Who knew a reality show could actually be real?

Samantha Parker has a plan: rent a quaint cottage, build her career, and be happy. Her plan falters when sexy Nick Ryan literally steals the cottage out from under her and she is forced to live with her friend. Of course, fate couldn’t stop there and now her friend needs her to fill in as a Bachelorette on the Here Come the Brides reality show she is helping to produce. Samantha reluctantly agrees, but is the lure of free rent in a veritable palace enough compensation when she discovers Nick is the Bachelor Prince?

Taking a page from the popularity of reality shows, author Mardi Ballou takes readers behind the scenes of her own version of the Bachelor. This insider perspective captures the competitiveness of the show, but also delves into the emotions of the participants. The cast of characters run the gamut and makes sure that like life, the course to love is not going to run smoothly. Samantha is a straightforward, down-to-earth woman readers will like. Samantha and Nick are a good, romantic match, but they have to learn to trust and let go before things can work. This sets the stage for many touching, authentic scenes. I thoroughly enjoyed the blend of in-your-face comedy of some scenes mixed with the more subtle humor of the characters’ thoughts. Ms. Ballou demonstrates an innate talent for bringing emotion to the forefront with realism and a dose of laughter. You don’t have to be a fan of reality shows to enjoy the romance TV Bride brings to readers.

Reviewed by: Amanda S.