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West Side Romance #3
Fiance for Keeps
“A sassy new voice in contemporary romance!” —Roxanne St. Claire, New York Times bestselling author
With one cancelled wedding, one weekend fling, and a lot of history behind them, can a
career-minded former couple finally get on the fast-track to true love—with each other?...
Tired of working long hours with no one to come home to, ER doctor Denise Saunders accepts a chance to compete on a reality dating show. But there’s only one person she trusts to review the contract—attorney Brody Nichols, the man she left at the altar five years ago. Needless to say, Brody is floored. Unable to convince her to opt out, and unwilling to stand by while she risks getting burned by the spotlight, he can only think of one way to protect the woman he’s never stopped loving.
Denise expected some surprises on Finding Mr. Right, but she’s beyond shocked to meet the last Brody. She doesn’t know whether to feel punk’d, pissed, or relieved. Yet as a series of hot hijinks and dueling bachelors ensues, Denise can’t deny he’s The One—and always has been. She knows she’ll have to come clean about their past to the show’s other contestants—and to Brody. But once she tells him the real reason she played the runaway bride, Brody may be the one to walk. Is honesty a risk she’s brave enough to take?...
Praise for Gail Chianese and her West Side Romance series!
“Engaging and down-to-earth…features characters readers can root for.” --Library Journal
“This book will make your heart smile.” —Kristan Higgins, New York Times bestselling author
“A series destined for the keeper shelf!” —Roxanne St. Claire, New York Times bestselling author
“The West Side Romance series is like the perfect pick-me-up latte—hot and steamy, with a layer of frothy fun on the top!” --Jessica Andersan, New York Times bestselling author
“Convincing characters, hot love scenes, and emotional depth.” —Library Journal, Starred Review
With one cancelled wedding, one weekend fling, and a lot of history behind them, can a
career-minded former couple finally get on the fast-track to true love—with each other?...
Tired of working long hours with no one to come home to, ER doctor Denise Saunders accepts a chance to compete on a reality dating show. But there’s only one person she trusts to review the contract—attorney Brody Nichols, the man she left at the altar five years ago. Needless to say, Brody is floored. Unable to convince her to opt out, and unwilling to stand by while she risks getting burned by the spotlight, he can only think of one way to protect the woman he’s never stopped loving.
Denise expected some surprises on Finding Mr. Right, but she’s beyond shocked to meet the last Brody. She doesn’t know whether to feel punk’d, pissed, or relieved. Yet as a series of hot hijinks and dueling bachelors ensues, Denise can’t deny he’s The One—and always has been. She knows she’ll have to come clean about their past to the show’s other contestants—and to Brody. But once she tells him the real reason she played the runaway bride, Brody may be the one to walk. Is honesty a risk she’s brave enough to take?...
Praise for Gail Chianese and her West Side Romance series!
“Engaging and down-to-earth…features characters readers can root for.” --Library Journal
“This book will make your heart smile.” —Kristan Higgins, New York Times bestselling author
“A series destined for the keeper shelf!” —Roxanne St. Claire, New York Times bestselling author
“The West Side Romance series is like the perfect pick-me-up latte—hot and steamy, with a layer of frothy fun on the top!” --Jessica Andersan, New York Times bestselling author
“Convincing characters, hot love scenes, and emotional depth.” —Library Journal, Starred Review
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 26, 2016
7 people are currently reading
241 people want to read
About the author
Gail Chianese
22 books194 followersGail currently lives in beautiful Connecticut, but originally hails from sunny California. She is the wife of a 27-year Naval officer, the mom of three amazing kids, and one precious, but demanding pup. In her spare time, she likes to ghost hunt with her hubby, geocache with her family, and lock herself away with a great book. She loves to connect with readers on her website, www.gailchianese.com, and her Facebook page under Gail Chianese.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 5, 2016
3.5 stars
Fiancé for Keeps was a good read with an interesting plot and well developed characters.
It held my interest from the first page to the last and I was left with a smile on my face.
Overall Fiancé for Keeps was a lovely, entertaining and sweet contemporary romance.
Thank you Kensington Books - Lyrical Shine via NetGalley for the advance copy.
Fiancé for Keeps was a good read with an interesting plot and well developed characters.
It held my interest from the first page to the last and I was left with a smile on my face.
Overall Fiancé for Keeps was a lovely, entertaining and sweet contemporary romance.
Thank you Kensington Books - Lyrical Shine via NetGalley for the advance copy.
April 4, 2016
Review also found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...
3.5 stars
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The expected publication date is April 26th, 2016.
This appears to be the third in a series however I have not read the others and it did not impact this story. I must admit that I am thinking about going back to read the first two.
Why you ask?
This is a story that appeals to the guilty pleasure side of me. I try to avoid trashy reality TV, and I have no idea who the reality TV stars are but I am a huge closet fan of the Bachelor. I find it is a social experiment which puts people at their worst and I can't seem to stay away, or judge or just purely be entertained.
This story is based on the same premise. Denise is the star of a Bachelor type show with multiple guys trying to win her heart, or 15 minutes of fame. I was drawn in right away.
Then you add Brody becoming a contestant because he just can't walk away? Swooning hearts everywhere. Talk about fighting for the one you love.
With that in mind this story took me on a quick and fast journey where I the troubles of my everyday melted away and I got to live in the lives of Denise and Brody. And I enjoyed it! While no real surprises were on hand, there was simply entertainment and romance. A perfect combination!
3.5 stars
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The expected publication date is April 26th, 2016.
This appears to be the third in a series however I have not read the others and it did not impact this story. I must admit that I am thinking about going back to read the first two.
Why you ask?
This is a story that appeals to the guilty pleasure side of me. I try to avoid trashy reality TV, and I have no idea who the reality TV stars are but I am a huge closet fan of the Bachelor. I find it is a social experiment which puts people at their worst and I can't seem to stay away, or judge or just purely be entertained.
This story is based on the same premise. Denise is the star of a Bachelor type show with multiple guys trying to win her heart, or 15 minutes of fame. I was drawn in right away.
Then you add Brody becoming a contestant because he just can't walk away? Swooning hearts everywhere. Talk about fighting for the one you love.
With that in mind this story took me on a quick and fast journey where I the troubles of my everyday melted away and I got to live in the lives of Denise and Brody. And I enjoyed it! While no real surprises were on hand, there was simply entertainment and romance. A perfect combination!
April 23, 2016
In spite of being left at the altar 5 years earlier, then after spending a passionate weekend together, being ignored for another few more months, Brody's feelings for Denise are as intense as ever. Denise has her reasons for freezing Brody out but she feels the same. When a contract for a reality show, signed in haste, stands in the way of her career, Denise turns to Brody for legal help. Once again feelings are revived but this time, Denise wants to break the cycle of their on again off again relationship. So when she has to go ahead with the reality show, she decides to move on and find her ideal future partner. The last person she expects to find is Brody; as one of the contestants.
Of course, one cannot fight the inevitable and they get back together. But the secret of why she left all those years ago still haunts her. And though Brody is the only man she will ever love, she must tell him the truth. Even if it means that she will lose him, and this time it will be forever.
A classic tale of undying love, this book is ideal for hardcore hopeless romantics. I've enjoyed this series from the start and this third book is quite the cherry on top.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Of course, one cannot fight the inevitable and they get back together. But the secret of why she left all those years ago still haunts her. And though Brody is the only man she will ever love, she must tell him the truth. Even if it means that she will lose him, and this time it will be forever.
A classic tale of undying love, this book is ideal for hardcore hopeless romantics. I've enjoyed this series from the start and this third book is quite the cherry on top.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
April 15, 2016
This is my first book by Gail Chianese and it wouldn't be my last. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey of Denise & Brody.
The description was intriguing - what can be more romantic than a workaholic lawyer, who is also the ex-fiancé of the workaholic Denise, become part of a reality show to protect his love, who has decided to find her Mr. Right through the show?
The chemistry between Brody and Denise was good ... I loved how he always looked out for her and how Denise trusted him to look out for her, even though she walked out on him ... Looks like everyone knew they were meant to be together, except Denise!
Both Brody and Denise are characters you can relate to and understand. I was rooting for them from the first page. Their journey was interesting & enchanting. A page turner, you can't put down once you begin. Want an enchantingly romantic read without a lot of drama? You got that with Fiancé for Keeps!
**Was kindly provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review by Kensington Books through Net Galley.
The description was intriguing - what can be more romantic than a workaholic lawyer, who is also the ex-fiancé of the workaholic Denise, become part of a reality show to protect his love, who has decided to find her Mr. Right through the show?
The chemistry between Brody and Denise was good ... I loved how he always looked out for her and how Denise trusted him to look out for her, even though she walked out on him ... Looks like everyone knew they were meant to be together, except Denise!
Both Brody and Denise are characters you can relate to and understand. I was rooting for them from the first page. Their journey was interesting & enchanting. A page turner, you can't put down once you begin. Want an enchantingly romantic read without a lot of drama? You got that with Fiancé for Keeps!
**Was kindly provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review by Kensington Books through Net Galley.
May 11, 2016
I got this book from net gallery for an honest review.
Denise is a workaholic doctor, and Brody is a lawyer. They nearly got married 5 years prior and recently hooked up again at a wedding. Their attraction and feelings for each other is evident however, lack of communication and the ability to fight for their relationship is lacking on both ends. Both are angry with each other for various reasons therefore, when Denise is chosen to appear on a reality show called Mr Right, she jumps at the chance. Brody manages to become one of the contestants and that's how they start becoming close once again. Although this book was good with an interesting narrative I found that Denise and Brody never properly express their thoughts and feelings and that made it difficult to understand them. Brody made me laugh when he invited Denise to dinner so he can spy on his mum who is on a date.
Denise is a workaholic doctor, and Brody is a lawyer. They nearly got married 5 years prior and recently hooked up again at a wedding. Their attraction and feelings for each other is evident however, lack of communication and the ability to fight for their relationship is lacking on both ends. Both are angry with each other for various reasons therefore, when Denise is chosen to appear on a reality show called Mr Right, she jumps at the chance. Brody manages to become one of the contestants and that's how they start becoming close once again. Although this book was good with an interesting narrative I found that Denise and Brody never properly express their thoughts and feelings and that made it difficult to understand them. Brody made me laugh when he invited Denise to dinner so he can spy on his mum who is on a date.
April 3, 2016
I just finished the last book in the west side romance fiancé for keeps.I Read it day. Great book. It keep you going all the way though it.I loved all three books. Read them I Hope you're enjoy them as I did
April 24, 2016
I have to admit I’m a little torn about this second chance romance, because while for the most part I found it a quick read, and I always love a bit of reality TV mayhem in my romance, I also had a few problems with the romance itself that stopped me from completely enjoying it.
I really like Brody. He’s a hardworking, all-around good guy, and I feel like Denise treats him really badly in this book. He actually doesn’t do anything wrong, except fail to chase after her when she continues to run away. It’s not that I don’t like Denise, though, I just hate the way she fails to communicate with Brody.
This is tricky to talk about without spoilers, but it all goes back to why they split up five years before. Or rather, why Denise abandoned him practically at the altar. They never talk about it (not until nearly the end of this book), and I find it really hard to understand how a twelve year relationship can end just like that. Yes, Denise gets upset for a good reason, but again this is over something I would have expected them to have discussed at least once, since they were together for so long and a couple of weeks from getting married! Especially when it’s obvious that they still care so much for each other. So, I have to admit, the whole underlying issue of the end of their relationship didn’t work for me, which left the rest kind of shaky.
Such as the idea of going to your ex for help with a contract about you going to find Mr. Right. Which isn’t rubbing his face in it or anything, no no. Or ignoring him completely once he’s on the show, partly for ratings but mostly because, Oh, this guy’s a scientist! Clearly we are fated to be together! And the way she acts with Brody when they’re not on camera… yeah, Denise didn’t win any points from me. Brody is clearly out to win the girl this time, but she’s still running even though she wants him because of what happened before, which she’s still not going to tell him about because… reasons! Not impressed.
I don’t think the plot really helped me enjoy this one as much as I might have, because the reality TV is only part of it, and the rest is mostly Denise working herself into the ground so she can keep failing to act like an adult and run away rather than talk, while Brody seems perplexed and mostly waits for her to show him what he wants. No, Brody isn’t entirely innocent in this, but it’s more because he’s trying to be considerate than because he does something wrong. It left me kind of annoyed and a touch frustrated, because there shouldn’t be an issue between them yet they just won’t sort themselves out. Gah!
So overall I had similar issues with this book as the last one (Boyfriend for Hire), because when you get to the heart of it, not a lot actually happens and aside from the reality TV interlude, the story is stuck in a loop of behaviour that happens again and again and very few lessons are learned or progress made. It’s still a good read with some good characters, but it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. These two have so much history, so much heartache, and yet I felt mostly frustrated by their story rather than moved or swept away. In all, an okay end to a fun series – although I would be interested in seeing if Roan gets his own tale. I sense a story there too.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
I really like Brody. He’s a hardworking, all-around good guy, and I feel like Denise treats him really badly in this book. He actually doesn’t do anything wrong, except fail to chase after her when she continues to run away. It’s not that I don’t like Denise, though, I just hate the way she fails to communicate with Brody.
This is tricky to talk about without spoilers, but it all goes back to why they split up five years before. Or rather, why Denise abandoned him practically at the altar. They never talk about it (not until nearly the end of this book), and I find it really hard to understand how a twelve year relationship can end just like that. Yes, Denise gets upset for a good reason, but again this is over something I would have expected them to have discussed at least once, since they were together for so long and a couple of weeks from getting married! Especially when it’s obvious that they still care so much for each other. So, I have to admit, the whole underlying issue of the end of their relationship didn’t work for me, which left the rest kind of shaky.
Such as the idea of going to your ex for help with a contract about you going to find Mr. Right. Which isn’t rubbing his face in it or anything, no no. Or ignoring him completely once he’s on the show, partly for ratings but mostly because, Oh, this guy’s a scientist! Clearly we are fated to be together! And the way she acts with Brody when they’re not on camera… yeah, Denise didn’t win any points from me. Brody is clearly out to win the girl this time, but she’s still running even though she wants him because of what happened before, which she’s still not going to tell him about because… reasons! Not impressed.
I don’t think the plot really helped me enjoy this one as much as I might have, because the reality TV is only part of it, and the rest is mostly Denise working herself into the ground so she can keep failing to act like an adult and run away rather than talk, while Brody seems perplexed and mostly waits for her to show him what he wants. No, Brody isn’t entirely innocent in this, but it’s more because he’s trying to be considerate than because he does something wrong. It left me kind of annoyed and a touch frustrated, because there shouldn’t be an issue between them yet they just won’t sort themselves out. Gah!
So overall I had similar issues with this book as the last one (Boyfriend for Hire), because when you get to the heart of it, not a lot actually happens and aside from the reality TV interlude, the story is stuck in a loop of behaviour that happens again and again and very few lessons are learned or progress made. It’s still a good read with some good characters, but it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. These two have so much history, so much heartache, and yet I felt mostly frustrated by their story rather than moved or swept away. In all, an okay end to a fun series – although I would be interested in seeing if Roan gets his own tale. I sense a story there too.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
March 19, 2016
Sometimes a little mindless TV is exactly what I need for some much needed stress relief. In my never-ending quest to clear my brain of life's daily pressures, I watch The Bachelor/Bachelorette reality TV series. So it was only natural for me to request Fiance for Keeps by Gail Chianese, a novel that closely resembles some of the themes and dalliances that occur on this very popular TV show. This is a fun and entertaining story that I read from cover to cover in less than a day. No doubt about it, you will definitely enjoy this book if you are a fan of the TV series!
Emergency room physician Denise Saunders, and attorney Brody Nichols, fell madly in love during high school. At one point they were even engaged to be married, but Denise broke it off due to a personal issue and their inability to create a work/life balance. Not too long ago, they hooked up at a mutual friend's wedding, and while the sex was hot, nothing ever came from their time together. They move forward with their very busy careers, until Denise gets selected to be on a nationwide, "find a husband" reality TV show. In order to ensure Denise's safety, Brody becomes a contestant. The show is what ultimately brings them together again, however, they must work through a few issues in order to find their happily ever after. Feelings and crazy work schedules are only two of the major hurdles they need to overcome in order to be together.
I loved this standalone story, which is the third book in the author's West Side Romance series. This novel is chock full of excitement, a little jealousy, and a love story between two people who truly belong together. Ms. Chianese's ability to craft really loving and hot sex scenes, left me wanting more. The camaraderie between Brody, his mother and his friends, is amazingly warm and protective. While Denise has a wonderful relationship with her sisters, their mom is quite nasty at times and she never passes up an opportunity to give Denise a hard time. The subplots are quite interesting and add some depth to an already well-conceived story. Overall, this is a solid second chance romance that twists and turns in all the right places.
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
Emergency room physician Denise Saunders, and attorney Brody Nichols, fell madly in love during high school. At one point they were even engaged to be married, but Denise broke it off due to a personal issue and their inability to create a work/life balance. Not too long ago, they hooked up at a mutual friend's wedding, and while the sex was hot, nothing ever came from their time together. They move forward with their very busy careers, until Denise gets selected to be on a nationwide, "find a husband" reality TV show. In order to ensure Denise's safety, Brody becomes a contestant. The show is what ultimately brings them together again, however, they must work through a few issues in order to find their happily ever after. Feelings and crazy work schedules are only two of the major hurdles they need to overcome in order to be together.
I loved this standalone story, which is the third book in the author's West Side Romance series. This novel is chock full of excitement, a little jealousy, and a love story between two people who truly belong together. Ms. Chianese's ability to craft really loving and hot sex scenes, left me wanting more. The camaraderie between Brody, his mother and his friends, is amazingly warm and protective. While Denise has a wonderful relationship with her sisters, their mom is quite nasty at times and she never passes up an opportunity to give Denise a hard time. The subplots are quite interesting and add some depth to an already well-conceived story. Overall, this is a solid second chance romance that twists and turns in all the right places.
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
April 19, 2016
Loved this one. I'm a sucker for a second chance story and this is definitely a good one! Denise Saunders called off her engagement to Brody Nichols days before the planned wedding. They were both workaholics. She as a doctor, him as an attorney. There was never any time for them so even though she loved him very much she put an end to their very long relationship. Now after a moment of complete craziness she knows he's the only one who can help her. She's signed a contract to appear on a reality dating show and she needs him to get her out of it! He can't though and she has no choice but to go through with it. She can't believe her eyes though when she catches sight of the last contestant. None other than Brody Nichols himself! Is this fate or a twisted trick on his part?
Definitely a fun read and one I recommend to everyone.
Definitely a fun read and one I recommend to everyone.
April 5, 2016
This is a second chance romance for a lawyer and a doctor. Since they were young Brody and Denise had been together. WHen they finally decided to get married things didn't go as planned. Brody was starting his law firm and Denise was working hard as an ER doctor. They never had time, she left and called off the wedding because she knew things wouldn't work out adn couldn't go through with it.
Now five years later she's ready to settle down. However a few months ago she had a weekend with Brody and thought maybe they were getting back together. When she realizes it's time to move on she signs up for a dating show.
It's a cute book but wasn't great. I felt it dragged on in places and the ending just sorta ended. Time passes and they get back together wooo...
Now five years later she's ready to settle down. However a few months ago she had a weekend with Brody and thought maybe they were getting back together. When she realizes it's time to move on she signs up for a dating show.
It's a cute book but wasn't great. I felt it dragged on in places and the ending just sorta ended. Time passes and they get back together wooo...
April 13, 2016
Got this as an ARC from Net Galley for an honest review. Really enjoyed this heart warming story. Denise left Brody at the altar 5yrs ago, even though she still loved him. Now she needs his help. Brody has never loved anyone other than Denise & he never will, so when she goes to him for help he decides to help but also make sure she's safe & that he's the only one for her. Their ups & downs are many with challenges & a secret that might decide whether they actually make it or not. Definitely recommend.
April 3, 2016
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley...
This is the third book in the West Side series and it focuses on Denise and Brody. I have been waiting to read Denise and Brody's story since book 1.
Denise and Brody's story was about second chance in getting their story right. They were high school sweethearts who let their careers and fears get in the way. When Denise gets a chance at finding Mr. Perfect, can Brody show her he's her Mr. Perfect or will history repeat itself?
This is the third book in the West Side series and it focuses on Denise and Brody. I have been waiting to read Denise and Brody's story since book 1.
Denise and Brody's story was about second chance in getting their story right. They were high school sweethearts who let their careers and fears get in the way. When Denise gets a chance at finding Mr. Perfect, can Brody show her he's her Mr. Perfect or will history repeat itself?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2016
I was given an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest and independent review.
Sweet romance but lacked substance. Neither of the main characters are able to express truly how they feel about each other so they seem to go round in circles.
2.5**
Sweet romance but lacked substance. Neither of the main characters are able to express truly how they feel about each other so they seem to go round in circles.
2.5**
December 14, 2016
This is my first book by Gail Chianese, and I found it very entertaining. Denise and Brody were very interesting characters and I enjoyed this second chance romance. The book has it all: angst, conflict, pain, love and great romance. The characters were well written and I enjoyed reading this story
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews