The Bridesmaid's Baby Bump by Kandy Shepherd (Sydney Brides #3)

Reviewed by Helen

I was really looking forward to this one I have loved the first two books in this series and I was very much looking forward to seeing Eliza get her HEA and with none other than billionaire Jake Marlowe you see they were best man and bridesmaid at Andie and Dominic’s wedding and then again at Gemma and Tristian’s weddings and that spark that started with the first wedding grew with the second one and bought them together in the magical European castle such a fairy tale but there were still obstacles in their way so it took another 6 months before they were in contact again and wow.

Eliza is part of the Party Queens party planning company and loves her job she has been married and divorced and is one of the most independent and determined to do everything herself people there is she will not be told what to do and can be very stubborn about it. Eliza is not the sort of girl who is into affairs but she cannot deny the pull between her and Jake so when she decides to take a much needed four day break at Port Douglas Jake is the last person she expects to run into at the airport but that spark cannot be denied.

Jake Marlowe is a self- made billionaire gorgeous and caring but he also has secrets from his past and has just come through a divorce and with a rule book to guide him although another marriage and fatherhood is something that is not in his future, he decides it is time to get back to living and seeing as Eliza is someone he cannot forget the time is right for them to meet again where will this lead? Four wonderful sensual days together with consequences that neither of them thought could happen.
Truly this is one moving sensual emotional story that I did not want to put down MS Shepherd knows how to write a story that will pull you in and have you turning those pages. The setting is fabulous and that glimmer that has been glowing between Jake and Eliza for some time now explodes with emotions that will see stubbornness and determination and then the pure joy of opening up and realizing that they are very much in love with a baby on the way. Thank you MS Shepherd for another fabulous story.

5/5 stars fro a fabulous story

Expected publication: July 5th 2016 by Harlequin

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Review by Amanda - 4 Stars

The Bridesmaid’s Baby Bump is the third book in Kandy Shepherd’s Sydney Brides series. This was a great story about attraction turning into a test of will between two fiercely independent individuals. The main characters were carefully created. They had depth, they had flaws and of course they were realistic. I rooted for Eliza Dunne; she is passionate, talented and fragile. Jake Marlowe on the other hand is strong, independent and roguish but in the end he proved himself as a worthy father and life partner. Eliza and Jake meet up at their friend’s wedding and they discover the attraction between them has never died. This meeting rekindles past desires and it isn’t before long that Eliza and Jake act upon their attraction. The consequence of their passionate four day rendezvous adds drama to this rather fun, banter filled story. So grab Kandy’s book and find out how Eliza and Jake work past their differences in order for them to reach their happy ever after.

Review by Adel - 4 Stars

In The Bridesmaid’s Baby Bump by Kandy Shepherd, Eliza Dunne and Jake Marlowe meet once again at their friend’s wedding. The attraction between the two is as strong as it ever was and the time soon comes when Jake is free to act on the attraction. Eliza believes she is infertile so it comes as a major shock when she discovers that she is pregnant after spending a magical four days with Jake.

Eliza and Jake are both fiercely independent and fear getting hurt again, causing for some interesting times while the two fight each other for custody of their unborn baby. Fortunately, they realise the error of their ways and work out their differences. Love heals both Eliza and Jake.

It was a lovely and emotional story and I recommend it to any romance lover that believes in second and even third changes.


Review by Hina - 5 Stars

Finally I have read this book by Kandy Shepherd.

I must applaud the integrity of the heroine, Eliza Dunne, who would not kiss the hero because he is married to another. Even if the divorce proceedings have already begun. I love her for that.

But love is not easy for all. Jake is a broken man. He has lost the ability, or so he thinks, to make a life with someone. But then there's a baby to bring happiness in their lives and to force them to search deep in their hearts and souls and accept what resides there.

A lot of drama and and repression of emotion in the beginning.

Loved every word of it.

I would recommend all romance readers to check out this awesome series.


Review by Alexia - 5 Stars

Author Kandy Shepherd does it again, and gives us another wonderful book "The Bridesmaid's Baby Bump." This is a continuation of her series 'Sydney Brides' but it is also a read alone book. Eliza Dunne meets billionaire Jake Marlowe at a wedding and they hook up. Since he is just getting over a divorce he isn't looking for anything serious. Too bad their one night has some unexpected consequences.


Review by Cheryl - 5 Stars

Eliza Dunne is a party planner for the Party Queens, and she has met Jake Marlowe at a wedding. 
Eliza was bridesmaid and Jake was best man at a wedding in the first and second book in the series. They loved chatting and getting to know each other however until Jake’s divorce is final Eliza won’t give in to her attraction to him.

Jake is a strong independent billionaire and Eliza has an intricate place in the Party Queens. Jake is recently divorced and really does not feel he is ready for a serious relationship now. But their one night Eliza becomes pregnant with his baby and he has to rethink his plan. 

I love reading Kandy Shepherd’s books and this bride’s series is wonderful. Each can either be read as a stand-alone book or in the series. 


Review by Dottie - 5 Stars

The conclusion of Ms. Shepherd's Sydney brides is fantastic. Take billionaire Jake Marlowe,with a past he keeps a secret, put him at a wedding with Eliza Dunne part owner of Party Queens, add a physical attraction to each other, add that he is not quite divorced yet and add that Eliza wants him but has issues with him not being totally free. If that doesn't get you roped into this wonderful book how about she meets him again when he is finally divorced both decide to spend a few days together and that time produces an unexpected complication. Eliza gets pregnant, which doctors said was impossible. Put extremely handsome, overwhelming wealthy Jack who from issued in the past trusts no one , in the middle of this miracle baby. Never wanting to be a father for reasons known only to him, he approaches Eliza with his decision on how to handle this. Get married, from here you follow two people who are so sure what they want but under it all love is there. Ms. Shepherd never fails in leaving her readers with a fantastic story that has you pulled in from the first page. This is an incredible story of two truly lovely people confused by their past and almost let it destroy there chance of a future. Love seeing all the others from Party Queens and their mates but this can be read alone. Think Jake is my favorite of the hot men in this series, just needed a little fine tuning from Eliza. Don't miss this one its a keeper.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Reviewed by Nas Dean

THE BRIDESMAID’S BABYBUMP by author Kandy Shepherd is a July 2016 release by Harlequin Romance series.

Eliza Dunne has secret attraction to billionaire Jake Marlowe, yet she keeps away as she knows his divorce is not final.

Then Jake’s divorce is final yet he is not ready for any commitment so soon. But after giving in to their scorching chemistry and when Eliza lets him know she is expecting his baby, will he step to his responsibilities?

THE BRIDESMAID’S BABY BUMP is a swoon-worthy romance. Author Kandy Shepherd brought this sensational tale full of shimmering sensuality. Readers already hooked on the Party Queens Sydney Brides miniseries would love to read how Eliza brings Jake to his knees.

Highly recommended for all readers of romance. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From Paradise...To Pregnant by Kandy Shepherd

 Reviewed by Nas

FROM PARADISE TO PREGNANT by author Kandy Shepherd is a June 2015 release by Harlequin Romance series.

Zoe Summer’s vacation in Bali is brought to a shuddering halt when an earthquake hits the island. She is scared stiff and with no idea what would happen next, she found comfort in famous footballer Mitch Bailey’s arms. Mitch was her high school crush. 

Would Mitch want to continue their liaison after that night? Because he was after his own career oriented goal which had no place for long-term commitment. Could he commit to Zoe?

FROM PARADISE TO PREGNANT is a stunning romance, which starts in Bali. Author Kandy Shepherd wrote the earthquake situation so realistically that I was scared for Zoe and Mitch and applauded when she decides to spend the night with him. This is a mesmerizing tale with a gorgeous hero and a plain but feisty heroine and the result sparkles on the pages. 

Highly recommended for all readers of romance.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Reviewed by Helen

5/5 stars for a wonderful story.

This is a beautiful story in a beautiful setting it was a joy to read and it had me smiling and tearing up at times as Zoe Summers meets up with and old school friend Mitch Bailey while on holiday in Bali.

Zoe and Baily have not seen each other for many years since the end of school and they had a close friendship during school while Zoe who had recently moved to this school after losing her parents in an accident and moving in with her grandmother who was not a loving person was helping Mitch with his English poetry in particular Mitch has always been the popular good looking guy even in school and he had a girlfriend then and now he is one of Australia's top soccer players playing in Spain and Zoe is shocked that he even remembers her she has always felt out of place around Mitch and his friends, but he does remember her and he has never forgotten Zoe and the way that they parted and there is an instant spark between them but of course there has just been a small earthquake that has them both shaken and a little worried but Mitch is keen to reacquaint himself with Zoe but Zoe is wary her life is so different from Mitch's, but after a fright and the sensual pull between them they spend a very passionate night together and Zoe leaves quietly in the morning without saying goodbye.

Mitch also heads home later in the day across the other side of the world wanting to see Zoe again but Zoe is not sure that she wants to see Mitch again. But that one night has left Zoe pregnant can this mean a life filled with happiness and love for both of them when Zoe is such a private person and Mitch lives in such an media based world ? this is such a great story beautifully written and very enjoyable as Zoe and Mitch open up to one another Mitch is such a great hero caring loving and Zoe is a little vulnerable but loving this is one not to be missed I loved it.

I highly recommend this story :)


*********************************************************************************

Reviewed by Desere

All fun filled nights are usually without consequences, well except if you count the hangover part that you are always aware of will be there the next day. Bu the fun filled nights that always hold the most consequences are when we say " I will never ......." because then it always happens !

In the latest read from Kandy Shepherd, we meet account Zoe Summer. A week in Bali was meant to be her dream vacation, the one vacation that is meant to replenish her energy and just generally give her back some zest in life. But when the tropical island paradise she's meant to be enjoying is hit by an earthquake, she's trapped. Reading about the heroine being trapped was very realistic and had me in tears. I mean can you image , here you are on a tropical holiday soaking up the sun and voila boom suddenly you're trapped with no escape in sight. Talk about dream jumping into nightmare mode!

Anyways , being trapped is the least of her problems, because she his trapped alongside Mitch Bailey, sports star extraordinaire and also the blast from her past! Mitch is high on the thrill of survival, and when there is fear it's always the number one little " do not do" that let's couples end up in each other's arms.

It 's meant to only be for the night, to simply just get through the rough patch life has dished out, but soon Zoe discovers she's pregnant. Now this adrenaline, fear induced one night only couple have to decide can they do forever and raise their child together, or will one of them start running for that non existent dream of no worries in life?

When I stated this read, I did not look at the back blurb, because heck it's Kandy Shepherd 's name on the cover and anyone that knows me well knows I love her books, so why would I read the back?! So I was of course completely knocked for a six when what I thought was a lovely per chance vacation meeting, falling in love after the discovery of pregnancy romance read , got turned up side down into not only one of the most tear-jerkker reads ever but also one of the most exquisite  I have ever read.

The tears come from the very realistic fear I experienced when reading about the earthquake, it sent me feeling desperate to climb into the book and save the characters. It's a small earthquake but it's powerfully written, so powerful that I felt every single part of it happening , and thanking my lucky stars that I don't live in a country that's known for shattering earthquakes.

The character of Zoe is a very private person, she's not the type to go out and shout out anything and everything on her mind, whereas the character of Mitch lives pretty much smack bam right in the middle of the media. I found it fascinating watching these two try to get to know each other again, and keep it all together, and all the time I was thinking " Gosh, what happens if these two get dragged into a media circus, would they survive it?" .

A stunning journey of love, self discovery and the beginning to a beautiful, remarkable, passionate love story. I cannot wait for the next Kandy Shepherd masterpiece to enter my life, I love this author's fun , flirty yet so heartfelt and emotionally overwhelming it sends me into fits of tears , writing style.

5/5 star review
" Vacation forecast : Sun and fun , with a chance of pregnancy!" 

A Diamond in her Stocking by Kandy Sheperd

Reviewed by Desere



Who doesn't love a Christmas wedding, and when written by one of today's best selling authors , it's total perfection!

Single mom and Chef Lizzie Dumont is moving on, returning to Dolphin Bay to make a her new restaurant a success. And therefore has absolutely no time whatsoever for Mr Jaw-dropping handsome Jesse Morgan! But forgetting that incredible kiss they once shared, is not quite as easy.

Jesse can't forget their kiss either but the betrayal in Lizzie's past has made her wary of him, and he hates that she cannot see past his reputation as a heart-breaker. So now he's on a mission, a mission to change her mind and get her to be the Christmas present he has always wanted.

I love this author's books and this one arrived during a very stressful part of my life . Knowing that this author's work is always guaranteed to cheer me up , I dug in the second life allowed me to do so. And it completely worked, for four hours I was able to escape life and at the end of the read walk away from the read with a new found feeling of hope and knowing that everything happens for a reason and in the end there will always be a light somehow , somewhere all you need is to be able to look for the light while you're stuck in the darkness.

I loved the vibrant characters and most especially their flaws , the author did a remarkable job at showing that these characters are just like the people we see , hear about and meet everyday. They are simply people who have made mistakes, taking the wrong turn and have to fight to find a way back to the point where their happiness starts.

It's a story about leaning to move past the moment from the past that is holding you back, it's about learning how to look past what you hear about a person and rather trust yourself to see a person through your own eyes instead of the image the world has conjured up.

I highly recommend this read for all fans who love romances reads that shines like a bright diamond during the darkest of hours. A heartwarming , sensual read.

5/5 star review
" Diamonds are forever, especially when received for Christmas !

The Tycoon and the Wedding Planner by Kandy Shepherd

Reviewed by Desere

A very long time ago I remember watching a series on television where one wedding led to another wedding and that led to yet another wedding, and I remember thinking I wish someone would incorporate the idea into a romance book, for reading is so much better than watching it play out on television!

Author Kandy Shepherd has done it, and I could not have been more thrilled when I got this gem of a read in my very happy hands.

The read tells of Kate Parker, she distracts herself from memories by keeping busy, so she organizes weddings for the happy couples of Dolphin Bay. But tall, dark and totally gorgeous tycoon Sam Lancaster 's arrival sends her into such a fit of flutter she forget's where she left the confetti, the man does more of a number on her senses than a knock over the head!

Sam however is mysterious and this of course as all us woman know makes the man even more sexy than other's who are open about everything, so it just confuses Kate even more. Him sticking around a little longer than it will take to cut the cake just makes things even worse for poor Kate. The man makes her heart soar one minute and all she wants to do is fall into his arms and the next his overseeing her building project makes her blood boil, well just a little.

Neither Kate nor Sam has the time or inclination for distractions, planning weddings is what Kate does best and being distracted will only cause trouble and as for Sam he needs to focus on getting the job done, and Kate and her sweet smile will certainly not help his case, he needs to get the job done and get going !

I loved, loved LOVED this book from start to finish. It had so much wonderful emotion it sent my heart souring into the clouds and I did not want to come back down! I loved the feisty-ness of the heroine, trying to keep it together and refusing to let your life fall apart is never an easy task, yet this heroine made it look and sound easy but at the same time the author let the element of fear and doubt shimmer through to remind me that it is easy to put on a brave face but deep down you are falling to pieces.

The character of Sam was so delicious the man made my toes curl , but one minute I wanted to hug him and the next I wanted to strangle him. This however just showed that it is pretty much the same for everyone every time we need to make big decisions. Our emotions are all over the place, we want to do the right thing and be seen as a kind person who everyone wants to hug and congratulate, but we also know that the other option is sometimes the best to do and no matter what we try it will result in someone wanting to strangle us.

The read was filled with many wonderful moments of sweetness, the kind that makes you wish you could climb inside the book and stay there in order to live the lives of the characters. Passion, gentleness and understanding shone through in this read so beautifully it brought me to tears, excellent job Kandy!

I am taking away a message of life has a way of bringing someone of a problem of some sort into our lives for a reason, you might be thinking " I don't need this now" and that's okay it's a natural reaction. But if the problem of person does not go away it 's a clear cut sign that life is trying to let you know this is something you need to act on. So don't hold back, take the step and try to see the light.

I highly recommend this read for all fans of romance. It was sweet, kind, sensual and filled with a stunning set of characters in a beautifully crafted plot that will have you falling in love over and over again. This author has once again shown me that the brighter side of life can be found at the most unexpected of times.

5/5 star review
" Happiness comes riding into town, but will it stick around for the long run or head out faster then it arrived?"