What do you think?
Rate this book
Small Town Girl #1
Small Town Girl
"If you enjoy a compelling romance, this book is for you!" -- F.L. Deland, Autumn Review
"Words cannot describe how in love with this novel I am!" -- Danielle Perez, Book Whore blog
"Small Town Girl is a beautiful and sexy love story." -- Tamie, Bookish Temptations
When Lauren Smith begrudgingly returns to the small Vermont town where she grew up to arrange for the sale of her late grandmother’s old farmhouse, she has everything she’s always worked for. Lauren drives a Mercedes. She’s engaged to one of the most powerful businessmen in the country and wears a three-carat diamond ring to prove it. She lives in a penthouse on Central Park West. Yes, Lauren has everything she considers important. She is smugly prepared for any eventuality in dealing with these country people so Lauren isn’t surprised when the hot water isn’t working at the old house. No problem. She simply looks in the phone book and calls the local plumber.
The moment Caleb Cochran steps through the old screen door to fix the hot water, the glittery facade that masquerades as Lauren’s life begins to crumble around her. Though she tries hard to deny their mutual, magnetic attraction, Lauren is finally forced to reevaluate her focus and come face-to-face with her true self. Small Town Girl is a story of discovering the true meaning of life and love.
"Words cannot describe how in love with this novel I am!" -- Danielle Perez, Book Whore blog
"Small Town Girl is a beautiful and sexy love story." -- Tamie, Bookish Temptations
When Lauren Smith begrudgingly returns to the small Vermont town where she grew up to arrange for the sale of her late grandmother’s old farmhouse, she has everything she’s always worked for. Lauren drives a Mercedes. She’s engaged to one of the most powerful businessmen in the country and wears a three-carat diamond ring to prove it. She lives in a penthouse on Central Park West. Yes, Lauren has everything she considers important. She is smugly prepared for any eventuality in dealing with these country people so Lauren isn’t surprised when the hot water isn’t working at the old house. No problem. She simply looks in the phone book and calls the local plumber.
The moment Caleb Cochran steps through the old screen door to fix the hot water, the glittery facade that masquerades as Lauren’s life begins to crumble around her. Though she tries hard to deny their mutual, magnetic attraction, Lauren is finally forced to reevaluate her focus and come face-to-face with her true self. Small Town Girl is a story of discovering the true meaning of life and love.
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2011
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 6, 2011
Small Town Girl is a great start to a new contemporary romance series by Cunningham. Fans of Fool's Gold by Susan Mallery will enjoy this book.
The attraction between Lauren and Caleb is immediate from the moment they meet, albeit shown through tension and feathers getting ruffled. The chemistry with these two is HOT and undeniable. They of course have to work for a happily ever after, but that's why we like this genre, right?
The characters are likable and I invested more in Caleb loving the pages where he showed up. Oddly, you never read any of the story from his point of view. We know what he is thinking only when he tells us through conversation. The whole story is told through the eyes of Lauren. I didn't realize that until half way through and realized I would have liked to get inside Caleb's head more. He is gorgeous, owns his own business, a volunteer firefighter, and has a tragic past that you just want to fill the hole in his heart yourself. Great leading man. Lauren is more complex in that she thinks she wants one thing out of life while running as fast as she can from the type of life she perceives Caleb could represent. She's also engaged to a powersuit in New York that could give her everything she ever wanted. Much to figure out for Lauren and she lets you in on all her thoughts along the way.
Lauren's best friend Kelly is a great support and I like her sarcastic, tell it like it is, side. Another character I liked, although this isn't a live character, is Lauren's grandmother's house she inherited back in that small town. I think this house is a major player in the story. If it weren't for the house, there would be no meeting Caleb, no place to go when her world falls apart, nothing to throw all her efforts and emotions into, and no home for the future. What a great friend she has in that house!
I'm interested to see where Cunningham takes this series. For those that like happily ever afters that require work, disappointment, grand gestures, hot scenes, and redemption, Small Town Girl is a book for you.
The attraction between Lauren and Caleb is immediate from the moment they meet, albeit shown through tension and feathers getting ruffled. The chemistry with these two is HOT and undeniable. They of course have to work for a happily ever after, but that's why we like this genre, right?
The characters are likable and I invested more in Caleb loving the pages where he showed up. Oddly, you never read any of the story from his point of view. We know what he is thinking only when he tells us through conversation. The whole story is told through the eyes of Lauren. I didn't realize that until half way through and realized I would have liked to get inside Caleb's head more. He is gorgeous, owns his own business, a volunteer firefighter, and has a tragic past that you just want to fill the hole in his heart yourself. Great leading man. Lauren is more complex in that she thinks she wants one thing out of life while running as fast as she can from the type of life she perceives Caleb could represent. She's also engaged to a powersuit in New York that could give her everything she ever wanted. Much to figure out for Lauren and she lets you in on all her thoughts along the way.
Lauren's best friend Kelly is a great support and I like her sarcastic, tell it like it is, side. Another character I liked, although this isn't a live character, is Lauren's grandmother's house she inherited back in that small town. I think this house is a major player in the story. If it weren't for the house, there would be no meeting Caleb, no place to go when her world falls apart, nothing to throw all her efforts and emotions into, and no home for the future. What a great friend she has in that house!
I'm interested to see where Cunningham takes this series. For those that like happily ever afters that require work, disappointment, grand gestures, hot scenes, and redemption, Small Town Girl is a book for you.
January 15, 2013
I very very much disliked this book. You're welcome to read my ongoing updates for more detail as to why that is the case, but to keep it short it was for the following reasons:
1. I found Lauren and Caleb had nothing in common. She had dedicated her whole life to be different than her hippie parents (which she annoyingly makes fun of throughout the entire book and magically she likes them at the end?). She loves the city, she loves the finer things in life, she loves being a socialite. Caleb is the opposite and is quite content to live in a small town and prefers it to the city. I guess that obstacle is easily surmountable, but these two characters do not share one thing in common. Their love was quite clearly based only on the fact that they're good together in bed. Cunningham didn't offer any similarities that they share on an emotional basis, and it made reading about their "love" for each other unrealistic.
2. I absolutely hated Lauren as a main character. She was shallow, materialistic, hypocritical, indecisive to a ridiculous degree, easily angry and carries a 'holier-than-thou' (towards her parents, people of the town) attitude throughout the entire book. I expected that to be the case until she met Caleb, but no. Cunningham created a character I could not dislike more and I honestly don't know how she managed to do it.
3. Cunningham's writing was amateurish. It needed editing and I found she was misusing explanation points in places she shouldn't. She described in great detail things that didn't need it, and she let her characters go on a long rant without transitioning it/cutting it with a 'she paused' or something like that. The writing honestly seemed like something I'd read on fiction press.
Overall I would give this book half a star if I could. There was nothing I liked about it.
1. I found Lauren and Caleb had nothing in common. She had dedicated her whole life to be different than her hippie parents (which she annoyingly makes fun of throughout the entire book and magically she likes them at the end?). She loves the city, she loves the finer things in life, she loves being a socialite. Caleb is the opposite and is quite content to live in a small town and prefers it to the city. I guess that obstacle is easily surmountable, but these two characters do not share one thing in common. Their love was quite clearly based only on the fact that they're good together in bed. Cunningham didn't offer any similarities that they share on an emotional basis, and it made reading about their "love" for each other unrealistic.
2. I absolutely hated Lauren as a main character. She was shallow, materialistic, hypocritical, indecisive to a ridiculous degree, easily angry and carries a 'holier-than-thou' (towards her parents, people of the town) attitude throughout the entire book. I expected that to be the case until she met Caleb, but no. Cunningham created a character I could not dislike more and I honestly don't know how she managed to do it.
3. Cunningham's writing was amateurish. It needed editing and I found she was misusing explanation points in places she shouldn't. She described in great detail things that didn't need it, and she let her characters go on a long rant without transitioning it/cutting it with a 'she paused' or something like that. The writing honestly seemed like something I'd read on fiction press.
Overall I would give this book half a star if I could. There was nothing I liked about it.
December 12, 2011
Lauren Smith has everything she has ever worked for; a great job, a rich and successful fiancé, what more could she want? But one day she learns she has inherited her grandmother's Vermont farmhouse. Lauren used to spend summers there with her grandmother when her hippy parents needed to get away. What does she need with an old farmhouse when she is about to officially move in to a 4000 sq ft penthouse? Leaving New York for a couple days, Lauren sets off to put the old house on the market and be done with that part of her life.
Upon arriving at the old house, Lauren soon learns there is no hot water and calls a local plumber. The sooner it’s fixed, the sooner she can be gone from this backwoods town. What she didn't expect was the instant attraction to Caleb, and the steamy dream involving the plumber later that night. In just a couple days, Lauren starts questioning her life choices. Can love really happen between two souls that just met? Should she risk everything she has worked for, for one night of pleasure or even a lifetime of it?
I literally could not put Small Town Girl Down until I was finished at 3am. I was so smitten by the romance, the sexy characters and the storyline was ahhhh-mazing! By far, Caleb was my favorite character. I mean he is gorgeous, owns the family business and volunteers as a fireman on his days off. The man is practically a saint. But everyone has baggage and Caleb is no different. Lauren was a great character too. Bless her heart she had her mind so wrapped around one idea of life she thought she wanted, only to have her heart telling her something different. After a turn of events, she realizes that what she thought was love, was nothing more than a relationship of convenience.
So all in all, if you enjoy romance and drama, then you will want to read Small Town Girl. I enjoyed it immensely and know you will too.
Favorite Line “You don’t give anything up for true love, love gives you everything”
Upon arriving at the old house, Lauren soon learns there is no hot water and calls a local plumber. The sooner it’s fixed, the sooner she can be gone from this backwoods town. What she didn't expect was the instant attraction to Caleb, and the steamy dream involving the plumber later that night. In just a couple days, Lauren starts questioning her life choices. Can love really happen between two souls that just met? Should she risk everything she has worked for, for one night of pleasure or even a lifetime of it?
I literally could not put Small Town Girl Down until I was finished at 3am. I was so smitten by the romance, the sexy characters and the storyline was ahhhh-mazing! By far, Caleb was my favorite character. I mean he is gorgeous, owns the family business and volunteers as a fireman on his days off. The man is practically a saint. But everyone has baggage and Caleb is no different. Lauren was a great character too. Bless her heart she had her mind so wrapped around one idea of life she thought she wanted, only to have her heart telling her something different. After a turn of events, she realizes that what she thought was love, was nothing more than a relationship of convenience.
So all in all, if you enjoy romance and drama, then you will want to read Small Town Girl. I enjoyed it immensely and know you will too.
Favorite Line “You don’t give anything up for true love, love gives you everything”
January 22, 2012
After losing a giveaway for this book, I bought the Kindle edition because the story sounded intriguing and I liked the intense, immediate connection between Lauren and Caleb. As it turns out, Small Town Girl is rather a cheesy and predictable romance story but an okay read if you like that sort of thing. I found the main character Lauren to be a bit shallow and materialistic. Caleb is more relatable but their romance doesn't evolve into anything other than steamy sex scenes...
February 10, 2016
If I could have given zero stars, I would have. This was awful enough that I couldn't force myself to finish it.
August 9, 2013
I'm flabbergasted that this book received bad reviews. Personally I don't understand it at all. I loved this book. I book marked tons of pages because the quotes and message were amazing. Great read.
Noteworthy quotes and moments in book:
His left hand slipped down her throat, softly encircling her graceful neck. His right arm reached around her waist, pulling her firmly to him, pressing her against his chest. He held her there as his kisses traveled down to the fragrant hollow of her throat, to that silken valley between her breasts. Through her dress, he traced her erect nipples with a finger. She moaned softly, unconsciously. His lips were on hers again, more aggressively as his fingers drew a path across the top of her bodice. She could feel her skin burn with desire wherever he touched her. Almost timidly, she lifted her own arms around his shoulders. The animal strength of him overwhelmed her.
It was the kiss that she remembered. It was the kiss that haunted her dreams. It was the kiss that set her soul on fire for him and wiped every other thought from her mind. Lauren let her body melt into his. Then his arms were around her, holding her so close her breasts pressed into his chest. His lips searched her face, covering her eyelids, her cheekbones, her mouth, and her throat with frantic, greedy caresses. She found herself kissing him back, reveling in the taste of him, in the warmth of his mouth, in the softly saltiness of his chest where his shirt was open. She pressed her tongue there, as though she could not get enough of the feel of him. She wrapped her arms around him, under his arms, clinging to him as desperately as she would a life raft.
He laughed softly and slipped her open shirt off her shoulders. Then, with one adept motion of his fingers on her back, he unclasped the offending article of clothing and freed her round, firm breasts. Her nipples tingled as he took them, one by one, in his teeth in tender little love bites.
"Ohhh," she breathed. Her hips gyrated against him, instinctively sending him her invitation to placate her passion. In wordless answer, he knelt down, unbuttoned and unzipped her jeans, and slipped them down to the floor. She stood before him in the lacy red panties, her body shivering with expectation, her thighs hot with desire.
"You are so beautiful," he whispered. "So beautiful. I can't get enough of you. I want to explore you until I know every inch of you." He bent his head to her navel and tickled it with his tongue. The effect was startling. There was a rush of heat through her body. She thought her heart stopped beating for a second. She moaned, hardly able to stand. He hooked his thumbs into her pace panties and peeled them over her curves to her thighs.
"Every inch of you," he repeated hoarsely, nuzzling the outer softness of her most private self. She could feel his breath, hot and sweet, at the very core of her femaleness. Then his tongue touched her. Lauren felt she might faint from sheer pent up passion. She could feel herself swell with yearning for him. She struggled to let him in closer, but the red lace bound her. She moaned with delicious agonizing anticipation.
"Please," she gasped. He began to kiss her with his full, warm lips, paying tribute to the silken skin of her soft inner thighs. he gently kissed all around her mound of pleasure, teasing, taunting, titillating until she thought she would burst with the level of it. Then his tongue probed her secret hidden recess of passion so gently, but oh, so firmly, sending shock waves through her until she shuddered with the suspense of it. She cried out, throwing her head back and gripping this shoulders, pulling him in closer, closer. She strained against the binding lace.
Lauren felt Caleb rise under her hold. Suddenly his arms were around her, lifting her right off the ground. He laid her on the bed and stripped the panties off. She was completely naked. She held up her arms to him. He pulled his shirt off over his head and stepped out of his jeans. For just a second, he stood, in all his masculine glory. Then, he leaned over her
Lauren reached out and ran her hand over his belly, feeling the muscles quiver at her touch. With a newfound wantonness she could barely contain, she slid her hand along the length of his silken shaft. Propping herself up on her elbow, she bent toward him as he stood beside the bed, and covered the length of his manhood with hot kisses. Her passion was ignited now, and she used her tongue to transfer her fire to him. He groaned with the sensation, then knelt on the bed beside her. She lay on her back and closed her eyes as he ran his hand up the inside of her thigh and, with the slightest pull, urged them apart. She was beyond resistance. She gave him full access, eager for what was to come. Caleb tenderly caressed her secret sweetness. He exposed the satiny center of her physical hunger, pressing with his fingers, stroking her until she cried out. He explored her deepest recesses. She moaned, thrusting up to meet him. She was throbbing with the suspense of impending satisfaction. Tiny beads of perspiration formed between her breasts. She gripped the sheets and twisted her hips. She cried out, begging him to satisfy that physical excitement surging through all her nerve endings.
Caleb put a hand on each of her hips as he knelt at the altar of her desire. She lifted her legs to receive him. He entered her all at once, burying that manifestation of his passion deep into her sweetest niche. She met his penetration, melting into him.
At first his thrusts were almost frantic, as if he needed to be sure she was really there, really his. She met him just as desperately, heaving herself against him, enfolding him with her legs. Then, suddenly, he slowed. They breathed as one. His thrusts became more tender. She moaned, almost cried, with wonder and delight as the sensation washed over her in a flood of ecstasy.
"Oh, Lauren," he whispered, "I love you. I want all of you." Again and again he moved in her, stronger and stronger, until she felt transported by the motion. A mounting heat surrounded her, spreading out over her entire body. Her nipples tingled with anticipation. And then, a wave of such incredible intensity flooded her soul, crashing through her, setting off millions of tiny explosions of pure pleasure as she reached the height of her desire and spun off into the dizzying delight of her climax.
She gasped as she felt Caleb join her in that indescribable place of ecstasy, felt him shudder with the attainment of his desire, filling her with the power of his own sweet pinnacle of passion. They clasped each other, their bodies tightly entwined, keeping that feeling between the two of them for as long as they could.
When their breathing had slowed, when the frenzied flames of their desire had waned to a warm glow, they pulled the crisp sheet over themselves.
That was what marriage was. It was love, respect, sticking together through all the ups and downs of everyday life. It was someone who squeezed your hand at breakfast. It was being kissed on the top of the head as you sat brooding over your books.
"We'll figure things out," he said, laying a finger on her lips. She ducked her head to his chest again and this time her lips found his nipple. She kissed it tenderly, then rolled it in her teeth., biting down, exerting more and more pressure until she heard his gasp. She felt his manhood rise up beneath her. She slipped down in the bed and ran her tongue the length of it, culminating with a succulent kiss on the torrid tip. She licked it feverishly with her tongue and then buried her face in the thick, curly hair fragrant with the odor of lovemaking. She covered his belly with little love bites, tasting the saltiness of him.
This time their lovemaking seemed more frantic, more frenzied, as though they knew the day was upon them. Suddenly, Caleb threw back the covers of the bed and rolling onto his back, he gripped her around her waist, lifting her over him. She opened her love-flushed thighs, and he settled her down on that silky spear that was his passion for her come to life. Then he thrust up with his hips, piercing her to her soul, again and again until she thought she would faint with glorious sensation. At last, the culmination of her desire broke over her.
The time when women of our cultural background were forced to tolerate the infidelities of their husbands is over.
I was raised to develop my ideals and stand up for them. One of my ideals, and the example I grew up with, is a loving marriage. I believe in love. Moreover, I believe in love at first sight and the most absurd notion, to you two, of true love. I will not abandon my ideals for anything.
When I choose to have children, I will raise them in the same way. Because that is power, Charles. You-both of you- have no power over me. Nothing you do or say can compromise my values and my ideals. I am a free person. My life will unfold before me in whatever way it will, but I will be free to make my own way, whatever that may be."
Noteworthy quotes and moments in book:
His left hand slipped down her throat, softly encircling her graceful neck. His right arm reached around her waist, pulling her firmly to him, pressing her against his chest. He held her there as his kisses traveled down to the fragrant hollow of her throat, to that silken valley between her breasts. Through her dress, he traced her erect nipples with a finger. She moaned softly, unconsciously. His lips were on hers again, more aggressively as his fingers drew a path across the top of her bodice. She could feel her skin burn with desire wherever he touched her. Almost timidly, she lifted her own arms around his shoulders. The animal strength of him overwhelmed her.
It was the kiss that she remembered. It was the kiss that haunted her dreams. It was the kiss that set her soul on fire for him and wiped every other thought from her mind. Lauren let her body melt into his. Then his arms were around her, holding her so close her breasts pressed into his chest. His lips searched her face, covering her eyelids, her cheekbones, her mouth, and her throat with frantic, greedy caresses. She found herself kissing him back, reveling in the taste of him, in the warmth of his mouth, in the softly saltiness of his chest where his shirt was open. She pressed her tongue there, as though she could not get enough of the feel of him. She wrapped her arms around him, under his arms, clinging to him as desperately as she would a life raft.
He laughed softly and slipped her open shirt off her shoulders. Then, with one adept motion of his fingers on her back, he unclasped the offending article of clothing and freed her round, firm breasts. Her nipples tingled as he took them, one by one, in his teeth in tender little love bites.
"Ohhh," she breathed. Her hips gyrated against him, instinctively sending him her invitation to placate her passion. In wordless answer, he knelt down, unbuttoned and unzipped her jeans, and slipped them down to the floor. She stood before him in the lacy red panties, her body shivering with expectation, her thighs hot with desire.
"You are so beautiful," he whispered. "So beautiful. I can't get enough of you. I want to explore you until I know every inch of you." He bent his head to her navel and tickled it with his tongue. The effect was startling. There was a rush of heat through her body. She thought her heart stopped beating for a second. She moaned, hardly able to stand. He hooked his thumbs into her pace panties and peeled them over her curves to her thighs.
"Every inch of you," he repeated hoarsely, nuzzling the outer softness of her most private self. She could feel his breath, hot and sweet, at the very core of her femaleness. Then his tongue touched her. Lauren felt she might faint from sheer pent up passion. She could feel herself swell with yearning for him. She struggled to let him in closer, but the red lace bound her. She moaned with delicious agonizing anticipation.
"Please," she gasped. He began to kiss her with his full, warm lips, paying tribute to the silken skin of her soft inner thighs. he gently kissed all around her mound of pleasure, teasing, taunting, titillating until she thought she would burst with the level of it. Then his tongue probed her secret hidden recess of passion so gently, but oh, so firmly, sending shock waves through her until she shuddered with the suspense of it. She cried out, throwing her head back and gripping this shoulders, pulling him in closer, closer. She strained against the binding lace.
Lauren felt Caleb rise under her hold. Suddenly his arms were around her, lifting her right off the ground. He laid her on the bed and stripped the panties off. She was completely naked. She held up her arms to him. He pulled his shirt off over his head and stepped out of his jeans. For just a second, he stood, in all his masculine glory. Then, he leaned over her
Lauren reached out and ran her hand over his belly, feeling the muscles quiver at her touch. With a newfound wantonness she could barely contain, she slid her hand along the length of his silken shaft. Propping herself up on her elbow, she bent toward him as he stood beside the bed, and covered the length of his manhood with hot kisses. Her passion was ignited now, and she used her tongue to transfer her fire to him. He groaned with the sensation, then knelt on the bed beside her. She lay on her back and closed her eyes as he ran his hand up the inside of her thigh and, with the slightest pull, urged them apart. She was beyond resistance. She gave him full access, eager for what was to come. Caleb tenderly caressed her secret sweetness. He exposed the satiny center of her physical hunger, pressing with his fingers, stroking her until she cried out. He explored her deepest recesses. She moaned, thrusting up to meet him. She was throbbing with the suspense of impending satisfaction. Tiny beads of perspiration formed between her breasts. She gripped the sheets and twisted her hips. She cried out, begging him to satisfy that physical excitement surging through all her nerve endings.
Caleb put a hand on each of her hips as he knelt at the altar of her desire. She lifted her legs to receive him. He entered her all at once, burying that manifestation of his passion deep into her sweetest niche. She met his penetration, melting into him.
At first his thrusts were almost frantic, as if he needed to be sure she was really there, really his. She met him just as desperately, heaving herself against him, enfolding him with her legs. Then, suddenly, he slowed. They breathed as one. His thrusts became more tender. She moaned, almost cried, with wonder and delight as the sensation washed over her in a flood of ecstasy.
"Oh, Lauren," he whispered, "I love you. I want all of you." Again and again he moved in her, stronger and stronger, until she felt transported by the motion. A mounting heat surrounded her, spreading out over her entire body. Her nipples tingled with anticipation. And then, a wave of such incredible intensity flooded her soul, crashing through her, setting off millions of tiny explosions of pure pleasure as she reached the height of her desire and spun off into the dizzying delight of her climax.
She gasped as she felt Caleb join her in that indescribable place of ecstasy, felt him shudder with the attainment of his desire, filling her with the power of his own sweet pinnacle of passion. They clasped each other, their bodies tightly entwined, keeping that feeling between the two of them for as long as they could.
When their breathing had slowed, when the frenzied flames of their desire had waned to a warm glow, they pulled the crisp sheet over themselves.
That was what marriage was. It was love, respect, sticking together through all the ups and downs of everyday life. It was someone who squeezed your hand at breakfast. It was being kissed on the top of the head as you sat brooding over your books.
"We'll figure things out," he said, laying a finger on her lips. She ducked her head to his chest again and this time her lips found his nipple. She kissed it tenderly, then rolled it in her teeth., biting down, exerting more and more pressure until she heard his gasp. She felt his manhood rise up beneath her. She slipped down in the bed and ran her tongue the length of it, culminating with a succulent kiss on the torrid tip. She licked it feverishly with her tongue and then buried her face in the thick, curly hair fragrant with the odor of lovemaking. She covered his belly with little love bites, tasting the saltiness of him.
This time their lovemaking seemed more frantic, more frenzied, as though they knew the day was upon them. Suddenly, Caleb threw back the covers of the bed and rolling onto his back, he gripped her around her waist, lifting her over him. She opened her love-flushed thighs, and he settled her down on that silky spear that was his passion for her come to life. Then he thrust up with his hips, piercing her to her soul, again and again until she thought she would faint with glorious sensation. At last, the culmination of her desire broke over her.
The time when women of our cultural background were forced to tolerate the infidelities of their husbands is over.
I was raised to develop my ideals and stand up for them. One of my ideals, and the example I grew up with, is a loving marriage. I believe in love. Moreover, I believe in love at first sight and the most absurd notion, to you two, of true love. I will not abandon my ideals for anything.
When I choose to have children, I will raise them in the same way. Because that is power, Charles. You-both of you- have no power over me. Nothing you do or say can compromise my values and my ideals. I am a free person. My life will unfold before me in whatever way it will, but I will be free to make my own way, whatever that may be."
December 11, 2011
3.65 Stars. Contains Spoilers!!! ~ I wrote a Summery of sorts:
This was a short, pleasant read that really resolved too quickly if you ask me. It was very obvious. But I enjoyed it...thought it was good....But felt that the way it wrapped up all nice and sweet did take away from what could have been a much better story.
Lauren has it all...great job and a rich powerful fiancee who can give her everything materially as well as socially. Life will not be dull and she will be able to move in the highest social circles of NYC once married to the dude.
She inherits a house that once belonged to her Grandmother up in a sleepy town in the sky country of Vermont. She goes up to get the house ready to sell. This type of life is one she shuns and is so far from what she is getting ready to marry into...the faster she can sell it the better.
But something happens while she is there. She meets a handsome, sexy plumber/small business owner/volunteer firefighter/widower....who is paying extra attention to her....and within two days the two of them are crazy attracted to one another.
Something happens in her heart...something unexpected, unheard of, unbelievable....She returns to NYC and to her fiancee with love in her heart for someone from that small town in Vermont....What goes through her head: "How did that happen? Can I forget it? It could never be - his life is different from the life I want to live and about to marry into."
Lauren is tormented when Caleb follows her to NYC to beg her to change her mind about her fiancee...he asks her to recognize their love and walk away from what she has wanted for so long. But she refuses him and sends him away angry and hurt. Her friends think she is crazy but support her. She feels numb and empty...she can't feel anything for her fiance and spends weeks thinking and dreaming only of Caleb.
Up to this point....I was okay....but it was cleaned up too quickly....
Lauren rashly runs to London where her fiance is staying on business to surprise him and to extinguish the longing for Caleb she has. She finds him in bed with a business partner. She breaks up with him and he actually tries to make a bargain with her where he can keep both women....she runs home and decides with no where to live now to go up to her grandmother's house for a while.
Once she finally gets the nerve to go near him...he is polite and indifferent....he tells her he has moved on and has a new girlfriend now.....and wishes her all the luck in the world. She is devastated. But they keep bumping in to each other and one night while lighting a fire in her fireplace....she drinks some Jack and then goes to bed (what of the fire?????)
You know what is coming...Caleb the fire fighter saves her life and declares his love. They get engaged and yada...yada...yada....a bit disappointing...but not a bad read all-in-all if you are looking for a short 1.5 hour read with a happy ending and not much thinking involved...this book is for you. It was okay!
I don't know...maybe it's me????
YouTube Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/gIE12Q6QSts
This was a short, pleasant read that really resolved too quickly if you ask me. It was very obvious. But I enjoyed it...thought it was good....But felt that the way it wrapped up all nice and sweet did take away from what could have been a much better story.
Lauren has it all...great job and a rich powerful fiancee who can give her everything materially as well as socially. Life will not be dull and she will be able to move in the highest social circles of NYC once married to the dude.
She inherits a house that once belonged to her Grandmother up in a sleepy town in the sky country of Vermont. She goes up to get the house ready to sell. This type of life is one she shuns and is so far from what she is getting ready to marry into...the faster she can sell it the better.
But something happens while she is there. She meets a handsome, sexy plumber/small business owner/volunteer firefighter/widower....who is paying extra attention to her....and within two days the two of them are crazy attracted to one another.
Something happens in her heart...something unexpected, unheard of, unbelievable....She returns to NYC and to her fiancee with love in her heart for someone from that small town in Vermont....What goes through her head: "How did that happen? Can I forget it? It could never be - his life is different from the life I want to live and about to marry into."
Lauren is tormented when Caleb follows her to NYC to beg her to change her mind about her fiancee...he asks her to recognize their love and walk away from what she has wanted for so long. But she refuses him and sends him away angry and hurt. Her friends think she is crazy but support her. She feels numb and empty...she can't feel anything for her fiance and spends weeks thinking and dreaming only of Caleb.
Up to this point....I was okay....but it was cleaned up too quickly....
Lauren rashly runs to London where her fiance is staying on business to surprise him and to extinguish the longing for Caleb she has. She finds him in bed with a business partner. She breaks up with him and he actually tries to make a bargain with her where he can keep both women....she runs home and decides with no where to live now to go up to her grandmother's house for a while.
Once she finally gets the nerve to go near him...he is polite and indifferent....he tells her he has moved on and has a new girlfriend now.....and wishes her all the luck in the world. She is devastated. But they keep bumping in to each other and one night while lighting a fire in her fireplace....she drinks some Jack and then goes to bed (what of the fire?????)
You know what is coming...Caleb the fire fighter saves her life and declares his love. They get engaged and yada...yada...yada....a bit disappointing...but not a bad read all-in-all if you are looking for a short 1.5 hour read with a happy ending and not much thinking involved...this book is for you. It was okay!
I don't know...maybe it's me????
YouTube Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/gIE12Q6QSts
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2011
Lauren has everything she has ever wanted in life, a rich fiancé, a great job, and status in New York City. When Lauren inherits a house for a wedding gift, she meets a man named Caleb and they share an instant attraction that could possibly be love at first site. Lauren has to decide the person she wants to be, before she can decide the man she wants to be with.
Words cannot describe how in love with this novel I am. I literally picked it up and could not put it down to save my own life. I am an avid reader, and I am always on the search for a book that will capture me to a point I become completely lost in the story. It is always hard to find a book that totally sucks me in, and Small Town Girl succeeds in having me wrapped up entirely into the story. When I was finished with Small Town Girl I felt sad, I did not want the story to end, I wanted to keep reading this amazing love story.
Small Town Girl does a great job of taking readers on the journey of two people falling in love. Linda Cunningham does an good job of letting readers read, and feel the attraction between her characters buildup, and form into this intoxicating romance. I like when a novel gives you a love story, but the characters have challenges, and conflict that make them have to fight to hold onto that love, not just be in love and happily ever after. This novel had the perfect amount of push and pull between, love and conflict that had me flipping through the pages as fast as I possibly could. It is also a realistic novel, making it very relate-able to readers.
I normally have a favorite character in every novel I read, and it is normally one of the main characters. I had a tough time selecting which character in this novel would be my favorite it is a toss up between Caleb and Lauren. Lauren is this smart girl, who makes poor choices, and her views are a little off on what is important in life, but Laurens character changes and develops the way a character should. I found myself cheering for Lauren as she developed in the story. Caleb you cannot help but be attracted to this back of the woods boy. I picture Caleb to be this rugged man, but he was so charming he captured my heart.
The use of imagery in this book is mind blowing. I can actually visualize the smell of the air, and the feel of the breeze on the beautiful nights described in this book. This use of imagery also helped me get sucked into the story. I half debated packing my bags to go to a small town, just because this book makes it sound so beautiful.
I highly recommend this book to adult readers only, due to the strong sexual content in the book. I never just give five heart rating it is something that has to be earned. This booked earned a five heart rating and I cannot wait to read more from this author.
Words cannot describe how in love with this novel I am. I literally picked it up and could not put it down to save my own life. I am an avid reader, and I am always on the search for a book that will capture me to a point I become completely lost in the story. It is always hard to find a book that totally sucks me in, and Small Town Girl succeeds in having me wrapped up entirely into the story. When I was finished with Small Town Girl I felt sad, I did not want the story to end, I wanted to keep reading this amazing love story.
Small Town Girl does a great job of taking readers on the journey of two people falling in love. Linda Cunningham does an good job of letting readers read, and feel the attraction between her characters buildup, and form into this intoxicating romance. I like when a novel gives you a love story, but the characters have challenges, and conflict that make them have to fight to hold onto that love, not just be in love and happily ever after. This novel had the perfect amount of push and pull between, love and conflict that had me flipping through the pages as fast as I possibly could. It is also a realistic novel, making it very relate-able to readers.
I normally have a favorite character in every novel I read, and it is normally one of the main characters. I had a tough time selecting which character in this novel would be my favorite it is a toss up between Caleb and Lauren. Lauren is this smart girl, who makes poor choices, and her views are a little off on what is important in life, but Laurens character changes and develops the way a character should. I found myself cheering for Lauren as she developed in the story. Caleb you cannot help but be attracted to this back of the woods boy. I picture Caleb to be this rugged man, but he was so charming he captured my heart.
The use of imagery in this book is mind blowing. I can actually visualize the smell of the air, and the feel of the breeze on the beautiful nights described in this book. This use of imagery also helped me get sucked into the story. I half debated packing my bags to go to a small town, just because this book makes it sound so beautiful.
I highly recommend this book to adult readers only, due to the strong sexual content in the book. I never just give five heart rating it is something that has to be earned. This booked earned a five heart rating and I cannot wait to read more from this author.
December 17, 2011
I wasn't sure if I was going to like this one based on the first chapter of the book, but I ended up really enjoying it despite not really liking Lauren all that much.
Lauren Smith grew up with hippie parents. She vowed she was going to move up in the world and have a better life. On the verge of marrying a very wealthy older gentleman Lauren seems to have it all. But her parents throw a little wrench in her plans when they deed over her grandmother's house to her as a wedding present. She doesn't want the old farm house in rural Vermont. She doesn't want to be reminded of where she came from. So instead of keeping it, she's dead set on selling it. Convinced by her best friend that she needs to deal with the house herself rather than passing if off to someone else, she heads to Vermont.
Once at the house, she discovers she has no hot water and calls for a plumber. When the plumber gets there she's taken aback by the Adonis with a pipe wrench. She feels an attraction to him that she's never felt before, but at the same time, he's rude and irritating. She doesn't hide her disdain for him, but when given the opportunity in town see seeks him out.
Caleb Cochran has done everything he could over the past five years to keep himself busy. Still dealing with the death of his young wife, he's never been interested in any woman other than the one he was married to. But the moment he lays his eyes on Lauren that all changes. The rub each other the wrong way immediately, but there is something about her that keeps drawing him back in. He knows she's engaged and he knows she's leaving but he can't help himself when it comes to her.
Lauren is very snotty and uppity in the beginning of this story I took an immediate dislike to her. But as the story moves along, you can see that she's starting to realize that what she thought was "making it" wasn't really what made her happy. By the end, you were pulling for Lauren and liked the changes you saw in her.
Caleb laid it all out there. He was a man who knew what he wanted and wasn't afraid to ask for it. Too bad, when he asked, what he wanted didn't want the same thing.
A very enjoyable story about a woman understanding that "making it" doesn't necessarily mean you have money, fancy cars and a ritzy address, but finding happiness within yourself.
Lauren Smith grew up with hippie parents. She vowed she was going to move up in the world and have a better life. On the verge of marrying a very wealthy older gentleman Lauren seems to have it all. But her parents throw a little wrench in her plans when they deed over her grandmother's house to her as a wedding present. She doesn't want the old farm house in rural Vermont. She doesn't want to be reminded of where she came from. So instead of keeping it, she's dead set on selling it. Convinced by her best friend that she needs to deal with the house herself rather than passing if off to someone else, she heads to Vermont.
Once at the house, she discovers she has no hot water and calls for a plumber. When the plumber gets there she's taken aback by the Adonis with a pipe wrench. She feels an attraction to him that she's never felt before, but at the same time, he's rude and irritating. She doesn't hide her disdain for him, but when given the opportunity in town see seeks him out.
Caleb Cochran has done everything he could over the past five years to keep himself busy. Still dealing with the death of his young wife, he's never been interested in any woman other than the one he was married to. But the moment he lays his eyes on Lauren that all changes. The rub each other the wrong way immediately, but there is something about her that keeps drawing him back in. He knows she's engaged and he knows she's leaving but he can't help himself when it comes to her.
Lauren is very snotty and uppity in the beginning of this story I took an immediate dislike to her. But as the story moves along, you can see that she's starting to realize that what she thought was "making it" wasn't really what made her happy. By the end, you were pulling for Lauren and liked the changes you saw in her.
Caleb laid it all out there. He was a man who knew what he wanted and wasn't afraid to ask for it. Too bad, when he asked, what he wanted didn't want the same thing.
A very enjoyable story about a woman understanding that "making it" doesn't necessarily mean you have money, fancy cars and a ritzy address, but finding happiness within yourself.
July 12, 2016
Lauren Smith is on top of the world. She's got a job she loves, a social life most people would die for, and a rich fiancé who adores her. So when she unexpectedly inheritances her grandmother's old fixer upper, it puts a wrench in her plans. Determined to sell the old house as quickly as possibly and move forward with the perfect life she's built for herself, Lauren heads to the place where she grew up, and learns that though she's moved on, her heart never left.
Initially, because of the main character, I didn't think I was going to like this book at all. Upon first meeting Lauren, I couldn't stand her. She was so snooty, and the way she spoke to or thought about people was demeaning and belittling. I had a hard time supporting her. But as the story continued, she surprised me. It wasn't so much that she changed, but she did grow emotionally.
The story itself was a bit unsettling because it brought to mind a lot of moral questions, like, Do cheaters have a right to be angry when they find out the person they are cheating on is also cheating? Though the build up to that particular story arc was rather predictable, Lauren's reaction was not. The aftermath of that fiasco could have made her crumble, but instead, it uncovered a different side of Lauren. One that was admirable because she entered a state of self reflection that allowed her to re-evaluate herself. I liked that; it made her a more relatable character.
As a love interest, Caleb, the local plumber whom Lauren had a passionate affair with, remained largely mysterious throughout the story. Hints about his past were revealed, and he did seem like a nice guy, but his character never fleshed out in the way I hoped. Plus, the relationship between Caleb and Lauren seemed to lean more towards undeniable desire than sweet bubbling romance, but it worked to keep the story steamy.
Overall, fun contemporary read with a lot of sweaty romps. The only other thing that kind of threw me off at times was that though Lauren and her BFF were young, modern women, sometimes the phrases they used were old fashioned. It seemed a bit out of place in the story, but then again, what does a country girl hick like me know about sophisticated women speak?
http://www.theunreadreader.com/2011/1...
Initially, because of the main character, I didn't think I was going to like this book at all. Upon first meeting Lauren, I couldn't stand her. She was so snooty, and the way she spoke to or thought about people was demeaning and belittling. I had a hard time supporting her. But as the story continued, she surprised me. It wasn't so much that she changed, but she did grow emotionally.
The story itself was a bit unsettling because it brought to mind a lot of moral questions, like, Do cheaters have a right to be angry when they find out the person they are cheating on is also cheating? Though the build up to that particular story arc was rather predictable, Lauren's reaction was not. The aftermath of that fiasco could have made her crumble, but instead, it uncovered a different side of Lauren. One that was admirable because she entered a state of self reflection that allowed her to re-evaluate herself. I liked that; it made her a more relatable character.
As a love interest, Caleb, the local plumber whom Lauren had a passionate affair with, remained largely mysterious throughout the story. Hints about his past were revealed, and he did seem like a nice guy, but his character never fleshed out in the way I hoped. Plus, the relationship between Caleb and Lauren seemed to lean more towards undeniable desire than sweet bubbling romance, but it worked to keep the story steamy.
Overall, fun contemporary read with a lot of sweaty romps. The only other thing that kind of threw me off at times was that though Lauren and her BFF were young, modern women, sometimes the phrases they used were old fashioned. It seemed a bit out of place in the story, but then again, what does a country girl hick like me know about sophisticated women speak?
http://www.theunreadreader.com/2011/1...
December 26, 2011
Linda Cunningham's debut romance novel was a pleasant surprise filled with sweet romance. I didn't want to stop reading and was sad when I finally did reach the end, wishing there was more.
Lauren Smith has everything she could possibly want: the perfect job, fiancé, penthouse, an engagement ring. But most importantly, stability. So when Lauren learns that her grandmother left her home in a small Vermont town, she begrudgingly returns in hopes of selling it.
What she doesn't expect is Caleb Cochran. The moment he steps through her door to help with a plumbing problem, sparks fly and tension mounts. How can they deny the growing attraction between them? And how long can Lauren continue her life before it's not enough for her anymore?
This was a fun, quick read for me filled with romance and longing and tender kisses. From the moment that Lauren and Caleb met you could sense the connection between them, even when it only resulted in fights and annoyance. Their time together was beautiful and only made me wish to see them together more. But, their time apart was also essential.
Watching the growth of Lauren throughout the story was the best part for me, because she thought she knew exactly what she wanted out of life. Just as we all do. But, as life has a way of doing, everything ended up going completely the opposite and she had to figure out what was best for her.
Linda did a great job of really getting to her readers hearts and making her story about love. I could feel my heart leaping into my throat quite a few times and my eyes welling up with tears while reading this, and that doesn't happen quite often.
I'm definitely looking forward to the sequel to this story and finding out what else she has in store for these characters!
Lauren Smith has everything she could possibly want: the perfect job, fiancé, penthouse, an engagement ring. But most importantly, stability. So when Lauren learns that her grandmother left her home in a small Vermont town, she begrudgingly returns in hopes of selling it.
What she doesn't expect is Caleb Cochran. The moment he steps through her door to help with a plumbing problem, sparks fly and tension mounts. How can they deny the growing attraction between them? And how long can Lauren continue her life before it's not enough for her anymore?
This was a fun, quick read for me filled with romance and longing and tender kisses. From the moment that Lauren and Caleb met you could sense the connection between them, even when it only resulted in fights and annoyance. Their time together was beautiful and only made me wish to see them together more. But, their time apart was also essential.
Watching the growth of Lauren throughout the story was the best part for me, because she thought she knew exactly what she wanted out of life. Just as we all do. But, as life has a way of doing, everything ended up going completely the opposite and she had to figure out what was best for her.
Linda did a great job of really getting to her readers hearts and making her story about love. I could feel my heart leaping into my throat quite a few times and my eyes welling up with tears while reading this, and that doesn't happen quite often.
I'm definitely looking forward to the sequel to this story and finding out what else she has in store for these characters!
February 27, 2013
Summary:
Lauren Smith is a New York City sophisticate, engaged to a prominent and well known businessman, who happens to inherit a home from her grandmother in Vermont. She decides it would be best to go prepare the house to sell. However, there are issues with house and she needs to call on the local plumber. So, she meets Caleb Cochran, who gets her blood boiling from the get go. Can Lauren find her true self or is her social status more important?
My Take:
The only thing that could have made this book better is ... more Caleb! I LOVED Caleb and he will definitely be added as a Book Boyfriend! Lauren and Caleb have so much chemistry, it's explosive! Their connection is immediate. Of course they struggle through conflict, but would it be a great romance with out it? Supporting characters were fun as well. I loved Lauren's best friend Kelly and realtor Joan! If you enjoy an easy and compelling romance, this book is for you!
Lauren Smith is a New York City sophisticate, engaged to a prominent and well known businessman, who happens to inherit a home from her grandmother in Vermont. She decides it would be best to go prepare the house to sell. However, there are issues with house and she needs to call on the local plumber. So, she meets Caleb Cochran, who gets her blood boiling from the get go. Can Lauren find her true self or is her social status more important?
My Take:
The only thing that could have made this book better is ... more Caleb! I LOVED Caleb and he will definitely be added as a Book Boyfriend! Lauren and Caleb have so much chemistry, it's explosive! Their connection is immediate. Of course they struggle through conflict, but would it be a great romance with out it? Supporting characters were fun as well. I loved Lauren's best friend Kelly and realtor Joan! If you enjoy an easy and compelling romance, this book is for you!
December 8, 2011
3.5-3.75 Stars :)
This was a sweet story about a woman who was on the verge of having everything she thought she wanted, then realizing its not what she wants after all. As much as I liked the concept, the story was extremely predictable. Normally, I don't have problems with it, but i found myself skimming, which i hate doing, but it couldnt be helped. Another reason why i didnt enjoy the story as much was because of the heroine. She kinda bugged me. She was a little stuck-up IMHO. She made the decision to break it off with her powerful, rich fiancé only after she discovers his indiscretions (which I knew was coming from a mile away). Then she turns around and tries to become this small town gal and re-win the heart of our hero. The main hero was easy to fall for, so at least that was a plus. The story had so much potential and I wished i had enjoyed it more.
This was a sweet story about a woman who was on the verge of having everything she thought she wanted, then realizing its not what she wants after all. As much as I liked the concept, the story was extremely predictable. Normally, I don't have problems with it, but i found myself skimming, which i hate doing, but it couldnt be helped. Another reason why i didnt enjoy the story as much was because of the heroine. She kinda bugged me. She was a little stuck-up IMHO. She made the decision to break it off with her powerful, rich fiancé only after she discovers his indiscretions (which I knew was coming from a mile away). Then she turns around and tries to become this small town gal and re-win the heart of our hero. The main hero was easy to fall for, so at least that was a plus. The story had so much potential and I wished i had enjoyed it more.
December 12, 2011
The book summary is a good description of the book. Lauren is very vocal about being ashamed of her hippy parents. Because of that she has always dreamed of a future in the city and full of glitz and glam. Her fiancé has given her all of this. She thinks she has the perfect life and fights for that life even when faced with her past...and the yummy Caleb. Which path will Lauren choose? And will she regret it?
Caleb is a small town boy and proud of it. Although he is instantaly attracted to Lauren he doesn't appreciate the way she puts down his lifestyle. Sparks fly between the two but will it go any further than that? There's also the not so small issue of the flashy diamond on her finger.
I was into the story and found myself wanting yell at some of the characters and shake some sense into them! This was an easyand fun read and I enjoyed it.
Caleb is a small town boy and proud of it. Although he is instantaly attracted to Lauren he doesn't appreciate the way she puts down his lifestyle. Sparks fly between the two but will it go any further than that? There's also the not so small issue of the flashy diamond on her finger.
I was into the story and found myself wanting yell at some of the characters and shake some sense into them! This was an easyand fun read and I enjoyed it.
October 28, 2013
Hallmark Channel...(After Dark)......"he gently kisses her mound of pleasure". BahHah, I love that. Anyway, no really it was a sweet and romantic read. Lauren did start out being very snobbish and not likable. Caleb throughout the book was sweet, sincere and protective of his heart. Great book for someone that wants a light read with a HEA.
April 24, 2012
Fun romance.
July 12, 2012
Just a perfect summer book to read!! This love story was beautiful and you see how the main character evolves into a brighter person! Caleb is one hot gentleman that I wish was real!! haha Loved it!
April 20, 2013
I have given this book 3 stars, I really liked the story but it felt a bit rushed, and I didn't really mesh with the characters.
April 22, 2013
Excellent book, to bad plumbers don't really come in the same package as Caleb Cochran. Totally hot, steamy and could not put down.
May 25, 2013
A love at first sight with a side of a fiancé kinda of book :)
November 27, 2013
I have no idea what romance novels are supposed to be like, but this one seemed predictable and the characters contrtite.
November 24, 2014
Hated Lauren.
November 28, 2014
Quite nice.
May 22, 2015
Outstanding read!
New author for me. Will read more by her. Nice romantic story. Great character deveLopment. Lol Funny, very sexy, love the happily ever after.
New author for me. Will read more by her. Nice romantic story. Great character deveLopment. Lol Funny, very sexy, love the happily ever after.
April 30, 2016
Predictable. Some
Predictable. Some passages too flowery to be taken seriously. But I read it anyway and ordered #2 in the series
Predictable. Some passages too flowery to be taken seriously. But I read it anyway and ordered #2 in the series
June 4, 2016
Enjoy story
Love the characters and story was a page turner. I would recommend this book to my friends. Looking forward to next book.
Love the characters and story was a page turner. I would recommend this book to my friends. Looking forward to next book.
December 13, 2011
See my review here: http://bookishtemptations.wordpress.com/
December 13, 2011
See my review here: http://bookishtemptations.wordpress.com/
April 19, 2013
Cute. Not overly anything - but a cute read.
January 9, 2015
Loved it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews