Review: "Finally His Bride" by Maisey Yates

Synopsis:

As the whole town goes crazy over the celebrity wedding event of the century, Melanie Richards decides she's tired of blending in. It's time go after what she wants. Her to do list: 

• Get a sexy dress 
• A little liquid courage 
• Lose that pesky virginity 

Luke Shuller can’t believe his eyes when he walks into Grey’s and sees his best friend trying to pick up some drunk cowboy. Melanie wants to start hooking up? She can practice on him. At least he’ll keep her safe. And as a bonus, their pretend relationship will help him deal with a family crisis.

But when pretend gets real, Melanie can’t tell where the charade ends and reality begins. When the dust settles, will she get thrown back into the friend zone, or will she finally get the man of her dreams? 

Genre: Contemporary Romance

My Review:

Finally His Bride is a fun story. It is part of the Montana Born Brides series, each written by a different author. I haven't read the other books in the series, but that didn't prevent me from enjoying this story. There are references to things that have happened prior to the beginning of this book, but they are included in such a way that makes this book easily stand alone, and at the same time, makes me want to go back and read the previous books in the series. Luke is a gruff character, seemingly never happy, but he is fiercely loyal to his friends and family. Except when he feels betrayed. Luke loves Melanie as a friend, and I love how he didn't realize he wanted more from Melanie until he had her. But things in Luke's background make him too scared to hold on once he has her. 

Melanie and Luke are more alike than they both realize and I loved seeing Melanie blossom and find her strength through her "non relationship" with Luke. She turns to Luke in her "time of need", but the transformation she experiences results in her realizing she wants more for herself; needs more for herself. In true hero fashion, it takes Luke a bit longer (and a figurative smack upside the head) for him to realize how he feels about her. Both Melanie and Luke are operating from a place of fear and both feel the need to control what's happening in their life as a means of belaying the fear. It just takes a while for each to realize that their control is just covering up the fear and not overcoming it. Through each other, they are able to find their way through their fears and to find love on the other side! Ultimately, this is a sweet story with a happy ending. Luke's love for Melanie transforms him into a better man, and the perfect man for her!

Disclosure: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.


Links:

Goodreads - Amazon - iBooks

About the Author: 

USA Today Bestselling author Maisey Yates lives in rural Oregon with her three children and her husband, whose chiseled jaw and arresting features continue to make her swoon. She feels the epic trek she takes several times a day from her office to her coffee maker is a true example of her pioneer spirit.

In 2009, at the age of twenty-three Maisey sold her first book. Since then it’s been a whirlwind of sexy alpha males and happily ever afters, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Maisey divides her writing time between dark, passionate category romances  set just about everywhere on earth and light sexy contemporary romances set practically in her back yard. She believes that she clearly has the best job in the world.

Website: http://www.maiseyyates.com/