A Marriage of Inconvenience

by Amy Vastine

She’s met the perfect man…
But he’s engaged!

Wedding planner Sophia Reed never imagined she’d meet her perfect man during a bank robbery. Evan Anderson is handsome and funny and makes Sophia believe in love at first sight. There’s only one small hitch—he’s engaged to someone else, and Sophia is planning his wedding! But Evan’s wedding is purely a business arrangement…and true love might just turn this almost-perfect wedding into a beautiful catastrophe!

USA TODAY Bestselling Author

From Harlequin Heartwarming: Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging.

Stop the Wedding!

Book 1: A Bridesmaid to Remember
Book 2: His Brother’s Bride
Book 3: A Marriage of Inconvenience

Genres: Contemporary

368 pages, ebook

Published April 1, 2021

About the author

Amy Vastine has been plotting stories in her head for as long as she can remember. An eternal optimist, she studied social work, hoping to teach others how to find their silver lining. Now, she enjoys creating happily ever afters for all to read. Amy lives outside Chicago with her high school sweetheart-turned-husband, three fun-loving children, and their sweet but mischievous puppy dog.

Reviews

[Katie (Hiding in the Pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, forbidden love

There's something about weddings that brings a tear to my eye and joy beyond joy to my heart, but this wedding brought more tears than joy. Evan and Sophia met in a very unconventional (and beyond scary) way, bonding over their trauma, but wedding planner Sophia quickly discovers that groom-to-be Evan is off limits.

While the plot was fascinating, with the combination of romance and suspense, this book is character driven. Their dilemmas brought them to life, making them relatable and likable. Sophia is a woman who is very good at what she does. Not only is she competent, but she's darling and willing to do whatever it takes to maintain propriety. Next, we have one of the most charming men around--Evan. That man is loyal to a fault, caring for his brother and unselfishly helping his best friend. Who wouldn't fall head-over-heels for him?

I loved the way Vastine wrestled many complicated situations into a delightfully sweet and engaging story. The intricate entanglements were not only entertaining, but they tugged on my heartstrings, making it feel hard to feel mad about some things and making me swoon and happily sigh over others. This is the perfect book for those who enjoy a wedding story with some substance to it.

Content: mild romance; mild terror/fear/peril

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*

[The Swoony Awards]

Eligible for a 2021 Swoony Award, to nominate/vote click here: https://tinyurl.com/y593ce67vvvv

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warm, witty and wonderfully romantic, Amy Vastine’s A Marriage of Inconvenience is a delight from start to finish!

As a wedding planner, Sophia Reed’s life revolves around love and romance. She always thought that she would meet the man of her dreams in the most romantic of settings – unfortunately reality had other ideas in store for her as she ended up meeting the perfect man during a bank robbery! Evan Anderson is the sort of man who ticks all the right boxes – he’s funny, charming, caring and engaged to be married to somebody else! Sophia thinks that she cannot take any more disappointment, but there are more shocking surprises to come when she discovers that she is planning his wedding! Can Sophia stand to see her perfect man get hitched to somebody else?

Evan’s wedding day might be fast approaching, but this union is as far removed from hearts and flowers as it is possible to get. This marriage is a means to end and a business arrangement completely devoid of feelings and emotions. Evan had no qualms about getting married purely for convenience – until he meets Sophia and she ends up turning his whole world upside down. Evan simply cannot stop himself from thinking about Sophia. But how can he possibly go ahead with his purely practical arrangement when he has fallen in love with his wedding planner?

Will Evan and Sophia ever find a way to be together? Or is their love simply not meant to be?

Packed with charm, emotion and humor, A Marriage of Inconvenience is an engaging and captivating contemporary romance that made me smile and kept me engrossed from beginning to end. Amy Vastine really knows how to write an exceptional love story that touches the heart and makes you giggle and A Marriage of Inconvenience is a stellar romantic read with a fantastic heroine, a gorgeous hero and plenty of magic and mischief to keep readers completely and utterly riveted to the page.

Fun, feel-good and fantastic , Amy Vastine’s A Marriage of Inconvenience is not to be missed.

[Carrie Schmidt (Reading is My SuperPower) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Marriage of Inconvenience by Amy Vastine was a lot of fun to read, from start to finish! Evan and Sophia’s bonding over their shared trauma leads to instant chemistry that has you rooting for their happily-ever-after despite the seemingly impossible obstacles in their way. When a man falls in love with one woman while engaged to another, you typically want to purse whomp him, but I really liked how the author wrote Evan’s situation in this book. It’s framed in such a way that you don’t hate him for falling in love with Sophia while engaged to his best friend Jamie – and you actually kinda like Jamie too. Sophia’s YaYa and Evan’s brother Zeke are fabulous supporting characters, and they add an extra dose of heartwarming to the mix. Be prepared to smile a lot when you read A Marriage of Inconvenience!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Suzie Waltner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite her bad luck in the dating pool, Sophia Reed hasn’t given up on real love. When she meets Evan Anderson during a bank robbery and connects with him afterward, her faith in men is restored. Until he shows up at her event planning office…with his bride-to-be.

In A Marriage of Inconvenience, Amy Vastine pens a complicated situation that gets more complicated as Sophia and Evan spend more time together and their feelings grow (despite Sophia’s best efforts). Really, I only saw two ways out of the situation (one of which happened).

The additions of Sophia’s large family and Evan’s brother enhance the story and make the characters even more likable. Weddings are stressful, and this one even more so because of the growing attraction and love between Evan and Sophia, leaving the reader wondering how love will truly conquer all.


Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this audiobook and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Harlequin Books]

Categories
Family Life Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
Stop the Wedding! (Book #3)

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have really come to love the Harlequin Heartwarming line of sweet and clean romance stories and A Marriage of Inconvenience is one of the best. Sometimes marriage of inconvenience works out, sometimes it does not. In this book, before the bride even got married there were problems! Sophia and Evan meet at a bank robbery of all places. But when Evan shows up for Sophia to plan his wedding, we’ll, so much for the love at first sight.

This was such a fun book to read. With all of the ins and outs, Twista and turns and everything else going on, it was for sure a story that kept me turning the pages. I had to get to the end fast to see how the story would turn out. This is the last book in Amy Vastine’s Stop That Wedding Series and I’m going to miss these fun reads. I enjoyed the characters in this book so much. Sophia was a feisty strong woman that could overcome whatever life hit her with, which was a good thing with the surprises in this book. I love her grandmother, and the firm foundation she brings to the story. I love the way Vastine weaves everything together to create a wonderful ending to the book and to the series. I will be looking for more from her in the future. This one gets a Five Stars from me.

.A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you in advance to the author, Amy Vastine, for providing a complimentary review copy through Prism Book Tours. A positive review was not requested or required, and all words are my own.

While I read the last two books in The Blackwell Sisters Montana series, I was not able to read the author’s book Montana Wishes, however I do own it and will certainly be reading it … eventually. That makes this book my first introduction to the author. And, talk about being WOWED!

Let’s face it, most romance novels are about getting people together to get married, right? This one is intent on stopping a wedding, so the cover is whimsical if not hysterical to me. Obviously a story there right off and I wanted to dive right in.

While this is book #3 in the #StopTheWedding series, I didn’t feel like I lost any ground or like I didn’t know what was going on by not reading the first two (which I don’t have). This definitely works as a standalone read and I wouldn’t have known it was part of a series.

As a potential trigger warning, there will be the sound of a gunshot mentioned in the book though no one will be injured or hurt. This is a clean romance and a sweet one so obviously there is no serious violence at all.

Now, let’s talk about the characters – wedding planner Sophia and sweet groom-to-be Evan. These two meet in an unlikely, unromantic, yet sweet and precious way – victims in a bank robbery, which I have to admit was one of my favorite introductions to a romance novel.

It is Evan who helps Sophia remain calm yet he doesn’t know she’s going to be planning his wedding of … inconvenience. In fact, he doesn’t even tell her he is engaged. What luck, right? Perfect guy, but he’s taken. That’s how it works in real life it seems!

Then there is the bride-to-be, Jamie, who wants absolutely nothing to do with the wedding – everything is a chore, and yes, it’s obvious as to why this wedding is taking place. That made the plot very interesting in itself.

Despite what Evan is doing and going through – I couldn’t help but love this guy right off. There wasn’t a moment I didn’t like him! I felt Sophia’s conflict with him and I wanted to grab her and say “just wait!!”. Jamie I had mixed feelings on – liked her, despised her, really liked her.
Vastine did a wonderful job creating the sweet, tense, and adorable friendship between Evan and Sophia. And, it truly plays out like a Hallmark movie.

After the robbery, Sophia is worried and Evan is there for her. A quick side note here – I wonder how anyone drives home or to work in a situation where their wallet is taken in a robbery. Just an interesting question that came up.

Anyway …

Once Sophia finds out that she’s planning his wedding to a Wharton banking executive (yes of the same bank that gets robbed), things go from weird to awkward and fast.

As a result of the robbery, Sophia in fear of what one of the robbers said, decided to stay at YaYa’s house (yaya – Greek grandmother).

It is clear that Jamie, while friends with Evan, treats him as just another employee. He’s obviously entering the marriage for a good reason, and a sweet one – to take care of his “special” brother.

And, it is clear the robbery isn’t an isolated incident. That’s a way to add some mystery to a romance.

Sophia is a bit stunned as Jamie treats the wedding as if it is a chore – she wants 0% to do with it.

I kind of felt bad for how Jamie was using Evan knowing his own motives for entering the marriage. I didn’t like Fallon’s assessment of him either.

But, it was when another character from the Wharton family was introduced I knew there was something up with him. I just didn’t trust Patrick. Right off, I didn’t like him or trust him. I had serious bad vibes about him.

It was heart-breaking to see that Sophia and Evan were each other’s idea of perfect. I didn’t grab the tissues, but I wanted to.

After yet another robbery (how many now), I was REALLY suspicious of Patrick. Something just grabbed me wrong. Throw in a break-in from someone from the robbery that included Sophia and Evan – I definitely had some concerns. And, then I was beginning not to trust Jamie either.

I had to laugh about Evan’s issues with colors – as a writer, they’re important, as an everyday person? They’re not so important. I mean peach, apricot, melon – what is up with that? I think some people who have had to color-coordinate weddings might get a giggle from that aspect.

I did take an issue with Jamie’s uncle and his attitude towards Evan’s brother. But, it didn’t surprise me, and certainly opens the door for awareness without being overt.

After Sophia has a family crisis, I almost really began to like Jamie. She really stepped up and even threw Evan in to help. And, Evan almost jeopardizes his friendship with Sophia halfway through.

I admired Sophia taking responsibility for an issue and going straight to Jamie regardless of the consequences. There are some hot-cold-luke warm moments with Jamie, but overall – she surprised me as well.

It was interesting how well Vastine tied up the entire robbery, wedding, and family drama. I pretty much had a feeling it was going to go the way it did, though playing it so close to the end was a bit unnerving.

I loved how Jamie not only took action in one scene, but how she stepped up with honesty despite the consequences. Her uncle calling her and Evan numbskulls was honestly a laugh out loud until you cry moment.

This was an exciting, page-turning, sweet, sad, frustrating, fun, jaw-dropping,
addictive little read with a few shenanigans thrown in.

Past chapter 15 I could NOT PUT IT DOWN! It also helps that the chapters are relatively short given the line. Heartwarming is notorious for EXTRA long chapters which, despite being large print, can be a bit tedious. I did end up reading past my bedtime to finish it once I was on chapter 17.

I really had a hard time putting this down and had I not been reading another book or working on my Camp NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month), I definitely would’ve had this read in less time, perhaps 1-2 days. So, don’t let how long it took me to read it scare you off.

Fans of the author; and those who’ve read the previous books won’t want to miss this one! I definitely can’t wait to read another book in this series!

PS –> I honestly prefer online banking, but I really miss the drive-thru banks. And, I LOVED the Lake Norman reference since I know the area because of the NASCAR drivers.

[Harlie Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

A marriage of convenience with a twist. Love at first sight and a suspense/mystery element, too. Yep, I’m sold. Plus, it’s Amy Vastine. She is one of my favorite Heartwarming authors and she delivers again with Sophia and Evan’s story. I will have to say that this isn’t a slow burn romance between Sophia and Evan. It’s surprisingly fast-moving until the moment in the office. Talk about a wet blanket on true love. Ms. Vastine does a fantastic job with the “triangle” throughout the book. Some moments are sad, some are hilarious but in the end, I really liked all three of them. Seriously, Evan, Sophia, and Jamie are very well-written characters that you can’t help but like. Evan’s brother, Zeke is a treasure. Not to mention Sophia’s grandmother. Gotta love a Greek grandmother.

I have to admit that I loved Jamie’s uncle, regardless of what he wanted Jamie to do but the jewel in the crown is Jamie’s no-good cousin and that dog of his. I won’t say anything more because it would totally spoil the book. Not to mention the bank robbery where Sophia and Evan met. Talk about a whacked-out cute-meet but it works. I loved how the robbery and subsequential robberies were solved in the end. While the romance is a slow burn AFTER the initial meeting, Ms. Vastine develops her characters where you really wish that everyone had their HEA but it doesn’t work that way sometimes. I think in the end, everyone is happy but I can definitely see Sophia and Evan running off…who plans the wedding planner’s wedding? LOL!

I love Ms. Vastine. She takes her time with all of the characters in the book and delivers it in spades. Sophia has much more to work through when it comes to romance. I know, you would think that Evan would but he is resigned to his fate. He is trying to do the right thing but it doesn’t help that he is in love with Sophia but needs to do right with Jaime. I understood where both of them were coming from and at times I just wanted to shake them but where is the fun in that? Half the fun in reading a romance book is the path that our characters take and with these two…wow.

Please, please read Ms. Vastine. She writes realistic characters in plausible situations that anyone can relate to. Plus, I just love her period. And you will, too.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of all of the Meet Cutes I've ever read, I can't say that a bank robbery has ever been on that list. But Sophie and Evan meet while facedown on the floor while the bank they are in is robbed. That afternoon, they talk for a while, exchanging numbers, and having a great text exchange.

And then comes the next day, when Sophie is preparing for a meeting to plan the biggest wedding of her career - only to find out that Evan is the groom to be.

Now, as the reader, I already knew this, of course. But I had also started to develop a crush on Mr. Anderson, so I really felt Sophie's disappointment. And I was really not a fan of Jamie at the start because she seemed too bossy and unflinching. I admit that I did later come around, but I can't get into that in the review without spoilers.

Evan just gets more lovable as the book goes on. His relationship with Zeke is what completely did me in, though. Zeke has Down syndrome, and anyone who can so willingly sacrifice for his special needs brother (and not feel like he is sacrificing) is amazing. Plus I just adore Zeke. And I felt like the author really captured those special traits that have endeared individuals with Down syndrome to me throughout my work and personal life.

And then we have poor Sophie. I say poor Sophie, but she is amazingly strong. She is in love with Evan, and yet, is dedicated to fulfilling her duty. She is a very loyal person, which we also see played out in her relationship with her large family, especially her Yaya. She is also spectacular at her job. She is the kind of person I would want to have for a close friend.

The attraction between Evan and Sophie is absolutely undeniable. You're begging them to figure how to make it work out in a way that will not cost all of them their goals and reputation.

I have read others of Amy's books, and just like those, this one did not disappoint. This will definitely be reread.

I requested and received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[TLynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Marriage of Inconvenience is the third book in the Stop the Wedding! Series. I’ve not read the entire series and this book was great as a stand-alone. It is part of the Heartwarming books and it certainly is heartwarming! The characters were genuine and charming. The storyline was original with a bank robbery and the mystery that goes along with it. It catches your attention and keeps you reading until the end.
Sophia, who is an event planner found herself in a bank robbery where she meets Evan who was able to help her stay calm. They both felt the instant connection and attraction. She thought she had met the man of her dreams only to find out he was engaged. She was heartbroken but resolved to still be professional since this wedding would help their business. Thankfully she had her grandmother to turn to when she was worried and stressed. My heart went out to her because she was so happy and excited after meeting Evan and texting with him. She persevered and arranged the perfect wedding for Evan and his bride.
Evan had agreed to help his best friend Jamie and marry her to help her gain control of her family’s company. He never dreamed he would finally meet a woman who would make him feel like Sophia did. He found himself in a predicament and stuck between his best friend and the woman he loved. At first, I couldn’t understand why Evan leads Sophia on but it slowly started to make sense once I got into the book. He was truly trying to help Jamie, his best friend, and take care of his brother. His options were to back out on his best friend and his promise or hurt the woman he loved.
Overall this was a wonderful book and I really enjoyed it. It was the first book I have read by this author and I’m so glad I discovered her. I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
I received an ARC and am willingly leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you haven't read any of Amy Vastine's Harlequin Heartwarming books, you are missing out. Like the other books I've read by her, A Marriage of Inconvenience was a refreshing escape from the "real" world. Trust me. I'd live in books if I could, and I know many of you feel the same!

Though I sure wouldn't want to be in a bank when a robbery takes place, I'd happily have a sweet, handsome man keep me calm throughout the ordeal. That's just what happens with Sophia and Evan. If you're old enough to remember Alanis Morissette's song "Ironic", you'll know what I'm talking about when I say, "It's meeting the man of my dreams, and then meeting his beautiful wife." Well, thank goodness Evan isn't married...yet. He is engaged though, and Sophia finds this out when Evan walks through her wedding planning business's door...with his fiance! Boom.

I'm sure you know that A Marriage of Inconvenience is a Harlequin Heartwarming book, so don't worry about Sophia too much! She's a strong woman with an amazing grandmother she can turn to when she's sad. Aren't grandmothers great? I love when the older generation are included in books. They've lived long enough to (usually) not care what other people think and to give wise advice and loving comfort. Needless to say, I loved Sophia's grandmother.

Along with Sophia and her grandmother, the whole cast of characters are very well-written. Amy Vastine paints her characters in a realistic light. They've got strengths and weaknesses, and her books contain a great variety of characters.

Once I got started, I couldn't stop reading this book. If you love clean romance, it'll keep you turning the pages too! I highly recommend A Marriage of Inconvenience for its entertaining plot, its array of characters, and its sweet romance. Put this one on your list of books to read soon!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy marriage of convenience stories, both historical and contemporary. This one is slightly different. It is a marriage of convenience between two good friends that will benefit both for awhile. And while there is no passion or true love, they are friends and they really didn't see any way out of their very complicated family and business matters.

But in the very first chapter, in quite an unconventional and terrifying way, Evan meets the love of his life, Sophia. Sophia also has some pretty strong electrifying feelings for Evan, that is until the truth of who he is totally crushes her.

How can Sophia, a wedding planner, plan the wedding of her career when she is in love with the groom? This makes for a heartbreaking dilemma with interesting conversations and actions. On top of that, there is a slight danger thread running through this novel as well.

Both Evan and Sophia were characters I really rooted for. Evan was just really a great guy, a little misguided by nobleness at times, but he was one that Sophia knew was a treasure. She had very mixed feelings and I felt for her. And she was confused at the care and respect Evan had for everyone, including her, that she just couldn't hate him. What was going on? Many secrets needed unraveled.

I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...

[Hallie (Hallie Reads)]

A great twist on the marriage-of-convenience trope!

When wedding planner Sophia Reed meets Evan Anderson, it seems like her luck with men might be turning—of course, until she finds out that he is engaged and she is supposed to plan his wedding. He may not be marrying for love, but the reason does complicate the situation as the feelings between Sophia and Evan cannot help but grow.

A Marriage of Inconvenience by Amy Vastine is a fun romance to read. I enjoyed navigating the challenge of the circumstances with Sophia and Evan, seeing how it all played out amidst the craziness of wedding planning. I am sure that other contemporary-romance readers will have fun with it, too—so add it to your TBR today!

This review is also posted on Hallie Reads.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Rachel DeVaughn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so fun to read from beginning to end. Like Sophia I wanted to be upset with Evan because of the misunderstanding at the beginning of the book, but Evan was such a sweet likable character it was hard to stay mad at him for long.

His relationship with his fiancé Jamie was very complicated and as readers we find out the reason of their convenient engagement throughout the book. I loved seeing his sweet relationship with his special-needs brother Zeke. He was such a sweet, patient guy-always putting others first.

The main women characters were also great! Sophia was a successful party event planner. Jamie the fiancé was also likable even though she came across as no nonsense. Both were successful business women trying to make a name for themselves.

Lots of laughs and groans with all the extended family drama throughout this clean romance book. Highly recommend!

I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

[J.R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave me all the feels, Ms. Vastine.
All of your books do this to me. I'm not sure how you do it, story after story after story, but I'm glad you spin your magic consistently and passionately.
ABSOLUTELY love the way you spun a chance meeting with an engaged (hot) guy in a way that does NOT make him an absolute a**. They way Sophia and Evan's releationship unfolds made me tear up on more than one occasion. (maybe I'm getting sentimental in my old age).
ADORE Fallon. Double dog dare adore YAYA. omg. The Butterscotches!
And, Amy.... ZEKE. Please stop tugging on my heart strings so hard. I love this kid. JFC.
And don't even get me started on the bank robbery mystery you weaved into this.
My heart is so happy. I'll be smiling all weekend.
THANK YOU for these two! LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE.

[Ochegba · Rating 4 out of 5]

Right off the bat, this story pulled me in annd had me rooting for the main characters. Brought together by shared trauma and falling in love at first sight despite not believing it happens, it was fun and really wanted to know how it would all play out considering the fact that Evan was engaged.
From misunderstandings to seeing how it all plays out in the end, I love the way the author fleshed out the story.
It's a fun and enjoyable read that pulls you in from the start and you just have to know how it plays out.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Prism Book Tours. All opinions expressed are solely mine.

[Kate Vale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another in the Stop the Wedding! series, in which wedding planner Sophia Reed meets the groom in what is expected to be the wedding of the year at the bank where he works when it is robbed!

What follows is a tale of approach-avoidance because Evan Anderson doesn't love his bride-to-be, but is willing to through with the wedding when Jamie, his BFF, and the bride-to-be, demands it.

But why does she insist? It's all about her work, her cousin and those robbers who end up both creating problems and solving the one most likely to break Sophie's heart.

A tale worth of applause from first page to last.

[Isis Ray-sisco · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet romance. Though I didn't believe all the decisions each character made. I know I would not have made some of them. I enjoyed it for the most part. I will probably read another book by this author. It only took me so many days because I was only reading a few chapters each night before bed. It is a quick and easy read.

[Alisha Grant · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bank robbery united Evan and Sophie but as a wedding planner Sophie gets a shock that Evan the she's smitten with is getting married. Love Zeke and Yaya. Jamie comes across as focused, willing to say anything to get her way except invest in making her fake relationship work so reaps what she sowed.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://fireandicereads.com/2021/04/a-...

[Sian]

My review of A Marriage of Inconvenience is on my blog.

https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wedding planner falls for the man she is planning the wedding for after
They meet at a bank robbery. This is an enjoyable read about true love, life,l
Work and family.