Friday 22 June 2018

Review: One and Only by Jenny Holiday

One and Only (Bridesmaids Behaving Badly #1)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I've never taken part in a read-along before, but for a Jenny Holiday novel, I couldn't resist.

With the wedding season upon us, this is a perfect time to read One and Only. With a bridezilla and her band of bridesmaids, One and Only has a hilarious narrative but still has a depth which balances perfectly with the fun and frivolity.

Cameron MacKinnon, soon to be brother-in-law to Elise the bride, is a bad boy she doesn't want to spoil her wedding. On his arrival, Jane, a bridesmaid is given the job to babysit him; to keep him from causing trouble. However, he's someone who doesn't fit his reputation when the truths are revealed along with his feelings of love for the least expected woman.

Jane and her friends are going above and beyond the call of duty as bridesmaids to Elise. They are sacrificing a week of their time to ensure their friend has the wedding of her dreams. When they are told about the infamous brother of the groom, the group are horrified by the list of 'crimes' he's committed. Yet pragmatic Jane willingly accepts the challenge to watch him. After all its a respite and surely more fun than the numerous arts and crafts the bride has signed them up for...because Cameron can't really be such a problem, can he?

One of the overriding features of this novel is the closeness and unswerving support the four friends have for each other. The pact of sisterhood shines through as Jane, Wendy and Gia go along with Elise's crafty whims. The four women are very different and I love how Jane somehow managed to maintain her unique spirit and identity. It's refreshing and charming even if some of the group don't fully appreciate her individuality.

Cameron is definitely misunderstood and has carried the burden of his past for many years as he's tried to overcome problems on his part. I like that he owns his issues and finally acknowledges how it is possible for others to see the real 'him' if he allows them too. As a pair, he and Jane seem very different, but despite their individual issues, they somehow manage to help each other to overcome the problems that have hindered them to finally enable them to move forward on both a person and mutual front.

If you haven't discovered Jenny Holiday's novels before, this is a fabulous place to start. Well written, I appreciate the humour and the references incorporated into the narrative. Whether you are reading along with friends or down at the beach or pool, this is a perfect read for the wedding season.

***ebook received courtesy of Forever Publishing via NetGalley***

View all my reviews


With her bridezilla friend on a DIY project rampage, bridesmaid Jane Denning will do anything to escape - even if it means babysitting the groom's troublemaker brother before the wedding. It should be a piece of cake, except the "cake" is a sarcastic former soldier who is 100% wicked hotness and absolutely off-limits.

Cameron MacKinnon is ready to let loose after returning from his deployment. But first he'll have to sweet talk the ultra-responsible Jane into taking a walk on the wild side. Turns out, riling her up is the best time he's had in years. But what happens when the fun and games start to turn into something real?


Jenny Holiday is a cunning Slytherin who is constantly being told she's unduly optimistic. This year, after realizing she had accidentally put "hero makes late-night grilled cheese sandwiches for heroine/other hero" in three books, she started doing it on purpose. When she's not writing, she's probably having porch wine with her neighbours and enjoying having gardened. Follow her @JennyHoli on Twitter, @holymolyjennyholi on Instagram, and find other fun stuff at JennyHoliday.com

                    

Upcoming New Release Spotlight: The Highlander's Promise by Lynsay Sands



The Highlander’s Promise by Lynsay Sands
Series The Highlander Series
Genre Adult Historical Romance
Publisher Avon Books
Publication Date June 26, 2018


In a spellbinding new Highlands story from New York Times bestselling author Lynsay Sands, the laird of the Buchanans finds the one woman who is his equal in passion and courage.

Aulay Buchanan has retreated to his clan’s hunting lodge for a few days of relaxation. But the raven-haired beauty he pulls from the ocean puts an end to any chance of rest. Though he christens her Jetta, she knows nothing of her real identity, save that someone is trying to kill her. As she recovers, it will not be easy for Aulay to protect her and keep her honor intact when she mistakenly believes they are man and wife…

Jetta sees beyond Aulay’s scars to the brave, loyal warrior she’s proud to call her own. But as the attempts on her life grow more brazen, Jetta realizes that not all is as she believes. And if Aulay is not her husband, can she trust the desire flaring in his eyes, or his promise to defend her with his life?

Did I do something to anger you?” Jetta asked with a frown.
His eyebrows rose at the question. “Nay. What would make ye think that?”
Because you have not kissed nor touched me again since then. I thought either you thought I did not want you to, or that I had somehow angered you, or that you simply tired of me and did not want me anymore because of my shorn head and my being too thin.”
Oh, lass,” Aulay said softly, cupping her cheek with his hand. “Ye’ve no’ angered me, and I am definitely no’ tired o’ ye. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. Every minute I am with ye I have to fight no’ to kiss and touch ye,” he admitted, his eyes dropping to her mouth and his face moving closer.
Truly?” Jetta whispered uncertainly. “Aye, truly.”


Avon Romance http://bit.ly/2Jlqzz7
Barnes & Noble http://bit.ly/2sQr5dq
Google Play http://bit.ly/2M9PQKx


LYNSAY SANDS is the nationally bestselling author of the Argeneau/Rogue Hunter vampire series, as well as numerous historicals and anthologies. She’s been writing stories since grade school and considers herself incredibly lucky to be able to make a career out of it. Her hope is that readers can get away from their everyday stress through her stories, and if there’s occasional uncontrollable fits of laughter, that’s just a big bonus. Please visit her on the web at www.lynsaysands.net.





PRIZE: To celebrate the release of THE HIGHLANDER'S PROMISE by Lynsay Sands, we're giving away one paperback set (6 books in total) of THE HIGHLANDER SERIES!

GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS: Open to US shipping addresses only. One winner will receive a paperback set of the Highlander series by Lynsay Sands. This giveaway is administered by Pure Textuality PR on behalf of Avon Romance. Giveaway ends 7/6/2018 @ 11:59pm EST. Avon Romance will send the winning copies out to the winner directly. Limit one entry per reader and mailing address. Duplicates will be deleted.