Runaway Groom by Lauren Layne Blog Tour

For one charming playboy, getting cast on a Bachelor-esque reality TV show is the shock of a lifetime—until he finds love where he least expects it. And now the chase is on!

Gage Barrett’s reputation as a ladies’ man has been greatly exaggerated, but none of that matters after a drunken bet lands him on Jilted, a reality TV show that matches runaway grooms with wannabe brides. Now he’s stuck at a Hawaiian resort with nineteen women competing to drag him back to the altar—and one contestant who’s even more miserable than he is. Gage has no idea how feisty, independent Ellie Wright wound up in the cast, but it’s obvious she hates his guts. And if there’s one thing Gage likes, it’s a challenge...

Ellie can’t believe she let her best friend talk her into exchanging her dignity for a glorified bikini contest. Still, she could use the exposure—her business is struggling—and she’ll probably be one of the first to get eliminated anyway. But Gage isn’t the shallow jerk Ellie anticipated—and he’s in no rush to send her home. As stolen kisses turn into secret trysts, she finds herself losing track of what’s real and what’s for the camera. With the wedding finale looming, this runaway groom is tempting Ellie to start believing in storybook endings.

The I Do, I Don’t novels each have their own enchanting HEAs, and can be read in any order

Book 2
Buy Links

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Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary – ☆☆☆☆
Gage Barrett is a lady’s man and why wouldn't he be? He is a Hollywood actor with big movies under his belt, so everyone knows who he is. And they all know he is a runaway groom of at least two altars. So how does he end up on the reality show Jilted? With 20 women wanting to be his new bride, well 19 of them anyway and contestant number 20 acts as if she would rather be anywhere but here.

Contestant number 20 would be Ellie Wright and she can't believe she let her BFF and business partner sign her up to be on this show. But it was a good idea, to get the name of their business out to the world. Ellie and her BFF own an internet t-shirt company for women called High Tee. And what better way to advertise than for Ellie to walk around the set of Jilted wearing one of their tees.

While Ellie tries to talk Gage into sending her home, he wants to keep her around and he will think of any excuse to keep her. So, with a few stolen moments, a few well-timed eliminations, and Ellie finds herself wanting to stay more than she wants to go home.

Will Ellie find that Gage is more than a playboy? Can Gage get Ellie to stay until the end? Will Ellie and Gage find the happily ever after they both deserve?

I found this story to be fun, flirty, exciting, sexy, and even heartbreaking at times, but I loved it. And I can't wait for the next one, Just Run with It. I hope you love it too.


Lee’Anne – ☆☆☆☆
I absolutely loved both the main characters, Ellie and Gage, they’re fantastic and so perfect together! This is a fast-paced book, I wouldn’t call it original, as it did feel quite familiar, it was still a good read and I’m looking forward to seeing where the author takes this series next.

Gage 0% wants to participate in the TV show Jilted, but he signed his life over when he lost a bet to his friends and the contract he’s since signed is iron-clad. Though Gage is a sexy actor who could have his pick of any woman, from the very start of this book it’s known that he’s so much more. Ellie wants to participate in the show about as much as Gage, but Ellie’s best friend and business partner forces her on the show as advertisement for their t-shirt company. Ellie had planned to have a short-lived time on the show, get in – get her shirt noticed – get out. Once Ellie and Gage run into one another in a supply closet off-set, a friendship is forged, and Ellie becomes a spy of sorts for Gage. While feeding “insider” information about the whack-a-doodle women on the show to Gage, he and Ellie forge a friendship that quickly becomes more and booting Ellie off the show becomes the last thing Gage wants to do.

I love the ending – it wasn’t what I expected, and the author manages to keep us in suspense all the way to the end. I love that in a book! The only part I didn’t love about this book was that it’s so familiar to another book I read by a different author, it took me a bit to get past that, but once I did this is a great read!


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second in the series, and I enjoyed the first, but this is even better.

I am not a fan of TV reality shows, but reading about the machinations behind one is incredibly entertaining, and does make far better reading than viewing! Ms. Layne has definitely mastered the art of getting under the fake to give us a fabulous read. From the descriptions of the crazy contestants, to the demands of the producers, we have the scene set perfectly for some undercover romance.

Obviously you should read the book to get the story, and I have no intention of spoiling it for you – but rest assured that it is a fun, flirty, and sexy read, with a great twist or three thrown in, and the perfect ending.

Escapism at its best, thank you, Ms. Layne.


Sarah – ☆☆☆☆
This is mindless, frothy fun and a perfect romantic escape. It’s the story of an unexpected romance between two reluctant reality TV contestants. It was a surprisingly self-aware read with some interesting social commentary that I wasn’t expecting.

The premise is implausible, most of the characters are predictable caricatures but I did enjoy both Gage and Ellie.

I didn’t enjoy the way the story reinforces negative female stereotypes. Almost all of the female contestants are described as predatory, crazy, vapid, and mean. But this isn’t a story to take too seriously. It is a fun and sometimes silly book – a light and easy read.


Jordan – ☆☆☆☆☆
I have read several of Lauren Layne's series, including Ready to Run, book #1 in the I Do, I Don't series. Also, these books can be read as a standalone if you'd rather start with book #2. I am not gonna lie, I happen to actually enjoy watching ABC's The Bachelor on TV, which is great because Runaway Groom kind of reads like The Bachelor with its own spin. So, if you happen to also be a fan of The Bachelor TV show, this book will have no trouble winning you over the way it won me. Layne is a great author and I have yet to read a book by her that I didn't enjoy.

Gage Barrett has gotten himself a bit of a playboy reputation in Hollywood and left two ladies at the altar, which makes him the perfect candidate for the new TV show Jilted. But, he's got zero interest in being the new star for the reality TV show Jilted, until a bet lands him there. Now, he's stuck at a Hawaiian resort with 19 female contestants competing for his heart.

Ellie Wright somehow let her roommate talk her into going on the show in order to help promote their new high-end t-shirt company. Her business is struggling a bit and could really use the publicity. Plus, she's certain she won't make it past the first round. However, Gage isn't the shallow Hollywood playboy she thought he was and lines between real life and camera life start to blur.

I have slowly become a rather big fan of Lauren Layne and she always delivers. Layne easily keeps you engaged and turning the page. Plus, her characters always have a way of charming you. I love how independent Ellie's character is, with a little bit of sass too. If you love a good happily ever after and reality TV love story turned book, then I think Layne will win you over with Runaway Groom the way she won me.

**** 4.5 STARS for Lauren Layne's Runaway Groom. ****

Also Available in the I Do, I Don’t Series

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

For reviews & more info, check out our Ready to Run post.

Lauren Layne is the New York Times bestselling author of romantic comedies. She lives in New York City with her husband.

A former e-commerce and web marketing manager from Seattle, Lauren relocated to New York City in 2011 to pursue a full-time writing career. She signed with her agent in 2012, and her first book was published in summer of 2013. Since then, she's written over two dozen books, hitting the USA Today, New York Times, iBooks, and Amazon bestseller lists.

Connect with Lauren

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Google+  ~  Instagram

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Runaway Groom (I Do, I Don't #2) by Lauren Layne to read and review for this blog tour.

Ready to Run by Lauren Layne

The Bachelor meets The Runaway Bride in this addictive romance novel about a reality TV producer falling for her would-be star: a Montana heartthrob who wants nothing to do with the show.

Jordan Carpenter thinks she’s finally found the perfect candidate for Jilted, a new dating show about runaway grooms: firefighter Luke Elliott, a known player who’s left not one but three brides at the altar. The only problem? Luke refuses to answer Jordan’s emails or return her calls. Which is how she ends up on a flight to Montana to recruit him in person. It’s not Manhattan, but at least the locals in Lucky Hollow seem friendly... except for Luke, who’s more intense—and way hotter—than the slick womanizer Jordan expected.

Eager to put the past behind him, Luke has zero intention of following this gorgeous, fast-talking city girl back to New York. But before he can send her packing, Jordan’s everywhere: at his favorite bar, the county fair, even his exes’ book club. Annoyingly, everyone in Lucky Hollow seems to like her—and deep down, she’s starting to grow on him too. But the more he fights her constant pestering, the more Luke finds himself wishing that Jordan would kick off her high heels and make herself comfortable in his arms.

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary Jo – ☆☆☆
This modern day twist on the runaway bride follows the story of a man who left three brides at the altar. Jordan is the TV producer who is bound and determined to find out why he’s ditched three women just minutes from saying “I do” and to get him to star in the next big thing Jilted, where they will try to find him the love of his life.

All Luke wants is to be left alone. He’s not proud of his past, of the way out of towners look at him, he just wants to put it behind him. When Jordan comes to town, he’s quick to shut her down and give her a firm “no” to all of her suggestions.

It was a nice premise, but it seemed that the story got bogged down at times and it made for a reading lag, at least for me. The sparks between Jordan and Luke are there, but it took some time to warm up and start smoldering.


Lee’Anne – ☆☆☆☆
3.5 Stars

I found this was a sweet and funny read but fairly predictable and I just wasn’t sucked in – it actually took me a few days to finish this one and that’s pretty unusual for me. I had trouble getting into the story at the beginning.

Jordan is working on the “next big” reality TV show, she’s just missing one thing, a man who’s left a few brides at the altar and needs to find his one true love. Jordan discovers Luke Elliot, a small town fire fighter who, if rumors are to be believed, has left three brides at the altar. Jordan is determined to convince Luke to be a part of her show but Luke wants nothing to do with it, Jordan isn’t willing to take no for an answer and moves into town to do whatever it takes to convince Luke to do the show. Luke can’t stand Jordan… or so he says; really he can’t fight the crazy attraction he feels for her and the more time the two spend together, the more mutual that attraction becomes.

I love the interactions between Luke and Jordan, it’s hilarious how Jordan handles Luke’s stubbornness and Jordan’s reclamation with small-town life is entertaining as well. Jordan getting to the town and meeting Luke was a bit drawn out and I found the first few chapters of this book boring. Once Luke and Jordan get to know one another though, things heat up and I love the way the story ends. I would definitely be interested to read more from this series by Lauren Layne.


Mary – ☆☆☆☆
The Bachelor meets The Runaway Bride is how you would explain this story, except it is the groom who does the running not the bride. And that is why Jordan Carpenter has come to small town Montana, for a new TV show idea and they want the runaway groom.

Jordan can't believe that Luke Elliott has ditched three women at the altar. She has to find out why and get him to agree to do the show, Jilted. But when she meets the strong-willed, bull-headed, hell-bent on saying no man, she has her hands full. But there is something about Luke that she is missing and she is going to find out the truth and what really happened with all three women.

Luke Elliott can't believe the TV lady is in his hometown and wanting him to do a show about his love life. And the worst parts of it. He thought ignoring her calls, emails, and messages would tell her he wasn't interested in doing the show, but no, she shows up anyway. And she is gorgeous in all her New York flare and those damn stiletto heels. All he has to do is keep telling her no and maybe she will leave, yeah right.

Will Luke give in to the idea of being on reality TV? Will the town push him to do it? Will Jordan see that he isn't really the bad guy she thinks he is? What happens when the sparks fly between Jordan and Luke, who will get burned?

This is a great story, I didn't want to put it down. It is funny, heartfelt, and heartbreaking at times. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book. Hope you enjoy it too.


Jordan – ☆☆☆☆
I have yet to read a book by Lauren Layne that I haven't enjoyed and Ready to Run was no exception. This was exactly the fun and light hearted read I've come to love from Layne. I can't wait to read the rest of this series and anything else Layne writes because I'm convinced she's got the perfect recipe for writing these romance novels.

Jordan Carpenter is a TV producer in NYC for a new show called Jilted, which is essentially The Bachelor, but with runaway grooms. Jordan is certain she has found the perfect candidate to star in the show if she could get him to bother to respond to any of her emails or phone calls. Luke Elliot has zero interest in doing the show, but Jordan is sure she can convince him if only he'd give her a chance, which is how she ends up on a plane to Lucky Hollow, Montana – to win him over.

I really liked Jordan’s character, she was a successful independent woman with a witty personality and just the right amount of sass! Plus, who wouldn't be won over and swoon for sexy firefighter Luke Elliot? Ready to Run was a quick enjoyable read for any rom-com fan. A solid four-star read for Ready to Run by Lauren Layne.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
Ms. Layne has done it again – giving us a really fun, character full, and sexily romantic read! I am really looking forward to the future books in the series.

Jordan is a woman on a mission – sadly, her prey is genuinely not interested in being made famous, but he can't help but be attracted to her. As we witness Jordan getting to know the people of Lucky Hollow, and most especially the pursued Luke, we know that there is a yearning there that needs exploring. Their chemistry is not in doubt, but as it turns out both Luke and Jordan are hiding secrets that may affect their future even more than geography.

Engaging from the first page, I found it impossible to put it down until I had read to the end – thank goodness it was a Saturday!

Lauren Layne is the New York Times bestselling author of over a dozen romantic comedies.

A former e-commerce and web marketing manager from Seattle, Lauren relocated to New York City in 2011 to pursue a full-time writing career.

She lives in midtown Manhattan with her high-school sweetheart, where she writes smart romantic comedies with just enough sexy-times to make your mother blush. In LL's ideal world, every stiletto-wearing, Kate Spade wielding woman would carry a Kindle stocked with Lauren Layne books.

Connect with Lauren

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Google+  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Ready to Run (I Do, I Don't #1) by Lauren Layne to read and review.