Leading

Unleashed Romance #8

by Kylie Gilmore

A jilted bride, a swoony wedding officiant, and a honeymoon trip to Vegas that shouldn’t go to waste…

Galena
You know what’s worse than being a jilted bride? Getting a text from the groom that he’s not coming while a magazine is there to cover the event. Shock doesn’t begin to describe my reaction or my impulsive next move. I’m a biostatistician, which means I’m quick to calculate the odds, and I was so sure of him after our two-year relationship. If I could be wrong about him, then my careful calculations no longer apply to my life.

So when the gorgeous wedding officiant, Mayor Levi Appleton, comes to my rescue, whisking me away on a thrilling ride on his Harley, I impulsively invite him to join me on my honeymoon in Vegas. It’s paid for, and my grandparents are expecting to meet my new husband for the first time. And he agrees to go! I would never have calculated that outcome.

I don’t want to disappoint my grandparents, so I let them believe Levi is my forever love. And they love him.

What are the odds I’d fall for him too? Tiny. So tiny it’s ridiculous. Can this possibly be real?

This romantic comedy stands alone with a swoonworthy happy-ever-after! No cliffhangers.

Unleashed Romance Series
Fetching (Book 1)
Dashing (Book 2)
Sporting (Book 3)
Toying (Book 4)
Blazing (Book 5)
Chasing (Book 6)
Daring (Book 7)
Leading (Book 8)
Racing (Book 9)
Loving (Book 10)

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Rom Com, Ebooks, Amazon, Contemporary Romance

300 pages, Paperback

Published May 24, 2022

About the author

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***THE SEXY PART is out now!***

Kylie Gilmore is the USA Today bestselling author of over fifty humorous contemporary romances. Her series include Happy Endings in Clover Park, Unleashed Romance, the Rourkes, the Happy Endings Book Club, Clover Park, and Clover Park Charmers. With more than three million downloads of her books, readers all over the world love escaping into her hilarious feel-good romances featuring strong bonds with family, friends, and community.

Kylie lives in New York with her family, a demanding cat, and a nutso dog. When she's not writing, reading hot romance, or dutifully taking notes at writing conferences, you can find her happily crafting what will surely be future family heirlooms.

Join the Gilmore Goddesses Readers Group to chat about Kylie's books in a non-spoilerly way. Also, man candy. Click here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Gilmo...

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KYLIE’S BOOKS

HAPPY ENDINGS IN CLOVER PARK
The Kissing Part (Book 1)
The Sexy Part (Book 2)

UNLEASHED ROMANCE
Fetching (Book 1)
Dashing (Book 2)
Sporting (Book 3)
Toying (Book 4)
Blazing (Book 5)
Chasing (Book 6)
Daring (Book 7)
Leading (Book 8)
Racing (Book 9)
Loving (Book 10)

THE ROURKES
Royal Catch (Book 1)
Royal Hottie (Book 2)
Royal Darling (Book 3)
Royal Charmer (Book 4)
Royal Player (Book 5)
Royal Shark (Book 6)
Rogue Prince (Book 7)
Rogue Gentleman (Book 8)
Rogue Rascal (Book 9)
Rogue Angel (Book 10)
Rogue Devil (Book 11)
Rogue Beast (Book 12)

HAPPY ENDINGS BOOK CLUB
Hidden Hollywood (Book 1)
Inviting Trouble (Book 2)
So Revealing (Book 3)
Formal Arrangement (Book 4)
Bad Boy Done Wrong (Book 5)
Mess With Me (Book 6)
Resisting Fate (Book 7)
Chance of Romance (Book 8)
Wicked Flirt (Book 9)
An Inconvenient Plan (Book 10) 
A Happy Endings Wedding (Book 11)

CLOVER PARK SERIES
The Opposite of Wild (Book 1)
Daisy Does It All (Book 2)
Bad Taste in Men (Book 3)
Kissing Santa (Book 4)
Restless Harmony (Book 5)
Not My Romeo (Book 6)
Rev Me Up (Book 7)
An Ambitious Engagement (Book 8)
Clutch Player (Book 9)
A Tempting Friendship (Book 10)
Clover Park Bride: Nico and Lily’s Wedding
A Valentine’s Day Gift (Book 11)
Maggie Meets Her Match (Book 12)

CLOVER PARK CHARMERS
Almost Over It (Book 1)
Almost Married (Book 2)
Almost Fate (Book 3)
Almost in Love (Book 4)
Almost Romance (Book 5)
Almost Hitched (Book 6)

Reviews

[Annette Sullivan · Rating 1 out of 5]

not for me

This story, if it can be called a story honestly.
If you take out the relationship stuff, that is all about looks and sex, there is nothing else in this sad excuse of a book.

[Lisa Broadman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a 4.5 for me.

Leading is the next story in the Unleased franchise and is a story of two seemingly mismatched people. Levi is an outgoing and charming extroverted Mayor. Galena is a quiet and reserved, introverted Biostatistician. We have met them in a previous story and know that they have each caught the other’s eye, even though Galena has a fiancée. After she gets jilted on her wedding day and Levi is there to give her comfort and get her home safely, she impulsively asks him to go on her honeymoon with her. Neither one of them understands how this trip will change their lives.

Galena is so careful and takes no risks in her life. She is in a long term relationship with someone that might check all her boxes but doesn’t light her soul like Levi does. It’s so outside her wheelhouse, that she doesn’t understand what’s going on and doesn’t know what to make of things. Meanwhile, Levi might be a sweetheart but hasn’t had luck in the love department – in his last relationship he was her rebound while she meant much more to him. He just wants to be important to someone – their first choice. He falls hard for Galena and pulls out all the stops to show her what she means to him and while she appreciates it and has feelings for him too, she is risk averse and reluctant to get involved. Being with Levi is blowing Galena’s mind because she has real feelings for him that are strong, especially their chemistry that Levi is able to bring forth while her fiancée wasn’t. As a numbers girl and logical thinker, she just doesn’t get it, doesn’t understand what’s going on and whether or not she should trust it. Levi works hard for her heart and her trust. Galena is tough to give in and understandably wants to take her time to come around so she doesn’t make another error in judgement.

In previous stories, I wasn’t sure if I really liked Levi but this story shows a new side of him and I found him to be a doll and very charming. He immediately knows what he wants and whole heartedly goes after it. I didn’t love Galena maybe because I just couldn’t relate to her but she does grow quite a bit. Her behavior is understandable, especially since she was JUST left at the altar. Anyone would doubt their own judgement and understandably move forward with caution. I think they both ended up growing and developing into their best selves but Galena’s growth was more.

It was SO good to catch up with previous couples and see new babies and happy lives. I am absolutely LOVING this new General Joan! Since she has decided that she is the town Cupid, she’s been a hoot! Please give us more glimpses into old favorites and their happy endings and more General Joan! Looking forward to Dr. Russo’s story next but still CANNOT wait for Drew and Audrey!

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Levi and Galena’s love story in Leading: A Fake Husband Romantic Comedy by Kylie Gilmore, book eight in her Unleashed Romance series, is a super sweet and romantic story between two people who have no idea how much the other person will complete them, despite being total opposites. Being a biostatistician, Galena has weighed all the practical and logical reasons to marry her live-in boyfriend. Never mind no one else likes him. They’re a perfect fit. Both work on important science stuff and they never fight. Perfect - until she receives a text from him refusing to get married; jilting her at the altar. What’s a girl to do? In this case, run off with Levi, the wedding officiant. Levi, the popular, good looking, single mayor, is smitten with Galena and relieved that she is no longer getting married to someone else. For some unknown reason, Galena feels safe and taken care of when Levi whisks her away from the wedding venue; confused at her attraction to Levi. Impulsively, she invites Levi to go on her one week Las Vegas honeymoon with her. Spending time with Galena only makes Levi more convinced she is the woman for him.

Galena is confused by the feelings she has for Levi just hours after being stood up at the altar by Kevin, and spending a week in the honeymoon suite in Las Vegas with Levi playing the doting husband, has thrown the two into a heated and intimate relationship she isn't sure she can trust or is ready for. But returning home is even more difficult when Levi wants a commitment and Kevin wants her back. Galena is so confused, wondering if what happened in Vegas could be real or, as Levi fears, just a rebound relationship. There are a lot of uncertain feelings for both Galena and Levi as they navigate on their own and together about what happens next.

It was so good catching up with many of the previous couples in this series, see the new babies, and their happy lives. I love this new version of General Joan; especially since she has decided that she is the town Cupid.

Ms. Gilmore wrote a wonderful and moving story that is definitely not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with sizzling chemistry, fireworks, magnetic electricity, amusing banter, and charming secondary characters giving Galena and Levi a chance at love, happiness, and the possibility of a forever together. I highly recommend Leading to other readers and look forward to the next book in the series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[SusanL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a biostatistician, Galena has weighed all the practical and logical reasons to marry her live-in boyfriend. Never mind no one else likes him. They’re a perfect fit. Both working on important science stuff and they never fight. Perfect!

Levi is the popular, good looking, single mayor. When Levi and Galena meet there’s an instant attraction and Levi is completely smitten. There’s just one problem. Galena is getting married and Levi’s the wedding officiant.

On the day of the wedding the groom gets cold feet and texts Galena that the wedding is off. In disbelief and crushed, Galena wanders outside in a daze and informs Levi the wedding isn’t happening. Levi, unsure who called things off, realizes he now has a real chance with Galena. Of course, she needs some time but at least she’s free of that jerk! And right now she needs to just get away from here and wants Levi to take her…somewhere, anywhere. The two jump on Levi’s bike and ride off.

Although Galena’s never been on a motorcycle in her life, statistically an unsafe way to travel, being behind Levi with her arms around him is thrilling. In fact, she feels so safe and taken care of, if not a bit confused at her attraction to Levi after what just happened, she impulsively invites Levi to go on her one week Las Vegas honeymoon with her.

Levi doesn’t need to think twice. He’s all in to spend a week with Galena. Even to meeting her grandparents who live in Vegas. Upon meeting them it’s quite clear she should have mentioned the whole left at the altar situation and that Levi is not her longtime boyfriend and now husband. They immediately love Levi, Galena’s ‘husband’ and don’t understand why others don’t like him.

After a blissful week in Vegas, both are worried about going home and what’s next. It’s definitely a complication that her ex not only refuses to move out of the house they bought together, but he wants them to go on with their relationship like nothing happened. Messy and poor Galena having to deal with this guy and discerning whether what happened in Vegas could be real or, as Levi fears, just a rebound relationship.

A lot of uncertain feelings swirling around for both Galena and Levi as they navigate on their own and together about what happens next?

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This contemporary romance starts at a wedding where biostatisticians Galena and Kevin are supposed to tie the knot but last minute, Kevin develops cold feet and leaves Galena stranded at the wedding venue with the officiant, Mayor Levi Appleton.
Levi met Galena two months prior to her wedding and he is already half in love with her. So he jumps at the chance to accompany Galena to Vegas since Galena decides to be more spontaneous and she impulsively invites him to join her. The honeymoon is already paid for and since Levi has not travelled out the county, he agrees to go with her.
Unbeknownst to them, her grandparents have arranged a wedding celebration and Levi lands up acting as her fake husband for a short while.
The story is well written and though I liked Levi, he was rather pushy and didn't give Galena time to get over her very recent break up with Kevin. Galena should also have been more stern with Kevin about their housing arrangements following their breakup. Kevin was such a dependent individual that he couldn't bear to part ways with Galena as he was in a comfort zone with her taking care of him. A pleasant read.

There were a few sexual scenes and some swearing, so this book is not clean.

[Lisa Benison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-Written, LOL - Funny, Steamy, Complete Opposites Attracting Rom-Com

Another winner in the Unleashed series with cameos from some of our favorites and their adorable pets and babies including "matchmaker" General Joan! This time extroverted "alpha-male" Mayor Levi rescues (on his Harley no less) "nerdy" introverted Galena from being left at the alter of the wedding he was set to officiate and went on her Vegas honeymoon with her. Of course they had met previously with sparks flying so this all just added to the inferno. I loved both characters and seeing them grow and open up to each other and figure out how to deal with her troublesome ex. I also enjoyed Galena's relationships with her grandparents, sister and nieces who appreciated her (and not her ex!) It was a fun trip back to Summerville and although each book can be read as a standalone they are more enjoyable as a series. I can't wait for the next one!

I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't get enough of this series by Kylie Gilmore. Entertaining and heartfelt the saga continues in Summerdale with Levi and Galena and the surly General Joan who fancies herself as cupid.

Levi couldn't be happier that Galena didn't marry her pathetic ex. Not wanting to waste her honeymoon trip Levi accepts Galena's offer to go to Las Vegas with her. Spending time with Galena only makes Levi more convinced she is the woman for him.

Galena is confused by the feelings she has for Levi just hours after being stood up at the alter by Kevin, and spending a week in the honeymoon suite in Las Vegas with him has thrown the two into a heated and intimate relationship she isn't sure she can trust. But returning home is even more difficult when Levi wants a commitment and Kevin wants her back.  

I received an ARC and voluntarily offer this review.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I instantly fell in love with Galena and Levi, no doubt you will too! 5 stars for this one!
Galena is left jilted and alone on her wedding day, there's no lower feeling than that, and when Levi steps in to help her escape the embarrassment, he becomes her savior. She shouldn't be experiencing the feelings she has for Levi, after all she was just going to get married to someone else.
Levi comes to the rescue of Galena and whisks her off on his Harley, he's got feelings for her for sure, and decides to go on her honeymoon to Vegas with her, and plays the doting husband to her grandparents. He's loving it, but he wants more from her, can he convince her to move on from her ex and into his arms?
I love this series so much! Kylie never disappoints with each new story in this Unleashed Romance series! Don't miss out, if you haven't started this series, what are you waiting for?

[JLS · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the next book in the Unleashed series. It focused on the mayor, Levi and jilted bride, Galena. Levi is outgoing, personable and popular. He's looking for adventure and added excitement in his life. Galena is quiet, devoted to her work and plans everything carefully. She looks at all the percentages and variables to see what makes sense. But when her fiancee, who she's lived with for two years and is completely compatible to her, leaves her at the alter, she starts rethinking everything. When Levi rescues her from the wedding on his Harley, she is grateful and attracted. Then she invites him to Vegas for her honeymoon. All bets are off on this spontaneous, laugh out loud, swoon worthy romance. What are the odds of a happy ending? You'll have to read to find out!!
I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review. And I honestly highly recommend it. Happy reading.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Galena is left at the altar and Levi is there offering to help her! Galena decides to ask Levi to Las Vegas for her honeymoon and to meet her grandparents and tell them what happened. Levi is not a spur of the moment kind of guy, but he is trying to be more adventurous. These two have a chemistry they can't ignore. When they get home Galena has to deal with her ex that won't leave their house and expects things to carry on before he texted her about not getting married. Galena is learning that she enjoys Summerdale and getting to know Levi better. Galena has friends and is happy. When a film crew comes to town and uses her house for filming things change in a big way. This was a sweet book!

[Dianna F · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't get enough of this series by Kylie Gilmore. Leading is an emotional roller coaster of a book for Galena and new beau Levi.

Galena was set to get married but last moment (literally to just before walking down the isle) the groom decided he didn't want to get hitched. Levi is the officiant for the ceremony and Galena asked for help to escape. The chemistry between these two characters was there right from their first meet but things just kept coming up to keep them apart.

I really enjoyed this story and seeing how these two finally came together.

I received an ARC and voluntarily left a review.

[Melissa Morrison · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’ve enjoyed most of the books in this series, as predictable as they are. However, honestly, I thought Levi was kind of a jerk. I mean, sure, he was sweet and knew they had potential, but it also felt very manipulative when he kept showing up and blurting things out in front of the ex to push his way. She was going through a lot and he just kept pressuring her to get what he wanted. Sure, it all ended well, but I wasn’t impressed with this guy. I will finish the last two books because the author has been toying with one relationship since the beginning and I want to know what happens but this guy was no hero and she deserved better than both guys.

[Bonnie Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

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Leading: A Fake Husband Romantic Comedy (Unleashed Romance, Book 8)
Kylie Gilmore

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Book Details
A great book about finding love when you least expect it. Levi and Galena meet when he is the officiant at her wedding. But the wedding doesn’t happen and Levi is ready to step in and help her. Come along for the adventure when they decide to go on the honeymoon she didn’t get.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
EntertainingRomantic

[Sue-Ellen Quin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leading is book 8 of Kylie Gilmore's Unleashed series.
I found it to be a fun lighthearted read. It is about Galena who is left at the alter about to elope with her partner of 2 years without any of her family around. Levi is the town mayor who was waiting to perform the wedding ceremony. This book is another fantastic Kylie Gilmore story, with a nice journey of love at first site to the happily ever after. I'm looking forward to book 9.

[Dawn Herrera · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written story by the talented Kylie Gilmore, I just enjoy her books. This was a great romantic comedy with some really wonderful characters that will capture your heart and keep you hooked till the end. This was a really fun read.
She is the bride who was left a the alter by text, he is the wedding officiant who comes to her rescue this is just the start to a really great story. I really loved this book and I highly recommend it.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leading is another delightful story in the Unleashed series by Kylie Gilmore. Galena is left at the alter and invites Levi the mayor to go to Vegas with her on her honeymoon. Levi and Galena have both decided to change up their life. She plans everything and he needs more excitement. Their interactions are witty with unexpected turns, amusing dialogue and situations. Love the General and her match making. Love this book and highly recommend reading it!

[Quinn Fforde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Levi is there for Galena when her wedding day falls apart, and it is obvious he is a great guy. But Galena wants to be sure before she chooses a new path for herself after her careful choices fell apart. This book is a roller coaster ride as Galena wavers between safety and adventure. It was very funny with lots of cameos by previous characters.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a series where each story is more precious than the one before, it's hard to pick a favorite. From funny to sassy, Leading proves to be a strong contender for that conveted crown. Gilmore turns the ultimate heartache into an irresistible heartwarmer. With the help of a few furry and two legged friends, Levi and Galena turn awkward into a temptation worth sinking the senses into.

[Candace Mantyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 8 in the Unleashed Series, Leading, is Galena and Levi's story. After getting left at the alter by her fiancee, Galena decides to throw caution to the wind and invite Levi to join her on her would be honeymoon.
Levi has been interested in Galena for a while now, and this is just the in he needs to get to know her.
Another great addition to a great series.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely adorable story. It’s a heartwarming read that will captivate you from beginning to end. Each story in the series continues to take a piece of your heart as you continue to fall in love with each couple. It’s fun and lighthearted story with lovable characters and fur babies. A great addition to the series.

[Tina Sanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute

This is a cute and on the funny side with two quirky people. The characters are well defined and I could picture both of them and the live in x. The dogs in the story are as I assume most beagals are, as my encounters with them. Most the time very high strung and very liveable. Goid story you won't be disappointed.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun

The concept is nice and there are some really funny bits. Galena is fun. However, the endless repetition of trivia (such as who took whom to a dance in eighth grade) is annoying, and Levi has almost no character development whatsoever, remaining insecure and pushy.

Standalone. 1st person dual pov. No violence. Steamy.

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m partial to beagles, so this cover was great! Levi was awesome and all-in from before the beginning! And Galena was smart enough to know better than think Kevin was a good choice. But a trip to Vegas helped these two figure out a few things. Amazing what a little family pressure can do.

[Linda Jerome · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leading

This was such an enjoyable, romantic and hilariously fun story to read, I couldn't stop reading, I had to keep reading to reach the ending! I know everyone will love story as much as I did.

[Linda Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun book! Fall in love with Levi & Galena. A crazy mixed up love story that pulls you in on the first page! There’s a boring fiancé. A meddling but sweet town. Some beagles. Some steamy scenes. A real feel good love story!!

[Margo Haydu-Givoni · Rating 3 out of 5]

leading : a fake husband romantic comedy

I found this authors story so drawn out… Galena is a shy, embarrassed & very math statical person. Kevin who left her at the alter, is a very selfish insecure man. Then there’s Levy, mayor of city …. Who sees Galena and falls in love.

[Sherie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable quick read

I'm not usually fond of formulaic romances, but I did enjoy this one. I enjoyed my introduction to the town of Summer dale enough that I may hunt down another one next time I need a quick beach read.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 8 in the series. All the same and always a fun easy read.

[Coral Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Levi is an awesome character and so much more than the mayor. Galena vacillates so much she is to the point of being very annoying. Levi was beyond patient with her.

[Feija · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 ⭐️ I really liked this book!!