A sexy contemporary romance by the USA Today bestselling author of the Three Wise Men box set.Book 2: Bride by MistakeOne photographer, one wedding dress, one bride by mistake… Roberta’s bridal shop is a welcome distraction from the intimate details of her life that are splashed all over the internet. But she knows at some point she’s going to have to go back to the real world.
When Dominic Goldsmith’s wife died, he swore he’d never love another woman. But that was two years ago, and even his seven-year-old daughter insists it’s time he started dating again. Oblivious to the celebrity gossip on the internet, Dominic remembers Fliss as the young girl who blushed when he stripped off his sweater on the cricket pitch. His role in the local community relies on his exemplary behaviour, but when passion flares between them, neither can say no to a secret fling.
Then a photographer catches Fliss modelling a wedding dress, and the press are convinced the two of them are tying the knot. Their relationship is no longer secret, and Fliss is convinced it means the end.
But Fate is beholden to no man, or woman. And love always finds a way…
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All the novels in this series were emotional reads.
Loved this book. I have to say that I liked all of the characters except Jack and Fliss’ mother. It is not often that all of the characters are likeable AND nice.
The way the characters of Dominic and Fliss were written was done so well. We got to watch Dominic maintain his basic foundations and beliefs, but blossom into something spectacular. All with the assistance of Fliss.
Fliss started out hurt, embarrassed, and in pain, uncertain about her future, but was able to put that aside to bring the “real” Dominic out of his shell. In the process, Fliss was able to find what she really desired in life.
A romantic, sexy, sweet, loving story that provides you with an HEA, and leaves you with a smile on your face.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy.
One of the best Small Town romances ever!
I love this book! I adore this unique match between a Hollywood actress and a wonderful man who is a widower, single father, school counselor, and an Anglican deacon. Fliss (aka, Felicity) and Dominic are so great together! Fliss is 28, and Dominic is 32.
I love how Fliss and Dominic respect each other so much. They did not rush into bed without thinking it through. I also relate to Fliss so well. Even though she is a famous actress, I would react just like her if I was in her situation. She is an honest, down-to-earth person who is going though a rough patch getting over a horrible breakup and betrayal. (The only cheating in this book was done in the recent past by Fliss’s awful actor ex-boyfriend; our hero Dominic is such a good guy.) In addition, I really like how the author incorporated the modern problem of digital revenge photos and loss of privacy. Also, Dominic’s 7-year-old daughter is very adorable.
This fantastic novel can be read as a standalone, although I recommend the whole series so far. This is book #2. It can be classified as a small town romance and a steamy contemporary romance. It also has elements of Anglican Christian faith and morality. It has some premarital sex, so I would not recommend it specifically to the clean Christian romance fans. There is a little swearing, but I find it charming in its occasional usage.
This book has all of the feels: sadness, joy, passion, happiness. The author also is so great at sensory description. I could feel the New Zealand sun on my face; I could smell the food at the barbecue; I could envision the lush vegetation of the Northland. Plus, if you want a book boyfriend who is honest, incredibly romantic, and wonderful in bed, then Dominic is the guy. Serenity Woods has delivered another swoonworthy good-guy hero. I recommend this book to all fans of steamy contemporary romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Finding the light
This is the first time in a while I’ve been able to read an entire series as it’s released and this is a series that I absolutely love. Serenity Woods knows how to write romantic, steamy stories that have a message…something to give you pause and make you think, and Bride in Trouble is no different. Fliss and Dominic may come from two very different walks of life, but they are just what the other needs at just the right time.
Serenity explores the notion of happiness with one’s life, one’s career, one’s family and I loved that despite Fliss feeling alone when she first arrived in Kerikeri to stay with Roberta (Dominic’s sister who runs the cafe next to Bay of Islands Brides), that the beautiful Goldsmith family take her in and make her one of their own. And even though Dominic has had a rough time of late, Fliss arrives at a time when he might finally be ready to consider the possibility of dating again.
There’s a lot more I could say but since this book can easily be read as a stand-alone in the Bay of Islands Brides series, I don’t want to spoil anything (because there are some things we know from book 1 but if you are coming in blind with this book it’s better not to know!!). But if you like your romance sweet, your bedroom scenes hot and steamy, your stories full of hope and promise, then make sure you pick up Bride in Trouble – you won’t be disappointed!!
nicandbooks
Amazon/Goodreads
OH WOW, I loved this story. He is a Deacon as well as a counselor at the local high school. He is a great guy almost too good to be true. The heroine is a Hollywood actress that is suffering but a bout with bad publicity – long story. She returns home to NZ to decide what she wants to do about everything. She meets Dominic again and there is an instant attraction and a lot of flirting. The word Deacon has a different meaning in the U.S. from what it is in NZ. He is one sexy church guy!! It is a great story, one you will not be able to put down. I loved it and highly recommend it. Great read.
Bride by Mistake is book 2 in the Bay of Islands Brides Series and this series just keeps getting better and better, this is Fliss and Dominic’s story who are two very different people but with a lot in common. Fliss is a hollywood actress who needed to get away from the press and her ex boyfriend and decides a visit to her old school friend Roberta is just what she needs, no one knows she is a star there and she can relax and lick her wounds in peace. Dominic is Roberta’s brother he is a widow with an eight year old little girl and the last thing on this church deacons mind is to fall in love. Sometimes fate steps in and puts us in places we wouldn’t normally be and that’s exactly what happened in this story, I love this authors style of writing, I love how I feel I’m going home and catching up with friends with every book of hers I read but most importantly I love the characters because Serenity Woods characters are loyal and protective of family and friends and let’s be honest that’s something we all want in our life’s. Great addition to the series and can’t wait for book 3.
Bride by Mistake by Serenity Woods
Bay of Brides #2
First of all I have to say that I love this author’s books…each one makes me think and care and I come away wanting to be friends with the characters and that is just how I felt when I finished this book, too.
Felicity “Fliss” Rivers has big decisions to make. A potential scandal looms and being away from the Hollywood scene to deal with her feelings and what the future may hold for her seems a good thing. So, off to New Zealand she heads to spend time with Roberta – a childhood friend she has remained in contact with for years. She has worked hard to become an actress and her star is on the rise. As she contemplates what she REALLY wants in the future she is surrounded by Roberta’s family and the unconditional love and acceptance she has not experienced since last being with them as a child.
Dominic, Roberta’s brother, is a widow with an eight year old daughter named Emily. He is a Deacon in the church and a school counsellor who is well grounded and a loved member of the community. He is handsome, a good father and definitely swoon-worthy. He listens and cares and is an all-around good person…but…he is also oh so very human.
I am not going to give away this wonderful plot that sees two very deserving people find just what they want and need in one another. I will say I thoroughly enjoyed the story and am eager to read whatever this author writes next.
Thank you to the author and Booksprout for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
5 Star Review of Bride By Mistake (Bay of Islands Brides #2) by Serenity Woods
The second book in the series and this is a Fliss Rivers and Dominic Goldsmith’s story.
Fliss is a famous actress and when she needs to escape the photographers and all that is Hollywood, she find herself accepting her old school friend, Roberta’s offer to visit for a few days. Surely no one will find her in her hometown in the Bay of Islands, particularly since she will be helping out in the family bridal shop
Dominic is shocked when he learns that the women who is being sought after by major news channels and the press is helping out in his family business and he knows the last things he needs is to get involved with or be seen with the feisty and stunning actress. After all he is a widower with a child and he must protect his reputation at all costs.
However, fate has a way of playing tricks on them and Fliss and Dominic find themselves involved in a passionate and secret romance. That is until their relationship is discovered by a photographer. What will they do, will they part or will their feelings be too involved.
Bride By Mistake is a well written, romantic and passionate story. It is a story of taking a leap of faith and hoping that the person you want will be there to catch you. I really love how Ms.Woods embraces the whole family in her stories, it is heart warming and I love how they drew Fliss into the family and accepted her.
This is a fun series, that I find myself captivated by and I cannot wait for the next release.
A Delightful Romance.
Felicity (Fliss) Rivers returns to her Northland roots when her Hollywood life implodes, staying with Roberta, an old school friend and hiding out from the paparazzi with her and her family. Fliss finds Roberta’s older brother Dominic, non-judgmental and easy to talk to and it doesn’t hurt, that he is also hot. Both characters were immensely likeable and I cared about them and what they were going through (no spoilers). This book can totally be read as a standalone and is highly recommended.
Note: for mature audiences due to explicit sex and language.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.