Bed of Roses (The Bride Quartet, Book 2) Review
It is fitting that, so far, of the series, "Bed of Roses" proves to be more lushly romantic than "Vision in White" (which was also wonderful!) since Book #2 focuses on Emmaline Grant, the "true romantic" of four women and lifelong friends - Parker, Mackensie (who had her day in ViW), Laurel, and Emma - who have taken their pretend game of Wedding Day as kids and have managed to make a business out of it with Vows, a wedding planning service.
Book #2 focuses on Emmaline Grant's - Emma for short - desire to be loved and swept away. Her inspiration comes not only from the successful business she helps to run and works at as a florist - but from her own background of her parents' courtship and romance, a blending of two different cultures that Ms. Roberts sweetly elaborates upon. Seeing her parents still so in love, Emma will accept nothing less.
Enter Jack Cooke. Jack has been a friend of all four women for years. He is also the best friend of Parker's brother, Delaney (Del). Jack finds himself attracted to Emma in a very definite non-sibling way, but his fears of screwing up the dynamic of his friendships with everyone - and his reputation as a ladies' man - proves to be something of an obstacle in going after Emma. Especially since Jack is well aware of the romantic that Emma is. There is also the fact that his own background with his folks is diametrically opposed to Emma's, being the product of a broken home with parents who moved on without a glance back. However, as things do happen, they take the gamble. Though, eventually, the two different experiences definitely end up casting a shadow on their developing relationship.
That said, this is, naturally, a romance novel. Set amidst the backdrop of a wedding business. So, naturally, romance is key. And Ms. Roberts manages to skirt sweet and hot with considerable skill. Emma and Jack's chemistry is palpable, and you root for them to make it past their differences to make something worthwhile! With some help from the rest of the bunch, happiness is all but assured.
"Bed of Roses" manages to show a likable hero and heroine; Jack is a bit of a rogue with a definite romantic side for the right woman, and Emma - who could be positively annoying under many other authors - is romantic without being too terribly cloying. The only issue I had in the book is after Emma and Jack split for a while. I get supporting Emma, but Jack was supposedly also a friend, and he seemed to get short shrift. Luckily, things right themselves later, and my initial annoyance faded. But that was maybe a mere 2% of an otherwise enjoyable read.
All in all, this is yet another superb book in the Bride Quartet series, a sugar rush, novel style. And, as with "Vision in White", the cover art is lovely, and it sets the mood for the books and the series as a whole.
So, if you're in the market for a great summer read, pick this up (along with the other books in the series).
Bed of Roses (The Bride Quartet, Book 2) Feature
- ISBN13: 9780425230077
- Condition: NEW
- Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
Bed of Roses (The Bride Quartet, Book 2) Overview
Love blooms in the second novel in Nora Roberts's celebrated Bride Quartet series.
As little girls MacKensie, Emma, Laurel, and Parker spent hours acting out their perfect make believe "I do" moments. Years later their fantasies become reality when they start their own wedding planning company to make every woman's dream day come true. With perfect flowers, delicious desserts, and joyful moments captured on film, Nora Roberts's Bride Quartet shares each woman's emotionally magical journey to romance.
In Bed of Roses, florist Emma Grant is finding career success with her friends at Vows wedding planning company, and her love life appears to be thriving. Though men swarm around her, she still hasn't found Mr. Right. And the last place she's looking is right under her nose.
But that's just where Jack Cooke is. He's so close to the women of Vows that he's practically family, but the architect has begun to admit to himself that his feelings for Emma have developed into much more than friendship. When Emma returns his passion—kiss for blistering kiss—they must trust in their history…and in their hearts.
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