Once Smitten, Twice Shy by Lori Wilde

Second in the Wedding Veil Wishes series, Once Smitten, Twice Shy is a refreshing romantic adventure of second chances mixed with a little magic.

Tish Gallagher is finished. Her bank account is empty, her car is repossessed, her cable is disconnected and her business, Capture the Moment, is going nowhere. She even managed to let the only man she has ever loved walk away two years ago due to foolish pride. Tish’s friend, Delaney [There Goes the Bride] gave her an antique wedding veil said to have been created by a young witch in Ireland. Legend says if you make a wish on the wedding veil you will see your own true love. When Tish wishes for her business to succeed and her money problems to be eliminated all she sees is Shane, her ex-husband, telling her he is hurt and needs help. Tish doesn’t believe in the legend but it certainly seemed to work for Delaney. When a job videographing the first daughter’s wedding Tish is amazed and delighted to know that this is just the break that’s needed to launch her career into high gear. What is she to do when the groom turns out to be her beloved Shane?

Shane Tremont is Secret Service, assigned to protect the President’s daughter, Elysee. When he is injured while protecting her, Elysee believes he is her true love and knight in shining armor. After a divorce two years prior, Shane is warmed by Elysee’s caring and hero worship. As the country embraces the love story of the government agent and the President’s daughter Shane begins to believe he is truly over his ex-wife Tish. As wedding plans are made and details are finalized Shane realizes the videographer Elysee has hired is none other than his ex-wife, Tish, the woman he still yearns for.

Smart, funny, sexy; Lori Wilde has done it again. Tish and Shane are complex characters whose personalities are gradually revealed, they feel like close friends I wanted to take them under my wing and fix their hurts. The secondary cast adds the extra zip to make this story stand out from the crowd. Elysee is a naïve young woman whom I found endearing yet a little frustrating at times. Her love of being in love gave her a rosy outlook on life I could not easily relate to but she captured my heart anyway. Shane is a real wounded hero whom I fell a little in love with myself. He is kind and generous, strong and intelligent, and looking to be loved completely. His undying love for Tish and hers for him is poignant and will bring a few tears to the eyes. The emotions sizzle whenever they are in the same area, leaving no doubt these two lovers are meant to be together. With plenty of internal conflict, Lori Wilde leads readers on a merry adventure as the cast sets out to save a woman from harm, overcoming obstacles thrown in their paths. I thoroughly enjoyed Once Smitten, Twice Shy and look forward to the next installment of the Wedding Veil Wishes.