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Exes working together in a wedding business? What could go wrong?

EVIE
Having inappropriate dreams about my ex-husband is problematic. The fact that he’s applied to be the business partner in my wedding business - and is an infuriatingly savvy businessman - is even more so. 

Our marriage ended because we were both more married to our jobs than each other, but now I can barely look at Lincoln without imagining him naked. How the hell am I supposed to work with him?

LINCOLN
My ex-wife, Evie - aka Evil (thank you, random autocorrect) - runs the most successful bridal shop in the whole of the Finger Lakes region and she needs a business partner. Happy coincidence because I need a steady income. ASAP. 

I also need to stop noticing Evie’s curves. And her smile.  And everything about her that makes me want a second chance.

ebook

Published April 27, 2022

4 people are currently reading
234 people want to read

About the author

Brenda St. John Brown

22 books495 followers
Brenda is a USA Today bestselling author living in the English countryside. Originally from New York, she's lived in the UK long enough to gain dual citizenship, but still doesn’t understand Celsius. However, she has learned the appropriate use of the word “pants”. And how to order a proper bacon bap/barm/buttie. Because, well, bacon.

Brenda writes contemporary romance to make you giggle and swoon. When she’s not writing, she enjoys hiking, running and reading. In theory, she also enjoys cooking, but it’s more that she enjoys eating and, try as she might, she can’t live on Doritos alone.

For more information or to connect with Brenda visit http://brendastjohnbrown.com/

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
Profile Image for Krishika ( Dramatic Booknerd ).
479 reviews12 followers
April 3, 2022
Such a cute, fun and lighthearted romance novel. I really love second chance stories and this one was done really good!!

Evie and Lincoln were so adorable together!! The longing, the chemistry and the tension was so good. Also, I really liked the fact that there was no unnecessary drama and dragging of the plot. A simple, fun read. The side characters and their casual teasing was great too.

Although I felt the ending was a bit abrupt, the story as a whole was great. From easy writing style to relatable characters, this is a good romance story.

Thank you so much for providing the ARC 💖
Profile Image for Mindy Diegel.
519 reviews7 followers
April 3, 2022
Lincoln and Evie, what a fun story. Getting to meet and get acquainted with all the family members and other staple members of their cute little town they call home. It is just fabulous, Lincoln’s brothers are all very different but keep him very grounded as he tried to figure out this next stage in life as they try to deal with the family drama. I just love that Lincoln and Evie are still so attracted to each other it’s crazy, and they are trying to figure out how to work together. As they navigate their new work relationship and uncover all their old wounds they figure out maybe they got it wrong the first time. I just love this couple and this town and I can not wait to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Louise - romance.movies.and.books.
279 reviews9 followers
April 2, 2022
This book ticks everything I expect when reading a romance book.

This book will have you hooked. The chemistry between Evie and Lincoln was spot on. Once they can sort out their past they can work on their future.

Friends and family are also part of this book. Sit back and get comfortable as you cannot put this book down.

I was lucky enough to get an arc of this book by the author.
993 reviews5 followers
April 3, 2022
Evie and Lincoln didn't work out when they were married but their lives become intertwined when it comes to business. Mistakes were made in the past and now it's time to fix those mistakes. This second chance romance was sweet and so perfect!
Profile Image for Suze Prescot.
Author 12 books31 followers
April 4, 2022
I loved this story. Evie and Lincoln got divorced, not because they fell out of love, but because they drifted apart; now she needs a partner for her wedding business and he wants a job. This is full of fun, with bridezillas and teasing brothers, as well as the gradual process of the two main characters realising how they truly feel.
Profile Image for Arceli.
1,584 reviews10 followers
May 10, 2022
This book is really good. The romance between the two main characters is really awesome. I love it. The steamy scenes were awesome.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sarah W.
105 reviews5 followers
April 15, 2022
Thank you to Brenda for the ARC of this book - this is my honest review.

It’s difficult reviewing an ARC you aren’t wild about, and I do seem to be the only one so far who is giving less than 4 stars. I just didn’t have any feelings for Lincoln or Evie, I found them both bland and really couldn’t work out why they’d ever got divorced. Sad to say I found it an average read. If it was the only book of Brenda’s I’d read I’d probably not bother with any others , but I have read and loved everything else written and will give the next in the series a go with an open mind.
3,466 reviews42 followers
April 12, 2022
Lincoln and Evie used to be married but they haven't seen each other for years. It's not that they started hating each other or lost the physical spark, he relationship just shrivelled and died because of lack of communication. He spent a lot of time living from a suitcase for his consulting job, and whenever he was home she was probably busy with her bridal business. They barely talked about anything, he got the impression she didn't want his feedback for her business concerns and he never even complained about going to work on Monday morning so she had no idea that he hated that he had to travel so much. Now Lincoln is back in town to help care for his ailing father. He's lost his previous job, and finds out that Evie is hiring. Could this be their second chance? But Evie keeps dropping deep dark hints that she has some sort of deep dark secret that she was hiding from Lincoln while they were married, and at some point I was a little annoyed by that as she keeps the reader in suspense for almost as long as Lincoln is unaware. I am thinking that my impatience might be a character flaw. (No, I didn't skip ahead.)

I liked the characters and how they managed to stay so amicable and cooperative despite old hurts and occasional snippy comments. The lack of communication during their first attempt at togetherness sounded quite extreme and I was hoping they would address the issue of not-talking and how to fix it in the future a little more forcefully and deliberately. But they didn't talk about it, beyond some apologies and promising to do better. Of course the situation is rather different on the second round as they will inevitably spend more time together.

Something that I didn't understand is why Lincoln's brothers question why Evie didn't contest the divorce and agreed to end the relationship due to irreconcilable differences. What the heck? Why should she have hung on to someone who said he wanted out of the marriage?

The writing flows well and the dialogue is quite cute and funny. There is some sexual content. A short prequel Along for the Bride is also available. It describes the first time Evie and Lincoln bump into each other after all those years, and how Lincoln comes to overhear a confession that embarrasses Evie.

Series status: Looks like there will be more books about Lincoln's brothers. Evie's family is not a thing here but she does have a currently single friend. .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Nicola.
423 reviews
April 28, 2022
Bride and Tested is the first book in Brenda St. John Brown's new series Bennett Brothers Bridal and is Lincoln and Evie's sweet second chance story.
Evie has her own wedding business called Bennett's Bridal and is in need of a business partner so she can expand her business, but imagine her surprise when she has a proposal, a very good proposal from her ex-husband!
Understandably Evie's first response is no, definitely no but after reading through his proposal she cannot deny he's the best candidate by far. So what's a girl to do? Give Lincoln her most difficult bride and hope that the bridezilla will be enough to run him off!
But Evie's plan doesn't go the way she was hoping it would, Lincoln has surprised her and things have turned out great with his bride. And even more confusing is how much she looks forward to their interactions, whether that is in person or on the phone.
"The truth is, I'm still wildly attracted to my ex-husband, and I'm scared. Of my reaction. Of my attraction. And of what happens if he reciprocates either."
Evie cannot fall for her ex-husband again can she? Surely if it didn't work out the first time around it definitely won't work the second time?...Right?
Read Bride and Tested now to find out if Lincoln and Evie get their second chance at a happily ever after!
I really enjoyed Bride and Tested, it is a light, quick read that I couldn't put down! I cannot wait for the next book in this incredible series!
I received an arc of Bride and Tested and I am voluntarily leaving my review.
3,741 reviews43 followers
April 15, 2022
💞Warm, light, not too angtsy second chance 👰

4-4.5🌟 stars
I really enjoyed Lincoln and Evie Bennett's second chance story centered around Evie's wedding planning business in Upstate New York. It had some fun secondary characters like the members of Lincoln's family, and a good concept for the revival of the romance between these two exes. I found the prequel Along for the Bride (unfortunately I don't see this widely available at present) really set the stage for a quick start to the action here.

The writing is great, easy to follow and with just the right balance of description versus action and dialogue. I thought the author could have incorporated a bit more whimsy in some of the interactions between characters, especially with six year old Izzy in the mix, though zaniness was not necessary to make it a good read. And I did smile at Izzy's attempt to escape a visit to cranky granpa😊.

This was a lovely escape romance. Worries are faced and even potential bridezilla Brooke succumbs to Lincoln's earnest efforts to get her excited about a local wedding!

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
1,910 reviews7 followers
April 28, 2022
Light and frothy but ultimately lacking

The blurb tells you everything you need to know about this second chance romance. Evie and Lincoln divorced amicably but when they meet again, the love that never went away flares between them.
I've read Brenda's Castle Calder series and really enjoyed them but they had much more depth to them than this book has. This was light and frothy, notwithstanding Lincoln's dad is unwell and Evie had kept something from Lincoln when they were married, and was very predictable at every turn.
There is nothing wrong wth this book and I'm sure most people will love it but I was disappointed because I was expecting much more. I was dithering about my rating, honestly, thinking it was a two and a half star read but eventually decided to round up to three purely because of the other characters.
The best things about this book were Evie's best friend and Lincoln's brothers. I found them more interesting and compelling than the reunited lovebirds. If I hadn't loved Gage so much, bless him, I wouldn't be continuing with the series but as it is, I'm looking forward to Bride And True.
Profile Image for Amelia.
43 reviews2 followers
April 20, 2022
Such a fun book, it's my first by Brenda, and I already can't wait for the second instalment.
Evie is a wedding planner, and while she is great at planning others big days, she was less great at keeping her marriage working. However the blame wasn't fully on her, her ex husband Lincoln was also to blame.
Evie is looking to expand her business and Lincoln needs the money to help pay for his dads care so anonymously submits a proposal to be a partner in the business.
I engaged with both characters immediately, while writing this review my predictive text has also changed evie into Evil (if you read the book you'll get it). I also understand the price of care nowadays for loved ones so that struck an extra chord with me.
I found myself falling in love more and more with each page, the added little preview of the next book was also just enough to leave me wanting even more.
Give this a book a chance, and I dare you to not fall in love with Evie and Lincoln too.
Profile Image for Trace.
122 reviews3 followers
Read
April 24, 2022
This is a wonderful book about Lincoln and Evie falling back in love after a divorce. The only reason they divorced in the first place was because they stopped trying in their marriage.
Lincoln wants to be Evie's business partener because he need the money to pay for his father's medical bills. He is unemployed and thought this was a wonderful idea.
Evie is running a very successful Bridal shop but needs more help with the business side of the shop.
There is 2 people vying for the job so Evie sets up a competion between the two.
Lincoln completly amazes her and she realizes that she is having feelings about him inclucing naughty dreams .lol
They do a lot of talking and confessing about their marriage and why they divorced. In the end it all worked out.
Wonderful read and can't wait for Gage's story.
Profile Image for TheLazyCatLady .
368 reviews9 followers
April 27, 2022
This book is a warm hearted second chance romance for Evie and Lincoln. They were married before but for reasons at the time they divorced. I don't think either of them really got over the other; they just thought they had.

Now here they are together again under different circumstances but the chemistry is still strong. Evie and Lincoln are really darling together. There wasn't a lot angst and drama. It was a slow rediscovery of what they once had.

The side characters were a an added bit of entertainment, especially Izzy and Lincoln's family.

This was a story of pure romance. Well written with cute dialog and believable easy to follow plot. And it was all neatly tied up with a romantic HEA. If you are looking for a happy heartwarming story to cuddle up with, you can't go wrong with Bride and Tested.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.7k reviews362 followers
April 27, 2022
Evie and Lincoln's Second Chance . . .

Evie and Lincoln had been married and now were divorced. Evie has a very successful wedding business and needs a business partner to work with her. Unfortunately, her ex-husband Lincoln, who is a very talented businessman, wants to become her business partner. But working with him easily brings back old feelings (the good ones) and could make this an uncomfortable partnership.

Lincoln needs a dependable job with a steady income, and Evie’s wedding business is perfect for him. He can be a true asset to her business. But he can’t stop thinking about her in a non-business way. Would it make sense to try for a second chance with her? Or would any lingering issues derail any attempt to start over?

This is a very comfortable read with likable characters who will keep a smile on the reader’s face. Grab your copy and enjoy!
14 reviews1 follower
May 10, 2022
Evie and Lincoln had divorced four years ago and then ran into each other outside of her shop where Lincoln overheard Evie talking to her best friend Mika about a sex dream she had about him. She is very embarrassed. Lincoln has moved back to town to help his brothers take care of his sick dad. When he sees Evie has put an add in the paper for a business partner, he sees it as the best solution to help his family with their financial medical struggles to take care of his father. Is there any way he can convince Evie to take him on as a business partner despite their marriage ending in divorce? This was such a good book. The chemistry between the characters was amazing. This was the first book I have read by Brenda St. John Brown, but it won't be the last.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for RedReviews4You Susan-Dara.
800 reviews25 followers
April 24, 2022
Bride and Tested was a delightful read and had a great take on the theme of a my ex is still my love... now how can I get `em back story. If you are looking for a fun read with great characters and snappy dialogue -- not to mention a good first book in a series -- you can be sure of a good start there. Although this is part of a series, and you are introduced to characters that I'm sure will appear in their own books later in the series, this book is a self contained HEA that is a satisfying read by itself. I look forward to the next book in the series and will defiantly be back to see where Brown takes this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
259 reviews4 followers
April 24, 2022
I was honoured to receive an advanced copy of this book and this is my honest review.

I won this advanced copy in a competition and was the first time I have come across her work. At the start of each chapter most authors would put the name of the character as to whose point of view it is but in this book it was either a picture of a suit or a bridal dress - these were really sweet. Lincoln & Evie have been divorced for 4 years but due to circumstances Lincoln wants to become partner in Evie's business. As they work alongside eachother as a trial period sparks are starting to reignite between them both. Only problem is that they are both hiding some big secrets.... Can they overcome this obstacle?

As this was a new author to me I would definitely read some more from this author.
1,465 reviews3 followers
April 27, 2022
Bride and Tested is fun and Flirty!

Lincoln and Evie divorced four years ago. They were married to their jobs more than to each other. Now that Lincoln is back in town, he needs to help his family out. But without a job and little opportunities available, he goes after the one business he should not. Evie is needing a business partner and when her ex walks in with a proposal, she cannot help to wonder what he can bring to the table.

This story is light and fun. Not a lot of drama but lots of laughs. Lincoln’s family stole the story and Evie’s best friend was right there with them. If you love small town, second chance, slow burning chemistry, this story is for you. I love that there is more to come from this family.
260 reviews3 followers
April 16, 2022
Oh wow I’m in love.

Lincoln and Evil, no I mean Evie, no worries autocorrect is not going to ruin this review, are so cute. Exes and second chances are great when it’s done right and this book is perfect.

You get all the attraction, all the good memories, all the longing, the regrets and the kiss and make up you need. It’s a treat to get both sides of the story. I wasn’t sure why they even got divorced and as it turns out, they should have worked just as hard with their marriage as their careers.

I love when friends and family are super supportive and able to ask all the hard questions.It’s a great start to a new series and I can’t wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Maria.
1,750 reviews8 followers
April 29, 2022
WOW - this was GREAT! This is the first book I have read from this author and I love the Bennett brothers already! Okay, this was about Lincoln and his ex Evie, who owns her bridal boutique and wedding planning business. Lincoln and her divorced because they were both focused on their careers but she kept a secret from him and he kept one from her, but overall they were able to see this through. Now I wonder if Gage is next - he is funny along with his other brother Eli and their father is something else too.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Mindy Lopez.
2,300 reviews13 followers
May 14, 2022
This is Book 1 in the Bennett Brothers Bridal Series by this author. It is a lighthearted second chance romance between divorced couple, Lincoln and Evie. These flawed but likeable characters and the unique plot make for an enjoyable read. Once they reconnect, it is a romantic journey with some drama, steam, unexpected twists, and passion, plus appealing secondary characters to keep the reader interested. The main characters share an undeniable chemistry and connection. An engaging page turner with a happy ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
5,665 reviews63 followers
June 23, 2022
Lincoln and Evie are workaholics but failed to work on their marriage and it fell apart. Years later, her bridal shop business is huge and he comes to apply for the business partner position, needing extra cash for a family issue. The characters are terrific as they go through all the emotions and feelings, along with their backstories. The storyline is well done with plenty of drama, secrets, steam, support, close family and friends and much more. Great ending and intro into the next book - a wedding cake issue. Love it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Toni.
74 reviews3 followers
April 25, 2022
This book was full of so much love I adored it. What happens to a relationship that seemed so perfect when communication goes by the waysides end though you still love the person? A divorce. Now add time since that event to the equation but you are looking through the eyes of someone who can now see the feelings might still be there and love was never the issue. This second chance romance story was so sweet and I didn’t want to put it down. I cannot wait for more books from this family!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,970 reviews30 followers
April 26, 2022
I quite enjoy second chance romances, especially when there’s been a relationship as deep as marriage because it means the characters have known each other quite well and are genuinely working through changes in who they are as individuals and who they are as a couple.

I liked Lincoln and Evie, the lead characters, because of all of this and, particularly, because their separation was not animosity filled, it was lovely to see them come back together. The backdrop of a bridal business was cute.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,386 reviews7 followers
April 26, 2022
This book is a sweet second Chance romantic comedy. The characters Evie and Lincoln is ex husband and wife. Evie runs a bridal shop and she needs a business partner to help her. And here comes Lincoln her ex-husband to help her out he also need income coming in. The more times Evie and Lincoln work together they won their should they give a self a chance for happiness should I start over what things do. Well you have to find out .

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
705 reviews7 followers
April 27, 2022
Evil and Lincoln have been divorced for a few years - it was not a “bad” divorce, they just grew apart. But now Lincoln is back in their small town and he wants the opportunity to invest in Evie’s successful bridal business. Spending time together drags up a lot of old feelings - is a second chance worth the risk?

This book is setting up a few more in the series. I really liked the characters and the writing was great. They felt like people you would be friends with. I look forward to reading to reading the next one!

I read an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Michele Richardson.
664 reviews4 followers
April 29, 2022
Oh, Lincoln Bennett! He is the oldest of the three Bennett brothers and has come home to help care for his sick dad. While home, he needs a job to help pay his dad's medical bills. What better than partnering up with his ex-wife Evie at Bennett brides? They had an amicable divorce, and the chemistry is still there. I enjoyed watching them get close and rekindle their relationship. This was a very good story with a lot of heart and more healing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Melinda Swaine.
2,419 reviews12 followers
April 29, 2022
Brenda St John Brown definitely did not disappoint with Bride and Tested and has once again delivered an incredible story filled with everything that I have come to love and expect in a Brenda St John Brown romantic comedy! Ms Brown has once again provided her readers with the amazing characters, that I have come to love and expect in her books. I loved reading every moment on every page and could not put it down. I look forward to reading more by this amazing author in the future. Happy reading everyone!
Profile Image for Amy.
500 reviews8 followers
April 30, 2022
This was amazing! It was a very sweet story. I loved Evie and Lincoln so much. Lincoln's brothers were great as well and definitely provided a lot of laughs. It was sad to see the reasons that Evie and Lincoln didn't work out when they were married. They loved each other very much, and still do, but they let life and their jobs come first. They both have so many regrets. I loved seeing them come back together.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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