allison finally summons the courage to seek more for herself after meeting her wedding planner (Megan) -- a calm, beautiful and free spirited-person in her own right. After going it alone, Allison finds herself intoxicatingly free, pursuing these emotional feelings & attraction towards Megan while trying not to upset the people in her life. Going as far as to contemplate the meaning as to why the level of her attraction towards Megan is so much stronger than anything she has ever felt for anyone, not even Brent.
This story is littered with a cast of many secondary characters, some supportive others not so much but there is no doubt that Megan's parents were more endearing and also stole every paragraphs that they were mention in. Ms.Brayden did a fantastic job making them both relatable and believable with chuckle-worthy phrases, dialogues and situations that up the amusement factor a few notches. Although her (M.Brayden) storytelling might come across as simple, she did tell a very nice story from the first chapter to the very last sentence.
Overall, because of the well executed and easily paced storyline, I do believe interested readers will come away quite satisfied because of the eventual outcome -- even if there were complications through out the storytelling.
A highly recommended book!
**'Storytelling inspires inspiration. Words are meant to be the raw material in the storyline because the greater a writer's vocabulary the more effective their stories comes across...'
Heartwarming read!
'MARRY ME' is what i'd like to call a comfort read, an effortless written love story that is clean has a few hiccups here & there but evens out to be a bit old-fashioned in it's contents. Two people who meets by chance and their lives are upended and changed forever because of it.
Trapped between pleasing her parents, selfish sister and in a dissatisfying relationship that's on the cusp of marriage, Allison finally summons the courage to seek more for herself after meeting her wedding planner (Megan) -- a calm, beautiful and free spirited-person in her own right. After going it alone, Allison finds herself intoxicatingly free, pursuing these emotional feelings & attraction towards Megan while trying not to upset the people in her life. Going as far as to contemplate the meaning as to why the level of her attraction towards Megan is so much stronger than anything she has ever felt for anyone, not even Brent.
This story is littered with a cast of many secondary characters, some supportive others not so much but there is no doubt that Megan's parents were more endearing and also stole every paragraphs that they were mention in. Ms.Brayden did a fantastic job making them both relatable and believable with chuckle-worthy phrases, dialogues and situations that up the amusement factor a few notches. Although her (M.Brayden) storytelling might come across as simple, she did tell a very nice story from the first chapter to the very last sentence.
Overall, because of the well executed and easily paced storyline, I do believe interested readers will come away quite satisfied because of the eventual outcome -- even if there were complications through out the storytelling.
A highly recommended book!
November 19, 2021
I think of Brayden as being the queen of WLW romance and I’m always very excited to read her new books. I was a little late in reading this one. I was trying my best to space out all the books I was most excited to read so that I had something really good to look forward to –meaning this book-. Because I was much later than normal, it gave me the opportunity to read a lot of early reviews that surprised me. While the reviews started quite positive, they slowly took a turn that became more and more mixed. While many people loved this book, there seemed to be a number of readers that felt that this story was really the case of two books. The first half people seemed to love, the second half not so much. And while I can say that I really enjoyed parts of this book, I also have to agree that this was the tale of two different books.
I loved the first half of this book. Actually, it was more the first 60% of the book that was an obvious 5 stars for me. The writing was very easy to read, the storyline hooked me in, and I loved the chemistry between the two mains. Yes, it was a more sexual chemistry and on the lust side, but who cares, they were hot together and they made such a fun couple to read about. Brayden brought back that palpable chemistry and steam that I felt was missing a bit in some of her Tangle Valley books. There was one scene that was not a sex scene -more like heavy foreplay- well let’s just say that it was hotter than a lot of the sex scene’s I’ve been reading lately. I think sometimes authors forget that women have boobs, either that or they just want to get down to business –pun intended- so it was nice to see that Brayden sure remembered.
I was enjoying the book immensely, and was even thinking this was going to be one of my easiest 5 stars read all year, but then the second part of the book happened. At first I wasn’t really paying attention to where I was in the book, I just noticed that there were a couple ways -being choreographed- for Brayden to go in for the big angst moment. I am not a fan of the dark moment/80% moment or whatever you want to call it. To me it is way over done and I prefer authors to mix it up, but I know Brayden mostly keeps to that rule so I expected it. However, when I looked down at my Kindle, I realized it was much more in the middle of the book, around the 60% mark instead. This was confusing until I realized instead of going with one or two of the obvious angst moments, Brayden went with like five of them. While I sometimes love a lot of angst, this didn’t have that fun, soap-opera angst feel. Instead it felt overdone and that the characters where no longer acting like who you thought them to be.
After the angst kicked in, the worst part happened in that the book just started to drag. To be stuck in this mess, for almost half of the book, is way too long and had me questioning things. Before, where I didn’t mind that they mostly had a sexual connection, I started to think maybe that wasn’t enough. That maybe they didn’t have a solid foundation needed to be together long term if they were now acting like this. I also started to notice things that I missed before like how I didn’t actually like the secondary characters. While Kelsey had some good potential -and I would read her story if Brayden wrote one- the rest of the cast suddenly seemed pretty lacking. And we all know how fantastic Brayden is in writing friends and other secondary characters so this revelation was surprising. In the end, I really limped through until the ending. Had the story not dragged like that, had the 20% that was not needed been cut-out, this book would have been one of my favorites of 2021.
TLDR- This really is the story of two books. The first 60% I loved and was an easy 5 stars. The last 40% just barely makes 3 starts for me so that’s how I came to my final rating of 4 stars. This might be one of the more problematic books I have given 4 stars too, but there were parts in this book I truly loved. The first half has that Brayden magic, chemistry that you can actually feel as a reader, good dialogue, and some wonderful steamy scenes. I would honestly consider reading the first 60% again, and then just stopping and adding my own fake HEA to it. The last 40% was a struggle for me and the book unfortunately drags. I still would recommend this to Brayden and romance fans because parts of it are wonderful. Just be aware that the second half of the book won’t be for everyone.
A copy was given to me for a honest review.
I loved the first half of this book. Actually, it was more the first 60% of the book that was an obvious 5 stars for me. The writing was very easy to read, the storyline hooked me in, and I loved the chemistry between the two mains. Yes, it was a more sexual chemistry and on the lust side, but who cares, they were hot together and they made such a fun couple to read about. Brayden brought back that palpable chemistry and steam that I felt was missing a bit in some of her Tangle Valley books. There was one scene that was not a sex scene -more like heavy foreplay- well let’s just say that it was hotter than a lot of the sex scene’s I’ve been reading lately. I think sometimes authors forget that women have boobs, either that or they just want to get down to business –pun intended- so it was nice to see that Brayden sure remembered.
I was enjoying the book immensely, and was even thinking this was going to be one of my easiest 5 stars read all year, but then the second part of the book happened. At first I wasn’t really paying attention to where I was in the book, I just noticed that there were a couple ways -being choreographed- for Brayden to go in for the big angst moment. I am not a fan of the dark moment/80% moment or whatever you want to call it. To me it is way over done and I prefer authors to mix it up, but I know Brayden mostly keeps to that rule so I expected it. However, when I looked down at my Kindle, I realized it was much more in the middle of the book, around the 60% mark instead. This was confusing until I realized instead of going with one or two of the obvious angst moments, Brayden went with like five of them. While I sometimes love a lot of angst, this didn’t have that fun, soap-opera angst feel. Instead it felt overdone and that the characters where no longer acting like who you thought them to be.
After the angst kicked in, the worst part happened in that the book just started to drag. To be stuck in this mess, for almost half of the book, is way too long and had me questioning things. Before, where I didn’t mind that they mostly had a sexual connection, I started to think maybe that wasn’t enough. That maybe they didn’t have a solid foundation needed to be together long term if they were now acting like this. I also started to notice things that I missed before like how I didn’t actually like the secondary characters. While Kelsey had some good potential -and I would read her story if Brayden wrote one- the rest of the cast suddenly seemed pretty lacking. And we all know how fantastic Brayden is in writing friends and other secondary characters so this revelation was surprising. In the end, I really limped through until the ending. Had the story not dragged like that, had the 20% that was not needed been cut-out, this book would have been one of my favorites of 2021.
TLDR- This really is the story of two books. The first 60% I loved and was an easy 5 stars. The last 40% just barely makes 3 starts for me so that’s how I came to my final rating of 4 stars. This might be one of the more problematic books I have given 4 stars too, but there were parts in this book I truly loved. The first half has that Brayden magic, chemistry that you can actually feel as a reader, good dialogue, and some wonderful steamy scenes. I would honestly consider reading the first 60% again, and then just stopping and adding my own fake HEA to it. The last 40% was a struggle for me and the book unfortunately drags. I still would recommend this to Brayden and romance fans because parts of it are wonderful. Just be aware that the second half of the book won’t be for everyone.
A copy was given to me for a honest review.
October 13, 2021
Loving the wedding planner.
This book stood out among the ARCs this month and it put me in a cheerful mood, mostly. A story about a bride developing feelings for her wedding planner isn’t new, but the approach is refreshing and I enjoyed this immensely.
I love the main characters. I love that Ally shines in the way she lights up the room with her pleasantness and cheerfulness, untainted by money, power and fame even if she can't see her own worth. I love how Megan matches up by being equally likeable but is distinctive enough on her own, having carved a name for herself in an industry that has her at a disadvantage. I love how Ally comes from a place where she's not unhappy to be married to Brent but discovers that this is different from being in love and wanting more for herself. I love how free Ally is to explore her sexuality and connection with Megan at an early stage and a lot of my enjoyment was derived from their chemistry and banter. I love what they have, and for a period, the story felt absolutely perfect until the characters' flaws started showing up culminating in a conflict that left me partly miffed but still drawn to the drama.
This is a fantastic read, but come on, it’s Melissa Brayden. Who's surprised?
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book stood out among the ARCs this month and it put me in a cheerful mood, mostly. A story about a bride developing feelings for her wedding planner isn’t new, but the approach is refreshing and I enjoyed this immensely.
I love the main characters. I love that Ally shines in the way she lights up the room with her pleasantness and cheerfulness, untainted by money, power and fame even if she can't see her own worth. I love how Megan matches up by being equally likeable but is distinctive enough on her own, having carved a name for herself in an industry that has her at a disadvantage. I love how Ally comes from a place where she's not unhappy to be married to Brent but discovers that this is different from being in love and wanting more for herself. I love how free Ally is to explore her sexuality and connection with Megan at an early stage and a lot of my enjoyment was derived from their chemistry and banter. I love what they have, and for a period, the story felt absolutely perfect until the characters' flaws started showing up culminating in a conflict that left me partly miffed but still drawn to the drama.
This is a fantastic read, but come on, it’s Melissa Brayden. Who's surprised?
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 10, 2021
Brayden and her whimsy are back!
I grabbed this book without reading the synopsis so I was in for a bit of surprise when I started it and a main character is getting engaged to a man. Brayden’s whimsy is a hit or miss for me because in real life I sometimes find cheerful, happy people to be annoying rather than endearing but it totally worked for me this time.
Ally (Allison) Hale is a 4th grade teacher and has the personality for it. She’s cheerful and full of sunshine and I found myself liking her. She’s newly engaged to a wealthy business owner, Brent and her sister convinces her to hire the most sought-after wedding planner, Megan Kinkaid.
Megan and her small team are busy planning Dallas’ biggest events and is thrilled to be hired to plan Ally and Brent’s wedding as it is to be the biggest event of the year. What I loved about Megan is that people in her position can have a catty, bossy-type personality and Megan isn’t like that. While she’s very driven, she’s down to earth and friendly and can appreciate Ally’s more whimsy side.
Ally and Megan have amazing chemistry and it’s very apparent from the moment they meet. The more time they spend together the more they start liking each other. Their attraction is a complete surprise to them both and I love how they handled it. The standard flirty and witty banter I’ve come to expect is there as well as the emotional connection. While there is some angst, I don’t think it delved into the heavy angst category.
What I appreciated about “Marry Me” is that Brayden surprised me several times. Every time I thought she’d go left; she went right and vice versa. When I realized what this was about, I did worry about cheating but luckily it didn’t go in that direction. Brayden treats her characters like grown ups and they all understand, acknowledge and communicate their thoughts and emotions, for the most part.
I do have some minor complaints. I thought the conflict was a bit exaggerated and one of the mains disappointed me when she fell back into an old habit of taking the easy route instead of doing what she really wanted. Also, I wish we had gotten more of the secondary characters…they seemed to come and go as they were needed for plot. However, my enjoyment far outweighed the negativity and my overall happiness is why I’m still giving this the full 5 stars.
Highly recommended for all the romance fans out there!
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I grabbed this book without reading the synopsis so I was in for a bit of surprise when I started it and a main character is getting engaged to a man. Brayden’s whimsy is a hit or miss for me because in real life I sometimes find cheerful, happy people to be annoying rather than endearing but it totally worked for me this time.
Ally (Allison) Hale is a 4th grade teacher and has the personality for it. She’s cheerful and full of sunshine and I found myself liking her. She’s newly engaged to a wealthy business owner, Brent and her sister convinces her to hire the most sought-after wedding planner, Megan Kinkaid.
Megan and her small team are busy planning Dallas’ biggest events and is thrilled to be hired to plan Ally and Brent’s wedding as it is to be the biggest event of the year. What I loved about Megan is that people in her position can have a catty, bossy-type personality and Megan isn’t like that. While she’s very driven, she’s down to earth and friendly and can appreciate Ally’s more whimsy side.
Ally and Megan have amazing chemistry and it’s very apparent from the moment they meet. The more time they spend together the more they start liking each other. Their attraction is a complete surprise to them both and I love how they handled it. The standard flirty and witty banter I’ve come to expect is there as well as the emotional connection. While there is some angst, I don’t think it delved into the heavy angst category.
What I appreciated about “Marry Me” is that Brayden surprised me several times. Every time I thought she’d go left; she went right and vice versa. When I realized what this was about, I did worry about cheating but luckily it didn’t go in that direction. Brayden treats her characters like grown ups and they all understand, acknowledge and communicate their thoughts and emotions, for the most part.
I do have some minor complaints. I thought the conflict was a bit exaggerated and one of the mains disappointed me when she fell back into an old habit of taking the easy route instead of doing what she really wanted. Also, I wish we had gotten more of the secondary characters…they seemed to come and go as they were needed for plot. However, my enjoyment far outweighed the negativity and my overall happiness is why I’m still giving this the full 5 stars.
Highly recommended for all the romance fans out there!
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 19, 2021
4.5!
This was such an amazing read! I expected nothing less from Melissa Brayden.
The story follows Alison, a fourth grade teacher, who ends up engaged to Brent Carmichael, the son of a business tycoon. Alison even though very underwhelmed with the idea goes along with planning the wedding, and this is where she meets Megan Kincaid. Having made a name for herself in the event planning industry it's almost no shock to Megan when she gets asked to plan the wedding. However, after meeting the shy, awkward and kind Alison, Megan finds herself shocked at the way she makes her feel.
I loved all the characters of this book. Alison was such a sunshine character who's not afraid to follow her heart despite the expense it causes for her and her family. I especially love how her attraction to a woman, while catching her off guard, wasn't a gigantic plot point. She didn't make it a big deal and go all crazy about it, which is refreshing for these types of stories.
Megan's a little stubborn in the going with the flow department compared to Alison but she absolutely matches her energy about it. Even when the possibility of her business taking a hit arrived she didn't take it out on Alison but always kept an optimistic view until the 'big' conflict arrived.
Even with his jealous stance Brent provided a good character. It is a bit of a love triangle situation but also refreshing was the way that it wasn't at all a toxic situation, at least not intentionally.
The plot was good, its pacing perfect, timing perfect, structure, grammar, chemistry and ending, all perfect.
However, what I thought this book missed was build up. We barely get a feel of Megan and Alison before they start to develop feelings for each other, I would not describe it as an insta-love type story but some more written in scenes of them before they confront that attraction would have helped that chemistry. I say written in because there was a few lines that indicated they talked several times but was not shown in chapters. More build up would have been nice because as much I felt their chemistry and as much as I wanted them to end up together there was a bit of a gap in my connection to these characters.
Interesting enough, this critique of the story actually makes me admire Brayden a bit more. Her ability to portray such a love story without even having that build up goes a long way of showing just how compelling her writing is. Even if the story gave nothing about the characters, the storyline itself would be enough.
Overall, a very entertaining story that I highly recommend as I do all of Brayden's books.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC in return for an honest review!
This was such an amazing read! I expected nothing less from Melissa Brayden.
The story follows Alison, a fourth grade teacher, who ends up engaged to Brent Carmichael, the son of a business tycoon. Alison even though very underwhelmed with the idea goes along with planning the wedding, and this is where she meets Megan Kincaid. Having made a name for herself in the event planning industry it's almost no shock to Megan when she gets asked to plan the wedding. However, after meeting the shy, awkward and kind Alison, Megan finds herself shocked at the way she makes her feel.
I loved all the characters of this book. Alison was such a sunshine character who's not afraid to follow her heart despite the expense it causes for her and her family. I especially love how her attraction to a woman, while catching her off guard, wasn't a gigantic plot point. She didn't make it a big deal and go all crazy about it, which is refreshing for these types of stories.
Megan's a little stubborn in the going with the flow department compared to Alison but she absolutely matches her energy about it. Even when the possibility of her business taking a hit arrived she didn't take it out on Alison but always kept an optimistic view until the 'big' conflict arrived.
Even with his jealous stance Brent provided a good character. It is a bit of a love triangle situation but also refreshing was the way that it wasn't at all a toxic situation, at least not intentionally.
The plot was good, its pacing perfect, timing perfect, structure, grammar, chemistry and ending, all perfect.
However, what I thought this book missed was build up. We barely get a feel of Megan and Alison before they start to develop feelings for each other, I would not describe it as an insta-love type story but some more written in scenes of them before they confront that attraction would have helped that chemistry. I say written in because there was a few lines that indicated they talked several times but was not shown in chapters. More build up would have been nice because as much I felt their chemistry and as much as I wanted them to end up together there was a bit of a gap in my connection to these characters.
Interesting enough, this critique of the story actually makes me admire Brayden a bit more. Her ability to portray such a love story without even having that build up goes a long way of showing just how compelling her writing is. Even if the story gave nothing about the characters, the storyline itself would be enough.
Overall, a very entertaining story that I highly recommend as I do all of Brayden's books.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC in return for an honest review!
November 15, 2021
When I open a book by Melissa Brayden, I usually know what to expect. This time, however, she really surprised me. In a good way.
Is there a rule that you’re not supposed to fall in love with the bride whose wedding you’re planning? Megan Kincaid did her best to keep her feelings in check but fourth-grade teacher Allison Hale turns out to be irresistible, very different from whom Megan expected wealthy Brent Carmichael to marry. Allison isn’t unhappy with Brent but as she finds out as she spends more time with Megan, she isn’t exactly happy either. Could Megan – a woman – be the person she’s meant to be with? And will Allison, who always puts other people’s needs before hers, allow herself to go for what she really wants?
Marry Me is the least Brayden book I’ve read by Melissa Brayden, while still being very much one, and I loved that. The last few books of hers I read, I couldn’t help but think that some things needed to evolve. The cuteness, the banter, all these things I loved in Brayden’s earlier books were becoming too much. I’m not sure whether that’s on her or on me. Anyway, she dialled back on them a little in this one, and it really worked for me. What’s at the forefront instead is the chemistry and damn, she writes it well.
Melissa Brayden has never shied away from writing intimate scenes, but in her latest books, they didn’t feel as exciting as in previous ones. The heat is back on and I couldn’t be happier about it. Undeniable chemistry is what makes Allison question her life and her desires, and Brayden wrote it in an entirely believable way. I also loved that while that chemistry was the starting point, it wasn’t the be-all and end-all of the attraction. Everything is better when Ally and Megan do it together. And yes, that definitely includes sex.
I ached for Ally whenever she felt she wasn’t enough. I despise her sister Betsy, who doesn’t seem to have any qualm pimping her out to her ex-fiancé to solve the family’s problems. If Ally can forgive her, good for her. I won’t. Yes, I have strong opinions on this.
On the other hand, I love Lacey, Ally’s colleague, and Kelsey, Megan’s best friend. I wanted more of them and would love for either to get her own book. I enjoyed Lacey’s humour a lot. And Kelsey’s supportive (and sexy) and isn’t scared of calling Megan out when she’s acting like a fool. Finally, Megan’s parents’ playful squabbling made my heart warm.
There’s still the 80% break up but at least it’s not out of the blue, and while I wish Megan and Allison had more faith in each other and in themselves, it made sense for them to mess up in this way. I could have done without it but it didn’t annoy me as much as other black moments have.
For the first half, this felt like a 5* book. Then the second half began and the characters started acting like idiots, and it dragged on for a while, until finally everything got fixed, somewhat in a rush. I nevertheless recommend reading it, because, even though the second part is frustrating, there’s a lot I really enjoyed.
ARC provided to Rainbow Literary Society for an honest review.
Is there a rule that you’re not supposed to fall in love with the bride whose wedding you’re planning? Megan Kincaid did her best to keep her feelings in check but fourth-grade teacher Allison Hale turns out to be irresistible, very different from whom Megan expected wealthy Brent Carmichael to marry. Allison isn’t unhappy with Brent but as she finds out as she spends more time with Megan, she isn’t exactly happy either. Could Megan – a woman – be the person she’s meant to be with? And will Allison, who always puts other people’s needs before hers, allow herself to go for what she really wants?
Marry Me is the least Brayden book I’ve read by Melissa Brayden, while still being very much one, and I loved that. The last few books of hers I read, I couldn’t help but think that some things needed to evolve. The cuteness, the banter, all these things I loved in Brayden’s earlier books were becoming too much. I’m not sure whether that’s on her or on me. Anyway, she dialled back on them a little in this one, and it really worked for me. What’s at the forefront instead is the chemistry and damn, she writes it well.
Melissa Brayden has never shied away from writing intimate scenes, but in her latest books, they didn’t feel as exciting as in previous ones. The heat is back on and I couldn’t be happier about it. Undeniable chemistry is what makes Allison question her life and her desires, and Brayden wrote it in an entirely believable way. I also loved that while that chemistry was the starting point, it wasn’t the be-all and end-all of the attraction. Everything is better when Ally and Megan do it together. And yes, that definitely includes sex.
I ached for Ally whenever she felt she wasn’t enough. I despise her sister Betsy, who doesn’t seem to have any qualm pimping her out to her ex-fiancé to solve the family’s problems. If Ally can forgive her, good for her. I won’t. Yes, I have strong opinions on this.
On the other hand, I love Lacey, Ally’s colleague, and Kelsey, Megan’s best friend. I wanted more of them and would love for either to get her own book. I enjoyed Lacey’s humour a lot. And Kelsey’s supportive (and sexy) and isn’t scared of calling Megan out when she’s acting like a fool. Finally, Megan’s parents’ playful squabbling made my heart warm.
There’s still the 80% break up but at least it’s not out of the blue, and while I wish Megan and Allison had more faith in each other and in themselves, it made sense for them to mess up in this way. I could have done without it but it didn’t annoy me as much as other black moments have.
For the first half, this felt like a 5* book. Then the second half began and the characters started acting like idiots, and it dragged on for a while, until finally everything got fixed, somewhat in a rush. I nevertheless recommend reading it, because, even though the second part is frustrating, there’s a lot I really enjoyed.
ARC provided to Rainbow Literary Society for an honest review.
November 8, 2021
3.5 stars. I know I’m going to be an outlier here, but after a really fun start I found my enjoyment of the second half of the book seriously going down. I lost touch with the characters down the road. The book is well written though and I’m sure lots of people will have a good time reading this, it just isn’t a personal favorite.
The book starts with Allison getting married to Brent Carmichael, one of the most eligible bachelors. She enjoys life and is happy with her relationship until she meets her wedding planner Megan.
When I pick up a Brayden book I have certain expectations. I expect likeable, funny characters and playful dialogues and banter. The first half of the book was exactly that. Very light even with the subject of a wedding that might or might not be cancelled. With this premise there is always a chance of cheating playing a role and I’m no fan of that, but I was very happy to see how Brayden handled that part of the book.
During the second part the atmosphere changed and I have to give it to Brayden, it was not predictable, but to me it felt as if they became different people, I didn’t understand them anymore. And it all leads up to a dark moment that I liked even less. A decision is made there that I could not get behind, it was not fair to the person making the decision, but also not to the other people it affected, I didn’t get it (a reason is given, but my brain rejected it). I got so frustrated that even the happy ending didn’t really get me out of my funk.
Brayden is known for writing the best friends and also in this book each of the characters has a good friend and several family members playing a role. They were fun but they didn’t engage me like some of the secondary characters in other Brayden books do and I despised Alison’s sister. I don’t think Brayden meant to write her as a horrible character, but she pushed every wrong button for me.
In the end I think this book was well written, but it wasn’t really the book for me, I enjoyed the first half, but not so much the second half. Plenty of people like this book a lot, so I suggest to also read some of the other reviews.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The book starts with Allison getting married to Brent Carmichael, one of the most eligible bachelors. She enjoys life and is happy with her relationship until she meets her wedding planner Megan.
When I pick up a Brayden book I have certain expectations. I expect likeable, funny characters and playful dialogues and banter. The first half of the book was exactly that. Very light even with the subject of a wedding that might or might not be cancelled. With this premise there is always a chance of cheating playing a role and I’m no fan of that, but I was very happy to see how Brayden handled that part of the book.
During the second part the atmosphere changed and I have to give it to Brayden, it was not predictable, but to me it felt as if they became different people, I didn’t understand them anymore. And it all leads up to a dark moment that I liked even less. A decision is made there that I could not get behind, it was not fair to the person making the decision, but also not to the other people it affected, I didn’t get it (a reason is given, but my brain rejected it). I got so frustrated that even the happy ending didn’t really get me out of my funk.
Brayden is known for writing the best friends and also in this book each of the characters has a good friend and several family members playing a role. They were fun but they didn’t engage me like some of the secondary characters in other Brayden books do and I despised Alison’s sister. I don’t think Brayden meant to write her as a horrible character, but she pushed every wrong button for me.
In the end I think this book was well written, but it wasn’t really the book for me, I enjoyed the first half, but not so much the second half. Plenty of people like this book a lot, so I suggest to also read some of the other reviews.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 9, 2021
It's Melissa Brayden, we all know and love her books, she's one of the best writers in lesfic. Now, she often writes books that are more on the heavy emotional side, and romcoms as well- and I feel like this book really threads the needle between those, and I had a wonderful time reading it.
Marry Me follows Allison Hale as she is planning her wedding to high society member Brent Carmichael. Now Allison is very much the “girl next door” type and has always lived in the shadow of her sister, and acts according to what she thinks others need more than herself. This all changes however when she hires Megan Kinkaid as her wedding planner. And suddenly she feels drawn and attracted to a person something she never has before, and this opens a whole new world of feelings for her. Megan Kinkaid, while one of the most sought-after wedding planners in Dallas, but has trouble opening herself up to romance and is afraid of being hurt. But when she is hired by Ally, that whole world opens up to her and it’s especially confusing because she obviously can’t get involved with a client right?
I want to get out of the way, that there isn’t any cheating in this book. I don't really think that's a spoiler to say. But I know a lot of people get turned off by books with infidelity, so I just want to be clear. That premise might imply or lead to infidelity sometimes, but it is handled well here. There is open communication by all parties at all times and honestly, you love to see it.
I loved Ally so much. She was adorable and loveable and I totally get why both Brent and Megan are entranced by her, but I also get why she doesn’t see herself the same way- Brayden did a really great job capturing that dichotomy in her character. And watching Ally come out of her shell over the course of the book and start to really go after what SHE wants as opposed to what people want for her was heartwarming. Now if I’m honest I didn’t love Megan AS much as Ally, but that’s not to say I didn’t like her- she was an interesting character with nuance of her own.
I also want to give a short kudos to this book for how it handled the love triangle. I’ve read a few other love triangle books this year where I felt like they spent too much time on the partner I wasn’t emotionally invested in, but I felt like this book both gave me more emotional investment in all characters, and still gave the majority of the page time to Ally and Megan
I don't really have complaints about this book. I loved it.
This book is great. It’s peak Melissa Brayden. I had a wonderful time reading it. 5/5
thank you to Bold Strokes Books and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review
Marry Me follows Allison Hale as she is planning her wedding to high society member Brent Carmichael. Now Allison is very much the “girl next door” type and has always lived in the shadow of her sister, and acts according to what she thinks others need more than herself. This all changes however when she hires Megan Kinkaid as her wedding planner. And suddenly she feels drawn and attracted to a person something she never has before, and this opens a whole new world of feelings for her. Megan Kinkaid, while one of the most sought-after wedding planners in Dallas, but has trouble opening herself up to romance and is afraid of being hurt. But when she is hired by Ally, that whole world opens up to her and it’s especially confusing because she obviously can’t get involved with a client right?
I want to get out of the way, that there isn’t any cheating in this book. I don't really think that's a spoiler to say. But I know a lot of people get turned off by books with infidelity, so I just want to be clear. That premise might imply or lead to infidelity sometimes, but it is handled well here. There is open communication by all parties at all times and honestly, you love to see it.
I loved Ally so much. She was adorable and loveable and I totally get why both Brent and Megan are entranced by her, but I also get why she doesn’t see herself the same way- Brayden did a really great job capturing that dichotomy in her character. And watching Ally come out of her shell over the course of the book and start to really go after what SHE wants as opposed to what people want for her was heartwarming. Now if I’m honest I didn’t love Megan AS much as Ally, but that’s not to say I didn’t like her- she was an interesting character with nuance of her own.
I also want to give a short kudos to this book for how it handled the love triangle. I’ve read a few other love triangle books this year where I felt like they spent too much time on the partner I wasn’t emotionally invested in, but I felt like this book both gave me more emotional investment in all characters, and still gave the majority of the page time to Ally and Megan
I don't really have complaints about this book. I loved it.
This book is great. It’s peak Melissa Brayden. I had a wonderful time reading it. 5/5
thank you to Bold Strokes Books and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review
November 13, 2021
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Ok… this is a weird one to review, because it’s kind of like two separate books. The first 70% or so was good, the last part was… not.
So, as per the blurb, here we have Megan, wedding planner extraordinaire, and Allison, 4th grade teacher and bride to be. The two meet when Allison gets engaged to her boyfriend Brent, who is a rich guy who runs in the Dallas social circles and of course would have only the best wedding planner for his wedding. He and Megan also know each other socially. Brent also has ties to Allison’s family’s business.
Both main characters are fun and interesting, though Ally has moments of insecurity and I enjoyed how their relationship unfolded in the first part of the book. The secondary characters were ok, but not really greatly fleshed out, they just functioned as sounding boards for the MCs or provided drama/angst. There’s also diversity in this book as Megan and her BFF Kelsey are both POC.
Megan and Ally are attracted to each other from the get go, and I liked how this was handled, how Ally came to terms with it and how they discussed it and were going to move on from it, but Ally realised she wanted more and takes her chance. I also liked that Brent wasn’t written as a jerk and was pretty understanding about what was happening. Well, for the most part anyway.
Megan and Ally then get together, but not everything is wonderful, their relationship is, but there are repercussions, and while both sets of parents and most friends etc were good about it, Ally’s sister Betsy was a bitch, seriously couldn’t stand her.
Ok, so… everything’s going ok, there’s some side drama as a result of the relationship regarding how the relationship affects the various businesses in different ways, but nothing that can’t be worked out, until we hit the requisite 70% “melodrama” mark and the wheels just completely fall off. I mean, at this point both leads completely lose their damn minds. This leads to the requisite break up that contained events that were so ridiculous I couldn’t even fathom them. I mean, up to this point we had two grown women who talked about what they wanted and needed from each other and then they just… stopped doing that.
.
Honestly, it was so bad that I wanted to stop reading, I actually scared my dog with the repeated WTFs while reading the last 1/4 of the book. I only kept going because I had to see how Brayden got them back together. Because it’s a Brayden book, it is of course all wrapped up in a nice shiny bow but I didn’t care by that point. I didn’t feel like the HEA was earned and it left me feeling flat. If I was grading the first 3/4s I’d have given this four stars but the end was so bad that it’s barely scraping 3. It’s getting that only because it features a POC MC and because there was no ‘panic’ from Ally about her sexuality, which I had actually expected.
Ok… this is a weird one to review, because it’s kind of like two separate books. The first 70% or so was good, the last part was… not.
So, as per the blurb, here we have Megan, wedding planner extraordinaire, and Allison, 4th grade teacher and bride to be. The two meet when Allison gets engaged to her boyfriend Brent, who is a rich guy who runs in the Dallas social circles and of course would have only the best wedding planner for his wedding. He and Megan also know each other socially. Brent also has ties to Allison’s family’s business.
Both main characters are fun and interesting, though Ally has moments of insecurity and I enjoyed how their relationship unfolded in the first part of the book. The secondary characters were ok, but not really greatly fleshed out, they just functioned as sounding boards for the MCs or provided drama/angst. There’s also diversity in this book as Megan and her BFF Kelsey are both POC.
Megan and Ally are attracted to each other from the get go, and I liked how this was handled, how Ally came to terms with it and how they discussed it and were going to move on from it, but Ally realised she wanted more and takes her chance. I also liked that Brent wasn’t written as a jerk and was pretty understanding about what was happening. Well, for the most part anyway.
Megan and Ally then get together, but not everything is wonderful, their relationship is, but there are repercussions, and while both sets of parents and most friends etc were good about it, Ally’s sister Betsy was a bitch, seriously couldn’t stand her.
Ok, so… everything’s going ok, there’s some side drama as a result of the relationship regarding how the relationship affects the various businesses in different ways, but nothing that can’t be worked out, until we hit the requisite 70% “melodrama” mark and the wheels just completely fall off. I mean, at this point both leads completely lose their damn minds. This leads to the requisite break up that contained events that were so ridiculous I couldn’t even fathom them. I mean, up to this point we had two grown women who talked about what they wanted and needed from each other and then they just… stopped doing that.
.
Honestly, it was so bad that I wanted to stop reading, I actually scared my dog with the repeated WTFs while reading the last 1/4 of the book. I only kept going because I had to see how Brayden got them back together. Because it’s a Brayden book, it is of course all wrapped up in a nice shiny bow but I didn’t care by that point. I didn’t feel like the HEA was earned and it left me feeling flat. If I was grading the first 3/4s I’d have given this four stars but the end was so bad that it’s barely scraping 3. It’s getting that only because it features a POC MC and because there was no ‘panic’ from Ally about her sexuality, which I had actually expected.
October 19, 2021
I always have high expectations when I start a novel by Melissa Brayden. In my opinion, she is currently one of the top contemporary romance authors in WLW fiction. Her newest book, Marry Me is just more evidence of her skill as a romance writer.
This is a love triangle that starts when the girl-next-door, fourth grade teacher Allison (Ally) Hale gets engaged to Brent Carmichaels, the handsome heir to one of the richest and most powerful families in Dallas. Things are great until Ally falls in love with her wedding planner, Megan Kincaid. Talk about your layers of conflict! The skies are the limit here, and the author takes full advantage.
The characters are all very human, and their actions and reactions to the events in the tale are accurate. It is easy to become connected to both Ally and Megan. The chemistry between them is evident from their first meeting.
There is quite a bit of angst in this story. Ms. Brayden really does pull hard on the heartstrings in this tale, and I loved every moment of it. You might want to keep a box of tissues handy for this one.
Ms. Brayden has created a romance rich in chemistry, angst, tenderness and love. As with every one of her novels, I highly recommend Marry Me to all romance lovers.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
This is a love triangle that starts when the girl-next-door, fourth grade teacher Allison (Ally) Hale gets engaged to Brent Carmichaels, the handsome heir to one of the richest and most powerful families in Dallas. Things are great until Ally falls in love with her wedding planner, Megan Kincaid. Talk about your layers of conflict! The skies are the limit here, and the author takes full advantage.
The characters are all very human, and their actions and reactions to the events in the tale are accurate. It is easy to become connected to both Ally and Megan. The chemistry between them is evident from their first meeting.
There is quite a bit of angst in this story. Ms. Brayden really does pull hard on the heartstrings in this tale, and I loved every moment of it. You might want to keep a box of tissues handy for this one.
Ms. Brayden has created a romance rich in chemistry, angst, tenderness and love. As with every one of her novels, I highly recommend Marry Me to all romance lovers.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
December 20, 2021
I was braced for a lot of secret keeping and hiding stuff and was ready to accept it as part of the premise. And was totally surprised when Allison veered into honesty and honor by calling things off with her fiancé as soon as she figured out she had doubts. And that made the first half of this story a delight, frankly, as Ally and Megan work out how they're going to explore whatever it is they have.
And I loved that neither one is interested in denying how they felt or hesitant to face some scary consequences and to make course corrections as they learned about each other. It was a great dynamic and put some strength behind the chemistry. Indeed, I started worrying when I really liked where they were and there was still a lot of book left.
And I was right to be worried. Because then we take a left turn and Ally gets completely stupid and Megan then follows it up by being even dumber and everything goes into hell's compost heap and I was left wondering what happened to my great couple who worked things out and didn't make unilateral decisions for each other? And it doesn't help that I thought Ally was being an easily manipulated doormat and that Megan didn't bother helping her see that or, failing the obvious, supporting her in what she felt she had to do.
Also, I feel like Brayden cheated in the end. Like, it's really important for me to know if . So yeah, not knowing this is an author cheat.
So this ends on a weak three stars and all of that is because I just loved how that first half developed. So unexpectedly mature and almost perfectly right for these characters. It made me so sad to end up not being able to recommend this wholeheartedly. Or at all, really.
A note about Steamy: There are three or so explicit sex scenes, putting this in the middle of my steam tolerance. They were well-integrated and great for showing the developing intimacy in the relationship. I particularly liked how present they were, each for the other.
And I loved that neither one is interested in denying how they felt or hesitant to face some scary consequences and to make course corrections as they learned about each other. It was a great dynamic and put some strength behind the chemistry. Indeed, I started worrying when I really liked where they were and there was still a lot of book left.
And I was right to be worried. Because then we take a left turn and Ally gets completely stupid and Megan then follows it up by being even dumber and everything goes into hell's compost heap and I was left wondering what happened to my great couple who worked things out and didn't make unilateral decisions for each other? And it doesn't help that I thought Ally was being an easily manipulated doormat and that Megan didn't bother helping her see that or, failing the obvious, supporting her in what she felt she had to do.
Also, I feel like Brayden cheated in the end. Like, it's really important for me to know if . So yeah, not knowing this is an author cheat.
So this ends on a weak three stars and all of that is because I just loved how that first half developed. So unexpectedly mature and almost perfectly right for these characters. It made me so sad to end up not being able to recommend this wholeheartedly. Or at all, really.
A note about Steamy: There are three or so explicit sex scenes, putting this in the middle of my steam tolerance. They were well-integrated and great for showing the developing intimacy in the relationship. I particularly liked how present they were, each for the other.
November 19, 2021
Ally and Megan’s chemistry was off the charts! From their first kiss to all the intimate scenes, I felt warmth in my stomach—always a good sign that the romantic connection is well-written.
Allison “Ally” Hale, a fourth grade school teacher, and Brent Carmichael, eldest son of the rich Carmichael family, are getting married. With Ally’s parents’ financial security on the line because the Carmichaels have the power to make or break their oatmeal bars, no one expected Ally to develop feelings for the locally famous wedding planner, Megan Kinkaid (Black, biracial), a friend of Brent’s. Should Ally ignore her growing attraction to Megan, or shoot for a chance of having a happier future?
I really enjoyed the little dates Ally and Megan went on. Their interactions during those scenes strengthened their chemistry, and I just love that they got to be cute together. The fact that there wasn’t much cheating was also a plus in terms of the reading experience. Ally is such a no-filter woman it’s endearing. I love that her finding herself attracted to another woman didn’t sent her into a sexuality panic and that most of the characters were pretty supportive, too. There were a total of two awful characters in the book, one from the Carmichaels and one from Ally’s family. I definitely had to take deep breaths whenever they showed up in the story.
The main issue I had was with both Ally and Megan failing to stand their ground. At the obligatory conflict point, I felt like they both gave up, and me, as a reader, gave up, too. I got tired of them choosing the short-term easy way out, and by the time I finished the book, I still had some doubts about their HEA, which isn’t a great feeling when you’re reading romance.
Nevertheless, the overall experience of reading Marry Me was good and I’m upping my rating for the wonderful chemistry they had. I love feeling like I’m melting inside and Brayden certainly delivered a great pairing. However, if you don’t enjoy Brayden’s more dramatic books, then the conflict and surrounding events in this one might irk you a little.
content warnings: manipulation, graphic sex, cheating, alcohol (recreational), vehicular accident
Buddy read with Gabriella! Check out her review here!
I received a digital review copy from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Allison “Ally” Hale, a fourth grade school teacher, and Brent Carmichael, eldest son of the rich Carmichael family, are getting married. With Ally’s parents’ financial security on the line because the Carmichaels have the power to make or break their oatmeal bars, no one expected Ally to develop feelings for the locally famous wedding planner, Megan Kinkaid (Black, biracial), a friend of Brent’s. Should Ally ignore her growing attraction to Megan, or shoot for a chance of having a happier future?
I really enjoyed the little dates Ally and Megan went on. Their interactions during those scenes strengthened their chemistry, and I just love that they got to be cute together. The fact that there wasn’t much cheating was also a plus in terms of the reading experience. Ally is such a no-filter woman it’s endearing. I love that her finding herself attracted to another woman didn’t sent her into a sexuality panic and that most of the characters were pretty supportive, too. There were a total of two awful characters in the book, one from the Carmichaels and one from Ally’s family. I definitely had to take deep breaths whenever they showed up in the story.
The main issue I had was with both Ally and Megan failing to stand their ground. At the obligatory conflict point, I felt like they both gave up, and me, as a reader, gave up, too. I got tired of them choosing the short-term easy way out, and by the time I finished the book, I still had some doubts about their HEA, which isn’t a great feeling when you’re reading romance.
Nevertheless, the overall experience of reading Marry Me was good and I’m upping my rating for the wonderful chemistry they had. I love feeling like I’m melting inside and Brayden certainly delivered a great pairing. However, if you don’t enjoy Brayden’s more dramatic books, then the conflict and surrounding events in this one might irk you a little.
content warnings: manipulation, graphic sex, cheating, alcohol (recreational), vehicular accident
Buddy read with Gabriella! Check out her review here!
I received a digital review copy from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 15, 2021
I'm a big, really big Melissa Brayden's fan. But although I found this story captivating in the beginning, there was a "big fat black hole" in the middle. I quote here our friend Rosi's comment:
"This story has that big fat black hole in the middle that has completely ruined it for me. It is as if at that point everyone has lost their mind, all the care and sense that they were having in the complicated situation has sadly collapsed. And the ending hasn't fixed it in any way. I'm a bit disappointed to be honest."
I completely agree with her comment.
"This story has that big fat black hole in the middle that has completely ruined it for me. It is as if at that point everyone has lost their mind, all the care and sense that they were having in the complicated situation has sadly collapsed. And the ending hasn't fixed it in any way. I'm a bit disappointed to be honest."
I completely agree with her comment.
November 19, 2021
I like Breydon a lot. I also think she has real talent as a story teller.
My problem this time, is that I'm not sure I like the contents of this story. Even if the bride was sitting on the fence.
It's really well written. But, it's a story of a straight girl realising she's gay after she has accepted the marriage proposal. The thing is Brent is from a very wealthy family and Allison (potential bride) family is thrilled. Her sister is over the moon and her families health bar is being installed in to Brent's family grocery store chain. Everyone wins. Or so you think.
In comes Megan the wedding planner and everything flies into the air.
I want Allison to be happy but honestly, it happens. There is a spark but I wouldn't go overboard.
It doesn't take long for the wedding is on hold and Megan and Allison are exploring their feelings for each other.
Allison is receiving a lot of pressure from Brent and her own sister. But her parents are very supportive.
If you love Breydon, you'll love this. For me it was more the content then the story telling.
Enjoy!
My problem this time, is that I'm not sure I like the contents of this story. Even if the bride was sitting on the fence.
It's really well written. But, it's a story of a straight girl realising she's gay after she has accepted the marriage proposal. The thing is Brent is from a very wealthy family and Allison (potential bride) family is thrilled. Her sister is over the moon and her families health bar is being installed in to Brent's family grocery store chain. Everyone wins. Or so you think.
In comes Megan the wedding planner and everything flies into the air.
I want Allison to be happy but honestly, it happens. There is a spark but I wouldn't go overboard.
It doesn't take long for the wedding is on hold and Megan and Allison are exploring their feelings for each other.
Allison is receiving a lot of pressure from Brent and her own sister. But her parents are very supportive.
If you love Breydon, you'll love this. For me it was more the content then the story telling.
Enjoy!
January 24, 2022
Usually I know what to expect with a Melissa Brayden book. She has a winning formula of sexy characters, sassy dialogue, believable chemistry, and a little bit of angst to work through to a happy ending. This book stepped away from that a bit. There was a fair amount of angst throughout the entire book. That was good for me because I love my romances infused with plenty of drama. Although Brayden could never fail me, I was confused with her choice of direction for last part of the book and it had me questioning if the ladies really deserved to have a happily ever after with each other.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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October 17, 2021One thing that I love about Melissa Brayden is that she doesn’t fall into the typical cliches found in romance stories. Her novels generally follow what I like to call “the typical romance storyline” but whenever something happens in one of her stories that seems to be going into cliche territory, we end up getting a different turn in the story. After reading the description for Marry Me, I thought this would be the book where she would fall into one (or maybe even more than one), but in typical Melissa Brayden fashion she surprised me with a very original story with wonderful characters and believable chemistry between her main characters.
I was sad when I finished this book because I wanted to spend more time with these characters. Loved it!
I was sad when I finished this book because I wanted to spend more time with these characters. Loved it!
November 8, 2021
Slap Melissa Brayden's name on a book and I will read it, that's just how it is. But sometimes I don't click with her books and unfortunately, I don't click with this one. Don't get me wrong, it's still a good book, but one of the main characters is just a bit too much of everything for me.
Allison just got engaged to Brent, son of the BeLeaf store owners. He's rich and handsome, understanding and patient, an all-around standup guy. Allison, with nudging from her sister Betsy, decides to hire Megan to plan her wedding. Allison is this super bright, happy and cheerful person, this is a sort of person I really don't have the energy to deal with in real life. In books, I can take them or leave them. Megan is taken aback by the perkiness that is Allison and while planning her wedding they form this bond. They speak about it, about their connection. I was afraid to see some cheating, luckily other reviews already told me Brayden found a solution for that, So no cheating, thankfully. So why doesn't this sit right with me? I just don't get how Allison can go so quickly from one thing to the other, or in this case, one person to the other. As a partner, it would have me worried as well. The drama/ fallout from the wedding that wasn't, to Megan's insecurities and Ally just being this person who seemingly goes into anything head first, it all adds up to just not clicking for me. I do understand and see the chemistry between Megan and Ally, but the way their romance is, I doubt if it is romance or lust. And from Megan's pov you get the same doubt, but I don't feel like there is a resolution that makes me really feel it.
One strange thing that happened, in the first chapters no one called Allison Ally and all of a sudden there is a mention of Ally. I had to go back to make sure it was Allison who was now being referenced, it was strange, could have been just me as well. And can I just say, Betsy is an ass. We don't see much of Ally's sister but what we do see I really don't like.
So look, this is a Brayden book, it's well-written and enjoyable, but how the story unfolds just doesn't click for me. This isn't my favourite Brayden book, but I did enjoy it even without it clicking for me. I would need some half stars to properly grade this one, 3.5.
*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
Allison just got engaged to Brent, son of the BeLeaf store owners. He's rich and handsome, understanding and patient, an all-around standup guy. Allison, with nudging from her sister Betsy, decides to hire Megan to plan her wedding. Allison is this super bright, happy and cheerful person, this is a sort of person I really don't have the energy to deal with in real life. In books, I can take them or leave them. Megan is taken aback by the perkiness that is Allison and while planning her wedding they form this bond. They speak about it, about their connection. I was afraid to see some cheating, luckily other reviews already told me Brayden found a solution for that, So no cheating, thankfully. So why doesn't this sit right with me? I just don't get how Allison can go so quickly from one thing to the other, or in this case, one person to the other. As a partner, it would have me worried as well. The drama/ fallout from the wedding that wasn't, to Megan's insecurities and Ally just being this person who seemingly goes into anything head first, it all adds up to just not clicking for me. I do understand and see the chemistry between Megan and Ally, but the way their romance is, I doubt if it is romance or lust. And from Megan's pov you get the same doubt, but I don't feel like there is a resolution that makes me really feel it.
One strange thing that happened, in the first chapters no one called Allison Ally and all of a sudden there is a mention of Ally. I had to go back to make sure it was Allison who was now being referenced, it was strange, could have been just me as well. And can I just say, Betsy is an ass. We don't see much of Ally's sister but what we do see I really don't like.
So look, this is a Brayden book, it's well-written and enjoyable, but how the story unfolds just doesn't click for me. This isn't my favourite Brayden book, but I did enjoy it even without it clicking for me. I would need some half stars to properly grade this one, 3.5.
*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
November 3, 2021
Oh, this review is going to be painful to write because I really didn't like this book. And this is a Melissa Brayden book, guys. It's a tried and true formula that I enjoy so much, even if I don't always love the set-up or the characters. But this just missed the mark for me.
Brooklyn CampbellAllison Hale has just gotten engaged to the most eligible bachelor in Dallas. She's still wondering what he sees in her--he can have anyone--but somehow they work. Sure, there aren't any big fireworks, but he's a good guy, handsome, too. And her family adores him. It helps that aligning to the Carmichael family will also help the Hales on a business front, but Allison doesn't see it that way at all. She's not marrying him for his family connections or wealth; she actually likes him.
But now she has a wedding to plan. And not just a wedding, this is looking to be the social event of the year, something Allison, a fourth grade teacher, is not confident she can plan. Her sister steps in and recommends the best wedding planners in the city and, as she'll be marrying a Carmichael, getting Megan Kinkaid to take them on as clients isn't as hard as Allison expected it to be.
And that's when Allison sees fireworks for the first time in her life. Megan Kinkaid is a revelation--a really sexy revelation. It's hard for Allison to plan her wedding when she can't stop thinking about sexy beach vacations with her wedding planner. Allison didn't see her coming at all. But Allison is honest and she's good and she can't keep this from Brent, her fiancé.
This has all the good hallmarks of a Brayden novel: the girl-next-door who's so damn cute you can't help fall in love her; the sexy and flirty banter that leaves you no doubt why these characters fall in love. There's also that inevitable breakup that I really dread--the one that always falls somewhere between the 70-80% mark of the novel. See? I know what I'm getting into with these novels. And it usually works, even if that breakup annoys me. (Authors, this really isn't necessary).
But this novel just did not work for me. I can forgive the Insta-Love, even though I hate that trope. I love the fact that Allison is honest and brave--brave enough to understand she needs to find out who she is and live her life for her, but I didn't feel like Megan was the right person for her in this moment--she didn't know her well enough--she didn't even know herself well enough.
Megan's issues were not a surprise for me in this book and I predicted them from the get-go. Allison's? That surprised me. And it made no sense with the person Allison was becoming in the middle of the novel. I honestly thought she was stronger, and I think it would have been a more compelling story if she was. Add Megan's decisions to this pile, and I was really pissed off by the end. I honestly wasn't rooting for them--not as a romantic couple, at least.
The secondary characters are also mostly really awful. Brayden keeps insisting Brent's a good guy, but I don't buy it. He's fairly self-absorbed, talking only about himself and pushing his interests onto Allison without even bothering to ask what she'd like, and not telling her something majorly important. Allison's sister is horrendous. Allison's parents are supportive, but still have an agenda they're trying to push (i.e. "We want you to be happy, but don't you think that happiness can be found with Brent?"). Megan doesn't fair much better. Kelsey gives good advice, as do Megan's parents, but at the cost of Allison's autonomy.
And that's the problem with this novel--not a single person actually gives a damn what Allison might think is best for Allison. Because either they don't bother to ask or don't listen to when she tells them.
Add all this to the fact that Melissa Brayden finally gave us some diversity and a character with brown eyes (miracle!), and I'm so bummed I didn't like this book better just on that merit alone.
But now she has a wedding to plan. And not just a wedding, this is looking to be the social event of the year, something Allison, a fourth grade teacher, is not confident she can plan. Her sister steps in and recommends the best wedding planners in the city and, as she'll be marrying a Carmichael, getting Megan Kinkaid to take them on as clients isn't as hard as Allison expected it to be.
And that's when Allison sees fireworks for the first time in her life. Megan Kinkaid is a revelation--a really sexy revelation. It's hard for Allison to plan her wedding when she can't stop thinking about sexy beach vacations with her wedding planner. Allison didn't see her coming at all. But Allison is honest and she's good and she can't keep this from Brent, her fiancé.
This has all the good hallmarks of a Brayden novel: the girl-next-door who's so damn cute you can't help fall in love her; the sexy and flirty banter that leaves you no doubt why these characters fall in love. There's also that inevitable breakup that I really dread--the one that always falls somewhere between the 70-80% mark of the novel. See? I know what I'm getting into with these novels. And it usually works, even if that breakup annoys me. (Authors, this really isn't necessary).
But this novel just did not work for me. I can forgive the Insta-Love, even though I hate that trope. I love the fact that Allison is honest and brave--brave enough to understand she needs to find out who she is and live her life for her, but I didn't feel like Megan was the right person for her in this moment--she didn't know her well enough--she didn't even know herself well enough.
Megan's issues were not a surprise for me in this book and I predicted them from the get-go. Allison's? That surprised me. And it made no sense with the person Allison was becoming in the middle of the novel. I honestly thought she was stronger, and I think it would have been a more compelling story if she was. Add Megan's decisions to this pile, and I was really pissed off by the end. I honestly wasn't rooting for them--not as a romantic couple, at least.
The secondary characters are also mostly really awful. Brayden keeps insisting Brent's a good guy, but I don't buy it. He's fairly self-absorbed, talking only about himself and pushing his interests onto Allison without even bothering to ask what she'd like, and not telling her something majorly important. Allison's sister is horrendous. Allison's parents are supportive, but still have an agenda they're trying to push (i.e. "We want you to be happy, but don't you think that happiness can be found with Brent?"). Megan doesn't fair much better. Kelsey gives good advice, as do Megan's parents, but at the cost of Allison's autonomy.
And that's the problem with this novel--not a single person actually gives a damn what Allison might think is best for Allison. Because either they don't bother to ask or don't listen to when she tells them.
Add all this to the fact that Melissa Brayden finally gave us some diversity and a character with brown eyes (miracle!), and I'm so bummed I didn't like this book better just on that merit alone.
November 25, 2021
Brayden really knows how to pull those heart strings. Wow.
This story was so tastefully done with a topic bordering on cheating. Brent was a bit of a tool, but he did actually turn out to be a nice and understanding guy. Eventually.
I honestly couldn't pick who my favourite was out of Megan and Allison. Such beautiful humans. I also really enjoyed the Lacey moments... having a fairy lesbian godmother would be awesome!
This story was so tastefully done with a topic bordering on cheating. Brent was a bit of a tool, but he did actually turn out to be a nice and understanding guy. Eventually.
I honestly couldn't pick who my favourite was out of Megan and Allison. Such beautiful humans. I also really enjoyed the Lacey moments... having a fairy lesbian godmother would be awesome!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2022
I am a huge fan of the Seven Shores and the Soho Loft series and I’m not sure if there will be ever a book by Melissa Brayden that is able to them (at least not for me). I loved a huge part of this book.
Allison is very sweet and honest. Both things I love in other people. She is definitely a girl next door type. Megan on the other hand is self-confident, sexy and also kind. But when it comes to love it’s possible that she gets insecure and her walls get up. But when they meet the attraction is definitely there from both sides. Even if their circumstances couldn’t be more complicated by Megan being Allison’s wedding planner.
I loved these two together. Their chemistry was great and they were also very sweet. There were so many scenes I loved. I was actually surprised in the most positive way about the storyline of the first half of the book. And to be honest I hoped very much that I will be surprised more until the end. But unfortunately things changed at some point, that left me a bit disappointed in the characters but also the whole storyline.
I don’t wanna give away any spoilers and I get that angst is an important part in Melissa Brayden’s books. I just somehow wished that some things would have been handled differently. For me clear communication is very refreshing these days I’m romance novels. I believe there still would be enough potential to include some angst just by using the flaws and insecurities of the characters. Even misunderstandings can happen in the best relationships, but the way it was handled in this part of the book just wasn’t a way I like. I felt myself disconnect in these scenes and looking forward to the rest. And that’s the part where I was very happy again. For me the ending was perfect and I finished the story with a smile.
Allison is very sweet and honest. Both things I love in other people. She is definitely a girl next door type. Megan on the other hand is self-confident, sexy and also kind. But when it comes to love it’s possible that she gets insecure and her walls get up. But when they meet the attraction is definitely there from both sides. Even if their circumstances couldn’t be more complicated by Megan being Allison’s wedding planner.
I loved these two together. Their chemistry was great and they were also very sweet. There were so many scenes I loved. I was actually surprised in the most positive way about the storyline of the first half of the book. And to be honest I hoped very much that I will be surprised more until the end. But unfortunately things changed at some point, that left me a bit disappointed in the characters but also the whole storyline.
I don’t wanna give away any spoilers and I get that angst is an important part in Melissa Brayden’s books. I just somehow wished that some things would have been handled differently. For me clear communication is very refreshing these days I’m romance novels. I believe there still would be enough potential to include some angst just by using the flaws and insecurities of the characters. Even misunderstandings can happen in the best relationships, but the way it was handled in this part of the book just wasn’t a way I like. I felt myself disconnect in these scenes and looking forward to the rest. And that’s the part where I was very happy again. For me the ending was perfect and I finished the story with a smile.
November 30, 2021
I really liked this book. It was well written and it captured my attention. Buuuut there was one part that I really, really just disliked in this book and it honestly just didn't sit well with to the extend I didn't even care anymore if the mains got together.... I almost rated this a 3 but I honestly loved the first 3/4 of this book.
January 24, 2022
When it comes to a book written by Ms Melissa Brayden, I can be a tad bias. Say what you may, but when it comes to novel on wlw, she is one of the best out there, a great storyteller.
So was Marry Me any good? It sure was and was an amazing read for me. I loved the plot, the characters, chemistry, the sex and all of the angst. The storyline was different from what I expected after reading the blurb which makes it more interesting. Allison and Megan’s journey really tugged my heart and left a heartwarming feeling when the curtain finally came down.
5⭐️
So was Marry Me any good? It sure was and was an amazing read for me. I loved the plot, the characters, chemistry, the sex and all of the angst. The storyline was different from what I expected after reading the blurb which makes it more interesting. Allison and Megan’s journey really tugged my heart and left a heartwarming feeling when the curtain finally came down.
5⭐️
October 15, 2021
Ally and Megan meets when Ally is planning her wedding to her fiancé Brent. Ally always put others above herself she surprise how much ease she is with Megan who is sought out wedding planner.
Ally and Megan have chemistry from the start their banter and dialogue was on point. I like how it wasn’t about cheating it’s about opening yourself up even if you get hurt to be who want to be and not follow what you’re suppose to be or who you want. I like that the characters communicate and not assume what the others are thinking. It’s has some angst that I feel we didn’t need but it added to the story.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
Ally and Megan have chemistry from the start their banter and dialogue was on point. I like how it wasn’t about cheating it’s about opening yourself up even if you get hurt to be who want to be and not follow what you’re suppose to be or who you want. I like that the characters communicate and not assume what the others are thinking. It’s has some angst that I feel we didn’t need but it added to the story.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
November 9, 2021
I really enjoyed this novel for the first half, but once the conflict happened it lost my interest. Without giving too much away, I was disappointed by both of the main characters' behaviour and the way this story resolved just fell flat due to this. It honestly made little sense to me.
As much as I initially enjoyed the story, the side characters were all pretty unlikeable from the get-go. Ally's fiancé, Brent, was manipulative as hell, and the way that others saw and then inserted themselves in that relationship was terrible. This didn’t feel resolved at all by the end of the story, with Brent still being seen as a ‘good guy’. In regard to Ally’s family, they all felt as though they really could be her enemies more than family. They were all so self-centred and pushy, who said they cared about her but their actions didn’t quite match that. I’m disappointed that this also wasn't really addressed by the end of the novel.
So overall, 3 stars from me as I did enjoy the first half but the second half just perplexed me. I’m devastated as it's rare that I don’t come away loving a Melissa Brayden novel.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
As much as I initially enjoyed the story, the side characters were all pretty unlikeable from the get-go. Ally's fiancé, Brent, was manipulative as hell, and the way that others saw and then inserted themselves in that relationship was terrible. This didn’t feel resolved at all by the end of the story, with Brent still being seen as a ‘good guy’. In regard to Ally’s family, they all felt as though they really could be her enemies more than family. They were all so self-centred and pushy, who said they cared about her but their actions didn’t quite match that. I’m disappointed that this also wasn't really addressed by the end of the novel.
So overall, 3 stars from me as I did enjoy the first half but the second half just perplexed me. I’m devastated as it's rare that I don’t come away loving a Melissa Brayden novel.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
March 22, 2022
To Do List: Snatch this book up immediately!
Melissa Brayden executed this love triangle trope perfectly. It was sweet, steamy, and smart. Allison Hale’s relationship with Brent Carmichael was comfortable and easy, that is, until she met her wedding planner Megan Kincaid. When the two met, the chemistry was palpable but neither wanted to rock the boat. The Carmichaels were a powerful and wealthy family in the great metropolis of Dallas and Allison had never had feelings for a woman. However, as the two got to know one another better, their feelings could no longer be denied. What followed was a wonderful story of one woman learning that she could put herself first while the other learns how to trust. I loved being a part of Ally and Megan’s journey. Thanks Melissa for another fantastic read!
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Melissa Brayden executed this love triangle trope perfectly. It was sweet, steamy, and smart. Allison Hale’s relationship with Brent Carmichael was comfortable and easy, that is, until she met her wedding planner Megan Kincaid. When the two met, the chemistry was palpable but neither wanted to rock the boat. The Carmichaels were a powerful and wealthy family in the great metropolis of Dallas and Allison had never had feelings for a woman. However, as the two got to know one another better, their feelings could no longer be denied. What followed was a wonderful story of one woman learning that she could put herself first while the other learns how to trust. I loved being a part of Ally and Megan’s journey. Thanks Melissa for another fantastic read!
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 27, 2022
Okay, Melissa Brayden.
I'm a little sleepy from my wine, but I must say that I enjoyed many things about this book: the chemistry (oh, the chemistry) between Megan and Allison, the humor, the banter, the friends Lacey and Kelsey (neither was annoying! Ally's sister sucked, though), some of the communication , and something about wedding planners is...strangely attractive?
I would be so, so close to giving it five stars. But, I also site Rosi's review for the "big, fat black hole" at the standard spot for drama in the book. It was a painful slog to get through. It tainted my opinion of Allison and her commitment to Megan.
As a side note: Megan Kinkaid sounds extremely hot. Yes, ma'am.
To get rid of the taste of the conflict part, I reread the bits of them getting together because that's where this story shines. Brayden delivered with the sensuality, too. Especially that kitchen scene. Thank you for that, Brayden.
The theme of personal happiness vs. mediocrity to please the family was well done. I have nothing for Brent. He wasn't exactly a "bad guy," but I really wanted him out of the way.
I'm going to just dwell on the sexy, fluffy memories. Four stars!
I'm a little sleepy from my wine, but I must say that I enjoyed many things about this book: the chemistry (oh, the chemistry) between Megan and Allison, the humor, the banter, the friends Lacey and Kelsey (neither was annoying! Ally's sister sucked, though), some of the communication , and something about wedding planners is...strangely attractive?
I would be so, so close to giving it five stars. But, I also site Rosi's review for the "big, fat black hole" at the standard spot for drama in the book. It was a painful slog to get through. It tainted my opinion of Allison and her commitment to Megan.
As a side note: Megan Kinkaid sounds extremely hot. Yes, ma'am.
To get rid of the taste of the conflict part, I reread the bits of them getting together because that's where this story shines. Brayden delivered with the sensuality, too. Especially that kitchen scene. Thank you for that, Brayden.
The theme of personal happiness vs. mediocrity to please the family was well done. I have nothing for Brent. He wasn't exactly a "bad guy," but I really wanted him out of the way.
I'm going to just dwell on the sexy, fluffy memories. Four stars!
November 21, 2021
4 Stars - I am a sucker for a toaster over romance of a bride to be
I really enjoyed this one and would definitely recommend if you are into the tropes.
I did have a couple issues with it that have been voiced by others, but I would not let me them keep you from enjoying the story for the most part.
BIG BIG spoilers under here so don't peek until you read the book:
I really enjoyed this one and would definitely recommend if you are into the tropes.
I did have a couple issues with it that have been voiced by others, but I would not let me them keep you from enjoying the story for the most part.
BIG BIG spoilers under here so don't peek until you read the book:
October 8, 2021
Reading a Melissa Brayden book is a certainty. And then I read the blurb and thought on no, this trope has been written and movies were made left right and centre. But then the narrative takes a different path to what I expected and it was so good. Brayden has this talent of making the leads not only have crazy chemistry but have a deep emotional compatibility that is so obvious when reading the book.
Ally is getting married to a rich man and her sister insists that there’s only one wedding planner that can do the job. And so she meets Megan, the go to event planner in Dallas. The book is filled with banter and it’s sweet and sexy and I wanted to go have a Dreamer with them. A great read that I recommend but then again I would say go buy all of Brayden’s books and do it asap.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.
Ally is getting married to a rich man and her sister insists that there’s only one wedding planner that can do the job. And so she meets Megan, the go to event planner in Dallas. The book is filled with banter and it’s sweet and sexy and I wanted to go have a Dreamer with them. A great read that I recommend but then again I would say go buy all of Brayden’s books and do it asap.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.
October 16, 2021
There’s a consistency and reliability I expect when I pick up a Melissa Brayden book. ‘Marry Me’ delivers……for the most part.
The dialogue and story paced well. The characters were interesting. I appreciated that she didn’t take the story in an obvious direction. She didn’t make Brent a bad guy. She didn’t make this a cheating story. She inserted a super obnoxious character. I even wondered if this would be the one where there is no HEA so it kept me on my toes.
I say for the most part because I think Allison’s character can go either way depending on your mood. She’s either frustratingly complaisant or endearingly oblivious.
Overall, it’s Melissa Brayden. It’s well written. The formula is predictable but there is enough in the details and variables to keep a reader engaged.
The dialogue and story paced well. The characters were interesting. I appreciated that she didn’t take the story in an obvious direction. She didn’t make Brent a bad guy. She didn’t make this a cheating story. She inserted a super obnoxious character. I even wondered if this would be the one where there is no HEA so it kept me on my toes.
I say for the most part because I think Allison’s character can go either way depending on your mood. She’s either frustratingly complaisant or endearingly oblivious.
Overall, it’s Melissa Brayden. It’s well written. The formula is predictable but there is enough in the details and variables to keep a reader engaged.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2021
Allison Hale is getting married, her boyfriend Brent has proposed and she is tasked with planning the wedding. Brent also happens to be one of Dallas’ most eligible bachelors from a prominent local family so this can’t be just any wedding. Allison decides to hire the best event planner in town and hires Megan Kincaid to help her get the job done. As they spend more time together they find that they are not only fast friends but may be something more.
In true Melissa Brayden fashion this book keeps you on the edge of your seat right up to the end wondering if they will or if they won’t. The angst and family drama are in no short supply all this in addition to the toaster worthy romance brewing between the two MCs. I loved this one as I have loved every book I’ve read by this author. Prepare to fall in love with these two as you finish this one.
In true Melissa Brayden fashion this book keeps you on the edge of your seat right up to the end wondering if they will or if they won’t. The angst and family drama are in no short supply all this in addition to the toaster worthy romance brewing between the two MCs. I loved this one as I have loved every book I’ve read by this author. Prepare to fall in love with these two as you finish this one.
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