Firstly, I have to apologise to Angela and Rachel for the delay in this post it should have been yesterday. Thanks to life, work and a football game it sadly didn’t happen.

Now I’m a huge fan of Angela Britnell so when this novella pinged through onto my email I knew I wanted in on this tour. I’ve loved all of her Nashville inspired reads and it’s just heightened my want to get to this beauty of a place. Angela creates rugged heroes who I literally can’t help but love. I was also bowled over by the fact Maggie and Chad from the Reject Table were a huge part of this read. That was another novella that I truly fell in love with so thank you Angela for bringing these beautiful characters back.

Louise and Josh are truly adorable and I loved falling in love with them in this tasty treat, and as much as my review is delayed I’m glad I got to spend a little more time getting to know these two and watching them fall in love. These two lost souls are very similar with their worries and in how they have closed themselves off to avoid being hurt. I loved Louise and in some ways her cautiousness is very much how I have felt – we have similar connections on our sense of self-confidence or lack of especially when men are concerned.

As a huge Nashville fan I loved the connections to the show that has stolen my heart. I haven’t watched the latest season yet and I know I will be heartbroken when it ends.

If you’re looking for a short read that will enhance your want to visit another country, will have you emotionally on the edge of your seat, and will whisk you away from the daily struggles in life then look no further. As I say I’m a massive fan of Angela’s and I’m sure I still have some of her books on my TBR that I need to get back to so watch this space. My love for this author grows each and every time I settle down with one of her books.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book right from the first few pages!

It is well written, has some great characters, a fantastic writing style and pace and it is a completely addictive plot

A fun read that is easy to follow and very enjoyable – 4 stars from me! Highly recommended!!

Reviewed on behalf of 3 Degrees of Fiction book blog.
This is my first book by Angela Britnell, and I though it was a very sweet romance. I believe this book is part of a series, but I can vouch that this book can be read as a standalone.
The story starts off with the preparations of Chad and Maggie's wedding. Chad is the younger brother of Josh. Josh is a bit like the black sheep of the family. He didn't want to be a part of the family business, instead he joined the armed forces. He thinks his father basically hates him. But throughout the book he finally starts to realise that not only is he very similar to his father, but that all along his father was only looking out for him.
Louise is a sweet girl, who I think is in hiding being the assistant to Audrey. Five years ago she went through something terrible with her previous employer, but it was thanks to Josh that she can finally move forward.
Their romance moves along quite quickly, but you can really feel their love and connection as the story progresses.
Would happily read more from this author.

This book was quite a cute little read and you can totally lose yourself in it. It is apparently the fifth book in a series but none of the books are linked (although there is a prequel to this one which I might go and just pick up). I picked this up because of the word Nashville just rang out to me and with all the psychological thrillers, I needed to read something, dare I say it, fluffy (and I do not mean this in a derogatory way), so this book was perfect for me.

So the story picks up with the American Chad marrying the English girl Maggie (from the prequel) and Josh, the older handsome brother, is the best man, returning home for the first time in years. He spots Louise, another English girl, and instantly they fall in love. 

The story is predictable in a way that boy meets girl and they fall in love, what made this story and appealed to me, is Josh went against his father and did not run the family business but joined the army. Being an army wife I sit on a knife edge so to speak, I love to read things about soldiers but I find it quite hard at the same time. Not too much detail was given, which I thought was a shame as I felt more could have been explored with PTSD. However, saying that, the dream that Josh had, once Chad nudged him in the right direction, of music and ex-military was actually quite serene and beautiful. I actually wanted to know more about this and what happens but alas that is not the story here.

I did enjoy the story of Josh and Louise, at times though I felt like it was a bit rushed and that conversations were missing, everything was 50 mph. Even when we discovered what happened with Louise, the way it was resolved was so quick and a tad bit easy, but do you know what I didn't care for a change. I was rooting for them from the beginning, so what if a few steps were missed. It was just refreshing not to have the whole miscommunication, stop talking to each other and makeup at the end. (P.s I do love those as well) 

Instead, we had two characters, who didn't mince their words and had amazing chemistry and banter. They were honest with each other, both had their baggage but as long as they could just take one day at a time with each other and be honest when the time was right, it would work. You know what...it did. I loved reading a romance book (set in Nashville and it's "honky tonk") where it was just quite simple. I also quite enjoyed that a lot of this book had a leading man instead of a woman. Josh took up quite a lot of the reading time and it was quite a welcome attribute to have in a book, and not just be in the woman's head.
It was boy meets girl and boy loves girl and a happy ending they both thoroughly deserve

Josh is definitely the best man in this story.

There is plenty to enjoy in this novella. Most of all I appreciated the cast of characters who were introduced. Anyone who has ever been connected with organising a wedding will recognise the chaos it can bring, with too many people wanting to voice their opinions on canapes and favours. It captures the ups and downs of this pre-wedding period when everyone's emotions are heightened.

I also enjoyed the contrast between the Southern charm and English reserve which gives rise to some humour, especially when discussing the two countries' customs and tastes. It is a quick, enjoyable read, with plenty of romance as Josh and Louise try to come to terms with the past.

In short: Cornwall comes to Nashville for an entertaining, romantic episode.
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book

4☆ A Warm, light hearted Romance

Here Comes the Best Man is a wonderful light hearted romance. This book is part of a series, but is perfectly fine as a standalone.
However I'm gutted I'm only just discovering this gorgeous series now. So it's definitely a series I'll be checking out.

When Chad and Maggie are getting married his big brother Josh is in town to be his best man. He is determined to give him the best wedding.

Josh meets Louise who is also there for the wedding As she is helping out.
There is an instant attraction.
But who can blame her, Josh is gorgeous and has a bit of a naughty boy rep.
But he has something to prove to his family so he is determined to be on his best behaviour.
Can Louise be the one to Tame him?

I loved Josh and Louise, it was so lovely to see their friendship develop into something more. Both definitely come across as having some trust issues but it was so nice to see them let their guard down.

This story is a charming feel good romance, a look in to the ups and downs of weddings, families, letting your guard down and learning to trust and finding love.
If you enjoy light hearted quick reads, that make you feel part of the wedding.
Then you will really enjoy this fab read.

I am excited to read more from Angela Britnell.

Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

Louise Giles, companion to elderly Audrey Trembarth, arrives in Nashville for her goddaughter Maggie’s wedding to Chad Robertson. Chad’s older brother, war veteran Josh arrives to take on the role of best man. Josh left home at eighteen and joined the army. At odds with his father Big J when he stepped in to break up his relationship with the love of his life, Josh walked away from his family and the responsibility of taking over the family business, Robertson’s Guitars.
This is a warm and entertaining story. Two people with chequered history brought together quite by chance. Louise is a calm, sensible individual, still smarting from an abusive relationship with her ex-boss. Josh has turned his back on the world. He’s saved lives under fire; he’s a hero but life on his own has meant his social skills leave a lot to be desired. In the life he’s created for himself he’s learned not to care – until he meets Louise. Gradually drawn into the flurry of last minute preparations for the wedding, both of them find themselves constantly in each other’s company and gradually something sparks between them. Concerned at returning home, Josh is surprised to discover the opportunity to engage in a project that’s dear to his heart.
Set against the backdrop of the Robertson’s beautiful southern mansion, I loved that this romance was different. It centred around two more mature people, not the usual twenty somethings. For me that gave the whole thing a far deeper feel. This is the sequel to The Wedding Reject Table, which I haven’t yet read but will now definitely be adding to my TBR pile.

ake two people who avoid relationships and add the interest they have in each other. Sprinkle in large amounts of nosy friends and family. Mix with a liberal amount of two controlling senior citizens and heat to boiling. Immediately spread the mixture over a wedding and you have Here Comes the Best Man.

Josh and Louise both carry heavy emotional baggage from difficult pasts, but that doesn’t stop this from being a fun, enjoyable read.

Almost immediately after meeting, these two find they must work together to give Chad, Josh’s brother, and his bride-to-be, Maggie, their dream wedding.

Josh’s residual feelings of inadequacy from his military service and a combustible relationship with his father, and Louise’s difficult childhood and inability to trust after being used and played by a heartless jerk would suggest these two don’t have a chance.

But the bride and groom have other ideas, as do Louise’s employer, seventy-five-year-old Audrey, and Josh’s grandmother, eighty-year-old Rose Ann.

The drama is heightened with appearances of exes from Josh and Louise’s pasts, but these two are on a collision course that nothing seems to be able to stop, despite their own doubts.

In Here Comes the Best Man, we have people a bit older than the standard new adult fare and for me, it meant being spared the youthful foolishness without losing any of the youthful appeal. This read is truly a romantic comedy and I recommend it to readers who enjoy romance and fun.

Favorite Quotes:

Even Goodwill wouldn’t accept Josh’s old clothes, his last haircut was six months ago and his haphazard shave could serve as the before picture for a razor commercial.

‘I’ve gotta get in practise for being an obedient husband.’ ‘I’m sure you’ll get it right after about fifty years,’

The Brits should use Audrey as a lethal weapon. She’d be much cheaper than any atomic bomb and far more deadly.

Audrey had been adopted by a crowd of half-drunk girls on a bachelorette party and he’d overheard them encouraging the old lady to talk so they could listen to her. One of the ringleaders yelled at the top of her voice that they’d found the elderly countess from Downton Abbey.

For a forty-year-old man you sure don’t know much about women… A wise man smiles, agrees and does what he’s told.

My Review:

I was new to the series and the author and starting on installment number five yet it didn’t seem to be a detriment, although I am sure I would have enjoyed the first four as well as these characters apparently have each had a colorful past. The storylines moved quickly in several directions before finally converging for a satisfactory conclusion with generous sprinkles of levity, steam, mild bridezilla meltdowns, family drama, working through old issues and anxieties, and pulling a wedding together without bloodshed – which is always tricky ;) A new brain wrinkle for me was Scotch eggs, something I’m now quite curious about and will order the next chance I get.

4 Sweet Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟

This was a sweet, charming, lighthearted, delicious, romance! A little southern charm a little English humor, what’s not to love? This book is part of the Nashville series, but it absolutely can be read as a standalone... although I might go back and read the book prior to this, love to get Maggie and Chad’s story as well!

This book was about Josh a southern gentleman with a bit of a bad boy side and Louise an English lady with a bit of sass... in Nashville for the wedding of Maggie and Chad (joshes baby brother) these two find themselves instantly attracted to one another... both of them have something holding them back, but surrounded by wedding plans and charismatic characters they find themselves unable to stay apart...

A lovely story filled with romance, music, Family, fun characters, and food! My instant thought when I heard they were going to combine the cuisine of the south and England was they are going to have fish, chips, and grits, LOL fortunately for the wedding guess that was not the case and the food sounded quitescrumptious especially that wedding cake! Love reading a love story about two people that absolutely deserve a happily ever after!

Recommend to fans of love, weddings, and Southern gentleman!

*** many thanks to Choc Lit and Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for my copy of this book ***

A warm-hearted, engaging and emotional read, Angela Britnell’s latest read, Here Comes the Best Man is sure to satisfy romantics everywhere with its beguiling blend of pathos, charm and humour.

Josh Robertson is not looking forward to going back home to Nashville for his brother’s wedding. Although Josh loves his brother and would do anything for him, going back home means having to be in the same room as his father, a man with whom he has never seen eye to eye. Josh just wants to get the wedding over and done with and return back to the lonely existence that suits the troubled war veteran just fine. However, what Josh hadn’t counted on was that this wedding was not just going to force him to confront long-held resentments and suppressed feelings, but also push him straight into the path of a woman who threatens to shake the foundations of his perfectly ordered life on its axis, Louise Giles.

Louise has accompanied her employer to her goddaughter’s wedding and hopes to fade into the background and not draw attention to herself. Clad in shapeless gowns that do not draw anyone’s eye, Louise doesn’t think anybody will be interested in her at the wedding – until she claps eyes on the devilishly handsome best man, Josh Robertson. Josh looks like trouble with a capital T and Louise knows that she should give him as wide a berth as possible and continue to hide behind the walls she had built around herself. But saying no to Josh soon proves to be easier said than done as she realises when she finds herself unable to resist his tempting kisses…

A relationship is the last thing Josh needs, but the more time he spends with Louise the more he realises that he cannot imagine spending the rest of his life without her. Will Josh stop living in the shadows and step out into the light and grasp this unexpected chance at happiness? Is Louise ready to admit the truth about her feelings for Josh? And will this wedding go off without a hitch?

Angela Britnell knows how to write an emotionally satisfying romance that will keep readers on the edge of their seats and Here Comes the Best Man is a captivating page-turner with a fantastic heroine to cheer for and a brooding army hero who will make readers swoon. A terrific tale about courage, second chances, illicit attraction and forbidden love, Here Comes the Best Man is a first class romance I couldn’t bear to put down.

Compelling, dramatic and a joy to read from start to finish, Here Comes the Best Man is a winner by Angela Britnell!

British culture meets Southern charm in Nashville Tennessee with this beautiful love story from Angela Britnell. A wedding that seems to be on the verge of disarray, an English bride tries her best to accommodate her mother-in-laws demands, a groom tries his best to appease his woman’s cries, a brother comes home after years in the military service, a guest volunteers to help with the wedding preparation and a godmother’s crazy antics are just a few of the exciting things to look forward to in Here Comes The Best Man.

Josh Robertson has promised to fulfill his duties as his brother Chad’s best man in his upcoming wedding, but he also finds himself at crossroads, trying to make amends with the family he left when he joined the military about two decades ago. It isn’t easy to be back in his parent’s graces, especially with his father who sees him as a disappointment when he refused to take on their family business. When a beautiful, striking woman helps with his brother’s wedding, she immediately intrigues him. What is it about her that made him contemplate about his issues with his family? And why is her employer being hot and cold with his intentions?

Louise Giles rescues the bride Maggie, her employer’s goddaughter, in her wedding predicament before she turns into a bridezilla of sorts. She isn’t like Maggie who couldn’t say no to her in-laws. Louise can stand up on her own and isn’t afraid to tell her concerns. Somehow, this handsome brother of the groom captivates and distracts her. Too bad, she’s not looking for a man to hook up with, especially when she’s bound to return to Britain after the wedding. There’s nothing else holding her back to Nashville, isn’t it?

I like this story something fierce. Louise is perfect for the brooding best man Josh. Their time together always cheer me up and it’s never a dull moment when Audrey, the godmother, was in the picture. I also liked that the story isn’t entirely focused on Josh and Louise, but on the whole family of the soon-to-be married couple. A clash between cultures shouldn’t sound as fun and exciting as Maggie’s and Chad’s rollercoaster love story. I love the romance and feel good vibes emanating from all the characters, making this an easily wonderful summer read!

I am not a fan of first sight love stories, preferring to read the gradual building up of a relationship. But the book kept me going partly due to the lovely repartees constantly engaged between the pair. Josh, without a doubt, is the best man in the novel and captures our hearts with a frankness that is quite foreign nowadays.
The novella comes as a sequel to "The Wedding Reject Table", but can be read as a standalone. I haven't read the previous one in the series, but the constant references make me think it has a good premise and now I will surely have to look into that. Chad and Maggie seemed to have gone through some high waters and now it's his elder brother's turn to reveal his cowboy charm.
If I want to change anything about the book, then that will be the length. I couldn't shake the feeling that the book would have fared better with a slow take on things with some added insights into the characters. Is a week really enough for Josh to sort through his feelings towards his dad and for Louise to regain her courage to love again? On the other hand, the short length has its benefits and a single sitting will see you finished it in no time.

Sweet, romantic, and amusing!

Here Comes the Best Man is a lighthearted, charming tale that features the fun-loving, loyal Louise and the rugged, reliable Josh as they put aside their reservations and issues with trust to work together to help Chad and Maggie have the most beautiful, stress-free wedding possible.

The prose is smooth and lively. The characters are helpful, easygoing, and likable. And the plot is a funny, emotive story of life, love, support, understanding, tenderness, familial drama, friendship, delicious chemistry, scrumptious goodies and a happy-ever-after ending that will make you smile.

Here Comes the Best Man is an engaging, quick, easy read that's a real southern treat. It's surprisingly the first novel I've read by Britnell, but I can guarantee it won't be the last.

As far as I am aware this is the first book I have read by Angela Britnell, there are possibly a couple languishing on my Kindle waiting to see the light of day and since reading Here Comes the Best Man they will be eagerly sought out. This is apparently part of the ‘Nashville’ season, obviously I had no clue what order they should be read in but I don’t feel I lost anything by being back to front.

Before I go any further let me say I absolutely adored this book, it hit exactly the right spots for someone who has a very close relationship with an American so I can recognise a lot of the subtleties of transatlantic relationships.

The southern drawl is enough to get under anyone’s skin, add in a hunk of a man and I melt every time. I love the way ‘Yes Ma’am’ enters the conversations there is a certain old fashioned, gentle feel to that but it’s so natural.

Chad and Maggie are set to marry, ex-military Josh has promised his brother he will be there on the day to be his best man. After some family squabbles and excess baggage, Josh finds it tough to come home and blend back in with mom and dad plus extended family.

Maggie’s godmother Audrey has flown in from the UK to attend the wedding and has bought her assistant Louise with her, this is a glorious story of the slow awakening and gradual unloading of baggage between Josh and Louise.

I loved most of the characters in this except perhaps mom, she was a bit overbearing but has true southern grit! It is a slow realisation that love can be wonderful if it comes your way, Chad and Maggie are deliriously happy if not a bit fraught as the wedding day approaches and you can’t help but get caught up in all the planning and family niggles.

It’s nice that this features slightly more mature people instead of young teenagers in lust. I am still hoping Josh may make a trip to Cornwall to visit me, who can resist an ex-military, US, male specimen of pure delection! Did I mention he is a bit of a musician/guitarist too! From beginning to end there wasn’t a page of Here Comes the Best Man that I didn’t enjoy. Bravo to the author!

I must thank the author, publisher, netgalley and Rachel from Random Reads for my copy which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

(3.5* rounded up, insta-love is handled really well but it's not usually my thing)

This is one of those fast & quirky reads, with insta-love and humorous drama.  Pretty typical for a British novella romance, I think. 

We follow Josh & Louise as they are in Nashville for Chad & Maggie's wedding and are roped into helping the bride make sure that things go smoothly.  Louise has a history (with a guy and her childhood) that has made trusting a bit difficult.  And thanks to Josh's time in the military, as well as some left over bad feelings from his own childhood, he's not so comfortable coming back home but he'll do it for his brother.  Time together has them thinking that they might be able to let the other in ... if they can let go of their pasts.      

While it is pretty low on angst, there is still wedding disasters to avert, family issues to address, and falling in love to do.  It's a fast read, and a fast romance, but because of the maturity of the couple and the straightforward way they handle their attraction it isn't unbelievable.  There's humor, heart, and hijinks all rolled together to make for a fun summer read.  

(This book does follow The Wedding Reject Table, butI found that it can completely stand on its own.)

In just the first chapter, this author does a remarkable job of making the reader feel the vulnerability of Best Man, Josh, family black sheep, brother to the groom. Tough army veteran, we still fill his fragile emotions, hesitations, and loneliness, as he steps up to confront his demons and do his duty.
With delightful back and forth banter, and a few tense emotional outbursts, over the course of the story Ms Britnell strips away layers of history and reveals the relationships between characters and explains how certain traits developed, and wounds were formed. I enjoyed the creative thinking when everyone pulled together to make things easier on the bride and add to the shine of this special day.
The author also deals compassionately with issues regarding military experiences.

Sparks are obvious between Josh and Louise from first sight. Of course, even in a short novel, the path to true love requires some obstacles. This is both a book of love and healing.

These are characters I'd like to revisit.

I have absolutely no idea why I haven't read any of Angela Britnell's books before, especially seeing as 'Here Comes The Best Man' was so much fun to read.

Set in Nashville, Chad and Maggie are trying not to get stressed out about their upcoming nuptials. With so many people around them that they want to please, the happy couple end up losing sight of what they want, instead settling for things others want. But is that a way to start their new life as a married couple? Chad has requested that his elder brother, Josh, return to Nashville to be the best man at his upcoming wedding, but due to uncertain family relationships, Josh's homecoming might not be as plain sailing as the groom to be originally thought.

Whilst 'Here Comes The Best Man' has a slightly predictable vibe, the way that Angela Britnell wrote her characters actually made the lead up to the 'I know what's going to happen' type ending, such a laugh out loud yet somewhat deep, story to read. I was pleasantly surprised by the storyline as there seemed to be a lot more to Josh than I originally thought, given the fact that the more the storyline progressed, the more willing Josh became to delve into his past. Let's just say that that man hasn't had it easy.

All in all, 'Here Comes The Best Man' was an easy to read, lively and addictive novel which has opened the doors to me reading a lot more from this author.

Discovering and enjoying novels by new authors is always fun especially when you finish a great book and want to read more from the series. Here Comes The Best Man is a Nashville Connections novel and standalone. I'm eager to read more of them.

Veteran, Josh Robertson promised his younger brother he'd come home for his wedding even though Nashville is the last place he wanted to spend any time especially when his old family house is full of guests. So he's surprised when the assistant of the bride's godmother catches his eye and makes him realise it's time to make peace with his past.

Louise Giles is more than happy to help out with last minute wedding preparations for her employer's god daughter’s wedding. It means joining forces with the best man, someone who has caught her eye. However, with flights booked back to England a couple of days after the wedding, is it worth getting to know Josh or should she walk away?

I particularly enjoyed the blend of Southern charm and Britishness as the two cultures collide in Nashville, Tennessee for a wedding. Set during the run-up to the nuptials, emotions run high as everyone pulls together to give the bride the wedding of her dreams. With a best man who oozes southern charm, I enjoyed the interactions between the protagonists and loved how Josh manages to pull Louise out of her protective shell to take a chance on him. In return, Louise helps Josh to put his past into perspective as an opportunity surfaces for him to find a worthy purpose in his life which enables him to pursue his passion for music. As I've come to expect within small community-based novels, there's a flamboyant ensemble of secondary characters to enhance the light-hearted and amusing narrative.

Overall, this is a fast-paced, well-written and quick to read novel with a short time-line plot. Whilst the relationship between Josh and Louise escalated quickly, the fact they are both mature adults made their happy ever after believable.

4 stars

***arc generously received courtesy of Choc Lit via NetGalley***

Did you happen to read The Wedding Reject Table? A funny, charming romance. Well, Here Comes The Best Man takes us to the madcap event that is Chad and Maggie’s wedding. And, of course, not everything is going to plan… what wedding ever does?

Josh is Chad’s brother and best man, although a rather reluctant one. Josh has felt a bit of an outsider in his family, he didn’t follow in the family business but instead forged a proud military career. Coming home for his brother’s wedding preparations, the wedding week and all the craziness that entails probably isn’t his ideal location but if he’s to prove to his family, and himself, that he wants to mend fences then this is where he’ll be. There was never bad blood in the family, more like that square block that wouldn’t fit in the circular slot. Josh is out to round off some edges of himself, and this wedding is one place to work on that. He wasn’t looking for love, that was the last thing he expected to find… but when it’s real, even if it’s quick, then you hold on for dear life.

There’s just something about a Southern man’s charm when it’s real and paired with good manners that gets me every time. So, yeah, I fell a bit in love with Josh myself.

Louise is Maggie’s godmother’s PA. And she has her own charm and down to earth-ness that fits perfectly into the wedding week’s chaos that naturally occurs. Leave it to a problem solver by trade to step in to help, and end up discovering that one man certainly does make a difference in a woman’s life. I liked this couple, they each have issues, but they aren’t the total focus of this romance. Here Comes The Best Man is a fast read with low angst but also chock full of meddling relatives, dire pending wedding disasters, a loving couple to be married… and two strangers discovering that love knows no boundaries like countries of origin. I had fun with this trip back into the lives of a couple I enjoyed in their own story to meet another pretty amazing couple as well. This is part of a longer series, but you don’t have to have read any of them to enjoy Josh and Louise’s romance — although I would recommend the entire series for it’s fun and enjoyable.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*