“Pure fun – a romantic comedy that’s perfect for a day at the beach!” Lauren Layne, New York Times Bestselling AuthorCaroline Abbott knows her way around bridezillas.Working at a stationery store means helping engaged couples pick out the perfect save-the-date cards and invitations for their dream weddings–a dream job.Until the bridezilla of the day belongs to her first kiss, Alexander Wilder. … belongs to her first kiss, Alexander Wilder. He’s all grown up now, running his family’s luxury hotel chain, and even hotter than she remembers from that scorcher of a smooch.
So when Caroline catches his fiancée half-naked with another man, she has to tell him. And Alex has to break it off. And of course, the ex-bridezilla goes completely bonkers.
Good thing Caroline has plenty of experience–and friends to help save her.
She also has the sudden interest of Alex, who has a proposal of his own for her. Is it just a rebound for him, or does he also feel the same spark that drew them together all those years ago?
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Save The Date by Monica Murphy is a fast paced, fun, childhood friends to lovers story that I really enjoyed!!!
Alex Wilder and Caroline Abbott were childhood friends, were each other’s first kiss, but when Alex moved they lost touch. Years later a chance encounter at the stationery store Caroline works at brings them back together!
From the storyline, to the characters I really enjoyed this book. I highly recommend it for a lighthearted, fun, low angst read.
Save The Date by Monica Murphy is the first book in her brand new Dating series. A quirky heroine and a swoony hero make this story of a fake relationship very relatable. Caroline is a woman who stays true to what she believes and Alex is a man that seems to go around with blinders on until Caroline. Throw in a cheating fiancée and bridezilla, a tip to Paris and a business deal and this story keeps you captivated with the romance between these two “fake” lovers. With swoon-worthy moments that will give you “the feels” I thoroughly enjoyed this well-paced and well-written romance.
Yall, this book. As you know, I’m a HUGE fan of her YA/NA series, Friends. I mean, come on, #CuddlewithTuttle. It had been a couple of years since I read one of her straight contemporary romance books. She did not disappoint at all. In fact, reading this book is liking sitting down over a coffee or beer with an old friend. Catching up, laughing, crying, swooning and promising to visit more often. This book left me with that feeling and I can’t wait to see what happens in this series. The girls have already been introduced so I’m very intrigued.
I love a childhood friend to lovers story. Caroline and Alex are perfect for each other; once when they were teenagers and now, even better as adults. Ms. Murphy doesn’t rush the romance between them either. She lets them become friends again without the awkwardness that they both experienced as teenagers. Watching them build their romance is breathtaking. Its the little things that happen between them that are priceless. There are too many scenes that I could recite back to you but you really need to read them for yourself.
Another thing that I loved about the book is that Caroline is not hapless, hopeless or in danger. She’s a great character that you want to hang out with and order your save the date cards from. At least I would have. The relationships that she has with her friends and even her boss are great. There’s no angst amoung then at all. Of course, she has to deal with Alex’s crazy ex at times and it s truly funny, too.
Alex is a dream. I know I say that about a lot of heroes but here in this book, he truly is. He’s the character that has the most growing up to do in the book. A workaholic to the bone but when he finally stands up to his dad about his childhood and why he is today is awesome. Just the right amount of drama but very necessary for Alex to finally see the light and understand that something’s gotta give if he truly wants a relationship with Caroline in the end.
Overall, this is a sweet, somewhat sexy romance between two childhood friends that shared their first kiss and meet up later in life and fall in love. Is there a conflict? Yes, very relatable and plausible. If your boyfriend is rich.
This is a cute romance. If you are looking for something lighter to read, then this would be a good option. It’s a second-chance story and half of it takes place in Paris. Does it get any more romantic than that? There’s a tiny bit of suspense woven through the story. I enjoyed the characters so much. There is so much chemistry between them. So very well-written that the story just flows off of the pages.
Monica Murphy delivered such a fun, summer read that had me smiling and laughing! Alex and Caroline shared their first kiss way back when. Years later, Caroline is face-to-face with Alex, only this time he’s engaged!! What follows is a great second-chance romance that’s low on angst and high on romance. I’m hoping for more books on the secondary characters and I really love Ms. Murphy’s writing!
Save The Date by Monica Murphy is an fun and breezy read! The story is engaging, and the two main characters are easy to get to know. This is the first book from the author’s Dating series and it can be enjoyed as a standalone.
Caroline Abbott and Alexander Wilder shared their first kiss while playing hide and seek about fourteen years ago. At that time, Alex was Caroline’s older brother’s best friend. Only days after their memorable moment, Alex’s family moved away. Now Alex is engaged, and heir to his family’s luxury hotel conglomerate. Caroline works for Noteworthy, a stationary store that caters to the wealthy. She is an expert in all things bridal, and loves helping couples pick out the perfect wedding stationary. After an inquisitive hello in Caroline’s best friend’s coffee shop, Alex, now with his wackadoo fiance, are in her workplace, picking out their save-the-date cards. Alex’s fiancee is an adulteress, in addition to being a gold-digger and stalker. Luckily they never marry, and Alex realizes that Caroline is the one that got away. Caroline is very attracted to Alex, and as a result, their time together evolves into much more.
This is an enjoyable light read with a few very sexy encounters. The story flows along quite effortlessly and there was never a moment that I did not savor. Caroline’s group of friends are fun, and I am hopeful they each get their own book. If you are a “relationship of convenience” fan, then you will like this book.
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
I loved this book. I loved the way Alex and Caroline bump into each other. This book had me laughing especially his fiancée and the things she does. There’s chemistry right from the beginning between Alex and Caroline. They knew each other as kids and we’re each other’s first kiss which was sweet and cute.
They are super hot together when they head off to Paris when Alex has to go on a business deal. I did want to slap Alex once towards the end but it wasn’t too bad. I loved how Caroline meets up with her friends and they invite another to their group.
I highly recommend this book. Can’t go wrong with a Monica Murphy book. She always delivers. Always captivating and entertaining.
Love Second Chances!
Wedding preparations requires a knowledgeable person to make it a day to remember. Caroline Abbott is just that person. She is a wedding stationary designer and she is one of the best in the business.
Alex Wilder is planning the wedding with his fiance, Tiffany. They go to Caroline to plan their wedding stationary. Tiffany is demanding and it causes an urgency to the job.
When addresses gets mixed up, it brings out the secrets within the relationshp. These secrets changes their lives. Alex has to find a way to recover before he finishes a hotel purchase deal. And Caroline helps Alex with his situation. And since Alex and Caroline have a past friendship and history, they are able to feel the connection…
Second Chance romances are always on the top of my list. Monica Murphy knows how to write great characters and fun stories. The surprises, drama, and emotion that the story holds leaves you wanting more and it brings you smiles to see how Caroline & Alex find their way back to each other!
Another winner!
I haven’t read a Monica Murphy story in quite some time, so after I read the blurb for Save the Date, I signed up for an ARC because it sounded like a sweet and funny summer read – one that meshed together quite a few tropes that I enjoy reading – a fake relationship, friends-to-lovers, and a bit of a second chance romance feel.
And after reading quite a few emotional and dark romances, I knew I could use a light hearted read to even things out a bit in my head and in my heart, and Save the Date did just that!
Caroline Abbott is a great heroine because she’s extremely relatable and her internal musings as well as her quirky personality fit who she was and how she viewed things and lived her life, and while I would have liked her to stand her ground a bit more and not allow Tiffany’s witchy behavior and antics to get to her the way they do, the fact that Caroline was flawed and always stayed true to the woman she had always been made her likable and the perfect girl for Alex.
At the beginning of the story, I didn’t know if I was going to like Alex that much; he seems focused on building his business and not much else and the fact that it was clear that he didn’t love Tiffany but allowed things to go as far as they did with her didn’t sit too well with me. But, I’m glad that Murphy provides readers with his perspective because it helped me to see the bigger picture where Alex was concerned and as the story went on, I found him to be a likable hero, especially when he was alone with Caroline, because it was those times that truly illustrated how he felt about her.
I loved that Paris was the setting for their fake relationship because its atmosphere actually allowed Caroline and Alex to explore their mutual attraction and growing feelings in a romantic place – one where no one knew who they were or the fact that they were supposedly faking their connection in order for Alex to procure a business deal. Besides, Paris is the city of love, and in the story, it’s the place where these two begin to realize just how perfect they would be together in an actual relationship not just a fake one.
Save the Date is a light-hearted, slow-burn read – one that delivers laughs, swoon worthy moments, and a palpable connection between the hero and heroine that proves just how good together they could be.
4 Poison Apples
Save The Date is a fun, entertaining story and perfect summer read!
This is the first book by Monica Murphy that I have read and I am now definitely a fan. She put together a great story with characters that have history, end up in some interesting situations through a whirl wind romance and come out on top in the end. Add in one crazy ex-fiancé a trip to Paris and some serious chemistry between Alex and Caroline and Boom…a fantastic story is born!
You will be thoroughly entertained! I love this couple and I know you will too!
4.5 Stars!
You need to add Save The Date to your summer reading list, this lighthearted and entertaining Romantic Comedy will have you happy sighing at the end! The meet cute scene is worthy of a Hollywood RomCom and it sets the stage for this irresistible fake fiancée story, that’s also a semi second chance romance, and has just the right amount of conflict to keep you on your toes and reading nonstop. This is the first book in the new Dating series, and I can’t wait to see what else is in store!
Caroline Abbott works at Noteworthy, a top of the line, high-end stationery store where all well to do brides-to-be in Carmel, California order their wedding invitations. She’s used to working with demanding bridezillas, and her new customer is no exception. But Caroline is surprised when she realizes the groom-to-be is someone she knew, once upon a time, fourteen years ago.
Alexander Wilder, the heir of Wilder Corporation, has taken his father’s advice to settle down and marry someone; it will look good for his image. So after dating Tiffany for a few months, he popped the question and now she wanted him to help pick out invitations with her, something she could’ve done on her own. But it’s a good thing he did, since he recognized Caroline as his best friend’s little sister, and his first crush; they shared their first kiss when he was fourteen and she was twelve, before he moved away to attend a private school, and never saw the Abbotts again. It was a memory he still cherished.
“Deep down, I knew what we shared wasn’t romantic love. It was more like a business merger between two ambitious people.”
When Caroline accidentally discovers Tiffany cheating on Alex she really doesn’t want to tell him but feels she must. Alex promptly breaks off his engagement, he’s not really upset or surprised, but it leaves him in a predicament. His father wants to acquire a hotel in Paris others are interested in; Alex being engaged would look good to the owners, who have strong family values. Such bad timing!
“I have to sell not only my business, but I have to sell the family. I have to sell me. To investors, to clients, to guests. Our brand is all about trust.”
Alex convinces Caroline to accompany him to Pairs, to pretend to be his fiancée, and this is where the love story really takes off. Because, well, Paris! So much can go wrong with their plan, but so much can go right, too. I loved this couple so much!
“Isn’t that what being in a relationship is all about? Taking a chance, knowing all along you might get hurt, but f*ck it, you’re going to do it anyway?”
When the boy who gives you the best first kiss story ever comes back in your life with a flirty smile, it’s going to be a good day. Caroline runs into Alex again with his fiancee when they come to get save the date cards for their wedding. A broken engagement followed by Alex in hot pursuit of Caroline. The trip to Paris, makes me want to go visit again it was such great detail.
Great story with loveable and likeable characters that Murphy is known for. Yes, they have flaws, because they are realistic. I want Caroline group of supportive friends! I can’t wait to see more books from the secondary characters.
Reviewed by: Alex L.
I LOVED Save the Date – The only thing I didn’t love was that there was MORE!!!
Caroline is the wedding coordinator at the local paper shop – Noteworthy. Things were good for her… until one-day things got really interesting!
After running into the guy who gave her, her first kiss and not realizing it was him until he was sitting across from her at her desk with his snotty fiancee – She shouldn’t be having the thoughts she’s having about him. But when she finds out his fiancee is cheating on him, the only thing she can do is tell him. Right?
Alex can’t believe that his fiancee was cheating on him… but then again he could. So when he finds himself in a bind to bring his future wife with him on a business trip – why not ask the girl who saved him from marrying the wrong woman… and also the girl he never forgot about as his first kiss.
Although its been years since they’ve seen each other or hung out, the chemistry is still there. And a weekend in Paris? Well, who wouldn’t be caught up in the romance of the city and parade of playing his fake fiancee?
I loved Caroline and Alex. Their chemistry was perfect and the sexual tension between the two was Magna hot!
A cute, fun and swoony read. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
4.5 Stars for Save The Date
Monica Murphy is a new author to me and after reading this fun entertaining story I’m struggling to understand why she hasn’t crossed my radar before now and make no mistake I will be checking out other works by this very talented author. Save the Date is a perfect holiday read, it’s easy to pick up and fall straight into and it has the perfect mix of love, drama and swoon worthy moments. Characters with sizzling chemistry and a tale that keeps you smiling throughout as Caroline and Alex get their second chance at love and romance. The story is great, the characters adorable and the writing is wonderful. Looking forward to reading more from this very talented author.
Caroline Abbott is living a content life. Her job at Noteworthy is enjoyable. She has a great best friend/roommate, Stella. Surrounded by a wonderful group of girlfriends. Then one morning, while enjoying her fav cup of coffee, she encounters someone from her past. A very HANDSOME someone.
Alex Wilder was her first kiss, her first crush and here he is. Ordering wedding invitations with his fiance’. Not exactly how she would have liked to reconnect with him, that is for sure.
At first, I was wondering how in the world was the author going to make this story work?? I should have known, Monica Murphy wouldn’t let me down! What a great story. Fun twists and turns. A wonderful second chance romance! I fell in love with the characters. I can not wait for more of this series.
Once the Bride and Groom makes the choices, the Bride demands delivery of the Save the Date cards as soon as possible!
This is where the story begins to unfold with the Save the Dates! Many of the twists and excitement from the story revolves around the Save the Date cards and the previous knowledge the consultant has of the groom!
This book made me laugh, quick page turner, and brought me back to my wedding planning days! (which was not too long ago)!
Save the Date is a sweet and entertaining book. It’s a quick and fun read and I really enjoyed reading about Caroline and Alex and the connection between them.
I really loved the idea of a story about a wedding stationer who falls for the groom-to-be. The whole storyline just had me totally intrigued, just had to read it – and when I did, I just couldn’t put this book down. I loved the chemistry between Caroline and Alex. Their past, how they liked each other as kids, and now when they meet again as adults and still feel the connection. I just totally fell for those two. It’s a sweet and easy read with a little bit of steam and drama. The perfect book for a lazy day.
This was an excellent read. I just loved the chemistry between the characters and didn’t want the story to end.
Monica Murphy does it again, this book was amazing. It was so cute, enjoyable, and sweet. This book made my had a big smile from the very beginning. Caroline was such a sass. She had me laughing so much, I loved how strong she was, she never let anything bring her down. Seeing her slowly fall for someone who she didn’t think she would see again was so sweet.
Caroline used to have the biggest crush, in fact, he was her first kiss. Caroline likes keeping in control and keeping to herself, so when Alex comes back into her life the last think she expects is to have her life become a bumpy, yet exciting ride.
Alex is on the road to the altar, he is someone who is focused on him and doesn’t make time for the little things. So when Caroline comes back into his life, he starts doing things he never did. I loved the chemistry between Alex and Caroline, these two were FIRE!! I was swooning so hard over them, all I wanted them was to admit their feelings for each other.
This is a book that will make you have a smile on your face even hours after you finish reading it. This is a must read!! Monica Murphy never disappoints.
“How do I know you won’t try to do the same thing to me?” she whispers. There are tears shining in her eyes, and my heart cracks at the idea of hurting her.
“You’re already wearing my ring,” I remind her, my thumb streaking across the diamond slowly, back and forth.
Her hands tremble in my grasp. “That was just for show.”
“You can keep wearing it.”
Caroline handles brides on a day-to-day basis, working as a consultant at a fancy stationery store specializing in invitations. Nervous, neurotic, whining, happy, she has seen all kinds and has helped them all. Her job is to ensure that everything goes well in the choices of the invitations and cards, that the customer is satisfied. And that’s why she’s headed to the store, earlier than usual, to meet a bride. But if she needs to deal with the morning, definitely caffeine is needed. And so, she ends up bumping into a handsome, elegant man, who shocking, is flirting with her. The morning just got very interesting.
But a bridezilla is waiting for her at the store, a beautiful but spoiled and arrogant socialite. Nothing is going as planned. And to face the cafeteria man, the late groom, only makes things worse. After all, why was he flirting with her if he’s about to get married? But to discover that this man in question is none other than her brother’s best childhood friend, and the boy with whom she shared her first kiss, the same boy who disappeared without a trace, and whom she still thinks after so many years, will bring her into a spiral of confusion. She has just broken the first golden rule of her business: not falling in love with a client.
But in making a home delivery, Caroline ends up seeing more than she should. Divided between her work and her heart, she does what feel right. And Alex ends the engagement.
A neurotic ex with thirst for power and ambition for money will make Caroline’s life a living hell. Alex is a great catch. Handsome and very rich. And Caroline messed up some plans.
But Alex needs a fiance. Immediately. For purely professional purposes. And Caroline is the best solution. After all, she knows him, she is loyal, she will not manipulate him and she is the “girl who got away”, the one who always inhabited his thoughts.
And so the two embark on a trip to the most romantic city in the world in a fake relationship. Are the charms of Paris able to bring this couple closer? Will the city of love turn this lie into something real?
Some situations happen to disrupt the couple, we have cute scenes, funny, a great misunderstanding and a beautiful apology. All packed by beautiful save the date cards.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest Review *