Kiss the Bride Anthology
May 1, 2012
Contemporary Romance

Reviewed by Mandi

Early Bird Special by Deirdre Martin

Dana is the director of retail expansion for a line of boutique stores, which means she is constantly traveling. The newest store opening is in Florida where her grandparents happen to live. Having not seen them for some time, she stays with them as she gets the new store ready to open. Her grandmother and her friends of course want to see Dana settle down, and their hunky landscape architect Josh, is the man they want to see Dana with. Although Dana is only in Florida for three weeks and not keen on getting set up by the elderly retirees, she can’t help but notice how attractive Josh is.

For me, the star of this story is Dana’s grandfather. He has some great lines and I really enjoyed him. I enjoyed Dana and Josh and their short courtship. Dana comes across as a little cold at times, but their relationship flows nicely through the story. I do think the ending is very rushed – maybe I should have assumed there would be a proposal since this anthology is called ‘Kiss the Bride’, but it didn’t feel organic.

Rating: B-

Weddings, Ink. by Christie Ridgway

Charlotte owns a personalized wedding vow business, where she writes vows for the big day for couples. Her newest client is Audrey, who is Charlotte’s step-sister (although they haven’t really kept in touch). About 14 months ago, Charlotte broke up with Luke, and it just so happens, Luke’s brother Conner is now marrying Audrey. After the break-up, Luke fled the country, and has  had no contact with Audrey all this time. Still in love with her, it was her fear of commitment that broke up their relationship. But now Luke has a chance to win her back. Audrey wants Charlotte to spend the weekend with the entire wedding party, so she gets to know them better, making their vows more personal. As Luke is the best man, he will be with Audrey all weekend.

The HEA in this story makes more sense because Charlotte and Luke have a past history. However, a lot is thrown in this story. Past step-fathers and secret wives come into play. I think I would have enjoyed this one if it had more time to explore everything that was going on. I didn’t believe in this short time, Charlotte’s major fear of commitment was settled. It all felt a little forced.

Rating: C

All’s Fair in Love and Chocolate by Laura Florand

This story is my favorite of the three. Ellie writes a popular food blog as well as being a talented artist. She throws caution to the wind and moves to Paris, determined to uncover the famous chocolatiers secrets. Her first mission is to meet Simon Casset, chocolatier extraordinaire and super sexy man. Under the guise she is engaged and wants Simon to prepare chocolates for her wedding, she wants to secretly take pictures and get the inside scoop of his operations. However, Ellie is a really bad liar, and Simon figures out pretty quick that she isn’t really married (although Ellie holds onto this story forever. I got tired of it quick).

I really enjoyed Simon, He is super sexy, but also kind of geeky. He is very high strung and obsessed with his work. He also becomes obsessed with Ellie. They have a cute relationship, again, one I would have enjoyed much more had Ellie just given up the pretend fiancé story. I really enjoyed their dialog, especially from Simon as he seduces Ellie. They fall quick, but it was romantic. I believe a series about the sexy chocolatiers will be coming out this July.

Rating: B

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