4.5 stars

You can always count on a Lauren Layne book to be a fun and fast read. I loved the main characters and the Bachelor-like setting. I loved watching Gage and Ellie build a reluctant friendship and completely enjoyed their text message exchanges. There's just something about text messages that really hooks me on a relationship.

Gage and Ellie have some serious obstacles to overcome regarding the nature of their relationship but I loved them and I loved watching them figure out what it was they truly wanted to from each other. I really enjoyed watching the girls get catty with each other and the "twist" ending to the show.

If you're looking for an enjoyable read that'll consume you for a couple of hours, definitely pick this one up!

***ARC Provided by the Author/Publisher via NetGalley***

I adored this book, the premise, and the slight shade to the whole bachelor themed reality television shows that exists in the way both Gage and Ellie feel about participating in the show. I know, I read romance, I believe in the happily ever after, and I love watching people find that love. I just don't love it when it is on a reality show, so I found myself really relating to Ellie, and her determination to get off the show.

There was so much about this book that felt fresh and fun. The premise, the idea that the relationship was not supposed to happen, and that he was not free to openly date Ellie without breaking a contract made for some amusing (and clever) diversions being necessary for them to get their alone time, in the closet, so to speak.

Lauren Layne is a wonderful author, and she is a favorite of mine because of books like this. It's her ability to take characters and put them into situations that are a little different than other authors, and then to develop these characters, let you get to know them and to fall a little in love with them.

I am definitely more than a little bit in love with Gage and I recommend this title.

Gage's perfect life is about to become a complication he doesn't need, yet can't live without. What began as a drunken bet has become a life changing moment for two people who never saw it coming. Runaway Groom is romantic comedy at the highest level. Not only is it an over the top look at love, but it's a temptation that must be experienced. Lauren Layne has created a guilty pleasure. Tears of joy and laughter are a constant with this crazily heartwarming romance.

As the kind who scoffs at reality-tv series like The Bachelor/The Bachelorette, I surprised myself even by jumping into Lauren Layne’s ‘Runaway Groom’, then spent all night reading it, at the expense of sleep. Needless to say, it was engaging enough where I found myself saying ‘just one more chapter’, though that went on and on until I hit the sugary sweet epilogue.

Avid fans of this type of reality shows probably need no introduction to the plot at all—which I don’t need to go into here—but it’s safe to say that Ellie and Gage don’t start off on the right footing and even get into some verbal scuffles before the attraction starts to bubble over. Layne makes sure that it all does not go according to script as well, because, where would be the fun in that, if it ends the way many people think it does? A famous actor, lured into the reality show because of a bet and the typical businesswoman struggling to advertise for her own company, are already an unlikely pair, but Layne writes believable chemistry between them that I could get on with.

With Lauren Layne’s combination of wit and insight, ‘Runaway Groom’ is largely, an easy, breezy read to go through. A rather cheesy ending rears its head here however, despite the unexpected twists and turns, so grit your teeth (or smile stupidly) and enjoy the Hollywood ending.

I'm going to keep this short and sweet. Reading this book was pure bliss. I love a good romance read and also a good reality show. They came together in the Runaway Groom. I just had a ball reading this book from the texting to the secret non-romantic meetups. I got thrills in my stomach from just enjoying this book. I can't wait to read more from Lauren Layne.

Hollywood actor, Gage Barrett, loses a bet and somehow ends up staring on Jilted, a reality TV show that matches runaway grooms with wannabe brides. Instead of just getting engaged at the end of the show, there is to be a wedding. Ellie's best friend and business partner convinced her that trying out for the show would be good for their business. She never thought that she would actually get picked to be a contestant. Why not go on national tv and promote her business? She never expected to stay long.

The latest offering from Lauren Layne, Runaway Groom takes readers backstage of a show called "Jilted". It's a cross between The Bachelor and Runaway Bride Reality TV show. This time The Bachelor also happens to have a history of running away from the wedding and this show aims to get him married by the end of the season. This rounds current bachelor is none other than Hollywood actor Gage Barrett, ultimate talented actor and playboy who's happen to have had two weddings he hasn't gone through with. Twelve lovely contestants are here to compete for the ultimate prize, well all except for Ellie, who happens to be here just to promote her T-shirt business. She never intended to be one of the finalist much less catching the interest of the very attractive Gage. As days past in the tropical island of Maui, both Gage and Ellie find themselves constantly gravitating to each other. But how can Ellie be sure that what she and Gage feel for each other is real in this made up TV paradise?

I do love Lauren Layne's writing, she manages to entertain, make you laugh with the witty and funny dialogues between her leads but also drives home the point that love isn't as easy as it sounds. Gage and Ellie's situation, although funny at times leads to question if they're just feeling what they're feeling because they're thrown together or its because of something more real. This is Ellie's quandary and yes Gage was able to answer this with the grandest of gestures. Runaway Groom will definitely be a favorite from now on.

If you enjoy a reality TV dating game themed romantic tale, you might want to run towards this one, folks. Ms. Layne proves once again she can serve up a steamy romance right alongside relationship angst using lots of witty, back and forth, confrontational turns to love banter.

With the main couple both reluctantly roped into appearing on this show, at first it appears Gage, the famous actor hero, is just as willing to see Ellie booted off just as quickly as she is hoping to be pushed out the door. Of course, the fact she is the only one not fawning over him only peaks his interest/curiosity more. Well, I’m not going to reveal any details on how they bond/connect since I don’t want to ruin the gist of the story line. Just know past experiences are shared/revealed, and they begin to yearn for what they assume can never be...a future together

As an avid romantic, I must point out it is always a punch to my heart to have to endure other women kissing/flirting with the hero with the heroine getting a front row seat, even when he puts it off as long as possible and doesn’t seem to enjoy it. In the beginning, you also have to sit back while the leading man mentally ticks off pros and cons of each contestant.

Naturally, heartbreak is inevitable as these two knucklehead lovebirds stubbornly refuse to contemplate a compromise that will lead them down the aisle to their own HEA. Not to worry though. True reality finally does sink in. They simply can’t live without one another. For me, that’s what makes the trade-off of dreaded OW drama worth it. I especially enjoy this author’s tendency to give us a sassy heroine quick to put the hero in his place.

P.S.: If you are an Emma Chase fan, I think this book will especially appeal to you. The inner male monologue and character set-up reminded me of that author’s writing style.

Title: Runaway Groom, Series: I Do, I Don’t (Book 2), Author: Lauren Layne, Pages: 240, stand-alone but part of a series, famous former player actor hero with a mistaken reputation regarding weddings, VERY steamy scenes with heroine, TV reality dating backdrop, writing flowed/stayed fully engaged.

Book 1 - Ready to Run (Jordan & Luke)
Book 2 - Runaway Groom (Gage & Ellie)
Book 3 - Just Run With It (Violet & Bennett)

(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review, nor is there any affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/PR firm.)

I really loved everything about this book. The story is so engaging and was an easy read. The characters were complex enough to be engaging and entertaining and still be real. There was just enough heat to make the book sexy but not have the book be only about the attraction. My favorite part was Ellie though. She is a spunky fun woman who is nothing like someone you'd normally see in a reality show but I think everyone would love to watch. She is also the perfect match for Gage. I would recommend this to anyone who loves romantic comedies.

4.5 stars

So I read or tried to read Ready to Run and I just was not clicking with it. So when this book popped up on Netgalley I was a little wary. But I love Lauren Layne and I had just finished An Ex for Christmas so I read the little blurb at the end and I was excited. The best part was that I never lost that excitement.

Gage Barrett is many things including a runaway groom. Tricked into appearing on Jilted, a reality TV show similar to the Bachelor, he is now contracted the end the show with a wedding. Ellie Wright only auditioned so that she could maybe get more press for her t-shirt business. She never expected to make it past the first round, never mind catch the attention of the playboy movie star. Ellie really doesn't want to be attracted to him but as the show goes on, Ellie finds that there is more to Gage than just movie star.

The reality TV show is hilarious. I find the whole thing ridiculous anyway but I kinda adore the trope when it works right. And it totally did in this story. The chemistry between Ellie and Gage was sweet. I especially liked their cockroach hideaway and the possibility of bases. There was banter with a capital B which was fantastic and moments of happy humor. There was the question of who is the real Gage and how real are these feelings both Ellie and Gage are having. There was a point where Ellie's head and heart were arguing and the head won and I about threw the book across the room. But it was a kindle so I didn't.

I liked this book a lot. I liked how the show played out and how Ellie finally figured out what she wanted. Cute Read.

Gage Barrett is a huge Hollywood actor, two time runaway groom and now the star of the reality dating show, Jilted. Sure, he didn't sign up for the show because he actually believes it is his path to finding true love, but now that the shows underway, he is going to do the job he agreed to do.

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

Ellie Wright has one reason for being on the show... getting her company a little national exposure. Being forthright with Gage from the beginning, she is not only surprised that she isn't immediately eliminated, but finds herself in an easy and real friendship with Gage.

Against all reality show dating odds, Gage and Ellie start falling for each other. But, the show must go on, and the contractual obligations aren't the only thing that these two have working against them.

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

This book was fantastic! Sexy and fun, I loved Gage and Ellie and their uncomplicated friendship in a very complicated situation.

Gage may technically be a runaway groom, but he would really love to be in a real relationship some day. A relationship with someone who wants the real him and not just his fame. Ellie is wary of relationships. Never having much luck finding someone with staying power, she has trouble trusting that true love is out there.

When Gage and Ellie have a chance to bond away from the cameras, they can relax and just be themselves. But, the reality of their situation is that every day is a new day of filming and there are a dozen other woman vying for Gage's attention and ultimately, to become his wife.

On a final note, I have zero interest in reality dating shows, so this book wouldn't have been at the top of my pile to read. BUT, I devour everything written by Lauren Layne, and the I Do, I Don't series does not disappoint! These books were unique, fabulous, and nothing I would have expected from their reality show setting. Once again, Lauren Layne reigns queen of my auto buy authors.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.

This time in Runaway Groom, Lauren Layne has given us a fabulously funny and romantic book. This is even better than the first book with two characters who will keep their word but also will dread doing it. Movie Star, Gage Barrett is not the usual male for the TV reality program so right there it is noteworthy. Ellie Wright has her own reasons for being on the show that have nothing to do with wanting to get hitched. These two are funny, appealing and right down good together. What an amusing story.

Reality TV shows are not something I watch but having it as the backdrop for this series gave me an idea of the ins and outs of how they work. It adds to the interests to see not only what you would see if this was a real show but also the behind the scenes antics too. I’m sure it’s way more entertaining than the actual shows! This I Do, I Do Series is turning into one of Ms. Layne’s best and fun series to date with Runaway Groom.

It's no secret that I love Lauren Layne's books. What might come as a surprise though, is that I'm secretly a fan of The Bachelor. So you know I had to read Runaway Groom when I found out it combines two of my favorite things: Lauren Layne's writing and a The Bachelor-esque setting. I absolutely devoured this book. It had everything that I love and want out of a LL book. Honestly, I'm in awe at how this author just continues to impress me.

You guys. This ship. I will 100% go down with it. I loved loved loved Ellie and Gage as individuals, but I loved them even more as a couple. Lauren Layne writes the sort of couples that you find yourself envious of, and Ellie and Gage are no different. Gage, our hot as hell hearthrob, really wants nothing to do with the reality show, Jilted. Unfortunately, he lost a drunken bet, and has to fulfill his responsibilities. Gage was so much more than a superficial actor with the reputation of being a ladies man. I usually don't care for celebrities in books, but I was a complete goner for this guy. Talk about a down-to-earth, swoony and ridiculously sexy guy. He was also just the perfect bit broody and reserved when it came to his emotions, but he slowly opens up to Ellie and it is the absolute cutest. Ellie doesn't really want to be part of the show either, but she's forced by her friend to audition in an attempt to bring some publicity to her t-shirt company. I liked Ellie too - she's a cool girl, and a very goal-oriented and determined person, which I admired. I especially liked how passionate and proud she was when it came to her company. 

So yeah, you have these two people who want absolutely nothing to do with this show, but then they meet, and sparks fly! Lauren Layne writes such great couples. She also writes fantastic and witty banter between her couples. In the beginning, Gage, intrigued by Ellie's disinterest in him, decides to keep her around so she can be his insider among the couples. Of course, shenanigans ensue. ;) They begin meeting in secret in a closet, and you all know what that means. The development of their romance was so great. There's a lot of chemistry between the two, but I loved watching them get to know each other and befriend each other more. When they finally give in to their attraction, it's absolutely fulfilling. I also thought LL did a spectacular job with the reality TV show setting. The secondary characters, the ins and outs of a show like that were written so well. 

Anyways, I'm gonna stop raving about this book now. Just do yourself a favor and get Runaway Groom, and read it on a day you're feeling down because it's absolutely sure to perk you up.

Another enjoyable read from Lauren Layne; she never disappoints.

I'd like to start every year with an LL book. Runaway Groom was so good. I totally binged it and spent my New Year Day morning loving every second of Gage and Ellies's story. I was so happy with the ending but legitimately sad that the story was over. And hello rockstar LL who created a TON of secondary characters who made the story even more phenomenal!!

In Runaway Groom, Ellie has agreed to be one of the contestants on a Bachelor-like television show. She’s not doing it for the chance to find love, but for the chance to promote her new t-shirt company. Ellie has no interested in meeting Hollywood heart-throb Gage at the altar.

Gage isn’t exactly thrilled to be on the reality television show either. He lost a bet, and there’s nothing he can do to get out of being the “groom”. The only thing good about the situation is meeting Ellie. She’s real and refreshing in a way the other contestants aren’t. Gage just needs to convince Ellie that he’s not the Hollywood playboy he’s been made out to be.

Runaway Groom is the second book in Lauren Layne’s I Do, I Don’t series. I loved the first book, Ready to Run, but I found Runaway Groom to be even better! The format was so much fun! I loved that not only were first person dual points of view used to narrate, but text messages and official letters to the contestants. It also had what I love about every Lauren Layne book — great humor! Oh, and I can’t leave out the setting. Who doesn’t love reading books set in tropical locals?

Gage and Ellie were both pretty pessimistic at the beginning of Runaway Groom. I loved how that initially brought them together. I don’t want to spill how, but I thought it was so cool! Lauren Layne came up with a great plot there. It was so easy to understand how Gage and Ellie were meant for each other.

Honestly, Runaway Groom was perfectly written. I wouldn’t make any changes to it. It was so much fun to read! If you’re a Lauren Layne fan, you need to read this book. If you haven’t read her stuff before and love contemporary romances, you need to read this book! You don’t have to read the first book in the series to read Runaway Groom, so basically everyone needs to read this book.

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**