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rainbowbookworm's review
3.0
I bought this one because I saw the author's TikTok. Someone commented that the plot reminded them of Imagine Me & You and I eye-rolled because this sounded nothing like Imagine Me & You--a movie I can almost recite by heart. Nevertheless, I was intrigued. I have Covid and only want to read sapphic stories so...
I liked the book, but I didn't love it. I don't know if it was that I was listening along to the audiobook as I read--I've spent more than half of this week with my eyes closed--and I did not enjoy the narrator or if it was the fact that the plot itself was weak. The situations were predictable and none of the characters were particularly memorable. In fact, they were rather two dimensional... and yet, I did not put the book down. (Granted I fell asleep several times because I was sick), but otherwise I read it pretty much in one go!)
I liked the book, but I didn't love it. I don't know if it was that I was listening along to the audiobook as I read--I've spent more than half of this week with my eyes closed--and I did not enjoy the narrator or if it was the fact that the plot itself was weak. The situations were predictable and none of the characters were particularly memorable. In fact, they were rather two dimensional... and yet, I did not put the book down. (Granted I fell asleep several times because I was sick), but otherwise I read it pretty much in one go!)
lesburrata's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
hsinjulit's review
4.0
Ally and Megan’s chemistry was off the charts! From their first kiss to all the intimate scenes, I felt warmth in my stomach—always a good sign that the romantic connection is well-written.
Allison “Ally” Hale, a fourth grade school teacher, and Brent Carmichael, eldest son of the rich Carmichael family, are getting married. With Ally’s parents’ financial security on the line because the Carmichaels have the power to make or break their oatmeal bars, no one expected Ally to develop feelings for the locally famous wedding planner, Megan Kinkaid (Black, biracial), a friend of Brent’s. Should Ally ignore her growing attraction to Megan, or shoot for a chance of having a happier future?
I really enjoyed the little dates Ally and Megan went on. Their interactions during those scenes strengthened their chemistry, and I just love that they got to be cute together. The fact that there wasn’t much cheating was also a plus in terms of the reading experience. Ally is such a no-filter woman it’s endearing. I love that her finding herself attracted to another woman didn’t sent her into a sexuality panic and that most of the characters were pretty supportive, too. There were a total of two awful characters in the book, one from the Carmichaels and one from Ally’s family. I definitely had to take deep breaths whenever they showed up in the story.
The main issue I had was with both Ally and Megan failing to stand their ground. At the obligatory conflict point, I felt like they both gave up, and me, as a reader, gave up, too. I got tired of them choosing the short-term easy way out, and by the time I finished the book, I still had some doubts about their HEA, which isn’t a great feeling when you’re reading romance.
Nevertheless, the overall experience of reading Marry Me was good and I’m upping my rating for the wonderful chemistry they had. I love feeling like I’m melting inside and Brayden certainly delivered a great pairing. However, if you don’t enjoy Brayden’s more dramatic books, then the conflict and surrounding events in this one might irk you a little.
content warnings: manipulation, graphic sex, cheating, alcohol (recreational), vehicular accident
Buddy read with Gabriella! Check out her review here!
I received a digital review copy from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Allison “Ally” Hale, a fourth grade school teacher, and Brent Carmichael, eldest son of the rich Carmichael family, are getting married. With Ally’s parents’ financial security on the line because the Carmichaels have the power to make or break their oatmeal bars, no one expected Ally to develop feelings for the locally famous wedding planner, Megan Kinkaid (Black, biracial), a friend of Brent’s. Should Ally ignore her growing attraction to Megan, or shoot for a chance of having a happier future?
I really enjoyed the little dates Ally and Megan went on. Their interactions during those scenes strengthened their chemistry, and I just love that they got to be cute together. The fact that there wasn’t much cheating was also a plus in terms of the reading experience. Ally is such a no-filter woman it’s endearing. I love that her finding herself attracted to another woman didn’t sent her into a sexuality panic and that most of the characters were pretty supportive, too. There were a total of two awful characters in the book, one from the Carmichaels and one from Ally’s family. I definitely had to take deep breaths whenever they showed up in the story.
The main issue I had was with both Ally and Megan failing to stand their ground. At the obligatory conflict point, I felt like they both gave up, and me, as a reader, gave up, too. I got tired of them choosing the short-term easy way out, and by the time I finished the book, I still had some doubts about their HEA, which isn’t a great feeling when you’re reading romance.
Nevertheless, the overall experience of reading Marry Me was good and I’m upping my rating for the wonderful chemistry they had. I love feeling like I’m melting inside and Brayden certainly delivered a great pairing. However, if you don’t enjoy Brayden’s more dramatic books, then the conflict and surrounding events in this one might irk you a little.
content warnings: manipulation, graphic sex, cheating, alcohol (recreational), vehicular accident
Buddy read with Gabriella! Check out her review here!
I received a digital review copy from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.
thankyou's review
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
cute! actually had enjoyable banter with minimal puns that made me want to die. megan was less defined and the second half kinda flopped.
misha_ali's review against another edition
3.0
This was fun, but a bit bland for my tastes. Still a decent and fun read for a quiet afternoon.
jennabeebs79's review
5.0
To Do List: Snatch this book up immediately!
Melissa Brayden executed this love triangle trope perfectly. It was sweet, steamy, and smart. Allison Hale’s relationship with Brent Carmichael was comfortable and easy, that is, until she met her wedding planner Megan Kincaid. When the two met, the chemistry was palpable but neither wanted to rock the boat. The Carmichaels were a powerful and wealthy family in the great metropolis of Dallas and Allison had never had feelings for a woman. However, as the two got to know one another better, their feelings could no longer be denied. What followed was a wonderful story of one woman learning that she could put herself first while the other learns how to trust. I loved being a part of Ally and Megan’s journey. Thanks Melissa for another fantastic read!
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Melissa Brayden executed this love triangle trope perfectly. It was sweet, steamy, and smart. Allison Hale’s relationship with Brent Carmichael was comfortable and easy, that is, until she met her wedding planner Megan Kincaid. When the two met, the chemistry was palpable but neither wanted to rock the boat. The Carmichaels were a powerful and wealthy family in the great metropolis of Dallas and Allison had never had feelings for a woman. However, as the two got to know one another better, their feelings could no longer be denied. What followed was a wonderful story of one woman learning that she could put herself first while the other learns how to trust. I loved being a part of Ally and Megan’s journey. Thanks Melissa for another fantastic read!
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
neurorobin's review
2.0
DNF At 60% because I lost interest. My book pet peeve is throwing in unnecessary and unrealistic conflict stemming from miscommunication just to keep the book going longer. The first half was nice though.
becloseau's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
katie_2711's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
khylabevibin's review
5.0
4.5!
This was such an amazing read! I expected nothing less from Melissa Brayden.
The story follows Alison, a fourth grade teacher, who ends up engaged to Brent Carmichael, the son of a business tycoon. Alison even though very underwhelmed with the idea goes along with planning the wedding, and this is where she meets Megan Kincaid. Having made a name for herself in the event planning industry it's almost no shock to Megan when she gets asked to plan the wedding. However, after meeting the shy, awkward and kind Alison, Megan finds herself shocked at the way she makes her feel.
I loved all the characters of this book. Alison was such a sunshine character who's not afraid to follow her heart despite the expense it causes for her and her family. I especially love how her attraction to a woman, while catching her off guard, wasn't a gigantic plot point. She didn't make it a big deal and go all crazy about it, which is refreshing for these types of stories.
Megan's a little stubborn in the going with the flow department compared to Alison but she absolutely matches her energy about it. Even when the possibility of her business taking a hit arrived she didn't take it out on Alison but always kept an optimistic view until the 'big' conflict arrived.
Even with his jealous stance Brent provided a good character. It is a bit of a love triangle situation but also refreshing was the way that it wasn't at all a toxic situation, at least not intentionally.
The plot was good, its pacing perfect, timing perfect, structure, grammar, chemistry and ending, all perfect.
However, what I thought this book missed was build up. We barely get a feel of Megan and Alison before they start to develop feelings for each other, I would not describe it as an insta-love type story but some more written in scenes of them before they confront that attraction would have helped that chemistry. I say written in because there was a few lines that indicated they talked several times but was not shown in chapters. More build up would have been nice because as much I felt their chemistry and as much as I wanted them to end up together there was a bit of a gap in my connection to these characters.
Interesting enough, this critique of the story actually makes me admire Brayden a bit more. Her ability to portray such a love story without even having that build up goes a long way of showing just how compelling her writing is. Even if the story gave nothing about the characters, the storyline itself would be enough.
Overall, a very entertaining story that I highly recommend as I do all of Brayden's books.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC in return for an honest review!
This was such an amazing read! I expected nothing less from Melissa Brayden.
The story follows Alison, a fourth grade teacher, who ends up engaged to Brent Carmichael, the son of a business tycoon. Alison even though very underwhelmed with the idea goes along with planning the wedding, and this is where she meets Megan Kincaid. Having made a name for herself in the event planning industry it's almost no shock to Megan when she gets asked to plan the wedding. However, after meeting the shy, awkward and kind Alison, Megan finds herself shocked at the way she makes her feel.
I loved all the characters of this book. Alison was such a sunshine character who's not afraid to follow her heart despite the expense it causes for her and her family. I especially love how her attraction to a woman, while catching her off guard, wasn't a gigantic plot point. She didn't make it a big deal and go all crazy about it, which is refreshing for these types of stories.
Megan's a little stubborn in the going with the flow department compared to Alison but she absolutely matches her energy about it. Even when the possibility of her business taking a hit arrived she didn't take it out on Alison but always kept an optimistic view until the 'big' conflict arrived.
Even with his jealous stance Brent provided a good character. It is a bit of a love triangle situation but also refreshing was the way that it wasn't at all a toxic situation, at least not intentionally.
The plot was good, its pacing perfect, timing perfect, structure, grammar, chemistry and ending, all perfect.
However, what I thought this book missed was build up. We barely get a feel of Megan and Alison before they start to develop feelings for each other, I would not describe it as an insta-love type story but some more written in scenes of them before they confront that attraction would have helped that chemistry. I say written in because there was a few lines that indicated they talked several times but was not shown in chapters. More build up would have been nice because as much I felt their chemistry and as much as I wanted them to end up together there was a bit of a gap in my connection to these characters.
Interesting enough, this critique of the story actually makes me admire Brayden a bit more. Her ability to portray such a love story without even having that build up goes a long way of showing just how compelling her writing is. Even if the story gave nothing about the characters, the storyline itself would be enough.
Overall, a very entertaining story that I highly recommend as I do all of Brayden's books.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC in return for an honest review!