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    Bed of Roses
    Bed of Roses
    Bed of Roses
    Audiobook8 hours

    Bed of Roses

    Written by Nora Roberts

    Narrated by Angela Dawe

    4/5

    ()

    About this audiobook

    Love blooms in the second novel in #1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts’ celebrated Bride Quartet.

    Wedding florist Emma Grant gets to play with flowers every day and work with her three best friends in the process. She couldn’t ask for a better job. And her love life seems to be thriving. Though men swarm around her, she still hasn’t found Mr. Right. And the last place she’s looking is right under her nose.

    But that’s just where Jack Cooke is. He’s so close to the women of Vows that he’s practically family. Now though, the architect has begun to admit to himself that his feelings for Emma have developed into much more than friendship. And when Emma returns his passion—kiss for blistering kiss, they must trust in their history—and in their hearts…

    Don't miss the other books in the Bride Quartet
    Vision in White
    Savor the Moment
    Happy Ever After

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherBrilliance Audio
    Release dateOct 27, 2009
    ISBN9781423368823
    Bed of Roses
    Author

    Nora Roberts

    Nora Roberts is the bestselling author of more than two hundred romance novels. She was the first author to be inducted into the Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame. Since her first bestseller in 1991, Nora’s books have spent more than two hundred weeks in the number one spot on the New York Times bestseller list. There are more than five hundred million copies of her books in print, published in over thirty-four countries.

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    Reviews for Bed of Roses

    4/5

    749 ratings52 reviews

    What did you think?

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    Review must be at least 10 words

    • 4/5
      Old-fashioned Nora Roberts: maybe not brilliant, but like a warm, soft, cosy sweater that you know will make you feel good every time.
      Wonderful characters, wonderful male and female friendships and conversations, interesting jobs, simple but sweet love story.

      Rating: B
    • 3/5
      Emma has loved flowers since she was a little girl and has found her calling as a florist. She is still searching for Mr. Right. The best friend of the brother of one of her partners,Jack Cooke, begins to admit that he has feelings for her that have become more than friendship.
    • 3/5
      The first book in the Bride Quartet series, Vision in White, was one of my first reviews. I like Nora Roberts, as you know exactly what you'll get from her books: a good, old-fashioned, happily-ever-after romance. Sometimes I'm just in the mood for happily-ever-after, and Nora never disappoints.This one picked up shortly after the first story and focuses on Emma, the florist. Emma is the most romantic one of the four friends, but she's no pushover. Emma and Jack have known each other for years, so are both a little surprised when their relationship takes a romantic turn. You know the story: boy gets girl, boy loses girl, boy wins girl back and they live happily ever after.This was a fast read with no surprises and about halfway thru the book, I had a pretty good idea who the remaining two women will wind up with. No worries, as getting there is half the fun! I gave this book a 3/5 rating because while it's not outstanding, it's still very readable. Nothing groundbreaking or original, but very well done and you get exactly what you came for. Another job well done Nora!
    • 5/5
      I just love Nora Roberts books and since I can't read anymore due to my eyes sight. I was introduced to audiobooks.
    • 4/5
      It was great!!! I will read this one again
    • 5/5
      I've loved this book since it was released more than a decade ago. I've read it over and over, and each time it makes me cry. The narrator here was so amazing, she made me feel the story. I savoured each word.
    • 5/5
      Nora Roberts is on the top of her game with this quartet. I love the character development and the friends that are the core of the story. Really enjoying these books.
    • 5/5
      Emma & Jake were always meant to be together they just had to admitted then allow it which for Jake was not easy
    • 4/5
      Miles better than the first book in the series, this one has a semblance of character development and some real emotional turmoil. The whole story feels more realistic. Now I’m more keen to read the rest in the series.
    • 5/5
      Emma Grant is one of the four women of the Bride Quartet, who started the wedding business "Vows", Emma's special talent is the floral side of weddings. Emma has a love and passion for anything that grows, and to make anything beautiful for the bride. Emma is one of those women, that attract men like bees to honey. However she is pretty picky, and is looking for love and marriage and a family and the "happily ever after" that she has always dreamed of. When her close friend Parker, whom she has known close to forever, kisses her one night, and a passion flares up surprisingly between them, she knows in her heart that she could definitely fall in love with him. Parker has always had a woman on his arm, but never a strong serious relationship that lasts. Ever since his parents got divorced, he has a fear of a woman coming into his home and taking over. However he always has had a thing for Emma, and when he kisses her one night, he knows things between them will never be the same. For their is a pulling force that he can't deny with her, and he knows he never would want to live a life without her, but the road is bound to get rocky with these two. One wanting a long term love, and the other wanting something just temporary; but sometimes love has different plans.Well I have to say that I truly enjoyed reading the second one of the Bride Quartet of Nora Roberts, and if the rest of the series is as good as these two books that I have read so far, it will be no doubt my favorite series of hers. My heart just swarmed to this couple, especially to Emma. Emma is such a sweet loving woman, who only dreams of finding love and marriage and a happily ever after. Since her parents have had such a great marriage, she wants the same. However, she never thought that she would fall in love with the one person she knows is the least committed person when relationships are involved. However she just decides to enjoy the moment, and though she knows she is falling for him, she doesn't want to ruin what they have quite yet. Parker however is totally opposite when a woman is involved, but with things progressing with Emma he denies to himself what he truly feels with her, and what he wants with her for the rest of his life. There is a bit of a rocky road ahead for these two, but its a enjoyable and satisfying story and very emotional especially toward the end, that I definitely had to get a box of tissues. I don't know if its better than the first one, but I think they are on the same level, although I have to say that I love this couple a bit more. I also enjoyed the emotional side of this tender love story. I am so glad that I have finally read this one, and I recommend it to anyone that likes a good emotional love story.
    • 2/5
      1.5 starsEmmaline and her three friends own a wedding planning business and Emma is in charge of the flowers. Fun, cute idea and I did think this second in the series had less of the annoying acronyms (MOB – mother of the bride, etc.) that clogged up the first but don't worry, they still pop up. Jack came into their friend circle through one of the women's older brothers and ever since college has been one of the gang. Emma and Jack have peripherally found each other sexy over the years but neither wanted to mess with the friend dynamics, until they decide to. I don't really have much to say to about this one because it bored me for the vast majority, I couldn't feel Emma and Jack's chemistry at all. Emma is a “marrying” kind of gal and Jack is a “good time” boy. Emma thinks she can just sleep with Jack and not feel anything and Jack is trying to delude himself into thinking their relationship isn't getting more serious. Great trope-y plot but the feelings weren't there for me.What I'm going to remember the most from this is towards the end, Emma has a total and complete blow-up that made her seem like a psycho. She learns Jack's had a hard day so she decides to cook him dinner at his house, has to get his keys from his assistant, and is on a mission to finally tell him she loves him. Jack shows up shocked/surprised to see her at his house, has a pounding headache, and wants a shower. Emma doesn't like how he's reacting, he's a little standoffish but remember headache and not expecting her, and when I say she loses her shit, you all can't even imagine the level of wtf she starts spouting at him. She ends up breaking up with him and storming out and Jack barely knows what happened. It was such an over-the-top third act break-up, I'm almost in awe. Anyway, apologies are made and kisses. The real reason I decided to put any thoughts down on this was because I wanted to quote this scene, pretty much the only highlight for me in this boring, wtf Emma, story:“I asked you once before, and you didn’t answer. I’ll ask you again. Yes or no this time. Are you in love with her?”“Okay.” He took a long drink of beer. “Yes. I guess it took an ass-kicking to shake it out of me, but yes. I’m in love with her. But—”“Do you want to fix it?”“I just said I was in love with her. Why wouldn’t I want to fix it?”“You want to know how?”“Goddamn it, Del.” He drank again. “Yes, since you’re so fucking smart. How do I fix it?” “Crawl.” I'm not sure Jack is the one who needed to crawl, not alone anyway but I loved the hit of that last word, crawl.
    • 4/5
      Emma Grant and Jack Cooke have been friends for years, but when they finally decide to date one another, it's with the understanding that they can't allow what happens in their relationship to dissolve their friendship. Even though Emma recognizes that Jack has problems with commitment, her romantic nature gets the best of her, and it isn't long before she realizes that their differing needs may destroy more than just their friendship.

      Bed of Roses is definitely a comfort read. The pace continuously keeps the story moving, but at a relaxing tempo that allows the reader to enjoy the descriptions of all of the lovely flowers used in many ways throughout the book. The deliberate build up of the relationship between Emma and Jack gives the impression of really following this couple as they navigate the ins and outs of a romance as it develops between these long-time friends. Although Emma seems to overreact toward the end of the story, overall Bed of Roses is another good entry in the Bride Quartet.
    • 3/5
      Emmaline Grant has always firmly believed in love and romance and her job as the florist for Vows, a wedding planning company she co-owns with her three best friends, has always reinforced those beliefs. But when Emmaline begins to have more than friendly feelings for long-time friend Jack, whose never settled into a serious relationship in his life, both of them must consider whether risking their friendship as they know it is worth indulging their new attraction.Second in a series, I enjoyed hanging out in the adept narrative hands of Nora Roberts. All of the characters are well fleshed out and she does an excellent job of highlighting the realities of being a wedding florist. The final conflict did feel a bit blown out of proportion by all sides but otherwise the novel was super solid and enjoyable. I look forward to picking up the remaining books in the quartet and spending more time with all of these characters.
    • 4/5
      MacKensie, Emma, Laurel, and Parker spent many childhood moments playing Wedding Day, and as adults have built a business around providing perfect wedding days for others. Now, one by one, they're finding their own mates.

      In Bed of Roses, it's the turn of Emmaline Grant, the talented and dedicated florist for Vows. Emma loves romance, loves men, and has an active social life, but she's never met that one man who could give her the true, lifetime romance she dreams of. Or rather, she has, but she hasn't allowed herself to realize it. Jack Cooke is too determined not to repeat his divorced parents' mistake of getting married, to ever commit to the lifelong relationship she wants, and too close to all four of the friends to risk the messiness of a relationship that might end badly.

      Then circumstances throw them together repeatedly, and they find themselves embarking on a relationship they both regard with trepidation. Mirroring Mac & Carter's relationship, it's Emma that has the faith and confidence to trust to love, and Jack who resists, denies, panics as he realizes what's happening. As usual, Roberts does a wonderful job in developing the characters and letting their relationship unfold, progress, and build to a crisis.

      Recommended.

      No review copy this time; I borrowed this book from the local library.
    • 5/5
      My review

      Mackenzie, Emmaline, Laurel, and Parker. Best friends business partners = LOVE. Every time I reread her stories I find something new that I overlooked.
    • 3/5
      Bed of Roses
      3 Stars

      A straightforward and relaxing contemporary romance with no spectacular twists.

      The emotional intensity and involvement in this installment is better than in the first, but the descriptions of Mac's vocation are more interesting as the focus on the flower business in the this is excessive.
    • 5/5
      I really enjoyed Jack and Emma. They had great chemistry and lots of passion! Looking forward to Laurels Story.
    • 2/5
      Not as good as the first book in the series.We are told Emma and Jack are friends. Right at the beginning of this book they discover they are sexually attracted to each other. Soon they act on it. As the book goes on we learn Emma has had a crush on Jack on and off, but never acted on it, considering him off limits.The problem was were are told they were such good friends, but never shown their friendship. They didn't have interactions establishing their friendship in the first book. What we are shown now is a relationship that is all about sex.Jack had one scene in the prior book showing he has commitment issues. In this book his commitment issues are shown in Emma's actions and thoughts, not his.For me there was too much about their sexual relationship, not enough about their friendship. Emma gets points for being a Alan Rickman in Truly, Madly, Deeply.But over all the book was a big disappointment.
    • 5/5
      So I've just began reading Bed of Roses and so far so good... in love with these ladies and their business, and Emma is so romantic just like me, this makes me want to see her happily-ever-after more than any of the other girls.

      I love Emma and Jack together and the date in the art gallery made me laugh so hard.
    • 4/5
      Enjoyable story with good ending but so much info on flower arranging that I starting skimming making my rating 3.5* Florist Emma and architect Jack start feeling more than friendship.
    • 3/5
      I felt the female protagonist was weak and the male was a commitment-phobe.
    • 3/5
      Though I didn't like it as much as "Vision in White," I enjoyed this book. I cried at the end. Nora's the only one who knows how to make me cry, but in a good way. ;)
    • 4/5
      Second in the bride series. A good beach read. In this book we have the florist and the family friend falling in love. No surprises, but totally satisfying.
    • 5/5
      This is book two of the "Bride Quartet" series by Nora Roberts. The series is about 4 childhood friends running a wedding business.

      This story is about Emma Grant, the wedding florist, who has always loved romance. She gets to play with flowers every day and work with her three best friends in the process. And on the surface, Emma's love life seems to be thriving. Slim and sexy, men swarm around her, yet she still hasn't found Mr. Right.

    • 2/5
      Another of those books you read because they are available under your nose. In reality, a disappointing book mostly because of last 50-60 pages. Book was ordinary at the beginning but lost it in the end - with girl behaving unreasonably. I have often felt that toward the end - since it has to be a happy ending - the tough, alpha male suddenly turns to predictable putty toward the end. Gah. :|
    • 3/5
      Yep, so...that happened.
    • 4/5
      One reason I love reading Nora Roberts' books is because she gets you involved in the entire cast of characters in such a real way. I love her family series and how lots of books are interrelated. This series is really no different. The friendship between the four women is very real and I found/find myself thinking that it feels very true to life.

      I liked the relationship between Emma and Jack--though I am so sick of the name Emma showing up in books I read. The one I read directly before it was another Emma and I threw up in my mouth a little bit when I started yet another one. I suppose I could've put this one off and read a few in between but I just get so darn excited about a new Nora that I couldn't do it.

      Anyway, I love when male (or female) leads in her novels are involved in the construction process (i.e. the hottie architect from the Calhoun series, the MacGregor Bride that flips houses and her sexy contractor, etc. etc.) so I liked the architecture aspect of the book.

    • 3/5
      Fun chic flick in a book.
    • 4/5
      Just a feel good love story. Don't look for depth here but it was a good book and I enjoyed reading it. Typical plot line.. friends become lovers, one wants more sooner than the other, they fight it out, get back together, happy ever after. Worth reading.
    • 4/5
      It's a toss up between Vision in White and this one (both in print and audio) as to which one is my favourite.I still don't get quite what Emma went off the deep end about though. So he hadn't given her a key - they'd only been going out for 2-3 months. And she really didn't give him a chance to explain. When I really think about it, Emma had all these worries but she never spoke to Jack about them before that fight. I wondered if Jack did the turnaround a little quickly but then, I wasn't all that convinced there was anything to turn around - I didn't see him do all that much wrong. Anyway, the fact that I've analysed the characters and their responses just goes to show how engaged I was with the story which means it was a really good book.