by Ana Blaze
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Beth Chase is too busy planning perfect weddings to worry about the lack of action in her own love life. But if she was looking for a man, she wouldn’t be looking at Colin Pratt. Her boss swears that Best Man Colin is a quiet scholar and science fiction writer who couldn’t possibly cause a fuss at his own brother’s wedding. He’s clearly never met the man in question. Snarky, sexy and more than a little inebriated, Colin is the final obstacle between Beth and the last perfect wedding she needs to make partner. Of course, when she helps him into a taxi at the end of the night she has no idea that he’s only just begun to poke holes in her professional exterior. Colin might have the skills to seduce a romance professional, but can he convince her that he’s the best man to share her happy ever after?
I am going to be totally honest here; I am a sucker for this type of synopsis. Predictable? Yes, but the ride to my HEA is usually a fun one. So when the publisher dangled The Best Man in front of me, I jumped at the chance to review this novella. I am so glad I did. Ana Blaze gave me a yummy hero and a smart, commitment-shy romantic. I consumed this in a single sitting and it was delightful. Three-word review: funny, sexy and romantic.
Beth Chase is a wedding planner and has her sights set on making partner at the company she works for. Today’s wedding hinges on that promotion, so when she sees the best man Colin Pratt arrive disheveled and obviously drunk, she will do whatever it takes to make the wedding go off without a hitch. The tale that unfolds was filled with a mix of hot and romantic moments with characters that quickly drew me in.
Beth Chase is successful, and as she states she“dates” but never really moves into the relationship department. Her career takes up too much of her time for anything. Colin Pratt is a jilted, smexy scholar and writer with the most delicious British accent. *swoons* The chemistry between them is hot from the start, and it was fun watching the tango these two performed. The banter was funny, and watching him unnerve her was delicious. While there is some one-sided insta-love, I totally bought it and loved watching this romance develop.
The Best Man is the type of book that you easily slide into. The author engages you from the beginning and allows you to connect with the characters. While the plot is predictable, Blaze added her own blend of humor, heat and lovable characters to make it all work. This is a novella but I appreciated that it didn’t feel rushed, things unfolded naturally and gave me exactly what I wanted; a delightful afternoon escape.
Fans of Happily-Ever-After, heat and world-wind romances will love slipping into the pages of The Best Man. I will definitely be trying this author again! Mr. Right is currently available and A Late Thaw will release later this year.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Christy (Love of Books)
one-sided insta-love = restraining order. 😀 It sounds cute, and short is a plus.
Jennifer Bielman
I am such a sucker for accents. Even ones in books. This sounds so sexy and sweet at the same time.
thegeekyblogger
The cover is super fun! Plus I love books about workaholics that find their forever afters!
kimbacaffeinate
ooh me to Jennifer!
Aurian
I don’t read many novellas but this one sounds fun. I also like this trope.
kimbacaffeinate
this was well done and felt complete
kimbacaffeinate
this was short and sweet!
kimbacaffeinate
agreed, this was a fun little escape
kindlemom1
I know a lot of people don’t like them but I love predictable once in a while, especially when they give me that does of a HEA that I am desperately craving!
This sounds like something I would really enjoy too, I am definitely going to look into it more.
Nick
You sure are devouring all these adult contemporaries, Kim!
This one is yet another one that sounds like it’s a cute, happy-feels kind of book!
kimbacaffeinate
I like them between heavier reads, and this was fun
kimbacaffeinate
That’s because they are quick, easy fun reads between the heavier books I like and so easy to devour!
Debbie Haupt
Kim, what a great review and i TOTALLY agree I’m a really big sucker for a great yet yes usually predictable romance. For me the reasons are many faceted it all started waaaaay back when I wouldn’t be caught dead reading romance , then the worse thing ever happened my hubby got cancer and pretty soon I couldn’t read anything that didn’t have a happy ending. He’s fine now and has been cancer free for 10 years. But it’s also when I realized just how much of a book snob I was and when my love for romance started. Who Knew right 🙂
thanks again I always enjoy visiting.
deb
kimbacaffeinate
I tend to read a mix of books, and some are darker or have angst so I love these little “escape” reads where the fun it seeing how I get to exactly where I know I am going!
Laurel-Rain Snow
Sounds like a delightful read….great review!
kimbacaffeinate
this was fun, thanks Laurel!
Andrea
This does seem like a fun read! I love a story that is easy to slide until and that I can simply enjoy. Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed, sometimes they are the perfect pick me ups:)
Jenny
I NEED predictable in my romances Kimba! I need that HEA or it just doesn’t work for me, so I think this little novella is right up my alley! I’m pretty much already a fan of Colin, hello British accent, so I can’t wait to actually meet him in this story. I need something fun right now, and I think this is it:) Thanks!
Toni
I’m definitely interested in this one! I love anything funny, sexy and romantic. Just added to my TBR. Thanks!
candacerobinson
Oh this one sounds cute! And since it’s a novella it would be a quick one to read too!
Danielle Chapman
Sounds like a pretty good book to read. Sounds like a book I am a sucker for as well!!
kimbacaffeinate
When I am looking for an escape book it’s perfect and like you I demand my HEA!
kimbacaffeinate
this was a fun one Toni!
kimbacaffeinate
exactly, a nice escape!
kimbacaffeinate
ha..yes I think you would enjoy this one!
Melissa (Books and Things)
Now see these are the kinds of books I often pass and now I can see why they appeal. I really need to try one of these. After all, it has my fave thing in them… the HEA! 🙂
Blodeuedd
This one sounds fun too 😀
Heidi
The cover is delightful and I am always up for a witty, HEA romance, I am sure I will wish it was longer it I read it!
Anna
Predictable is perfectly okay some times 🙂 I love a fun easy romp now and again especially if the characters are really likable and have great chemistry. Glad you enjoyed it!
Sharon - Obsession with Books
I enjoy quick, fun and predictable every now and then to get away from the drama-filled books I often read. The characters in this sound wonderful and I’m a sucker for British accents 😉 this sounds great!
A fab review! 🙂
Bella's Shelf
Gurl, you are breaking me down! I always promise to stay away from romances until I am caught up with the other books and then I stop by here..lolz..
I love the historical romances. I have been getting into these paranormal romance lately too.
I am reading Scarlet now, and listening to First grave on the Right, then PODS. I must be strong!
Have a great night. I am watching TVD on rerun.
kimbacaffeinate
Loved Scarlet, and First Grave eep! PODS is one on my wishlist! Have an awesome night!
Lauren
I love a good HEA, and this story sounds super cute. I don’t mind predictability as long as I’m having fun. Awesome review!
kimbacaffeinate
Me too…this was a nice break!
kimbacaffeinate
this was a smexy, easy read Anna perfect for in-between heavier reads!
kimbacaffeinate
of course, but sometimes quick, easy and fun is perfect!
kimbacaffeinate
agreed, they are great late night reads!
kimbacaffeinate
Lauren this was fun, easy made me laugh with just enough heat!
ki pha
Isn’t this boo great!
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed Ki Pha!!!
Lindy Gomez
The Best Man sounds like such a good read! I love romances that are not only sexy, but funny too! Great Review Kimba! I’m glad that you enjoyed this one 🙂
Lindy@ A Bookish Escape
Tonyalee
This sounds like an cute, guilty pleasure– escape read! Great review 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
my thoughts exactly!
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Lindy this was a fun one!