The Bride Next Door

Review written by Marie for Ever After Book Reviews! I have to be honest, this one was a little hard for me to chew for a while. But, as the story went on, I warmed a little bit to the characters and their storyline. I think it’d be difficult for me to write a true “review” of the novel, so I’ll break it down in to a more what I liked/didn’t like kind of format. What I Liked - The secondary characters. Throughout this book, they were the driving force that kept the storyline moving and added depth to the main characters. I enjoyed the interactions they had with one another and with Courtney and Matt, as well as being able to visit old friends from the previous novels in the series. - The fun. Honestly, as much as Courtney and Matt grated on my nerves (more about that later), the fun that they had on their way to happily ever after was entertaining. I’m not usually one that likes stories where the main characters try to “one-up” each other, but in the spirit of it being a “light-hearted” romance, it worked. - The happily ever after. Yes, it took forever to get there, but it was worth it in the end. What I Didn’t Like - Courtney and Matt. These two people are exactly the kinds of people I have very little respect for. They are egotistical, manipulative, and arrogant. Traits that turn me off about people. Put the two of them together, and their antics were, at times, horrible. Sadly, and yes, I say sadly, for this storyline, it worked. - Matt being a “player” and legitimately trying to hurt Courtney. Uncool, dude. Regardless of it being a bet or not. Totally uncool. - The road to the happily ever after. IT. TOOK. FOREVER. I’m not sure if it was the author’s intention to make this the longest and most cynical journey to a happy ending I’ve ever experienced, but if it was… she succeeded with flying colors. Final Thoughts While I wasn’t thrilled with a lot of the aspects of this story, it really did work. Matt and Courtney are two peas in a pod that deserve one another, and I have to be honest, I was delighted when they finally did get together. I’m still not 100% convinced that this is a “forever” kind of romance, but for the short-term, it definitely leaves you happy. ***I voluntarily read a copy of the book generously provided by Forever Romance in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and feelings are my own***

Courtney is in her “zone” as a wedding planner: she’s got her life, her list about ‘men’ and with both of her friends now pregnant, she’s also got a ton of work to do. She’s well and truly out of the dating game (or so she tells herself) because in an instant she can put any man into a category and decide he’s not worth her time. At the heart of things – she’s scared that she’ll never have what her friends do: happiness, love and families on the way. Matt is back in town after his job with an environmental lobbying firm was eliminated in DC. Unable to find more work in his chosen field, he’s returned to Shenandoah Falls and joined the family law firm – a job that most definitely isn’t what he hoped for. In addition, Matt’s reputation as a ladies man precedes him. He’s handsome and honestly wants to do well, but he’s riddled with insecurities at the law firm where the pro-bono cases have been dropped in his lap. But, like all boys – he’s made a bet with a friend that he’ll be able to take Courtney out – not really meaning anything more than that. He finds her attractive and intriguing – made only more so by her apparent untouchability. Of course, Courtney finds out about the bet – with a bit of a warning-off by the town cop, and she’s decided she’ll play Matt to teach him a lesson. But things are much deeper: she’s unaccountably attracted to him, even as she repeatedly tries to fob him off with dismissive comments, a sharp and snide attitude and general unpleasantness. Unlike others in this series: this story has plenty of outside input from other couples in town: with plenty of moments where Matt’s actual desire to do the best for the people he’s representing, and our realization that Courtney’s quick dismissal of him and ‘his type’ are more representative of her own insecurities and fears than anything he actually is. Matt is solid and strong – with a determination to make the best of the situation he’s in at the law firm, do the best for his clients, and wanting to make a real impression on his family where he’s always felt like the afterthought. Slowly, and with plenty of pushback, Courtney comes to see Matt for who he is – and her constant second-guessing of his motives and intentions do slowly slide away – but not until the frustration with her immature behavior had me (and some of those around her) more frustrated with her than supportive. A bit of a difficult story – I was glad to see Courtney find a match: and Matt seems to be level enough – and strong enough in his own self to withstand her on again off again affections and maturity, but it just was a long road to the happy ending. It was nice to check in with others from the series and see their lives moving forward, and there is something rather comforting in the small town of Shenandoah Falls – a decent installment for fans of the series. I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.