The Bridesmaid & the Jerk left me wanting more! When the authors announced book two I was so happy. Today is release day for The Bridesmaid & the Ex and I had the chance to read it early. Another big thanks to these authors for providing me with an ARC to read and review! Now let’s talk about this book.

It’s take two for these college BFFs.

The last person Austin Mariani expected to see when he showed up to work on the set of Wedding Games was Harper Hudson, the perfect girl he let get away. Now he’s putting his career—and his heart—on the line by sneaking around to help find a runaway bride.

Harper has spent years rebuilding her life in Wellspring after taking a chance at love in college and striking out. With a successful bakery downtown, she finally feels like her life is falling into place—until her sister disappears in the middle of filming a reality wedding show. Now the only person she can go to is the same guy who broke her heart four years ago.

When Austin and Harper’s search drags them all over Wellspring, long-lost feelings resurface. Can Austin and Harper rekindle the relationship they once had? Or is the pain too deep to recover?

Tune into Wedding Games to find out!

Review

The Bridesmaid & the Ex leaves off right where the first book ends. Except this time the story is told through Harper and Austin’s POV. I definitely recommend reading the first book before diving into this one. You’ll like the extra information you get before reading the sequel.

Harper is the bride’s sister and is stressed out, because she has her own bakery and she’s stuck doing this show for five days. Add seeing someone she loved for quite some time after so many years, life is stressing her out! On top of that, she’s afraid that she’ll lose the amazing bond she and her sister have together. Being married seems to change everything.

I really enjoyed Harper. She seems like a realistic character. Also, I love baking, so I could definitely relate to her. Harper has her insecurities, but is also a very strong person. Especially when it comes to her family. I mean, not many people would go as far as she does to make sure her sister gets her dream wedding! Harper deserves a happily ever after as well.

Austin has always wanted to work in TV, but seein Harper really wasn’t something he was expecting! The choices he made years ago still haunt him at times and he’s not sure he’ll ever be able to straighten things out. Yet again, another character who definitely goes the limits to help an old friend’s family.

This was another fun character. Even though he finally was doing what he loved, his heart was winning in everything he decided to do. Austin was really gentle and sweet and I loved how he had everything thought out, but he maybe waited too long. He annoyed me a bit by a few decisions near the end, but I understand why he did what he did. I really wanted more of him.

Even though we’re still in the middle of all the craziness of the Wedding Games, I loved the personal moments these two characters had. Their adventures were crazy, but very understandable. There were definitely twists and turns I didn’t expect, but they fit this story well. I have no clue how this will all wrap up at the end of the series, but I’m enjoying the ride! I can’t wait for the third book.

Once again these authors left me hanging in a way I did not expect. If you’re a fan of reality TV or contemporary books in general, definitely pick these up! I can’t wait to read the third book!!