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Crashing #0.5

The Wedding - Cali's Story

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**This Book is a Standalone** It is a companion novella to The Crashing Series and takes place before Crashing Back Down (book 1 in the series). Find the other books in this series here: http://amzn.to/1L20SN5

Well this is freaking great…
Right when my best friend’s wedding was in full swing, the flowers were paid for, the dresses were being tailored and the bachelorette party was planned and nonrefundable, the bomb gets dropped right on my doorstep at four in the morning.
“The Wedding is OFF!” Mags yelled right as I opened the door to my apartment.
Oh hell no! We’re not canceling these plans. I will make this work. I will get her and Randy on track to walking down that freaking isle. I am getting to go on a bachelorette weekend vacation to party with my best friend! This is happening whether Mags and Randy like it or not.
That’s what a best friend is for, right?!

***18+ for sexual situations, cursing, and adult content.***

ebook

First published November 15, 2015

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About the author

Kristen Hope Mazzola

60 books1,102 followers
Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author, Kristen Hope Mazzola, is a Florida native that has found herself loving a North Carolina life. She writes contemporary romance ranging from steamy romantic comedy, sexy erotica, angsty new adult, all the way to sports romance – with dirty bikers, hot military men, and swoon-worthy rockstars in between.

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5 stars
51 (49%)
4 stars
36 (34%)
3 stars
12 (11%)
2 stars
2 (1%)
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3 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
Profile Image for Michelle .
346 reviews24 followers
November 15, 2015


"Mitch was the glue that kept our group together and sane. Walker and Randy were both in the Army and Mitch usually kept Mags and I company while they were gone for training or other military crap I knew nothing about. Their first deployment while inevitable, we just had no idea when it was actually going to happen. It was one of the reasons Mags and Randy had decided to get married right after she graduated from college......"

We open with Cali and a hysterical one night stand with a blind date. Her best friend Mags is getting married to Randy -if the wedding doesn't get called off that is. An exciting new job for Cali and a night out of celebrating before trying on the dresses. Good times with their small group of friends.
Things are worked out between Randy and Mags and preps are being made for the wedding,

including a fun bachelorette weekend. Military life intervenes for Randy. They're determined to make the best of things before the deployment. This part of the book had me in tears. In a public place I might add. If you've ever known anyone in the military you'll understand. Its so well written though you'll be affected even if you haven't experienced military life.

Wedding day arrives and it finds Cali escorting Mags down the aisle. A sweet moment in the book. Randy and his best buddy Walker will both be deploying. Cali meets someone special at the wedding....

I'm not going to give anymore away. I totally enjoyed this read. Short and sweet and tearful. It made me want to read everything the author Kristen Mazzola has written. This promises to be an awesome series with a great peak at the characters to come. I can't wait to find out what happens to them.

This Book is a standalone, but is a companion novella to "The Crashing Series" and takes place before Crashing Back Down (book 1 in the series).
764 reviews10 followers
April 23, 2018
OMG must read!

Its books like this one, that makes me wish I could rate more then 5 stars. Super quick read, but jammed pack with all the feels. Kristen Hope Mazzola hasn't let me down yet!
Profile Image for Courtney.
1,702 reviews199 followers
November 17, 2015
I really enjoyed this novella. It is a prequel to the other two books in this series and you truly do not have to read them to understand this at all.

I have not had the opportunity to read the other two books in this series so I personally felt this was a great intro to the characters. It gives you a sense of who they are beforehand.

You can sense the sisterhood between Charli and Mags in this novella. It’s a very sweet and heartfelt friendship. I smiled a lot throughout the story until we got to to the gripping point where book 1 comes into play. It’s a very small piece but this book gives you the background you need to understand Mag’s character.

Again, since I have not read any other books in this series or by Kristen (that will be changing), I am hoping that we might get a book about Charli and the other characters in this tight knit group. And if they already are – have no doubt that I will be reading and reviewing those at some point in the near future!

Great prequel Kristen! You definitely grabbed my attention and have me curious as to what happens in the following books!
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.6k reviews161 followers
November 15, 2015
This is my first time reading this author, and I have been trying to figure out why it took me so long! This is a great story! Cali is best friends with Mags, who decides she's going to call of her wedding. What follows is a ton of fun, watching these friends interact as they get ready for the big day. The character development is fantastic, and a fast paced, well written, hilarious storyline flows smoothly. The hilarious interactions between Cali and anybody, had me dying laughing. My heart broke at the end of the story however, as I was already that invested in this short read, so I find myself conflicted. I'm ready to read the series, but also know it will be heartbreaking because Kristen Hope Mazzola's talented writing style already has me experiencing the emotions. With that being said, I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Profile Image for The Book Fairy Reviews.
2,274 reviews42 followers
November 2, 2015
Looking for a romance that is funny, filled with drama, endearing and breath takingly beautiful to read? Then this is the romance for you. A prequel to the Crashing Down series this book gives us the mindset of everyone before the wedding and on how Cali was helping her best friend cope with the impending deployment of her fiance and Cali's friend.
Cali forever dating the wrong men finally finds the one in the most unsuspecting ways. I mean just when you think she is going i one direction bam we get a twist that explains how she met her forever.
An amazing read that will melt your heart and fill at the same time Kristen give it all to you and more!
Profile Image for mommalikestoread .
2,685 reviews1 follower
November 9, 2015
This is a short prequel to Crashing Back Down, you get a play by play of Cali's life. Her quirky humour and rotten luck in finding mister right. You get introduced to her gang of friends Mar and Randy, Walker and Mitch that are all in the series. Also get to see Mar and Randy plan and get married. I loved this it was great to catch up with these friends again.
Profile Image for FunUndertheCovers.
1,690 reviews45 followers
January 28, 2019
A quick hitting and quick introduction to the characters in the Crashing series. It is a mixed bag of emotions but it will give you some insight into the history and lives of those you will read in the series. It is mostly comedic but there is a darker purpose to this book. I love that Kristen Hope Mazzola created this companion book so that I am better prepared for this series. I look forward to reading the stories of each of these characters. I now must find out what she has in store for these wonderful characters and if they receive a Happy Ending!
Profile Image for Carol Seymour.
754 reviews3 followers
September 1, 2018
A quick hitting and quick introduction to the characters in the Crashing series. It is a mixed bag of emotions but it will give you some insight into the history and lives of those you will read in the series. It is mostly comedic but there is a darker purpose to this book. I love that Kristen Hope Mazzola created this companion book so that I am better prepared for this series. I look forward to reading the stories of each of these characters. I now must find out what she has in store for these wonderful characters and if they receive a Happy Ending!
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
10.1k reviews83 followers
September 15, 2018
This is a prequel to the Crashing Down series and it gets the series off to a humorous start. It starts with a one night stand that Cali had with her blind date and the hijinks continue from there. Cali is looking forward to her best friend’s Meg’s wedding so when trouble is brewing between the lovebirds she is not going to stand by and have the bachelorette party and the wedding cancelled.

This is a fun and flirty story and I really like how the friends were always there for each other. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
1,465 reviews3 followers
September 4, 2018
Crashing: The Wedding is a novella that brings us the background to the Crashing series. I am still sitting here trying to wrap my head around this ending. Getting to know this group of friends and how they play and support one another had me falling in love with them. I can’t wait for more. I encourage you to start with this one because you won’t be able to stop once you finish.
Profile Image for Maura.
1,977 reviews8 followers
September 28, 2018
Crashing The Wedding can be read as a stand-alone, but I think you should have the rest of the series already downloaded so you can plow right through them.

This quick novella is super easy to read and is funny until it's not (no spoilers, just read it). I'm a forever fan of KHM and look forward to MORE
Profile Image for Megan.
545 reviews2 followers
April 29, 2018
Woah!

I decided to read this short before I dove into the crashing series and now I just can’t wait. I loved d this introduction to these characters and Cali’s story. I cannot wait to read more after that ending
Profile Image for Cindy Fong.
1,739 reviews
August 13, 2018
While Cali was on her search for love, her friend Mags was getting married. Maybe. Mags and Randy are truly in love and Cali will do anything to get them down the aisle. That Cali eventually finds love when she last expects it, is a bonus. I enjoyed it!
Profile Image for Krystal Bowlin.
109 reviews6 followers
August 22, 2018
 
I loved it! This book kept me going until the end. I couldn't put it down. I laughed with them. Then was crushed. It kept me wanting more. I loved the characters. Their friendships are amazing. It's definitely a great read.
Profile Image for Andrekia.
168 reviews5 followers
August 29, 2018
Cali is there for her best Mags, the bride. On the way to Mag's big day, will Cali also find her happily ever after? This was a fun, quick read about friendship and the ups and downs of love. This book is a part of a series and the other books are available to give you a complete picture
Profile Image for Misty Warner.
1,032 reviews8 followers
August 29, 2018
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. This is a quick read prequel that gets you prepared for the series. It is a standalone and definitely leaves you ready to start the first book. I absolutely loved it and can't wait to start the next book.
Profile Image for Cindy Hughes.
1,417 reviews7 followers
September 1, 2018
This is a great introduction to the Crashing series! I can’t wait to read the rest of the series! This story was full of humor, wedding mishaps and the Maid-of-Honor, Cali, trying to get to wedding back on track! I loved Cali and Kyle’s story!
It was a fast paced great read!
Profile Image for Nikki Burgess.
402 reviews
November 6, 2018
Short but sweet

I was pulled right into this story. This is the first story I read by this author and I was not disappointed. I am looking forward to the next book. This was a great introduction to these characters.
Profile Image for RLoves2Read.
514 reviews13 followers
November 14, 2018
Loved this quick novella. This POV from Cali was a great way to show the friendships formed in their group. The heartbreak at the ending was an OMG moment that left me immediately running to the next book!
700 reviews6 followers
August 24, 2018
Loved this standalone quick read. Prequel to the Crashing series, you do not need to read the it first. The emotions will pull at your heart strings. Have tissues ready!
Profile Image for Judy.
1,724 reviews
September 4, 2018
I love Kristen Hope Mazzola and read most every book she does. This was a funny, hot, sweet story that was good.

It wasn't my favorite......it felt like the story was rushed.


3.5 stars
Profile Image for Lynne Fredo.
569 reviews1 follower
April 4, 2019
Crashing

I just need to read the series now. This was the perfect in and I love how Cali puts herself out for her friends.
17 reviews
May 5, 2021
Easy read!

Small intro to Cali and Kyle relationship. It was good, but I wanted more! And the kiss with Mitch,wow, stole my heart
Profile Image for Andrea Fernandez .
3,500 reviews20 followers
November 16, 2023
Cali

A fast paced, entertaining and enjoyable story. We get an introduction to Cali and Mags leading up to Mags and Randy’s wedding and Cali meeting Kyle. I’m enjoying this series.
Profile Image for Melyssa Winchester.
Author 27 books243 followers
November 8, 2015
description

Title: Crashing: The Wedding – Cali’s Story
Author: Kristen Hope Mazzola
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Series or Standalone: Series Novella (Crashing #0.5)
Rating: ★★★★

Review

I am a pretty big fan of Walker and Mag’s story that takes place in Crashing Back Down and Falling Back Together, so picking this book up was a no brainer. I remember Mag’s best friend quite well and was looking forward to getting inside her head a little bit and seeing what makes her work so well in the other two books.

The author in my estimation stayed true to the Cali I’d come to know from the two previous books, a fact that with as many times as I’ve seen characters change from other stories in their own, I was more than happy with.

Right from the start, this book had me in stitches. Her dating exploits, honestly may seem unbelievable to some, but worked for me. They came across very real, especially in how the people surrounding her reacted to them when they found out. In fact, I think when she relayed what happened on her one date, it may have made it even funnier than actually witnessing it happen.

What I also liked about this story was that while it was nice going in having the background that I did on all of the characters present here and what ultimately happens to them, it takes place at a time where you don’t need the other two in order to enjoy it. This can be read as a standalone as it does feature things from Cali’s eyes and honestly, it’s a pretty good jumping off point for anyone that hasn’t experienced those other two books for what happens later.

The only thing that kept this from being a 5* read for me was the overall emphasis that was placed on Mags throughout. Her life did indeed play a larger part than I was expecting here even though I knew going in that the events would be taking place around her wedding. Yes, they are best friends and their lives are tied together in a way that makes her appearance all over this make sense, I was just greedy and wanted more of just Cali.

That being said, having this little intro story makes me miss what I loved most in the other two books, so I definitely see a re-read of the two full length books that take place after this happening again in the near future.
Profile Image for Becca.
687 reviews54 followers
November 15, 2015
The only way I can describe this novella is bittersweet. My heart was in constant conflict. Having read the Crashing series, I already knew how this story would end and it made reading this short piece of Randy and Mags’ life that much more emotional. I really enjoyed Cali’s voice. She is fun, sassy, and absolutely loyal. I loved the way she and Mags took care of one another and it was made that much sweeter by the way she stood up for Mags and shared in her wedding day so completely. Their friendship was truly something special and it made me happy knowing that they had both found that unconditional acceptance and love in one another. Getting a small piece of Randy was heartbreaking. Getting a glimpse of his kindness and devotion (not to mention the sweetest wedding present) made my heart simultaneously soar and ache. I may have even shed some tears as I experienced their wedding day.

Despite the emotional weight of this moment in Mags and Randy’s life, Kristen Hope Mazzola managed to capture the excitement and anxiety preparing for the wedding. Cali and Mags made me grin as they enjoyed trying on their dresses, the bachelorette weekend, and spending time out with the boys. Cali’s easy-going attitude, snarky commentary, and mischievous nature was totally infectious and I found myself giggling at her hilarious and unfortunate adventures. She comes across vibrant and full-of-life, the perfect contrast to her steady and domesticated best friend. Things certainly got a little spicy when Kristen Hope Mazzola turned up the heat, but I’d expect nothing less from someone as outgoing and adventurous as Cali. I found myself becoming quite attached to this great character and I hope we’ll be getting more of her story in the near future. Crashing: The Wedding is short, sweet and full of feels. Kristen Hope Mazzola has left me wanting more of Cali and the rest of the Crashing series crew!
Profile Image for Ani.
257 reviews4 followers
November 6, 2015
Crashing: The wedding 4*

Just wow my only problem with this novella it was over wayyyyyy too soon. This is my honest review and I only hope you enjoy the story as much as I did. Kirsten Hope Mazzola I think is going to become one of my new favourite authors. For me the cover says it all its fun and funky highly enjoyable story.

I loved the way KHM wrote Crashing: The Wedding: Cali's Story it reads a little like a diary of events in Cali's life starting with the blind date from hell and ending with the worst news you can ever hear but in between some of the happiest moments full of friends and family.

This is book 0.5 in the series so it's a prequel to Crashing Back down which I have already downloaded ready to start tomorrow I can't wait to read more about Cali, Mags, Walker, and Mitch 4 best friends. Also as the series is on Kindle unlimited it's a real bargain!! If you have KU this author is well worth your subscription price.

#abfabheather



Crashing: The Wedding: Cali's Story
by Kristen Hope Mazzola
Link: http://amzn.com/B017HHND98
Profile Image for Jordan Bates.
Author 20 books189 followers
April 28, 2016
The Best Parts:
What did I just get myself into? I knew this happened before the Crashing series, which I haven’t read yet, but this story. I personally think this NEEDS to be read before the others. What this story sets up for the series is love.

We get to see everything from Cali’s POV and all the happiness that is in Mags’ life but then we get to see the downfall before going into Mags’ brain in the rest of the series. I truly think this was tastefully done and in a way that had you swooning while your heart was breaking.

The Worst Parts:
It hurt my heart, but at least now I am prepared for the breakage that will come with the other books <3

Final Thoughts:
There isn’t much more to say than what I have. This was a very quick read. OH! Also, I LOVE the fact that each of the books I have read by Kristen include a cameo from other characters in her other books. It rounds everything out perfectly.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews

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