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Taking Charge
For nine years Robyn's been running from her past.
With her father in the hospital, his roadhouse in ruins, and the hockey team he manages slipping down the leagues, Robyn finds herself going home to take charge.
Cole Ryan is a hockey player on a personal mission who can't help but notice this quirky, opinionated girl that suddenly stumbles into his life.
Now Robyn must ask herself if she has time to contemplate a relationship or if she even wants one.
Above it all, she must find out if going back is her only way forward.
"A down to earth day to day storyline with dreamy romance and testosterone dripping from every page!”
-Rea Sinfield, Rea’s Book Review
With her father in the hospital, his roadhouse in ruins, and the hockey team he manages slipping down the leagues, Robyn finds herself going home to take charge.
Cole Ryan is a hockey player on a personal mission who can't help but notice this quirky, opinionated girl that suddenly stumbles into his life.
Now Robyn must ask herself if she has time to contemplate a relationship or if she even wants one.
Above it all, she must find out if going back is her only way forward.
"A down to earth day to day storyline with dreamy romance and testosterone dripping from every page!”
-Rea Sinfield, Rea’s Book Review
382 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 3, 2012
6 people are currently reading
885 people want to read
About the author
Mandy Baggot
64 books752 followersMandy Baggot is an international bestselling and award-winning romance writer represented by Tanera Simons of Greenstone Literary.
Mandy is best-known for her laugh-out-loud romantic comedies featuring strong heroines, gorgeous heroes and always that happy-ever-after!
The winner of the Innovation in Romantic Fiction award at the UK's Festival of Romance, her novel, One Wish in Manhattan, was also shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists' Association Romantic Comedy Novel of the Year award in 2016. Mandy's books have so far been translated into Bulgarian, Czech, German, Hungarian and Italian.
Mandy loves the Greek island of Corfu, wine, cheese, Netflix, country music and handbags. Also a singer, she has taken part in ITV1's Who Dares Sings and The X-Factor. Most recently, Mandy took part in BBC1's Ready Steady Cook with Greek celebrity chef, Akis Petretzikis.
Mandy is a member of the Society of Authors and splits her time between Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK and Corfu, Greece.
Visit Mandy's website at www.mandybaggot.com
Mandy is best-known for her laugh-out-loud romantic comedies featuring strong heroines, gorgeous heroes and always that happy-ever-after!
The winner of the Innovation in Romantic Fiction award at the UK's Festival of Romance, her novel, One Wish in Manhattan, was also shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists' Association Romantic Comedy Novel of the Year award in 2016. Mandy's books have so far been translated into Bulgarian, Czech, German, Hungarian and Italian.
Mandy loves the Greek island of Corfu, wine, cheese, Netflix, country music and handbags. Also a singer, she has taken part in ITV1's Who Dares Sings and The X-Factor. Most recently, Mandy took part in BBC1's Ready Steady Cook with Greek celebrity chef, Akis Petretzikis.
Mandy is a member of the Society of Authors and splits her time between Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK and Corfu, Greece.
Visit Mandy's website at www.mandybaggot.com
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September 21, 2012
Taking Charge by Mandy Baggot
First I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed reading Taking Charge, Mandy’s writing is fantastic, the story flowed extremely well and I don’t think I stopped reading this story till I reached the end. Character and plot was well written, easy to follow and you get to know each character. I was so thrilled to see that Mandy had more books published that I could go read. I really enjoyed Taking Charge.
Robyn who father is sick is returning home to the USA after long nine years away. At first we just think it a daughter returning home to be with her sick father, but as you go deeper into the story you find out there is a reason she left home.
On the flight home or should I say in the airport Robyn meets Cole, they both are heading to the same place and Cole helps her with her broken luggage. Both Cole and Robyn have a past and secrets they would rather not think about, but a fantastic friendship develops between these two. I am a huge hockey fan and part of this story has Robyn coaching the town’s hockey team and it was great and you get to meet a few more characters that I hope to hear more about. There are laugh out loud sections of this story. I love Robyn and Cole, Robyn is funny, strong, and independent and gets things done. There are so many characters in this novel that I loved. I am hoping for a few more books in this series.
Besides romance heart break there is also a bit of mystery and suspense. All I will say is read this book and I really enjoyed Taking Charge and Mandy’s writing. I will be adding Mandy’s other books to my to be read list.
Come meet Robyn and Cole, Robyn’s soon to be step mom’s and her father, her father’s best friend Max and the hockey team it’s a great group of characters and I for one cannot wait to read more.
I have rated Taking Charge 4 stars.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Reading Addiction Blog Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Reading Addiction Blog Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorcements and Testimonials in Advertising*
First I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed reading Taking Charge, Mandy’s writing is fantastic, the story flowed extremely well and I don’t think I stopped reading this story till I reached the end. Character and plot was well written, easy to follow and you get to know each character. I was so thrilled to see that Mandy had more books published that I could go read. I really enjoyed Taking Charge.
Robyn who father is sick is returning home to the USA after long nine years away. At first we just think it a daughter returning home to be with her sick father, but as you go deeper into the story you find out there is a reason she left home.
On the flight home or should I say in the airport Robyn meets Cole, they both are heading to the same place and Cole helps her with her broken luggage. Both Cole and Robyn have a past and secrets they would rather not think about, but a fantastic friendship develops between these two. I am a huge hockey fan and part of this story has Robyn coaching the town’s hockey team and it was great and you get to meet a few more characters that I hope to hear more about. There are laugh out loud sections of this story. I love Robyn and Cole, Robyn is funny, strong, and independent and gets things done. There are so many characters in this novel that I loved. I am hoping for a few more books in this series.
Besides romance heart break there is also a bit of mystery and suspense. All I will say is read this book and I really enjoyed Taking Charge and Mandy’s writing. I will be adding Mandy’s other books to my to be read list.
Come meet Robyn and Cole, Robyn’s soon to be step mom’s and her father, her father’s best friend Max and the hockey team it’s a great group of characters and I for one cannot wait to read more.
I have rated Taking Charge 4 stars.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Reading Addiction Blog Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Reading Addiction Blog Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorcements and Testimonials in Advertising*
October 2, 2012
Read My Full Review At: http://reviewingromance.com/taking-ch...
“When you know, ya know”, Ya know? I don’t know. I honestly don’t. Um, well… okay.
I feel I may really be in the majority reviewing this book because it has sixteen five-star reviews on amazon, and around thirty on Goodreads. I’m not so sure I’m very close to that. It was a cute read. I will give it that. It reads like movie almost and I really had to keep telling myself that as I continued but I almost had to envision the characters int he most comical sense that I could possibly come up with (Nancy was a lot of fun!) in order to really keep myself from getting too annoyed at the way characters bantered back and forth.
The book has it all, love at first sight, wicked step-mom, an old, crazy and sick dad with his nutty best friend, a obsessive ex, a pouty friend, a ‘hee-haw’ type Aunt, evil twins, a rape, hockey, and the “token foreign guy” who wraps up the whole book. What else could you need?! Oh and Crisps, gherkins, beer & strippers… Can’t forget those.
Story Line
There is several story lines running parallel to each other in this story. Thankfully, they are all pretty easy to keep straight as they don't run into each other too much.
Heroine Likability
I want to like Robyn. She seems really nice and a lot of fun, but I'm not sure if I could honestly tolerate someone like that for a plane ride, much less FOREVER. She's very eccentric, and talks... A LOT. She apparently is good at everything. She can re-open a road house in a week, and manage a hockey team, play hockey, nurse her sick dad back to health and still have time to find a husband. That is talent. I wish I was that awesome.
Hero Likability
Cole is supposed to be this nice guy with a dark past, where he's done all these bad things but even when you find out what it is, it still is like, 'that all?' His brother is apparently an ass who knocks up Cole's ex girlfriend. His mom comes floating in like Mary Poppins but says, 'balls' and the whole world is turned upside down. He is supposed to be REALLY smart, like develop a cure for cancer smart, but you don't see any of that. You see him talking to his assistant and punching the bathroom mirror while he's at work. You get so very little of him compared to Robyn that I wonder why it was even written in his POV at times.
True-To-Life
Everything in this story COULD happen. It's the HOW it actually happens that makes me cringe. Robyn COULD re-open a road house including a complete redecoration, a new staff, menu, chef, and de-grunging... but could she do it in a WEEK and have time for everything else? Not Likely. Robyn COULD coach a hockey team, but would her magical reappearance lead to a sudden winning streak and 3000+ people in the stands, probably not. It's the little things that ruin it for me. I get the sense of rush for Cole and Robyn, but that could have easily been done by them eloping and the shock and awe of it, instead, they plan a whole wedding in 4 days for the WHOLE town, while cole searches for the cure for cancer, solves the mystery of 'Who Raped Robyn', re-opens a road house, her dad has open heart surgery, they play 3 hockey games, and makes besties with her soon to be step-mom while fighting off her ex who is apparently denser than pound cake.
Sex Scenes
I was disappointed. To be honest. I LOVED the scene where they almost have sex and Robyn is standing there saying, 'this is me' essentially, but the actual sex when it got down to it? Where was all he passion that two almost-newlyweds should be feeling? Sure, Cole loves Robyn and he feels that when he does it, but it fell completely flat. I was unmoved.
Writing Style
Looking past this alternate universe where everyone pretty much says what they think ALL THE TIME, my biggest issue is that Cole's POV generally come in like one paragraph spurts. That's all. Why bother putting it in there if that is all you are going to give to contrast Robyn's large 2nd person POV. Another part that was REALLY confusing at first was where both Cole and Robyn's Ex's show up at the same time (convenient) and the POV's are swapping between the two within conversations. Would it work for TV? Yes. Does it work for a book. NO.
The Roller Coaster
This one gradually rides smooth all the way up until it drops off. There might be a minor hitch at some point, but nothing major that really affects the story in a huge way. But of course, Robyn fixes everything, so it's okay.(sarcasm)
The Happily Ever After-ness
They all live happily ever after and we find out where Hendrik is from. Apparently that was important. It gave a funny ending, but overall, the wrap up was anti-climatic.
“When you know, ya know”, Ya know? I don’t know. I honestly don’t. Um, well… okay.
I feel I may really be in the majority reviewing this book because it has sixteen five-star reviews on amazon, and around thirty on Goodreads. I’m not so sure I’m very close to that. It was a cute read. I will give it that. It reads like movie almost and I really had to keep telling myself that as I continued but I almost had to envision the characters int he most comical sense that I could possibly come up with (Nancy was a lot of fun!) in order to really keep myself from getting too annoyed at the way characters bantered back and forth.
The book has it all, love at first sight, wicked step-mom, an old, crazy and sick dad with his nutty best friend, a obsessive ex, a pouty friend, a ‘hee-haw’ type Aunt, evil twins, a rape, hockey, and the “token foreign guy” who wraps up the whole book. What else could you need?! Oh and Crisps, gherkins, beer & strippers… Can’t forget those.
Story Line
There is several story lines running parallel to each other in this story. Thankfully, they are all pretty easy to keep straight as they don't run into each other too much.
Heroine Likability
I want to like Robyn. She seems really nice and a lot of fun, but I'm not sure if I could honestly tolerate someone like that for a plane ride, much less FOREVER. She's very eccentric, and talks... A LOT. She apparently is good at everything. She can re-open a road house in a week, and manage a hockey team, play hockey, nurse her sick dad back to health and still have time to find a husband. That is talent. I wish I was that awesome.
Hero Likability
Cole is supposed to be this nice guy with a dark past, where he's done all these bad things but even when you find out what it is, it still is like, 'that all?' His brother is apparently an ass who knocks up Cole's ex girlfriend. His mom comes floating in like Mary Poppins but says, 'balls' and the whole world is turned upside down. He is supposed to be REALLY smart, like develop a cure for cancer smart, but you don't see any of that. You see him talking to his assistant and punching the bathroom mirror while he's at work. You get so very little of him compared to Robyn that I wonder why it was even written in his POV at times.
True-To-Life
Everything in this story COULD happen. It's the HOW it actually happens that makes me cringe. Robyn COULD re-open a road house including a complete redecoration, a new staff, menu, chef, and de-grunging... but could she do it in a WEEK and have time for everything else? Not Likely. Robyn COULD coach a hockey team, but would her magical reappearance lead to a sudden winning streak and 3000+ people in the stands, probably not. It's the little things that ruin it for me. I get the sense of rush for Cole and Robyn, but that could have easily been done by them eloping and the shock and awe of it, instead, they plan a whole wedding in 4 days for the WHOLE town, while cole searches for the cure for cancer, solves the mystery of 'Who Raped Robyn', re-opens a road house, her dad has open heart surgery, they play 3 hockey games, and makes besties with her soon to be step-mom while fighting off her ex who is apparently denser than pound cake.
Sex Scenes
I was disappointed. To be honest. I LOVED the scene where they almost have sex and Robyn is standing there saying, 'this is me' essentially, but the actual sex when it got down to it? Where was all he passion that two almost-newlyweds should be feeling? Sure, Cole loves Robyn and he feels that when he does it, but it fell completely flat. I was unmoved.
Writing Style
Looking past this alternate universe where everyone pretty much says what they think ALL THE TIME, my biggest issue is that Cole's POV generally come in like one paragraph spurts. That's all. Why bother putting it in there if that is all you are going to give to contrast Robyn's large 2nd person POV. Another part that was REALLY confusing at first was where both Cole and Robyn's Ex's show up at the same time (convenient) and the POV's are swapping between the two within conversations. Would it work for TV? Yes. Does it work for a book. NO.
The Roller Coaster
This one gradually rides smooth all the way up until it drops off. There might be a minor hitch at some point, but nothing major that really affects the story in a huge way. But of course, Robyn fixes everything, so it's okay.(sarcasm)
The Happily Ever After-ness
They all live happily ever after and we find out where Hendrik is from. Apparently that was important. It gave a funny ending, but overall, the wrap up was anti-climatic.
August 25, 2012
Robyn has come back home. A place that is no longer her haven. But her father isn't doing well and neither are his businesses. She wants to fix it all and gets to work from the get go. She doesnt waste any time. She gets the bar and the hockey team a fixer upper. Her determination gets the job done and two out of the three is good to go. Now she just needs to make sure her father takes better care of himself.
While on her way back home Robyn meets a man who becomes more to her than a friendly face. From the moment they met, their underlining attraction is undeniable. They may move fast, not sexually but the week they've known each other has blossomed into a love they both did not bargain for.
Robyn was a great female lead. She was very witty with just enough sarcasm to make me chuckle every time she and Cole bantered. I love the relationship that is blooming between the two. It doesnt feel forced but feels right.
Cole is fighting an uphill battle. Not only did he find his ex with his brother but she is pregnant with his brother Bryn's child. Can Cole get over it?
Cole knows theres something about Robyn. She brings out something in him that no one else has ever done. He is willing to take a risk to be with her and soon falls hard and fast for a woman who has a hidden past. A past that may not have really been resolved even with the man accused serving his time.
I was so happy to see Robyn and Cole come together irregardless of their pasts. They looked past it and used love to heal their pain.
Great read and highly recommend
While on her way back home Robyn meets a man who becomes more to her than a friendly face. From the moment they met, their underlining attraction is undeniable. They may move fast, not sexually but the week they've known each other has blossomed into a love they both did not bargain for.
Robyn was a great female lead. She was very witty with just enough sarcasm to make me chuckle every time she and Cole bantered. I love the relationship that is blooming between the two. It doesnt feel forced but feels right.
Cole is fighting an uphill battle. Not only did he find his ex with his brother but she is pregnant with his brother Bryn's child. Can Cole get over it?
Cole knows theres something about Robyn. She brings out something in him that no one else has ever done. He is willing to take a risk to be with her and soon falls hard and fast for a woman who has a hidden past. A past that may not have really been resolved even with the man accused serving his time.
I was so happy to see Robyn and Cole come together irregardless of their pasts. They looked past it and used love to heal their pain.
Great read and highly recommend
February 3, 2016
'We're just right together, Robyn, don't ask me to explain it. When we first met, you bowled me over, just because you were you.'
Robyn Matthers returns to Portage, Michigan after nine years away living in England. Now 25, she is heading back because her father Eddie is seriously ill. Struggling with her broken backpack as she changes planes in Chicago, she meets Cole Ryan, who it turns out is also travelling to Portage. The two get on well and talk during their flight - well, mainly it's Robyn who talks! I love Cole's first impression of Robin - 'She was nice. Really nice - but kind of crazy. She'd hardly stopped to take a breath between sentences on the plane, but he'd enjoyed it.'
On arrival back in her hometown, Robyn is met by her Aunt Pam and Uncle Bob, who now have not so sweet twin nine-year-old daughters.
Robyn has a lot to face back in Portage. Her father is in hospital and not doing himself any favours with his bad diet and stubborn behaviour. Meanwhile, his business, the Roadhouse, seems to have gone downhill, and his ice-hockey team, the Portage Panthers, is struggling. Robyn arrives on the scene and begins to take charge of everything, determined to turn around the fortunes of all of them.
However, she has to deal with Nancy, Eddie's new fiancee, and with Brad, her ex-boyfriend, who still holds a torch for her. It's clear there are more serious demons in Robyn's past that are linked to this town too, an awful event that still haunts her dreams, and which she will have to confront all over again. Despite all these challenges, Robyn is glad to be back home: '...despite the mixed feelings she had for the town, the feeling that overrode all the others was longing. Her dad getting ill had somehow given her the courage to return. It was a reason she had long been looking for.'
Cole has his own issues to deal with, the heartache he has endured at the hands of his ex partner Veronica and his brother. He has been deeply hurt and isn't looking to get romantically involved again anytime soon, intending to be single for a while and concentrate on his work projects. He works as a scientist, and he is also a talented ice-hockey player, joining the Portage team and beginning to get to know Robyn better.
There is a lovely, instant attraction between Robyn and Cole, and a real chemistry. It's a joy to see how the relationship between them develops, how it gives them both a renewed lust for life and love. In Robyn's case:
'She wanted the way she felt for him to be what she had been too scared to look for. She wanted to be free from everything she'd been before. She wanted a new start and she wanted to share that with him.'
This new love changes Cole too: 'He felt invigorated. He felt alive...They shared an undeniable connection.'
This is a really enjoyable and likeable romantic novel from Mandy Baggot, with two great lead characters, and some lovely light-hearted humour as well as a much more serious sub-plot. I raced through it, devouring the story, wanting to know the outcome. I did guess at what had happened in the past but this didn't affect my curiosity to have this confirmed later in the story. The dialogue flows easily and naturally, and I think Robyn and Cole are both very likeable, rounded characters. I admired Robyn and her achievements, her fierce determination to get things done, and done well, and her independence. She has come through a difficult, unhappy childhood, and she is confident and straight-talking, but she is also vulnerable. Cole is a tall, dark and handsome leading man; he is strong and sensitive, with his own vulnerabilities.
A highly recommended romantic read! I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Robyn Matthers returns to Portage, Michigan after nine years away living in England. Now 25, she is heading back because her father Eddie is seriously ill. Struggling with her broken backpack as she changes planes in Chicago, she meets Cole Ryan, who it turns out is also travelling to Portage. The two get on well and talk during their flight - well, mainly it's Robyn who talks! I love Cole's first impression of Robin - 'She was nice. Really nice - but kind of crazy. She'd hardly stopped to take a breath between sentences on the plane, but he'd enjoyed it.'
On arrival back in her hometown, Robyn is met by her Aunt Pam and Uncle Bob, who now have not so sweet twin nine-year-old daughters.
Robyn has a lot to face back in Portage. Her father is in hospital and not doing himself any favours with his bad diet and stubborn behaviour. Meanwhile, his business, the Roadhouse, seems to have gone downhill, and his ice-hockey team, the Portage Panthers, is struggling. Robyn arrives on the scene and begins to take charge of everything, determined to turn around the fortunes of all of them.
However, she has to deal with Nancy, Eddie's new fiancee, and with Brad, her ex-boyfriend, who still holds a torch for her. It's clear there are more serious demons in Robyn's past that are linked to this town too, an awful event that still haunts her dreams, and which she will have to confront all over again. Despite all these challenges, Robyn is glad to be back home: '...despite the mixed feelings she had for the town, the feeling that overrode all the others was longing. Her dad getting ill had somehow given her the courage to return. It was a reason she had long been looking for.'
Cole has his own issues to deal with, the heartache he has endured at the hands of his ex partner Veronica and his brother. He has been deeply hurt and isn't looking to get romantically involved again anytime soon, intending to be single for a while and concentrate on his work projects. He works as a scientist, and he is also a talented ice-hockey player, joining the Portage team and beginning to get to know Robyn better.
There is a lovely, instant attraction between Robyn and Cole, and a real chemistry. It's a joy to see how the relationship between them develops, how it gives them both a renewed lust for life and love. In Robyn's case:
'She wanted the way she felt for him to be what she had been too scared to look for. She wanted to be free from everything she'd been before. She wanted a new start and she wanted to share that with him.'
This new love changes Cole too: 'He felt invigorated. He felt alive...They shared an undeniable connection.'
This is a really enjoyable and likeable romantic novel from Mandy Baggot, with two great lead characters, and some lovely light-hearted humour as well as a much more serious sub-plot. I raced through it, devouring the story, wanting to know the outcome. I did guess at what had happened in the past but this didn't affect my curiosity to have this confirmed later in the story. The dialogue flows easily and naturally, and I think Robyn and Cole are both very likeable, rounded characters. I admired Robyn and her achievements, her fierce determination to get things done, and done well, and her independence. She has come through a difficult, unhappy childhood, and she is confident and straight-talking, but she is also vulnerable. Cole is a tall, dark and handsome leading man; he is strong and sensitive, with his own vulnerabilities.
A highly recommended romantic read! I look forward to reading more books by this author.
May 26, 2012
Robyn Matthers has escaped her past and gotten as far away from Michigan as possible. She was hoping that all the memories would just disappear. Then she gets a call from her home-town that her father has fallen ill. She immediately packs up and gets a flight home to help her dad get everything in order. She meets Cole at the airport and after a cute introduction become friends. Especially finding out that they were heading to the same place. Its just too bad that Robyn is broken. Cole seems like just the kind of guy to give her what she has been looking for.
Cole had loved hockey all of his life but had hung up his skates to focus on his career. His dad had died and Cole was determined to find a cure for the disease that took his life. He was so close! He had moved to this sleepy little town in order to work with a better team and have more focus. Cole had his own secrets when it came to past relationships, but Robyn was just too cute to ignore.
A lot happens in this cute little story. Robyn comes homes to help her father salvage both the bar and the hockey team. She had her work cut out for her. Her father's fiancee is basically running the bar into the ground and the hockey team isn't winning any games. It was time for her to roll up her sleeves and get to work. But her past has an ugly way of popping up after all of these years. Will Robyn be able to try and ave a normal relationship? Will it survive the fall-out of her past coming to light? I enjoyed this book!! It was a great story with a surprising twist. It follows two very relationship-wary people who are thrown together and end up falling in love. Both have suffered emotionally and both are a little broken in some ways. The perfect remedy was for them to heal each other and help each other work through their pasts.
Cole had loved hockey all of his life but had hung up his skates to focus on his career. His dad had died and Cole was determined to find a cure for the disease that took his life. He was so close! He had moved to this sleepy little town in order to work with a better team and have more focus. Cole had his own secrets when it came to past relationships, but Robyn was just too cute to ignore.
A lot happens in this cute little story. Robyn comes homes to help her father salvage both the bar and the hockey team. She had her work cut out for her. Her father's fiancee is basically running the bar into the ground and the hockey team isn't winning any games. It was time for her to roll up her sleeves and get to work. But her past has an ugly way of popping up after all of these years. Will Robyn be able to try and ave a normal relationship? Will it survive the fall-out of her past coming to light? I enjoyed this book!! It was a great story with a surprising twist. It follows two very relationship-wary people who are thrown together and end up falling in love. Both have suffered emotionally and both are a little broken in some ways. The perfect remedy was for them to heal each other and help each other work through their pasts.
May 3, 2012
Robyn Matthers is returning home to the States, after living in England for the past nine years. Robyn is returning home to be near her father who is seriously ill in hospital. Robyn wants to take charge of her father’s rundown roadhouse and the local ice hockey team, that her father manages, The Portage Panthers.
At the airport in America Robyn meets the gorgeous Cole Ryan and the confident and sassy Robyn kisses him as they part and invites him to her father’s roadhouse that she plans to clean up and redecorate and re launch. Cole is also a talented ice hockey player that Robyn’s team desperately need as they are currently having a bad losing streak.
But behind Robyn’s confidence she has yet to come to terms with a tragic event in her past. When returning home stirs up past events and Robyn as got to face some painful memories could Cole be the one to help her take charge of her life?
This is the latest novel from Mandy Baggot and it is another smash hit of a read. The plots to Mandy Baggot’s books are so clearly written that the plot plays out in your minds eye projecting like a film. I liked that the main character for a girl was quite strong and knows her own mind and goes for exactly what she wants even though underneath she is quite venerable especially when it comes to her past. Cole makes a great hero and heartthrob in the story. Not read any of Mandy Baggot’s books yet? Well what are you waiting for, go on give yourself a good read this book is an excellent read.
At the airport in America Robyn meets the gorgeous Cole Ryan and the confident and sassy Robyn kisses him as they part and invites him to her father’s roadhouse that she plans to clean up and redecorate and re launch. Cole is also a talented ice hockey player that Robyn’s team desperately need as they are currently having a bad losing streak.
But behind Robyn’s confidence she has yet to come to terms with a tragic event in her past. When returning home stirs up past events and Robyn as got to face some painful memories could Cole be the one to help her take charge of her life?
This is the latest novel from Mandy Baggot and it is another smash hit of a read. The plots to Mandy Baggot’s books are so clearly written that the plot plays out in your minds eye projecting like a film. I liked that the main character for a girl was quite strong and knows her own mind and goes for exactly what she wants even though underneath she is quite venerable especially when it comes to her past. Cole makes a great hero and heartthrob in the story. Not read any of Mandy Baggot’s books yet? Well what are you waiting for, go on give yourself a good read this book is an excellent read.
July 16, 2012
Very quirky small town girl moves back home, meets her H, a newcomer to town, in the airport on the way into town. Lots of family and small town drama. The h is not typical or ordinary, very outspoken and more like one of the guys. There's a hockey team, biker bar and some colorful characters. While some of the players here some have light parts, others in this story others have a background that slowly unravels as the story progresses. At the first I thought this was going to be just a cute light romance; however it's a bit unusual, ends up being more drama. This would have been excellent if the players and the story would have had more depth. When I first started this bk wasn’t sure I wanted to finish it, but the more I read the more involved the story became and it held my interest to the end. I know this seems a bit cryptic, but I don't want to give anything away. Also I don't really focus much on a bks cover, other than if they offer a bit of eye candy ;-), but couldn't figure what the placement of the American flag on the cover has to do with this story.
August 29, 2012
Taking Charge storms along from the word go – the characters are up and at you from page one and stay there right until the final word.
There are some really fun and eccentric characters that make you smile and the author has captured the lively banter and spirit of an all male team, in this case an ice hockey team. My favourite team mate was Mickey – he made me laugh a lot.
The key characters, Robyn and Cole have a sparkly relationship although both have issues from the past that they haven’t yet resolved. The exact nature of these problems are gradually revealed as the story progresses and you can’t but help try to guess and re-guess what these demons are. The book touches on some more serious issues and there are a couple of emotional scenes but these are handled in an easy to read way, with a light touch that is in keeping with the genre.
It’s a dynamic, pocket rocket of a book so hold on to your hats and enjoy the ride!
There are some really fun and eccentric characters that make you smile and the author has captured the lively banter and spirit of an all male team, in this case an ice hockey team. My favourite team mate was Mickey – he made me laugh a lot.
The key characters, Robyn and Cole have a sparkly relationship although both have issues from the past that they haven’t yet resolved. The exact nature of these problems are gradually revealed as the story progresses and you can’t but help try to guess and re-guess what these demons are. The book touches on some more serious issues and there are a couple of emotional scenes but these are handled in an easy to read way, with a light touch that is in keeping with the genre.
It’s a dynamic, pocket rocket of a book so hold on to your hats and enjoy the ride!
May 10, 2013
Taking Charge is a romantic contemporary filled with laughter, crazy characters, and a hero and heroine who take love at first sight to a whole new level. Add in a failing hockey team, a dilapidated restaurant, and a pair of twins straight from The Shining and you have a book that will keep you laughing from page one.
Fans of Jennifer Crusie and SEP will gobble this one up.
Fans of Jennifer Crusie and SEP will gobble this one up.
April 15, 2013
very good! looking forward to reading more from this author.
February 4, 2013
What a sweet story! I have to admit, when I started this novel it seemed like it was going to be mostly humor-laden. Robyn's rapid-fire speech reminded me of Vince Vaughn in the movie Swingers. And honestly, I would have been okay with just that. However, the story turned out to be so much more and it was completely satisfying.
Robyn Matthers is a seemingly self-assured young woman returning home after years abroad. She left home when her parents divorced, her mother taking her to England. When we meet Robyn, we get the feeling there's much more to her story and Ms. Baggot carefully reveals Robyn's secrets throughout the course of the novel. Robyn is going home to take charge of things for her dad, who is in the hospital in need of a bypass. While making her way to her connecting flight, the handle on her dufflebag gives way spilling its contents. Fate must have had a hand in Robyn's affairs that day because a hunky gentleman stops to help Robyn and he just happens to be on his way to her hometown as well.
Cole Ryan is making a change in his life -- a much needed change. He's leaving some unpleasantness behind and looking to immerse himself in his work. When we meet Cole, we get the feeling that he, too, has a deeper story and it, too, is slowly unraveled as he and Robyn get to know one another better.
Between getting Robyn's dad's roadhouse back up and running, trying to get the local hockey team in better shape, taking care of her dad, dealing with disappointing lab results, crazy former boyfriends, best friends in a relationship crisis and a past that keeps coming back to haunt both Robyn and Cole, they still manage to fall in love. Or was it love at first sight??? Neither Robyn nor Cole is looking for a relationship. Both have many intricate layers peeled away little by little. There's a lot going on and their love affair happens quickly, but as Robyn's almost step-mom says, "when you know, you know - end of story." And when Cole says things like
"Robyn, life's too short to worry about everything, you know...what people say, what people do, what people think is right or wrong. Some people in life just aren't going to like what you do. Some people are going to be with you your whole life long and others are going to fall by the wayside for one reason or another. I want to be there your whole life long."
and
"...We're just right together, Robyn, don't ask me to explain it. When we first met, you bowled me over, just because you were you."
*swoon* Yeah, Cole's pretty awesome! :) Who could resist that, right?!?
The supporting case of characters is quirky and colorful and they play very important roles. There also so real, they're the type of characters who seem like your friends. There's Robyn's cranky dad whom she has to reconcile with since she hasn't seen him in 9 years. Robyn's almost step-mom, Nancy, who Robyn initially sees as a gold digger, ends up being one of her biggest allies. Robyn's friend Sarah is having a crisis of her won and that gives Robyn something else to focus on. Cole's mom is quite the characters and although we don't see her much, she certainly adds some humor to the story. There's also the hockey team - the Portage Panthers - and their presence provides comedic relief quite often. Oh, and I can't forget Robyn's aunt Pam and uncle Bob. The banter between these two...oh my!
This is a finely crafted tale. It has a bit of mystery, some action, definitely some romance, but it's all blended together with the perfect mix of humor. As the story unfolds and the bond between Robyn and Cole strengthens, we see the value of family and close friends. It is well paced, action packed and just plain fun! It's a novel proving the existence of love at first sight. But it's not only about love, it's also about the power of forgiveness, and healing. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Robyn Matthers is a seemingly self-assured young woman returning home after years abroad. She left home when her parents divorced, her mother taking her to England. When we meet Robyn, we get the feeling there's much more to her story and Ms. Baggot carefully reveals Robyn's secrets throughout the course of the novel. Robyn is going home to take charge of things for her dad, who is in the hospital in need of a bypass. While making her way to her connecting flight, the handle on her dufflebag gives way spilling its contents. Fate must have had a hand in Robyn's affairs that day because a hunky gentleman stops to help Robyn and he just happens to be on his way to her hometown as well.
Cole Ryan is making a change in his life -- a much needed change. He's leaving some unpleasantness behind and looking to immerse himself in his work. When we meet Cole, we get the feeling that he, too, has a deeper story and it, too, is slowly unraveled as he and Robyn get to know one another better.
Between getting Robyn's dad's roadhouse back up and running, trying to get the local hockey team in better shape, taking care of her dad, dealing with disappointing lab results, crazy former boyfriends, best friends in a relationship crisis and a past that keeps coming back to haunt both Robyn and Cole, they still manage to fall in love. Or was it love at first sight??? Neither Robyn nor Cole is looking for a relationship. Both have many intricate layers peeled away little by little. There's a lot going on and their love affair happens quickly, but as Robyn's almost step-mom says, "when you know, you know - end of story." And when Cole says things like
"Robyn, life's too short to worry about everything, you know...what people say, what people do, what people think is right or wrong. Some people in life just aren't going to like what you do. Some people are going to be with you your whole life long and others are going to fall by the wayside for one reason or another. I want to be there your whole life long."
and
"...We're just right together, Robyn, don't ask me to explain it. When we first met, you bowled me over, just because you were you."
*swoon* Yeah, Cole's pretty awesome! :) Who could resist that, right?!?
The supporting case of characters is quirky and colorful and they play very important roles. There also so real, they're the type of characters who seem like your friends. There's Robyn's cranky dad whom she has to reconcile with since she hasn't seen him in 9 years. Robyn's almost step-mom, Nancy, who Robyn initially sees as a gold digger, ends up being one of her biggest allies. Robyn's friend Sarah is having a crisis of her won and that gives Robyn something else to focus on. Cole's mom is quite the characters and although we don't see her much, she certainly adds some humor to the story. There's also the hockey team - the Portage Panthers - and their presence provides comedic relief quite often. Oh, and I can't forget Robyn's aunt Pam and uncle Bob. The banter between these two...oh my!
This is a finely crafted tale. It has a bit of mystery, some action, definitely some romance, but it's all blended together with the perfect mix of humor. As the story unfolds and the bond between Robyn and Cole strengthens, we see the value of family and close friends. It is well paced, action packed and just plain fun! It's a novel proving the existence of love at first sight. But it's not only about love, it's also about the power of forgiveness, and healing. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
September 18, 2012
After spending the last nine years running away from her past in London, Robyn Matthers is heading home to Portage, Michigan after her father falls ill and is admitted to the hospital. She is going to help him out by taking charge of his rundown bar, the Roadhouse and failing hockey team, the Portage Panthers.
Cole Ryan is a hockey player from Chicago, Illinois, who is moving to Portage, Michigan to work for a pharmaceutical company and escape his own painful past.
Robyn and Cole meet at the airport in Chicago while waiting for the connecting flight to Portage. When her backpack's strap breaks, Cole helps her retrieve the items that fell to the floor. They talked during the whole fight, and when they arrive in Portage, Robyn gives Cole a sizzling kiss goodbye and invites him to visit her father's bar. But coming home isn't going to be a bed of roses for Robyn, she's got a lot of issues to deal with and so does Cole. Can Robyn and Cole leave their troubled pasts behind, give into their mutual attraction, and take charge of their future?
Taking Charge is a fun romance novel that will keep you in stitches. Written in the third person narrative, the author weaves a heartwarming tale of romance with drama, comedy, and hockey added in the mix. The story has a lot of depth and emotions as it realistically deals with family and relationship issues, it will pull at your heartstrings. But it also has a lot of comedic relief in the form of the sassy one-liners, and tension filled drama in the hockey scenes.
The author has created a quirky cast of characters who are realistic, engaging and complex people. I absolutely loved Robyn's sassy personality: she's strong, bossy, feisty and demanding, she's a tell it like it is kind of girl! Cole has a laid back kind of personality, he takes things in stride and goes with the flow. But he also is the kind of guy that is fiercely loyal, caring and passionate. The author does a wonderful job with the character development, there are a lot of intriguing layers to both Robyn and Cole, the reader is easily drawn into the many twist and turns, it keeps you guessing how everything will turn out. I really enjoyed reading about Robyn and Cole's deep secrets and troubled pasts, and how their romantic relationship progressed as the story unfolded. The colorful supporting cast of characters, the smooth dialogues and humorous interactions make this one heck of an entertaining read.
Taking Charge is a wonderful romantic story that will take you on an emotional roller coaster ride with it's dramatic and comedic twists and turns, but ultimately it will leave you with a satisfied smile on your lips.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in the virtual book tour event hosted by Reading Addiction Blog Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
Cole Ryan is a hockey player from Chicago, Illinois, who is moving to Portage, Michigan to work for a pharmaceutical company and escape his own painful past.
Robyn and Cole meet at the airport in Chicago while waiting for the connecting flight to Portage. When her backpack's strap breaks, Cole helps her retrieve the items that fell to the floor. They talked during the whole fight, and when they arrive in Portage, Robyn gives Cole a sizzling kiss goodbye and invites him to visit her father's bar. But coming home isn't going to be a bed of roses for Robyn, she's got a lot of issues to deal with and so does Cole. Can Robyn and Cole leave their troubled pasts behind, give into their mutual attraction, and take charge of their future?
Taking Charge is a fun romance novel that will keep you in stitches. Written in the third person narrative, the author weaves a heartwarming tale of romance with drama, comedy, and hockey added in the mix. The story has a lot of depth and emotions as it realistically deals with family and relationship issues, it will pull at your heartstrings. But it also has a lot of comedic relief in the form of the sassy one-liners, and tension filled drama in the hockey scenes.
The author has created a quirky cast of characters who are realistic, engaging and complex people. I absolutely loved Robyn's sassy personality: she's strong, bossy, feisty and demanding, she's a tell it like it is kind of girl! Cole has a laid back kind of personality, he takes things in stride and goes with the flow. But he also is the kind of guy that is fiercely loyal, caring and passionate. The author does a wonderful job with the character development, there are a lot of intriguing layers to both Robyn and Cole, the reader is easily drawn into the many twist and turns, it keeps you guessing how everything will turn out. I really enjoyed reading about Robyn and Cole's deep secrets and troubled pasts, and how their romantic relationship progressed as the story unfolded. The colorful supporting cast of characters, the smooth dialogues and humorous interactions make this one heck of an entertaining read.
Taking Charge is a wonderful romantic story that will take you on an emotional roller coaster ride with it's dramatic and comedic twists and turns, but ultimately it will leave you with a satisfied smile on your lips.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in the virtual book tour event hosted by Reading Addiction Blog Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
May 28, 2012
Taking Charge begins with our female lead Robyn in Chicago. She’s at the airport waiting for a connection to Kalamazoo, Michigan. She’s not looking her best after all those hours of travelling from England! Her backpack breaks … enter male lead Cole Ryan who offers to help. They’re both on their way to Portage.
The story that follows takes the reader through Robyn facing the issues she’d left home for and Cole coming to terms with his past. They’re both trying to find a place to belong being driven by childhood issues and emotional wounds. Alongside this runs the sub-plot of best friend Sarah and her romance (as well as Robyn taking charge of the roadhouse and ice-hockey team).
Straight away Robyn comes across as a very sassy character. She is bossy, feisty, upfront and tells it as it is. This is a complete departure from the other stories I’ve read from this author where I’ve seen the female lead grow and evolve. For me, Robyn over-shadowed Cole and I didn’t feel their attraction as I have in past stories. I did enjoy watching the growing relationship with Robyn and her father Eddie and his partner Nancy. I’m always drawn to the dynamics in family relationships and this was quite a strong theme in Taking Charge.
Written in the third person, this allows the reader to see everyone’s point of view in the story. With Robyn’s character being a strong one, this does allow the reader to identify with Cole’s point of view and reasoning.
My predictions about the character responsible for causing Robyn to leave home were correct. This character was delineated brilliantly and the desperation was palpable.
The author’s writing style of dialogue is easy to read and the story moves at a fast pace which holds the reader’s attention. The most tension-filled moment for me was during an ice-hockey game. I also loved the team camaraderie!
In the ARC there are ice-hockey terms and a suggested music playlist at the beginning. I didn’t need to refer to the terms although I thought it was an added extra that they were there if I needed them.
Taking Charge for me was more about family dynamics than the relationship between Robyn and Cole but I can’t finish my review without saying that the timescale of their romance I found believable as we all are carried along on Robyn’s personality and the ending did leave a tear in my eye!
I would like to thank the publishers for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
PS My favourite novel from Mandy Baggot is Strings Attached!
The story that follows takes the reader through Robyn facing the issues she’d left home for and Cole coming to terms with his past. They’re both trying to find a place to belong being driven by childhood issues and emotional wounds. Alongside this runs the sub-plot of best friend Sarah and her romance (as well as Robyn taking charge of the roadhouse and ice-hockey team).
Straight away Robyn comes across as a very sassy character. She is bossy, feisty, upfront and tells it as it is. This is a complete departure from the other stories I’ve read from this author where I’ve seen the female lead grow and evolve. For me, Robyn over-shadowed Cole and I didn’t feel their attraction as I have in past stories. I did enjoy watching the growing relationship with Robyn and her father Eddie and his partner Nancy. I’m always drawn to the dynamics in family relationships and this was quite a strong theme in Taking Charge.
Written in the third person, this allows the reader to see everyone’s point of view in the story. With Robyn’s character being a strong one, this does allow the reader to identify with Cole’s point of view and reasoning.
My predictions about the character responsible for causing Robyn to leave home were correct. This character was delineated brilliantly and the desperation was palpable.
The author’s writing style of dialogue is easy to read and the story moves at a fast pace which holds the reader’s attention. The most tension-filled moment for me was during an ice-hockey game. I also loved the team camaraderie!
In the ARC there are ice-hockey terms and a suggested music playlist at the beginning. I didn’t need to refer to the terms although I thought it was an added extra that they were there if I needed them.
Taking Charge for me was more about family dynamics than the relationship between Robyn and Cole but I can’t finish my review without saying that the timescale of their romance I found believable as we all are carried along on Robyn’s personality and the ending did leave a tear in my eye!
I would like to thank the publishers for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
PS My favourite novel from Mandy Baggot is Strings Attached!
May 28, 2012
Robyn Matthers doesn’t date…but she will kiss random hot men in airports that come to her aid.
Robyn is heading back home to the states after spending 9 years in London. When her backpack breaks a Freddie Prinze Jr look-alike comes to her rescue. Fortunately they are on the same flight with the same destination in mind. Robyn is going back to visit her sick father and to ‘take charge’ of his failing roadhouse and hockey team. Cole is an ex hockey player who is going to work at the local pharmaceutical company. Both have a past that they are not proud of. But soon realize that together they can overcome their pasts and look towards a hopeful future and possibly a future together.
This is one of those books I didn't want to put down. Could it have been the Benadryl coma I was in earlier that afternoon leaving me wide awake at 1am? Sure. But it was also the storyline that kept my interest and the feisty characters with their witty banter that left me feeling like I was watching a tennis match. I loved it! I love when a character has a sarcastic wit to them and when you bring more than one to the table it’s a freaking party. But alas, I did have to put it down…at 2am. I took the tossing and turning of my hubby as a hint to turn off the lamp and come to bed.
Like I said earlier...I love sarcastic characters and I love the humor from all the conversations that Cole and Robyn had. The whole dialogue throughout the book was very real and natural; never forced. That was probably one reason I flew through the book. When conversations are more real the book flows better.
It seems I am leaning more towards chick lit lately...the one genre I was not overly crazy about before. I usually perfer a paranormal twist to my reads. But I adored the romance between Cole and Robyn and was loving the progression of it. My favorite thing about a book is the romance and Taking Charge was full of it. I believe you can fall in love in just a few short days. And it’s apparent the author thought so to…because she wrote a wonderful, believable story. The energy and connection she developed between these two characters was addictive. I just kept praying for the story to go on and never stop.
Thanks Amy Lichtenhan at Sapphire Star Publishing for asking me to be a part of the Taking Charge Blog Tour. I loved the book and know others will too!
Robyn is heading back home to the states after spending 9 years in London. When her backpack breaks a Freddie Prinze Jr look-alike comes to her rescue. Fortunately they are on the same flight with the same destination in mind. Robyn is going back to visit her sick father and to ‘take charge’ of his failing roadhouse and hockey team. Cole is an ex hockey player who is going to work at the local pharmaceutical company. Both have a past that they are not proud of. But soon realize that together they can overcome their pasts and look towards a hopeful future and possibly a future together.
This is one of those books I didn't want to put down. Could it have been the Benadryl coma I was in earlier that afternoon leaving me wide awake at 1am? Sure. But it was also the storyline that kept my interest and the feisty characters with their witty banter that left me feeling like I was watching a tennis match. I loved it! I love when a character has a sarcastic wit to them and when you bring more than one to the table it’s a freaking party. But alas, I did have to put it down…at 2am. I took the tossing and turning of my hubby as a hint to turn off the lamp and come to bed.
Like I said earlier...I love sarcastic characters and I love the humor from all the conversations that Cole and Robyn had. The whole dialogue throughout the book was very real and natural; never forced. That was probably one reason I flew through the book. When conversations are more real the book flows better.
It seems I am leaning more towards chick lit lately...the one genre I was not overly crazy about before. I usually perfer a paranormal twist to my reads. But I adored the romance between Cole and Robyn and was loving the progression of it. My favorite thing about a book is the romance and Taking Charge was full of it. I believe you can fall in love in just a few short days. And it’s apparent the author thought so to…because she wrote a wonderful, believable story. The energy and connection she developed between these two characters was addictive. I just kept praying for the story to go on and never stop.
Thanks Amy Lichtenhan at Sapphire Star Publishing for asking me to be a part of the Taking Charge Blog Tour. I loved the book and know others will too!
May 15, 2012
There's nothing more I hate about a book than an annoying character. And boy I was I annoyed with the main character of this book. Robyn said whatever she wanted, but in a 9-year-old kind of way. She would just blurt out whatever she felt like, no matter how rude, so I was very surprised when later it was said she was 25 instead of a teenager like I was expecting. Despite my annoyance with her, I decided to give the book a shot and read it all through. And I'm glad I did.
Though I was still annoyed with her over the top character, events that had taken place in Robyn's past were explained, making her personality understandable and necessary for the whole plot of the book. Despite her magically falling for the guy she just so happens to meet on a plane on the very first page of the book, the story ended up being quite enjoyable and had me reading in anticipation until the last page.
Robyn is returning home after spending 9 years in England. Her father is getting open heart surgery, so she is taking over his roadhouse and managing the local hockey team. I am absolutely obsessed with sports romances, so when Robyn met up with the team and Cole (the guy she met on the plane) said he played too, I knew I was going to like this book. There are so many things Robyn deals with when she comes back into town that there's never really a dull moment in the book.
Both Robyn and Cole are dealing with dark issues in their past and they try and overcome them together, which is really sweet. Despite Robyn's overconfident attitude, she's anything but perfect and coming back into town opens up scars from the past. All of the characters from her past are really unique and make the story. From her roughing-it Dad to her best friend from high school who's still with her high school boyfriend, every character has a special place in the storyline. I got to know each and every one of them without taking away from Robyn's story, which was a nice added aspect.
Overall, the enjoyable parts of the book greatly outweigh the bad parts. This book was a nice read and went by pretty quickly. If you're looking for something that has heart and nice characters, Taking Charge is the book for you!
Though I was still annoyed with her over the top character, events that had taken place in Robyn's past were explained, making her personality understandable and necessary for the whole plot of the book. Despite her magically falling for the guy she just so happens to meet on a plane on the very first page of the book, the story ended up being quite enjoyable and had me reading in anticipation until the last page.
Robyn is returning home after spending 9 years in England. Her father is getting open heart surgery, so she is taking over his roadhouse and managing the local hockey team. I am absolutely obsessed with sports romances, so when Robyn met up with the team and Cole (the guy she met on the plane) said he played too, I knew I was going to like this book. There are so many things Robyn deals with when she comes back into town that there's never really a dull moment in the book.
Both Robyn and Cole are dealing with dark issues in their past and they try and overcome them together, which is really sweet. Despite Robyn's overconfident attitude, she's anything but perfect and coming back into town opens up scars from the past. All of the characters from her past are really unique and make the story. From her roughing-it Dad to her best friend from high school who's still with her high school boyfriend, every character has a special place in the storyline. I got to know each and every one of them without taking away from Robyn's story, which was a nice added aspect.
Overall, the enjoyable parts of the book greatly outweigh the bad parts. This book was a nice read and went by pretty quickly. If you're looking for something that has heart and nice characters, Taking Charge is the book for you!
August 15, 2012
TAKING CHARGE was a nice romance. Robyn Matthers is, in the words of Cole Ryan, "straight talking, unpretentious, bossy, opinionated, determined" and just the girl for him. Cole Ryan meets her in the airport when the strap on her backpack breaks and he helps her pick up her stuff. They find out they are going to the same place - Portage, Michigan - and they spend the flight talking. Robyn is a real motor mouth who uses constant conversation to keep from worrying about the trip. She is on her way home to see her sick father. She has been gone nine years. She left with her mother and hasn't made trips back.
Cole is going there to work at a medical research lab. He has suffered the recent trauma of having his girlfriend dump him for his brother. He isn't ready for another relationship since he is still getting over the fallout of the last one. He not only lost a girlfriend but he lost his relationship with his brother too. But when Robyn says good-bye with a hot kiss, he may have to rethink this no relationship plan of his.
Robyn finds that lots has changed in the time she has been gone. Her father has a new fiance that Robyn is determined not to like, his roadhouse has gone downhill and become a hangout for bikers and druggies, and his beloved hockey team is now the worst in the league. Robyn needs to take charge and use all of her organizational skills to get things back on the right track. Keeping busy will also keep her from thinking about the reason she left town. She was raped on her way home from one of the hockey games and had to go through a trial where a neighbor boy who had a crush on her was convicted of the crime.
Now he is back in town and still proclaiming his innocence. New evidence has come to light that allows a new trial. And DNA evidence proves that he wasn't the rapist. That means the rapist is still around and Robyn is guilt stricken that the wrong person was convicted of the crime.
Cole and Robyn have a great relationship because each of them accepts the other despite their flaws and quirks. I really liked both Robyn and Cole and was pulling for them to get it right. Readers looking for a fun, light read that still has some emotional depth will enjoy this story.
Cole is going there to work at a medical research lab. He has suffered the recent trauma of having his girlfriend dump him for his brother. He isn't ready for another relationship since he is still getting over the fallout of the last one. He not only lost a girlfriend but he lost his relationship with his brother too. But when Robyn says good-bye with a hot kiss, he may have to rethink this no relationship plan of his.
Robyn finds that lots has changed in the time she has been gone. Her father has a new fiance that Robyn is determined not to like, his roadhouse has gone downhill and become a hangout for bikers and druggies, and his beloved hockey team is now the worst in the league. Robyn needs to take charge and use all of her organizational skills to get things back on the right track. Keeping busy will also keep her from thinking about the reason she left town. She was raped on her way home from one of the hockey games and had to go through a trial where a neighbor boy who had a crush on her was convicted of the crime.
Now he is back in town and still proclaiming his innocence. New evidence has come to light that allows a new trial. And DNA evidence proves that he wasn't the rapist. That means the rapist is still around and Robyn is guilt stricken that the wrong person was convicted of the crime.
Cole and Robyn have a great relationship because each of them accepts the other despite their flaws and quirks. I really liked both Robyn and Cole and was pulling for them to get it right. Readers looking for a fun, light read that still has some emotional depth will enjoy this story.
May 20, 2012
I was so looking forward to reading this, I love the cover and I have to admit that the photo of a certain ice-hockey player did raise my interest just a little bit! I loved having an image of the character in mind while I read the book, it made everything seem more real.
The start of this book was fantastic, it was intense and exciting – there was definitely a chemistry between Robyn and Cole right from the beginning!
I really loved Robyn, she has to be one of the best female characters I’ve read and I found myself completely caught up in her life. I liked how confident and random she was, she talked a lot and was extremely determined to get what she wanted. Underneath all that though you could tell that she was vulnerable and had some personal issues that she was dealing with.
Cole was perfect, well maybe he also had some issues but who doesn’t? He was gorgeous (just look at his photo, no further comment necessary), protective and despite having his own problems to handle he was always there for Robyn. Mandy says she writes characters you’ll fall in love with and I totally agree – I loved every single character in this story.
I also really took to Eddie and Max, they had me laughing out loud with their hospital antics, I could easily picture them behaving like cheeky schoolboys when they were supposed to be ill and taking better care of themselves.
There were so many great moments in this story that I really enjoyed – random kissing, crazy shopping trips, an interesting changing room shower scene, the list just goes on and on. There were also lots of secrets and some serious issues that I feel were dealt with accurately and honestly. My eyes welled up with tears on quite a few occasions whilst reading this book as those secrets were revealed and trusts were broken.
I absolutely couldn’t stop reading this, I was so completely involved in what was going on and just had to know what was going to happen next.
This is a romantic, fun story with a perfect ending – I would recommend it to anyone and everyone!
The start of this book was fantastic, it was intense and exciting – there was definitely a chemistry between Robyn and Cole right from the beginning!
I really loved Robyn, she has to be one of the best female characters I’ve read and I found myself completely caught up in her life. I liked how confident and random she was, she talked a lot and was extremely determined to get what she wanted. Underneath all that though you could tell that she was vulnerable and had some personal issues that she was dealing with.
Cole was perfect, well maybe he also had some issues but who doesn’t? He was gorgeous (just look at his photo, no further comment necessary), protective and despite having his own problems to handle he was always there for Robyn. Mandy says she writes characters you’ll fall in love with and I totally agree – I loved every single character in this story.
I also really took to Eddie and Max, they had me laughing out loud with their hospital antics, I could easily picture them behaving like cheeky schoolboys when they were supposed to be ill and taking better care of themselves.
There were so many great moments in this story that I really enjoyed – random kissing, crazy shopping trips, an interesting changing room shower scene, the list just goes on and on. There were also lots of secrets and some serious issues that I feel were dealt with accurately and honestly. My eyes welled up with tears on quite a few occasions whilst reading this book as those secrets were revealed and trusts were broken.
I absolutely couldn’t stop reading this, I was so completely involved in what was going on and just had to know what was going to happen next.
This is a romantic, fun story with a perfect ending – I would recommend it to anyone and everyone!
September 6, 2012
Wow, this was a wonderful read!
The story itself was pretty intriguing. Going back to a place where there was hurt in the past can be absolutely tough, but Robyn is determined to do what she needs to do and that is to 'Take Charge' of her Father's business affairs, while he's in the hospital. She's in charge of a Restaurant Business and Hockey Team, yes a hockey team, and that is what occupies Robyn's time but...she manages to still have these new feelings for hockey player, Cole, who has another profession up his sleeve. Something just electrifies between them, ever since the moment they first met, and it's a Romance not to miss! Apart from this, there is a mysterious aspect, something or someone from the past that made Robyn run to England in the first place, when she was 15/16, comes back to Robyn, coincidentally, when she comes back home, but is this a good or bad thing? Well, you just have to read for yourself, and I promise it is very good!
The writing was just wonderful, there was a good pace and flow, and I will definitely read more novels from Mandy Baggot! I felt that all the characters were well developed, even the ones that do not have a good outcome in this story. Robyn was a great character, who did have unfortunate things happen to her as a young teen, through her adult life, and I thought they were described and written very well, and they seemed believable to me, and I love that in a story; not just the situations, but the character(s) as to me it is then seen as realistic and they may connect with readers that makes this reading experience even better, so that was a big plus for me. I definitely could understand and connect with Robyn through some of her heartbreaking moments. Cole, another major character, was...a delight to read, and I just thought that he was a good guy and really perfect for Robyn. He too has been in his own fair share of tragedies, but the way Baggot connects these two characters is just something, you have to read this story, really!
The story itself was pretty intriguing. Going back to a place where there was hurt in the past can be absolutely tough, but Robyn is determined to do what she needs to do and that is to 'Take Charge' of her Father's business affairs, while he's in the hospital. She's in charge of a Restaurant Business and Hockey Team, yes a hockey team, and that is what occupies Robyn's time but...she manages to still have these new feelings for hockey player, Cole, who has another profession up his sleeve. Something just electrifies between them, ever since the moment they first met, and it's a Romance not to miss! Apart from this, there is a mysterious aspect, something or someone from the past that made Robyn run to England in the first place, when she was 15/16, comes back to Robyn, coincidentally, when she comes back home, but is this a good or bad thing? Well, you just have to read for yourself, and I promise it is very good!
The writing was just wonderful, there was a good pace and flow, and I will definitely read more novels from Mandy Baggot! I felt that all the characters were well developed, even the ones that do not have a good outcome in this story. Robyn was a great character, who did have unfortunate things happen to her as a young teen, through her adult life, and I thought they were described and written very well, and they seemed believable to me, and I love that in a story; not just the situations, but the character(s) as to me it is then seen as realistic and they may connect with readers that makes this reading experience even better, so that was a big plus for me. I definitely could understand and connect with Robyn through some of her heartbreaking moments. Cole, another major character, was...a delight to read, and I just thought that he was a good guy and really perfect for Robyn. He too has been in his own fair share of tragedies, but the way Baggot connects these two characters is just something, you have to read this story, really!
October 16, 2012
Ebook: Taking Charge
Author: Mandy Baggot
Fiction, romance
This review may contain spoilers
Summary: Is going back Robyn s only way forward? American-born Robyn Matthers is going home. With her dad in hospital, his roadhouse in ruins and the ice hockey team slipping down the league, she needs to take charge. But does she have the strength to do it? Cole Ryan is a hockey player on a personal mission. He s tall, dark, hot and Robyn s noticed But can she trust her feelings - or his? And what will Cole do when he finds out the truth about her? Robyn returns to Michigan and things aren’t quite the same. Her best friend has grown up and is thinking about marriage and babies, the ice hockey team is no longer the life blood of the community and her father is engaged When Robyn’s twin cousins drag up past events that hold painful memories for her, she and Cole are forced together. But are either of them ready to start something new? With an ill father, a trailer trash almost step-mom and ex-boyfriend Brad desperate for another chance, does Robyn have time to contemplate a relationship? Does she really want one? And is it physically possible for two people to fall in love in just three days?
The Review
Firstly, I would like to say I love that there is a playlist to go with this book, a lot of authors mention listening to music while writing, but half the time you never know which music to read the book too, so this is great.
OMG, the twist at the end of this one was so not expected, I had inclinations that it may have been the father at one point, when you read it you will understand what I mean, I loved how the characters were portrayed in this book, Robyn had so much on her plate and to think she took it all on, was a big plus in my mind, I liked that Cole stood by her even after hearing about what had happened to her, I am so glad she met Cole, they may have met after 3 days but I think they were made for each other, both had trauma’s in their lives which brought them closer together, Will be recommending this to all my friends, 4.5/5
Author: Mandy Baggot
Fiction, romance
This review may contain spoilers
Summary: Is going back Robyn s only way forward? American-born Robyn Matthers is going home. With her dad in hospital, his roadhouse in ruins and the ice hockey team slipping down the league, she needs to take charge. But does she have the strength to do it? Cole Ryan is a hockey player on a personal mission. He s tall, dark, hot and Robyn s noticed But can she trust her feelings - or his? And what will Cole do when he finds out the truth about her? Robyn returns to Michigan and things aren’t quite the same. Her best friend has grown up and is thinking about marriage and babies, the ice hockey team is no longer the life blood of the community and her father is engaged When Robyn’s twin cousins drag up past events that hold painful memories for her, she and Cole are forced together. But are either of them ready to start something new? With an ill father, a trailer trash almost step-mom and ex-boyfriend Brad desperate for another chance, does Robyn have time to contemplate a relationship? Does she really want one? And is it physically possible for two people to fall in love in just three days?
The Review
Firstly, I would like to say I love that there is a playlist to go with this book, a lot of authors mention listening to music while writing, but half the time you never know which music to read the book too, so this is great.
OMG, the twist at the end of this one was so not expected, I had inclinations that it may have been the father at one point, when you read it you will understand what I mean, I loved how the characters were portrayed in this book, Robyn had so much on her plate and to think she took it all on, was a big plus in my mind, I liked that Cole stood by her even after hearing about what had happened to her, I am so glad she met Cole, they may have met after 3 days but I think they were made for each other, both had trauma’s in their lives which brought them closer together, Will be recommending this to all my friends, 4.5/5
January 23, 2013
Synopsis: "Is going back Robyn s only way forward? American-born Robyn Matthers is going home. With her dad in hospital, his roadhouse in ruins and the ice hockey team slipping down the league, she needs to take charge. But does she have the strength to do it? Cole Ryan is a hockey player on a personal mission. He s tall, dark, hot and Robyn s noticed But can she trust her feelings - or his? And what will Cole do when he finds out the truth about her? Robyn returns to Michigan and things aren t quite the same. Her best friend has grown up and is thinking about marriage and babies, the ice hockey team is no longer the life blood of the community and her father is engaged When Robyn s twin cousins drag up past events that hold painful memories for her, she and Cole are forced together. But are either of them ready to start something new? With an ill father, a trailer trash almost step-mom and ex-boyfriend Brad desperate for another chance, does Robyn have time to contemplate a relationship? Does she really want one? And is it physically possible for two people to fall in love in just three days?"
My Review: So when you start reading Taking Charge you are expecting a typical romance with all the mush and a misunderstanding followed by a reconciliation finishing with more romance, but you quickly realize that this isn't a typical and predictable romance. I completely fell in love with Robyn, being another small town girl from the northern midwest where hockey is king and everyone knows everyone elses business. Cole is completely drool worthy in all ways, even with his flaws. After a comical introduction to the characters and scene, instead of following the usual storylines we are all use to, Baggot sends us on a very emotionally charged journey and tackling some very tough issues. It took me a few days after finishing it to fully absorb the emotions and drama Taking Charge put out there.
My Review: So when you start reading Taking Charge you are expecting a typical romance with all the mush and a misunderstanding followed by a reconciliation finishing with more romance, but you quickly realize that this isn't a typical and predictable romance. I completely fell in love with Robyn, being another small town girl from the northern midwest where hockey is king and everyone knows everyone elses business. Cole is completely drool worthy in all ways, even with his flaws. After a comical introduction to the characters and scene, instead of following the usual storylines we are all use to, Baggot sends us on a very emotionally charged journey and tackling some very tough issues. It took me a few days after finishing it to fully absorb the emotions and drama Taking Charge put out there.
July 24, 2012
I LOVE IT!
(may contain spoilers..)
This is not the average boy meets girl, or love at first sight kind of chick book.
Robyn and Cole met on their way to Michigan, her hometown which she abandoned for 9 years, she came back to take charge in the business and the hockey team her ill father used to manage. While Cole, who just moved from Chicago for work and to move on from his past relationship, falling in love was far from his plan, but he just can't resist the boyish, funny, babbles a lot, confident and spontaneous woman he just met.
There was something dark in Robyn's past that started to haunt her as soon as she arrived home. She found comfort in Cole, and so was he as he also dealt with his own past reappearing.
But, could they really be falling in love in just 3 days? :)
The supporting characters that marked were her ex-boyfriend Brad, who was trying desperately to win her back. Her best friend Sarah, frustrated to get married to her long time boyfriend Mickey, who hasn't thought of settling down anytime soon. Henrik, him being the non-American was also funny. Aunt Pam and Uncle Bob were very nice, while their annoying twins were so evil, but cute sometimes. Robyn's dad Eddie was a hardheaded ill man, Max, his roommate in the hospital was very funny too. Nancy, the trashy step mom. And, Jason, the man behind Robyn's dark past has also come back to town. Actually, almost everyone of them has their own moment even Milo and Martha, Cole's mom. (seems like i mentioned them all. hahaha)
The story has revelations on every chapter that made it so interesting to read, though drama were heavy on some part, the humor kept that heavy feeling at bay. I love Robyn's optimism. Nice! Nice! Nice! Mandy Baggot's literary pieces are definitely on my radar.
(may contain spoilers..)
This is not the average boy meets girl, or love at first sight kind of chick book.
Robyn and Cole met on their way to Michigan, her hometown which she abandoned for 9 years, she came back to take charge in the business and the hockey team her ill father used to manage. While Cole, who just moved from Chicago for work and to move on from his past relationship, falling in love was far from his plan, but he just can't resist the boyish, funny, babbles a lot, confident and spontaneous woman he just met.
There was something dark in Robyn's past that started to haunt her as soon as she arrived home. She found comfort in Cole, and so was he as he also dealt with his own past reappearing.
But, could they really be falling in love in just 3 days? :)
The supporting characters that marked were her ex-boyfriend Brad, who was trying desperately to win her back. Her best friend Sarah, frustrated to get married to her long time boyfriend Mickey, who hasn't thought of settling down anytime soon. Henrik, him being the non-American was also funny. Aunt Pam and Uncle Bob were very nice, while their annoying twins were so evil, but cute sometimes. Robyn's dad Eddie was a hardheaded ill man, Max, his roommate in the hospital was very funny too. Nancy, the trashy step mom. And, Jason, the man behind Robyn's dark past has also come back to town. Actually, almost everyone of them has their own moment even Milo and Martha, Cole's mom. (seems like i mentioned them all. hahaha)
The story has revelations on every chapter that made it so interesting to read, though drama were heavy on some part, the humor kept that heavy feeling at bay. I love Robyn's optimism. Nice! Nice! Nice! Mandy Baggot's literary pieces are definitely on my radar.
February 6, 2013
This was one of those stories that takes you by surprise at home much you liked it. It had a little bit of everything, including quirky characters you fall in love with. And it had hockey in it, so what's not to like???
When Robyn Matther's father winds up in the hospital, she comes back to her small Michigan town to help take care of him, along with his roadhouse and the hockey team he manages. What she finds when she get there is her father refusing to limit his intake of junk, the roadhouse on it's last leg and the town's beloved hockey team a shambles. Robyn's determined to turn all of those around, even while she's haunted by her past, trying to keep friends in the right place and finding the one man who loves her exactly as she is.
I loved Robyn. She was an emotional mess, considering what she had been through, but she was a lovable mess. She tended to run off at the mouth when she was nervous or uncomfortable and told it like it was at other times. But at her core, she was a woman who would do anything for her father even if that meant coming back to the one place she never intended to come back to.
Emotional messes seemed to run rampant in this small Michigan town and newcomer Cole added his to the heap. But he also knew, the moment he met Robyn in O'Hare airport, that she was the one that would have him, baggage and all. They were cute together, even when they were fighting. He let her run off on her tangents and she knew when he was quiet to let him stew a bit.
This story will having you laughing, a lot, and reaching for something to dab your tears with. It was an enjoyable read that had me just a little bit sad when it all ended.
When Robyn Matther's father winds up in the hospital, she comes back to her small Michigan town to help take care of him, along with his roadhouse and the hockey team he manages. What she finds when she get there is her father refusing to limit his intake of junk, the roadhouse on it's last leg and the town's beloved hockey team a shambles. Robyn's determined to turn all of those around, even while she's haunted by her past, trying to keep friends in the right place and finding the one man who loves her exactly as she is.
I loved Robyn. She was an emotional mess, considering what she had been through, but she was a lovable mess. She tended to run off at the mouth when she was nervous or uncomfortable and told it like it was at other times. But at her core, she was a woman who would do anything for her father even if that meant coming back to the one place she never intended to come back to.
Emotional messes seemed to run rampant in this small Michigan town and newcomer Cole added his to the heap. But he also knew, the moment he met Robyn in O'Hare airport, that she was the one that would have him, baggage and all. They were cute together, even when they were fighting. He let her run off on her tangents and she knew when he was quiet to let him stew a bit.
This story will having you laughing, a lot, and reaching for something to dab your tears with. It was an enjoyable read that had me just a little bit sad when it all ended.
September 10, 2012
I hadn't previously read anything by Mandy Baggot and can't say that I am a fan of sports romances, but this one was a lot of fun!
Robyn may have been a little outspoken and over-the-top, but I enjoyed her 'take charge' attitude. She shows you what she's made of right in the beginning when she gives a steamy good-bye kiss to Cole Ryan, a guy she met right before they both boarded the same plane to Portage, Michigan.
Robyn is coming home after 9 years in England because her dad has fallen ill and someone needs to step in to take care of his bar and his hockey team. Both are failing badly. Nancy, her father's fiancee, isn't helping the bar business any and Robyn does not lose any sleep not-liking her soon to be step-mom. Robyn hasn't been back to her hometown before now because of an incident that happened when she was a teenager. She thought she had put it behind her, but the past always has a way of rearing it's ugly head.
Cole Ryan has some baggage in his past as well. He lost his girlfriend and his brother in the same blow -yep, you guessed it - they were sleeping together. He is still a little shell-shocked over the break up, but when the whirlwind that is Robyn blows into his life, he might have to actually move forward.
I loved the humor infused through out the book and will definitely be watching for more Mandy Baggot in the future.
Robyn may have been a little outspoken and over-the-top, but I enjoyed her 'take charge' attitude. She shows you what she's made of right in the beginning when she gives a steamy good-bye kiss to Cole Ryan, a guy she met right before they both boarded the same plane to Portage, Michigan.
Robyn is coming home after 9 years in England because her dad has fallen ill and someone needs to step in to take care of his bar and his hockey team. Both are failing badly. Nancy, her father's fiancee, isn't helping the bar business any and Robyn does not lose any sleep not-liking her soon to be step-mom. Robyn hasn't been back to her hometown before now because of an incident that happened when she was a teenager. She thought she had put it behind her, but the past always has a way of rearing it's ugly head.
Cole Ryan has some baggage in his past as well. He lost his girlfriend and his brother in the same blow -yep, you guessed it - they were sleeping together. He is still a little shell-shocked over the break up, but when the whirlwind that is Robyn blows into his life, he might have to actually move forward.
I loved the humor infused through out the book and will definitely be watching for more Mandy Baggot in the future.
May 23, 2013
After couple of years spent in England, Robyn finally comes home in US. The reason she comes back, her ill father. At the airport she meets Cole. And the romance begins.
Both Robyn and Cole have emotional scars. Robyn was raped nine years ago. That's why she had to leave. But the case is reopened now and there is a possibility that the man convicted for the rape isn't guilty at all. On the other side, Cole caught his girlfriend cheating him with his brother, and now she is pregnant.
I liked the emotional side of the story. Both main characters are coping with the past. They have to face the past in order to go on in the future. It's not that easy to forgive and forget.
I liked the supportive characters also. I liked Robyn's best friend, girl friend. Robyn's father and his hospital roommate are funny and interesting, especially when they talk about food.
Don't get me wrong, I liked the book, I really did. Three stars are there just because the whole story was somehow cliche. Something already seen in so many books.The romantic part was the cliche that I didn't like. Falling in love for five days is like reading one of Harlequin books. They are just not my cup of tea.
It's lovely emotional romantic story. It was highly recommended by friends of mine. You will laugh and cry. I love Mandy Baggot, but this wasn't the best of her. Sorry.
Both Robyn and Cole have emotional scars. Robyn was raped nine years ago. That's why she had to leave. But the case is reopened now and there is a possibility that the man convicted for the rape isn't guilty at all. On the other side, Cole caught his girlfriend cheating him with his brother, and now she is pregnant.
I liked the emotional side of the story. Both main characters are coping with the past. They have to face the past in order to go on in the future. It's not that easy to forgive and forget.
I liked the supportive characters also. I liked Robyn's best friend, girl friend. Robyn's father and his hospital roommate are funny and interesting, especially when they talk about food.
Don't get me wrong, I liked the book, I really did. Three stars are there just because the whole story was somehow cliche. Something already seen in so many books.The romantic part was the cliche that I didn't like. Falling in love for five days is like reading one of Harlequin books. They are just not my cup of tea.
It's lovely emotional romantic story. It was highly recommended by friends of mine. You will laugh and cry. I love Mandy Baggot, but this wasn't the best of her. Sorry.
May 7, 2012
Robin back home in America after nine years living in UK. Her dad is in hospital.
She wants to take charge in roadhouse and in everything in her life.
She is very tough girl, simple and she talks too much, I adore her.
Cole Ryan is every woman’s desire, hot, good looking and sensitive. He is hockey player. They meet on airport.
What can happen in tree days?
Everybody had secrets, but what can happen when they reveal their secrets?
Brad, Robin’s ex boyfriend, who desperate wants her back in his life.
Aunt Pam, o my God, from where she comes, she so sweet almost unreal, so nice and sensitive woman.
I laugh to Max old man in the hospital who lay with Robin’s father. They seem to me like those two old mans in Muppet Show on the balcony.
When I read this book I enjoy in every single moment. I couldn’t wait to the end of day, because I just only then I know that my obligations in my work and home is over. Then when everybody go to sleep I sit in my bed and took my tiny laptop and read, read, read till the end of the night. I must admit that I have fun all the time till I read this book. It’s funny I laugh most of the time and cry little bit in some parts of the book.
She wants to take charge in roadhouse and in everything in her life.
She is very tough girl, simple and she talks too much, I adore her.
Cole Ryan is every woman’s desire, hot, good looking and sensitive. He is hockey player. They meet on airport.
What can happen in tree days?
Everybody had secrets, but what can happen when they reveal their secrets?
Brad, Robin’s ex boyfriend, who desperate wants her back in his life.
Aunt Pam, o my God, from where she comes, she so sweet almost unreal, so nice and sensitive woman.
I laugh to Max old man in the hospital who lay with Robin’s father. They seem to me like those two old mans in Muppet Show on the balcony.
When I read this book I enjoy in every single moment. I couldn’t wait to the end of day, because I just only then I know that my obligations in my work and home is over. Then when everybody go to sleep I sit in my bed and took my tiny laptop and read, read, read till the end of the night. I must admit that I have fun all the time till I read this book. It’s funny I laugh most of the time and cry little bit in some parts of the book.
April 4, 2013
Baggot adds a masculine edge to a typical chick lit/romance plot and takes the reader on a refreshing and exciting new journey. Our protagonist is Robyn Matthers – a no nonsense, small town, sports-loving kinda gal – who takes efficiency to a whole new level when she returns to her home town to take control of her sick dad’s restaurant and hockey team. On the outside, Robyn’s tackles issues in a direct manner that most women would envy, especially her head-on approach to the men in her life; metaphorically speaking, this woman has balls of steel.
But, as with any good story, there’s the trauma of old wounds bubbling beneath the surface that’s just waiting to explode back into the forefront of the characters’ lives. The romance between Robyn and Cole works nicely throughout the book, they are both damaged in the worst ways possible and this seems to make them a good fit. The fast momentum of their relationship, which helps them both to let go of their pasts, ensures the story moves with a natural flow, even though the timeline is actually quite short. The plot twist rocks the book to its very core and will leave you utterly gob smacked. You’ll no doubt be eager to read more from this author.
Review by Charlotte Foreman on behalf of BestChickLit.com
But, as with any good story, there’s the trauma of old wounds bubbling beneath the surface that’s just waiting to explode back into the forefront of the characters’ lives. The romance between Robyn and Cole works nicely throughout the book, they are both damaged in the worst ways possible and this seems to make them a good fit. The fast momentum of their relationship, which helps them both to let go of their pasts, ensures the story moves with a natural flow, even though the timeline is actually quite short. The plot twist rocks the book to its very core and will leave you utterly gob smacked. You’ll no doubt be eager to read more from this author.
Review by Charlotte Foreman on behalf of BestChickLit.com
dropped
June 16, 2013Got a half of the way in and had to drop it. You know this books that have conflict all throughout the book and all is solved at the end? And on the other end of the spectra there are these books that have very little conflict, just nice quiet romance? Well this book is the middle of the two- crazy drama ensues only to be rapidly solved the next chapter in the most obscure fashion you start to wonder why there was a conflict to begin with and then you remember: the heroine is the most infuriating character ever. The hero was fine even tho he seemed to be too perfect and too forgiving- I don't know what he saw in the heroine she can't make up her mind, she babbles incessantly, and she's too cold for me to call her antics cute. Ugh this sucks cuz I really wanted to like this one cuz it mixes trauma, sports, a toughie female, and Michigan:)
March 28, 2014
4.5/5 stars
What a great book! I loved the MC & almost all the supporting characters. They were all so quirky & interesting & there were a lot of funny, lighthearted moments to counteract the sad backgrounds.
I especially loved Eddie's hilarious hospital roommate, Max. He had some of the best lines in the book!
Anyway, some of the hockey stuff was far-fetched (like allowing anyone off the street to play on a semi professional team, allowing the manager's daughter to take over for him, swapping out players with ones not even on the roster, etc) but that wasn't supposed to be the main focus anyway.
Both Robyn & Cole had been hurt before & it was amazing to see them connect & bond so easily. It might seem unrealistic to some, but it just felt right for these two. They both SO deserved their happily ever after.
What a great book! I loved the MC & almost all the supporting characters. They were all so quirky & interesting & there were a lot of funny, lighthearted moments to counteract the sad backgrounds.
I especially loved Eddie's hilarious hospital roommate, Max. He had some of the best lines in the book!
Anyway, some of the hockey stuff was far-fetched (like allowing anyone off the street to play on a semi professional team, allowing the manager's daughter to take over for him, swapping out players with ones not even on the roster, etc) but that wasn't supposed to be the main focus anyway.
Both Robyn & Cole had been hurt before & it was amazing to see them connect & bond so easily. It might seem unrealistic to some, but it just felt right for these two. They both SO deserved their happily ever after.
May 4, 2013
The characters are generally likeable, but everything in this book moves at such a frantic pace. Realistically, Robyn wouldn't be able to turn around a roadhouse and manage a hockey team and reconcile with her father and plan a wedding all at the same time. The quick attitude changes were too abrupt and seemed to have no basis or reason: Nancy became helpful and friendly between one visit and the next, and the twins suddenly started behaving themselves. As for the mystery, I figured out the truth early on . Still, it was a quick read, and it kept my attention.
January 17, 2013
Very one dimensional, predictable and flat. The female protagonist was poorly developed, with no substance and the romantic element of the book was just flat out weird. There was no chemistry between Robyn and Cole, it felt as if they were thrust together! No build-up for the climax and the romance scenes were luke warm at best.
While the plot had promise, the story flow was way too fast and the lack of character and story development made everything very one dimensional. I am not even going to mention the poor sentence structure.
While the plot had promise, the story flow was way too fast and the lack of character and story development made everything very one dimensional. I am not even going to mention the poor sentence structure.
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