The Substitute (The Wedding Pact #1) by Denise Grover Swank

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Synopsis:

The first book in a humorous contemporary romance from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Denise Grover Swank. 

Megan Vandemeer meant to tell her parents about her broken engagement, but a month and a half later she finds herself boarding a plane home to her wedding. Having stretched avoidance to its limits, it's time to come clean--a terrifying prospect since her mother is sure to blame her rather than her cheating, emotionally frigid ex. A couple of drinks and two Dramamine later, Megan finds herself spilling her sob story to the tall, dark, and handsome stranger in the seat next to her. 

With only one week left to save his business, Josh McMillan boards a plane to Kansas City in a last-ditch effort, leaving the details to chance. An unexpected answer is delivered in the form of the beautiful brunette beside him. Though she’s completely loopy, her honesty, openness, and humor charm him. So when she passes out before landing, he helps her off the plane--a good deed that leads to a colossal misunderstanding. Her parents assume he’s her fiancé. In a twist of fate, the mix-up might help Josh save his business, so he plays along, figuring he can help Megan too. All he has to do is stage a public break up convincing enough to appease her mother. 

Josh is only supposed to be a substitute groom, but the more time he and Megan spend together, the more their pretend engagement starts to feel real…and the less they want to break it off. Can a relationship that began as a farce turn into happily ever after? 

Review:

The Substitute was a fun read. Megan and Josh were so cute together and yes, I know things move quickly in this story, but it worked. They seemed to care for each other right away and it was fun watching them fall in love in such a short amount of time with such craziness around them. 

Megan is supposed to get married in a few days, only she broke up with her fiance 6 weeks ago. And she didn't tell her mom because she was afraid of what would happen if she did. After all she thinks her mom would just cut her off from her whole family if she upsets her enough and she doesn't want that. So she put it off and put it off and when this story starts she is on a plane going to see her family as planned. A few days before the wedding so they have a chance to get to know her fiance Jay as they have never met. 

Josh is trying to save his fathers company. He invented a great new thing that once patented will help keep his fathers company afloat. He doesn't want to see everyone lose their jobs or anything. Some people have been at the company for many many years and it would be rough to find a new job. Only another company stole his idea and submitted their patent paperwork before him. And now he stands to lose everything if he doesn't find evidence that the other company stole his idea. 

Josh of course is seated next to Meghan on the plane and she kind of gets herself into a bit of trouble mixing some medication and alcohol. It was fun. Josh of course helps her off the plane and then accidentally tells her parents he is her fiancé, and when he finds out her dad is one of the partners of the firm that stole his idea he decides to go with it. She gets a fake fiancé, he will break up with her before the wedding so her mom is not angry with her, and he gets to try and find his evidence. Only of course he starts falling for her and then things get tricky. It was so cute. I loved it. They really went well together. They keep going and going with the charade which makes it harder to come clean and it was just a lot of fun. I forgot how much I enjoy the authors books until I read this one. I really need to check out more of her work.

Oh also what is Blair's deal? I really did not like her in this story. She is supposed to be bff with Meghan, but she sure doesn't act like it. Lily, on the other hand, was so sweet. I loved how she had Meghan's back and was trying to push Josh and Meghan together. I can't wait to read her story. 

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★