Holly‘s review of Here Comes the Groom
If Jocelyn Swann weren’t so furious, she’d probably laugh. Her best friend, Dan Jansen, has launched a campaign worthy of his Special Forces training to arrange their wedding, from music and minister to flowers and food. What part of no does he not understand?
Their marriage “agreement” was a tipsy scrawl on the back of a coaster…three years ago! It’s not a question of love. Of course she loves Dan. She’s loved him all her life. If only she could get him to slow down a minute and listen—to be the friend she needs right now—she could convince him that marriage would ruin everything.
This was a sweet friends-to-lovers tale. Jocelyn and Dan have been best friends forever. They agreed, during a night of drunken revelry, that if they were still unmarried at 33 they’d marry each other. Both knew it was a joke, even if they did write it down on the back of a bar placemat and sign it like a contract. Now, on Jocelyn’s 33rd birthday, Dan has changed the rules of the game..he’s decided he really wants to marry Jocelyn. But neither of them are the kids they were when they made that deal..a lot has changed. Jocelyn no longer wants a husband and kids, and Dan is no longer the carefree, fearless soldier he once was.
There was a lot of depth here that I didn’t expect. The way the story starts out it seems it’s going to be a lighthearted romance, but Bliss tackled some heavy issues. I had some problems with both main characters at various times throughout the story, but for the most part I enjoyed watching them come together. I think Jo was a little too independent. I understand wanting to stand on your own two feet and take care of your own problems, but she took it too far.
Though I enjoyed the romance, I think it was overshadowed by the personal growth of both characters. The I Love You’s seemed kind of forced at first, though in the end I did believe in them fully. The scenario Jo set up for Dan at the end seemed to come out of left field. I don’t want to spoil it, but I had a series WTF moment when it was revealed what she’d done.
If you’re looking for a good friends-to-lovers story, check this one out. I’ll be picking up the rest of the series as it’s released.
4 out of 5
This book is available from Harlequin SuperRomance. You can buy it here
I seriously need to remember to check Karina Bliss out. I’ve seen nothing but good things about her writing. This sounds great. I love friends to lovers tale. My kind of storyline.