After losing a bet, Hollywood actor Gage Barrett, always one to honor his commitments, signs up to be on Jilted; a reality-television show in which he, a confirmed "Runaway Groom", will meet "The One" over the course of two months and twenty contestants, at the end of which he agrees to marry the woman of his choice, no running this time. Gage doesn't believe at all that he will be finding his one true love. He just wants to get through this and continue on with his acting career, until he meets contestant Ellie.

Ellie was signed up to do Jilted by her business partner who thought getting on tv would give their fledgling business some free advertising. She has no interest in competing for Gage Barrett's heart. She's read about his playboy lifestyle plenty in the tabloids and doesn't want to be another one of his adoring fans. One evening, while sneaking an illegal phone call home, Ellie stumbles upon Gage's hideout, the place he's found where he can get away from everyone.

Ellie and Gage form an alliance, she agrees to help him weed out the contestants who are best sent home, and he won't rat her out for breech of contract for using her phone. The problem, both Gage and Ellie start having feelings for one another, but the problem is in finding out where the game ends and the reality begins.

Runaway Groom is the second book in Lauren Layne's I Do, I Don't series, but honestly it stands really well on it's own no problem.

I really liked the light-heartedness of the story. The initial playful banter between Ellie and Gage, and the way it builds to something more was perfect. The more serious aspects, such as why Gage is a runaway groom and why Ellie is not quick to jump into anything with Gage despite her feelings, are issues that are remarked upon and somewhat hashed out, but only on a surface level. I would have kind of liked a bit more closure on some of these issues personally.

Otherwise, I found the glimpse behind-the-scenes, so to speak, of the reality show to be fairly entertaining. The questions about the perceptions of what's real and what's not when a camera is rolling is an interesting one, and I liked the way this story played out. Somewhat unexpectedly, but overall satisfying. I really just enjoyed the connection between Gage and Ellie.

I always look forward to Lauren Layne's releases, she's one of my feel-good romance authors and I can't wait to see what's next in this series.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
It is ridiculous how much I loved this book. I read the entire thing in one sitting and likely smiling like an idiot the entire time. I am not a reality show fan and have never watched an episode of The Bachelor in my life. I was still completely caught up in this book and the characters.

4.5 Stars
Such a fun read. I have to admit that although I am a big Lauren Layne fan I didn't love the first book of this series, so I went in with a bit of a chip on my shoulder. I am so glad I didn't let that stop me because this book had everything I love about the Oxford and Stiletto series. Great characters, excellent storytelling, and a ton of fun, but also real feelings and relatability. This was a great way to spend "bomb cyclone" day!

Ever since reality TV invaded our airwaves, the hope of finding true love has inspired countless shows. With Runaway Groom, Lauren Layne puts a fresh spin on the trope with the absolutely unputdownable tale about a reluctant playboy actor and equally wary T-shirt entrepreneur.

After losing a bet, Gage Barrett finds himself in a Hawaiian resort filming a reality TV show where runaway grooms are paired with hopeful brides. Well, almost all of them are hopeful except Ellie Wright. She wants nothing to do with him and is hoping to be the first to go home. Too bad for her she’s not only smart and fiery, she’s an absolute enigma he wants to figure out.

Convinced by her best friend and partner she’s doing the right thing for their company, Ellie signs up and is casted on Jilted. Thinking she’ll be quickly eliminated, she never imagined the heat generated by the verbal sparring with Gage much less hiding out at night in the broom closet to steal kisses and have relaxed conversations with the real Gage Barrett, not the actor. Soon she’s torn between following her original plan to go back and fighting for the man she’s been slowly falling for.

Layne pens a delightful, addicting love story that pulses with humor, sexiness and intimacy. It’s not often we find reality TV as a backdrop for a romance novel but the on and off camera action ring true. A bit of camaraderie interspersed between jealousy and competition.

The chemistry between Gage and Ellie is fun, charming and sexy, boosted by their feisty and snarky teasing. Yet Ellie can’t let herself trust the actor. When it comes to romance novels, a happy ending is the promise we’re looking for, but with these two characters that come from diametrically different backgrounds and goals in life, that ending feels enjoyably uncertain, inviting us to come along for the ride of Gage overcoming his insecurities and Ellie’s journey from wanting a “dependable” partner in life to the realization of a perfectly imperfect life with an actor.

With Runaway Groom, Layne skillfully writes delightful banter for a wonderful plot and an overall charmingly entertaining read.

Runaway Groom is book #2 of the I Do, I Don’t series by Lauren Layne. It is standalone contemporary romance. Told from both points of view.

Going to let everyone in on a secret. I have never seen a single episode of The Bachelor or The Bachelorette. I couldn’t watch those men or women make fools of themselves on national TV over someone they never met. But, I did watch a show called Temptation Island. Which was kinda like The Bachelor but it involved married couples. While I liked that show, it turned me off from watching shows like The Bachelor.

Seeing that I have read book one of the I Do, I Don’t series, I needed to read book 2. Once I start a series, I have to finish, no matter how much I dislike it. Its kind of OCD thing with me. I can’t leave things unfinished. I liked Runaway Groom. Liked it and it made me excited to read book 3.

Runaway Groom had a fun plot. Gage is locked into a TV contract where he is to appear on the show Jilted. Jilted is a Batchelor type show where a man is put on a resort with many of beautiful women and has to choose one. That woman he will marry in the last episode. Gage does not want to be there. He does not want to be married. He is happy being the movie star playboy. That is until he meets Ellie. Then the show becomes much more interesting.

Ellie does not want to be on Jilted. Her best friend signs her up, against her wishes. When Ellie is picked as one of the final girls, she is shocked. She decides to go out of her way to have Gage give her a rose and a wedding invite. Which didn’t work. Gage saw her as a challenge. Ellie sees Gage as a manwhore. Once she gets to know him, she realizes that there is a lot more to Gage. The same goes with Gage. What will happen to them? Read the book to find out.

I loved Ellie. She was snarkiness personified when she was with Gage. Some of the things she said to him, oh my!! I did feel bad for her when she revealed her unconventional upbringing to Gage. It wasn’t horrible or abusive but it still affected her. She craved stability and things to be normal. Which is why Gage rubbed her the wrong way at first. He was exactly not what she was looking for.

I liked Gage but man, did he have some baggage. He was obsessing over certain events in his life that didn’t exactly go his way. Which made him push his family away. While I can sympathize him being mad and upset, I did think that he let it go on too long. Which is why I was glad that he met Ellie. She put him in his place. She also made him realize that he shouldn’t dwell on the past. Once he realized he wanted Ellie, he pursued her. I was laughing that he used Ellie’s “insider status” to get rid of contestants on the show. His reasons why compared to what Ellie told, had me laughing so hard I was crying.

What set this book apart is that the two main characters formed a friendship before falling in love. It was sweet that she met him every night in a janitor’s closet…after that first time. It was also sweet that they texted when they couldn’t see other. Once the friendship was established, then the romance/sexual relationship started. I loved it.

Gage and Ellie had out of this world sex. It was out of this world to me because of the friendship. They didn’t have hot stranger sex (yes, I made that up). Instead, when they had sex, it was more charged. While I like heat of the moment, picked them up in a bar sex, sometimes I need to read a scene where there is more emotion there.

The end of Runaway Groom was typical but it made me so happy. I liked how the author kept what would happen with Gage and Ellie a mystery to not only Ellie but to me, as a reader. I also felt for Ellie. Put it this way, she tortured herself for 6 weeks. No wonder she was an emotional mess. I know I would have been.

Runaway Groom is a cute romance. It had characters that I could relate too. The plotline was fun. I loved the one liners that both Ellie and Gage had. I would recommend this book to anyone over the age of 20 (Adult per my rating system). There are explicit sex and mild language.

I would like to thank Random House Publishing Group, Loveswept, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review Runaway Groom.

All opinions stated in this review of Runaway Groom is mine.

**I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy**

<i>Contestant number six told me (and the rest of America) that her hobbies include Brazilian waxes and flossing, and so help me God, I don't even know if she was talking about her teeth.</i>

The Layne I so quickly grew to love is back! I've had some mixed results with this author's last few releases but RUNAWAY GROOM is everything I've come to expect when I pick up one of her books but still done new and fun and exciting. Oh yeah, sexy, too.

"<i>If they try to kill you with a pineapple and dump your body in the ocean, I'll be sure Spielberg hears about it. He'll make a movie out of the crime, and nobody will ever forget your name.</i>"
"<b>Would you be a part of the film?</b>"
"<i>The star, obviously.</i>"

Connected to book one by way of the reality show Jilted, which is basically what it sounds like, instead of our characters stumbling to cast the show, this time it's all set to film. With a heartthrob actor who has previously left two women at the altar and a household full of eager women willing and wanting to marry him (for good or for bad), though one with an ulterior motive, the hijinks ensue pretty much from the opening chapter.

<i>I can't hide the grin. Ellie really doesn't like me. Nor does she want to be here. It's.. refreshing.</i>

Coerced into auditioning by her friend, and co-owner of their luxury tshirt company, Ellie is on Jilted for the sole reason to get her business into the spotlight and kickstart their success. She never intends to intrigue the bachelor the show is set around winning by her unique brand of don't-give-a-fuck. Naturally their odd interactions spark interest, spark sparks, and they come to a strange arrangement that keeps Ellie on the show for added word of mouth and keeps Gage from being seduced or conned by the other women by using Ellie's insider knowledge on the goings on with the other contestants.

"<i>I'm real, Ellie.</i>"
"<b>You're Hollywood.</b>"
"<i>You're right. Which equates to no brain, no substance, and I just bleed air, right?</i>"

But there's substance to the covert reporting and snarky banter. And as more time passes they begin to see the truth to each other, the hidden hurts, the desires, the hopes. But when one of you are contracted to wind up down the aisle by the end of the season and the other is having to watch the man you might be falling for interact, and flirt, with twelve other women.. how do you make it work?

<i>I want her to be jealous. I want her to want me like I want her.</i>

While I did like both characters, some of Ellie's conflict over her hesitation with Gage was a little wishy washy at times (though by the end there's redemption for her in a really sweet scene between them), whereas with Gage.. I was all in from page one right through to the end. He was broody, a little bruised, caring, sweet, sexy.. Layne gave us a good one with him.

<i>Just once, I want someone I care about to look at the crapshoot that is my life, to take in the Jilted contract and the Killboy movie shoots and the never-ending tabloid rumours and say, 'yeah, that stuff sucks, but Gage is worth it'. I want to be worth it. Just once.</i>

If you like a smooth, easy read, that's funny, heartfelt, with characters that have real baggage and angst that never feels like you're swimming through angst or baggage, some delightful sexy moments that only go as far as second base (!), some sexier moments that go a little further, too (haha), and a totally wonderful happily ever after, you'll love this one. And if you like reality tv shows like <i>The Bachelor</i> you'll love it even more! Would definitely recommend.

4 "I have about as much use for a diva actor as I do for a third tit" stars

4.5 stars - Oh, what a tangled web we weave when we let our best friends steer us into treacherous waters!

Runaway Groom was a refreshing romance that reminds us that the only thing love needs to creep into your heart is the courage to share honestly, freedom to communicate openly and fortitude to give yourself to someone who likely annoys and thrills you in equal measure. It also provides a great reminder that celebrity doesn't guard a person from having any of the flaws, worries or dreams any other regular Joe or Jane may have. In fact, it likely increases everyone's awareness of the negatives and makes the positives harder to obtain.

Runaway Groom has heart, heat and a HEA. What more could a reader ask for?

I received an ARC of this book, from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Runaway Groom was a cute and fun story surrounding the Jilted series introduced in the first book. This book was really great as it followed the usual Lauren Layne givens: alot of sass, banter and hot chemistry. I loved Gage and Ellie as they were so cute together. They had back and forth spitfire banter which was fantastic and electric chemistry. I love how they were so drawn to each other and how they could not get enough of each other!

Runaway Groom is the second book in the I do, I don't series but can be read as a complete standalone. This book had a definite Bachelorette feel with the idea of there being a possibility the Runaway Groom, Gage Barrett, could finally settle down once and for all at the end of the show. But what (reluctant Bachelor) Gage didn't foresee was that he would meet a woman who gave as good as she got and didn't hold back. Ellie saw the real him beyond the glitz and the glamour. But would she be able to put her own strict rules aside on who and what she wants and see what she has right in front of her?

I really really love Lauren Layne's books as she always delivers with an amazing story each time. I seriously can't wait for the next one! Bravo! 4 stars! ~Ratula

This book was just exactly what I needed. Fun, entertaining, full of snappy banter and sparky chemistry and - in a sea of books that just failed to hook me - Runaway Groom took me hook, line and sinker.

I think I have a weakness for reality TV love stories. Something about the delicious guilty pleasure of reality TV mixed with the fluttery butterflies and swoony interactions between two people who are actually falling in love. The whole thing just feels super indulgent, and loads of fun. It helps that I basically adored Gage from the beginning, and I loved how slow and steady his relationship with Ellie unfolded. They were adorable together - playful and sweet even as they fought the real feelings that were developing between them.

And the banter? Ugh. Banter is my weakness and Ms. Layne delivered in spades. And, while I became a little bit impatient for these two to get their act together and get out of their own way, I completely adored the way she resolved things for us in the end.

All in all, this was a complete delight for me. I didn't want to put it down and I enjoyed nearly every moment I spent reading it. It felt like a treat, and I am absolutely all-in for the next installment! ~ 4.5 Stars

Runaway Groom was a charmingly fun romance centered around a Bachelor-esque reality show, and underneath the backdrop of this show was a wildly hot and explosive love affair steeped with interesting characters and Layne’s signature wit. In what initially started as a love-hate relationship soon bloomed into a rare commonality of being in this thing together against all others, and from tentative friends came so much more.

What was most enjoyable about this novel was the progression of Ellie and Gage’s contemptuous feelings for one another and how it slowly and organically morphed into an odd state of mutual trust. But most of all, it was fully believable–both the actions of the other contestants and the show itself, along with the progression of their romance. And while it had delicious angst and build-up, there was an abundance of humor mixed in to keep it light. There was the potential to make Gage like other playboy-like characters, but Layne put a spin to how he was portrayed and made him incredibly likable and swoon-worthy with very little effort from the reader to fall for him. I imagine that Ellie fell for him in the same manner as I did, thus bringing her character into reality.

One of the reasons I adore this series is because each novel has felt so different while all being very much tied together, completely standing on their own but bringing the gist of the series into each one. Runaway Groom is the kind of novel you inhale and immerse yourself into, spending one sitting becoming a part of these characters and their world because it’s impossible not to.

Runaway Groom was really cute. The storyline was good in that cheesy romantic comedy way that we all love. The characters were fun, and had really great banter. What I liked the most is that this is technically a series book, but every book in that series can be read as a stand-alone. Those are always fun because you can keep track of your favorite characters from the series, so hopefully I’ll see these characters in the others!

Lauren Layne does it again! Loved this book! I didn't read ready to run, which is the first book in this series, but you definitely don't have too. This is a great stand alone.

I felt Gage and Ellie's connection and pull almost immediately. It took a little while to get used to all the side characters in this book since it's set in a 'The Bachelor' type setting, but I caught up with it fairly quickly.

I was sucked into the world of "Jilted " pretty quickly and since I couldn't seem to put the book down, I devoured it in just 2 days! FANTASTIC read. Put this on your to read list! Trust me!

Interesting premise that should to appeal to legions of romance reality show fans, but I could not enjoy it.

I thought that both hero and heroine were not likable, and there was too much emphasis on the heroine 'not being like other girls' (even though both characters claimed to not believe that, and 'seemed' to care for other people, their actions and comments proved otherwise).

Add the snarkiness between the women on the show, and the utter ickiness of the characters, and this book was just not for me. Who enjoys seeing women pitted against each other for a chance to get with an idiot?

Cute cover, though.

Gage Barrett has really done it this time, he got drunk, made a bet and lost, so now he is filling his obligation of said bet on a reality show called Jilted, which ultimately means at the shows close he will have himself a wife. And the mere thought of being married gives him the hives, he has been down this road twice now, and both times he bailed before the "I do's" were said, but this time he signed on the dotted line agreeing that he must utter those words and it scares the hell out of him. He likes his freedom, and a wife would certainly cramp his style... but a bet is a bet!

Ellie Wright and her best friend have created the best t-shirt on the planet and they are certain it will be a hit with women, but they seem to have hit a little hitch, they need a boost in advertising, so what better way to get publicity, then to advertise on TV. The only problem with this little plan is that Ellie will be competing on the ever popular TV show Jilted for that publicity... and possibly landing herself a husband by shows end. Letting her best friend talk her into this to this cockamamie idea was beyond stupid on her part, she can't compete with these women, nor does she want to win the prize... a husband, by the name of ever famous playboy Gage Barrett. She has seen the tabloids and is well aware of what kind of man he is, but then she meets him, and begins to wonder if he is really as bad as they say?

Runaway Groom is a delightfully hilarious and oh so sexy little tale that is sure to score a special place in the hearts of readers, with it's feisty banter, steamy toe curling moments, and quirky, yet lovable, characters readers will feel like they hit the romance reading jackpot with this one! From the moment I cracked the cover on this one I found myself becoming attached to these wonderfully crafted characters, there was so much to love about them, from the banter they shared, to their secret meetings in the closet, I just couldn't get enough of them. They will pull you into their wild little TV adventure and have you flipping the pages like a madwomen to see if they can finally get it together and salvage something out of this unique situation they have found themselves in... and boy what a ride it is!! I highly recommend you get your hands of this one, Ms. Layne's characters are certain to steal your heart and have you laughing throughout!!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this title.

I received an ARC from Netgalley for a honest review.
I love this story, enjoy reading about Ellie and Gage. They have a refreshing storyline with a rocky beginning and a HEA!
I recommend this book.

This book was exactly what I was looking for!!! Although I think I say that everytime I pick up a Lauren Layne book.

This story was so much fun to read and was such a feel good romance. The storyline was entertaining and the characters were so lovable!!!

If you are a fan of reality TV, especially The Bachelor, then you need to read this story. It is based off that show, but Lauren puts her own spin on it to make it her own. Plus I loved how she gave us an insider/behind the scenes look into what might happen on a show like this.

The Runaway Groom is the second novel in her I Do, I Don’t series. It is a complete standalone novel and is told in Dual POV. This book is in no way connected to the first book in this series, so they don’t have to be read in order. But I will say you will want to read this series. I have LOVED both of these books and would 100% recommend them to everyone. I think everyone will fall in love with this story. I think this is actually my favorite series of Lauren’s to date.

This story is based around the TV show Jilted and the runaway groom is famous actor Gage Barrett. He was placed on this show because he lost a bet with his best friend. The premise of the show is that he is to marry the woman he chooses in the end. Ellie is one of the woman vying for his attention, but she has no intention of making it to the end. She only agreed to apply for the show to help promote her new business. What neither of the expect is the feelings that overcome them when they get together. I absolutely loved Gage and Ellie together. Although there first meeting wasn’t conventional and they denied their attraction time and time again. Their banter and closet rendezvouses were what kept me interested to see what would happen.

I loved how well this story was written. Lauren books always make me feel good and leave a huge smile on my face!!! I thought this story flowed perfectly and the pace was spot on. I loved how Lauren kept us guessing how everything would turn out until the very end. made me want to turn the pages faster to see who Gage will choose ;)

So if you are looking for the movie star romance that is based in the world of reality TV, then you don’t want to miss this GEM!!! If Lauren Layne is a new author to you, this would be the perfect series/books to start this wonderful journey into her writing!!!

This book was perfect!
It gave me all the feels <3 <3

Lauren Layne once again hits the jackpot with “Runaway groom”.
Just think that I read the book in 3 hours, and instead of studying I just lost myself completely in the story of Ellie and Gage <3

First of all, I need to say that I loved Gage and Ellie. Both of them were perfectly depicted, at 360°. They were two persons with quite different life goals and life styles, but when your true love calls, what you have to do? Accept it, find a solution and live happily ever after.

The concept behind this book was great, really interesting and so much fun to read! Ellie is one of the 20 contestant in this reality show, where the goal is to capture the attention of Gage (The runaway groom) and bring him to the altar.
For sure Ellie wasn’t keen on playing the part, meaning that she had no intention to stay on the show, but only wanted to get home!
But for one reason or another, she was forced stay and play along….

I loved Ellie and Gage as a couple from the first time they met, and fell in love more and more reading about their stolen and forbidden meetings, and stolen looks too…

The attraction between them grew day by day, and the way the story ended was perfect.

The parts about the ceremony days and the following messages were hilarious and awesome! I had so much fun reading them! Even more the last exchanges between Ellie and Gage… top!

And last but not least, OMG, the other contestants were out of the world crazy! Well, except for Paisley and Brooklyn, but the others... They were the perfect women to make a reality show interesting:)

So yeah, we can say that I loved this book. Lauren Layne has a writing style that just catches my attention and keeps it until I finish the book. I think she could make even a grocery store list interesting for me :P
I’m kidding, but yes, everyone, read this book, and fall in love with Ellie, Gage and the amazing Lauren Layne.

I really enjoyed the premise of this book. Gage is a reluctant bachelor on a reality TV show and Ellie a reluctant participant in the show. Of course, their chemistry is off the charts and the situations they are put in are hilarious. Combine that with the behavior of the other women on the show and you have a fun romance read!

This is my third Lauren Layne book and has cemented her in my must read list and I need to go back and read all of her other books! I loved the first book in the series, Ready to Run, and I jumped at the chance to review Runaway Groom. Runaway Groom was just as good as Ready to Run and you don't need to have read Ready to Run to jump into this one.

I loved both main characters and their little quirks. The story sort of reminded me of How to Lose a Bachelor by Anna Banks which I also loved. It had the same type of humor, snappy dialog and a hero and heroine that you will come to love. I don't want to go into too much more and give away any spoilers but trust me you will want to buy this book ASAP! If you haven't picked up a Lauren Layne book before stop everything and go do that right now!

Ah! I adore 'LL so much. Her writing is magnificent. This story was so fun! This book is unique and sure to keep readers entertained for hours and yet, still have readers think about the book for months. Fantastic job!