Kissing the Maid of Honor by Robin Bielman

Kissing the Maid of Honor by Robin Bielman
Published: May 13, 2013 by Entangled Bliss
Source: e-galley from publisher

Kissing her best friend's brother never felt so right…

Sela Sullivan is resolved to be the best maid of honor ever, even if it means tolerating the best man. Insufferable, too-handsome Luke Watters is not only the guy who humiliated her at a kissing booth in high school, but he also happens to be her best friend’s older brother. Positive he’s the same arrogant jock, Sela vows to focus on her duties and steer clear of the frustrating—and frustratingly tempting—Luke.

As a world-renowned extreme-sports photographer, Luke is used to undertaking life-risking adventures. But risking his heart for the beautiful Sela Sullivan, who clearly still hates him for his rejection all those years ago? He didn’t see that coming. Sela inspires a passion he’s never known, and the more time they spend together, the more he craves her. But can he prove to the maid of honor he’s become a man of honor? [goodreads]

I have a soft spot for adult contemporaries that involve characters who once shared a romantic past, but never quite took off, and eventually leads to a whole lot of tension that makes for great reading!  In this particular story we are introduced to Sela and Luke, two people who definitely have a past that has not been easily forgotten by the other.  Sela is the maid of honor to her best friend, who also happens to be Luke's sister.  Once upon a time, Sela had her heart broken by Luke.  Blame it on the insecurities of being a teenager, Luke made a dumb mistake, and in turn left Sela embarrassed and unable to forgive him.

Flash forward several years and Sela and Luke are thrust back into each others lives as they prepare for the wedding of someone they both dearly love.  Immediately there is tension between these two.  As the reader you quickly realize that Sela's embarrassment from all those years ago hasn't gone away, but you also see that time has been good to Luke, and he's also grown and matured.  I knew these two shared something special, but there were a few obstacles they needed to get past before finding that right time.

I loved the setting of this ocean side town in the Pacific northwest, completing the backdrop with it's small town charm and quirky characters.  With all the wedding planning going on, I felt wrapped up in the chaos just as Sela and all the other bridesmaid did, too.  There was reprieve in the quieter moments shared between Sela and Luke though.  What could have been assumed as just a physical attraction to one another, eased into a much deeper connection, that went beyond just heated kisses and missed opportunities.

I first became a fan of Robin Bielman's work when I read & reviewed Yours at Midnight earlier this year.  Once again, she's satisfied my craving for a fresh, engaging, romantic story that goes deeper than just the surface.  This particular book is perfect for an afternoon escape, filled with believable characters, a heartwarming story, and an ending to satisfy your contemporary taste.