The Substitute

Wedding Pact Series #1

By: Denise Grover Swank

Narrated by: Shannon McManus

Length: 10 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's summary

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 that he's her fiancé. In a twist of fate, the mix-up might help Josh save his business, so he plays along, figuring that 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?

©2015 Denise Grover Swank (P)2015 Tantor

Refreshing story

This was a very easy listening. The storyline though was a bit unreal but, i liked it anyway.
From the moment they met in the airplane till the lovely ending, it was entertaining and very funny.
Worth the value...

Loved it

I've read the Substitute before and loved it. The characters and story line is fantastic. But Shannon bring it's to a whole other level with her voices of the characters. I didn't think Grams could be funnier, but her tell about naked yoga out loud had me laughing so hard I had tears. You will love this book whether it's audio, paper, or ebook.

Funny and Unexpected Twists

While you might be able to guess the end, how the author gets the reader there is excellent. This is a funny, light hearted read with a plot and character development. Can't wait to continue the storyline on another character in this trilogy.

Megan

By the end of the book I thought I’d loose it if I heard the name Megan one more time.

I'm way too picky about the narrator -

I'm well aware that I'm picky when it comes to narrators. if something grands my attention and gets on nerves..I can't listen or over look it. I did however make it through the whole story. want too bad, but the dull sound in her voice... made it mediocre. cute story however

Cute, engaging story

The premise of this book is very unrealistic, with a lot of holes, but if you put that aside, it is a fun and engaging story. Definitely a story I didn’t want to end!

Sweet story

I listened to this book while I was working and loved it. I love the fact the narrator was American and she kept the story lively and didn't drone on. Great story if you are looking for something fun to listen to.

Sweet snd fun

Didn’t expect to enjoy this story. I didn’t want to put it down. Guilty pleasure.

Funny, passionate, light, but deeper than expected

So I'm a 40 something straight woman and have an audio book addiction... I have to admit it now. I go through several books a week. I generally listen to romance, and have several preferred story themes. I tend to like intense, historical or fantasy. However, I like to switch it up with comedy romance, which is this book. I get bored with many books... sometimes after the couple gets together the book starts to drag... I lose interest and fast forward to the end. Not this book...

I kept interested all the way to the end...

Romance level: This is an adult book with fully descriptive sex scenes. They add to the book; they are written well and not overdone.

What I enjoyed most about this book: The plot is simple, it is yet another twist on the fake finance. That being said, I was really impressed with how the author wrote the characters and their reactions. The female lead didn't jump to conclusions. She was intelligent and caring, a bit insecure but still able to fend for herself - she was very "believable." The various character's actions stayed consistent and true to their presented personas. Her mom was written as dramatic, pretentious, and bossy -- albeit dedicated to her family -- and she stayed that way throughout. She was funny. The yoga-practicing, nudist embracing granny is hysterical. The male lead was responsible and bit uptight, but passionate about his business and family... so when he was hesitant to get involved but then started falling, it made sense. He was definitely respectful, which is pleasant writing. Also, you could actually believe the male lead was falling for the character he was trying to play.

This book is LOL funny at times. There's a scene with a pool party that literally had me laughing out loud while I was folding laundry.

Do not expect profound or complex; do not expect subplots, suspense or big surprises. It's pretty light... but somehow by the end it's a bit deeper than I expected. It's a lovely statement about the goodness of people and how love brings out the best in us all. It was a pleasant, engaging and entertaining listen (and hot). Enjoy!

Cannot stand hearing "Megan" any longer.

Any additional comments?

I've been trying to listen to this book for over a month now. I like to listen while I'm jogging, but by golly, I just can't get through it. I keep giving it "second" chances and then I hear the narrator say "Megan" in her best guy voice and I have to turn it off. Then I started thinking maybe it will be better if I listen to it before bed...nope. Something about her style when she's not doing voice that still doesn't sit right with me.
I think I might have been able to get through the book, even though it's repetitive and the characters are a bit annoying if someone else was narrating or if I was just straight up reading the book. I think I'm going to finally give up. I'm disappointed I wasted my credit/money.