Title: Best Man with Benefits

Author: Samanthe Beck

Series: The Wedding Dare

Published by: Entangled Brazen

Date published: June 9, 2014

Genres: Contemporary Romance & Humor

Book Length: 229 pages

Steam Rating: Risque

Main Characters: Logan McCade & Sophie Brooks

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“…how sweet is Logan! Finding a way to help Sophie realize that she is beautiful! Just…AAAWWWEEE!! I’m pretty sure I fell in love with Logan at that exact moment!
” ~Becca

I didn’t want to read it! I wanted to soooo very badly…but I didn’t all at the same time! It’s just not fair I tell you! Seriously…this series just CANNOT be over! I am addicted! The Wedding Dare series was an absolute thrill to read and I am devastated that I don’t get to learn even more about these amazing characters. I am so not ready to say good-bye to them! I have been dying to read about the shy Sophie and sexy Logan ever since the first book..I’m pretty sure I even mentioned them in a review or two…this book just had soooo much to live up to! I mean come on…the last one in the series? Samanthe had her work cut out and a lot of expectations to live up to…no one can live up to all that right???

WRONG!

Samanthe Beck stood up and proved me wrong! This book was all I had hoped for and more! It left me laughing, crying, cringing, clapping and laughing! I have never felt more connected to a character in my life! I could totally relate to Sophie…never feeling good enough, always carrying around an extra 20 lbs no matter how much you have lost or how good everyone says you look, self-confidence is no where to be seen…there is just so much that is REAL about Sophie that it was impossible not to put myself in her shoes as I was reading.

Then there was Logan….wow…Logan…yeah just umm…ahh…what was I saying? Sorry I nodded off into dream land where sexy mountain climbing business owners with sexy ass six packs have a thing for the shy girl! (Yeah dream land right loL)

Poor Logan is in a place in his life that has to be difficult. His friends and family helped him financially start his business, now he feels like if he steps down from any of the duties of running the business (which is a lot bigger than it used to be) he will be letting them down. Little does he know that going to his friends wedding and agreeing to be best man will help him gain the outlook on life that he needs in order to be happy.

I bet when Colt asked Logan to watch after his baby sister he never once thought he would end up having this kind of a time! Sophie has had a crush on Logan for … well forever and sparks totally fly when the shy girl steps out of that shell for the man she wants! Goodness…that first morning scene…I don’t think I would have had the balls to do what she did! I can imagine that definitely helped change Logan’s perspective of her as the “baby sister” lol.

I really enjoyed this story. The characters (which we have gotten to know a little in the past few books) are well developed, the story and romance flow realistically, and it wasn’t so filled with drama that I felt like I was going to throw my precious Kindle at the wall. I will say that I was a bit worried about getting bored with the story, the best friends little sister story has been done…A LOT! Heck, it was even done in this series already! I was so wrong! The way that Samanthe pulled this one off is just precious and mind blowing! I mean who would have seen that Tie/belt scene coming???

OH my gosh! Speaking of that scene…how sweet is Logan! Finding a way to help Sophie realize that she is beautiful! Just…AAAWWWEEE!! I’m pretty sure I fell in love with Logan at that exact moment!

There were so many scenes in this book that just had my laughing and blushing right along side poor, shy Sophie! Those conference calls…wow…umm..best conference calls ever! I still can’t believe how she handled that second one! Goodness…that was just awesome!

Now…as for the ending of the book…yes, we all know it had to end somewhere and after reading the others in the series I had a feeling where things were headed (sooo didn’t ruin it for me though lol). I adore that all of the characters end up back together (although I have never seen a hospital that will allow quite that many people free range during the delivery but what ever! lol). It was an awesome way of giving quick final updates on each of the couples and I definitely found myself bawling like a baby! It was all just so sweet and perfect and well I loved it!

Overall the series has been wonderful and I adore the mind-blowing way these amazing ladies managed to pull together such an awesome story! I can’t get over how well they pulled it off! It is an unforgettable story that, having the chance to read from each and every character’s perspective, I feel like I was a part of and am very sad that I won’t be reading more from them. 

So, to put things simply… If you haven’t read this series yet…what on Earth are you waiting for?!? Hop on over to what ever place you buy your books and get to it! They aren’t expensive and they totally rock! No seriously…LIKE NOW … GO BUY THEM RIGHT NOW!!

Check out the other books in the series

Wine lover, sleep coveter, and USA Today bestselling author Samanthe Beck lives in Malibu, California with her husband, their son, Kitty the furry Ninja, and Bebe the trash talkin’ Chihuahua. When not writing fun, fan-your-cheeks sexy contemporary romances, she searches for the perfect cabernet to pair with Ambien.

Connect with Sam via Facebook, Twitter, or through her website!

Describe your book/series in 15 words or less!

Oooh, kicking things off with a toughie! This is a bit over the word count, (as I always am): Logan McCade agrees to expand his best man duties to include keeping an eye on the groom’s shy, adorable, strictly-off-limits little sister, Sophie Brooks, but soon realizes he wants to keep way more than his eye on her…

When did you start writing? How did you come up with your books name?

We started the Wedding Dare series in…gosh…last summer. (Time flies when you’re having fun. Or drinking. Or both). My working titles for my books usually don’t stick, but “Best Man with Benefits” was the original title for this story. I think my editor liked it better than my back-up title “Banging the Bridesmaid.”

We all need a hero! Tell us about your protagonist(s)? Was there a real-life inspiration behind him or her?

To outsiders looking in, Logan is Mr. Perfect. He’s smart, successful, good looking, and confident, but, inside he’s frustrated and frazzled. The business he founded and runs is sucking him dry, yet can’t bring himself to let go of any portion of his responsibilities. He’s his own worst enemy!

I wouldn’t say Logan had a real-life inspiration, but his passion, aside from Sophie, is rock climbing, and I did some pretty in-depth research involving pictures of sweaty, shirtless, muscular guys hanging from rocks.   

What is something about yourself that most of your readers don’t know?

I once waited in line at the ATM behind Julia Roberts. I couldn’t help thinking that although we got cash from the exact same ATM, we had vastly different experiences.

How do you spend your time when you aren’t writing?

Drinking. Sleeping. Trying to convince my husband to go buy me wine while I take a nap. Playing Candy Crush with my five-year-old son.

What do you find most challenging about being an author?

All the in-depth research involving pictures of sweaty, shirtless, muscular guys hanging from rocks! Seriously, I’m not going to complain about any aspect of being an author. This shit is thoroughly good.

What do you find most rewarding about being an author?

Having a legitimate excuse to conduct in-depth research involving pictures of sweaty, shirtless, muscular guys hanging from rocks, (are we sensing a trend here)? Joking aside, I am always incredibly touched, grateful, rewarded when someone tells me they read and enjoyed something I wrote.

What book are you most proud of so far?

I can’t choose! I love them all for different reasons, (i.e. Tyler, Trevor, Ian, Michael, Logan…)

I so need to get my hands on more of your books! 

What are two of your favorite characters in your books/series written by other authors?

I can’t choose! I love them all for different reasons, (i.e. Tyler, Reed, Brock…)

Was there a music playlist for you while writing? If so can you share a few songs from it?

I was going through a Brandi Carlile stage—and if you haven’t, you really should—so I was listening to “The Story,” “Turpentine,” “That Wasn’t Me.” I don’t know that these songs particularly relate to Logan and Sophie, but I find her voice and the lyrics inspirational.

​What’s next for you?​

I think I’m headed back to Bluelick, KY for a couple follow-ons to my first Brazen, “Private Practice.

Now for the silly stuff!

Ask me one question…any question at all and I have to answer it no matter what!

You are trapped in an elevator with David Gandy, Ian Somerhalder and Gerard Butler. What do you do?

I LIKE how your mind works! Hahahahahahahahahaha ummm my first thought was so not PG!! Let’s see…what would I do…well I can think of 4 things really, the first of which may involve making sure that elevator stays broken for a VERY long time! 2-4 involve many different things…I may just like being the center of attention hahaha *Blushing now!* I’m not going to go into details here…but I’m sure your imagination can come up with a few ideas

If you could have any one toy what would it be? Why?

Probably Legos, because you can make a lot of different things. I can’t, but, you know, in theory…

If you could have one super power what would it be? Why?

The power to hypnotize hot men into doing anything I ask, because…well…do I really need to explain?

What would I find in your refrigerator right now?

I don’t know, but now that you mention it, I am hungry. Hold on. Okay, I’m back. You would find a canister of Reddi-wip and a quarter of a bottle of BV Coastal Estates Pinot Noir.

Soo…I’ll be by your house soon for the wine! I may even bring some of my own!!

If your book/series was a dessert, what would it be and why?

The Wedding Dare series would be a box of chocolates, because there’s something there for everyone.

What do you think about when you are alone in your car?

I contemplate the universals questions, such as Taco Bell or Jack n’ the Box?

What song best describes you? Why?

“Drunk in Love,” because I like to think of my husband, Charles, and I as the white, middle-aged Jay Z and Beyonce. We are so not, but it’s what I like to think.

Enter the giveaway and be sure to check out the rest of the books in this series!

The Wedding Dare Series

Authors: Laura Kaye, Jen McLaughlin, Tessa Bailey, Katee Robert and Samanthe Beck

Gere: Contemporary romance & Humor

Books currently in the series: 5

*WARNING 18+*

“These stories share a setting and characters, but can be read as stand-alones. But why would you want to miss a single minute of crazy sexy hotness? Get them all!” ~Laura Kaye

Title: Dare to Resist (Prequel)

 “Dare to Resist, was well “all that and a bag of chips” haha! I have read Laura Kaye books before and I always adore her writing style and the depth to which she takes her characters. When reading her books I can’t help but feel like apart of the story and Dare to Resist was no different.” ~Becca

Title: Falling for the Groomsman (Book 1 in the Wedding Dare series)

“I couldn’t get enough of these two! Their chemistry is palpable and addicting!” ~Becca

Title: Baiting the Maid of Honor (Book 2 in the Wedding Dare series)

“The dialog was addictive and humorous without taking away from the deep meaning and romance of the story.” ~Becca

Title: Seducing the Bridesmaid (Book 3 in the Wedding Dare series)

“This book was amazingly humorous, filled with romance, and so easy to read and fall in love with!” ~Becca

Title: Best Man with Benefits (Book 4 in the Wedding Dare series)

“…how sweet is Logan! Finding a way to help Sophie realize that she is beautiful! Just…AAAWWWEEE!! I’m pretty sure I fell in love with Logan at that exact moment!
” ~Becca

How did you guys meet?

Samanthe: I don’t want to spill too many details, but let’s just say, if you ever end up in a Turkish prison, there are no finer ladies to share a cell with than Diane, Katee, Laura and Tessa.

Diane: Yep, we all write for Entangled, and Laura I’ve known for even longer! Tessa lives close enough that we try to get together a few times a year, and the rest I see at conventions! After this year’s Romantic Times Convention in New Orleans, we all finally got to meet in person, and they’re all the best!

Laura: We’ve all written for Entangled for a while, so we were online friends first, and then got to meet each other at various conferences – which is one of my favorite things about writers’ conferences!

Katee: Laura and I interviewed each other way back in 2012 for books we had coming out with Entangled. I got to meet Diane and Sam in person in 2013, and had a blast with Tessa this year in NOLA. Thank God for writer’s conferences or I’d never get to meet anyone outside the internet!

Tessa: Apart from Diane, who I met one afternoon when she trekked down to NYC for a matinee of Phantom, I met all these lovely ladies for the first time in person at RT this year. Prior to that, our acquaintance had been online only.

How did you story board and manage to keep the plot line running so smoothly?

Samanthe: We used Google Docs, Excel and Jack Daniels Single Barrel (as needed) to keep all the characters and timelines straight.

Diane: Google Docs saves lives, people. Without that, it would have been impossible to keep it all straight. That, and wine. Lots of wine.

Laura: Since my story occurred before the other four, I had to do less plot planning. What they did to coordinate their concurrent stories was truly amazing, though! I mostly had to work on keeping backstories the same, etc.

Katee: Yeah, we used a truly intense amount of communication, and then all of us read through every book to check for facts. We didn’t really think about how much work it’d be when we got started, but it was totally worth it!

Tessa: Yes, lots of email threads, Google docs, Excel spreadsheets and prayers

How do you develop your plot and characters?

Samanthe: The Wedding Dare series was an unusual process for me, because the setting, time frame and a lot of the story events and logistics came as part of the overall concept. We outlined our characters’ main traits to be sure we presented distinct personalities in each story.

My hero, Logan, already existed as part of my McCade Brothers series, and he just kind of fit the bill, best man-wise. He’s the golden boy, (although he’s been stuck in an all-work-and-no-play rut for so long, he’s feeling like his life is missing some shine).

My heroine, Sophie, was a total construct of the continuity. She’s Colton’s, (the groom’s), shy, insecure little sis, and she’s also the outsider because the bride, Kady, and all the other bridesmaids were sorority sisters.

Me: OOOOO You have another series that involves Logan?!? I am so on this! hehe Goodreads y’all…Goodreads!

Diane: The editor of the series had a huge hand in giving us the characters she thought we’d do best with. For me, it was Tyler, the bride’s big brother, and her best friend, Christine. The fact that they had a past made my story all the much more fun to write, honestly. I loved their push and pull!

Laura: My hero and heroine already existed before I joined the project to write them (the bride and groom, Kady and Colton). Since I knew my story was a quick forced-proximity story (they get trapped sharing a hotel room during a storm), I had to create a backstory for them where they already knew and were attracted to one another. And find a fun catalyst that could lead to explosive smexy times fairly quickly. So much fun!

Katee: I was on the phone with our editor when the offer to do the continuity came in from Diane. She got excited and basically laid out the four main stories she wanted, and she already knew that she wanted Diane to write a certain one and Tessa to write a certain one. Sam and I cage-fought for the last two

Tessa: Our editor had a hand in divvying up the character types and I think she played to our strong suits as best as possible. Thus, I was given the broody, law enforcement officer, which is right up there with chocolate on my Favorite Things list. Conversely, I was given a sunshiney, people pleaser as a heroine, which was more of a challenge, but I ended up loving her to pieces.

Why did you choose to write this story?

Samanthe: I was definitely going to write Logan’s story in some form or another, and then Diane contacted me, and was like, “Katee, Tessa and I were wondering if you would—” and I was like, “YES!” Her question could have ended with, “walk our dogs.” I didn’t care. I was in for whatever these ladies wanted from me.  Then, just when I didn’t think it could get any better, Laura signed on to write the prequel!

Diane: This was my first reunited lovers/enemies to lovers story I’ve ever written, and it was so much fun to tackle. Too much fun!

Laura: I thought it would be fun to work with the other authors! Plus I love writing sexy contemporaries!

Katee: In a word — Regan. She’s a very polarizing heroine, but being able to take the gloves off, so to speak, and run with her was something that made me deliriously happy. Also Brock and his damn laugh lines. Basically the story was a playboy and a driven headhunter and I practically tackled the idea.

Tessa: I was thrilled to write an opposites attract story. I think they might be my favorite because finding common ground between two vastly different characters is a fun challenge.

Is it hard to write in a group? Would you do it again?

Samanthe: I was such a dumbass at the outset I didn’t appreciate how hard it would be. Working with Diane, Katee, Laura and Tessa was a pleasure, though. They never made me feel bad for lacking good writing processes, not keeping my timeline updated, not paying close enough attention to their timelines, hijacking their characters to be in my scenes when they were clearly committed to being somewhere else, (and effing up the Google docs several times…although I’m not sure they noticed because I tried really hard to eliminate the evidence of those mishaps).

I would totally do it again! (They will need convincing to take me on a second time).

Me: Haha, this all seems like my side of things! I effed up our Google Doc for this interview how many times?? I always try to be organized and have spreadsheets and plans…but sometime my excitement gets away from me and I totally forget about all of the places I’m supposed to write things down

Diane: With these ladies? Hell yeah! I did it before with two other friends of mine, too, and the key is working with people who are willing to work together and work hard. Without that, it would be a hot mess. Literally.

Laura: I’m co-authoring another project, so this is my second experience. Communication and flexibility are key, and as long as you know the folks you’re working with are EASY to work with, it can be a great deal of fun. I’d do it again.

Katee: I’d definitely do it again. I think we had an amazing group and everyone worked so freaking hard to make this series a success. It took a healthy dose of insanity to pull it off, but it was a ton of fun, too!

Me: After reading all of the books, I would definitely say that this series is a HUGE success! I highly recommend all of them to everyone…well everyone over 18! lol

Tessa: I would do it again, but only if these four ladies were involved. If they weren’t talented, hard-working and considerate, I think a project of this magnitude would have been very difficult. We made it as easy as possible for one another and I would absolutely do it again with them

Did you ever want to take the story in a different direction than the others? How did you make sure that the stories didn’t contradict each other?

Samanthe: We each wrote and shared a fairly detailed story synopsis before we got started, so we had the big picture ironed out ahead of time. There were little things like, “Um, Sam, in this scene you have my hero in the lobby talking to Sophie, but he is actually up in my heroine’s room, being used like a personal toy. Please don’t make him come down to hold Sophie’s hand. He will not be happy.” Honestly, everyone was really flexible and generous, and we got good about contacting each other ahead of time and asking, “How badly does it screw up your life if I…”? Laura maybe had the biggest challenge, even though her timeline didn’t overlap, because her existing deadlines dictated she write her story later, after four other authors had used her characters in whatever way we needed.

Me: Oh wow! It does sound as if Laura had her work cut out for her! Hehe, I totally know the scene you are talking about and yeah…I think he would have been slightly pissed if his “boy toy” status had been taken away at that moment! Hell, I would have been pissed! hehe

Diane: I think it went pretty smoothly because we had the timeline all worked out ahead of time. That’s the biggest factor in how easy the actual timeline went for us all, I think.

Laura: I had less of an issue with this, with one exception. My story was initially a lot hotter/darker/edgier. But there was a sense that in being that way it didn’t well set up the feel for the series as a whole, so I had to tone it down some.

Katee: We had things totally figured out beforehand with this massive Big Mama master timeline and detail synopsises. But there were still hilarious little snafus. Like both Sam’s heroine and mine were in the gym at the same time and we didn’t figure it out until the books were completely written. The scene we worked on together ended up being one of my favorites in the book.

Me: I know that scene! I actually caught myself looking back at the other book going…wait does this match up! Hehe, you guys did a great job!

Tessa: There were a few times I wanted to hop over and write Regan and Brock’s story! (from Seducing the Bridesmaid) LOL. Katee created some really rich, interesting characters that jumped off the page. Plus, I love a New Yorker with an attitude.

What was the hardest part of writing this book for you?

Samanthe: Sophie! She’s like so many of us. She looks in the mirror and sees ALL her flaws, and NONE of her assets. But she’s also a woman in the midst of a physical and emotional transformation, and I had so much fun making Logan an integral part of her journey to view herself in a more accurate and positive way. Still, I worried about her coming across too angsty and self-conscious. There’s a lot of Sam Beck on her worst day in Sophie. :}

Me: Out of all of the characters, I did find myself bonding and relating to Sophie the most. I feel like most women have the same thoughts and feelings and the way that Logan “helped” her realize her beauty was epic! Definitely a drool worthy moment!

Diane: Tyler. He came across kind of…asshole-ish/whiney at first. I kinda had to rewrite the whole story. LOL!

Laura: This one came out really fast for me. Sometimes they’re like that.

Katee: Regan. Always Regan. She’s so damn forceful, that I had to fight to rein her in even a little bit. The woman knew what she wanted and she could care less about being likeable.

Me: It sounds like you are a passenger in this book lol I know that in my book right now I am so not the driver! I will have a plan for a scene to go a certain way and then BAM…that’s just not happening anymore! lol

Tessa: The hardest part of writing this story was the dark moment. I wanted so badly for Reed to do the right thing when they had their blow up fight, but he wasn’t ready. He needed to see what it would be like without Julie before he groveled. God, I love a good grovel

What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?

Samanthe: It’s hard to choose! Personally, I loved the scene where Sophie…ahem…disciplines Logan. She’s such a passive-leaning passive aggressive, and Logan’s so dominant, the incongruity of the interaction appealed to me. Plus the potential to write something funny, and hawt, and make it work while staying true to their characters. Does it work? You’ll have to be the judge.

Me: Oh it definitely worked! That scene was … just… MMMMM OH EMMM GGGEEE!! Lol I was drooling and in need of a cold shower after that one!

Diane: Hmm….maybe the forest scene? I don’t know!!! It might be when he dances with her, carrying her like a real hero.

Laura: My favorite part is what happens after Colton finds a book Kady brought with her… In particular, the conversation that follows is one of the hottest non-sex scenes I’ve ever written!

Katee: The scene in the bar where Brock buys Regan a drink. She’s so ready to dismiss him out of hand and it just rolls off him. Their banter was so much fun and that kind of conversational spark leads into the OTHER kind of spark wonderfully.

Tessa: Definitely the strip tease scene. Reed and Julie make a bet that ends with them in Reed’s hotel room and a slow removal of clothing. I think I wrote it with a fan blowing directly on my face.

Me: Girl, I can imagine! I needed a fan to read it! I haven’t written my first sex scene in my book yet…I’m a bit nervous about it’s arrival…I can feel that it is close and I just don’t know where it is going to lead! Again, I’m such a passenger to this story that until it is on paper I have not one single clue how it will end!

How did you decide who wrote what characters?

Samanthe: Jello wrestling. Or, um, I’m going to say our editor, Heather Howland, Diane and Katee came up with the archetypes. Logan fit the golden boy/best man type, and it made sense to pair this confident, outgoing guy up with his introverted, insecure opposite, because we all know, in fiction at least, opposites attract!

Diane: Yep, it was a joint effort. That was the first thing that was assigned, then we all took off from there!

Laura: In part, we all wrote to our character strengths, or certain authors wove in a character related to an existing series. I write military heroes, so Colton is ex-military.

Katee: The characters were all part of the initial planning when they were divvied out. Our editor had worked with all of us before and she had specific ideas over who she thought should write what.

Tessa: As Sam said, our editor, Katee and Diane mostly came up with the character types and definitely played to our strengths. We had to be excited to dive into a project this big and I think this helped a lot. Getting to sink our teeth into characters we loved.

Well, there you have it! I hope you enjoyed my interview with The Wedding Dare crew as much as I did!