Kiss the Bride

I just love this series, each book is different in it's on way. They are short quick reads but have the best story lines. Mags and Jake agree to sing at the upcoming celebrity wedding in the small town of Marietta. They have an instant connection and over the course of month they fall for each other, but will they be able to keep that love or will Mags' past ruin it. This is a really good book.

I was given a copy by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is another great addition to the sagas centred around the little town of Marietta, Montana. In this one, Magdalena Davis, returns home after many years because her Mum is ill with cancer. Mags left the town when she was seventeen years old and pregnant, she never named the father and has brought up her much loved daughter, Bella, on her own. Bell is now fifteen and a delightful young lady, meeting her grandparents, aunt and family for the first time as well as settling into a new school and making new friends. Bella coerces her Mum into auditioning to sing with country music singer, Jake Kohl, at the big celebrity wedding which will be taking place in the town soon. He has lost his muse and is finding it difficult to compose but is thoroughly enjoying life in Marietta. He never expected someone as talented as Mags to audition to sing with him at the wedding. She makes him feel alive again and the chemistry between them is volatile but she’s obviously reticent and he realises he’ll have to go slowly to win her trust and her love.

A great story of overcoming past events to move on to a happy ever after, this story continues the tales of folks in the small town. It could be read as a standalone but I’m still enthralled with how different authors are working so well together to bring to life characters from the town, each story seems to be developing further information about the people who live, work and visit there, the places and events making it seem real to the reader. An enchanting novella and a lovely one to escape into for an hour or so!

Thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley, too, for letting me read an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

(My review is based on ARC e-book generously provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion. It will be posted on Amazon, Goodreads, and Barnes and Noble.)
Thoroughly enjoyed this mildly angst-filled contemporary romance novella by Rachael Johns, which is book #5 of the Montana Born Bride series. She did a good job with character development and keeping the storyline focused on the main couple, all within the scope of only 113 pages. The writing seemed to flow effortlessly and the plot was intriguing, mainly due to Magdalene’s deep dark secret. It added a touch of suspense in the beginning that evolved into a gut wrenching reveal at the end that I did not see coming. The close relationship of Magdalene with her daughter was very heart warming, especially considering Magdalene’s past, and the cast of believable supporting characters also added a lot to the story.

Overall, if you are looking for a quick read that contains a musically gifted couple, love at first, a few steamy scenes, but most importantly a romantic HEA, you should consider Kiss the Bride. Since I also really enjoyed Bride by Mistake by Nicole Helm, Book #3, I hope to read the others, as well. Two Nights With His Bride by Kat Latham, book #6, will be released on June 6, 2015. Though each book is a standalone and written by different authors, they are cleverly interwoven to make a complete great series.

Kiss the Bride was a heavy short with a beautiful insta-love romance. Magdalena and Jake were a lovely couple. I genuinely enjoyed their story.

This was really sweet story with very sad twist but a really great HEA. Magdalena after being estranged from her family for more than a decade has finally plucked up the courage to return home and be with her mother who is ill. Though amends have been made, her relationship with her parents are still strained. The cause: the unknown father of her teenaged daughter

Country music singer, Jake Kohl, has lost his inspiration. He hasn't written anything new in a while and has moved to Marietta in search of a fresh start. Being forced in to participate in the event of the year, a celebrity wedding in Marietta, he auditions several female singers for a duet, when he is surprised by Magdalena's sweet voice.

Irresistibly drawn to each other, Magdalena finds herself trusting and confiding in Jake about things that no one knows. And Jake finds his muse again. But when past and present collide, Magdalena finds herself returning to her shell that had protected but isolated her from the people she loved for all these years, believing that life was better than the one in which she must face her fears and stand up for the truth.

I loved this story! I really enjoyed the characters and felt their connection right away. The pace of the story was great as was the development of the story and the characters. Considering the length of this book is only 112 pages, the author did an amazing job of giving us some background on the characters while keeping their budding relationship moving forward. Definitely one I would recommend.

Review featured on www.books-n-kisses.com

3.75 Hearts This is the fifth in the series but is easily a stand alone and since I haven't read the other four I can guarantee that. This is a very sweet short story. It is only about 65 pages so it is quick and yet enjoyable.

Magdalena is a sweet single mom who has been through a lot in her life. She has raised her now 15 year old daughter alone and no one really knows why and who the dad is. Jake is the son of country music stars and has become a star in his own right but has lost his muse. That is until he meets Mags.

I don’t want to say too much about the story since it is so short and even the smallest detail can give some things away but I want to say it was a wonderful read. There were some grammatical errors that I hope will be fixed before it goes to ebook but even if they are not then it will still be great.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 - "It's never too early for ice cream." Stars!

Tule Publishing, their authors and series are without doubt my ‘go-to’ books now when I am looking for romance, love, likeable characters and easy to engage in stories, and Kiss the Bride is no exception.

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You know what you are getting with their books, but this series has to be the best collection I have read so far. Mags and Jake’s story isn’t any different from a lot of the famous guy/unknown girl stories out there, but I think the fact it is set in the town of Marietta, and connected with so many characters that I have read about previously, it is like going back to your favorite holiday destination with every new book I read.

”I haven’t have this much fun in forever.”

Another absolutely brilliant addition to the Montana Born Brides series, I actually enjoyed Rachael John’s contribution to the series so much, I went to Amazon and one clicked the book linked to this one which features Magdalena’s sister Selah!

ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.

Rachael Johns's Kiss the Bride is the fifth novella in the Montana Born Brides series, with each story written by a different author. This is my favorite among the currently available books, with just the right amount of drama peppered with humor to keep things on an even keel. Magdalena Davis and Jake Kohl were delightful lead characters, especially since being with Jake allowed Mags to loosen up and truly explore a side of herself she buried deep inside for fifteen years. These were two good, honest people who simply deserved to finally have a chance to go after their own happily ever after. The supporting cast was great but Mags's teenage daughter Belle stole the spotlight a time or two, and was spunky and sassy.

This was a story about second chances, but not in the traditional sense of the phrase when it comes to romance novels. Jake and Mags had never met before but their meeting and being in Marietta provided them with opportunities to start over and have another and far better chance at love, success, and happiness personally and professionally. In terms of Mags's story, it was about not just surviving from a traumatizing experience in her past but moving forward and creating a better life for herself and her daughter because they deserved it. Overall, this was sweet with just enough steam to tickle my fancy and it certainly set the bar higher for the series. I'm giving Kiss the Bride by Rachael Johns 4.5 stars. ♥

Oh, I am in my happy place every time I return to Marietta, Montana. This time the visit is with Mags and Jake.

Magdalena had left Marietta years ago. Seventeen, unmarried and pregnant she had fled her parents and the town. Now that her mother was fighting cancer, she and her daughter, Bella, have returned. It was one of the most difficult things she had done. Yes, her relationship with her parents was healing and the friends that mattered most were happy she was back. But she was still uncomfortable, there was the truth about Bella’s father to deal with still.

Jake had moved to Marietta about a year ago. The popular country singer had finally put down roots and was, for the most part, enjoying small town living. When the celebrity couple of the moment, Nancy and Jared, wanted him to pick out a singer from town to sing duets with him at their wedding he’d agreed without hoping for much. That was until Mags had stepped on stage and belted out That Don’t Impress Me Much – and was he ever impressed. Attracted to Mags, he slowly began to get her more comfortable with him as they rehearsed for the wedding and got to know each other.

He hadn’t expected to find forever in Marietta – but he found his music again and the woman who would make him complete – as long as she felt the same about him.

I loved Kiss the Bride. And adored Jake, Mags and Bella. Their story is fast paced, lighthearted, full of charm and sexiness. It is simply a lovely story of two people who fall in love. Great stories don’t always have to have huge drama or hooks in them – the best ones are simple love stories, with a slight twist, enough tension to make you wonder for a moment about the outcome and the unshakable power of the love between people. It doesn’t sound difficult at all really, but when done right you end up with a charming love story like Kiss the Bride to savor and enjoy. Highly recommend that you go check out the latest addition to the growing stories set in and around Marietta, Montana. You’ll be glad you took the trip.

And I have to agree with Jake, Magdalena and Bella – “It’s never too early for ice cream.” *grin*

*I received an e-ARC of Kiss the Bride from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*

Chemistry and fireworks in a steamy read with a few twists overall made for a pleasant read. A nice addition to The Montana Born Brides series.
3.5 stars
*Review copy received from the Publisher

Book five in the Montana Born Brides Series is another addition to sing about. Rachael Johns is a new author to me so I had no particular expectations, but she's brought us a great balance of sweet and sexy and is definitely now on my radar.

"I'm just a guy who likes to write songs and sing."

Magdalena and Jake are a wonderful couple, he may be somewhat of a celebrity but he's down-to-earth, thoughtful and says the sweetest things. And when he needs a Marietta lady to duet with at the wedding of the year, Magdalena is the lucky girl picked.

"...when I heard you sing, something inside me snapped. Came alive again."

Single Mum to fifteen year-old Bella, Mags left Marietta when she discovered she was pregnant and has only just returned. Her secret brought surprise, emotion and touching elements, she and Jake have a perfect chemistry and their story is well-paced well bringing everything you could wish to find in a short read.

"It's never too early for ice cream."
Next up, our celebrity bride herself, NancyLynn, and I can't wait to see where Kat Latham takes her story.

loved thisone the tale was sweet but a little bit rushed in the romance department wsh it was just a little longer

Kiss the Bride by Rachael Johns was a sweet story. Magdalena Davis is a single mom who was convinced to audition to sing with Jake Kohl, a country star, at Marietta's celebrity wedding. Well Jake likes Magdalena from the moment he sees her, and her voice blows him away. They get to know each other through rehearsals and start falling for each other. Mags has a secret tho, she's never told anyone who fathered her daughter. I have to say, I enjoyed seeing Jake and Mags fall for each other and them open up to each other. The story of how Mags got pregnant was one I predicted from the beginning, but I didn't mind that. I found myself reading through this story quickly because it was engaging and entertaining. This was a good addition to the Montana Born Brides series, and one I will most likely be revisiting in the future. I give it 4 stars overall.

What a wonderful addition to the Montana Born Brides series,this is a book that I could not put down. A sweet but sexy story of Mags and Jake, both that will be singing at the big wedding of Marietta. Neither were looking for love, but there is an instant chemistry between these two. Well developed characters, love the patience that Jake exhibits with Mag and her secret from her teenage years A quick read that will leave you smiling for a long time. Highly recommend this story.

Magdalena returns to Marietta because her mother is seriously ill, and it’s time they try to mend their relationship. Magdalena’s parents turned their backs on Magdalena when she was 17 and pregnant, because being an unwed, pregnant teenage daughter of the local minister was unacceptable in this community. Magdalena left town and has not been back since.

Jake is a famous country songwriter and singer who found himself in Marietta last year and decided to stay and call it home. While happy living in the small community, he hasn’t been able to move past a bad relationship, and his ability to write any new songs seems to have died right along with his heart.

Circumstances bring Magdalena and Jake together when she auditions to sing with him at a big celebrity wedding. She finds singing with him freeing and is amazed at how natural it feels. He can’t believe his good fortune at finding not only a talented singer, but a woman who reignites his heart as well as his song. They have intense chemistry, and just when Jake starts thinking he could be with Magdalena and her daughter long-term, Magdalena decides to put a quick and abrupt end to whatever they had going, after a near tragedy causes her to question many things.

This was another magical Marietta story! Short and fun with a bit of mystery, a hint of heat, and a little bit of swooning to top it all off. It would seem you cannot go wrong with any story based in Marietta!

Thank you to the author and publisher for providing me an ARC, from which this review is based, in exchange for an honest review.

The Montana Born series strikes again, this time its Montana Born Brides stealing the spotlight. Each of this book revolves around one plot, everyone in the small town of Marietta, Georgia is all excited about their very own Celebrity wedding being held there. Like previous series based on this small town, there is a pervading air of something happening thats making everyone pair up and become Montana Born Brides along the way. Magdalena Davis is back in town with her teenage daughter after leaving it 15 years ago. Small town gossip and her own secrets have rendered her unwelcome in her town then. But now she's back to help care for her sick mother when she's suddenly thrust in the limelight singing in the Celebrity wedding of the year with the reigning country superstar. It doesn't hurt that said superstar is very talented and attractive but then is she up to take the challenge. Jake Kohl has settled in Marietta and finding it to his liking. But when he meets the very sexy but shy and very talented Magdalena, there is no one he is more willing to do a duet with than her in more ways than one. This is a very short but enjoyable read about finding your first love, regardless whether its in your teen years or your thirties. I found the romance between Magdalena and Jake very sweet and engaging and the characters from the other Montana Born series making appearances lent the story that charming small town feel. Kiss the Bride is wonderful addition to this series that most contemporary romance readers will love.

A sweet love story featuring Magdalena, a single mother and Jake a famous country singer. When Mags returns to Marietta with her 15 year old daughter, Bella, the last thing she expects is to audition to sing a duet with Jake. When she gets the gig, she and Jake find themselves instantly attracted but Mags isn't sure she is ready.

This is a mildly spicy story of a woman who returns to the family and town that shunned her as an unwed mother and finds the love of her life. A cute summer read that follows several earlier books in the series.

This book was a really fun book. Its short and sweet and I loved all the characters. Jake is the hero, he is a total book boyfriend. He falls for Magdalena fast and she is the one who takes things slow. She has a daughter Bella who is 15 and I really liked her. Mags is older than Jake but he claims by not much. Mags and Jake had great chemistry and they both are so great together. I don't really want to say much and spoil the story except that its a very fun book.

Another fabulous book from the Montana collection! The way that the author dealt with the delicate issues regarding Bella's birth and Magdalena's secret was very good.

Can't wait to read the story of Nancy and the 'infamous' society wedding, the anticipation throughout this series of books has been carefully constructed to complete this series. Well done!

As with all of Australian author Rachael Johns' books that I have read, Kiss the Bride has a solid plot and well developed characters. I did notice a few "Aussie-isms" creep into the story in a couple of places, although they didn't take away from the story it kind of set a red flag and made me wonder whether readers outside of Australia would understand the terms. Aside from that, I found the novella to be a good read.

Magdalena is a single mother with a secret, no one knows who her daughter's father is, and the town gossips are having a field day trying to figure it out - even though it has been all of fifteen years since she fell from grace in their eyes.

Bella, Magdalena's daughter is fifteen and trying to figure out who her father is as well, and she thinks she's nailed it down to one particular rancher. But is it who she thinks it is?

Jake Khol is a country music star who has made Marietta his home, and has been requested to find a local lady to accompany him when he sings at the wedding of a celebrity who wants to showcase her home town. He just doesn't bargain on Magdalena igniting his muse and his passion!

Can they get past Magdalena's secret past?

This book contains adult themes and a graphic sex scene.

Kiss the Bride is the 5th novella in the Montana Born Brides series and I'm here to tell you that it doesn't matter if you haven't read the earlier offerings, you will lose nothing by riding into Marietta now.

My first Marietta tale was Rachael's Tease Me, Cowboy last October, it was the first in the Copper Mountain Rodeo series and the only one that I read. The Montana Born books are all set in the small town of Marietta and are written by a stable of talented authors. It still intrigues me that these authors can delve into a fictional setting of someone else's making, and someone else's characters and write their own stories.

I am happy to say that Kiss The Bride brings Selah and Levi back into the picture as secondary characters so we can check in and see what they're up to. The star of the story is Magdalena, Selah's older sister, who fled Marietta in disgrace 15 years earlier as a pregnant teen. Small towns thrive on gossip and Magdalena gave them plenty, what she didn't give them was the name of the father.

Fifteen long years later Magdalena returns to town with her beloved daughter Bella and gears the gossips back up. No-one knows anything about the elusive father; not the family, friends or even Bella have any inkling. Bella has always been given non-answers and Magdalena thought that was satisfying her, but she knew that wouldn't always be the case.

Our sexy leading man is country singer Jake Kohl, a new addition to Marietta after his purchase of a house following the previous year's rodeo. He is finally looking to make a home after living his entire life on the road, something about Marietta spoke to him and he decided to stay.

Marietta is about to host a celebrity wedding with another of the towns success stories returning to tie the knot. You would think that with the town abuzz with the celebrity wedding that Magdalena may be able to slip back into town relatively unnoticed but no such luck. The celebrity wedding is also what brings together our leads. Nancy wants to involve as much of her small hometown in the wedding as possible so she has roped Jake into singing at the wedding and stipulated that she wants a local to sing with him.

Kiss The Bride is a novella so it is very short and there is only so much time to explore and build characters and relationships so you really do have to make some allowances. The first time Jake and Magdalena sing together at her audition and then when their eyes meet there is an immediate attraction, a serious case of lust at first sight. This can be quite annoying but in a novella it is often the only way, and Johns sweetens the deal for us by not having them fall straight into bed together; instead they get to know one another and take the time to build a relationship.

The remainder of the review will be live on Beauty and Lace.

Kiss the Bride is the fifth book of the hugely entertaining Montana Born Brides series. I really liked the ones I read before, so I was excited to receive an ARC and have the possibility to review this book. I have to admit I was a little disappointed with this one.

I liked the main characters. Magdalena is a single mom and I kind of see her like Gilmore Girls' Lorelai : full of determination and grit. She was ostracized by her community after getting pregnant at seventeen and she never revealed who the father was. Jake is a singer songwriter and is facing the blank page syndrome like never before.

The fact is Magdalena doesn't know who the father is. She was raped and she still doesn't want her daughter to know what kind of person her father is. Magdalena never had another relationship, sexual or otherwise, in the last fifteen years. Suddendly, she meets Jake and goes past her bagages in a 2 weeks period. I am really sorry but I don't feel it.

The two main characters have great chemistry and Magdalena's daughter Bella seems really nice. I just don't believe in the character's development Magdalena goes through. It's a nice book, it's just not enough for me.

I loved this book and the whole series! I would recommend this book and the whole series!

The preparations for the celebrity wedding continues in Marietta.

Jake is a professional country singer who has been called upon to sing at the celebrity wedding. The bride and groom have requested duests as part of the repertoire. To be able to do this, Jake holds an audition in order to find a suitable singer to be his partner in the duets.

Magdalena was born in Marietta but left seventeen years ago when she was pregnant. She is now back in Marietta to be with her mother who has cancer. She is prepared to put up with the malicious gossips to be with her family. Her fifteen year old daughter Bella talks her in entering the auditions and she is so good that Jake picks her to accompany him in the duets. There is also an instant pull between them which Jake is only too keen to explore.

Magdalena has never told anybody about her pregnancy and who was responsible but somehow she opens up to Jake. This information is not what one would expect with Magdalena's reputation at high school. They develop this comfortable relationship during rehearsals but when Bella has this accident, Magdalena starts to doubt herself.

I like the strong sense of duty Magdalena holds for Bella and her willingness to sacrifice her own happiness. Jake is a strong and supportive character who goes after what he wants.

This novella would appeal to those who like to read a quick and easy sweet romance.

I received this ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is book 5 in the Montana Born Brides series. The books in the series all take place in Marietta and the pending celebrity wedding of a local girl gone big time links them together. The neat fact is that the books in this series are written by different authors. I enjoyed Magdalena and Jake's story. We saw them both in previous books and we knew that Magdalena had returned home with her teenage daughter after being gone since she became pregnant as a teenager. She has been the topic of small town gossip because she has never revealed the name of her daughter's father. Jake is a famous country singer who is taking a break because he's lost his muse and is unable to write any new music. Although famous, Jake is down to earth and likable. I’m not always a fan of love at first sight, but Jake’s feelings for Magdalena are sincere and based upon not only her looks but her singing. This was a good book and a nice addition to the series.

This wedding novella from Marietta, Montana made me smile all the way through. It is so heartwarming, full of joy and wonder of life.
The instant attraction, chemistry, connection Jake has with Magdalena is steaming hot, yet at the same time tender and rather fragile. The fact that this famous country star is so down to earth, nice, and respectful is a true delight. His admiration of Magdalena, the way he is patient with her, willing to wait for her, and letting her take the time she needs is so attractive. And when Magdalena opens her heart and tells him her secret, about her past, the understanding and protectiveness from Jake melted my heart. Not to mention the ice cream addiction... Take a blanket, go out in the sun and melt away with this wedding novella, that is celebrating the bliss of falling in love
~ Five Spoons

This was really sweet story with very sad twist but a really great HEA. Magdalena after being estranged from her family for more than a decade has finally plucked up the courage to return home and be with her mother who is ill. Though amends have been made, her relationship with her parents are still strained. The cause: the unknown father of her teenaged daughter

Country music singer, Jake Kohl, has lost his inspiration. He hasn't written anything new in a while and has moved to Marietta in search of a fresh start. Being forced in to participate in the event of the year, a celebrity wedding in Marietta, he auditions several female singers for a duet, when he is surprised by Magdalena's sweet voice.

Irresistibly drawn to each other, Magdalena finds herself trusting and confiding in Jake about things that no one knows. And Jake finds his muse again. But when past and present collide, Magdalena finds herself returning to her shell that had protected but isolated her from the people she loved for all these years, believing that life was better than the one in which she must face her fears and stand up for the truth.

Kiss the Bride is a quick read that once again allows us to visit Marietta, Montana. I remembered Jake Kohl, country music star, from Selah’s and Levi’s story but at first did not remember Selah’s sister, Magdalena being mentioned. That probably says more about me than it does the author or her writing.

This simple but thoughtful story has warm, caring likable characters with Jake, Magdalena and her family. Even with the instant love between Jake and Magdalena, this is very much a returning home and facing your past story for Magdalena. The story takes its tone from Jake’s personality, so in spite of Magdalena’s dark secret it is carefree and easygoing.

I chuckled over the ice cream events and continued comments. Really these references helps gives the story a smooth cohesion that made it a stronger read for me. In fact I like everything about this novella except the ending feels rushed with Magdalena makes a decision then turning a complete about face in only a few minutes. Her confusion over what would be best for her family would take longer to work out in her mind. Afterwards the epilogue shows that time has passed before Jake and Magdalena officially tie the knot. While this helps I still feel more time should have shown earlier in the story.

Overall a must read if you love to get caught up in love and romance.

Perfect setting. Perfect couple. Perfect storyline. Perfect weekend reading! Yes, I loved Kiss The Bride. I have yet to read a Rachael Johns book that I have not enjoyed.
This book is the fifth in the Montana Born Brides series, all of which are set in what would come very close to being my dream town: Marietta, Montana, where the scenery is breathtaking, the people are friendly (for the most part),and where happily ever after is just around the corner. Kiss The Bride works well as a stand alone or as part of the series, although for my money you'd be foolish not to read the other books too ... and all the other books set in Marietta as well, because you'll get to know who's who in town.
Jake Kohl, country singer extraordinaire, heart throb and all round good guy has settled in Marietta and is now faced with the unwelcome prospect of singing at a celebrity wedding in town. To make matters worse, he has to audition half the town to find the right lady to join him in singing the duets that have been chosen for the wedding. Imagine his surprise when stunning Magdalena Davis steps onto the stage and begins to sing. Jake is instantly in lust, but there's something more.
Magdalena squashed any hopes of a singing career way back when, as a 17 year-old she found herself pregnant. She's only just returned to town after learning of her mother's cancer, and she's determined to fly under the radar. The last thing she wants is to have people talking about her again, so she's pretty reluctant to get up on that stage. When she starts to sing, though, it's a different thing, and singing with Jake, takes things to a whole new level.
I'm constantly amazed by authors who manage to develop and present a complex story in the short novella format, yet they do and Rachael Johns has nailed it with this book. Go on! Read it for yourself. You won't be disappointed.

A fast weekend read

Secrets always have a way of always surfacing. Magdalena Davis left home years ago to keep her secret safe. But she moves back home to be there when her mom gets sick and brings her daughter with her.

Magdalena is sweet talked by her daughter into auditioning to sing with a country music star who has moved to Marietta hoping to recapture his muse.

There is a lot of chemistry between these two and things heat up. But the secrets surrounding Magdalena's daughter's father swirl around the blossoming romance. Will love win out? You need to read this to find out.

This book is perfect for a weekend read curled up on the porch swing with a frosty drink by your side.

Full disclosure - I was provided with an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

3.5-4 Allowing Yourself to be Free Stars

As Moms... we get this instinct of when we should be doing something other than the personal moment we are having... It happens all of the time. While we are away from the family or out doing a little something just for ourselves... there can be that nagging feeling of "oh, I better cut this short... or I have been away for too long..." Most of the time it is an unnecessary concern... and now with cell phones...if someone wants you, they can find you. Back in my day of mothering... it was not the case until much later. But the mom guilt syndrome still happens... and in this book, Kiss the Bride, the fifth entry to the Montana Born Bride series, our main character is a true candidate of this aliment.

Magdalena Davis has been a mom for a very long time. Her daughter is 15 and she has been raising her alone for all of those years. As a daughter of The Pastor, her becoming a mom at 17 was something her family did not handle well by any means. She was shipped off to Canada to an aunt's home and when she was able, Magdalena decided to be the mother and woman she is now... independent, strong and watchful over her daughter. The only reason she has even come back to this town was due to her mother's bout with Cancer. It is serious and she could not stay away. But by returning home, Madalena is aware of how the gossip once was and is hoping the hub bub of activity due to the "Hollywood Wedding" of one of Marietta's own will take the spotlight off of her. For the last few weeks she has been here, she has kept her head down, stayed close to home and only went into town once or twice.

Her plan to be invisible, though, is not going as working. Her adorable and smart daughter, Bella, has started a campaign for her to audition for the chance to sing with acclaimed Country Music Star, Jake Kohl. Nancylynn has asked him to find a partner from Marietta and the town is all a buzz. Magdalena's sister and daughter want her to go and sing. They know how great her voice is... she used to sing at all the school shows and still does a little around the house. These two are making her crazy because they won't let up. After much brow beating, she finally succumbs. After all this is singing with her favorite Country star and she does love to sing...had thoughts of pursuing it before everything happened...so looking at Bella's face filled with hope, she says yes.

Jake Kohl is in hell... his move to Marietta was one of the best things he had ever done. He has grown to love this place and felt here he could find his writing muse again and start producing songs for his overdue album. This is the first dry spell he has ever had. As a son of the Country Legend Couple...he has lived all his life on the road, either learning the ropes as a kid, developing his chops as a performer and then becoming a star in his own right. But all this time since being his own man, he has always been able to have the song writing flow.

Lately, though, there has been nothing and having to now sing with an amateur for this wedding is just icing on the cake. He doesn't even like the guy who is getting married...he's a big star with attitude. He is only doing it because the gal he is marrying is from his newly adopted home. And now he is in hell, because he will have to sit and listen to women who think they can sing and be polite.

As the group is auditioning by alphabetical order, he is stunned out of his stupor when Magdalena comes up to the mike. Her presence, the way she is standing before the music track starts has his attention; it is just like any well seasoned performer... making the audience sit up and take notice. She is a vision for him... long honey blond hair, brown eyes which were captivating. She had a swagger and started to sing a song none of these other could even try and get right. He was stunned by her voice, her way of moving and the way he felt while watching and listening to her. Why was this the first time he heard of her... she should be out there recording or at least performing in venues...As she finished, the audiences practically cheered...and with that response Madalena rushed off the stage and out the side door.

While the remaining singers auditioned inside, all Magdalena could do was stand in shock against the wall outside. She couldn't believe she had done it... she sang; it felt great and Jake Kohl seemed to like it. She was nervous enough with just being near him. Something about him besides who he was hit her hard. He just looked straight through her and she felt it to her core. What was wrong with her... she had shut all that down years ago. She had no interest or time to be with any person in her life. Her life was devoted to Bella. Period. She would watch over her; make sure nothing would harm her... Bella would not make the mistakes she had.

Her sister Selah and Bella ran out to find her. They were telling her how amazing she did and to get ready because she was sure to make the callbacks for the next part of the audition, singing a duet with Jake. She didn't know how she would survive that. While she tried to gather her thoughts, she was hustled back into the auditorium. When she heard her name called to stay, she felt a little pride inside. It caused her to flip a switch and sparked her desire to win this thing.

Jake was trying to be fair with all the 5 callbacks. Each had some talent but when singing a duet, there needed to be chemistry between the two singing to make it work. Each woman was ok but no connection. Magdalena was the last one and he knew he had the chemistry for her... he just prayed it would be equally as strong on her side.

When these two started to sing the Faith Hill/Tim McGraw's "Let's Make Love" song... Jake knew. This was something special... this didn't happen all of the time. After all his years in the business performing with so many, this was the first time he was struck this way. Looking into Magdalena's eyes... connecting together on those lyrics... all he could think about was wanting to re-enact them.

He was not alone in his reaction. Magdalena was dying... she was feeling things she Never felt before. She was fighting the nerves and sang clear and strong all the while her body was sending all kinds of signals to her...Signals to her parts which lit her up inside. The song ended and Jake announced her as the winner. The crowd was ok with it because she was clearly the best. As the place emptied out, the reality of what took place hit her. Singing with Jake was going to be amazing and frightening all at the same time. Here she wanted to do this...be singing with Jake but this attraction, this pull he had on her... how was she going to handle it.

Jake quickly set up meeting with Magdalena with a dinner invite. She used Bella as the chaperon, not trusting herself and the town's prying eyes. Jake was happy to include her daughter; she was a delight, smart and fun. It was settled to be at Grey's Saloon for dinner.

It was at this dinner where things took a turn; just Jake putting his hand at her back guiding her into the place cause sparks for both of them. As the meal progressed, Bella was invited to sit with kids from her class, leaving the two of them alone. When talking about her mother's Cancer, Jake reached out and held Magdalena's hand for comfort. This sparked the gossip mill and later the next day the shrews came at him during a meal. They passive aggressively talked about Magdalena and how he better watch out... she wasn't the type of woman he should be with...mentioning his holding her hand. They then tried to talk about the question of who Bella's father was...Jake shut them down and hard. Incensed, he let these biddies know he was not there to listen to this and they should not be talking about her this way. Magdalena was a wonderful person and their snide comments wouldn't make him change his mind about her.

This tale has much going for it. It has the confrontation of what a young girl experienced... nothing what her family or the town thought. It handled the situation well in showing confronting your pain, sharing the facts with those who should know will allow you to help them and yourself move on. It also gave the idea of how women immediately hold themselves back; they are quick to have the mom guilt and see they are not responsible for everything....and finally it gave a very sweet love story between Jake and Magdalena. They were really met for each other in so many ways...it just worked. Rachel Johns handle all of it with a sure hand.

As with all of the Montana Born Brides books, they all are taking place during this Hollywood Wedding. We have all the players in the other books as references and the last book of the series is next, Two Nights with His Bride. I have a very serious feeling this ramp up to the Wedding will take many turns before it happens... or maybe it doesn't.....

A gifted copy was provided by Tule Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review.

4.5 stars

***This ebook was provided by Tule Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***

Kiss The Bride is book #5 in the Montana Born Brides and I really enjoyed reading it.

Magdalena Davis came back home to Marietta after 15 years and she is trying to keep a low profile in order to stop the local gossips from talking about her and in order to protect a 15 year old secret.

Magdalena left her hometown of Marietta when she got pregnant and now she's back home to make peace with her sick mother and the last thing Mags needs is to get involved in Marietta’s big celebrity wedding. But when her teenage daughter cajoles her into auditioning to sing with a local heartthrob, all her plans for flying under the radar zoom out of the window.

Country music singer, Jake Kohl, has lost his muse. He’s jaded from years of life in the fast lane and wants to settle in Marietta and lead a normal life. He reluctantly agrees to sing at the celebrity wedding, but what he doesn't expect is his co-singer to reignite his passion. But it’s not just the music she awakes in him. Magdalena makes Jake feel and want things he hasn’t for far too long, but there’s more to her than meets the eye.

The more Jake learns about Mags the more he's attracted to her and he's willing to give her time and take things slow since she has a daughter to consider and he can fell she's holding back a big secrets about the father of her daughter.

I really enjoyed reading about Mags and Jake, I loved how patient Jake was with Mags and how much he truly cared about her and her daughter. I enjoyed reading about a strong heroine that wanted to be a good role model for her daughter and how she made a good life for the both of them.

The chemistry between Jake and Mags was very strong but on to of the strong chemistry you could feel the true love between them.

Kiss the Bride was an emotional read and it's one of my fave books in the series so far.

Mags is back in Marietta with her daughter to help take care of her sick mom, how long the stay is unknown at this time. The only problem facing Mags is she has a secret no one knows and she would like to keep it that way for the sake of her daughter and those involved, but will she be able to keep that secret and for how much longer. Jake is now living in Marietta and he's not sure what is the next step in his life he just know one thing he is not to happy about having to sign at the upcoming wedding of Nancy Parsons and he's ready to get the auditions for his counter part over and done with. When the most beautiful voice he has ever heard stands up on stage and wows everyone he knows this is the one he needs to sign with theres only one problem and he hopes that she won't see it and will sign with him.

This is a follow up to the Montana born bride books, this book is fun and really sweet. I love this little town and the fun people in it. The author did a great job with getting a story with a tough subject told but not just glossing over it and still keeping the story light and fun. The chemistry in the book from the beginning to the end was differently jumping off the pages and has you turning each page wanting more. I just loved the way this story ended and can't wait to read more about this fun group of women from Montana.

Another great read from Tule, I've loved the town of Marietta since I read the bachelor auction mini series and have been falling in love with the residents as I read more about them. The wedding of the century is happening in Marietta the bride's hometown and she wants the latest transplant to the town country and western singer Jake Kohl to sing at her wedding. The town council accept on Jake's behalf and decide it would be great to have a little home grown talent join Jake in singing at the wedding enter Magdalena the bad girl and proverbial lost lamb back to help her mother through her chemo she's enrolled her teenager in high school and is steamrolled into performing at the open auditions never thinking she would win and sing with Jake Kohl at the celebrity wedding of the year.

Kiss the Bride by Rachael Johns Category Book review

In brief: Returning to Marietta, Magdalena Davis is worried about whether the town still wants to know her teenage secret. She certainly didn’t think she’d be singing with country superstar Jake Kohl…
The good: It’s sweet with a hit of sexy and includes ice cream!
The not-so-good: It’s a novella, so I read it pretty quickly.
Why I chose it: I love Rachael Johns’ stories. They always have wit and sparkle. Thanks to Tule Publishing for the eARC.
Year: 2015 Pages: 123 (eARC)
Publisher: Tule Publishing Setting: Montana, USA My rating: 9.5 out of 10 For me, Rachael Johns’ books never fail to disappoint or lift my mood. (I even have a couple saved for happiness emergencies). So while waiting for her next book, The Patterson Girls to be released (October is AGES away!) I was thrilled to see she had a new novella out. Kiss the Bride is part of the Montana Born Brides series, but you can easily read it as a standalone (I did – and now I want to read the rest of the series). Those who have read her previous novella Tease Me, Cowboy will be thrilled to find out that the main character in Kiss the Bride, Magdalena, is Selah’s sister. But Magdalena (or ‘Mags’) has a secret that has kept her away from Marietta for many years. Until now.
Mags and Selah’s mother has been diagnosed with cancer and Mags has moved back to Marietta to help support her mother. This means returning to the town with her daughter Bella and reigniting the flames of gossip about who Bella’s father is. Mags has never told anyone what happened, not even her family. She’s determined to hold her head up high and get through this. Of course, when local girl turned star Nancylynn decides to involve the town in her wedding everything is turned upside down and Mags is encouraged to audition to sing a duet with smoking hot country star Jake Kohl. Jake’s never met a woman with talent like Mags’ before. Can she be the one to encourage the return of his song writing muse?
Of course, you know what will happen but the fun is in the journey to the happy ending. Rachael Johns makes it fun with some light-hearted moments – it turns out that Jake is a closet ice cream fiend (which has him now tying for favourite hero in my books with Monty from Outback Dreams after the line, “It’s never too early for ice cream”.). There’s also some fun to be had in Lisa-Renee’s bridal boutique with dresses before the stumbling block to happiness interrupts sexy times. The story is fresh, the writing is never dull and the plot threads move in a beautifully choreographed fashion. There’s enough of Selah and Levi to keep everyone happy and there’s just enough to intrigue me about the other characters’ happily ever after so I’ll read more in the series.
Once again, a stellar story from Rachael Johns’ that ticks all the boxes for a great romantic read.

Magdalena Davis is back in town and she is causing quite a fuss. She somehow gets talked into auditioning to perform a duet with one of the sexiest country singers she has ever met Jake Kohl,

Country music singer, Jake Kohl, has lost his muse and he needs some inspiration fast. Although he was frustrated when he was told he had to pick a local singer to perform with him, he cant help but be happy Magdalena stepped onto the stage.

Both Jake and Magdalena has skeletons in their closets but the real question is can they handle when their skeletons refuse to stay hidden? Read and find out!

I received this book as an ARC from Net Galley for my honest review.

I love the Montana Born Bride series and everything it has to offer. The fact that they use different authors to tie this series together keeps things fresh and gives you an introduction to many of the authors.

This book is more on the short and sweet side with a little bit of spice and heartache.

Now I want to start by saying as a single mother, thank you Rachel Jones for making Magdalena such a strong woman. Magdalena did not fall apart because of the life she was dealt, she did what had to do, after suffering through so much, to take care of her child. I also loved that Jake was such a strong man who had no problem stepping up and showing not only Magdalena but her daughter that he was interested in being a part of their lives.

Now that I have said that I felt like I needed maybe 50 more pages, there were a couple of questions I needed answered. Don't get me wrong there was a complete story I just wish that one big question was answered.

This book is being sold for 2.99 on Amazon and I feel like that is a very fair price. I definitely recommend this author and I can not wait to see what else she has in store.

Magdalena Davis has been a mom for a very long time. Her daughter is 15 and she has been raising her alone for all of those years. As a daughter of The Pastor, her becoming a mom at 17 was something her family did not handle well by any means. She was shipped off to Canada to an aunt's home and when she was able, Magdalena decided to be the mother and woman she is now... independent, strong and watchful over her daughter. The only reason she has even come back to this town was due to her mother's bout with Cancer. It is serious and she could not stay away. But by returning home, Madalena is aware of how the gossip once was and is hoping the hub bub of activity due to the "Hollywood Wedding" of one of Marietta's own will take the spotlight off of her. For the last few weeks she has been here, she has kept her head down, stayed close to home and only went into town once or twice. Her plan to be invisible, though, is not going as working. Her adorable and smart daughter, Bella, has started a campaign for her to audition for the chance to sing with acclaimed Country Music Star, Jake Kohl. Nancylynn has asked him to find a partner from Marietta and the town is all a buzz. Magdalena's sister and daughter want her to go and sing. They know how great her voice is... she used to sing at all the school shows and still does a little around the house. These two are making her crazy because they won't let up. After much brow beating, she finally succumbs. After all this is singing with her favorite Country star and she does love to sing...had thoughts of pursuing it before everything happened...so looking at Bella's face filled with hope, she says yes.

Magdalena and Jake are a wonderful couple, he may be somewhat of a celebrity but he's down-to-earth, thoughtful and says the sweetest things. And when he needs a Marietta lady to duet with at the wedding of the year, Magdalena is the lucky girl picked.

Magdalena Davis is the preacher's daughter who got pregnant at 17 and left Marietta under a cloud of disgrace and gossip. Now, she is back in Marietta with her beautiful 15-year-old in tow, to help her mother who has been diagnosed with cancer. All she wants to do is keep a low profile, help her Mom, take care of her daughter and run her business. She definitely isn't interested in the celebrity wedding that has got all of Marietta up in arms, until her daughter and sister convince her to try out for the chance to sing at the Wedding with Jake Kohl.
Jake Kohl came to Marietta for the rodeo and decided it would be a great place to put down roots. So he bought a house and started to become part of the community. Unfortunately, that means he agreed to sing at the celebrity wedding, even though he doesn't really like the groom who asked him. He also has to go through the agony of auditioning a ton of local women, hoping to find someone passable enough to sing a duet with him.
When Magdalena hits the stage, she is finally realizing a childhood dream and Jake finds a partner more perfect than he could have ever imagined, both in singing, and, he hopes, life. As these two start working together, can he get past her defenses and convince her that they are perfect together, on stage and off?
This was a wonderful story. Magdalena has things in her past she needs to get through. She is a mother, with a mother's instincts, who puts her daughter before everything, happily. Jake is a good guy who realizes from the beginning that anything he starts with Magdalena has to be with an eye toward permanence, and he is determined to prove he is the right guy for her.
Their interactions had me giggling and sighing, it was so much fun watching the relationship build. The story was well-paced, characters well-developed, and it was and overall solid storyline. I truly enjoyed my visit to Marietta and getting to know this couple.

Her mom’s health condition was what prompted Magdalena Davis to return to Marietta, with her daughter Bella. For fifteen years, she kept the truth about her daughter’s dad, and now that she’s back in her hometown, the people of Marietta started talking about her again.

Good thing there’s a new celebrity wedding in the horizon. The rumors had somehow turned to Nancylyn Pruitt’s upcoming star-studded nuptials. And singer & Marietta’s adopted son Jake Kohl was one of those famous people. When he was asked to sing with a partner on the said wedding of the year, he held an audition for the town’s amazing singer. Just when Mags thought she could stay invisible for good, suddenly the limelight turned on her. She and Jake made great music together.

Until her daughter Bella got into an accident.

KISS THE BRIDE by Racheal Johns was a touching romantic story. I loved the scenes between Jake & Mags, they seemed fir for each other. The relationship may seem a little bit fast, but when you are in-love. it’s either time stood still or time flies so fast. Either way, this romantic novel got me grinning from ear to ear, until the big wedding. Wedding of who? I won’t tell. But this is what I do know. I’m suddenly intrigued by the last book in the series and I can’t wait to read Nancy’s wedding jitters!

This is my favorite book so far in this series. I love getting glimpses of the characters I have perviously read about and the drama still surrounding the big Hollywood wedding.

Magdalena returns home after being "away" for 15 years. She wants to make peace with her past and her parents and to lay low and out the way of the small town gossips. Of course that does not happen when she auditions to sing a duet at the wedding with none other than Jake. The chemistry is immediate and Magdalena is able to help Jake out of his song writing funk and he definitely helps her out of hers!

Can't wait to read the final book in this series!

I will post my review on Facebook and Twitter.

You can count on a great read from Rachael Johns and Kiss the Bride doesn't disappoint. I loved Johns' contribution to the Montana Born Brides series, book 5, Kiss the Bride. I've been hoping we'd get Mags' story. I liked Magdelena...more than I expected. The relationship between mother and daughter was wonderful to read. And I couldn't help but love Jake. Johns delivers all the feels with this read. I'm ready to see how the series will wrap up the wedding season in Marietta.

You can count on a great read from Rachael Johns and Kiss the Bride doesn't disappoint. I loved Johns' contribution to the Montana Born Brides series, book 5, Kiss the Bride. I've been hoping we'd get Mags' story. I liked Magdelena...more than I expected. The relationship between mother and daughter was wonderful to read. And I couldn't help but love Jake. Johns delivers all the feels with this read. I'm ready to see how the series will wrap up the wedding season in Marietta.

This is a most wonderful book! I have been reading this series since the beginning. It is a phenomenal series from beginning to end! I am so glad I read the whole series because it has introduced to me to several new authors, including Rachael Johns, the author of Kiss the Bride. Ms. Johns does a phenomenal job writing about her characters and all of the ups and downs that they go through. You really start to care about them and for them. I really love Jake's reaction when Magdalena told him what happened to her when she was 17. I am not going to say what this was because I refuse to give any spoilers. You really need to read this book and the rest of the series as well. I want to say Thank you to Net Galley and Tule Publishing for the ARC of this book, asking of me an honest opinion of this book. All I can say is I loved, loved, loved this book! Kudos to the author Rachel John's, I cannot wait to read more books by you. I have definitely found another new author to love.

Thank you for reading my review.

Kiss the Bride is one of the better books in this wedding-themed series. Magdalena/Magda/Mags has come home. It hasn't been easy for her since she left Marietta, maybe hasn't ever been easy for her. She was the wild child, always pushing the envelope. It hurt her with her parents and her reputation in town. But she is back now and she needs to keep her nose clean and raise her teenage daughter. That's pretty much what she is trying to do.

But this pesky celebrity wedding has Marietta in a tizzy and her daughter knows a little secret - Mags loves to sing, is good at it, and it was once her dream. So, when auditions are set up to find a local singer to pair with country star Jake Kohl, Mags gets pushed into it. And then she nails it and Jake is in heaven. Jake wants a piece of Magdalena, and not just her singing voice and he uses their practice time to woo her.

But Magdalena has some issues, notably her teenage daughter and the circumstances surrounding her birth, circumstances her daughter is trying to verify. It leads to a big mess, but not even that can stop the juggernaut that is Jake. He can weather any storm and all the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune to get the woman who gave back his music.

I really like this book. Both Jake and Mags have their own issues. They don't let their issues exactly stop them from having a good life, though they do hedge their bets a bit. Mostly, it just felt comfortable, as if they were both settling into a place they were always meant to be both professionally and personally. The lack of ridiculous drama definitely was nice since the book could easily have gone off the rails.

My apologies, in checking outstanding ARCs on my account, I found this one was never read and reviewed. If it is read in the future, I will send an updated link.