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Honeymoon Harbor #1.5
Once Upon a Wedding
Return to Honeymoon Harbor with
New York Times
bestselling author JoAnn Ross’s charming new novella!
Weddings are an occasion for joy, but Desiree Marchand is a bundle of nerves. She doesn’t have time for complications ahead of her friend’s wedding—especially not her ex-boyfriend. She doesn’t know what Bastien Broussard is doing in Honeymoon Harbor, but she wants nothing to do with him. Unfortunately, the wedding is down a singer—and whether Desiree likes it or not, rock star Bastien is the perfect man for the job.
After years traveling the world, the only place Bastien wants to be is by Desiree’s side. He’s ready to fight for her, even if he has to serenade himself past her defenses—but can he finally prove to her that their love is worth the risk?
“[JoAnn] Ross spins a warm romance amid a setting loaded with charm… Ross’s insight into both romantic attraction and family dynamics is striking.” — Publishers Weekly
Weddings are an occasion for joy, but Desiree Marchand is a bundle of nerves. She doesn’t have time for complications ahead of her friend’s wedding—especially not her ex-boyfriend. She doesn’t know what Bastien Broussard is doing in Honeymoon Harbor, but she wants nothing to do with him. Unfortunately, the wedding is down a singer—and whether Desiree likes it or not, rock star Bastien is the perfect man for the job.
After years traveling the world, the only place Bastien wants to be is by Desiree’s side. He’s ready to fight for her, even if he has to serenade himself past her defenses—but can he finally prove to her that their love is worth the risk?
“[JoAnn] Ross spins a warm romance amid a setting loaded with charm… Ross’s insight into both romantic attraction and family dynamics is striking.” — Publishers Weekly
85 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2018
255 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
About the author
JoAnn Ross
238 books798 followersNew York Times bestselling author JoAnn Ross has written over a hundred novels for a bunch of publishers. Two of her titles have been excerpted in Cosmo and her books have also been published by the Doubleday, Rhapsody, Literary Guild, and Mystery Guild book clubs.
A member of the Romance Writers of America's Honor Roll of best-selling authors, she's won several awards, including Romantic Times's Career Achievement Awards in both category and contemporary single title.
Currently writing a new Honeymoon Harbor series for HQN set on the Washington peninsula, that will launch in April, 2018, JoAnn lives with her husband (her high school sweetheart, who proposed at the sea wall where her Shelter Bay books are set), in the Pacific Northwest.
A member of the Romance Writers of America's Honor Roll of best-selling authors, she's won several awards, including Romantic Times's Career Achievement Awards in both category and contemporary single title.
Currently writing a new Honeymoon Harbor series for HQN set on the Washington peninsula, that will launch in April, 2018, JoAnn lives with her husband (her high school sweetheart, who proposed at the sea wall where her Shelter Bay books are set), in the Pacific Northwest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 19, 2019
Sweet second chance novella with a bit of steam. It's short and fast but does an excellent job of giving Desiree and Bastien's history together before delving into their reunion. Desiree is the owner of Honeymoon Harbor's bakery. She's a bit stressed as she makes the final preparations for her friends' wedding cake. The last thing she expects or needs is the sudden appearance of her ex-boyfriend. Her efforts to chase him off are thwarted when the hired musician cancels at the last minute and Bastien offers to fill in - if Desiree will sing with him.
Desiree and Bastien have a history together. Back when Bastien first started his band he talked Desiree into being their lead singer. Five years of touring and loving later, Desiree was tired of the constant travel. She left Bastien and the band to follow her dream of becoming a pastry chef, but never forgot him or the love they shared. Bastien went on to become famous for his rock-blues music before he was called home to help his grandmother with her restaurant. Now he's ready to put down roots with the only woman he ever loved.
Bastien knows what he wants and will do whatever he can to get it. It was fun to see him breeze in with utter confidence in his ability to win the day. However, Desiree isn't so sure that she can trust his rolling stone to stay put. I enjoyed hearing all about Bastien's plans for his restaurant and how he sees him and Desiree working together. He's upfront about how his feelings for her never went away as is Desiree. There is no false drama between them, just an acknowledgment of the fire and love they still share. The ending was great, and I look forward to seeing more of them in future books.
I also enjoyed the beginning of the story with the description of Kaylee and Mai's wedding. The story of how they met was heartwarming as was their obvious love for each other. I loved the vivid pictures of the wedding itself with its Hawaiian touches.
Desiree and Bastien have a history together. Back when Bastien first started his band he talked Desiree into being their lead singer. Five years of touring and loving later, Desiree was tired of the constant travel. She left Bastien and the band to follow her dream of becoming a pastry chef, but never forgot him or the love they shared. Bastien went on to become famous for his rock-blues music before he was called home to help his grandmother with her restaurant. Now he's ready to put down roots with the only woman he ever loved.
Bastien knows what he wants and will do whatever he can to get it. It was fun to see him breeze in with utter confidence in his ability to win the day. However, Desiree isn't so sure that she can trust his rolling stone to stay put. I enjoyed hearing all about Bastien's plans for his restaurant and how he sees him and Desiree working together. He's upfront about how his feelings for her never went away as is Desiree. There is no false drama between them, just an acknowledgment of the fire and love they still share. The ending was great, and I look forward to seeing more of them in future books.
I also enjoyed the beginning of the story with the description of Kaylee and Mai's wedding. The story of how they met was heartwarming as was their obvious love for each other. I loved the vivid pictures of the wedding itself with its Hawaiian touches.
December 20, 2022
Delightful short story that took place at a wedding venue. Two old lovers come together again. They used to be in a band together. Bastion has come to Honeymoon Harbor to reclaim Destinee in a love story as the two join together again and sing for the wedding event. Hot Bastion, a sexy man i would like to meet.
January 4, 2019
Quick read and nice visit back to Honeymoon Harbor.
September 25, 2018
Hated It. Dull, Superficial, Confusing, a Plethora of Characters and Topics
I normally love JoAnn Ross’ books, but not this one. As usual, the writing mechanics were excellent but the execution was lacking, for me.
This book was a novella, so there was not a lot of space in which to develop the story or the characterization. Instead of focusing on the hero and heroine and their characterization and story, the book opened with the heroine’s friends’ wedding and it seemed as if all of the characters from the earlier books in the series were added and their relationships explained. There were too many characters and it became a confusing mess.
There was too much extraneous information for a short novella. We were told about the other characters, the wedding, Hawaiian customs, the makeup, the clothing of the bridal party, about the music industry and about cooking and baking. It was simply too much for the length of the book.
We were given a brief recap of the hero’s and heroine’s backgrounds but there just wasn’t enough “soul” to make them stand out as engaging characters. Everything about them felt perfunctory and superficial. I didn’t hate the characters, but neither did I want to spend time with them.
I really hated this book because it made for a disappointing and dull read. I am very sorry that I pre-ordered it and paid for it. For those new to JoAnn Ross, try one of her other entertaining and engaging books. She really does write great stories. For fans, though, completists are the only ones who might be interested in it. I really don’t recommend it to anyone.
I normally love JoAnn Ross’ books, but not this one. As usual, the writing mechanics were excellent but the execution was lacking, for me.
This book was a novella, so there was not a lot of space in which to develop the story or the characterization. Instead of focusing on the hero and heroine and their characterization and story, the book opened with the heroine’s friends’ wedding and it seemed as if all of the characters from the earlier books in the series were added and their relationships explained. There were too many characters and it became a confusing mess.
There was too much extraneous information for a short novella. We were told about the other characters, the wedding, Hawaiian customs, the makeup, the clothing of the bridal party, about the music industry and about cooking and baking. It was simply too much for the length of the book.
We were given a brief recap of the hero’s and heroine’s backgrounds but there just wasn’t enough “soul” to make them stand out as engaging characters. Everything about them felt perfunctory and superficial. I didn’t hate the characters, but neither did I want to spend time with them.
I really hated this book because it made for a disappointing and dull read. I am very sorry that I pre-ordered it and paid for it. For those new to JoAnn Ross, try one of her other entertaining and engaging books. She really does write great stories. For fans, though, completists are the only ones who might be interested in it. I really don’t recommend it to anyone.
July 7, 2019
This short novella gives up a quick peak into the relationship of Desiree and Cajun hunk, Bastien Broussard. They share a past, and he makes his intentions clear from the start, that he wants a relationship. We see a bit of their past while also celebrating a wedding. He quickly weasels his way back into her heart and her life. This was a bonus story that came with the audiobook and while it was a quick, enjoyable listen, there was really not much to it. It was nice to see how they knew each other and got together, and JoAnn Ross' writing was as good as ever, but there was not much plot or story to this one.
May 31, 2019
A delightful reminder that Honeymoon Harbor is a wonderful place. In this short novel, we watch Desiree make her reacquaintance with that Cajun hunk, Bastien Broussard. He makes his intention clear from the start, practically daring Desiree to say 'yes,' but smart man that he is, he leavens that dare to her heart with shared plans of the restaurant he wants to place in the very spot Desiree has designated for her expansion of her bakery.
Combining his restaurant with her bakery sounds like a good thing, but will she agree? More to the point, will she say yes to his other proposal, delivered on bended knee?
Combining his restaurant with her bakery sounds like a good thing, but will she agree? More to the point, will she say yes to his other proposal, delivered on bended knee?
September 27, 2018
Didn’t realize it was a short story
I’ve enjoyed the other Honeymoon Harbor books but was disappointed in this. First, I didn’t realize it was just a “novella” until the end. I couldn’t figure out why there didn’t seem to be much plot and things were resolved so quickly. Second, there was no tension here. There was little character development and the resolution was unbelievable.
I’ve enjoyed the other Honeymoon Harbor books but was disappointed in this. First, I didn’t realize it was just a “novella” until the end. I couldn’t figure out why there didn’t seem to be much plot and things were resolved so quickly. Second, there was no tension here. There was little character development and the resolution was unbelievable.
June 19, 2019
Great second chance novella
This was a cute story based around a wedding. Desiree and Bastien were once very good together, but life interfered. Now Bastien is in Honeymoon Harbor to get her back. This is a cute, character oriented storyline with a fast pace, a hopeful tone, some steamy scenes near the end and vivid characters. You can read this to get a taste of life in Honeymoon Harbor, but you will get more out of it, if you read the others in the series first. Enjoy!
This was a cute story based around a wedding. Desiree and Bastien were once very good together, but life interfered. Now Bastien is in Honeymoon Harbor to get her back. This is a cute, character oriented storyline with a fast pace, a hopeful tone, some steamy scenes near the end and vivid characters. You can read this to get a taste of life in Honeymoon Harbor, but you will get more out of it, if you read the others in the series first. Enjoy!
July 2, 2019
This is a three and a half stars only because it is a short story and it would have made a grand book about Bastien Broussard and Desiree Marchand and how they met and fell in love. This story is about how they reconnect when Bastien comes to Honeymoon Harbor and surprises Desiree with his plans to open a New Orleans restaurant right next door to her bakery. Can they rekindle their long lost flame? Good story
February 13, 2019
Once upon a Wedding is another sweet Novella in the Honeymoon Harbor Series. Kylee and Mai's wedding was beautiful and filled with love. I enjoyed meeting Desiree and Bastien and enjoyed their story. Looking forward to reading Snowfall on Lighthouse Lane.
I give Once Upon a Wedding 4 stars for its sweet and loving read.
I would recommend this book to Romance Fans.
I give Once Upon a Wedding 4 stars for its sweet and loving read.
I would recommend this book to Romance Fans.
April 6, 2019
Once Upon a Wedding
This read as a novella. It ends at the 74% mark. It was a whimsical story of second chances. She is the baker and when he came to her she was finishing up with a Wedding cake. They have a past. And now he wants her back. It had no angst that I enjoy. So I didn't get to involved with the characters.
This read as a novella. It ends at the 74% mark. It was a whimsical story of second chances. She is the baker and when he came to her she was finishing up with a Wedding cake. They have a past. And now he wants her back. It had no angst that I enjoy. So I didn't get to involved with the characters.
March 15, 2019
Disappointing
I have always enjoyed books by Joann Ross. I found this book difficult to read because of its poor editing and attempt to fill in background on so many characters. Hopefully, future books by this author will be more like her past efforts.
I have always enjoyed books by Joann Ross. I found this book difficult to read because of its poor editing and attempt to fill in background on so many characters. Hopefully, future books by this author will be more like her past efforts.
April 21, 2019
Short but sweet novella in the Honeymoon Harbor series. Neither character is from the Manion or Harper family so it's an add on story in my opinion. Just provides some background to the shops and people in town
December 31, 2020
Woof that relationship moved quickly. I’m not surprised because it’s a second chance romance but it wasn’t necessary to pack all of that into a novella. Anyways, I missed this series and setting so it was nice to come back and finish up with this final novella.
September 26, 2018
Desiree Marchand is doing the final touches on her friends wedding cake when ex-boyfriend Bastien Broussard shows up. Cute but very, very short
September 28, 2018
Quick, enjoyable novella.
October 1, 2018
A quick story. Looking forward to the next one Snowfall on Lightlhouse Lane about Aiden Mannion.
January 27, 2019
Hope the rest of the series gets better, it usually does!
February 26, 2019
Maybe a 3.5. My only complaint is the story ended way too quickly...
June 21, 2019
A quickie trip to Honeymoon Harbor!!
July 7, 2019
In ebook of Summer on Mirror Lake
March 25, 2020
A good short story to add depth to the story. Loved the chemistry between Desiree and Bastien. I love this series!
July 24, 2020
Cute story
June 29, 2022
Perfect little story
Sweet story featuring all your favorite Honeymoon Harbor residents. Nothing surprising, comforting like your favorite cookies with a warm beverage.
Sweet story featuring all your favorite Honeymoon Harbor residents. Nothing surprising, comforting like your favorite cookies with a warm beverage.
Read
December 7, 2022Hated this book.. it was trashy and not worth the read.
July 12, 2023
Cute and quick
September 5, 2023
short but fun We got to see the wedding and previous characters
January 5, 2024
Terrible book. There was no story!! A man comes back to find a girl, gets said girl and then the end. No story. It was just so hard to get through, blah!! Would not recommend 😕
December 12, 2025
Quick and light🌲
January 31, 2026
Great short story
This a cute short story about two people finding each other again and their love. They meet at a friend's wedding.
This a cute short story about two people finding each other again and their love. They meet at a friend's wedding.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews