Bride Games by Beth Carter is an intriguing romance with a most amazing end to the story. The main characters are Emma Miller, Eli Hansen, Lucy, Emma's best friend and TV announcer Paige Daniels, and her sidekick Zach. The story starts with a bang which each bride dreads, even if they are sure that there is no reason why anyone should object to their marriage taking place. From then on, the main characters take the reader by the hand on a journey of self-discovery, the discovery of community and the lives of those around them, and what kind of an effect they can have on one's life. This light, intriguing romance involves two friends from very different parts of society, how their lives intertwine, and how they help each other.

Beth Carter shows the reader how jealousy, obsession, and greed can turn relationships into nothing but bitter recriminations. How words can take away someone’s good name, just because someone on social media has posted something false and asked others to repost the same; when nobody tries to find out the truth. Bride Games is an unusual and interesting story and it brought to the fore how dangerous social media can be and how careful one should be when posting a podcast or even making one. Facts have to be correct and fully researched before posting. It was a fast-moving, delightful, romantic intrigue and the end was the best surprise of all. I loved the twists and turns, which made a change from the normal romances. Well done to the author for a wonderful read.

Beth Carter brings us a charming contemporary romance in Bride Games. Emma finally finds love with Eli Hansen. When he proposes most beautifully with the help of her daughter, Lucy, Emma is over the moon. Now comes the difficult part of arranging everything for the wedding and Emma feels bowled over. Meanwhile, Emma’s best friend, Paige, is thriving after being plunged into the world of football and sports broadcasting. When hurtful posts start circulating on social media about her sports knowledge, Paige is at a loss. Not only is a new hire at the TV station gunning for her job, but it seems she’s also after Paige’s boyfriend. Will the two friends be able to rise above it all or will the currents of life drag them down?

Author Beth Carter has done a remarkable job of creating a realistic story with believable characters. From the very start to the end, the pace is steady and easy. This was a book I did not want to put down. The character descriptions and mannerisms are well-placed throughout and it will be hard not to have a few favorites at any given time. The emotions are portrayed with passion, and you will feel every insecurity, frustration, and utter joy as described. Bride Games is suitable for young adult readers. It has very little explicit language and does not contain any actual sex scenes. Even though this is the second book, it can be read as a standalone. However, I recommend reading the first book, Bride Swap, to see where it all starts.

Bride Games by Beth Carter offers a blend of romance, friendship, and drama, wrapped in an engaging story about two women navigating life’s unexpected twists. The novel follows the journeys of Emma Miller, a single mother finally finding love, and her best friend Paige Daniels, a sports reporter whose career and personal life spiral into chaos. Emma's story revolves around her whirlwind romance with Eli Hansen, her daughter’s former kindergarten teacher. Their love story seems like a dream come true, but Emma's perfect wedding day is shattered by an unexpected objection, leading her to question how her happiest moment could turn into a nightmare. Paige’s subplot introduces a contrasting narrative of ambition, jealousy, and resilience. After becoming a famous TV sports reporter, Paige is the target of a social media smear campaign. To make matters worse, a rival sportscaster seems determined to steal her job and her boyfriend.

The friendship between Emma and Paige is a central theme, showcasing the strength and support women can give each other during life’s most challenging moments. Both women face their “games” with love, careers, and family, yet they always have each other’s backs. Carter vividly portrays Emma’s emotional rollercoaster, weaving together moments of joy and heartbreak, making the reader invested in her quest for a happy ending. With humor, emotional depth, and plenty of romantic tension, Bride Games is a captivating read that will appeal to fans of contemporary romance and women’s fiction. Beth Carter’s storytelling effortlessly balances light-hearted moments with the serious realities of life, making this novel a thoroughly enjoyable read.

In Bride Games by Beth Carter, all Emma Miller wanted was the wedding of her dreams. A single mom, she’s swept off her feet by Mr. Hansen, her daughter’s old kindergarten teacher. But like all happy endings, she must endure the nightmares first, not least an objection to her wedding. Emma’s best friend, Paige Daniels, is a TV star trying to get her career back together after a smear campaign. Someone else is after her job and quite possibly wants her boyfriend, too, and Paige is in for a bumpy ride. Can Paige and Emma get their lives back on track? Will they ever find the happiness they deserve?

Bride Games by Beth Carter is the second in a series but is easily read as a standalone book. This is a fun read with lots of humor to keep you laughing all the way through. It has plenty of action as it twists and turns its way to the end. The author has created some excellent characters, very real people with real flaws and problems, but incredibly likable and relatable. There are two stories here: two best friends with their own trials, but each intertwines with the other. This book has a wonderful plot in a story that could happen to anyone who seems to stumble over misfortune, and that’s what the two main characters do here; every corner they turn seems to bring more trouble to their doors. This book really is guaranteed enjoyment for anyone who reads it.