Ready to head back to the Meet Me at the Altar office and see who's falling in love and heading for their own happily ever after?
In just one night, she stole his jacket...and his heart.
Shy baker Emilie Michaels never thought she'd meet her Prince Charming. Especially no at an event she's working at. But when a handsome stranger finds her hiding in a corner and strikes up a conversation, she can't help but be drawn in. Unfortunately, duty calls and she's forced to flee, leaving the man of her dreams behind. All she has to remember that night night is his first name and the suit jacket he gave her to stay warm.
Family has always come first for the Vandergrifts. It doesn't matter what Cooper might want out of his life, his parents have had a plan for him since the day he was born. His mother even has his wedding all planned out, despite the fact that there's no bride in the picture. But when Cooper walks into the Meet Me at the Altar offices for a cake tasting and finds himself face to face with the woman he met at a party all those months ago, he thinks it might be time to finally have a say in his love life.
Cooper had resigned himself to a life that would be all about family obligations, but just a few hours with Emilie have him convinced that maybe he could be something else. It's just a matter of deciding whose happiness matters more: his family's or his own.
Fairy lights and a liberal dash of pixie dust create the perfect backdrop for Emilie Michels and Cooper Vandergrift romance. They meet at a society wedding – he’s a guest and she’s part of the catering crew. Cooper asks Emilie to stay and the couple talk for hours without revealing why they are at the wedding. The couple share a magical kiss before Emilie leaves with Cooper’s coat.
Samantha Chase’s Cinderella inspired novel Groomed to Perfection is filled with captivating characters, family drama and a classic Disney inspired romance. As the oldest son, Cooper Vandergrift is expected to take over the family business. Although he enjoys designing and building, he’s being pushed into a career and a life that does not appeal to him by is overbearing mother. Samantha Chase creates a wonderful hero in Cooper. I loved his easy going nature and cheered for him when he realized that he had to step up in order to claim his future.
Emilie has been one of my favorite characters in the series—she is a loyal friend to her business partners and always has a tub of frosting or a plate of cookies in times of stress. Emilie is hard working and family oriented-she takes care of her grandmother before heading into work. Enjoyed getting to know her parents and her grandmother—the best Samantha Chase character ever—she was a hoot!
Loved that Emile and Cooper supported each other. Both characters had dreams—Cooper wanted to work in the design department. Emilie wants to open a bakery at the Meet Me at the Altar offices. Loved the couples chemistry and Cooper’s relationship with Emilie’s grandmother was perfect—so sweet! Samantha Chase writes a heartfelt romance for this couple who realize family is more important than social standing, you can choose your future and a dream is a wish your heart makes!
I enjoyed every word of Groomed to Perfection and I know you will too!
Reviewed by Susan Gorman
Book purchased through Amazon
Five Fun Facts About: GROOMED TO PERFECTION from Samantha Chase
1) There was a scene in the movie "Sabrina" where she was hiding in a tree and watching a society party on the property. That was partial inspiration for Cooper and Emilie's meet cute.
2) Another movie that inspired part of the book was "And Officer and a Gentleman". I may have watched that ending scene about a dozen times!
3) I wrote part of the book while staying at a hotel for the weekend for a mini-writing-retreat. It had a great view of downtown Raleigh and it made me write a scene where Cooper and Emilie are dining at a restaurant with a similar view.
4) I tend to go on sites like Zillow for inspiration for where my characters live. Cooper comes from a wealthy family and I had a hella good time looking up places for him! It's a huge time suck, but oh so satisfying!
5) There is a bit of a Cinderella theme to this book but I didn't want to be obvious with it. So instead of her leaving a shoe behind, she takes his jacket! Lol!
**BONUS FACT: I tell people this book is a cross between Cinderella and the original TV show, Dynasty. For those of you around my age, you may remember the version with Joan Collins, Linda Evans, and John Forsythe. Trust me when I tell you we have a VERY Dynasty-ish scene in this book!**
