Almost a Bride
Series: Destination Love, #2
Author: Jo Watson
Publication Date: January 31, 2017
Publisher: Forever
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Synopsis:
Annie knows life isn’t always fair. Sometimes you win. Sometimes you lose. Sometimes you get mistaken for a crazed intruder when you come home early and find your boyfriend wearing nipple clamps with a coworker on the night you thought he was going to propose to you.
The important thing is to move on, and for Annie that means treating herself to a tropical vacation. But when she runs into her ex and his new woman staying at the same resort, reason is washed out to sea. Caught off guard, Annie pretends she’s with Chris, a cute screenwriter she meets on the beach. With his own writing blocked, Chris is happy to help Annie craft a story to save face. Soon Annie isn’t just getting over her ex, she’s getting under Chris. As her fictional feelings grow increasingly real, Annie has to decide if she’s ready to risk her heart on a new relationship.
About six months ago, I was asked if I would like to participate in the blog tour for Jo Watson’s romance novel Burning Moon (Destination Love, #1). Saying yes was one of the best book decisions I’ve ever made because it introduced me to Jo Watson’s brilliant writing and witty humor. I loved every moment of reading Burning Moon, and when the option to be part of the blog tour for Almost a Bride (Destination Love, #2) came about, I said yes without hesitation.
Almost a Bride follows Annie as she tries to mend the heart her cheating ex-boyfriend broke. When her ex-boyfriend, Trevv, and his new girlfriend show up at the same resort Annie’s vacationing at, she’s forced to take desperate measures to show she’s happily moved on. Annie introduces them to her new fake-boyfriend, a man she’s just met. Luckily for Annie, Chris is looking for some writing inspiration and is willing to join the charade. The longer Annie and Chris play boyfriend and girlfriend, the closer the more their relationship starts to feel less fake and more real.
Once again, Jo Watson has crafted a hilariously heartwarming romance. I love how she’s able to take a character from heartbreak and bring them full circle through self-discovery. Her characters may be hurt, but they’re not down for the count. They always find their true selves and the things in life they’re made for. It’s so refreshing!
I fell in love with Annie Anne the minute I began reading her story. She was so awesome, and I identified with her brokenhearted madness. (I kind of feel like the author modeled her after me in my early 20’s, but I probably shouldn’t be admitting that!) I mean, who hasn’t played up their lives in front of an ex? Annie pulled off what we all wish we could have at some point in our lives.
Chris was the perfect guy for Annie to meet. He was sexy in a cute, goofy way. I loved the instant connection and joking nature Annie and Chris had. It made their quick decent into love feel possible. They were so perfect together, and the chemistry between them was palpable. Every minute of their romance was adorable.
I probably shouldn’t love the villains in this story but were just too dang perfect. Trevv and Tess were something else. Seriously, I laughed so hard at their antics.
If you love contemporary romances and haven’t yet met Jo Watson’s novels, you’re missing out. She’s quickly become one of my favorite contemporary romance writers. I highly recommend both Burning Moon and Almost a Bride.