| Title | : | Last Call (Cocktail, #4.5) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1476766762 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781476766768 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 135 |
| Publication | : | First published January 6, 2015 |
Simon and Caroline are back for another round of baking, banging, and big life changes. Settling in, but never settling down, Caroline has finally struck a balance between the professional and the personal. As one of the top interior designers in San Francisco, she travels all over Northern California between nook time with Simon.
Perpetual globetrotter Simon has cut his frequent flyer miles in half over the last year, preferring to balance his professional and personal life, as well.
The next step in their lives seems preordained—toasts, veils, and the aisle of rose petals. But when an accident on a photo shoot in Southeast Asia brings Caroline the most terrifying phone call she could ever imagine, she has to ask whether “till death do us part” is a more realistic prospect than faces most couples.
It’s been a grand adventure, and Caroline and Simon wouldn’t go out without the best surprise ending ever. One part sexy, one part laughter, a dash of exotic locales, and one pink nightie, mixed with passion, and you’ve got Last Call. Served with a side of Clive.
Last Call (Cocktail, #4.5) Reviews
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It has been a long time since I read 'Wallbanger', but I was looking forward to seeing what the future held in store for Caroline and Simon. They stood out in my memory as being one of my favorite couples for their witty banter and humorous antics. Unfortunately, I think that I let too much time pass and the novelty has worn off.
Admittedly, I did skip ahead in this series. I never took the time to read the second, third or fourth books in the series, which were the spin-off stories of their friends. That proved to be somewhat important to fully enjoy this book. I thought that I could just skip the friends' stories to get back to Simon and Caroline, I was wrong. Their friends and their relationships proved to me a significant part of this story.
Despite feeling lost for the first quarter or so of the book - totally my fault - I did enjoy this book as a whole. Once the focus shifted from the friends to Caroline and Simon, I found myself enjoying the tamer version of the couple that I remembered. The dynamics of their relationship were greatly changed, from adversarial to blissfully happy, but it was sweet.
All in all, it was a nice, sweet book. It had the feel of an extended epilogue for Simon, Caroline and their friends, providing closure and the HEAs that readers crave. There was nothing that ripped my heart out or made me feel intense emotions, but it was nice. Sometimes, you just need a nice, predictable read with a HEA. This book delivered on that account. -
*****FIVE STARS*****
{BR with Mel, Dee, Sharon, and Wendy}
This is a bittersweet moment for me.
I have truly LOVED the "Wallbanger" series and although this last book wraps up everything nicely for Simon, Caroline, their friends, and Clive, I am so very sad to have to say goodbye to these wonderful characters that will forever have a piece of my heart.
Alice Clayton managed to make this final chapter to the story of "Nightie Girl" and "Wallbanger" just absolutely FABULOUS. I can't count how many times I busted out laughing so hard my sides hurt and a couple of times I even shed a few tears.
Caroline and Simon's closest friends are starting to settle down. Ryan and Mimi are getting married. Sophie and Neil are expecting their first child. Viv and Clark have a son and another baby on the way. The two are starting to think of the future and what their next step should be.
I love how Alice Clayton can write about a subject that is out of every day life and make it so incredibly funny but meaningful as well. We all did or will go through this process where we witness our friends from our youths getting married and starting families and I tell you at times it's surreal. I could relate to Caroline so well in this book.
Simon was as usual, incredibly sexy and just damn near perfect. I loved Caroline's strength and her ability to see what was truly important and I admired her in the end. AND, thank you Ms Clayton for the honorable mentions of my other two favorite characters that you created in the "Redhead" series!! I got extremely giddy when references were made to Jack Hamilton and Grace Sheridan!! It was like sticking a pretty bow on top of a beautifully wrapped present!! WELL DONE!!
If you haven't read the Wallbanger series, I would be very shocked and also would highly recommend picking this one up! It's guaranteed to make you laugh out loud and delivers just the right amount of steam. -
4 stars!
Fans of Wallbanger will love this novella/epilogue. It was sweet, sassy, sexy and funny just like the original! Not only is it a wonderful conclusion to Caroline and Simons story, but you lots from the other characters and whats going on in their lives as well!
Everyones lives seem to be moving forward. Some friends are getting married, some friends are having babies, but what is to come of Simon and Caroline? Neither one ever thought they would be the marrying type, the lets settle down and pop out some babies type, but things change. People change. Will things for this couple change? You’ll have to read and find out ;)
I love all of Simon and Caroline’s adventures. I love their back and forth banter and their humor. This novella was definitely a win for me. It reminded me of all the reasons I loved the first book so much.
I always felt like Wallbanger ended a little too quickly with no real epilogue, so thank you Alice Clayton for giving us this treat!
“You realize you own me, don’t you, Nightie Girl?”
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5 Caroline "Pink Nightie Girl," and Simon "Wallbanger" STARS
Such an amazing book!! Simon and Caroline will always be one of my favorite book couples!! The truth is I really missed them and I was so glad when I saw this book!! I loved the way Simon and Caroline's story ended! It was absolutely fantastic!! Just like the previous books in this series, this one is funny, sexy, sweet and so swoony!!!
Caroline and Simon continue their life with their friends. First we have Mimi's wedding and then Sophia's baby. With all this happening around them, Caroline starts to wonder if she wants to go in for the next level of her relationship with Simon.This finally happens and Caroline and Simon get engaged. But when an unexpected accident happens..Caroline will start to think what is really important for her..
I don't know where to start.. Mimi and Ryan, Sophia and Neil, I loved seeing them be happy all together! Caroline with Simon are more in love than ever! Their relationship is of the charts!! I loved their playful, funny and sexy moments!!! I couldn't stop smiling and swooning all the time!!! And of course I can't forgot Clive and his girls :)) this cat is simple amazing!!!
I am very sad that this series has finally come to an end. A fantastic series that everybody should read!!! If you are looking for something funny and sweet this is exactly what you need!!!
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4 Wedding Blues Stars
(Yes, this is Clive)
After being together for some time and having a family of four cats, Simon decides to take the leap and ask Caroline hand in marriage.
And then begin the weeding preparations… that makes everyone (especially the mothers) go crazy and somewhere along the craziness they begin the loose perspective in what is really important.
Until and event forces them to re-evaluate everything again and make them remember that a wedding isn’t the day… is spending the whole life together with the person you choose.
This was a romantic, sexy and absolutely hilarious short story, just as Alice Clayton got us used to.
For those who are a fan of this series, or just fans of Caroline and Simon (like me) this is a book you can’t miss.
An amazing end to this series! -
4.5 If Simon Can't be Mine Stars
* * * * 1/2 Spoiler Free-A 2015 Review
It is no secret... I love Simon... no, not just as a Book Boyfriend... I mean I really love Simon...please see my unabashed love letter to him here:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
But because I am a grown-up and understand I cannot have everything I want in life... I was very pleased to know he was in good hands with the woman he fell for, Caroline. Not only was she devoted to him and appreciated him for who he was... they had a budding relationship based on friendship as well as a smokin' attraction for one another and neither one allowed the other to hide when they needed to confront serious issues. In other words... I could deal because I felt all was ok in their world.
One of the other things I loved about Simon's new life was all the interaction of friends... his childhood buddies, her gal pals, and boss and how the co-mingling worked to everyone's benefit... New relationships were formed...everyone got along... it was a group of people we all wanted to be a part of...
Well, it has been a while and all of these couples have been growing... and maturing. People are having babies... getting married and just living the new real dream... every day. Caroline and Simon are there... participating in weddings and births and together, they are seeing the big picture for their lives... it is there just waiting to be captured... framed and hung on a cozy wall in their home... things are happening...
This book has it all... we follow not only Carolin and Simon but all the other couples from the series. There is banter, snark and out and out giggles... There are setups during weddings and birthing which ring true from real life... but then there are moments you wish you were having yourself.
Clayton has a way of pacing and giving you just enough of the sweet and balances out with the real. Her characters have epiphanies... they have moments where all of what is important...allowing all the BS of weddings to fade away; of distance to disappear... of whatever may be holding them back from what they really want to clear so they can achieve their heart's desire...
I have read many "last books of series"... some can be good... some leave you wanting more because they missed the mark... This was just like Simon for me... it was sexy, smart, heartfelt, and cool... It also had Clive making sure everyone stayed on their A-game... because we all know Clive don't play...after all... He is the Man...
Fantastic Buddy Read with Sharon, Patty, Dee & MELISSA!
Wallbanger (Cocktail, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Rusty Nailed (Cocktail, #2)
Screwedrivered (Cocktail, #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Mai Tai'd Up (Cocktail, #4)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Last Call (Cocktail, #4.5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
One More Round (Cocktail, #4.6)
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
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Oh, how fun it was to catch up with Simon and Caroline again. This couple started off
Alice Clayton's Cocktail series with the first installment:
Wallbanger (which remains my personal favorite of the series BTW), and they've proved in this novella that they still have amazing chemistry together.
Last Call was funny, sexy, and surprisingly emotional as a major event had me holding my breath in suspense. Overall, a very enjoyable revisit with memorable characters in an even more memorable series. Check it out!
My favorite quote:
“Kissing him a final time, I told him I loved him and I’d see him in two weeks. No one ever tells you to remember these moments. To photograph them in your mind, develop them into memories, to have them easily accessible and on instant recall when you’d need them later. To try and replay and re-create the last time you see someone.” -
Everything is going wonderfully for the Wallbanger and his Nightie Girl but it's hard not to get caught up in their friend's whirlwinds. Still...there is a certain progression.
I do admit that I read the first book of this series just because I had heard it was a Twilight fan fiction. So, I was thrilled with AC's dedication to all things Edward! ~Sigh~ "Because . . . Edward Cullen."
But there's a certain sadness that comes with reading the last book of a series especially one that ends with your favorite couple. It certainly doesn't make things better that it's only a novella. But hats off to AC for making it end so well...even if she had a little help from that notorious Clive!
We get updates on everyone and I do mean everyone! Couples getting married to couples not getting married...couples having their first baby to couples having their next baby. That's right...gotta blame those Superman sperm for that one! ;)
Caroline and Simon are just going with the flow...being there for their friends and enjoying their work. And even taking that next step...they couldn't be happier. That is, until Simon goes on a working trip to Vietnam.
But as always, things work out for the best...and in this case, it really was for the best. I loved how everything came together for Simon and Caroline.
And the ending? Well...there goes that Clive again! =^..^=
Favorite quotes:
♥ “I can’t believe you ate cake while I did that to you.”
♥ “I can’t believe . . . you’re going to be . . . Simon . . . Reynolds . . .”
♥ “Caroline, I’m so glad you’re here. But why’d you bring so many leprechauns?”
♥ “Caroline? You want to tell me something?”
A longer pause . . .
“So, Simon. Funny story . . .”
♦ BR w/Melissa, Patty, Dee & Wendy -
4 Me And My Simon Stars!
(BR with Sharon, Patty, Dee & Wendy)
This fabulous book was about weddings, engagements, babies, friendships, love, &...cake! ;))
-"This cake is terrific." (I just laughed so hard at how Sophia ate her cake.)
Simon & Caroline are still very much in love & enjoying their life together in Sausalito with their cats. As usual studly Clive cracks me up! The couple is busy with all their friends & we get more of all the other couples as well as they are all in different stages of their lives with marriages, pregnancies & engagements.
We get a bit of angst & plenty of Simon sexy time! Simon is up to his wallbanging ways as usual. The book is Alice Clayton at her best. Full of humor and hotness!
It was a great end to a fantastic series. I really enjoyed all the books, but still my #1 favorite thing about this series is my sweet, sexy, loveable...
-Simon was my world. -
Perfect. Sexy, romantic, funny - just adorable!! I will miss Simon so much!!! So sad that it's over now - but I can't wait what Alice will come up with next :)
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"Simon and Caroline are back for another round of baking, banging, and big life changes."
OH YEAH!!!! MORE WALLBANGER AND PINK NIGHTIE GIRL!!!!!!! I AM SO EXCITED!!!!
I CAN JUST SEE MYSELF LAUGHING LIKE NEVER BEFORE!!!! SO HAPPY!!!!
And....MORE CLIVE!!!
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****4.5 Banging Stars****
(BR with Patty, Mel, Sharon and Wendy)
This cute and short novella was the beautiful conclusion to one of my favorite books ever, The Wallbanger.
I'm such a sucker for a perfect happy ending and this one was simply darling...
Caroline and Simon have happily settled into their new home and everything is going well, until it seems like life around them is moving at a very fast pace. Their close friends are either getting married or having babies and Caroline starts to wonder if Simon and her are ready to head in that direction too. This very funny story is about being in love but sometimes getting too caught up with the little things in life and missing out on the big picture, the important things in life that sometimes we take for granted.
So ladies and gentleman Alice Clayton has done it again, delivering a super romantic story loaded with all her signature characters in a hilarious plot where even the pets are awesome. Great Little book no one should miss out... -
I am snooping around like crazy 😂😂 they have another book!!!!!
Looks like my weekend will be full of cocktail 😍😍😍
P.S- Caroline's cat Mr. Clive will there right 😂😂😂?
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“You’re really going to want to hold on for this one, Nightie Girl.”
I was glad to be back to Simon and Caroline's world. I was so happy to know what Clive was up to.
The story was Hilarious, romantic and sweet.
I only have one complaint. When the twist happens and things got pretty interesting and sweet and funny and you just want to keep reading because you want to experience that with Simon and Caroline . . . . That's when the novella ends.
I hope there's a short story coming soon. I knew I was saying goodbye to them, but after reading "Last Call" I can't say goodbye. I NEED MORE! I DEMAND MORE!
By the way, Alice, you killed me with "This book is dedicated to Edward Cullen. Because . . . Edward Cullen" I LOVED THAT!
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OMFG, I was so ridiculously happy to be back with Simon "Wallbanger" Parker and Caroline "Nightie Girl" Reynolds, I may have done a little happy dance when I opened the book. And I don't regret it, because my excitement was well and truly warranted.
Caroline and Simon are more in love than ever, and with their friends settling down and starting families, it seems like the future is set in stone. Surely it's only a matter of time before they say "I do" and make it official...right?
But when a terrifying phone call proves that the future can change at any minute, Caroline is forced to confront her fears - and decide exactly what she wants, then make it happen.
I have loved each and every book and couple in the Cocktail series, but Simon and Caroline will always be, in my opinion, the best and the funniest. And Last Call shows exactly why.
Their playful banter is funny and charming, and had this reviewer chuckling loudly many a time. Their sweet, tender moments are the stuff of fantasy, making my heart beat faster and my smile grow to a mile wide. Their sexy time is um, well, sexy even if it isn't as graphic as some books out there. In fact, the nature of their dirty times is part of what makes it so flippin' good. Their chemistry is off-the-charts, so I don't need every single detail. It just works.
Alice Clayton rewards readers of this series with glimpses of the other, beloved Cocktail couples. And that's just plain awesome. But the best part of all? Seeing the original couple - the ones that started it all, the ones that connect all these amazing books - grow together, love together and get a perfect HEA... Oh, and having one more chance to get inside the feline mind of the hilarious Clive the cat. That cat is worth the cost of the book alone.
Last Call is book 4.5 in the Cocktail series. It's the continuation of Simon and Caroline's story, so reading books one and two will get you up-to-date. No cliffhanger. ~ Beth, 5 stars (plus an extra 5 for Clive's epilogue alone) -
This book was just great I m gutted its over but overall I was ......
I m delighted we got more of Simon an Caroline I've luvd there story from book 1 wallbanger an what a book that is but we got 2 c them more of everyone in book the story was told from Caroline so we got more of them woo hoo
The book went through al there friends happy endings there was a lil drama but good drama we had mimi's wedding an sophia have her baby al these things had Caroline thinkin that she wants this with Simon she was freaking out less an that was a good thing a few things happened between Caroline an simon that scared me well it was 1 really but it was still scary
We got more of Clive now with his 3 lil girlfriends tagging along which I just find adorable he goes missin an comes back with a gang luv it
We got more of Caroline an Simon's hotness 2gether which it alway good God there great 2gether alway hot an steamy there just meant 2 b
Great series great characters and great stories xxx
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“I loved sweet and slow Wallbanger, but I loved Wallbanger Wallbanger the best!”
Sadly it’s time to say goodbye to one of my favourite series.
Wallbangeris one of my all-time favourite books, and the follow ups have all been fantastic reads! Alice Clayton is the queen of funny, romantic and sexy. I’ve had so much fun reading these books!
And now it’s back to Simon and Caroline, who started it all, and it was so fantastic to be back with these characters that I love so much. The story is told entirely from Caroline’s POV as she and Simon watch their friends move on to the next stages in their lives – weddings, engagements and babies – and start to take the next steps towards their own happy ever after.“I want you … I want it all, and I want it with you.”
I really loved this book. It’s fun and it’s funny with no relationship drama. Simon and Caroline are still madly in love, and are continuously laughing, bantering, and sexing up a storm.“That last round was pretty intense. Thanks for being so bendy, by the way.”
This book is essentially an epilogue for the series, showing each of the couples that we have come to know and love, and I love that we got that closure for each of them (Clive included). And bless you Alice Clayton for allowing us to see the little moments between Simon and Caroline that we all want. .“You realise you own me, don’t you, NightieGirl?”
This was a beautiful finish for Simon and Caroline, and to the series as a whole. I look forward to many rereads in the future.
I loved it – 4 stars.
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COVER REVEAL!! WALLBANGER fans, we're getting more of Caroline and Simon!! This is a novella about that hilarious couple we fell in love in
Wallbanger and it will be released on Jan 6. I can't wait!! :D
Blurb:
Simon and Caroline are back for another round of baking, banging, and big life changes. Settling in, but never settling down, Caroline has finally struck a balance between the professional and the personal. As one of the top interior designers in San Francisco, she travels all over Northern California between nook time with Simon.
Perpetual globetrotter Simon has cut his frequent flyer miles in half over the last year, preferring to balance his professional and personal life, as well.
The next step in their lives seems preordained—toasts, veils, and the aisle of rose petals. But when an accident on a photo shoot in Southeast Asia brings Caroline the most terrifying phone call she could ever imagine, she has to ask whether “till death do us part” is a more realistic prospect than faces most couples.
It’s been a grand adventure, and Caroline and Simon wouldn’t go out without the best surprise ending ever. One part sexy, one part laughter, a dash of exotic locales, and one pink nightie, mixed with passion, and you’ve got Last Call. Served with a side of Clive.
Pre-order:
Amazon US
Amazon UK -
What a fantastic end to this series! I love Simon and Caroline and was so excited to see this would be the last book in the Cocktail series and it did not disappoint. This was the perfect ending for these characters, with updates from all the other characters in this series nicely tied in. Funny, sweet, heartwarming and sexy - this had everything I wanted. I'm so sad to see this story come to an end and I'm sure these books will be on my frequent reread list. Highly recommend!
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Perfect ending for Simon and Caroline! Really enjoyed this :)
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Cute!
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Last Call es como un epilogo largo que cierra la historia de Caroline y Simon.
Esta saga es mi favorita de Alice Clayton, y Simon y Caroline son una pareja a la que le tengo un cariño especial, no solo porque en su momento me hicieron reir a carcajadas sino tambien porque considero que son una pareja distinta a las habituales.
Este epilogo fue justo lo que esperaba : corto, gracioso, ligero y muy rapido de leer, obviamente no es demasiado sorprendente o impredecible pero como cierre de esta serie no podia haber sido mejor.
En resumen, una pequeña novela ideal para leer una tarde y especialmente recomendada para los fans de esta pareja.
3.75 Estrellas! -
Aaaaaw! I loved it! Great conclussion for the Cocktail series. Caroline and Simon are one of my favorite couples, they made me laugh out loud and fall deeply in love with their relationship. I absolutely adored these two and my god, that epilogue made me so happy for them! Thank you Alice Clayton for this extraordinary journey!!!
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ARC provided by publishers in exchange of honest review
[image error] -
“I knew I should have changed your name from Nightie Girl to Naughty Girl.”
Last Call is the final wave of laughter, swooning, and banging from Wallbanger himself and Pink Nightie Girl!
I liked this book so much! I like that Caroline and Simon didn't lose their character all throughout the series, while also growing and maturing. In this book, this duo FINALLY got their own happily ever after after all the banging and obstacles that came their way. Awwww, I would absolutely miss them and the whole gang!
As always, the writing was fluid and addicting. But this was a little bit too short for me and the ending was kinda rushed for my liking.
Nonetheless, this was a very satisfying ending for this mouthwatering series! Hurray! -
Before Reading
YES. HOLY SHIT THIS IS HAPPENING. ALICE CLAYTON, YOU ARE A GIFT FROM GOD.
After Reading
Alice Clayton, forget my earlier "you are a gift from God" thing, because you ARE a Goddess. This book was perfect.
The perfect ending to Simon and Caroline's hilarious, touching, adorable story.
I loved it. -
I'm just so freaking happy! The best Wallbanging happily-ever-after I could have asked for!
Simon and Caroline are back and oh goodness, I love them so! They have the best chemistry and banter ever. I love their funny and sexy (oh the sexy!). There was a nice amount of hotness mixed in. Simon and Caroline sure do know how to do schmexy! ;-)
All their friends were included in this story as well as a few other Cocktail series connections and I loved how they all intertwined. I loved how past stories were woven in and finding out everyone's details about where they are now and what’s next for them was really fun. I adore how things wrapped up with Mimi and Ryan and Sophia and Neal too. I was pretty much smiling for the beginning!
I was excited the entire time about what would happen next. There was a bit of turmoil and emotion mixed in, just the right amount of drama! I thought there was a great build to all of it. The story had a nice balance between the entertaining fun times and the heartfelt ones.
Beautiful ending! I got all teary eyed and ridiculously sappy! And the epilogue, bring it home Clive! It was fantastic… I seriously think Clive needs his own novella.
I thought this was a wonderful conclusion to the lives of Simon and Caroline and I am just behind thrilled with how everything played out. I might have clapped at the very, very end! Seriously, so happy! Thank you Alice Clayton for another awesome story!
Complimentary copy received for honest review. -
Short and sweet, Last Call is the final book in the Cocktail series. Pink Nightie Girl and Wallbanger are back with all the traits I’ve come to expect and love: humor, romance, sexy times and – yes – Ina Garten worshipping. With their friends racing through adulthood, Caroline and Simon begin examining what they want for their future together.
All the characters from the first and second books return. Even Viv and Clark, as well as Chloe and Lucas from the Cocktail spin-offs make guest appearances. Of course, my man Clive is back to offer his customary point of view in the Epilogue.
It may be rushed in places but I enjoyed the end of this series very much. Goodnight, Wallbanger. Sweet dreams. -
I love this little novella but also kind of sad because it's over! I don't read a lot of light books but the characters in this series are among my favorites. I just love reading about their lives and friendships.
I think this one is a perfect ending. I love that all of the other characters came together in this book. I love their time in Vietnam and that night on the beach was perfect. I'm going to miss the gang for sure.
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This was such a letdown! It didn't really read like a plot, more like a series of events strung together to create a book. The scenes were snippets of updates on all the couples of the series, and how they had all formed differing degrees of friendship as well as how they had moved on from their stories. It was very much the wedding book for the series! There were a couple of places I chuckled, but overall, it never recaptured the magic of the first book. This is not a series I would put on my keeper shelf, but it was definitely worth a read.
