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This was already a wedding I dreaded, but now I'm the last-minute matron of honor. When I got drafted at the last minute to be my best friend's substitute matron of honor, I wanted to refuse. It was going to be pure torture to stand at the alter across from the best man, Dexter Bradford, who used to be my fiancé and just happens to be the brother of the bride. The Bradford family is convinced that Dexter and I are meant for each other and exploit every opportunity to throw us together, but is it too late for Dexter and me to fall in love a second time? This is a short and sweet romantic comedy to be read in one or two sittings. Suitable for readers looking for a fun, feel-good romance without strong language or explicit content.

37 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 6, 2022

6 people are currently reading
25 people want to read

About the author

Mazy Morris

14 books15 followers
Hi, there! I write sweet PG-rated feel-good romance, romantic comedy and humorous women's fiction.

When I'm not writing, I try to keep my houseplants alive, continue my quest for the perfect gingerbread recipe and enjoy spending time with my husband of many years.

Presently, I don't blog, tweet, Facebook, pinter or insta-anything. Maybe someday :).

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5 stars
11 (12%)
4 stars
22 (25%)
3 stars
33 (37%)
2 stars
13 (14%)
1 star
8 (9%)
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Lexy.
1,093 reviews35 followers
December 6, 2022
I thought that this book was good
Profile Image for Ema Cattabriga.
55 reviews12 followers
October 10, 2024
I feel like it would’ve been so much better as an actual novel instead of a novella. I feel like it was too fast and I didn’t get to have a connection with anyone. It was cute just not the best.
Profile Image for Penelope.
1,465 reviews15 followers
August 17, 2021
3.5 Satisfied Stars, finishing with a Smile for THE STAND IN novella. I listened to the audio version of the THE STAND IN - a Sweet & Clean Romantic Comedy by Mazy Morris, read by Mazy.

MY RATING GUIDE: 1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/cute; 3.5= I ENJOYED IT; IT WAS SWEET; 4= I liked it a lot!. 5= I Loved it, it was great! (I rarely give 5 Stars).

THE STAND IN ~ a novella.
At the last minute, Shelby/FMC has been asked to step-in as Matron of Honor for her good friend Trixie’s wedding when her twin sister is unable to comply. Dexter/MMC, Trixie’s brother, is the Best Man. Dexter, Shelby and Trixie knew each other from the time they were young - ages 10 and 8. Dexter and Shelby were even briefly engaged 10yrs ago but Dexter broke off the engagement shortly thereafter and the two haven’t seen each other for nearly 5yrs. What happens when Shelby fills in as stand-in matron?

THE STAND IN ~
1) This short novella is perfect length for reading before bed, during lunch, or while waiting for an appointment.
2) It is a Positive story with a Sweet ending. Readers who prefer HEAs will be satisfied.
3) The content is Clean which certain readers prefer.
4) Short stories and novellas often feel rushed but THE STAND IN felt like a complete story. I would have liked to have known more about both Dexter and Shelby (as they are quite likable characters) but I didn’t feel cheated.
5) I enjoyed THE STAND IN and intend to check out Mary’s other works.

READER CAUTIONS ~ This is a Clean read.
PROFANITY - None.
VIOLENCE - None.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - None.
3,439 reviews42 followers
July 8, 2022
This was a cute and funny short story (474 Kindle locations if that says something to you) but it felt like a complete story.

Shelby is the matron of honor in her friend's wedding. Her ex Dexter is the bride's brother and the best man. It turns out he broke their engagement years ago for reasons that I didn't see coming, but he is still hung up on her, and everyone in Dexter's family is matchmaking between the two lost lovers.

It was a freebie from somewhere, I forget where. Probably a Bookfunnel promotion? and it worked because I would read something else from this author.

It is perfectly edited for a freebie. The only thing I highlighted that wasn't a funny or sweet bit was at the crucial romantic point when there is a bit of dialogue without dialogue tags and If you assume the usual sequence of she said he said she said etc. the final question seems like Shelby asked it, but it was Dexter.

Steam level: kissing.
Profile Image for Wendy Wallace.
582 reviews6 followers
December 6, 2021
This was a sweet very short story suitable for reading whilst having lunch when on your own.

Shelby has been asked to stand in as Matron of Honor by her friend Trixie for her wedding, when Trixie's twin sister is suddenly unavailable. Shelby is reluctant because she knows that Dexter, who is Trixie’s brother, is the Best Man.

Ten years ago Dexter and Shelby were engaged but only for a few days because Dexter broke off the engagement. Shelby was extremely upset and eventually married Todd, who was extremely selfish and also cheated on her. She has been divorced from Todd for nearly a year.

All Dexter's family try to get Dexter and Shelby back together.

I received this book free from the author and enjoyed it very much.
Profile Image for Priscila.
852 reviews86 followers
April 24, 2022
The Stand In by Mazy Morris hit the spot just right, emotionally speaking. I didn't know it'd deal with topics like divorce and , and the matchmaking was obvious from pretty much the beginning, but I still definitely enjoyed this second chance short story between Shelby and Dexter, and their reunion in his sister's wedding, as well as their shared past. :) The ending is kinda open, but I think it suits this story just fine. ~ 4.5 stars
Profile Image for Briana.
421 reviews
February 2, 2023
I liked this, I just think I might have loved it were it a full length novel rather than a novella.

This was a second chance romance and honestly, I feel like there was so much more that could have been said about the MC and the LI's past relationship that while mentioned wasn't fully explored.

There are so many details to unpack and a whole story that could have unfolded and I really feel like it suffers without it.

Still good, but good have been IT you know?
Profile Image for Brianna Bello.
692 reviews5 followers
January 1, 2025
I’m really enjoying this series. These short stories are so cute. This was a second chance romance type story involving Shelby and Dexter. They dated before and Shelby was proposed to but it was broken off. The reason why is actually heartbreaking. I enjoyed Dexter and Shelby getting to know each other again and possibly rekindling their lost romance.
Profile Image for mads.
25 reviews1 follower
January 13, 2024
It was cute but I drifted off a few times even though it was such a short read. I enjoyed that they actually cleared things up and gave each other another chance.
Good recommendation if you're wanting to read something quick.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Karen.
1,888 reviews43 followers
April 30, 2021
This was a cute story.

Content: clean
Profile Image for Megan.
802 reviews7 followers
December 4, 2021
Loved this quirky short story about Shelby and Dexter. Enjoyed the humour and the development of the characters. A delightful read.
Profile Image for Toni.
234 reviews1 follower
January 20, 2025
It’s just the best 🥺 It feels like I just finished the most magical dance, but I’m Cinderella’s prince, left on the dance floor when midnight struck, waiting for the music to start again without my princess. That’s how priceless this book is!

This must be the most romantic second-chance novella I have ever read! The Bride, Trixie, with her charming brother, Dexter, and their family, is just hilarious and adorable—especially how they conspired to get Shelby and Dexter back together after splitting up 10 years ago. I particularly loved the sweet moments of touch, the nervousness of meeting someone you love again, and the slow-burn events that unfolded in just a few pages! Novella stories often feel rushed, but who knew it was possible to craft a story so complete and yet still leave you craving more? I loved everything that transpired, especially the bittersweet backstory of their past. Indeed, we all have moments of immaturity in our lives, but through time, we heal, and we can come back stronger... I can’t get enough!
Profile Image for mrsljgibbs.
852 reviews34 followers
May 19, 2022
This is book number three in A Coffee Break Rom Com series and I am really enjoying them all. They are the first books that I have read from this author and I am very glad that I discovered her books.
I loved this story and the way all the pieces fitted together at the end, the two main characters were wonderful and all the way through I was willing them to get back together again! It was a cute, sweet little novella and perfect for a little bit of armchair escapism.....
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews

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