ONE WEEK WITH THE BEST MAN is Book 3 in Andrea Laurence's Brides and Belles series about a group of friends who own a wedding planning business. Because of Julian Cooper's movie star mega-celebrity status, he and wedding planner Gretchen McAlister are worlds apart. Due to some convoluted machinations on the part of Julian's manager - they find themselves in a pretend dating relationship.

Having the story told from two perspectives was crucial to my enjoyment of ONE WEEK WITH THE BEST MAN. Julian and Gretchen have so much emotional baggage and hidden feeling, which makes completely understanding each other difficult at times. Gretchen struggles with some body image issues, and Julian yearns for somebody to want him for himself rather than his Hollywood image. I like how Gretchen encourages Julian to stretch himself as an actor like he has always wanted to and how Julian builds up Gretchen's confidence about her body. The struggle to trust themselves and each other is a theme that runs throughout ONE WEEK WITH THE BEST MAN. I like that both main characters are flawed and experience personal growth by the end of the story.

Andrea Laurence creates a steamy connection between Julian and Gretchen almost from the first moment they meet. I love the chemistry between them and the slow and sexy way their romance builds. Andrea Laurence does a great job of balancing the tender scenes with the more erotic ones. The conflict in ONE WEEK WITH THE BEST MAN comes from the hero and heroine overthinking things and almost sabotaging their burgeoning relationship. This is the kind of love story that makes you cheer for the couple until the very end.

ONE WEEK WITH THE BEST MAN is equal parts fun, sexy, and poignant. Another element I love in ONE WEEK WITH THE BEST MAN is the close friendships between the female characters. The fun banter between the women and the support they give each other helps lighten the mood. I look forward to reading Natalie's story in the next Brides and Belles series by Andrea Laurence.