When Lyle Cummings is left standing at the altar on his wedding day, all of his carefully composed plans for the future come crashing down around him. The pragmatic surgeon is left questioning his well-ordered existence and wondering if there might be more to life than the achievements of wealth and career. When he meets fiery lounge singer Katrina Giordano, his mundane life is turned upside … upside down. In her, he finds everything his life has been lacking. With her, he will learn that what he thought was love really wasn’t at all. But will Katrina’s dark past and ties to organized crime threaten the happiness they have found after so much heartache?
With her life, and now his, hanging in the balance, Lyle will find himself tested when it comes to how far he will go for love.
This is the second, full-length, standalone book in the altar-ed destinies series a series of contemporary romances based on a wedding going awry. Republished in 2018 with revisions and new content.
The Altar-ed Destinies Series
Book 1: My Ex-Wife’s Wedding (Prequel Short Story)
Book 2: The Groom
Book 3: The Arrangement (coming February 4)
more
I listened to this as an audiobook, and you don’t need to listen to any other books in this series to enjoy this book. I haven’t read the first book, though I am interested in other stories by this author.
The story does stand alone and wrap up at the end, but I liked the supporting characters so much that I’m interested in hearing their stories. I have mixed feelings about the ex-fiance’s story, but I think it’s a creative twist so I will probably check it out.
I would recommend The Groom to contemporary romance fans. There’s a little bit of danger thrown it, but the majority of the focus is on the relationship between Lyle and Katrina and how their opposite personalities complement each other and bring each of them outside their comfort zones. I like that the relationship develops over time and that the author incorporates a lot of different supporting characters and environments (hospital patients, bar patrons, fancy parties, a housekeeper, etc.).
#AudiobookObsession
The DoctorWild Kat! Great Audible Listen
The Groom
Altar-ed Destinies, Book 2
By: Elise Marion
Narrated by: Logan McAllister
This is my first book by Elise Marion and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is well written and well told, with original storylines that are interesting and engrossing. Characters are complex and well developed. After being dumped at the altar Dr. Lyle Cummings is left with a broken heart and goes to drink his sorrows away at Parson’s Bar. Ready to leave he hears a voice that draws him in. He is captivated by the woman who is performing on stage, Katrina Giordano. She sees him, really sees him and labels him “sad guy”. Lyle, intrigued by Katrina returns to Parson’s to watch her perform, the two of them meet and they just click. I love how two people who come from such different worlds are so perfect for each other right from the start. With Katrina’s dark past and family ties comes a lot of drama, twists, action and suspense. Lyle is dragged in to the drama but their relationship continues to grow and sizzle. When things turn bad Katrina she thinks it is best that she gives Lyle up for his one good. Elise Marion takes you on an emotional rollercoaster ride here, not only with Katrina and Lyle, but with his young patient too. Thanks for this great story I am looking forward to more of your work.
I listened to the Audible edition, Logan McAllister is a talented narrator and voice performer. He brings the characters to life, gives each their own voice as well as heart and personality. He is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for the great listen
Lyle and Katrina are opposite in the ways of life. He thinks things need to be planned and organized.
She is chaos.
He was a jilted groom she is neck deep in trouble.
She brings life to him now he has to make the chose to save hers.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed every moment of this story with some definitely well thought out and written scenes with intricate challenges and characters that makes me want to read more
The second book in the Altar-ed Destinies series is a well-written story that held my attention through out. Lyle and Katrina have things in their pasts that they must overcome to be able to move forward. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed this story about Lyle and Katrina. They each has baggage that they need to overcome to be together. He was jilted at the alter and she is singer at a bar and her father is head of the mafia. Their story is well written and believable. Recieved a ARC copy and am voluntarily leaving this review. Recommend this book and looking forward to the next one.
What a good book! I haven’t read anything from this author before, but I’m definitely going to be on the lookout for more of her books! This book was sweet, a little emotional, but also fun and very engaging. I loved the characters! They had a lot to overcome, but they made it. I highly recommend this one!
The Groom is the second book in the Altar-ed Destinies series.
Final Rating: 5 Stars
He has everything and is standing at the altar waiting for his bride but she does not turn up. Now he is left wondering what is going on. He then meets a singer who shows him a different way to live but she has a dark past. Will it ruin their future? See if it will
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the second book in the series and was even better than the first book. It is well written and will have you sucked in pretty quickly. I liked both Lyle and Katrina and enjoyed watching them get to know each other. If you enjoyed the first book you will want to read this one it is a fun sexy read but you will also need the tissues.
Poor Lyle he really went through the ringer. I truly felt for the guy. I liked how the author realistically portrayed his pain and anguish without glossing over what happened to him. He and Katrina had a nice slow burn that was moving in parts.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4.5 stars
I really enjoyed this story of two people who really have nothing in common, but deep down want the same things, to love and be loved. I really liked the characters and was happy to see Lyle especially get his HEA after being dumped at the alter previously by his fiance. Katrina was a feisty character with a lot of past demons including some heartbreaking things that happened to her in the past, but her outlook on life was sunny despite all that she’s been through. I LOVED the epilogue. This was my first book by Elise Marion, but not my last. I can’t wait to read the next story. I was hoping Dan, Lyle’s playboy best friend, would be featured so I’m excited to see his story play out.