Left at the Altar Series by Jana Richards with Excerpts & Reviews

Her Best Man

Left at the Altar Series

Book One

Jana Richards

Genre: Humorous contemporary romance

Publisher: Uncial Press

Cover Artist: Judith B. Glad

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Book Description: 

Sarah Stevens experiences a bride's worst nightmare; being dumped at the altar. When she goes on the Caribbean cruise meant to be her honeymoon in order to lick her wounds, she discovers her ex-fiancé has sent his brother, Will Marshall, the former best man, on the cruise as well. Everyone on board thinks they're newlyweds, and Sarah is too embarrassed to set them straight. How is she supposed to share a tiny cabin with a man she barely knows? Even worse, how is she supposed to pretend that she and Will are on their honeymoon? Sarah discovers the best man for her really is the best man.

Excerpt:

“You have a beautiful engagement ring,” Josie commented.

Sarah felt her positive resolve slip a little.  She stared at the ring, uncertain why she still wore it.  Did she miss Brad that much, or was it the idea of being married she missed?

“Thank you,” she said simply, hoping Josie would drop the subject.  Apparently, that was too much to hope for.

“Why is it you and Will don’t wear wedding bands?”

“Josie, that’s really none of our business,” Ted rebuked gently.  He took his bride’s hand and planted a tender kiss on each of her fingers.  “We talked about this, sweetie.  Boundaries, remember?”

Ted’s love for Josie shone in his eyes, despite her lack of tact.  He knew all her foibles, weaknesses and plain old stupidities and he still loved her.  Sarah wondered why someone couldn’t love her like that.  She stared at her engagement ring and thought of the day Brad had given it to her.  She’d been so happy and so hopeful of a wonderful future.  But now all her plans and dreams were gone, her hopes of having a family of her own dashed.  How could he have done that to her?

The sob seemed to come from the pit of her stomach, working its way up her body until it just burst uncontrollably out of her mouth.  She covered her mouth with her hand, shocked by the emotion as well as by the tears flooding out of her eyes.  To her surprise she found herself being drawn into Will’s embrace.  She sniffled against his shirt, embarrassing herself further by getting his shoulder wet.

“It’s okay, Sarah,” he whispered.  In a louder voice she heard him speak to the rest of the group who had stopped in mid-chew to stare at her.

“Sarah’s had a very difficult couple of weeks,” he began.  This was it, she thought.  This was where she got outed as a fake bride.  She sucked in a breath.  If he told the truth would he go to jail?  Would she?

“We don’t have any rings because a few days before the wedding the jewelry store where we purchased our rings burned to the ground.  Our rings were lost and Sarah was devastated.  As you can see, she’s still emotional about it.”

Sarah sniffed against Will’s shoulder.  What?

“Oh Sarah, how awful for you!” Josie said.

“But that’s not everything,” Will continued, his voice taking on a serious note.  Sarah stopped sniveling to listen to what he’d say next.  “The wedding dress she’d ordered was lost in transit.  She had to wear a dress off the rack.”

Josie took in a sharp breath.  “No!”

“But the last straw came when a pipe broke at the hall where our reception was going to be held and the place was flooded.  We had to cancel.”

Again, more ohhs and ahhs sounded around the table.  Where did he come up with these crazy stories?

 Beatrice chuckled. “I’ve heard some wedding disaster stories, but yours take the cake. Don’t worry, Sarah. Someday you’ll look back and laugh, I promise.”

Gladys raised her glass. “Here’s to Sarah

and Will. May their marriage be luckier than their wedding.”

“Hear, Hear.”

Everyone raised his or her glass in a toast. As Sarah wiped her eyes, Will made a toast of his own. “To Sarah. Nothing but blue skies from now on.” He took a drink from his glass, his blue eyes full of compassion, with a hint of humor twinkling under the surface.

Sarah picked up her wineglass. How had he done that? She knew Will’s stories were more about saving his butt than protecting her from humiliation, but still, she’d rather be thought of as the girl whose wedding blew up then the girl who got dumped at the altar. For that she was grateful.

And how had he made her feel so safe and comforted in his arms? She shivered a little, remembering the gentle touch of his hand sliding up and down her back. For that she was less grateful. She was confused enough already about her feelings.

Sarah reluctantly tipped her glass to Will. “To blue skies.”

My Review: 4 1/2 stars
This book started off pretty sad for the characters. I really liked Sarah and her spunk. She leaves on her not-honeymoon nursing what she thinks is a broken heart, but what I think is embarrassment. Then she finds out she's sharing her cabin with her ex-fiance's brother, and things just go from there. This was an entertaining, pretty light-hearted story, with only a few things that got in the way of those feelings. Sarah and Will have to pretend they're newlyweds, and one thing leads to another. I really liked Sarah and Will together. He brought out her playfulness and brought her out of her sell and self-induced isolation. He was good for her, just as she was good for Will. A lot of things happen and Will leaves Sarah believing that his brother and Sarah are getting back together, and he shouldn't stand in the way of that. I'm telling you, communication, people. Maybe he should have asked Sarah what she wanted instead of just assuming. At the end, Sarah is once again left alone to try and figure things out. She does just that, and makes up her mind to fight for what she wants, the only problem is she doesn't know where to find her guy or if he wants her too. 

There Goes the Groom

Left at the Altar Series

Book Two

Jana Richards

Genre: Humorous romantic comedy

Publisher: Uncial Press

Cover Artist: Judith B. Glad

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Book Description: 

Eight years ago Tony left Olivia at the altar. He was sure she didn't really want to marry him. Now he's back, and they're forced to work together.

Coming home isn't easy for Tony, because his father wanted him to work at a trade instead of going off to college. Their relationship is still unsteady. Even before Tony's return, Olivia began questioning the depth of her love for her fiancé, a man she chose because he was safe and reliable. Yet the last thing she wants is a loveless, faithless marriage like the one her parents suffered through.

When Tony, who never stopped loving her, insists her fiancé is the wrong man for her, Olivia sets out to prove him wrong. But the sexual chemistry between them is still strong, and so are her feelings for him. Even so, how can she break her engagement, hurt her fiancé as she was once hurt? And how can she trust Tony not to abandon her as he did before?

If anyone does the jilting this time, she will.

Excerpt:

She was going to faint. Or throw up. Or trip over her dress. Perhaps all three, possibly at the same time.

Olivia Taylor’s legs trembled as she walked up the aisle of the church on her father’s arm, a smile frozen on her face. Was she out of her mind?  She was barely twenty years old. What did she know about marriage?

Olivia amended that thought. In the past few weeks she’d learned more about marriage than she cared to know. She stole a glance at her father, so tall and distinguished, his smile confident and relaxed, as if he didn’t have a care in the world. Olivia shuddered, her limbs shaking with anger. How could he act as if nothing had happened? How could he pretend nothing had changed?

Everything had changed.

Tony stood at the altar looking handsome in his rented tux. Her heart lightened. Her beautiful, wonderful fiancé. She loved Tony DiPietro with all her heart. He was smart, funny, kind, and his touch sent her hormones into overdrive. Tony was everything a potential husband should be.

But did she want to marry him?

Her bouquet quivered in her hand. Where had that thought come from?  Of course she wanted to marry Tony. She loved him and she knew he loved her.

But was love enough? 

She wanted to scream at the little voice in her head to shut up. She forced her smile to shine a little brighter.

Olivia and her father reached the front of the church and her father handed her over to Tony. Tony’s hands were cold and clammy, and she noticed a bead of sweat on his brow. He managed a smile for her and she beamed back at him. Her mother’s voice played in her brain. “Nobody needs to know your world is falling apart.” Olivia felt her smile dim a little.

The minister began the marriage liturgy in a loud, monotone voice, droning on about loving and obeying, forever and ever, Amen. Soon they came to the part where the vows were to be said. Tony and Liv faced each other while the minister recited the vows. Tony repeated the words after him.

“I, Anthony James DiPietro, take you, Olivia Jane Taylor, to be my lawful wedded wife, from this day forward, till death do us part.”

The impact of the words hit Olivia. They were promising to love each other for the rest of their lives. How could anyone make a promise like that? How could she possibly know at twenty how she would feel at forty?

She swallowed and closed her eyes for a moment, thrusting the thought from her mind. All she knew was that she loved Tony. They’d have to figure out this marriage thing as they went along.

Like her parents figured it out?

Something inside Olivia snapped, like an elastic band reaching its breaking point.

What if she and Tony didn’t make it?

The minister continued the liturgy. “Olivia, repeat after me, ‘I, Olivia Jane Taylor—”

“I can’t marry you.”

 My Review: 4 1/2 stars

This was a good story about love redeemed. Eight years ago Tony left Olivia at the altar because of something he saw at the time, but didn't understand. Now, they're in a work situation that's a bit tense because of the feelings that have never been resolved between them. Yeah, Olivia is engaged, but she's not in love. After a few things happen and Tony gets some info about Olivia's fiance, Stuart, Tony announces to Olivia that he has every intention of winning her back. Olivia, has to find out what's happening with her fiance, since he up and left suddenly and isn't returning her calls and doesn't want her to visit. There are a lot of things said and a lot of things done. I loved that Tony realized that he still loved Olivia and that he wanted her back. I was even more glad when they actually sat down and talked about what had happened back then and what was happening now. Olivia and Stuart get things straightened out between them. There still is a wedding date, the question is who is the groom going to be and will the bride even show after a miscommunication between Olivia and the groom? 

Always a Bridesmaid

Left at the Altar series

Book Three

Jana Richards

Genre: Humorous contemporary romance

Publisher: Uncial Press

Cover Artist: Judith B. Glad

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Book Description: 

Dani Dipietro has always considered herself an ugly duckling in a family of swans. She's the bridesmaid her friends count on, but never the woman any man wants for his bride. So she plays the funny girl and guards her emotions, and her secrets, closely.

When Zach Morrison was dumped at his wedding, Dani was there to help him through the humiliation. A year later they meet again and once more Zach needs her help. To fend off the unwanted attentions of his former fiancé, he asks Dani to pretend to be his girlfriend. They play their roles a little too well, and make believe turns into reality. But their relationship comes crashing down around them when Zach's trust issues cause him to accuse Dani of cheating. Telling the truth means Dani will betray a friend, something she will never do. But keeping her secrets means she may be destined to remain a bridesmaid forever.

Her heart cried for him. Zach was a good guy. He didn't deserve the humiliation Chantal had heaped on him. She wanted to tell him how badly she felt for him, wanted to let him know that she would gladly listen if he felt like talking. But their relationship had always been superficial, one that didn't include intimate heart to heart conversations. Offering sympathy would only embarrass him more.

So she'd do what she did best. She'd make him laugh.

"I realize you've had a bad day, but hey, look at me. I got squeezed into a dress that makes me look like an overstuffed Barbie doll. My shoes are killing me, and then to top it all off, the dress from Hell splits across my ass so the whole world can see my underwear."

One corner of Zach's mouth quirked in a brief grin. "Yeah, you've got it all over me. I've only been cheated on and humiliated on my wedding day. For the record, the whole world didn't see your underwear, just me."

She did her best to keep a straight face. "I happen to take my semi-nakedness seriously, even if there's only one person to witness it."

He chuckled, a deep rumbling sound that did funny things to her insides. But despite his laughter, his blue eyes were full of pain. Dani wished there was something more she could do for him.

"Thanks for the loan of the jacket," she said. "Can I hang on to it for a while?"

"Of course. Thank you for providing a diversion."

"Always glad to provide comic relief." She sneered at the neon pink satin spilling out from beneath the tuxedo jacket, while lifting the fabric and dropping it in disgust. "It wasn't a much of a stretch, seeing how I was already dressed like a pink clown."

Zach's lips twitched. "It's certainly an interesting color."

"Please. This pink is bright enough to be visible from space."

He laughed out loud, and she was struck by the warmth of his smile. Once upon a time, she'd had a secret little crush on him. He was way out her league and had been devoted to Chantal, but what red-blooded woman wouldn't lust after a man as handsome as Zach just a little bit, in the privacy of her bedroom?

"The best thing about this dress is that someone else paid for it." Dani was saving her money for something special and nothing was going to stand in her way. "Chantal said she wanted the bridesmaid dresses to make a statement. In my case, the statement was, 'Get a different dress.'"

Hearing his fiancée's name instantly wiped the smile from his face. "She shouldn't have made you wear a dress you felt so uncomfortable in. Don't be so hard on yourself, Daphne."

Her heart fell. "Actually, it's Daniella, Daniella DiPietro. Everyone calls me Dani." She knew this was probably the longest conversation they'd had in their acquaintance, but it still hurt that he didn't remember her name.

He closed his eyes and shook his head. "Of course I know your name. I don't know what's the matter with me. I'm sorry."

"Don't be. You've had a hell of a day. Not as bad as mine of course, but still lousy. It's not a big deal."

"It's a big deal to me. I'm really sorry."

Dani brushed aside his apology with a wave of her hand, trying not to let her disappointment show. She wasn't the kind of woman men remembered. Men remembered women like Chantal, beautiful, tall, slim blondes, with cute little turned up noses. Not short, dark, pudgy women with prominent Italian beaks.

"I should go. Your mother and Camp are waiting for me in the limo. Would you like a ride home with us?"

Zach shook his head. "Thanks, but I think I want to be alone for a while longer. Please tell my mom I'm fine."

"I will," she said. "Can I ask you to do one more favor for me? I promised your mother I'd bring her purse to her, and we both know what'll happen if try to crawl under there again." She pointed to the little beaded bag on the floor beneath the pew.

"Of course." He bent to retrieve it, giving her a close-up and personal view of his gorgeous, tight butt. She swallowed and looked away.

Zach straightened and handed her the bag. "There you go."

"Thank you. How do I get the jacket back to you?"

"Just drop it off at the rental place." He told her the address.

"Okay, I'll do that. Well, I have to go home now and burn this dress. Goodbye Zach."

"Goodbye, Daniella."

It surprised her that he called by her full given name. She blinked and looked into his face. The desolation she saw felt like a punch in the gut. He'd obviously loved Chantal and she'd hurt him deeply. Without thinking, she laid her hand on his arm.

"It's going to be all right."

He placed his hand over hers. Closing his eyes for a brief moment, he took a deep breath. I know. I just…"

Wanting nothing more than to comfort, she wrapped her arms around his waist in a hug. He held her tightly, pulling her against him and burying his face in her neck. Dani inhaled the intoxicating scent of spicy aftershave laced with underlying notes of warm, clean male. How could Chantal treat a wonderful man like Zach this way?

She gently pulled away, keeping him at arm's length. "You're going to get past this, Zach."

"It doesn't feel like it right now."

"I know, but someday, when you're old and grey, you'll be sitting on the front porch with your wonderful wife of fifty years, and you'll say 'Thank Heaven Chantal cheated on me or I never would have met you.'"

He made a sound somewhere between a laugh and a sob. "Fifty years, eh?"

"Trust me."

Some lucky girl would snap Zach up in a minute, and if she was smart, she'd shower him with the love and consideration he deserved.

Some lucky girl, but not me.

Reluctantly, she took a step back. He squeezed her fingers before letting her go. With her heart pounding in her chest, and regret nipping at her heels, she hurried from the church.

Before she did something stupid, like kiss the jilted groom.

My Review: 4 1/2 stars
Damn, I felt so badly for Dani. She is such a great person, and always looking out for others. She had such a poor self body image, and some of her "friends" were all about maintaining that poor image for her. Made me want to slap someone. Big bullies is what they were. I also felt badly for Zach from the beginning. Being left at the altar is going to leave you with some trust and commitment issues. I think by the time he had met Dani again, he would have gotten over some of that. I just couldn't believe what he asked her to help him with, then wouldn't take her word for something. His loss, and boy did he find that out the hard way. Now he's got to find out how to make Dani trust him again, because he finally realized he can't live without her.

What a great series Jana wrote. It may not be all about conventional love, or things starting out in the best way. The thing is the books all ended in the best ways. I loved the same characters being in the books, mostly background until their own book, but it all worked out fine. I have a hard time deciding which of the three books is my favorite because they're all very well done, so I'm not going to decide. I'm just going to enjoy them all. 

About the Author : 

When Jana Richards read her first romance novel, she immediately knew two things: she had to commit the stories running through her head to paper, and they had to end with a happily ever after. She also knew she’d found what she was meant to do. Since then she’s never met a romance genre she didn’t like. She writes contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and historical romance set in World War Two, in lengths ranging from short story to full length novel. Just for fun, she throws in generous helpings of humor, and the occasional dash of the paranormal. Her paranormal romantic suspense “Seeing Things” was a 2008 EPPIE finalist.

In her life away from writing, Jana is an accountant/admin assistant, a mother to two grown daughters, and a wife to her husband Warren. She enjoys golf, yoga, movies, concerts, travel and reading, not necessarily in that order. She and her husband live in Winnipeg with their Pug/Terrier cross Lou and several unnamed goldfish. She loves to hear from readers and can be reached through her website at www.janarichards.com

  

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