This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. The story flowed very well and was very enjoyable. This book will keep you reading long into the night and you will not want to put this book down until you finish. This was such a great read and full of surprises. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.

Gage and Ellie's story was too good to be true! How do you find true love on a reality TV show? Well...they are about to find out.
Both of them had their motives, they needed to be there, and surprisingly and unlike they could have though, they were really alike.
They clicked from the start, even though she was not a super model like most of the contestants, he saw something in her. He couldn't stop thinking about her.

Ellie would have never picture herself falling for the sexy playboy, but there was something in his eyes that called a deeper part of her, they were kindred spirits. He kept surprising her time and time and again, he was nothing like the image about him, she had in her, and that made things so much harder.

Finding alone time to get to know each other on the show was almost impossible, but they found a way and those night encounters only fuelled the thought they were both having... this could never work and they needed to stop before it was too late.

But as we know, love listens to no reason and when the moment came for him to make his choice he was either gonna disappoint himself by quitting or betray the only woman that had ever made him feel anything real.
A super exciting read!

Runaway Groom is exactly why Lauren Layne remains one of my favorite writers. Once I began reading, I couldn’t put it down until I was done several hours later. She ALWAYS does that to me, but I LOVE IT!!!

Because of a drunken bet, Gage has found himself on the reality dating show, Jilted. It’s like the bachelor on steroids…this show ends in a potential marriage, not just an engagement. He is miserable. Some of the funniest parts of the book are his thoughts about the contestants. The only other person who seems as miserable as him is contestant, Ellie. She is not like any of the other women. He can’t figure out why she is there because she acts like she can’t stand him. She doesn’t like him at first, but the two somehow form some sort of friendship. As they sneak in time without the cameras rolling, the friendship seems to be growing into something more. Can you really find love on a television show?

Gage is a successful actor, but he is also a man. He wants Ellie to see him as a man, not the version of the man everyone else wants to see. He was hurt deeply in his past, and he has a hard time trusting others. Ellie makes him want to take that risk again, but can she accept that he is an actor and all that goes along with it?

I want someone who wants me in spite of the actor stuff, not because of it.”

I loved how Layne showed that vulnerable and unsure side of him, making him even more irresistible.

“Yeah, that stuff sucks, but Gage is worth it. I just want to be worth it.”

I loved Ellie. She didn’t take crap from anyone, and she was honest to a fault to others, but not to herself. She was falling for Gage, but she couldn’t admit it to herself. She was afraid to because of others in her life, especially her mother. She wasn’t necessarily the best example of love. She had many, many loves during her life. Ellie learned from her mother’s mistakes, but it jaded her about love.

“But here’s the thing about learning from other people’s mistakes: you miss out on the chance to make some mistakes on your own. And sometimes you get so busy dodging the potential mistakes that you miss the potential magic. You miss the one.”

I just kept hoping they would find a way to be completely honest with one another.

There were so many things that made this book so good. Layne gave us a look into reality television. Some of it was crazy which made it hysterical, but my favorite part of the book…the ending. Oh my gosh, it was magical!!! It’s what Happily Ever Afters are all about!!!!!


***Read and Reviewed by Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews***

Seductive, amusing, and undeniably addictive!

In this latest novel by Layne, Runaway Groom, she sweeps you away to a tropical paradise and onto the set of the reality TV show Jilted, a Bachelor-type show where Gage is reluctantly the new bachelor up for grabs, Ellie is determined to be sent home first after shamelessly plugging her t-shirt company, producers are hoping for as much drama as possible, and eighteen other women are committed to marrying the man of their dreams.

The characterization is perfection, with an incredible cast of characters who are fun, charming, quirky, and loveable. The writing style is humorous and crisp and a delightful mixture of text messages, letters, and first-person narration from dual points of view. And the plot is an irresistible blend of emotion, drama, witty dialogue, hilarious hijinks, smoldering chemistry, and steamy romance.

Runaway Groom is pure magic. It's a light, funny, entertaining read that's deliciously swoon-worthy and hands down one of my favourite reads of the year!

I was a little reluctant to begin reading this book because I wasn't able to finish Ready to run. This one though was more suited to me and I enjoyed it a lot! Our hero, Gage, lost a friend to friend and he is forced to star in a reality show where he will have to choose one woman to be his bride. Ellie, our heroine, was also forced to join the show by her friend in order to promote her T-shirt business. I still find weird Ellie's T-shirt company and I cannot get over it. It's what bugged me the most in this book. Ellie wants to be eliminated from the first round, but due to various reasons ends up staying and she reluctantly starts bonding with Gage while helping him to find out the woman to marry and avoid the crazy ones.

I liked Ellie and Gage. They were good characters (Gage more than Ellie) and they had good chemistry, which made the whole 20 women courtship bearable. Honestly, Gage was very upfront about everything and with the exception of some comments he made about the other women been hot, he had eyes only for our Ellie and that made me happy. He is my favorite character in this book. His actions were justified and he won me over even when he did explain them to Ellie. It didn't have all the drama I was expecting and I was thankful for that. I also liked some of the other contestants.

Overall, the book was good and I liked it, so I think you should also give it a chance.

4.5 Stars
Lauren Layne delivers again with RUNAWAY GROOM, the second book in the I Do I don't series. This is a fun and flirty series with the premise of a reality show in THE BACHELOR vein. Instead of a proposal for the last show, there is supposed to be a wedding.

Gage Barrett is the groom, a sexy Hollywood actor who loses a bet to a friend to appear on the show JILTED but is honorable enough to go through with it. Ellie is a contestant who just wants some publicity for her growing tee shirt business. No one is more surprised than she is when she is chosen to appear as one of the wannabe brides. Let the chemistry begin!

As always, Ms Layne delivers a story full of humor and electric chemistry between Gage and Ellie. At first, she has no use for the future groom and actually hopes to get let go after her appearance on the show. Gage is intrigued by her and her reluctance to continue and I loved the banter between them. What I liked about Gage, is that he is a multi-layered character. He is unapologetic about the perks he gets from being a celebrity, but that doesn't mean that he doesn't have feelings. He is at a point in his life where he wants something more and something meaningful in his life as well as to be taken seriously. Ellie pushes his buttons at first and he discovers someone who gets him and doesn't want something from him.

Ellie may have just wanted some publicity for her business, but she soon finds out that she has made assumptions about Gage. She lets him talk her into staying on the show for a while and help him "spy" on some of the other contestants who would be a bad fit for him. This leads to some serious (and funny) texting and a secret meeting place to go over the details. The more they are together, the more you feel the smolder between them.

I loved the previous story READY TO RUN, but I thought RUNAWAY GROOM was even better. Looking at reality television and the craziness it brings out in some people is eye opening even in fiction. I really felt drawn to Gage and rooted for his true happiness with Ellie. And Ellie found out some truths about herself, her passions and an unexpected forever with someone like Gage. If each story keeps getting better, I can only wonder what the next book in the series will be like!

Runaway Groom by Lauren Layne is book Two in the "I Do, I Don't" series. This is the story of Gage Barrett and Ellie Wright. I have read the previous book but feel this can be a standalone book.
Gage ended up on a reality TV series sort of like the bachelor. Ellie was talked into doing the relality tv show by her friends. Ellie goal was to get some attention to her businesses and assumed the bachelor would vote her off pretty quickly. But Gage has taken a liking to Ellie and Ellie is finding that she likes him too. Can these two survive a reality TV relationship?

I really enjoyed this fun take on The Bachelor! There were tons of funny moments as the girls try to make an impression on and off the air. There were also plenty of sexy and emotional ones between Gage and Ellie as they fall in love. It was a solid 4 star read and I'm adding an extra half star because I cried :)
4.5 stars

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary – ☆☆☆☆
Gage Barrett is a lady’s man and why wouldn't he be? He is a Hollywood actor with big movies under his belt, so everyone knows who he is. And they all know he is a runaway groom of at least two altars. So how does he end up on the reality show Jilted? With 20 women wanting to be his new bride, well 19 of them anyway and contestant number 20 acts as if she would rather be anywhere but here.

Contestant number 20 would be Ellie Wright and she can't believe she let her BFF and business partner sign her up to be on this show. But it was a good idea, to get the name of their business out to the world. Ellie and her BFF own an internet t-shirt company for women called High Tee. And what better way to advertise than for Ellie to walk around the set of Jilted wearing one of their tees.

While Ellie tries to talk Gage into sending her home, he wants to keep her around and he will think of any excuse to keep her. So, with a few stolen moments, a few well-timed eliminations, and Ellie finds herself wanting to stay more than she wants to go home.

Will Ellie find that Gage is more than a playboy? Can Gage get Ellie to stay until the end? Will Ellie and Gage find the happily ever after they both deserve?

I found this story to be fun, flirty, exciting, sexy, and even heartbreaking at times, but I loved it. And I can't wait for the next one, Just Run with It. I hope you love it too.


Lee’Anne – ☆☆☆☆
I absolutely loved both the main characters, Ellie and Gage, they’re fantastic and so perfect together! This is a fast-paced book, I wouldn’t call it original, as it did feel quite familiar, it was still a good read and I’m looking forward to seeing where the author takes this series next.

Gage 0% wants to participate in the TV show Jilted, but he signed his life over when he lost a bet to his friends and the contract he’s since signed is iron-clad. Though Gage is a sexy actor who could have his pick of any woman, from the very start of this book it’s known that he’s so much more. Ellie wants to participate in the show about as much as Gage, but Ellie’s best friend and business partner forces her on the show as advertisement for their t-shirt company. Ellie had planned to have a short-lived time on the show, get in – get her shirt noticed – get out. Once Ellie and Gage run into one another in a supply closet off-set, a friendship is forged, and Ellie becomes a spy of sorts for Gage. While feeding “insider” information about the whack-a-doodle women on the show to Gage, he and Ellie forge a friendship that quickly becomes more and booting Ellie off the show becomes the last thing Gage wants to do.

I love the ending – it wasn’t what I expected, and the author manages to keep us in suspense all the way to the end. I love that in a book! The only part I didn’t love about this book was that it’s so familiar to another book I read by a different author, it took me a bit to get past that, but once I did this is a great read!


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second in the series, and I enjoyed the first, but this is even better.

I am not a fan of TV reality shows, but reading about the machinations behind one is incredibly entertaining, and does make far better reading than viewing! Ms. Layne has definitely mastered the art of getting under the fake to give us a fabulous read. From the descriptions of the crazy contestants, to the demands of the producers, we have the scene set perfectly for some undercover romance.

Obviously you should read the book to get the story, and I have no intention of spoiling it for you – but rest assured that it is a fun, flirty, and sexy read, with a great twist or three thrown in, and the perfect ending.

Escapism at its best, thank you, Ms. Layne.


Sarah – ☆☆☆☆
This is mindless, frothy fun and a perfect romantic escape. It’s the story of an unexpected romance between two reluctant reality TV contestants. It was a surprisingly self-aware read with some interesting social commentary that I wasn’t expecting.

The premise is implausible, most of the characters are predictable caricatures but I did enjoy both Gage and Ellie.

I didn’t enjoy the way the story reinforces negative female stereotypes. Almost all of the female contestants are described as predatory, crazy, vapid, and mean. But this isn’t a story to take too seriously. It is a fun and sometimes silly book – a light and easy read.


Jordan – ☆☆☆☆☆
I have read several of Lauren Layne's series, including Ready to Run, book #1 in the I Do, I Don't series. Also, these books can be read as a standalone if you'd rather start with book #2. I am not gonna lie, I happen to actually enjoy watching ABC's The Bachelor on TV, which is great because Runaway Groom kind of reads like The Bachelor with its own spin. So, if you happen to also be a fan of The Bachelor TV show, this book will have no trouble winning you over the way it won me. Layne is a great author and I have yet to read a book by her that I didn't enjoy.

Gage Barrett has gotten himself a bit of a playboy reputation in Hollywood and left two ladies at the altar, which makes him the perfect candidate for the new TV show Jilted. But, he's got zero interest in being the new star for the reality TV show Jilted, until a bet lands him there. Now, he's stuck at a Hawaiian resort with 19 female contestants competing for his heart.

Ellie Wright somehow let her roommate talk her into going on the show in order to help promote their new high-end t-shirt company. Her business is struggling a bit and could really use the publicity. Plus, she's certain she won't make it past the first round. However, Gage isn't the shallow Hollywood playboy she thought he was and lines between real life and camera life start to blur.

I have slowly become a rather big fan of Lauren Layne and she always delivers. Layne easily keeps you engaged and turning the page. Plus, her characters always have a way of charming you. I love how independent Ellie's character is, with a little bit of sass too. If you love a good happily ever after and reality TV love story turned book, then I think Layne will win you over with Runaway Groom the way she won me.

**** 4.5 STARS for Lauren Layne's Runaway Groom. ****

Losing a bet has landed Gage Bennett in a place he doesn't want to be, especially considering the reality TV show he finds himself on will end with him possibly getting married. However, soon after filming starts, Gage finds it isn't all bad, especially once he meets Ellie Wright. Yet, Ellie wants to be on the show even less than Gage, but for some reason he doesn't seem inclined to send her home. And the more they get to know each other, the more the pair find themselves falling hard. Will Gage be able to convince Ellie to take a chance on him, or will Ellie run from her chance at happy ever after?

Ms. Layne always manages to impress me with her books and this story was a highly entertaining, fast-paced, incredible read that kept me entertained from start to finish and had me wrapping up the story two hours after I started reading. Really, this book was unputdownable due to the amazing main characters that have so much chemistry; and compelling dialogue that had me liking that Ellie was willing to help Gage. Will Ellie realize how much Gage means to her before it's too late?

As for the way this story started, it had me sympathizing with the hero, because even though he's used to being on screen as an actor, the reality show he's going to be on isn't something he wants to do, but it seems there's no way out of it. However, in saying that, I liked that Gage did his best to be a good bachelor and that once he met the heroine things get a whole lot more interesting for him. Certainly, she's not like the other women and isn't afraid to speak her mind.

Both the main characters were relatable, likeable and I loved their playful banter that had me smiling often. Moreover, the heroine was resilient and courageous in being on the show, even though it's the last thing she wants to do. I also liked how she handled everything that goes down with the show, especially the moment where things could go either way for her when it comes to staying on the show or finally being able to leave. Will Gage do the right thing for the heroine? Yet, what I liked most of all about the heroine was the challenge she provided for the hero because she's not like the other women on the show in the way she doesn't fall so easily for his charm.

While the hero, he's done well for himself in becoming an actor like he always wanted to be, but I couldn't help but sympathize with him when it came to his relationships. First with what happened with his ex and his brother, and then, of course, the reason why he's the perfect candidate for the reality TV show. Furthermore, I liked the hero's confidence, his charming ways and his determination to win over the heroine, because he likes her and wants her to see him for who he really is. That he's more than a character he plays on the big screen. Will he prove to the heroine that what he feels for her isn't an act?

Overall, Ms. Layne has delivered another fantastic read for this series where the quirky secondary characters in the other women on the show had me laughing at how far they were willing to go to have Gage; the chemistry between this couple was off-the-charts and just kept getting stronger with every interaction between them; the romance was delightful and does justice to this couple's intense chemistry; and the ending had me liking how the reality show ended and how Gage is determined to win back Ellie because she's the woman he wants more than anything. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up brilliantly, as Ellie loves to tease Gage and there's nothing better than teasing him about than the show where their relationship started. I would recommend Runaway Groom by Lauren Layne, if you enjoy the opposites attract trope or books by authors Emma Hart, Kadie Scott, Lili Valente and Jill Shalvis.

This is the story of Gage Barrett who it seems lost a be and now he has to be on the reality TV show "Jilted".  It also seems that he has a bit of a reputation for being a ladies man and also running away at the alter, twice. Problem he has is that the bet stipulates that at the end of the show when he is down to the last woman, that will be the one he marries on the show.

Ellie Wright owns her own business and her business partner signed her on to the show "Jilted", so she could promote her t-shirt business.  But when she is picked to stay on the show she is surprised, she didn't think she was in a league with the other women and she only needed to promote her t-shirts once on the show.

When Ellie meets Gage, there seems to be an instant attraction, but Ellie doesn't want to stay on the show, so tries to hide it, but when she hears what one of the women are going to do, she has no choice but to let Gage know and heads to see him and there starts there little trist in the closet. 

This was a great story and I loved both characters, the instant attraction between them and trying to hide there feelings from everyone so they can get through the show and then when Ellie wanted to be sent home Gage seems to find something to keep her there.

I can't wait to see what comes next by Lauren Layne

Runaway Groom by Lauren Layne is the second book in her I Do, I Don't series. This series is loosely based on reality shows like The Bachelor and all. We had got a hint about whom the next book was going to be about from the last book. But these books can be very well be read as stand alones. I enjoyed Runaway Groom.

This is the story of Gage and Ellie. Let's start with Gage. Gage is a famous Hollywood star who has a reputation of being a ladies man. He has actually jilted two brides at the altar but he had his reasons behind them. People on saw what they wanted to when it came to Gage but he was a good man. Ellie had her misconceptions but she did see the real Gage beneath the star persona.

Ellie was a sweet girl. She actually didn't want to be a part of the show but because of her friend Marjorie's antics she got roped in. Ellie is actually on the show to promote her own tee shirt brand. Ellie is put in with a bunch of women who hope to capture Gage's heart as expected. What Ellie doesn't expect is the friendship which blooms between them and when their late night talks turn into something more.

I liked Gage and Ellie's chemistry. They were good together and even though they didn't want to be pulled to each other they were. They had an attraction and none of them were denying it. Ellie's hesitance at accepting Gage's feelings as real was valid and Gage was contract bound so he had to fulfil his part of the deal on the show.

Lauren Layne writes well as usual. The only complaint I have is that there were so many contestants. I get that it was a reality show and that there needed to many many personalities but it was really very hard to keep track of and I got bored of listening to what other girls were up to. It lost a little focus from the actual romance. But still overall it was a good book with a cute ending.

*Note: A copy of this book was provided by the author/publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. We thank them.

Runaway Groom was just what the doctor ordered to get through the dark, dismal January days. Light, fun and flirty with a stunning setting guaranteed to whisk you away from real life for a few hours.

Gage is a famous Hollywood actor who hasn't had much success in relationships and having lost a bet to his best friend finds himself on the set of Jilted. We already know the premise of the reality show Jilted from Ready to Run, although they have upped the ante with a guaranteed wedding/marriage during the last episode!!!! There are hints as to Gage's emotional barriers scattered through the narrative, although he does pride himself on his integrity which can appear as a contrast to some of his actions.

Ellie has been talked into appearing on the show by her best friend and business partner in order to promote their t-shirt business. However, Ellie feels very uncomfortable in the spotlight with all the fakeness it generates. Therefore, Ellie is determined to be one of the first contestants to leave the island the show is being filmed on. What neither Ellie or Gage expects are the sparks that fly between them from the very beginning.

Circumstances and crazy people and their demented plans bring Ellie and Gage together to aid Gage in the elimination process. The more time they spend together the greater their attraction, although Gage's acting skills prevent public speculation. Unfortunately, Ellie won't let herself believe the emotionally intimate moments between herself and Gage are real because of their current circumstances and fear of his glamorous lifestyle. 

Lauren portrays the reality TV show in a tongue-in-cheek fashion but it does resonate when you see the desperation and fakeness of some of the contestants. 

Although there are barriers in place to Gage and Ellie achieving their HEA they aren't too traumatic and easily resolved when placed in perspective. I did adore the way in which Gage was determined to prove himself to Ellie as well as Ellie's emotional growth at the end of Runaway Groom. There is also a very clever twist in place that was delightful in its inclusion and I can honestly say  I did not see coming ♥

4.25 stars
Ahhh the reality show game what is real and not in the the quest for "true love". Having seen The Bachelor which is what Jilted is exaggerated this is very tricky waters. It's a cool premise this story though since Gage Barrett is a Hollywood celeb on his own and with unsuspecting woman who caught his attention. Ellie Wright who wasn't there for the right reasons.

I wonder whether the so called Runaway Groom will strike again or will a fairy tale ending from this kind of show happen. In idea anyway. It's funny how the one who wants out is the one who's actually a friend and confidant of sorts. I like Ellie she's snarky and independent also she’s honest. Well her feelings maybe confused but naturally so.

So I liked that fun twist to that ending, every reality show should have an ending like that. That was cute and charming in it's own way. Runaway Groom is very Lauren Layne style with it her own way of presenting a unusual plot but still have elements of things many like and know. I like this series too and I can't wait for the next one.

4 1/2 stars

Lauren Layne has quickly risen to my “must-read” list. I have yet to be disappointed with any of her offerings and I hope that continues to be true. Unlike some authors who find success and begin to play it safe by telling the same story over and over with a few minor changes, Layne keeps her writing and storytelling fresh perhaps because she has compassion for her characters and brings them so ably to life. Such is the case for Ellie and Gage.

Gage is the handsome, playboy actor who seems to have it all. Ellie is certain she’s going to dislike him, until she sees that there’s a real person behind the actor’s mask. A person that she actually comes to like. Likewise, Gage is immediately intrigued by Ellie because she doesn’t conform to the expectations of the show. She doesn’t flaunt her sexuality, but, by not doing so, she’s far sexier in his eyes. They have chemistry.

Layne’s trademark humor shines through the pages. I always know when a book is succeeding because I will be so caught up in it that I will realize that I’ve been smiling while reading. As readers, we acknowledge this seeming ease of conveying humor and spirit is actually not that easily done, but very appreciated. Yep, if it were easy, everyone would do it.

While Runaway Groom is part of the I Do, I Don’t series, it is most definitely a standalone novel.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A new Lauren Layne book? My romance reading heart is happy! This is not a sequel to Ms. Layne’s Ready to Run, rather it completes the series and is a standalone book. So, even if you haven’t read Ready to Run yet, you can dive right into Runaway Groom.

Do you like the tv show The Bachelor? Well, you may be the perfect audience for this book! Ellie Wright auditioned for Jilted, not for a minute thinking she would be chosen to participate. She merely wanted to expand her business reach and the thought of a tv audience viewing her t-shirts (High Tee), well, it definitely wasn’t a totally preposterous idea. Unfortunately, she is now stuck on an island with a group of twenty-one women, all vying for the heart of Hollywood hearthrob, and twice runaway groom, Gage Barrett. The catch with Jilted is that at the end of the show, Gage and his chosen woman marry.

Gage is NOT thrilled to be participating in Jilted. A drunken bet gone awry has landed him here and all he wants is off the island and away from the women who are trying to convince him that they are his perfect match. Well, all except Ellie. She is determined to leave and asks Gage to ask her to leave after the first elimination. It seems like Ellie is all set to go home but things do not quite go as planned.

I do not watch The Bachelor but like many people who enjoy pop culture, I know enough about it. I was excited to see how Lauren Layne would spin this story and I’m super pleased to say that this book? It rocks, plain and simple. Ellie and Gage have instant chemistry. The women are not all nice and there is definitely a competitive edge amongst some of them but I appreciated that Lauren Layne didn’t villainize them. Each woman had her reason for being on the show, including Ellie (and her reason wasn’t about true love). Ellie bonds with a few of the women but like a job or a social event, there are just some people you don’t click with. I found her success and struggles with the other women to be realistic and a touch over dramatic at times but that felt right for the story.

Gage is a worthy match for Ellie and I love their sparring and seeing them poke fun at each other as they grow closer. He is not a Hollywood playboy, though admittedly that image of him is what Ellie first associates with his name. She starts to understand him a lot better though and realizes that maybe he is looking for some of the same simple but conventional things in a relationship she is: shared laughter, romance, companionship, and of course, sizzling sex. I liked getting to know Gage. Even though he is not necessarily pleased to be on the show, that side doesn’t show with the women. He can’t necessarily create instant chemistry with all of them but I thought he was a true gentleman and frankly, probably a much nicer guy than most of the actual tv show bachelors are.

Lauren Layne hit this book out of the ballpark for me, plain and simple. It’s a fun and romantic story with a great combination of reality versus “reality” that I appreciated. Gage and Ellie really worked for me as a couple. I definitely see them going the distance. This is something I appreciate in all Lauren Layne books. No matter how unusual the first meeting or situation in one of her books may be, she gets readers (like me) to believe completely in the love developing between the main characters. So yep, Runaway Groom is another sigh-worthy book from an author that I am coming to think of as a contemporary romance master!

Honestly you guys ... there is nothing Lauren Layne writes that is not entertaining. You know how sometimes you read a blurb and it just screams silly or over the top or whatever so you don't go for it because life is too short to read silly books ... so this blurb read like that for me ONLY because I am SO NOT a fan of the whole bachelorette/bachelor show thing but I know Lauren's work and I knew she would deliver without the silly.

She hit it out of the park with this one! I don't want to give too much away but the whole secret meetings, Ellie's tshirts, text messaging, Ellie's feedback on the other girl's chatter ... hilarious and endearing and just plain lovely! The sexual tension was built perfectly, and the ending made my heart burst. Seriously you guys ... read this woman's work. It just never disappoints!

Copy provided for blog tour review

Famous actor Gage Barrett has finally gotten himself in front of a camera he wants to shy away from, not to mention, twenty women, only some of whom are sane, interesting, and anywhere remotely near his ideal life-long mate. Too bad the show, Jilted, is supposed to end in a wedding – his. Lucky for him he managed to find one woman who does pique his interest in more ways than one, and of course, she’d have to also be the only one who wants a ticket home.

Ellie wanted some free publicity for her business, not to be part of a harem vying for Gage’s attention…and ring. She wants to get married, but she wants a normal courtship without all the prying eyes and death stares from the competition. Trying to do a good deed for the day backfires when Gage refuses to send her home. When their spy mission results in secret trysts and open conversations, Ellie realizes there’s more to Gage than his pretty, playboy image. He’s as deep as the pile of poo they’ve gotten themselves into, and neither would want to brave the mush with anyone else.

The whole bachelor-esque theme was pulled off beautifully. Layne kept Ellie and Gage front and center without minimizing the show or the other contestants. Everything was woven together flawlessly, and the chemistry between Gage and Ellie simmered beneath the Maui skies. Ellie kept true to herself, and although Gage understood his image, he didn’t let it define him or change who he really was on the inside. He didn’t put on pretenses other than with the show and his iron-clad contract. He honors his commitments, and he’s very thoughtful and considerate, all traits Ellie found it hard to ignore despite her initial impression of him.

Public opinion was touched on, but not made the catalyst for any of Ellie’s or Gage’s actions or reactions. The other contestants were interesting, to say the least, and Layne went all out with the craziness while keeping it believable. Gage and Ellie’s relationship developed smoothly, and I loved their witty exchanges.

Put the dog out, feed the cat, grab a snack, and find a comfy place to sit. This is a must-read!

Fans of Bachelor/Bachelorette Lauren Layne has a book for you with Runaway Groom. Meet Gage Barrett who has been dubbed in Hollywood as the runaway groom, now he will renounce his ways by entering a reality show called Jilted where he will select his bride and marry her. Sounds like made for reality tv sensation. Don't worry you will get your fill of crazies, some of those crazies, I mean contestants will do anything to be Gage's woman. However, there is one who isn't in it to win Gage's heart, oh no she wants to promote her tee shirt business and get out fast, so we meet Ellie Wright.

If you have seen The Bachelor/Bachelorette it's quite similar, but with a few little twist here and there. Not only that you see Gage and Ellie develop a friendship during all this craziness. It does get a little crazy, and the ending had me going what the heck. However, Lauren totally makes the wait worth it.

You won't be disappointed with Lauren's latest book, she will have you laughing out loud, and having a hoot of a time. Lauren's are the perfect books for when you need a pick me up. So, yeah! In need of fun and a groom that is on a run, but now trap, look no further and take a wild ride with Gage on finding everlasting love on Jilted through Runaway Groom.

Copy provided by LoveSwept via NetGalley