Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Jed Walker thinks he’s having a midlife crisis. The only trouble is that it feels too good to stop.

Widowed at a young age, he’s spent his life since then avoiding any relationships that might end up hurting him again. He has his successful wedding planning business, Confetti Hitched, and a series of uncomplicated hookups, and that’s all he needs in life.

The one person disrupting this controlled stoicism is his younger assistant, Artie. He’s sweet and kind and has a funny way of calming Jed’s mind. So, when Artie comes to him with a problem, Jed moves heaven and earth to help, which is how he finds himself entering a fake marriage with the younger man and catching feelings. Too bad it’s all pretend. Or is it?

 

Book Review

This story was everything I hoped it would be, and more! Romance with a capital R. From the moment I started chapter one, this story captured all my attention. Lily Morton’s character development is outstanding, her humor unique, and her ability to paint a picture with words carries me into the characters’ homes with them as I bear witness to their conversations, their daily activities, and more {wink}.

 

I had been looking forward to this story since Jed captured my interest in earlier books, and I wanted to get to know more about the handsome widower who runs a wedding planning business. I also wanted a chance for a revisit with Rafferty and Joe and the other characters who make up the ensemble cast of this series, and I wasn’t disappointed in my visit with them. In fact, a few times, I could hardly catch my breath from their humorous quips and one-liners. What a great place to work!

 

But the icing on the cake is Artie, Jed’s personal assistant. That young man captured my heart and would not let go. No wonder Jed falls in love with him, despite his attempts to remain detached. The aloof widower wanted no part of commitment and remained steadfast until reality slaps him upside the head and he realizes he could never let Artie go. But that’s the end, and readers must enjoy every word of the book before Artie gets his heart’s desire.

 

In this sweet adventure, we get fake husband and close proximity tropes, along with two very likeable characters. Artie is a gem, both in and out of the office. His ability to calm nervous brides is invaluable. They call him “the wedding whisperer,” and they “send him into the trenches whenever there’s a problem.” That sweet man can solve anyone’s dilemma—except, apparently, his own.

 

Of note, the title of the story comes from Jed’s hobby of crafting paper flowers—everything from Artie’s wedding boutonniere to the red roses he uses late in the story to woo Artie after, um, I’m not going to say, because this must be read to be appreciated and those who read this review will be happy I didn’t spoil it. A not-to-be-missed story that brings all the sweetness of romance to the table, I highly recommend ‘Paper Roses’.   

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by the author via GRRT for the purpose of a review.

 

Additional Information

Format	ebook and print
Length	Novel, 326 pages
Heat Level
Publication Date	09-February-2025
Price	$5.99 ebook, $18.99 paperback
Buy Link	https://www.amazon.com/Paper-Roses-Confetti-Hitched-Book-ebook/dp/B0DKHCX37S