The Deal Maker is a new standalone novel featuring Best Man, Hunter, and Maid of Honor, Lucy, as they try to be civil while planning the joint bachelor and bachelorette party together.
About The Deal Maker
Hunter grew up knowing that he would take over the family business from his father. When the time finally came, he was excited. But that excitement quickly wore off. His father had kept secrets from him. The outcome would end up shaking Hunter’s confidence and straining an already tenuous relationship.
Lucy has grown up trying to be everything her parents want, but failing. She has never received true love, affection or encouragement from them. Instead, she has watched as her sister, Catherine, receives all of the accolades while being relegated as the family disappointment.
So as the Maid of Honor, Lucy is determined to make the joint bachelor and bachelorette party the best ever. But it will require the cooperation of the Best Man, Hunter.
Hunter and Lucy meet for the first time at the engagement party, where he has imbibed a little too much. Obviously, this relationship is not off to a great start. But she does not know yet that he is the devil she has been tied to for the next three weeks.
Hunter has no idea what he is in for by having to work with Lucy on the party. He is preoccupied with work and is not putting any effort into it. But she is not having any of this. She gives him one task to take care of. And she is micromanaging him. She is a taskmaster and expects things to get done.
So when the day of the party comes, Lucy is stressed. She has so much on her to do list to make this the best event ever, she has forgotten how to have fun. Enter Hunter to relieve some of this self-imposed stress.
But Hunter’s idea leads to them now having to spend an entire weekend together. And pretend to be together together. How will they manage to pull this off? She wants to smother him in his sleep and he thrives on goading her. A match made in heaven? Oh yeah.
But things start to change for these two. Lucy and Hunter start talking. Getting to know each other. Becoming “friends”. Considering the Groom is Hunter’s best friend and the Bride is Lucy’s sister, it is for the best if they get along.
Hunter sees the way Lucy’s mother belittles her at every turn. Watching Lucy trying to measure up in everything she does to make her mother happy. He sees how wound tight she is because of all of this. And yet, she never measures up to her mother’s expectations.
Lucy sees how Hunter is trying to deal with what happened in the past and how it feels like it is happening again. His fears of yet another failure, and the lack of control to prevent it.
These two listen to each other. They see things the other does not. Even after the weekend is over, they continue getting together. Obviously things progress. But until the past is laid to rest, for both of them, nothing will ever work between these two.
Will Lucy take a chance and jump at the opportunity that is being handed to her? Will Hunter resolve his issues with his father? Will these two find their way back to each other? Will they continue down the same road they have been on for years?
Impressions
This is a classic Best Man and Maid of Honor story. But the underlying issues are so different. They are driving the trajectories of both of their lives, separate and together. But do you know how hard it is to confront the demons from your past? Status quo is always easier, but not always better.
I loved seeing how close Catherine and Lucy are in this story. I love that they can openly discuss how differently their mother treats each of them. And how unfair it is. I love that Catherine has Lucy’s back and supports her in all of her decisions. Everyone needs their one ride or die person.
Hunter and Ed are best friends, but they do not appear as close as I thought they would. Hunter is stressed over having to cover for Ed during the wedding planning activities. He fears that Ed will basically walk away from their business. He is afraid of failing yet again. Yet Ed has not seen any of this.
I loved seeing Jack Alden and Fisher, from the Colorado Club Billionaires series, appear in this story. It is always fun to see familiar characters cross over.
I would love to see a future book for Lucy and Hunter, say ten years later. I really want to know what happens, how their lives are going.
Narration
I freaking love Samantha Brentmoor, so listening to her voice Lucy was such a joy. She handled her decisive, taskmaster role and her softer, more vulnerable role. Jason Clarke is always a dream to listen to. I love his voice and he was a perfect fit for Hunter.
Availability
The Deal Maker is currently available to read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited and for purchase in all formats on Amazon.
About Louise Bay
International, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author, Louise Bay writes contemporary romance novels that make you laugh – the kind she likes to read.
Ruined by the bonk-busters of the eighties, Louise was inspired by Judith Krantz and Jackie Collins, but wants to be Emily Henry when she grows up.
Louise loves the rain, RHOBH, London, days when she doesn’t have to wear make-up, hanging out with her kid, elephants and champagne (not necessarily in that order).
She loves to hear from readers so get in touch!
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