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The Backup Groom

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My wedding is in six weeks.
The only thing missing is a groom.

Uncle Garfunkel was a certified genius, but stating in his will that I need to marry my high school sweetheart to get my inheritance is the dumbest thing ever. Especially when I find out Ryan Scott already has a wife.

Fortunately, the will doesn’t specify WHICH Ryan Scott to marry. So, what does a resourceful girl like me do in a pinch? I Google Ryan Scotts and start dating them, looking for the best one (least pathetic?) to wed. This crazy idea might blow up in my face. Or maybe I’ll get the surprise of my life.

340 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 19, 2022

96 people are currently reading
3069 people want to read

About the author

Rich Amooi

32 books638 followers
Rich Amooi is a Taleflick Discovery Winner, Readers' Favorite Gold Medal Recipient, Holt Medallion Finalist, and the Amazon Bestselling author of 24 romantic comedies, including It's Not PMS, It's You, Dying to Meet You, Royal Crush, and Men or Paws.

A former radio personality and wedding DJ, Rich now writes romantic comedies full-time in San Diego, California, and is happily married to a kiss monster imported from Spain. Rich believes in public displays of affection, silliness, infinite possibilities, donuts, gratitude, laughter, and happily ever after.

Get a FREE romantic comedy by visiting his website at https://www.richamooi.com.

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5 stars
311 (57%)
4 stars
148 (27%)
3 stars
56 (10%)
2 stars
15 (2%)
1 star
9 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
Profile Image for Melanie’s reads.
867 reviews84 followers
December 15, 2022
Another fun romcom book from Rich Amooi packed with terrific characters. Amber is about to inherit five million dollars but there are a couple of catches. One she has to marry Ryan Scott, two if she doesn’t the money will instead go to her cousin Mercedes.

With help from best friend Stella she starts dating every Ryan Scott they can find and to tell them apart they are given nicknames. One of which made me really chuckle.

With Mercedes trying to thwart their plan at every move, many hijinks ensue. So, along with some disastrous dates, time running out and possibly a soulmate to contend with this is very much a will she or won’t she thrill a minute escapade.

This book took me out of a reading slump and I know this author always has the ability to bring not only romance but a good deal of fun. Mercedes was a fantastic baddie and it was just as enjoyable seeing what she would get up to next as it was Amber.
Now I’m off to look into naked yoga and growing a one of a kind ‘special’ garden.
9 reviews3 followers
November 21, 2022
Ok, so I am a Rich Amooi fanbut don't think I am bias or anything 😀 This book is nothing if not a great read, he never disappoints. I definitely enjoyed The Backup Groom! If you read rom-coms with the expectation of actually laughing out loud, you have to read Rich Amooi. I've yet to read one of his books and not meet my LOL quota, he is a genius at what he does. Uncle G is hilarious, Mercedes is psychotic, Amber is lovely, Stella is the bestest bff, Dean is comic relief in times of need and Scotty is the sweetest! Seriously, get this book and you can thank me later. Even the nicknames Stella comes up with make it worthwhile reading. Mercedes with her stalking Amber & the lies she comes up with to keep the men away from amber, all I can say is OMG! Who couldn't use a good laugh the way things are in the world today? The few hours it will take to read The Backup Groom will be well worth all the laughs. Mr. Amooi has an amazing gift for writing these romantic comedies and I am so thankful for him. Who wouldn't find a romance vs. Sci-Fi debate on Superman comical?
Profile Image for Diana N..
627 reviews33 followers
December 27, 2022
This was just the light rom-com I needed!

The whole premise of this book is that in order to receive the 5 million dollars from Uncle G's will, Amber must marry Ryan Scott. Bring on all the crazy Ryan's!

Coffee shop owner Scotty is desperately waiting for his divorce to go through and man has it been a long time. Of course every time he sees Amber, his day gets a bit brighter.

I really liked the subtle humor in this book, from just the ridiculous Mercedes to the unique names for all the guys. A bonus for Scottys parents being quite eccentric too. The characters in this book are just plain fun.

Marrying for love is way better than just for money, but why not try to have both!

Thank you to the author and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.
Profile Image for Louise Pledge.
1,292 reviews28 followers
November 20, 2022
My thanks to Rich Amooi for restoring my love of reading. Thanks, also, for providing me an advanced copy of this most entertaining book. I read a LOT, but it was getting a little stale and monotonous to me. Then this story came along, and I couldn't get enough of it; I love, love, LOVED it! Rich must have the best sense of humor around, because his witty dialogue is oh, so clever. Even the name of Uncle Garfunkel cracked me up. But it was even funnier to read the contents of his will.

He left 5 million clams (aka dollars) to a niece, only on the condition that she marry an old boyfriend, Ryan Scott. If she doesn't marry Ryan within six weeks, her unlikeable cousin gets the money. I won't give any more away, but you really need to read it and enjoy the hilarity of the chase as much as I did.
Profile Image for Nancy Ku.
1,496 reviews17 followers
November 20, 2022
The Backup Groom by Rich Amooi
I always enjoy Rich's books and this one does not disappoint. We start with the reading "video" of Uncle Garfunkel's will Amber with her two cousins Kathleen and Mercedes. Uncle G lists what they will receive and what they need to do to get the money. The fun begins - the angst, anticipation, deception, some mean tricks, tons and tons of laughs, some tears, karma and love that gets us to a very HEA.



Profile Image for Marcia Rovins.
11 reviews1 follower
November 20, 2022
Rich Amooi is one of my favorite authors. He makes me laugh out loud before I even get to the first chapter! I kind of figured out where this story was going pretty early on, but what fun it was to get there. This book has quirky characters, physical comedy, twists and turns and lots of romance. I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews63 followers
September 19, 2023
Reading this author’s books is a lot like watching the best, most outlandish, romantic comedy movies. There will be hijinks. There will be shenanigans. And there will be some sneaky universal truths hiding in the middle. Amber and Ryan’s story features such truths as “cheaters never prosper” and the importance of honesty and trust in any relationship. I loved watching this pair as they realized and finally vocalized their feelings for one another. I adored the best friends with their snarky observations and sometimes unusual outlooks on life. I had so much fun with these characters that I’m very sorry to be letting them go now that the book is over.
Profile Image for Mary S.
81 reviews3 followers
November 20, 2022
This hilarious story starts where we meet Amber, who is in a life rut has just inherited 5 million dollars from her Uncle G, who is quite the character in his reading and stipulations of his will. And that is she gets the money ONLY if she marries Ryan Scott, her old high school sweetheart. If she doesn’t, her extremely lazy cousin Mercedes gets the money and she gets an old car! The reading of the will is just hilarious and a great way to start a hilarious start, in true Rich Amooi fashion. Enter Ryan Scott, coffee shop owner, is this the Ryan Scott from high school? The comedic and romantic storyline go from there. I just love the humor, romance and uplifting storyline. When money is involved so many things can happen with people. Side characters who are so important in a book are perfectly written and add to this very well written story. Dean and Stella just love them! I also enjoyed very much the hilarious meetings of all the Ryan Scott’s that Amber and her friend Stella met. My heart was aching for Ryan, and I really enjoyed how he came through at the end. I do not want to give too much storyline away, but know this, this book is hilarious, well written and a very much must read. I cannot give it enough praise. It is a uplifting romantic love story that must be read by all! 10 swoon worthy stars!
4,155 reviews22 followers
January 17, 2023
This book was absolutely fantastic! Filled with fun and humor and plenty of laugh out loud moments, I just couldn't put it down. From the very first chapter, I got pulled into the story and the romantic and comedic storyline kept me interested and invested till the end. The story kicks off with the reading of Amber's uncle's will, and her finding out she inherits 5 million dollars. The catch - she has to marry her old high school sweetheart, Ryan Scott. If she doesn't do what the will says, then the money goes to her cousin and all she gets is an old car. Let me tell you, the reading of the will is definitely one of those laugh out loud moments! And the laughter and fun only continue to grow from there. This story had a wonderful cast of well-developed characters who are realistic and endearing and you can't help but fall in love with them. It was a fun, uplifting, and delightful story that is perfect if you need a little pick-me-up. I think this author is definitely one of my new favorite rom-com writers! You can't go wrong with Rich Amooi's books. I wholeheartedly recommend!
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Profile Image for Sandra.
643 reviews8 followers
January 12, 2023
The Backup Groom by RIch Amooi is a fast and engaging romance read.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It has a bunch of lovable characters, both main as well as side ones. Beautiful setting, lots of laughter and is highly entertaining.

There is undeniable attraction and chemistry between the main protagonists, but there is no steam This is a chrming, slow burn, clean romance, perfect for those who prefer romance to sex.

It is fast to read, easy, nicely paced and interesting romance novel which I read almost in one setting. I had fun reading this book and I am definitely going to pick up more books from this author.
222 reviews1 follower
November 24, 2022
Laughter is Good for the Soul

Rich Amooi must have sprayed his laptop with laughing gas. Scotty makes the most delicious coffee drinks at his shop. Amber is his favorite customer. She is looking for a groom with a certain name so she can inherit $5 million dollars. Problem is she must do it in 6 weeks. Second problem is a big one: her cousin, Maggoty Mercedes is determined to stop her, because she will then inherit the money. So many places to laugh before you go on with the story. Rich, is your second job as a stand up comedian?
Profile Image for Jaclan Claybrook.
66 reviews
December 3, 2022
This was my first Rich Amooi book and I can say from the start it won’t be the last!

He does a great job of setting up the backstory, plot lines are clear and concise, storyline makes sense all the way through, characters are well developed.

This was a cute Rom-Com style book, no real spice, and not real-life messy….but if that’s your style of book….HIS BOOKS ARE FOR YOU!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC, I enjoyed this author and appreciate that the opportunity introduced me to his work.
81 reviews4 followers
December 14, 2022
I can’t stress how much I loved this romantic comedy. It had me hooked from the beginning and I devoured every word in a single sitting. Every part of this story is a 10/10. The entire premise is comical with the villain, the nerdy, the romance, the comedy, and everything in between keeping me hooked and dying to turn the page for the latest laugh out loud moment. Am absolute must read and I can’t wait to see what other gems this author has!

I received a free advanced copy review of this incredible novel and am offering my honest opinion voluntarily.
Profile Image for Gail Chianese.
Author 22 books194 followers
January 17, 2023
Rich Amooi is a master at rom-com, never failing to make his readers laugh or leave them with a smile. Out of all of his books that I’ve read (and I’ve still got a few to go to catch up) Amber and Scotty might be my favorite. I loved their banter and the chemistry was explosive. Watching their romance and relationship develop was pure enjoyment. Add in the fun side characters—Stella, Dean, Scotty’s parents, the crazy cousin—along with the fabulously fun plot and you’ve got a non-stop page-turner that you won’t want to put down. Loved it!
438 reviews2 followers
November 22, 2022
Loved this, such fun. Made me smile & laugh all the way through. Amber and her friend Stella are just fab. Scotty is superb, such an interesting guy & his friend Dean was also well sketched out. The nicknames for each Ryan in the series that Amber dated were hilarious! The banter between Amber and Scotty felt real and believable with a simmering romantic tension. This book is totally one for the re-read pile, perfect for those days when nothing else will do but to curl up and be cheered up.
22 reviews
November 23, 2022
Rich Amooi knocks another one out of the park!

The Backup Groom is the latest book by my favorite Romcon author Rich Amooi ! Amber and Scotty are destined to be together and with best friends like Stella and Dean what could possibly keep them apart? Enter a boatload of money, an evil cousin, a deadline with a catch and you've got a perfect romantic comedy. I highly recommend The Backup Groom to everyone that loves a happy ending. Rich Amooi does not disappoint.
178 reviews
December 1, 2022
Actually funny

I was reading this on an airplane and caused a stir by chuckling, and at one spot, laughing out loud. One problem with the story was that the couple would have applied for a marriage license before the wedding and the secret would have come out sooner. Even after they resolved their problem, they never did. Don't think marriage would be legal without one in any state.
Profile Image for Urvashi.
625 reviews
November 27, 2022
Amber can inherit 5 million dollars if she gets married to her high school sweetheart, Ryan Scott. The only problem is that Ryan Scott is already married, so she starts searching for and dating other Ryan Scott, looking for the best one.
This is my first book by the author Rich Amooi, and I had so much fun reading it, and I would definitely look for more books by this author. This book had some funny, quirky characters, a hilarious situation that had me laughing out loud, and some very cute and romantic moments. Overall a fun and quick read.
20 reviews
December 7, 2022
Amazing Rom Com

Rich Amooi does it again! I was laughing out loud from page five onward. Lois, aka Amber meets Clark, aka Scotty, aka, read the book for all the surprises!

I really want to know the inspiration for cousin Mercedes and whether Rich Amooi's wife was an editor. I'm always amazed at how he keeps all these ideas flowing.

Anyway, you won't be disappointed with this book. I couldn't read it fast enough.
Profile Image for Jo Atwood.
20 reviews3 followers
December 30, 2022
Another Winner from Rich Amooi!

After reading several of Rich’s Rom Coms I can honestly say that it is impossible to read even one with smiling or laughing out loud. His stories are down to earth and hilarious with characters you feel like you either know - or wish you did!
Keep them coming - I can’t wait for the next one!
8 reviews
November 28, 2022
Quick witted, enjoyable read!

I read this book in one evening. Completely enjoyed the pace of the characters and how each fed off each other through out the story. Just start early it's hard to put it down once you begin.
11 reviews
December 1, 2022
Classic Rich Amooi tale!

Loved this book, as I’ve loved every single one of his novels. Fresh characters and a fresh viewpoint make this book an excellent read! Thanks again, Rich!!!
Profile Image for Sherry/Ron Furgison.
60 reviews
December 3, 2022
Best Book Ever!!

This was one of the funniest books I have ever read! I absolutely recommend this to anyone wanting a great laugh, you won’t be disappointed at all. The Nick names that are giving just kills me.
Profile Image for Hannah.
72 reviews2 followers
December 14, 2022
A fun quick rom-com! I loved the plot and the pacing of the book really kept me intrigued the whole time. Scotty and Amber's chemistry was off the charts and I was immediately rooting for them. Overall a great book!
Thank you Netgalley and Rich Amooi for the ARC!
Profile Image for Gary R Borman.
139 reviews1 follower
January 3, 2023
another page turner

I love every book that Rich writes! This was a very enjoyable read and I finished it in one sitting. I love the characters and story line and can’t wait for the next book 💕
Profile Image for Dino Queen.
344 reviews91 followers
January 14, 2023
a quick and easy cozy and clean romcom with dual POV, plenty of nerdy references, a great cast of characters, and a fun storyline that is easy to get lost in.

we follow FMC Amber after she is informed that in order to receive her sizable inheritance from her eccentric uncle, she needs to marry a man named Ryan Scott... in 6 weeks! so the search begins to find her Mr Right Now, but will she pass up her Mr Right in order to get her inheritance that could change her entire life?!

this was my first Rich Amooi book and it was super cute!
Profile Image for Regina Lopez.
979 reviews5 followers
August 21, 2025
Muy entretenido y bonito
Una heredera buscando novio para recibir su herencia.
Un chico enamorado sin saber cómo expresar sus sentimientos.
Un par de amigos divertidísimos y las casualidades de la vida que se allanan mejor cuando se es amable

Muy bonito 😍
Profile Image for Holly.
1,470 reviews11 followers
November 25, 2022
This is another witty and entertaining story by this author. It’s a fun, feel good story that had me smiling throughout. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Wencke.
220 reviews
November 25, 2022
Funny and sweet, it doesn’t even matter that it’s rather clean because it’s really good!!
Profile Image for Maureen Belanger.
44 reviews
November 26, 2022
So much fun!

Rich Amooi never disappoints. His stories always have the right amount of tension, love able characters and plenty of laughs. This story was another great escape and who doesn’t need a bit of that?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews

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