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One Month Til I Do #2
Marrying Mr Valentine
Nadine Roberts smiles for everyone, but beneath it she hides a heartbreaking past that only a few know about. Throwing herself into her new career; wedding planner at The Duck & Goose, a property recently purchased by newlyweds Florence and Hugh, has helped distract her from her loneliness.
When a teary bride suddenly cancels her upcoming wedding Nadine looks to the two year waiting list. Clara Blumenkrantz and Hartley Valentine. It’ll have to be a quick turnaround, but what’s the worst that can happen, right?
This should be like every other wedding she plans, but the magnetism she feels towards Mr Valentine disrupts the orderly life she’s worked hard to carve out.
Can she ignore her intense desires and be a professional? Or will she open up her heart to the one person that has the power to break it? And in doing so endanger not just her job, but her venue’s reputation?
When a teary bride suddenly cancels her upcoming wedding Nadine looks to the two year waiting list. Clara Blumenkrantz and Hartley Valentine. It’ll have to be a quick turnaround, but what’s the worst that can happen, right?
This should be like every other wedding she plans, but the magnetism she feels towards Mr Valentine disrupts the orderly life she’s worked hard to carve out.
Can she ignore her intense desires and be a professional? Or will she open up her heart to the one person that has the power to break it? And in doing so endanger not just her job, but her venue’s reputation?
- GenresRomance
5 pages, Audible Audio
Published October 16, 2019
21 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
Laura Barnard
19 books513 followersAmazon Bestselling Author Laura Barnard lives in Hertfordshire, UK and writes British, quirky laugh out loud romantic comedy.
In her spare time she enjoys drinking her body weight in tea, cuddling dogs, matchmaking her friends, binging True Crime, dancing in Popworld, indulging in the power nap and reading past her bedtime.
www.laurabarnardbooks.co.uk
In her spare time she enjoys drinking her body weight in tea, cuddling dogs, matchmaking her friends, binging True Crime, dancing in Popworld, indulging in the power nap and reading past her bedtime.
www.laurabarnardbooks.co.uk
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
February 14, 2019
I can't tell you how much I loved this book!!! What a perfect book to read just before Valentine's Day. I literally could not put this down until I devoured the whole thing. This is such a fun, feel good read I got completely swept away with it.
Nadine is a wedding planner at The Duck and Goose and she is damn good at her job. So good in fact that there is two year wait to get married there. Nadine is the star of the book for sure. She reminds me a bit of a Bridgett Jones type of girl. She is sweet, a great person but OMG one crazy girl! She gets herself in the most hilarious situations but always comes out smelling like a rose. Well she didn't smell like a rose much when she got drunk and pooped her pants at a bar....This book had me laughing so hard, I couldn't believe the things Nadine said and did. She is one cheeky girl.
I wanted so badly for Nadine to find love, as she is rather unlucky in that department. Unfortunately the person I wanted her to be with was already taken. Is there any chance of Nadine finding happiness in the love department?
I went into this book expecting to like it because it looked adorable and had great reviews. I instead LOVED it and I can't recommend it enough! If you want a happy, upbeat fun as hell book to read, this is it!! Talk about cover love, this cover is gorgeous.
Thank you so much to Laura Barnard for this copy to read and review. I can't wait to read whatever she has coming out next!
Nadine is a wedding planner at The Duck and Goose and she is damn good at her job. So good in fact that there is two year wait to get married there. Nadine is the star of the book for sure. She reminds me a bit of a Bridgett Jones type of girl. She is sweet, a great person but OMG one crazy girl! She gets herself in the most hilarious situations but always comes out smelling like a rose. Well she didn't smell like a rose much when she got drunk and pooped her pants at a bar....This book had me laughing so hard, I couldn't believe the things Nadine said and did. She is one cheeky girl.
I wanted so badly for Nadine to find love, as she is rather unlucky in that department. Unfortunately the person I wanted her to be with was already taken. Is there any chance of Nadine finding happiness in the love department?
I went into this book expecting to like it because it looked adorable and had great reviews. I instead LOVED it and I can't recommend it enough! If you want a happy, upbeat fun as hell book to read, this is it!! Talk about cover love, this cover is gorgeous.
Thank you so much to Laura Barnard for this copy to read and review. I can't wait to read whatever she has coming out next!
February 22, 2018
My Rating:
4.5
Favorite Quotes:
Where the hell did she find him? He’s like a sexy Viking… He could be a model, but I doubt he is. He looks too manly to want to prance around in his underwear. What a shame for the UK population of women… he could be a lumberjack with a body like that. I’d watch him take down a tree any day.
It’s so different being in a high school compared to the old primary school I used to work in. I actually feel self-conscious. I walk past a group of boys rehearsing, when they start wolf-whistling… ‘You’re a right fitty, Miss!’ another one shouts. His mate barks out a laugh. Well, what the hell am I supposed to do in this situation? You don’t get this kind of crap with five-year-olds. I’m blushing before I can reason with myself to play it unaffected. And now I look like I’m enjoying it. They might even take it as encouragement. Think I’m a horny Mrs Robinson type…
Oh and is there any chance you could look into plastic surgery for one of my bridesmaids? … My bridesmaid, my dear friend, Jessica, has a huge nose, and she’s been thinking about getting it fixed. I’ve offered to pay as long as it would heal before the wedding. We don’t want that honker getting in the way of the photos!
Of course, Princess Clara has sensitive skin. I’m sure she only uses products made with unicorn tears and elf droppings.
My Review:
I have smirked and giggle-snorted my way through another of the madly talented Laura Barnard’s wittily written romantic comedies. Ms. Barnard’s cleverly amusing storytelling and irreverent and bawdy humor keep me eagerly awaiting each new release. Written from the first person POV of the detail-oriented and kind-hearted Nadine, wedding planner/manager extraordinaire who was prone to filthy language and comical thoughts in her inner musings. However, this story was not all giggles and cocktails as between drunken whine sessions with her friends and handling various wedding mishaps as well as dealing with the rushed planning of the worst of the worst Bridezilla in Clara who also happened to be a rich relative of her boss; snapshots of a less than idyllic and angsty backstory were glimpsed until Nadine’s life-altering tragic experience was exposed.
The oddly tasteless yet loftily wealthy Clara became increasingly demanding and bizarre in her accelerated wedding demands although she had started small with wanting an ice sculptor of the couple kissing before working up to swans, penguins, a ten-tier cake, and rushed plastic surgery for an unfortunately large snouted bridesmaid. But what of the adorable, swoon-worthy, and Viking sexy groom, Mr. Valentine? He didn’t seem in sync with Clara at all, but that was the crux of the story.
And lastly, rubbing my palms together with glee, I have a new addition to my Brit words and phrases list with “go spare,” which Mr. Google told me was to “become extremely angry or distraught.” And Clara definitely had Nadine going spare.
4.5
Favorite Quotes:
Where the hell did she find him? He’s like a sexy Viking… He could be a model, but I doubt he is. He looks too manly to want to prance around in his underwear. What a shame for the UK population of women… he could be a lumberjack with a body like that. I’d watch him take down a tree any day.
It’s so different being in a high school compared to the old primary school I used to work in. I actually feel self-conscious. I walk past a group of boys rehearsing, when they start wolf-whistling… ‘You’re a right fitty, Miss!’ another one shouts. His mate barks out a laugh. Well, what the hell am I supposed to do in this situation? You don’t get this kind of crap with five-year-olds. I’m blushing before I can reason with myself to play it unaffected. And now I look like I’m enjoying it. They might even take it as encouragement. Think I’m a horny Mrs Robinson type…
Oh and is there any chance you could look into plastic surgery for one of my bridesmaids? … My bridesmaid, my dear friend, Jessica, has a huge nose, and she’s been thinking about getting it fixed. I’ve offered to pay as long as it would heal before the wedding. We don’t want that honker getting in the way of the photos!
Of course, Princess Clara has sensitive skin. I’m sure she only uses products made with unicorn tears and elf droppings.
My Review:
I have smirked and giggle-snorted my way through another of the madly talented Laura Barnard’s wittily written romantic comedies. Ms. Barnard’s cleverly amusing storytelling and irreverent and bawdy humor keep me eagerly awaiting each new release. Written from the first person POV of the detail-oriented and kind-hearted Nadine, wedding planner/manager extraordinaire who was prone to filthy language and comical thoughts in her inner musings. However, this story was not all giggles and cocktails as between drunken whine sessions with her friends and handling various wedding mishaps as well as dealing with the rushed planning of the worst of the worst Bridezilla in Clara who also happened to be a rich relative of her boss; snapshots of a less than idyllic and angsty backstory were glimpsed until Nadine’s life-altering tragic experience was exposed.
The oddly tasteless yet loftily wealthy Clara became increasingly demanding and bizarre in her accelerated wedding demands although she had started small with wanting an ice sculptor of the couple kissing before working up to swans, penguins, a ten-tier cake, and rushed plastic surgery for an unfortunately large snouted bridesmaid. But what of the adorable, swoon-worthy, and Viking sexy groom, Mr. Valentine? He didn’t seem in sync with Clara at all, but that was the crux of the story.
And lastly, rubbing my palms together with glee, I have a new addition to my Brit words and phrases list with “go spare,” which Mr. Google told me was to “become extremely angry or distraught.” And Clara definitely had Nadine going spare.
February 22, 2018
Marrying Mr Valentine is the second book in Laura Barnard’s One Month Til I Do series, and I enjoyed this one even more than the first. Book one was enjoyable, but this one seemed to have an extra spark.
Following one of the characters introduced to us in Adventurous Proposal, Marrying Mr Valentine gives us more of the characters we got to know and love in the first book. Although this one has just as many laugh out loud moments, it also has a more serious undertone to it. There’s a heavy emotional aspect, one with the potential to break many hearts. It’s hard to mix a heavy topic in with humour, yet Laura Barnard does it wonderfully – it was emotional, yet I was still able to let out plenty of chuckles.
I’ll be completely honest, I was a bit nervous when I read the synopsis. I was interested in finding out more about the characters, but I feared this would be a story filled with cheating. Such is not to my taste, so I was more than happy with the way in which the story unfolded. I’m not going to give any details away, but know those with my original worries can dive into this one with the knowledge that things play out really well.
Honestly, I adored this one. There was so much emotion throughout, and I couldn’t help but finish it in the space of a couple of hours – I was turning page after page, needing to know how everything came together. Without a doubt, this was another wonderful Laura Barnard read.
I’m also hoping we get stories for some of the other characters – there’s one story in particular I’m hoping we get to see play out in the future – as I’m loving this group of friends.
Well worth the read, especially if you enjoyed the first book and are desperate for more.
Following one of the characters introduced to us in Adventurous Proposal, Marrying Mr Valentine gives us more of the characters we got to know and love in the first book. Although this one has just as many laugh out loud moments, it also has a more serious undertone to it. There’s a heavy emotional aspect, one with the potential to break many hearts. It’s hard to mix a heavy topic in with humour, yet Laura Barnard does it wonderfully – it was emotional, yet I was still able to let out plenty of chuckles.
I’ll be completely honest, I was a bit nervous when I read the synopsis. I was interested in finding out more about the characters, but I feared this would be a story filled with cheating. Such is not to my taste, so I was more than happy with the way in which the story unfolded. I’m not going to give any details away, but know those with my original worries can dive into this one with the knowledge that things play out really well.
Honestly, I adored this one. There was so much emotion throughout, and I couldn’t help but finish it in the space of a couple of hours – I was turning page after page, needing to know how everything came together. Without a doubt, this was another wonderful Laura Barnard read.
I’m also hoping we get stories for some of the other characters – there’s one story in particular I’m hoping we get to see play out in the future – as I’m loving this group of friends.
Well worth the read, especially if you enjoyed the first book and are desperate for more.
February 22, 2018
Marrying Mr Valentine by Laura Barnard is a light and lovely tale of romance between two individuals under some demanding circumstances. This is my second time reading the author’s books and I have, once again, enjoyed the breeziness in her writing. A casual, yet tantalizing description of warm, romantic emotions that is always welcome!
Nadine Roberts is a wedding planner who always prioritizes other’s feelings while hiding away her own pain. Although, she has endured a lot, she puts up a brave front and carries on by immersing herself in work. All is well until she is set to plan the wedding of Clara Blumenkrantz and Hartley Valentine. As she finds herself attracted to Hartley, she tries her best to be a professional but how long can she hide her feelings for him?
As usual, a breeze of a read that puts a smile on your face by the end of it! I love such short and sweet books which have some uncertainty but ends on a positive note. The story was fast paced and the narrative, very impressive. I especially have to mention the writing style of the author. The typical British slang did remind me of Bridget Jones, with ample bursts of humor and cheekiness.
Marrying Mr Valentine is a quick read that will make up for a heavy/lousy week. Definitely recommended for a quick pick-me-up!
*** This book was sent to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. ***
Nadine Roberts is a wedding planner who always prioritizes other’s feelings while hiding away her own pain. Although, she has endured a lot, she puts up a brave front and carries on by immersing herself in work. All is well until she is set to plan the wedding of Clara Blumenkrantz and Hartley Valentine. As she finds herself attracted to Hartley, she tries her best to be a professional but how long can she hide her feelings for him?
As usual, a breeze of a read that puts a smile on your face by the end of it! I love such short and sweet books which have some uncertainty but ends on a positive note. The story was fast paced and the narrative, very impressive. I especially have to mention the writing style of the author. The typical British slang did remind me of Bridget Jones, with ample bursts of humor and cheekiness.
Marrying Mr Valentine is a quick read that will make up for a heavy/lousy week. Definitely recommended for a quick pick-me-up!
*** This book was sent to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. ***
February 24, 2019
3 Stars
Read full review here: Brina and the Books
I really enjoyed getting to know Nadine. Her job as a wedding planner sounds amazing and a dream come true for every girl. Who wouldn't like to plan and organize dream weddings - well, unless you have a client named Clara Blumenkrantz.
I really loved Nadine for her authenticity. She was real, honest, awkward, fun, sensible. She was someone to identify with. Even though she let the world believe she had her life figured out, she hadn't. And that's what made her so likeable, so real, so human. Because let's be honest: who has figured his or her life ever figured out?
The situation she put herself in with Mr Valentine seemed hopeless and not at all smart but I rooted for them anyway. They just had this chemistry, this connection that Clara and Mr Valentine clearly didn't have.
"What if you were happy enough before and then something comes along to make you realise happy enough is not as happy as you want to be?"
Marrying Mr Valentine was a fun and decent read but I wished that Laura Barnard would have gone into more detail with some storylines, like Nadine's past for example. It was mentioned and talked about but I wanted more than just what I was presented with. The ending also felt a little bit rushed.
Read full review here: Brina and the Books
I really enjoyed getting to know Nadine. Her job as a wedding planner sounds amazing and a dream come true for every girl. Who wouldn't like to plan and organize dream weddings - well, unless you have a client named Clara Blumenkrantz.
I really loved Nadine for her authenticity. She was real, honest, awkward, fun, sensible. She was someone to identify with. Even though she let the world believe she had her life figured out, she hadn't. And that's what made her so likeable, so real, so human. Because let's be honest: who has figured his or her life ever figured out?
The situation she put herself in with Mr Valentine seemed hopeless and not at all smart but I rooted for them anyway. They just had this chemistry, this connection that Clara and Mr Valentine clearly didn't have.
"What if you were happy enough before and then something comes along to make you realise happy enough is not as happy as you want to be?"
Marrying Mr Valentine was a fun and decent read but I wished that Laura Barnard would have gone into more detail with some storylines, like Nadine's past for example. It was mentioned and talked about but I wanted more than just what I was presented with. The ending also felt a little bit rushed.
February 23, 2018
Nadine Roberts is a perfectionist. She plans and manages weddings of the century and has garnered countless recognition because of her and her team's expertise. When a last minute change opens a spot for Clara Blumenkrantz and Hartley Valentine's wedding, she's in for the biggest and most challenging wedding preparation in her life.
Hartley teaches drama in high school and he puts his heart and soul into it. I just love a man who knows drama and has passion with his work. I wasn't at all surprised though with him not having or showing any romantic feelings about his upcoming wedding. Why should he? When it was Clara who initiated the marriage proposal in the first place. Crazy, isn't it?
Nadine's past keeps haunting her when she discovers a student's unplanned pregnancy. Something inside her reawakens and brings tears to her eyes, and it's only a matter of time before the truth about her baby is revealed.
I am still in the state of swooning after reading this adorably cute and hilariously funny but definitely sexy story about the wedding planner and the groom that was supposedly set to marry another woman.. A woman who's also a high-maintenance b*tch, demanding bridezilla and every event planner's nightmare.
Although the story about the wedding planner falling for her client is something that I've already read before, I wasn't put off by this trope because I had so much fun reading Marrying Mr. Valentine. All the characters are mad, crazy and a hoot! Nadine's wedding bloopers, Hartley's misfortunes in school, Clara's impossible demands, Flo's retching abilities (eww!) and Anna's family drama, all of which really made this one hell of a ride!
Cheers to another exciting and super funny read by the beautiful Laura Barnard. Marrying Mr. Valentine is a laugh-out loud story that's sure to have you rolling on the floor and even crying your heart out. I haven't had this so much fun in a wedding/love story, it's the stuff that rom-com movies are made of, and Barnard perfectly nailed it!
Hartley teaches drama in high school and he puts his heart and soul into it. I just love a man who knows drama and has passion with his work. I wasn't at all surprised though with him not having or showing any romantic feelings about his upcoming wedding. Why should he? When it was Clara who initiated the marriage proposal in the first place. Crazy, isn't it?
Nadine's past keeps haunting her when she discovers a student's unplanned pregnancy. Something inside her reawakens and brings tears to her eyes, and it's only a matter of time before the truth about her baby is revealed.
I am still in the state of swooning after reading this adorably cute and hilariously funny but definitely sexy story about the wedding planner and the groom that was supposedly set to marry another woman.. A woman who's also a high-maintenance b*tch, demanding bridezilla and every event planner's nightmare.
Although the story about the wedding planner falling for her client is something that I've already read before, I wasn't put off by this trope because I had so much fun reading Marrying Mr. Valentine. All the characters are mad, crazy and a hoot! Nadine's wedding bloopers, Hartley's misfortunes in school, Clara's impossible demands, Flo's retching abilities (eww!) and Anna's family drama, all of which really made this one hell of a ride!
Cheers to another exciting and super funny read by the beautiful Laura Barnard. Marrying Mr. Valentine is a laugh-out loud story that's sure to have you rolling on the floor and even crying your heart out. I haven't had this so much fun in a wedding/love story, it's the stuff that rom-com movies are made of, and Barnard perfectly nailed it!
February 20, 2018
Marrying Mr Valentine was my first book by this author. It is a RomCom that is cute and fun and funny. It is one of those that goes a bit OTT to be funny, with tons of “potty” humor. Several comic situations arise around ... periods, diarrhea, dog poop, barfing, etc.
The story is not just all about fun and games, though. Nadine, a highly regarded wedding planner, helps others make their wedding day special while she hides her own discontentment.
“What if you were happy enough before and then something comes along to make you realise happy enough is not as happy as you want to be?”
Hartley Valentine is engaged to socialite Clara Blumenkrantz who has hired Nadine to help plan their extravagant wedding.
Hartley was a bit one dimensional and wishy-washy, not a hero to swoon over. I had trouble connecting with his character and his bad decision making. Overall, the story was entertaining and fun.
3.5 Stars!
-Diane-
The story is not just all about fun and games, though. Nadine, a highly regarded wedding planner, helps others make their wedding day special while she hides her own discontentment.
“What if you were happy enough before and then something comes along to make you realise happy enough is not as happy as you want to be?”
Hartley Valentine is engaged to socialite Clara Blumenkrantz who has hired Nadine to help plan their extravagant wedding.
Hartley was a bit one dimensional and wishy-washy, not a hero to swoon over. I had trouble connecting with his character and his bad decision making. Overall, the story was entertaining and fun.
3.5 Stars!
-Diane-
February 22, 2018
Look at that cover is so gorgeous I want to hug it.
I like to go into Laura Barnard's books blind.I never read her blurbs because I already know she will deliver a good story filled with humour and sweetness but with this story she succeded to surprise me.
I usually don't like this kind of trope,the heroine being interested to an engaged man, but I adored Nadine and reading about her past and present vicissitude made me wish the best for her.
Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.
January 31, 2019
I didn’t want to put this down! Really enjoyed it. Laura never fails to write books that suck you right in.
I absolutely loved Nadine and the relationships she built within the story. I enjoyed reading about how she supports Anna.
Overall a very good book! Definitely recommend for a nice easy read.
I absolutely loved Nadine and the relationships she built within the story. I enjoyed reading about how she supports Anna.
Overall a very good book! Definitely recommend for a nice easy read.
February 1, 2019
Loved this book, funny, sexy and romantic. Have enjoyed all of Laura's books, she has a great style of writing. Can definitely recommend!
February 11, 2019
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
Marrying Mr. Valentine by Lauren Barnard is a great valentines' day romantic comedy!
Nadine is great at her job as a wedding planner. She puts all her focus into her job and caring for others to distract from her painful past and current sadness. When her newest clients include a charming handsome man and a cold rude woman she knows she has her work cut out for her. This is an important wedding but what is she to do when the groom isn't happy about the wedding, and she finds her self caring more about him than she should.
I loved Nadine's character right from the start. She was caring, passionate, and strong. Hartley Valentine slowly grew on me but I definitely found him as sweet as Nadine did. Somehow this book manages to be really sad and hilarious at the same time. It will have you laughing out loud and then punches you in the feels the next chapter. There is one scene with Nadine at the bar, and she's had a few too many drinks and things turn to shit, literally 😂 I died laughing and told my husband what happened and made him laugh too 😂😂
Overall, Marrying Mr. Valentine by Lauren Barnard is a great rom-com filled with a range of emotions and a happily ever after.
Marrying Mr. Valentine by Lauren Barnard is a great valentines' day romantic comedy!
Nadine is great at her job as a wedding planner. She puts all her focus into her job and caring for others to distract from her painful past and current sadness. When her newest clients include a charming handsome man and a cold rude woman she knows she has her work cut out for her. This is an important wedding but what is she to do when the groom isn't happy about the wedding, and she finds her self caring more about him than she should.
I loved Nadine's character right from the start. She was caring, passionate, and strong. Hartley Valentine slowly grew on me but I definitely found him as sweet as Nadine did. Somehow this book manages to be really sad and hilarious at the same time. It will have you laughing out loud and then punches you in the feels the next chapter. There is one scene with Nadine at the bar, and she's had a few too many drinks and things turn to shit, literally 😂 I died laughing and told my husband what happened and made him laugh too 😂😂
Overall, Marrying Mr. Valentine by Lauren Barnard is a great rom-com filled with a range of emotions and a happily ever after.
"I let him know in our kiss how long I’ve wanted to do this, how much I’ve held myself back,"
" Why is it the one man who seems to have the key to unlock my heart already belongs to another?"
4/5🌟
February 22, 2018
So I read Adventours Proposal (the first book in the series) and really enjoyed it so when this one came along I jumped at the chance to read it.
This book is about Nadine, she's had some heart break in her past. Now she's wedding planning.
But the Hartley and his fiance Clara are the next couple to have their wedding planned. A wedding that's happening in a months time.
But Nadine and Hartley start to spend more time together and get to know each other. You can see that Hartley isn't thrilled about his pending wedding. Nadine questions him on more then 1 occasion about his feelings for Clara.
I liked Nadine, she was fun and quirky and a friend you could have a good ole laugh with. I felt for her with what she had been through. I can imagine it was a truly heartbreaking thing.
I couldn't feel the connection between Hartley and Nadine at first. It took me a while to, but I could see why they would be attracted to each other.
Hartley annoyed me quite a bit. He had no back bone and wouldn't stand up for his own happiness. He waited until Nadine came along.
I love the little bits we had with Flo and Hugh. It was nice to read about their advanced relationship further on down the line.
This book had some sad moments as well as some laugh out loud ones. I was actually asked what I was laughing at one point because I was laughing out loud.
A great addiction to a truly funny and enjoyable series!!
This book is about Nadine, she's had some heart break in her past. Now she's wedding planning.
But the Hartley and his fiance Clara are the next couple to have their wedding planned. A wedding that's happening in a months time.
But Nadine and Hartley start to spend more time together and get to know each other. You can see that Hartley isn't thrilled about his pending wedding. Nadine questions him on more then 1 occasion about his feelings for Clara.
I liked Nadine, she was fun and quirky and a friend you could have a good ole laugh with. I felt for her with what she had been through. I can imagine it was a truly heartbreaking thing.
I couldn't feel the connection between Hartley and Nadine at first. It took me a while to, but I could see why they would be attracted to each other.
Hartley annoyed me quite a bit. He had no back bone and wouldn't stand up for his own happiness. He waited until Nadine came along.
I love the little bits we had with Flo and Hugh. It was nice to read about their advanced relationship further on down the line.
This book had some sad moments as well as some laugh out loud ones. I was actually asked what I was laughing at one point because I was laughing out loud.
A great addiction to a truly funny and enjoyable series!!
February 9, 2019
This book was the perfect romance to get me in the Valentine's day mood. I absolutely loved the story line, I had never read anything like it. Our main character, Nadine, is a wedding planner with a traumatic past that still haunts her. She spends her days planning other peoples happily ever after, while dealing with anxiety and depression. When a bride calls to cancel her wedding Nadine has to call in the next couple on the waiting list. And so begins this beautiful romance that will jerk at your heart strings.
The characters were the best, especially Nadine, she was so feisty and yet so kind and caring. She was constantly worrying about other peoples feelings and neglecting her own. I thought it was really funny how there was always a hiccup at the weddings she planned. She was continuously having to do damage control... lets just say she had me laughing a lot throughout the book. And Hartley was the perfect book boyfriend, he oozed Viking god.
I will admit, I was a little concerned to read it after seeing the synopsis since I am not a fan of books about cheating, but I feel that this book stood in appropriate boundaries. I was very pleased with how the romance unfolded, it was well written. I'm so happy that I decided to read it because it made me really happy after I finished it; I felt so romantic, I even cooked my honey a nice dinner. Anyone looking for a good romance, especially with Valentine's around the corner, will really enjoy this book.
Disclaimer:I received a complimentary copy from the author and was under no obligation to leave a positive review.
The characters were the best, especially Nadine, she was so feisty and yet so kind and caring. She was constantly worrying about other peoples feelings and neglecting her own. I thought it was really funny how there was always a hiccup at the weddings she planned. She was continuously having to do damage control... lets just say she had me laughing a lot throughout the book. And Hartley was the perfect book boyfriend, he oozed Viking god.
I will admit, I was a little concerned to read it after seeing the synopsis since I am not a fan of books about cheating, but I feel that this book stood in appropriate boundaries. I was very pleased with how the romance unfolded, it was well written. I'm so happy that I decided to read it because it made me really happy after I finished it; I felt so romantic, I even cooked my honey a nice dinner. Anyone looking for a good romance, especially with Valentine's around the corner, will really enjoy this book.
Disclaimer:I received a complimentary copy from the author and was under no obligation to leave a positive review.
February 15, 2018
Laura Barnard writes funny, light-hearted stories, well usually she does. This one is certainly funny at times, poignant at others and deals with some difficult subjects in a sensitive way.
Nadine is a wedding planner and has been told that her latest, quick turn around couple have to be treated with kid gloves. Which is fine, except the bride is a demanding bride from hell and the groom a hunk! Things don't go to plan.
Nadine is funny if a little gross at times, she hides her sadness behind a front to help her survive. I felt she was well written and quite liked her character, she has a good heart and I wanted her to be happy. Clara the bride is a total bitch, needy, rude and deserves a very big slap. Then there is Hartley the groom, gorgeous, sexy, of course, and so sweet, I was rooting for him!
This is a fun romance, with great characters and storyline. There were a few parts in it which made me cringe and I felt were unnecessary which spoilt the story for me, but overall it's a good, fun read.
Nadine is a wedding planner and has been told that her latest, quick turn around couple have to be treated with kid gloves. Which is fine, except the bride is a demanding bride from hell and the groom a hunk! Things don't go to plan.
Nadine is funny if a little gross at times, she hides her sadness behind a front to help her survive. I felt she was well written and quite liked her character, she has a good heart and I wanted her to be happy. Clara the bride is a total bitch, needy, rude and deserves a very big slap. Then there is Hartley the groom, gorgeous, sexy, of course, and so sweet, I was rooting for him!
This is a fun romance, with great characters and storyline. There were a few parts in it which made me cringe and I felt were unnecessary which spoilt the story for me, but overall it's a good, fun read.
February 5, 2019
I had been looking for a rom-com book to read for one of our #febchallenge books being its Valentine’s Day and all. I’m so glad Laura Barnard contacted us to have us read and review her book, Marrying Mr. Valentine. In a few words, I really enjoyed reading this book. It was an easy, breezy read and if you are looking for something to get you in the mood for love or to believe in love (again), give this one a shot. It’s available free of charge on Kindle Unlimited. If you don’t subscribe, it’s a mere $3.99 for the kindle edition on Amazon.
My thoughts -
Let me start by saying that first of all, this is a rom-com book so please please please don’t expect a thought provoking, mind altering review like the others we have posted. Second, please be aware that there may be some SPOILERS and/or PLOT revelations in this review so if you haven’t read the book and are planning on.. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.! I also did not read the first book in this series but apparently this can be read as a standalone so this was the first time I met the characters.
Now on to my short and sweet review…
You know if a book begins with a wedding planner falling for a client’s fiancée it’s bound to be filled with madness! With that said, I really enjoyed the book! The story included a good mix of laughs, chaos and touched on some more serious topics such as depression and loss.. Once I started the book I found that I couldn’t wait to find time to read again. The characters made the storyline flow with ease and were quite likeable.
What I liked most about this book was that Nadine had a career going for her and wasn’t fully dependent on a man for happiness. She poured herself into her work and tried to find happiness in it even though she had suffered a personal loss. She didn’t come across like the typical rom com heroines who are extremely insecure in their skin and whiny and so very dependent on men and love to make them happy.
With Nadine’s wedding related comical disasters, Clara’s over the top demands and spoiled brat attitude to Flo’s ability at throwing up everywhere, I just wanted to know what was going to happen next. It was quite a hoot! So I’ll say it again, if you are looking for a light read – this is your book!
Last but not least, Laura was kind enough to give her bloggers and reviewers a kind shout out in the acknowledgements section of her book which was pretty cool. So, thank you Laura Barnard!
We can’t wait to read more from you!
My thoughts -
Let me start by saying that first of all, this is a rom-com book so please please please don’t expect a thought provoking, mind altering review like the others we have posted. Second, please be aware that there may be some SPOILERS and/or PLOT revelations in this review so if you haven’t read the book and are planning on.. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.! I also did not read the first book in this series but apparently this can be read as a standalone so this was the first time I met the characters.
Now on to my short and sweet review…
You know if a book begins with a wedding planner falling for a client’s fiancée it’s bound to be filled with madness! With that said, I really enjoyed the book! The story included a good mix of laughs, chaos and touched on some more serious topics such as depression and loss.. Once I started the book I found that I couldn’t wait to find time to read again. The characters made the storyline flow with ease and were quite likeable.
What I liked most about this book was that Nadine had a career going for her and wasn’t fully dependent on a man for happiness. She poured herself into her work and tried to find happiness in it even though she had suffered a personal loss. She didn’t come across like the typical rom com heroines who are extremely insecure in their skin and whiny and so very dependent on men and love to make them happy.
With Nadine’s wedding related comical disasters, Clara’s over the top demands and spoiled brat attitude to Flo’s ability at throwing up everywhere, I just wanted to know what was going to happen next. It was quite a hoot! So I’ll say it again, if you are looking for a light read – this is your book!
Last but not least, Laura was kind enough to give her bloggers and reviewers a kind shout out in the acknowledgements section of her book which was pretty cool. So, thank you Laura Barnard!
We can’t wait to read more from you!
August 11, 2020
3.5 Stars - Not my favourite Laura Barnard read
Not sure what didn’t work for me. The story, the characters or the narration. Either way I couldn’t relate to Nadine, I didn’t particularly like her, however, I did at times think she was funny. The good did not outweigh the bad though. As a wedding planner it appeared every wedding Nadine was a part of went completely wrong (personally I think she needs to change her career path), she had few morals, and wasn’t particularly nice. Then we have the groom to be, Hartley, he had no backbone, he was weak willed, and he appeared to be permanently grumpy. Add in bridezilla, Clara, and I thought the trio deserved each other. Sadly, not my cup of tea at all, which is a shame, because I have loved other books by the author.
Not sure what didn’t work for me. The story, the characters or the narration. Either way I couldn’t relate to Nadine, I didn’t particularly like her, however, I did at times think she was funny. The good did not outweigh the bad though. As a wedding planner it appeared every wedding Nadine was a part of went completely wrong (personally I think she needs to change her career path), she had few morals, and wasn’t particularly nice. Then we have the groom to be, Hartley, he had no backbone, he was weak willed, and he appeared to be permanently grumpy. Add in bridezilla, Clara, and I thought the trio deserved each other. Sadly, not my cup of tea at all, which is a shame, because I have loved other books by the author.
March 20, 2019
What a great book! I am new to Laura Barnard, but I cannot wait to read the first book in this series! I really enjoyed this quirky Rom-Com! Great characters in a story that pulled me in from the first page!
February 14, 2018
Marrying Mr. Valentine by Laura Barnard
4.5* review by Nicole @ emerald book reviews
My reading habits have slowed down considerably in the past few weeks, I’m honestly not sure if it’s from being so busy or from having no desire to read as the last couple of books I’ve read have failed to make any sort of impression on me. I tend to go through stages like this but this week I managed to get my grubby little mits on an early copy of Laura Barnard’s Marrying Mr. Valentine, a delightful and emotive and oh-so-realistic approach to the wedding Planner falls for the fiance romance. And romantic it is. It’s romantic, passionate, complex, engaging and laugh-out-loud, cringe-worthy whirlwind of weddings, pregnancies and s******* your pants in your thirties.
Laura’s writing is an exquisite and elaborate art form of comedy and love and heartbreak. She manages to incorporate her own unique blend of hilarious inappropriateness, deep rooted sadness and tragedy with a terrific underlying message of hope and resilience, highlighted by a wonderful, complicated and intense romance story.
‘He locks eyes with me, suddenly appearing serious. “What if you were happy enough before and then something comes along to make you realise happy enough is not as happy as you want to be?”’
The connection between our heroine Nadine Roberts and our hero Hartley Valentine is a heady one. It isn’t very apparent in the beginning but obviously as the days go by and they are threw into each others vicinities more, they begin to form an attachment that goes beyond the superficial, a connection that is further tangled by the presence of Hartley’s rather annoying and vacuous spoilt fiance. And this is where I am a self-proclaimed hypocrite. I usually avoid any hint of a cheating scandal in my romance stories at all costs, a few times it has been unavoidable and it has worked great, such is the case here. Laura gives us a truly deplorable character in Hartley’s fiance. Her pettiness, snobbery and total a-hole behaviour only highlights how amazing and strong and loyal Nadine is whilst giving the reader mixed feelings regarding the hero. Hartley is a caring, gorgeous, sincere beta type hero. His intentions are well and good but the fierceness and backbone of the alpha is something I missed in him. For the first couple of chapters I wanted to slap him upside the head and have a come to Jesus talk about why he was actually with someone as dense and mean as Clara. But it’s through getting to know about his character that we truly fall in love with him. He’s as real as a male protagonist as I’ve read in recent months. He’s beautifully flawed, intense, dedicated and sweet and when he knows what or who he wants and needs, he fights to the bitter end.
Laura has delivered a splendid romance. In amongst the romance and drama and chaos she also writes about some overwhelmingly sad issues with great sensitivity and a real openness to the subject. Marrying Mr Valentine is a wonderfully written, beautifully characterised romantic comedy with a lovely message of hope and learning to live again and it is certainly one to read.
4.5* review by Nicole @ emerald book reviews
My reading habits have slowed down considerably in the past few weeks, I’m honestly not sure if it’s from being so busy or from having no desire to read as the last couple of books I’ve read have failed to make any sort of impression on me. I tend to go through stages like this but this week I managed to get my grubby little mits on an early copy of Laura Barnard’s Marrying Mr. Valentine, a delightful and emotive and oh-so-realistic approach to the wedding Planner falls for the fiance romance. And romantic it is. It’s romantic, passionate, complex, engaging and laugh-out-loud, cringe-worthy whirlwind of weddings, pregnancies and s******* your pants in your thirties.
Laura’s writing is an exquisite and elaborate art form of comedy and love and heartbreak. She manages to incorporate her own unique blend of hilarious inappropriateness, deep rooted sadness and tragedy with a terrific underlying message of hope and resilience, highlighted by a wonderful, complicated and intense romance story.
‘He locks eyes with me, suddenly appearing serious. “What if you were happy enough before and then something comes along to make you realise happy enough is not as happy as you want to be?”’
The connection between our heroine Nadine Roberts and our hero Hartley Valentine is a heady one. It isn’t very apparent in the beginning but obviously as the days go by and they are threw into each others vicinities more, they begin to form an attachment that goes beyond the superficial, a connection that is further tangled by the presence of Hartley’s rather annoying and vacuous spoilt fiance. And this is where I am a self-proclaimed hypocrite. I usually avoid any hint of a cheating scandal in my romance stories at all costs, a few times it has been unavoidable and it has worked great, such is the case here. Laura gives us a truly deplorable character in Hartley’s fiance. Her pettiness, snobbery and total a-hole behaviour only highlights how amazing and strong and loyal Nadine is whilst giving the reader mixed feelings regarding the hero. Hartley is a caring, gorgeous, sincere beta type hero. His intentions are well and good but the fierceness and backbone of the alpha is something I missed in him. For the first couple of chapters I wanted to slap him upside the head and have a come to Jesus talk about why he was actually with someone as dense and mean as Clara. But it’s through getting to know about his character that we truly fall in love with him. He’s as real as a male protagonist as I’ve read in recent months. He’s beautifully flawed, intense, dedicated and sweet and when he knows what or who he wants and needs, he fights to the bitter end.
Laura has delivered a splendid romance. In amongst the romance and drama and chaos she also writes about some overwhelmingly sad issues with great sensitivity and a real openness to the subject. Marrying Mr Valentine is a wonderfully written, beautifully characterised romantic comedy with a lovely message of hope and learning to live again and it is certainly one to read.
February 25, 2018
Marrying Mr. Valentine
I was given an ARC in Exchange of an honest opinion. This was my first book by Laura Bernard, and I’m honestly amazed at her wits. This book makes you laugh, cry and even get mad.
The story told is about a Nadine, an ex-teacher that dedicates her days to planning perfect weddings for strangers.
Through her job she met Hartley and Clara, who’s Hugh’s cousin. At first impression and because of the way Clara acts and treats everyone around her, she immediately dislikes her though she tries to justify her actions because of her impeding wedding.
Almost instantly she feels attracted to Hartley, and can’t help to notice that he and Clara has nothing in common. They are basically opposite in everything; and when she starts to get to know Hartley, she starts to wonder why is he marrying her.
After everything she’s been through, Nadine tries to keep control on every aspect of her life; but at the same time, she’s just living one day at the time, trying to keep the pain and heartache at bay. All through this story, you’ll get to feel her pain, and how much she fights with herself and the past, to just be able to move forward.
When Hartley comes along things starts to change, and after a few years Nadine starts to feel again, not just pain but so much more.
Through some of the situations depicted in the book, you can’t help but think: “She’s a selfish, self-centered and jealous woman.” But that’s not the truth, nor the real Nadine. For a woman that had to endure what she had, she’s always trying to help others, even when that pains her.
While the story evolves, you found yourself asking to someone, anyone to slap Clara’s face, she’s that infuriating and horrible. And then you’ll find yourself cheering for Nadine and Hartley’s “non-existent relationship” to move forward because he gets her. He keeps her calm and makes her forget if even for a moment, everything she went through.
Now, since I don’t want to spoil this book, I’ll stop with my review right here; but I’ll say the things I loved about this book.
First of all, there are so many funny parts that I’d have to cover my mouth as to not get my butt kicked out of bed, it was that good and funny.
Secondly, The subjects, feminine subjects that Laura covers in the book are such delicate ones, but she manages to talk about them and makes you wonder, how would you have reacted if forced to face them.
And last but not least important is the fact that even after everything Nadine’s lost, the one thing she hasn’t lost, is her will to live.
I’ll leave this book with a 5 stars review. It was truly a pleasure to be able to read “Marrying Mr. Valentine”.
I was given an ARC in Exchange of an honest opinion. This was my first book by Laura Bernard, and I’m honestly amazed at her wits. This book makes you laugh, cry and even get mad.
The story told is about a Nadine, an ex-teacher that dedicates her days to planning perfect weddings for strangers.
Through her job she met Hartley and Clara, who’s Hugh’s cousin. At first impression and because of the way Clara acts and treats everyone around her, she immediately dislikes her though she tries to justify her actions because of her impeding wedding.
Almost instantly she feels attracted to Hartley, and can’t help to notice that he and Clara has nothing in common. They are basically opposite in everything; and when she starts to get to know Hartley, she starts to wonder why is he marrying her.
After everything she’s been through, Nadine tries to keep control on every aspect of her life; but at the same time, she’s just living one day at the time, trying to keep the pain and heartache at bay. All through this story, you’ll get to feel her pain, and how much she fights with herself and the past, to just be able to move forward.
When Hartley comes along things starts to change, and after a few years Nadine starts to feel again, not just pain but so much more.
Through some of the situations depicted in the book, you can’t help but think: “She’s a selfish, self-centered and jealous woman.” But that’s not the truth, nor the real Nadine. For a woman that had to endure what she had, she’s always trying to help others, even when that pains her.
While the story evolves, you found yourself asking to someone, anyone to slap Clara’s face, she’s that infuriating and horrible. And then you’ll find yourself cheering for Nadine and Hartley’s “non-existent relationship” to move forward because he gets her. He keeps her calm and makes her forget if even for a moment, everything she went through.
Now, since I don’t want to spoil this book, I’ll stop with my review right here; but I’ll say the things I loved about this book.
First of all, there are so many funny parts that I’d have to cover my mouth as to not get my butt kicked out of bed, it was that good and funny.
Secondly, The subjects, feminine subjects that Laura covers in the book are such delicate ones, but she manages to talk about them and makes you wonder, how would you have reacted if forced to face them.
And last but not least important is the fact that even after everything Nadine’s lost, the one thing she hasn’t lost, is her will to live.
I’ll leave this book with a 5 stars review. It was truly a pleasure to be able to read “Marrying Mr. Valentine”.
April 30, 2018
Marrying Mr Valentine Laura Barnard
Nadine is a teacher turned wedding planner. As a wedding planner Nadine is organized and she seems to have everything under control. But, deep down there is sadness and she wants more. She works with her best friend, Hugh, who owns the venue; which happens to have a very long waiting list.
The story starts with a bride canceling her wedding and Nadine makes a call to another bride from the list: Clara and her fiancée. Nadine’s description of Mr. (Hartley) Valentine:
“An absolute god of a man.”
“A jaw so square he could be made of Lego.”
“F—k me, he’s fit.”
“He’s like a sexy Viking.”
Clara is daddy’s girl and there is no limit to what she wants. Money is not an obstacle and she also happens to be Hugh’s cousin. Nadine find outs Hartley is a teacher and she gets volunteered to help him with the school play. This gives them a chance to get to know each other and find out that Hartley’s heart is not all into marrying Clara.
There are plenty of shenanigans Nadine gets into:
“What happened to the dress?” “I came on my period…”
Night out with the girls….bathroom accident….and then Uber.
This story has wit and spark; happy and sad; serious and funny. In between everything that is happening there is a serious topic, depression and a great loss. Nadine is a strong woman and has good heart. She has to work through her attraction to Hartley. She reaches out to one of the students that is pregnant and has no support at home. All in all this is a great story. Well written with a variety of characters that make it a good read.
Nadine is a teacher turned wedding planner. As a wedding planner Nadine is organized and she seems to have everything under control. But, deep down there is sadness and she wants more. She works with her best friend, Hugh, who owns the venue; which happens to have a very long waiting list.
The story starts with a bride canceling her wedding and Nadine makes a call to another bride from the list: Clara and her fiancée. Nadine’s description of Mr. (Hartley) Valentine:
“An absolute god of a man.”
“A jaw so square he could be made of Lego.”
“F—k me, he’s fit.”
“He’s like a sexy Viking.”
Clara is daddy’s girl and there is no limit to what she wants. Money is not an obstacle and she also happens to be Hugh’s cousin. Nadine find outs Hartley is a teacher and she gets volunteered to help him with the school play. This gives them a chance to get to know each other and find out that Hartley’s heart is not all into marrying Clara.
There are plenty of shenanigans Nadine gets into:
“What happened to the dress?” “I came on my period…”
Night out with the girls….bathroom accident….and then Uber.
This story has wit and spark; happy and sad; serious and funny. In between everything that is happening there is a serious topic, depression and a great loss. Nadine is a strong woman and has good heart. She has to work through her attraction to Hartley. She reaches out to one of the students that is pregnant and has no support at home. All in all this is a great story. Well written with a variety of characters that make it a good read.
November 2, 2020
Marrying Mr. Valentine, is a beautiful romance by Laura Barnard. It was an utterly addictive read that I read all in one sitting, desperately determined to get to the end to find out how it would all end.
Barnard’s characters are relatable, funny and utterly entertaining, and I completely adored Nadine and Hartley’s story.
Nadine is a wedding planner and a damn good one, but nothing prepares her for the bridezilla that is Clara. Clara takes diva to a whole new level, and Nadine has to swallow her pride and bite her tongue in order to ensure that she pulls off what is sure to be the wedding of the decade. But as the plans are set in motion, Nadine can’t help but realise that the groom is oddly not as excited about the impending nuptials, and the more time they spend together, the more obvious it becomes that Hartley is struggling through his own feelings.
Hartley is a handsome, prideful man who is set on continuing his career as a teacher, as well as finding a lavish over the top wedding. But he’s running himself into the ground and he’s not 100 percent certain as to why. As the wedding date approaches, the worse he feels, and the worse he feels the more he is determined to seek comfort in the company of others, particularly the beautifully intriguing Nadine.
This action-packed, drama filled book had me on my toes. There was so many good moments, and Nadine and her past had me desperately rooting for her to find happiness. Barnard writes about an incredibly difficult topic in a respectful and raw way, as well as delivering an entertaining and captivating read.
I adored everything about this book and would recommend to all those who enjoy a good ‘will they/ won’t they’ romance with lots of tension and suspense. It is a perfect cheer up read and has some hilarious moments. No one does romantic comedy quite like Barnard, and she gets me every time.
Barnard’s characters are relatable, funny and utterly entertaining, and I completely adored Nadine and Hartley’s story.
Nadine is a wedding planner and a damn good one, but nothing prepares her for the bridezilla that is Clara. Clara takes diva to a whole new level, and Nadine has to swallow her pride and bite her tongue in order to ensure that she pulls off what is sure to be the wedding of the decade. But as the plans are set in motion, Nadine can’t help but realise that the groom is oddly not as excited about the impending nuptials, and the more time they spend together, the more obvious it becomes that Hartley is struggling through his own feelings.
Hartley is a handsome, prideful man who is set on continuing his career as a teacher, as well as finding a lavish over the top wedding. But he’s running himself into the ground and he’s not 100 percent certain as to why. As the wedding date approaches, the worse he feels, and the worse he feels the more he is determined to seek comfort in the company of others, particularly the beautifully intriguing Nadine.
This action-packed, drama filled book had me on my toes. There was so many good moments, and Nadine and her past had me desperately rooting for her to find happiness. Barnard writes about an incredibly difficult topic in a respectful and raw way, as well as delivering an entertaining and captivating read.
I adored everything about this book and would recommend to all those who enjoy a good ‘will they/ won’t they’ romance with lots of tension and suspense. It is a perfect cheer up read and has some hilarious moments. No one does romantic comedy quite like Barnard, and she gets me every time.
February 14, 2019
When you start reading Laura Barnard you know you’re in for a treat. Lovely stories, laugh out loud moments that suck you in from page one.
Her new release “Marrying Mr Valentine” came right in time for Valentine’s day 💯 and the week of love how I like to call it and I have to say I abandoned my thriller book and embarked myself on a love cruise.
“Marrying Mr Valentine” is a light and lovely tale full of comic situations.
Not only fun and games make this story amazing but the breeziness in Laura’s writing, the complications, the love, the adventure and decision makings.
This book is the perfect Valentine’s Day romantic comedy and I recommend it to all you out there.
I published a full review on my blog
https://booknerdcafe.home.blog/2019/0...
Her new release “Marrying Mr Valentine” came right in time for Valentine’s day 💯 and the week of love how I like to call it and I have to say I abandoned my thriller book and embarked myself on a love cruise.
“Marrying Mr Valentine” is a light and lovely tale full of comic situations.
Not only fun and games make this story amazing but the breeziness in Laura’s writing, the complications, the love, the adventure and decision makings.
This book is the perfect Valentine’s Day romantic comedy and I recommend it to all you out there.
I published a full review on my blog
https://booknerdcafe.home.blog/2019/0...
February 13, 2019
I would like to thank Laura for reaching out to me to ask if I would like to review a copy of her short story in time for Valentines day, I will be honest, when I first read the synopsis I was a little unsure- I'm sure you will understand why, but I am so glad I decided to take Laura up on the offer as this novel is about so much more than what we see in the synopsis- forget “never judge a book by its cover” I may start going by “never judge a book by its synopsis".
Nadine is a very real character, and that made her very likeable, she doesn’t set out to steal someones man, in fact she does try to remain professional despite ending up in numerous situations with Hartley Valentine where she could have been tempted to take that leap- although having a bathroom related accident in a nightclub was not one of those occasions.
Laura manages to intertwine light hearted comedy with scenes that break your heart moments later in a way that is so realistic- as someone who is on medication for anxiety and depression I have countless people telling me that I always seem so bubbly and willing to help people and that is exactly how Nadine is, she puts other people before herself time and time again, yet nobody questions it.
I did enjoy Nadine’s friendships, in fact half of the conversations she had with her group of friends were so reminiscent of conversations I have had with my friends, I was almost convinced that Laura had somehow overheard them and used them.
I do find it interesting that Laura does show the bitchier side of females as well, don’t get me wrong I am ALL about female empowerment and building up other women, but I’m being honest here- some women ARE bitchy, is that a good thing? no, but hey if you read any of those bitchy comments and think “well damn I’m like that” then who knows it might prompt you to think about how you view other women.
Although maybe I do think that Clara did deserve what she got- you’ll have to read it to find out though.
Nadine and Anna’s bond was one of the most important parts of the novel for me, forget the romance, that was where my heart was exploding! I think they found something in each other to encourage one and other.
I do have to say that there were sections of this that… well I shouldn’t have been sat in the cafe at Waterstones reading, the tension was palpable. Nadine and Hartley DEFINITELY have a lot of chemistry.
I don’t want to say I “liked” the development of their relationship so to speak because at the beginning he was engaged, but at the end everything worked out for them and they definitely do belong together- they made each other happy and just clicked straight away, had they met any other way then I do believe they would have still ended up together.
This was a nice quick read- that still broke my heart a little bit, but was stitched back together with the relationships and friendships Nadine surrounded herself with.
Definitely one to read when relaxing by the pool, or cosying up with a glass/ or a bottle of wine.
Marrying Mr Valentine is part of the “One Month Til I Do” series but can be read as a standalone novel.
Nadine is a very real character, and that made her very likeable, she doesn’t set out to steal someones man, in fact she does try to remain professional despite ending up in numerous situations with Hartley Valentine where she could have been tempted to take that leap- although having a bathroom related accident in a nightclub was not one of those occasions.
Laura manages to intertwine light hearted comedy with scenes that break your heart moments later in a way that is so realistic- as someone who is on medication for anxiety and depression I have countless people telling me that I always seem so bubbly and willing to help people and that is exactly how Nadine is, she puts other people before herself time and time again, yet nobody questions it.
I did enjoy Nadine’s friendships, in fact half of the conversations she had with her group of friends were so reminiscent of conversations I have had with my friends, I was almost convinced that Laura had somehow overheard them and used them.
I do find it interesting that Laura does show the bitchier side of females as well, don’t get me wrong I am ALL about female empowerment and building up other women, but I’m being honest here- some women ARE bitchy, is that a good thing? no, but hey if you read any of those bitchy comments and think “well damn I’m like that” then who knows it might prompt you to think about how you view other women.
Although maybe I do think that Clara did deserve what she got- you’ll have to read it to find out though.
Nadine and Anna’s bond was one of the most important parts of the novel for me, forget the romance, that was where my heart was exploding! I think they found something in each other to encourage one and other.
I do have to say that there were sections of this that… well I shouldn’t have been sat in the cafe at Waterstones reading, the tension was palpable. Nadine and Hartley DEFINITELY have a lot of chemistry.
I don’t want to say I “liked” the development of their relationship so to speak because at the beginning he was engaged, but at the end everything worked out for them and they definitely do belong together- they made each other happy and just clicked straight away, had they met any other way then I do believe they would have still ended up together.
This was a nice quick read- that still broke my heart a little bit, but was stitched back together with the relationships and friendships Nadine surrounded herself with.
Definitely one to read when relaxing by the pool, or cosying up with a glass/ or a bottle of wine.
Marrying Mr Valentine is part of the “One Month Til I Do” series but can be read as a standalone novel.
February 23, 2018
Wow!!! What a read from Laura Barnard! Even though this a part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. This is Nadine’s story. Oh my goodness, what a story she has to tell! Nadine is a top wedding planner, and she pours everything she has into her job. When she has a cancellation, she calls the next couple, Clara Blumenkrantz and Hartley Valentine. She has no idea what complications this couple will bring into her life, both professionally and personally.
Nadine is a perfectionist and a professional, but when she meets this couple, she isn’t prepared for her reaction to Hartley. She has been in an overwhelming, dark cloud of pain, and he makes her feel things she hasn’t felt in a long time…even from their first meeting. Too bad, he belongs to someone else. She would never do anything to jeopardize someone else’s happiness even if the bride is a horrible, unstable person!
Now, both Clara and Hugh, Nadine’s boss and Clara’s cousin, insist she help Hartley with his play at the high school where he is a drama teacher. Clara insists this will help her get the groom better. As the two work closely together, it gets harder for her to hide her feelings, but she is trying. To complicate matters even further, it appears Hartley has feelings for Nadine. Yes, this is a complicated love story, but it’s one you don’t want to miss.
As much as this is a romance, it’s also a personal journey for Nadine. As she is dealing with her feelings for Hartley, she is having to confront her own pain as old wounds are reopened. This is where it gets extremely emotional and where I just fell in love with Nadine. She’s an unbelievable woman and one whom I greatly respected. She is always putting others needs in front of her own. Hartley is her other half, and he appreciates who she is as a person.
As heavy and serious as this book can be in some places, there are some really hilarious scenes in it too, especially the wedding fiascos she has to deal with!
I love finding new writers, and I am so glad I discovered Laura Barnard. She is definitely a writer to watch. This book has it all…chemistry, romance, great characters, well-written, and plenty of emotion!
***Read and Reviewed for Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews***
Nadine is a perfectionist and a professional, but when she meets this couple, she isn’t prepared for her reaction to Hartley. She has been in an overwhelming, dark cloud of pain, and he makes her feel things she hasn’t felt in a long time…even from their first meeting. Too bad, he belongs to someone else. She would never do anything to jeopardize someone else’s happiness even if the bride is a horrible, unstable person!
Now, both Clara and Hugh, Nadine’s boss and Clara’s cousin, insist she help Hartley with his play at the high school where he is a drama teacher. Clara insists this will help her get the groom better. As the two work closely together, it gets harder for her to hide her feelings, but she is trying. To complicate matters even further, it appears Hartley has feelings for Nadine. Yes, this is a complicated love story, but it’s one you don’t want to miss.
As much as this is a romance, it’s also a personal journey for Nadine. As she is dealing with her feelings for Hartley, she is having to confront her own pain as old wounds are reopened. This is where it gets extremely emotional and where I just fell in love with Nadine. She’s an unbelievable woman and one whom I greatly respected. She is always putting others needs in front of her own. Hartley is her other half, and he appreciates who she is as a person.
As heavy and serious as this book can be in some places, there are some really hilarious scenes in it too, especially the wedding fiascos she has to deal with!
I love finding new writers, and I am so glad I discovered Laura Barnard. She is definitely a writer to watch. This book has it all…chemistry, romance, great characters, well-written, and plenty of emotion!
***Read and Reviewed for Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews***
April 17, 2018
I’m sat here crying like a newborn baby, so excuse me while I go off in search of some tissues and an ounce of self control...I’ll be back...
What can I say about Marrying Mr Valentine?
It’s the first book I’ve read by Laura Barnard (and I feel kind of ashamed saying that, like I should have read her books sooner). I didn’t really know what to expect, but was extremely happy with what I found. It was funny, cleverly written, engaging... I connected to the characters (I think it would have been impossible not to) and oh boy did I fall in love with Mr Valentine.
He’s soft, gentle, sweet-natured, caring...but Clara is...what’s a nice way of putting it?... extremely high maintenance. She’s arrogant, rude, abrasive... I couldn’t stand her.
So is it any wonder that he feels something towards the sweet, gentle, beautiful wedding planner?
Does he marry Clara or does he fall in love with Nadine? Well, I’m not about to tell you. You need to read it for yourself.
Marrying Mr Valentine was genuinely funny AF! There were some seriously hilarious moments. The ‘Uber’ scene...OMG, I was in stitches.
Laura seems to have a wicked sense of humour and that spills over into her characters sense of fun, even when their lives are a little topsy-turvy, they manage to keep their sense of humour about things.
I managed to read MMV in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down. Nadine and her friends remind me a bit of me and my own friends. Nights out on the town, girly gossip and shenanigans waiting to happen.
I loved this story. It was fast-paced, easy reading. It was enjoyable from the first page to the last and the only negative part was the fact it had to end. I wanted, no, needed more. From the sense of humour to the sexy Mr Valentine, you will adore this book just as much as me. I guarantee it.
This might have been the first book of Laura Barnard’s that I have read, but in no way will it be the last.
What can I say about Marrying Mr Valentine?
It’s the first book I’ve read by Laura Barnard (and I feel kind of ashamed saying that, like I should have read her books sooner). I didn’t really know what to expect, but was extremely happy with what I found. It was funny, cleverly written, engaging... I connected to the characters (I think it would have been impossible not to) and oh boy did I fall in love with Mr Valentine.
He’s soft, gentle, sweet-natured, caring...but Clara is...what’s a nice way of putting it?... extremely high maintenance. She’s arrogant, rude, abrasive... I couldn’t stand her.
So is it any wonder that he feels something towards the sweet, gentle, beautiful wedding planner?
Does he marry Clara or does he fall in love with Nadine? Well, I’m not about to tell you. You need to read it for yourself.
Marrying Mr Valentine was genuinely funny AF! There were some seriously hilarious moments. The ‘Uber’ scene...OMG, I was in stitches.
Laura seems to have a wicked sense of humour and that spills over into her characters sense of fun, even when their lives are a little topsy-turvy, they manage to keep their sense of humour about things.
I managed to read MMV in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down. Nadine and her friends remind me a bit of me and my own friends. Nights out on the town, girly gossip and shenanigans waiting to happen.
I loved this story. It was fast-paced, easy reading. It was enjoyable from the first page to the last and the only negative part was the fact it had to end. I wanted, no, needed more. From the sense of humour to the sexy Mr Valentine, you will adore this book just as much as me. I guarantee it.
This might have been the first book of Laura Barnard’s that I have read, but in no way will it be the last.
February 16, 2018
Wow this book! I’m am seriously hooked on anything written by Laura Barnard! Her writing style flows so easily and I honestly feel as if I know her characters personally as friends, which makes her books so much more enjoyable than just a story. Laura has a way of making this story both heartfelt and funny at the same time.
In Adventurous Proposal we meet Flo and Hugh and their crazy plan to get married a month after they meet, and the story continues in Marrying Mr Valentine, only with Flo’s best friend Nadine. Despite being in a same world as Adventurous Proposal this can be read as a stand alone and wouldn’t effect the readers enjoyment.
Nadine is now a well in demand wedding planner, working under Hugh and has a long waiting list of excited brides waiting for her services. Only she feels as if something is missing. After a tragedy and splitting with her ex, she is back living with her parents and single. Enter the gorgeous Hartley Valentine and his high maintenance bride to be Clara and things aren’t as straight forward as planning a wedding like this should be.
This is a story full of love and heartbreak. I adored Nadine’s character, and I wish I could just reach into the pages and give her a cuddle! She is such a normal character, she isn’t perfect and has flaws like any normal person does but she has been through so much. I actually have a friend who has been through what Nadine has, twice and so I have seen how devastating it can be to a person.
This is a book not to be missed!
In Adventurous Proposal we meet Flo and Hugh and their crazy plan to get married a month after they meet, and the story continues in Marrying Mr Valentine, only with Flo’s best friend Nadine. Despite being in a same world as Adventurous Proposal this can be read as a stand alone and wouldn’t effect the readers enjoyment.
Nadine is now a well in demand wedding planner, working under Hugh and has a long waiting list of excited brides waiting for her services. Only she feels as if something is missing. After a tragedy and splitting with her ex, she is back living with her parents and single. Enter the gorgeous Hartley Valentine and his high maintenance bride to be Clara and things aren’t as straight forward as planning a wedding like this should be.
This is a story full of love and heartbreak. I adored Nadine’s character, and I wish I could just reach into the pages and give her a cuddle! She is such a normal character, she isn’t perfect and has flaws like any normal person does but she has been through so much. I actually have a friend who has been through what Nadine has, twice and so I have seen how devastating it can be to a person.
This is a book not to be missed!
February 26, 2018
Nadine Roberts has worked tirelessly over the last year to put The Duck and Goose on the map as the place to get married for her best friends Hugh and Flo, winning the pub the converted award as one of the Best Wedding venues of 2017. Working hard to make every couples wedding perfect has been helping Nadine mask her own heartbreak, until now. Her latest couple to get ready to walk down the aisle are Hugh’s cousin Clara Blumenkrantz and Hartley Valentine. Clara can only be described as a “bitch” and Hartley, well Hartley makes Nadine’s heart sing like it hasn’t done in a long time. Can Nadine manage to keep her feelings to herself and get Clara and Hartley to Mr & Mrs?
This is a book which is jam packed full of fun, as a lover of all things wedding I secretly love reading about them when things go a bit wrong. For the first time in her career as a wedding planner Nadine is having problems, mostly caused by being around Hartley. From being locked in broom cupboard, to badly stained outfits and gravy incidents the sparks seem to fly when these two get together which made for very funny reading. This is one of those books you just have to keep reading just to find out what other scrapes Nadine can get herself into. There is also a more serious side to this book also with teenager Anna, which I think makes this a perfectly balanced read.
Marrying Mr Valentine may be a short read with a predictable outcome, but I loved the journey Nadine goes on to get there. Laura Barnard’s writing is full of light-hearted fun making this the perfect read to put a smile on your face.
This is a book which is jam packed full of fun, as a lover of all things wedding I secretly love reading about them when things go a bit wrong. For the first time in her career as a wedding planner Nadine is having problems, mostly caused by being around Hartley. From being locked in broom cupboard, to badly stained outfits and gravy incidents the sparks seem to fly when these two get together which made for very funny reading. This is one of those books you just have to keep reading just to find out what other scrapes Nadine can get herself into. There is also a more serious side to this book also with teenager Anna, which I think makes this a perfectly balanced read.
Marrying Mr Valentine may be a short read with a predictable outcome, but I loved the journey Nadine goes on to get there. Laura Barnard’s writing is full of light-hearted fun making this the perfect read to put a smile on your face.
February 14, 2019
The lovely Laura sent me an e-copy of Marrying Mr Valentine just in time for Valentine’s Day and I can tell you it did not disappoint.
Nadine is a 32 year old wedding planner living back at her parents after suffering a terrible tragedy 3 years ago. She is dedicated to her job and loves helping prepare the dream wedding for the couples she meets. With a last minute cancellation at the prestigious Duck and Goose venue coming up she decides to make one couple extremely happy.
Enter Clara and Hartley. Daddy’s girl and high flyer Clara wants the best money can buy (penguins at a wedding aren’t too extreme, surely?) However, humble schoolteacher Hartley seems to be a little overwhelmed and reluctant to rush into marriage.
After being forced by her boss to help Hartley in organising the school play Nadine soon realises she has a lot in common with Mr Valentine. She finds herself getting more involved in his life and her relationship shifting to something more than just wedding planner.
Whilst trying to organise a wedding for a man she begins to fall for she finds herself thinking a lot about her past and the life she had up until recently. The tragedy of losing a child and subsequently the toll it took on her previous relationship begins to fill her thoughts regularly, especially when she find several of the ladies in her life fall pregnant.
This book is a lovely romantic read which I breezed through in 24 hours which is unheard of (seriously this is the first book I’ve done it with). Although many moments are lighthearted and make you laugh out loud there is an underlying sorrow in Nadine which runs the course of the book and reminds us this story is not set in a fantasy realm but could be portraying a many numbers of our lives (or parts of it).
Sorrow and heartbreak at the loss of a child will never go away but love can help curb those overwhelming feelings. One of the greatest qualities of this book is the real feel it has. Nadine is by no means perfect; she’s on antidepressants and kisses a man whose engaged but I think that makes her relatable and gives the storyline depth. I enjoyed feeling like I could jump into her shoes and just cringe with her when she has poop running down her leg (don’t ask!)
This is the first of Barnard’s books I’ve read but it won’t be the last. This novel is not part of a large series but I know there is a follow up story which I can’t wait to get my hands on! I would give this read 5 stars. It’s sexy, funny, rude and perfectly portrays the good and bad of everyday life!
Nadine is a 32 year old wedding planner living back at her parents after suffering a terrible tragedy 3 years ago. She is dedicated to her job and loves helping prepare the dream wedding for the couples she meets. With a last minute cancellation at the prestigious Duck and Goose venue coming up she decides to make one couple extremely happy.
Enter Clara and Hartley. Daddy’s girl and high flyer Clara wants the best money can buy (penguins at a wedding aren’t too extreme, surely?) However, humble schoolteacher Hartley seems to be a little overwhelmed and reluctant to rush into marriage.
After being forced by her boss to help Hartley in organising the school play Nadine soon realises she has a lot in common with Mr Valentine. She finds herself getting more involved in his life and her relationship shifting to something more than just wedding planner.
Whilst trying to organise a wedding for a man she begins to fall for she finds herself thinking a lot about her past and the life she had up until recently. The tragedy of losing a child and subsequently the toll it took on her previous relationship begins to fill her thoughts regularly, especially when she find several of the ladies in her life fall pregnant.
This book is a lovely romantic read which I breezed through in 24 hours which is unheard of (seriously this is the first book I’ve done it with). Although many moments are lighthearted and make you laugh out loud there is an underlying sorrow in Nadine which runs the course of the book and reminds us this story is not set in a fantasy realm but could be portraying a many numbers of our lives (or parts of it).
Sorrow and heartbreak at the loss of a child will never go away but love can help curb those overwhelming feelings. One of the greatest qualities of this book is the real feel it has. Nadine is by no means perfect; she’s on antidepressants and kisses a man whose engaged but I think that makes her relatable and gives the storyline depth. I enjoyed feeling like I could jump into her shoes and just cringe with her when she has poop running down her leg (don’t ask!)
This is the first of Barnard’s books I’ve read but it won’t be the last. This novel is not part of a large series but I know there is a follow up story which I can’t wait to get my hands on! I would give this read 5 stars. It’s sexy, funny, rude and perfectly portrays the good and bad of everyday life!
February 22, 2018
Amusing Chaotic and heartbreaking
I enjoyed this story by Laura. It was funny, chaotic and heartbreaking all at the same time. It is the story of Nadine Roberts, a woman who has gone from teaching five year olds t being a successful wedding planner. Her ife isn't wasnt all a bed of roses though, she was still suffering from a tragic event that occurred three years prior.
Hartley Valentine, boy was that man frustrating, he was also very hot. There was just one problem though - he's the groom and very off limits. Nadine and Hartley meet when she is hired as the wedding planner for Hartley and Clara's wedding. Speaking of Clara, she is most definitely the world's worse Bridezilla, the requests she comes up with for the wedding are simply out of this world - just imagine swans and penguins.
This was a fun read, although at times I did wonder why Ms Barnard had incuded certain scenes, as they weren't really necessary. Nadine's girlfriends were a riot - they provided most of my laughs. Some of their "pub meetings" were hilarious. Did I mention the dog and the wedding rings - a scene needed to be read to be believed.
If you're looking for a quick fun read, then this is the book for you.
Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction
FOUR STARS
I enjoyed this story by Laura. It was funny, chaotic and heartbreaking all at the same time. It is the story of Nadine Roberts, a woman who has gone from teaching five year olds t being a successful wedding planner. Her ife isn't wasnt all a bed of roses though, she was still suffering from a tragic event that occurred three years prior.
Hartley Valentine, boy was that man frustrating, he was also very hot. There was just one problem though - he's the groom and very off limits. Nadine and Hartley meet when she is hired as the wedding planner for Hartley and Clara's wedding. Speaking of Clara, she is most definitely the world's worse Bridezilla, the requests she comes up with for the wedding are simply out of this world - just imagine swans and penguins.
This was a fun read, although at times I did wonder why Ms Barnard had incuded certain scenes, as they weren't really necessary. Nadine's girlfriends were a riot - they provided most of my laughs. Some of their "pub meetings" were hilarious. Did I mention the dog and the wedding rings - a scene needed to be read to be believed.
If you're looking for a quick fun read, then this is the book for you.
Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction
FOUR STARS
February 24, 2018
I absolutely love this book! It is a clever blend of romance and romcom, really making the book one that kept me completely captivated. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the main characters Better, after having met Nadine in the first book. She had such a brilliant personality and her flaws were so easy to connect with, making me love the book all the more.
I loved the overall story and found that Barnard put the perfect amount of giggles, flaws and building romance to really give me something to grab onto and fall in love. From the start, with some of the lesser liked characters, I found myself building an interest in the two main characters, based on what they were having to deal with, but also because the were two very lovely people who honestly deserved happiness. How Barnard seems to always give us such characters that you completely love, for everything they are, in each book she writes, I don’t know, but it makes me absolutely love her writing, and this book is the perfect of that.
Overall, this is such a brilliant read. You will easily find yourself becoming so connected with the story, that you can’t put it down. I must admit I read this beauty in one night, and don’t regret the lack of sleep, as this book is so worth every page, absolutely brilliant!
I loved the overall story and found that Barnard put the perfect amount of giggles, flaws and building romance to really give me something to grab onto and fall in love. From the start, with some of the lesser liked characters, I found myself building an interest in the two main characters, based on what they were having to deal with, but also because the were two very lovely people who honestly deserved happiness. How Barnard seems to always give us such characters that you completely love, for everything they are, in each book she writes, I don’t know, but it makes me absolutely love her writing, and this book is the perfect of that.
Overall, this is such a brilliant read. You will easily find yourself becoming so connected with the story, that you can’t put it down. I must admit I read this beauty in one night, and don’t regret the lack of sleep, as this book is so worth every page, absolutely brilliant!
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