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Southern Wedding #2
Mine to Hold
Are you ready for The Southern Wedding Series?
Things are supposed to go smoothly on your wedding day.
Aren't they?
Shelby
I got a love letter the night before I was supposed to marry the love of my life.
Except the letter wasn't for me.
My future husband had written it to someone else.
Weston (Ace)
Standing at the altar to watch my best friend get married was an honor.
Finding out that he was sleeping with my girlfriend was a nightmare.
Everything I knew was a lie.
When the opportunity came to get out of town and leave my ex behind, I took it.
Umbrella drinks and broken hearts don't mix well.
I shouldn't want Shelby for myself - but I do.
I want her more than I've ever wanted anyone.
Maybe, she was just mine to hold.
Things are supposed to go smoothly on your wedding day.
Aren't they?
Shelby
I got a love letter the night before I was supposed to marry the love of my life.
Except the letter wasn't for me.
My future husband had written it to someone else.
Weston (Ace)
Standing at the altar to watch my best friend get married was an honor.
Finding out that he was sleeping with my girlfriend was a nightmare.
Everything I knew was a lie.
When the opportunity came to get out of town and leave my ex behind, I took it.
Umbrella drinks and broken hearts don't mix well.
I shouldn't want Shelby for myself - but I do.
I want her more than I've ever wanted anyone.
Maybe, she was just mine to hold.
323 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 2, 2022
2083 people are currently reading
12901 people want to read
About the author
Natasha Madison
87 books8,366 followersWhen Wall Street Journal and USA Today Best Selling Author's nose isn't buried in a book, or her fingers flying across a keyboard writing, she's in the kitchen creating gourmet meals. You can find her, in four inch heels no less, in the car chauffeuring kids, or possibly with her husband scheduling his business trips. It's a good thing her characters do what she says, because even her Labrador doesn't listen to her...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 679 reviews
July 25, 2022
"You deserve more." I smile at him. "I deserve you," he tells me. "After all this time, I deserve you."
I liked it and read it in one go. It was a fast paced story and the blurb sounded very interesting. It features three sisters who have started their own wedding planning company and revolves around their life. Ace & Shelby are best friends and it's Shelby's wedding day when she discovers that her fiance is cheating on her with Ace's girlfriend. Both of them didn't see such a huge betrayal coming but one night of drinking together, leads them to take a decision of going on Shelby's pre-booked honeymoon together. When lines blur and they discover some truths, will they act on their attraction and finally see what was meant to be?
Overall, it was a fun read but there should've been some more relationship development between Ace & Shelby because they went from attraction to love real quick. But it was drama free and light-hearted, so in my opinion, it was a 3.5 star read.
ARC received in exchange of an honest review
I liked it and read it in one go. It was a fast paced story and the blurb sounded very interesting. It features three sisters who have started their own wedding planning company and revolves around their life. Ace & Shelby are best friends and it's Shelby's wedding day when she discovers that her fiance is cheating on her with Ace's girlfriend. Both of them didn't see such a huge betrayal coming but one night of drinking together, leads them to take a decision of going on Shelby's pre-booked honeymoon together. When lines blur and they discover some truths, will they act on their attraction and finally see what was meant to be?
Overall, it was a fun read but there should've been some more relationship development between Ace & Shelby because they went from attraction to love real quick. But it was drama free and light-hearted, so in my opinion, it was a 3.5 star read.
ARC received in exchange of an honest review
July 15, 2024
I hate rating these types of books. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t really entertaining either. The FMC was a smidge tiresome, and her sisters were annoying AF, but the MMC was likable. I’ll never reread it, and I have ZERO desire to continue the series. I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone that likes the same type of reads that I do, but I can’t say it deserves a 2 star either. Unless I was rating solely on how much I enjoyed it, and I never do that, so that doesn’t seem fair.
SO… 2.5 Stars with the above caveat.
The blurb sets this up and honestly that’s what hooked me because it sounded like this could be a smorgasbord of OW drama llama. I was excitedly waiting for the “love letter” and the proverbial shit to hit the fan, and waiting, and waiting, and waiting. Holy hell, it takes 21% of wedding, annoying sister, secondary character filler to FINALLY get to the love letter scene! And it was pretty awesome, but POOF it’s over, then Ace and Shelby are off to the honeymoon with barely any confrontation with their cheating exes. (Sheila & Joseph)
Then there’s
Bottom Line- It was a bit bland for me, but I love the drama. I would’ve liked them to spend more time in town together, maybe dealing with their exes trying to cause trouble. Their relationship moved REALLY fast, especially for getting out of serious ones, but I felt the author did an OK job of showing chemistry. I felt like Shelby did Ace wrong at the end there, but she did work to make it up to him.
SO… 2.5 Stars with the above caveat.
The blurb sets this up and honestly that’s what hooked me because it sounded like this could be a smorgasbord of OW drama llama. I was excitedly waiting for the “love letter” and the proverbial shit to hit the fan, and waiting, and waiting, and waiting. Holy hell, it takes 21% of wedding, annoying sister, secondary character filler to FINALLY get to the love letter scene! And it was pretty awesome, but POOF it’s over, then Ace and Shelby are off to the honeymoon with barely any confrontation with their cheating exes. (Sheila & Joseph)
Then there’s
Bottom Line- It was a bit bland for me, but I love the drama. I would’ve liked them to spend more time in town together, maybe dealing with their exes trying to cause trouble. Their relationship moved REALLY fast, especially for getting out of serious ones, but I felt the author did an OK job of showing chemistry. I felt like Shelby did Ace wrong at the end there, but she did work to make it up to him.
November 16, 2022
I read "Tempt the Boss" from this writer and had great fun. However, not all of her books are my cuppa.
And as for this book, I can say that it started in a really good way and raised my hopes but as soon as their relationship started, it went downhill for me.
*********************************************
Here's what I liked and disliked in this book:
The wedding scene at the beginning of the book was terrific. It really was very good. Actually, the book can be read for that scene alone. I even made my husband read that part and he also didn't see it coming 🤗👍
Plot
Ace and Shelby have been best friends for 5 years. However, at the beginning of the book, Shelby is getting prepared for her wedding with Ace's best friend Jonathan, and Ace is planning to propose his girlfriend Sheila after the wedding.
The first few chapters of the book are 4 or 5-star quality. How she learns that she has been cheated on, how she reacts etc. Perfectly planned. Kudos to the writer about those parts.
*********************************************
What happens later is that Shelby doesn't want to go on her honeymoon alone and invites her best friend Ace and he accepts the offer.
During that holiday, when he sees her in a bikini etc, he wants her. And when she sees him in shorts and when she sees his abs, she wants him, too.
Huh, as if they are seeing each other for the first time...
Everything happens easily and fast. They lust for each other for a while on this tropic island and then, they start kissing and having sex. A lot of sex. Like really a lot. I would have loved it much more if they started with a revenge fuck or something like that because Shelby's fiancé cheated on her with his best friend Ace's girlfrend.
*********************************************
The rest of the book is mostly about them having sex. In between these sessions of sex, they talk about their feelings a bit. How they actually wanted each other, blah bla. Then, comes a minor and stupid plot twist, which sets them apart for a week or so and then they are reconciled. That's pretty much about it.
*********************************************
I didn't like how they had a sex marathon. I love good sex scenes in a romance book but I care about it being emotional, too but here it seemed to be all about sex, not feelings.
Also, I sometimes love dirty talk during sex scenes in books if it is for my taste but as soon as they start having sex, she starts talking dirty and I didn't feel OK with that. I would be OK with it later maybe but not on day one or two.
Characters
I liked Ace but I didn't like Shelby much. After her wedding is cancelled, she talks behind her fiancé, saying that the sex wasn't good. He didn't want sex as much as she did. Later, she even called him a one-minute man with a small dick.
So here is my question. Why would you want to marry this man? Are you stupid?
Also, the reason Ace and Shelby got separated for a week is utterly Shelby's stupidity. I hated her at that point when she did what she did. I don't like people who care about what people would say and put themselves in second place. People will always talk. Why don't you just cherish what you have? Whose opinion is more important than your own happiness?
Writing
- Dual point of view
- Short book with 205 pages
- Writing flows, never dragging but it is a simple book with a simple narration. It didn't make me feel much. Also, nothing much happens in it.
Safety
- Her ex cheats on her. His ex cheats on him.
- As this is a "friends-to-lovers book", it naturally involves both the hero and heroine sleeping with other people while they were just friends, which is the sole reason why I dislike this trope. It always fucks with my mind because I am always irritated by the fact that they spend years sleeping with other people while feeling attracted to each other.
Why would you do that???? Nope, I'll never understand their reasoning of "But we were friends..."
"I think we need to talk," I offer, and she stops in her tracks. "I hate that you're like this."
She looks at me. "Like what?"
"Like quiet and shit," I say, my words coming out like word vomit instead of me taking the time to think of the words I want to say and how I want to say them. I wait for her to say something, anything, and she doesn't.
"Okay, well, obviously I've always been attracted to you." I look at her face to see how she will react to the news.
Her eyes never leave mine. "Same," she admits to me. "But we were friends."
And as for this book, I can say that it started in a really good way and raised my hopes but as soon as their relationship started, it went downhill for me.
*********************************************
Here's what I liked and disliked in this book:
The wedding scene at the beginning of the book was terrific. It really was very good. Actually, the book can be read for that scene alone. I even made my husband read that part and he also didn't see it coming 🤗👍
Plot
Ace and Shelby have been best friends for 5 years. However, at the beginning of the book, Shelby is getting prepared for her wedding with Ace's best friend Jonathan, and Ace is planning to propose his girlfriend Sheila after the wedding.
The first few chapters of the book are 4 or 5-star quality. How she learns that she has been cheated on, how she reacts etc. Perfectly planned. Kudos to the writer about those parts.
*********************************************
What happens later is that Shelby doesn't want to go on her honeymoon alone and invites her best friend Ace and he accepts the offer.
During that holiday, when he sees her in a bikini etc, he wants her. And when she sees him in shorts and when she sees his abs, she wants him, too.
Huh, as if they are seeing each other for the first time...
Everything happens easily and fast. They lust for each other for a while on this tropic island and then, they start kissing and having sex. A lot of sex. Like really a lot. I would have loved it much more if they started with a revenge fuck or something like that because Shelby's fiancé cheated on her with his best friend Ace's girlfrend.
*********************************************
The rest of the book is mostly about them having sex. In between these sessions of sex, they talk about their feelings a bit. How they actually wanted each other, blah bla. Then, comes a minor and stupid plot twist, which sets them apart for a week or so and then they are reconciled. That's pretty much about it.
*********************************************
I didn't like how they had a sex marathon. I love good sex scenes in a romance book but I care about it being emotional, too but here it seemed to be all about sex, not feelings.
Also, I sometimes love dirty talk during sex scenes in books if it is for my taste but as soon as they start having sex, she starts talking dirty and I didn't feel OK with that. I would be OK with it later maybe but not on day one or two.
Characters
I liked Ace but I didn't like Shelby much. After her wedding is cancelled, she talks behind her fiancé, saying that the sex wasn't good. He didn't want sex as much as she did. Later, she even called him a one-minute man with a small dick.
So here is my question. Why would you want to marry this man? Are you stupid?
Also, the reason Ace and Shelby got separated for a week is utterly Shelby's stupidity. I hated her at that point when she did what she did. I don't like people who care about what people would say and put themselves in second place. People will always talk. Why don't you just cherish what you have? Whose opinion is more important than your own happiness?
Writing
- Dual point of view
- Short book with 205 pages
- Writing flows, never dragging but it is a simple book with a simple narration. It didn't make me feel much. Also, nothing much happens in it.
Safety
- Her ex cheats on her. His ex cheats on him.
- As this is a "friends-to-lovers book", it naturally involves both the hero and heroine sleeping with other people while they were just friends, which is the sole reason why I dislike this trope. It always fucks with my mind because I am always irritated by the fact that they spend years sleeping with other people while feeling attracted to each other.
Why would you do that???? Nope, I'll never understand their reasoning of "But we were friends..."
"I think we need to talk," I offer, and she stops in her tracks. "I hate that you're like this."
She looks at me. "Like what?"
"Like quiet and shit," I say, my words coming out like word vomit instead of me taking the time to think of the words I want to say and how I want to say them. I wait for her to say something, anything, and she doesn't.
"Okay, well, obviously I've always been attracted to you." I look at her face to see how she will react to the news.
Her eyes never leave mine. "Same," she admits to me. "But we were friends."
July 30, 2024
Mine to Hold- Weston/Ace and Shelby
Shelby is about to get married and it is the night before her wedding. Her soon to be husband, Joseph, is late to the rehearsal and something isn’t sitting right with Shelby. And it’s not just that he is late. But now she is at home and before she goes to sleep, she receives an email. An email that will change her life forever.
Ace is the best man at the wedding but not only is he Joseph’s best friend but Shelby’s also. Something seems off with Joseph but Ace just thinks it is nerves. That is until the wedding day. That email doesn’t just change Shelby’s life but it changes Ace’s also.
This is a sweet, best friends read. There is an obvious theme with this series so you should know that things will most likely be wonky at the weddings. I really like the interconnected characters. Very entertaining .
Shelby is about to get married and it is the night before her wedding. Her soon to be husband, Joseph, is late to the rehearsal and something isn’t sitting right with Shelby. And it’s not just that he is late. But now she is at home and before she goes to sleep, she receives an email. An email that will change her life forever.
Ace is the best man at the wedding but not only is he Joseph’s best friend but Shelby’s also. Something seems off with Joseph but Ace just thinks it is nerves. That is until the wedding day. That email doesn’t just change Shelby’s life but it changes Ace’s also.
This is a sweet, best friends read. There is an obvious theme with this series so you should know that things will most likely be wonky at the weddings. I really like the interconnected characters. Very entertaining .
August 5, 2022
The Southern Wedding series stories are just as swoony and romantic as their delicious covers, and I really enjoyed this second outing. Friends to lovers, with two mutually jilted characters, find themselves on an unexpected honeymoon together- and not theirs. But it turns into another swoony and sweet love story from Natasha Madison. We have a fantastic setting, two really likable characters, delectable banter, and good steam. It’s an easy, feel-good, one sit read- the perfect escape.
July 4, 2024
4,5 ⭐️ || OMG!!!!!! Jestem zakochana
April 25, 2022
5 playfully hot stars!
I love this book! Funny, sexy and beautifully romantic with fantastic characters, this best-friends-to-lovers romance had me laughing and fanning myself as two friends find passion and love when they least expect it.
This is the second book in the Southern Wedding series. Shelby is the sister of Travis, from Mine To Have, and we catch up with her on the day before her own wedding. Everything is going to according to plan, and her sisters/fellow event planners have got everything completely under control. It’s the groom himself who throws the wedding into chaos, when on the night before the wedding he accidentally sends his bride-to-be a love letter that definitely wasn’t intended for her.
In epically confrontational scenes, the resulting blow-up takes place at the altar, and as it all hits the fan, the best man, Shelby’s best friend, Ace, gets sucked into the drama when it is revealed that his girlfriend has been sleeping with the groom. Chaos, and a whole lot of alcohol follows, and the next day Shelby and Ace end up on a plane to the Caribbean for what was meant to be Shelby’s honeymoon. They both need to get away from the drama for a little while, and figure that they deserve a holiday – even if they have to pretend to be newlyweds. Plus, they’ll have each other to lean on as they deal with everything that just happened. Let the fun times begin!
I love the dynamic between these two! It’s open and playful, and though they are both dealing with the sudden and unexpected end of their relationships, it soon becomes clear that neither of them are particularly devastated, and what they thought they had, wasn’t actually that great. They’re having a better time with each other than they ever had with their exes, and things quickly start to escalate.
Ace and Shelby are so much fun, and I laughed a lot at their banter. There’s clearly chemistry between them, but this wild attraction to each other is unexpected… or is it? Their past is long and twisted, and everything between them feels natural and effortless as they embrace all that they’re feeling, and just go for it.
They’re functional and honest about it, they don’t play games or mess around. They’re both feeling it, they’re open about it, and they go all in, exploring their mad lust for each other in a wildly passionate sex-fest that is absolutely sizzling.
Shelby knows now isn’t the time to be jumping into something new, but there’s no reason why they can’t enjoy each other while they’re away. Except that every time they’re together, their connection becomes deeper, and when it’s time to go home, the depth of their feelings for each other makes it nearly impossible to walk away. They both have things to deal with back home, and accepting the suddenness of all that happened between them and the intensity of their feelings will take some processing. It's a gorgeous journey for them as they do just that, and I loved watching these two figure it all out.
I loved this book! I was sucked in from the very beginning, and I couldn’t put it down, completely caught up in Ace and Shelby’s story - laughing with them and falling in love right alongside them, and desperate to see how it was all going to work out. Travis and Harlow from the first book in the series appear, as do Shelby’s two sisters. This is such a hilarious bunch of characters, all up in each other’s lives, and despite their constant bickering it’s clear that they all care for each other deeply. I loved seeing them all together, and with stories hinted at for the Clarabella and Presley, I am beyond excited to continue on with this series
Such a fun and romantic read – 5 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I love this book! Funny, sexy and beautifully romantic with fantastic characters, this best-friends-to-lovers romance had me laughing and fanning myself as two friends find passion and love when they least expect it.
This is the second book in the Southern Wedding series. Shelby is the sister of Travis, from Mine To Have, and we catch up with her on the day before her own wedding. Everything is going to according to plan, and her sisters/fellow event planners have got everything completely under control. It’s the groom himself who throws the wedding into chaos, when on the night before the wedding he accidentally sends his bride-to-be a love letter that definitely wasn’t intended for her.
In epically confrontational scenes, the resulting blow-up takes place at the altar, and as it all hits the fan, the best man, Shelby’s best friend, Ace, gets sucked into the drama when it is revealed that his girlfriend has been sleeping with the groom. Chaos, and a whole lot of alcohol follows, and the next day Shelby and Ace end up on a plane to the Caribbean for what was meant to be Shelby’s honeymoon. They both need to get away from the drama for a little while, and figure that they deserve a holiday – even if they have to pretend to be newlyweds. Plus, they’ll have each other to lean on as they deal with everything that just happened. Let the fun times begin!
“How about another villa … Like that one.” He points to the villa next door.
“You don’t like this one?” Roberto asks, crushed.
“Oh, we love this one,” Ace starts to say. “But is there one with two beds?” Roberto looks at Ace and then me and then back at Ace again. “She snores.” And my mouth goes wide in shock.
“He squeals like a pig when we have sex, so I don’t want to bother the neighbours.”
I love the dynamic between these two! It’s open and playful, and though they are both dealing with the sudden and unexpected end of their relationships, it soon becomes clear that neither of them are particularly devastated, and what they thought they had, wasn’t actually that great. They’re having a better time with each other than they ever had with their exes, and things quickly start to escalate.
“I love when we play drinking games,” she announces, getting close to me, and I have to squat down in the water to make sure she doesn’t see my boner because there are no words in the dictionary that can justify getting a hard-on for your best friend.
Ace and Shelby are so much fun, and I laughed a lot at their banter. There’s clearly chemistry between them, but this wild attraction to each other is unexpected… or is it? Their past is long and twisted, and everything between them feels natural and effortless as they embrace all that they’re feeling, and just go for it.
“Tell me what you want,” I ask her. She stops moving, and my body goes still. I move away from her just a touch so I can see her face. My hand goes under her chin to make her look up at me. “Don’t hide from me.”
“But . . .” she starts to say and then swallows, and I know whatever she’s thinking, she’s embarrassed by it.
“Hey,” I utter softly, moving more into her as her legs come up and lock around the base of my back. “No hiding.”
“But,” she says and then looks up at the ceiling and blinks her eyes. “It’s just that.”
“Shelby, if you want, we can put all the clothes back on and just lie together and talk,” I tell her, and she gasps.
“No,” she denies, almost shouting. “That is not what I want to do at all.”
“So then?” I look at her.
“Ugh, fine.” She rolls her eyes. “I want you to touch me.”
My mouth goes into a smirk, and I can’t help the smile that comes over me. “Really?”
They’re functional and honest about it, they don’t play games or mess around. They’re both feeling it, they’re open about it, and they go all in, exploring their mad lust for each other in a wildly passionate sex-fest that is absolutely sizzling.
“You make me lose my mind … I’ve never wanted anyone the way I want you … Anyone.”
Shelby knows now isn’t the time to be jumping into something new, but there’s no reason why they can’t enjoy each other while they’re away. Except that every time they’re together, their connection becomes deeper, and when it’s time to go home, the depth of their feelings for each other makes it nearly impossible to walk away. They both have things to deal with back home, and accepting the suddenness of all that happened between them and the intensity of their feelings will take some processing. It's a gorgeous journey for them as they do just that, and I loved watching these two figure it all out.
“Never wanted anything more than to make you mine.”
I loved this book! I was sucked in from the very beginning, and I couldn’t put it down, completely caught up in Ace and Shelby’s story - laughing with them and falling in love right alongside them, and desperate to see how it was all going to work out. Travis and Harlow from the first book in the series appear, as do Shelby’s two sisters. This is such a hilarious bunch of characters, all up in each other’s lives, and despite their constant bickering it’s clear that they all care for each other deeply. I loved seeing them all together, and with stories hinted at for the Clarabella and Presley, I am beyond excited to continue on with this series
Such a fun and romantic read – 5 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
January 8, 2025
I have been wanting to read this one for a good while. I just had to get through all the other books by this author first, lol.
It didn't disappoint. I loved Shelby and Ace. Best Friends to lovers...sign me up. These two are just perfect for one another. They both were cheated on by their significant others, so Ace decides to go with Shelby on the honeymoon and sparks fly.
I didn't want this one to end. I wanted more of these two and their HEA.
It didn't disappoint. I loved Shelby and Ace. Best Friends to lovers...sign me up. These two are just perfect for one another. They both were cheated on by their significant others, so Ace decides to go with Shelby on the honeymoon and sparks fly.
I didn't want this one to end. I wanted more of these two and their HEA.
August 2, 2022
Universal
When Shelby receives a very enlightening, but disturbing, email the night before her wedding, she responds with an epic confrontation the next day during the ceremony. Now she's left with no husband, and a paid for honeymoon just waiting for her. Who better to invite to come with her than her best friend, the other person who experienced the heartbreak caused by the cheating couple - Ace, the man who was dating the woman Shelby's ex had been cheating on her with?
Weston (Ace) had thought he loved his girlfriend, Sheila. But being in such close proximity to his friend Shelby, the woman he's always had such strong friendly feelings for, he's starting to see that perhaps Sheila wasn't the one, but instead his best friend was. Their chemistry is smokin' hot and they can't keep their hands off each other. But is she willing to go all in so soon after her last relationship imploded? Or is this just a vacation fling to her?
When this pair of friends decided to step over the line of friendship, they were so hot there was no way they could go back to being just friends. I found them to be a sweet couple with that chemistry only longtime friends have, and I was rooting them on from the first words out of Shelby's mouth when she invited Ace on the honeymoon. The more than friendly part of their relationship came on lightning quick, and it's the only reason this is 4 rather than 5 stars, because I wanted a longer time for them to develop the romantic part of their relationship. Aside from that, though, I loved everything else about this fun, lighthearted friends to lovers story.
ARC provided by Wildfire Marketing Solutions for an honest review.
Ebook also purchased through Amazon.
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August 12, 2022
This is my first book by this author. I haven't read the first book in this series but I was able to understand what was going on for the most part.
The premise if this book sounded so interesting but it didn't hit the mark.
I had a hard time understanding the writing. It seemed to have lots of unnecessary parts and filler scenes especially leading up to the wedding and during the "honeymoon" trip.
I didn't understand what the author meant with the repeated paragraph or two from the end of the previous chapter in a different POV. It didn't add to anything and didn't provide me with anything new. I ended up skimming that everytime I saw that, which was quite often.
There were a few good aspects and surprises that developed between Shelby and Ace but I wished there was more. I wanted more of their history as friends and this underlying attraction. It just seemed like it was instant and almost by default. There was plenty of spice that people would enjoy but I just felt so disconnected with the characters that it was hard to enjoy that.
Shelby's reasons at the end seemed almost childish and their interactions with Joseph and Sheila were pointless and it seemed like that affair was just as silly. I couldn't feel the sympathy and pain from this betrayal from the main characters.
Overall, I felt like it lacked depth and character. It felt very one dimensional and the writing felt repetitive or overly descriptive but didn't add to the story. I would like to try other books from this author because maybe I just wasn't feeling this book and series.
The premise if this book sounded so interesting but it didn't hit the mark.
I had a hard time understanding the writing. It seemed to have lots of unnecessary parts and filler scenes especially leading up to the wedding and during the "honeymoon" trip.
I didn't understand what the author meant with the repeated paragraph or two from the end of the previous chapter in a different POV. It didn't add to anything and didn't provide me with anything new. I ended up skimming that everytime I saw that, which was quite often.
There were a few good aspects and surprises that developed between Shelby and Ace but I wished there was more. I wanted more of their history as friends and this underlying attraction. It just seemed like it was instant and almost by default. There was plenty of spice that people would enjoy but I just felt so disconnected with the characters that it was hard to enjoy that.
Shelby's reasons at the end seemed almost childish and their interactions with Joseph and Sheila were pointless and it seemed like that affair was just as silly. I couldn't feel the sympathy and pain from this betrayal from the main characters.
Overall, I felt like it lacked depth and character. It felt very one dimensional and the writing felt repetitive or overly descriptive but didn't add to the story. I would like to try other books from this author because maybe I just wasn't feeling this book and series.
April 7, 2022
Natasha Madison really I didn't know where you were going to take this one.
I find these Sisters damn hilarious and throw in their mum and you have all you need.
Watching Shelby, spunky, funny, strong Shelby go through what she did wasn't easy but boy did I not for one second see truth being revealed to all like that. Such class.
I definitely giggled but it was classic.
Shelby finding Ace through all this shit was just perfect. Because clearly after what they have been put through they deserve their HEA.
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS SERIES. I LOVE THIS FAMILY. I LOVE THEIR BANTER AND THE LOVE THEY HAVE FOR EACH OTHER. ITS ALL JUST PERFECT....
I find these Sisters damn hilarious and throw in their mum and you have all you need.
Watching Shelby, spunky, funny, strong Shelby go through what she did wasn't easy but boy did I not for one second see truth being revealed to all like that. Such class.
I definitely giggled but it was classic.
Shelby finding Ace through all this shit was just perfect. Because clearly after what they have been put through they deserve their HEA.
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS SERIES. I LOVE THIS FAMILY. I LOVE THEIR BANTER AND THE LOVE THEY HAVE FOR EACH OTHER. ITS ALL JUST PERFECT....
October 7, 2022
This book was such a miss for me. I will say I really enjoyed the first few chapters. I think the wedding scene and confrontation was done really well but it all went downhill fast.
The development of the MC relationship didn’t have enough build up considering the circumstances and I found the smut extremely funny when it definitely was not supposed to be. It felt like the author threw in dirty talk just to make it more smutty? It was awkward and gave me second hand embarrassment. Also, the whole reasoning to her finance betraying her?? I’m confused
The development of the MC relationship didn’t have enough build up considering the circumstances and I found the smut extremely funny when it definitely was not supposed to be. It felt like the author threw in dirty talk just to make it more smutty? It was awkward and gave me second hand embarrassment. Also, the whole reasoning to her finance betraying her?? I’m confused
August 3, 2022
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Natasha Madison has returned with a brand-new installment in her Southern Wedding series. This time around we get Shelby’s story, sister of the hero from Mine to Have. In Mine to Hold, Madison delivers to her readers a delightful and sizzling friend to lover's romance.
A fast read, Mine to Hold, took me to a place where I could forget about the troubles happening around me for a few hours. Now I want to visit the Turks and Caicos Island. I dreamt of white sandy beaches, private bungalows and sensuous massages with the last one being ministered by my other half.
Ok enough about my dreaming. The setting, the characters, the banter, and the romance combined made for a fast, but enjoyable reading experience.
What was supposed the best day of Shelby’s life turned out to be a nightmare and Ace, her best friend, unwittingly found himself in the crossfire. My heart broke for them both. However, they both handled the situation like champions. I am not sure if I would have acted so calm. Then again, it was the best thing to have happened to them both as it pushed them into acknowledging their feelings for each other. Although it took a trip to Turks for it to happen.
Ace and Shelby had crazy chemistry. It was clear from the beginning they were made for each other. They knew more about both each than the persons with whom they were in a relationship.
Mine to Hold didn’t deliver any unexpected twists. I knew the path the story would take, however it still kept me entertained. The story shows one has to be careful who they allow in their circle. Not everyone in your circle is happy for you. There is always that one who is jealous of you and will try any means to tear you down.
I found Mine to Hold to be a humorous, flirty, steamy friends to lover's romance that will whet your appetite and leave you satiated at the end. - Satisfying
This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
Natasha Madison has returned with a brand-new installment in her Southern Wedding series. This time around we get Shelby’s story, sister of the hero from Mine to Have. In Mine to Hold, Madison delivers to her readers a delightful and sizzling friend to lover's romance.
A fast read, Mine to Hold, took me to a place where I could forget about the troubles happening around me for a few hours. Now I want to visit the Turks and Caicos Island. I dreamt of white sandy beaches, private bungalows and sensuous massages with the last one being ministered by my other half.
Ok enough about my dreaming. The setting, the characters, the banter, and the romance combined made for a fast, but enjoyable reading experience.
What was supposed the best day of Shelby’s life turned out to be a nightmare and Ace, her best friend, unwittingly found himself in the crossfire. My heart broke for them both. However, they both handled the situation like champions. I am not sure if I would have acted so calm. Then again, it was the best thing to have happened to them both as it pushed them into acknowledging their feelings for each other. Although it took a trip to Turks for it to happen.
Ace and Shelby had crazy chemistry. It was clear from the beginning they were made for each other. They knew more about both each than the persons with whom they were in a relationship.
Mine to Hold didn’t deliver any unexpected twists. I knew the path the story would take, however it still kept me entertained. The story shows one has to be careful who they allow in their circle. Not everyone in your circle is happy for you. There is always that one who is jealous of you and will try any means to tear you down.
I found Mine to Hold to be a humorous, flirty, steamy friends to lover's romance that will whet your appetite and leave you satiated at the end. - Satisfying
This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
August 2, 2022
5 star Review Mine to Hold (Southern Wedding # 2) by Natasha Madison
Having read the first book in the latest series from Natasha Madison I could not wait to read Mine To Hold. As with the first book I was immediately immersed in the story that Ms.Madison wove.
I absolutely adored Shelby and Weston (aka Ace) and the relationship that Shelby has with her sisters Presley and Clarabella only added an additional layer to the story. This was an emotional read at times as fate challenges both Shelby and Ace. Finding out that your fiance is a cheating scumbag just before your wedding is enough to knock anyone off their feet. Finding out that it’s with his best friend’s girlfriend is an even bitter pill to swallow.
Needing to escape Shelby and Ace decide to go on the honeymoon that has already been booked. Exploring Turks and Caicos, lines will be crossed and walls will crumble and what follows is passionate and intense. As feelings also become involved, will they take a chance on love together?
One click and find out.
Having read the first book in the latest series from Natasha Madison I could not wait to read Mine To Hold. As with the first book I was immediately immersed in the story that Ms.Madison wove.
I absolutely adored Shelby and Weston (aka Ace) and the relationship that Shelby has with her sisters Presley and Clarabella only added an additional layer to the story. This was an emotional read at times as fate challenges both Shelby and Ace. Finding out that your fiance is a cheating scumbag just before your wedding is enough to knock anyone off their feet. Finding out that it’s with his best friend’s girlfriend is an even bitter pill to swallow.
Needing to escape Shelby and Ace decide to go on the honeymoon that has already been booked. Exploring Turks and Caicos, lines will be crossed and walls will crumble and what follows is passionate and intense. As feelings also become involved, will they take a chance on love together?
One click and find out.
August 2, 2022
Another winner, get ready for the second book of the Southern Wedding series. Shelby pulled me in right away, and her vows are perfection. Ace is the man we all want to have. Add in laughs, romance, and the best friends-to-lovers story full of passion. Do not forget the meddling sister, Presley and Clarabella, who add their own unique fun.
Shelby is set to marry the man of her dreams. How could she miss the signs? She is a wedding planner.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
Shelby is set to marry the man of her dreams. How could she miss the signs? She is a wedding planner.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
August 3, 2022
She's done it again! UNPUTDOWNABLE!
The cover is stunning and the best cover I have seen this year!
Mine to Hold is a treasure of a book. Beautiful, emotional and heartfelt with a cornucopia of characters you’ll love spending time with’!
I loved every minute of reading it!’
This best-friend to lover story is full of romance, tension, and brilliantly drawn characters. Pure pleasure from start to finish!
Shelby and Ace stole my heart!
The cover is stunning and the best cover I have seen this year!
Mine to Hold is a treasure of a book. Beautiful, emotional and heartfelt with a cornucopia of characters you’ll love spending time with’!
I loved every minute of reading it!’
This best-friend to lover story is full of romance, tension, and brilliantly drawn characters. Pure pleasure from start to finish!
Shelby and Ace stole my heart!
August 4, 2022
This book was sooo damn good! Ace and Shelby’s story is to die for it was absolutely perfect! All the feels the banter the swooning the emotions and the steam!!! I was not disappointed this story was everything I anticipated it would be and more! And these sisters are just everything this series is absolutely brilliant and unique and the writing is excellent I definitely recommend anything by Natasha Madison but this series is gold !
August 3, 2022
I really adored Ace and Shelby's story. I loved their friendship. But what I loved, even more, is the way it developed into a romantic relationship. I loved reading the scenes where they spent time together and that was also when they started realising their true feelings for one another. And it got hot and steamy from there on! I read this in just one seating. All because of these two!
September 24, 2023
I got to 69% of this book, and I completely just lost interest. I was annoyed because each POV started with a recap of what the previous chapter POV had said, it didn’t make sense to me, and honestly probably made the book longer than it needed to be.
April 17, 2024
El día de su boda recibe una carta de su novio pensando que era para ella y resultó que era para la novia de su mejor amigo y en plena boda suelta la bomba.
Decide irse al viaje de luna de miel con el mejor amigo que también fue engañado y pasan cosas.
Me gustó muchas más que el anterior.
Decide irse al viaje de luna de miel con el mejor amigo que también fue engañado y pasan cosas.
Me gustó muchas más que el anterior.
July 19, 2023
Shelby amiga eres mi ejemplo a seguir o sea, desenmascarar a tu prometido infiel mientras dicen sus votos? AMO!!!! Esta historia como la anterior me gusto, la tención entre los protagonistas, todo el friends to lovers aquí.
Simplemente otro buen libro de Natasha 🫶🏻
Simplemente otro buen libro de Natasha 🫶🏻
April 12, 2024
Shelby y Ace
May 16, 2023
If you are looking for a quick read then, this is the one. It was really cliche.
I found it weird that they got together so quickly just because of one thing(yk what I'm talking about).
The premise was so interesting but the book didn’t live up to the hype. Overall the characters were really one dimensional.
Like I said just a fun read.
I don't hate it but I also don't love it.
I found it weird that they got together so quickly just because of one thing(yk what I'm talking about).
The premise was so interesting but the book didn’t live up to the hype. Overall the characters were really one dimensional.
Like I said just a fun read.
I don't hate it but I also don't love it.
June 4, 2022
Wedding bells are ringing for Shelby in Mine To Hold (Southern Wedding #2) and she’s ready to walk down the aisle to the “man of her dreams”. Unfortunately, her fiancée is a lying, cheating a**hole who’s sleeping with his best friend, Weston aka Ace’s girlfriend. Ace is also Shelby’s best friend.
Ace and Shelby have the best intentions when they decide to go on the pre planned honeymoon to Turks and Caicos. After the almost wedding disaster, I couldn’t think of two people who are more deserving of a relaxing getaway. I mean who wouldn’t want to go on a island vacation with their best friend and have fun in the sun, lounge around on beautiful beaches and drink endless cocktails. Initially it’s all good and gets even better when sparks ignite between Ace and Shelby and there goes the bikinis and swimming trunks! The naughty (the massage scene is fire and panty dripping), dirty and passionate things they do to each other are incredibly hot.
The time they spend together is not just about sex as they have quite the fun loving adventures and good times coupled with playful moments and flirty behavior. And not only are they exploring each other, they develop an emotional bond while growing a deep connection which is the best part of this engaging storyline. All good things must come to an end, their vacation is a wrap, their relationship has crossed lines and they’ve caught feelings for each other. But can there be something more?
This book also has a high level of swoon worthy and romantic gestures. And once again, the Baker family doesn’t disappoint with their shenanigans and hilarious banter. Mine To Hold is a fantastic best friends to lovers and second chance at love romance.
Ace and Shelby have the best intentions when they decide to go on the pre planned honeymoon to Turks and Caicos. After the almost wedding disaster, I couldn’t think of two people who are more deserving of a relaxing getaway. I mean who wouldn’t want to go on a island vacation with their best friend and have fun in the sun, lounge around on beautiful beaches and drink endless cocktails. Initially it’s all good and gets even better when sparks ignite between Ace and Shelby and there goes the bikinis and swimming trunks! The naughty (the massage scene is fire and panty dripping), dirty and passionate things they do to each other are incredibly hot.
The time they spend together is not just about sex as they have quite the fun loving adventures and good times coupled with playful moments and flirty behavior. And not only are they exploring each other, they develop an emotional bond while growing a deep connection which is the best part of this engaging storyline. All good things must come to an end, their vacation is a wrap, their relationship has crossed lines and they’ve caught feelings for each other. But can there be something more?
This book also has a high level of swoon worthy and romantic gestures. And once again, the Baker family doesn’t disappoint with their shenanigans and hilarious banter. Mine To Hold is a fantastic best friends to lovers and second chance at love romance.
July 30, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 / 5 stars!
🦋friends to lovers
🦋super steamy
🦋3 hilarious sisters
🦋passionate mmc
🦋relatable fmc
🦋lol moments
🦋dual pov
What a fun, flirty, perfect for summertime, romance!
I loved the premise of this story: Shelby is a bride-to-be and on the night before her wedding she discovers that her fiancé, Joseph, has been cheating on her…with her best friend’s girlfriend! After Shelby epically confronts Joseph, she decides she’s still going on her paid for magical, beachside villa honeymoon. She asks her best friend, Ace, who is now newly single due to his girlfriend cheating, if he’d like to accompany her on the honeymoon. Things heat up once they get to their destination and they begin to believe that maybe they were always meant to be more than just friends!
What I loved:
The sisters reminded me so much of me & my sister and I loved that connection between them. Ace was positively HOT and I loved every interaction we read with him. Their connection & attraction was undeniable! I loved their hilarious banter and the spicy scenes were sooooo good. Shelby was a strong, lovable female lead and I enjoyed her personality.
Explaining my rating:
Mine to Hold is a very solid 3.5 stars! I only rated the way I did because I wish we had seen more relationship development. But I truly did enjoy Ace & Shelby’s story! It was highly steamy & there was so much angst!
*I received a complimentary ARC copy of this book from the Author and Wildfire Marketing Solutions in exchange for an honest review.
🦋friends to lovers
🦋super steamy
🦋3 hilarious sisters
🦋passionate mmc
🦋relatable fmc
🦋lol moments
🦋dual pov
What a fun, flirty, perfect for summertime, romance!
I loved the premise of this story: Shelby is a bride-to-be and on the night before her wedding she discovers that her fiancé, Joseph, has been cheating on her…with her best friend’s girlfriend! After Shelby epically confronts Joseph, she decides she’s still going on her paid for magical, beachside villa honeymoon. She asks her best friend, Ace, who is now newly single due to his girlfriend cheating, if he’d like to accompany her on the honeymoon. Things heat up once they get to their destination and they begin to believe that maybe they were always meant to be more than just friends!
What I loved:
The sisters reminded me so much of me & my sister and I loved that connection between them. Ace was positively HOT and I loved every interaction we read with him. Their connection & attraction was undeniable! I loved their hilarious banter and the spicy scenes were sooooo good. Shelby was a strong, lovable female lead and I enjoyed her personality.
Explaining my rating:
Mine to Hold is a very solid 3.5 stars! I only rated the way I did because I wish we had seen more relationship development. But I truly did enjoy Ace & Shelby’s story! It was highly steamy & there was so much angst!
*I received a complimentary ARC copy of this book from the Author and Wildfire Marketing Solutions in exchange for an honest review.
August 10, 2024
I picked up this book when I was intrigued by the premise of the groom accidentally sending an email to the bride that was meant for her best friend the maid of honor. That part was great, just the kind of drama I was looking for. Unfortunately, it was really the best part of the book. The issue I've had with this author in the last book I attempted was the same in this one, low quality writing. Her characters are paper dolls saying lines she wants them to say and not fully fleshed out characters with specific personalities, quirks and flaws. All the women are almost exactly the same character as well as the men are all one type of character with no dimension or depth. I don't know what it is about that type of female character that rubs me the wrong way exactly...they're kind of helplessly bitchy. The third act break-up was an eye roller, the h out of nowhere says "we can't date, it's too soon, people will think you pity me!" What? That doesn't even make sense, legitimate worries about that are "They may think something was going on with us beforehand" "They may think I'm rebounding" those are legitimate worries, not " They're all going to think he pities me!" 😂 Furthermore, what people think should really be the last thing on her mind. They can't think anything worse of you after finding out your ex tried to run away with your maid of honor, it's all up hill from there! This is probably my last Natasha Madison book, I thought I'd give her one more try, but until her writing and character development improve, I'm going to stay clear
August 6, 2022
First off: these covers for this series are absolutely GORGEOUS. I want to buy the whole series in paperback just so I can stare at them all day long.
As for the actual story, I liked this one better than the first book. Ace and Shelby are both coming off a mutual betrayal, and even though they've been strictly friends all these years, the undercurrent is very much alive between these two, and once they finally give it permission to spark, damn do these two really combust. The love they had for each other was great, and I never felt like they were rushing into something they weren't ready for, nor was it a rebound situation.. these were just two people who had been hurt and humiliated, and took that and cultivated a real relationship. I truly loved that.
That being said, I wish this book took a bigger focus on the relationship Shelby and Ace had. The first 30%ish is about the wedding, and I get that, but I wish there was the same attention focused on the actual couple here.
Regardless though, this is still a beautiful friends to lovers romance and I can't wait for more in this series!!
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions **
As for the actual story, I liked this one better than the first book. Ace and Shelby are both coming off a mutual betrayal, and even though they've been strictly friends all these years, the undercurrent is very much alive between these two, and once they finally give it permission to spark, damn do these two really combust. The love they had for each other was great, and I never felt like they were rushing into something they weren't ready for, nor was it a rebound situation.. these were just two people who had been hurt and humiliated, and took that and cultivated a real relationship. I truly loved that.
That being said, I wish this book took a bigger focus on the relationship Shelby and Ace had. The first 30%ish is about the wedding, and I get that, but I wish there was the same attention focused on the actual couple here.
Regardless though, this is still a beautiful friends to lovers romance and I can't wait for more in this series!!
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions **
August 7, 2022
***ARC Provided by the Author***
Top on the list of things you don't want the night before your wedding is a letter from the groom professing his devotion...to someone else. It has a way of ruining the wedding, that's for sure.
Shelby decides it's time to get out of town, literally, and where better to go than a tropical location with umbrella drinks, and Ace who just happens to be the (incredibly recent) ex-boyfriend of the woman involved with the man she almost married.
And, while it's quick for them to end up together, it still works. Partly as there are little hints as to why they were possibly meant to be all along. And, it worked. I think because you find out about the cheating with the characters, so it lets you feel a connection to them and want them to be happy, and are really perfectly ok with them getting together fairly quickly after the botched wedding.
I enjoyed and recommend this title.
Top on the list of things you don't want the night before your wedding is a letter from the groom professing his devotion...to someone else. It has a way of ruining the wedding, that's for sure.
Shelby decides it's time to get out of town, literally, and where better to go than a tropical location with umbrella drinks, and Ace who just happens to be the (incredibly recent) ex-boyfriend of the woman involved with the man she almost married.
And, while it's quick for them to end up together, it still works. Partly as there are little hints as to why they were possibly meant to be all along. And, it worked. I think because you find out about the cheating with the characters, so it lets you feel a connection to them and want them to be happy, and are really perfectly ok with them getting together fairly quickly after the botched wedding.
I enjoyed and recommend this title.
July 30, 2022
ARC REVIEW…..
Mine to Hold is the second installment of the Southern Wedding Series by Madison, and it didn’t disappoint. Perfect amount of spice! Perfect story for a friends to lovers trope. The storyline has a juicy plot twist, some drama. The family dynamic is funny, full of banter and lots of love. Love how Natasha Madison throws in moments of levity and makes you laugh.Love that we get to see bits of Travis and Harlow throughout the story. After the wedding debacle Shelby and Ace leaned on each other for support. This kicks off their possible romance, and realizations that they could be more. They struggle with their own insecurities which leads them on a roller coaster ride of emotions to get to the end of their love story but it’s worth it at the end! Can’t wait to read the rest of the books in this series. Well done!
Mine to Hold is the second installment of the Southern Wedding Series by Madison, and it didn’t disappoint. Perfect amount of spice! Perfect story for a friends to lovers trope. The storyline has a juicy plot twist, some drama. The family dynamic is funny, full of banter and lots of love. Love how Natasha Madison throws in moments of levity and makes you laugh.Love that we get to see bits of Travis and Harlow throughout the story. After the wedding debacle Shelby and Ace leaned on each other for support. This kicks off their possible romance, and realizations that they could be more. They struggle with their own insecurities which leads them on a roller coaster ride of emotions to get to the end of their love story but it’s worth it at the end! Can’t wait to read the rest of the books in this series. Well done!
August 2, 2022
Shelby thought she had her future all planned out and was marrying the man she was destined to spend her life with the next day until she receives some correspondence that wasn’t meant for her, and she isn’t about to just accept the situation. In the fallout both Shelby and her best friend Ace had been betrayed so the only logical solution is that go on what was supposed to be her honeymoon together.
Ace was hurt by the events that unfolded but as he spends time with Shelby, he begins to realize that this just might be the best time that could have happened to either one of them. He doesn’t want the good times and flirting to end as he knows that what they share is meant to be forever.
These two were meant to be together even if it took a life changing event for them to realize it. The characters draw you in, their romance is enchanting, and the chemistry is undeniable.
Ace was hurt by the events that unfolded but as he spends time with Shelby, he begins to realize that this just might be the best time that could have happened to either one of them. He doesn’t want the good times and flirting to end as he knows that what they share is meant to be forever.
These two were meant to be together even if it took a life changing event for them to realize it. The characters draw you in, their romance is enchanting, and the chemistry is undeniable.
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