I didn’t know her name, but I heard her laugh, tasted her lips, felt her warm skin as I held her in my arms. Together we watched our young children playing in the sand, the warm ocean lapping at the shore behind them as the setting sun painted the sky. She was my soulmate and this was our life, our beautiful forever … machines.
There was no wife. No kids. Not a single soul waiting for me. That life I dreamt of—never existed.
The woman I loved, the woman I knew better than I knew myself—wasn’t real.
Until she walked into my life six months later …
And it was both the best and worst day of my life because the woman of my dreams—was about to marry my best friend.
AUTHOR’S NOTE: This angsty contemporary romance contains NO cheating or love triangles.
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Oh my ever loving God!!! This book was phenomenal, I couldn’t put it down, I read straight through just needed to get to the end and the outcome, it was that good. It’s sweet, it’s heart breaking, a complete rollercoaster, not to mention a ringer on your emotions. Cainan a self made divorce attorney had no wish to have a permanent fixture in his life, who would have expected a brief encounter in a bar with the gorgeous Brie, an Actuary, a matter of fact, take no risks type of girl would result in a magical, is it fate or destiny love story. Cainan is involved in a car accident spending a month in an induced coma, when he awakes his mind is focusing on a beautiful woman his guardian angel and children, could this be his family but is it all a dream?? But what happens when part of that dream becomes real and that guardian angel belongs to someone else like Grant his best friend, introduced as his fiancé, but wasn’t she in his dream?? However this friend throws Cainan into turmoil as he wants a prenup which shows him to be the deceptive cunning person he really is, should Cainan follow his heart or support his friend??? Will Brie and Cainans paths cross again??, can the anguish be resolved with Cainan claiming his guardian angel and a HEA?? Read this stunning story from this talented author you won’t be disappointed. I was given this as an ARC by the author in exchange for a voluntary honest review which I was happy to provide.
Compelling plot, captivating characters
The Best Man by Winter Renshaw is an exceptionally well written romance with all kinds of twists and turns without the whiplash. This story takes its time, but is not slow. In fact, it felt rather fast-paced as for me it was an absolute page turner.
I was intrigue by all the characters from the start and fell into their drama immediately. Brie is fascinating with her brilliant and logical brain poking holes in everything often while still a warm, kind and genuine woman. Cainan is deeply affected and different from before his accident. He’s a calm, quiet and contemplative man who knows what he really wants but denies his ability to have it, namely Brielle. As it turns out, Brie feels much the same way but without any of the preconceived notions as Cain.
There are so many feelings within the pages of this book; compassion, confusion, guilt, tragedy, loss, excitement, joy, determination, hopelessness, vindication, connection, coming home, rightness just to name a few. Truly this romance is all about love and engaging the mind and demonstrates how utterly messy both can be.
Overall, this is a very messy romance that puts these characters through the ultimate emotional wringer only to iron it all out for the exact HEA of Cainan’s dream.
I read an ARC of this book from Hidden Gems and voluntarily share my review.
There is something completely magical about this story. It’s woven in fate and destiny, that undeniable reality that we are destine to meet someone. There is a right time, right place, and some special thing puts you there when you need to be.
The way Cainan’s heart breaks through out the story made my heart ache. You can feel the undeniable love he has for someone he hasn’t even met yet. Once you feel that Winter’s story will grab a hold of you and not let go till the last page. Do not skip the epilogues. I know some people do, please do not.
This story is beautiful, heartbreaking, hopeful, and utterly perfect. It’s one of the thee most beautiful stories I’ve ever read. Bar none.
Such an unexpected total soul deep romance read. The depth of the characters in this newest release will have you glued to the pages from start to finish. I appreciated how the author gave the characters chemistry with a slow burn that will have you at the edge of your seat, hoping and praying for what’s to come. Cainan and Brie we’re meant to be together and their journey will leave a lasting impression that will just make you fall in love with romance again. A define must read that doesn’t disappoint.
When they first met Cainan was trying to seduce her into spending a night with him but Brie turned him down, no matter how panty-melting gorgeous he is.
” , ‘ .”
Months have passed and Cainan got in an accident. While in a coma, he dreamed that he’s married with kids, it’s so vivid that he thought it’s real and it’s not. But the face of the woman is so unforgettable, that he looked everywhere just to find her. And when he found her she belongs to another man.
” … . .”
What will he do now?
I immersed myself in this book and didn’t want it to end. The story was unusual yet believable. The main characters are very likable. The villain is so good portraying the role that I want to punch him. Winter’s books are always good, however, this one is unique and kept my interest going. The author’s descriptions were captivating and made me feel a part of every scene. What a wonderful treat reading this book. I loved it and highly recommend it.
Compelling
Nothing like I thought it was going to be from the title (a book about a wedding). However, it does involve finding love when it’s least expected. Finally left alone by their abusive parents, Cainan and his sister Claire continue their lives together. He and his best friend Grant have remained best friends through the years even though Grant moved to Arizona after college.
Cainan has become a successful divorce attorney in Manhattan enjoying his success, but remains alone until the fateful night he is hit by a car after meeting Brie and having a few drinks.
As only Ms. Renshaw can she weaves a story of what is imagined and what is real until the surprising reveal of what is real and what is the result of confused memories. A truly amazing finale!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Each Renshaw book is more incredible than the last one.
I LOVED Cruelest Stranger, but without a doubt The Best Man is… uff!!! Speechless!!!
When I started reading it, there was a note from the author, where she said that it was a story no cheating, no love triangle, so after reading the blurb I asked myself: How?!?
And that was what intrigued me the whole time, how is it that things were going to be able to happen without triangles or cheating?
Cainan and Brie complement each other very well, both went through lot of difficulties that make them value what they have. However I think that, so far, Cainan is Renshaw main character with the most dirty talk so far, which I liked, it give at the whole story a sexy touch in the right moments.
Despite her shortcomings, I liked Brie as the main character, sometimes a little needy, but for the most part very confident and determined.
I think it is a story that tries to show you that fate has strange ways of intervening, but that in the end everything fits into its place: destiny (shinning with big letters) And the phrase “dreams come true” takes on a new meaning.
A romance born in a dream
I love reading Winter Renshaw’s books. I became enraptured immediately into the exclusive woven tale of The Best Man. It brings into light the phrase, “Everything happens for a reason.” Brie is a play-it-safe girl, always repeating her routine, even when she travels. Cainan is a confident, lay-it-out-there, take-no-prisoners type of guy. The twist of fate has them meeting at a bar one night. They converse and bring intrigue. Brie informs Cainan that she does not sleep with strangers. Then, Brie leaves to go back to her hotel. Cainan chases her to let her know she forgot her phone. He then leaves her with an inquisitive parting, “Next time we meet, we won’t be strangers.” From this point on, the story takes a turn that separates it from other romance books. I was blown away with the creativity and ingenuity of this story. Destiny proves to be a stubborn girl with a twisted sense of humor. Renshaw’s best work yet.
I received a free copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Once again this gifted author has given us a story which is beautifully written with unique and complex characters and plot, which all lead to an emotional must-read story. I loved this story from beginning to end and Cainan and Bri’s story is a truly magical story. I highly recommend for all readers.
The Best Man
By Winter Renshaw
Main Characters: Brie, Grant, and Cainan
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
5 out of 5 stars
I have read so many of Winter Renshaw’s books and this one turned out to be my favorite. We have romance, mystery, and angst in this one. Brie is a strong woman and comes from a wealthy family. Grant and Cain are lifelong friends. Wow, this book will keep you guessing from the beginning until the very end. A contemporary romance like no other I have read. I think this is an interesting story about fate, luck or maybe just a person’s destiny. A chance meeting in a hospital emergency room was an interesting way to start off this story. I am not saying anything more because you will have missed a great book if you don’t read this. I would give it more than 5 stars if I could.
Destiny in the face of friendship
4.5
Very nice story, very romantic, with a slight hint of paranormal. I really liked the characters, even if their doubts about trying anything, because of the friendship for a third party, annoyed me. But in time, that’s the whole basis of the story.
Cainan has an accident and when he wakes up he wants his wife and he discovers that he has never been married. However the face and the life of which he dreamed during his coma are very precise and he will seek to find this woman. When he finds her he discovers that her name is Brie, that she is engaged to his best friend Grant, that they met at the hospital when Cainan was in a coma and that she was holding his hand when he had his accident. However, even if he finally has an explanation, Cainan cannot forget Brie, especially since he knows that she is not very sure that she ultimately wants to marry.
Between the strength of the friendship between Grant and Cainan, the attraction between Brie and Cainan that no one controls but which both resist and the complicated character of Grant, finally this story which can seem slow because we would like that it evolves faster between the characters, is also exciting.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
“So I love you because the entire universe conspired to help me find you.”
So that is a quote within quote but it’s just one of the many swoon worthy lines in this story.
Often times the book doesn’t live up to the blurb but let me tell you…that is not the case with this one.
Oh how I loved this book!
Serendipity at its finest.
It was angst, mystery, romance and I was hooked on every word. I couldn’t put Brie and Cainan’s story down. I went to sleep reading and the first thing I did was open my kindle to finish it.
I never wanted a happily ever after for two people like I did these two. The anticipation, wonder, and worry if they’d have one kept me on edge.
Winter Renshaw weaved a tale that made you a believer of dreams, the afterlife, kismet and most importantly…love. I voluntarily reviewed an advance complimentary copy of this book.
Unbelievable story of destiny
Winter writes a story of far-reaching meetups between Brie and Cainan that strings them along that even they can’t imagine how it will end! Cainan and Brie’s first encounter ends with a quote by Cainan, “maybe the next time we meet, we won’t be strangers.” Cainan was in the wrong place at the right time, when an angel keeps him alive. What follows is Cainan’s struggle with his vivid dreams during his coma and the realization that he may never find her. Brie starts dating Grant whom she met when she followed the person she saved from a car accident to the hospital. But when Grant proposes in front of family, she accepts with reservations. When Brie and Cainan meet again, it’s like déjà vu, except Cainan knows who his angel is now. What follows is Cainan’s struggle to not have feelings for his best friend’s fiancée and Brie’s lack of feelings for her fiance. How will it all end, you have to read to find out. The plot twists will keep you guessing if fate will indeed bring Cainan his angel.
Emotionally captivating:
I really enjoyed this book! I was captivated from the very beginning and it took me on a wonderful literary journey. The premise was unique whilst not being far fetched as is often the case with stories involving amnesia.
I could feel the thread drawing Grant and Brie together and couldn’t wait for them to finally make a life together. This is a sweet love story that will have you believing in destiny and soulmates.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
Dream alittle dream for me
I’m writing this review differently than I usually have in the past. Decided to jot down my feelings while I’m reading along as they popped into my head.
My initial thoughts after the first few chapters is- OMG, this book is probably going to emotionally kill me. Star or more likely, dream crossed lovers, Cainan and Brie, unknowing soulmates separated, what could get to me more than that? This is soooo good!
Now I’m thinking, trainwreck! This collision was imminent from the first page and my heart will probaly explode in the process. How will this sticky and tricky situation Cainan finds himself in ever resolve itself as he is trapped between loyalities and his own needs. It’s a sucky place to be.
Amazing characters, mystically infused plotlines make this one uniquely different, beautifully written with several underlying aspects of some of the best stories- destiny and fate playing havoc in the background.
The Best Man could possibly be my favorite book of Winter’s so far, which is truly saying something as I’ve read and loved so many of them. This one checked off all the boxes of what a perfect romance could be for me.
Now I know what I’ve known all along- Winter Renshaw is an evil genius romance writer, hats off to you, girl, you had me on my knees!
Early copy generously provided for my honest review.
The Best Man is a novel by Winter Renshaw. This author is a must buy and any time there is a new book by her, my excitement level goes through the roof. I am never disappointed and she always brings a new experience each and every time.
The storyline was exciting, emotional and well thought out. Each character was unique, but fit together really well. I imagine getting this balance just right, while maintaining the attention of the audience is really hard, but Winter Renshaw holds me captive every time and I get endless entertainment from her characters. A story with a bit of this and a bit of that. All of it delicious. 5 stars.