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I Do . . . or Die
"Always a bridesmaid, never a bride" is Shelby Atwood's personal credo. She's managed to avoid commitment all her life - no pets, no plants, not even a long-term lease. Heck, she's had colds last longer than her romantic relationships. How could she be any other way when she has a gigolo for a father?
But then gunfire erupts at the latest wedding she's agreed to be in, and it ends up being the best thing to happen to Shelby's love life. Detective Ryan Nichols is assigned to the case, and when the shootings don't stop, he becomes her 24-hour bodyguard. Shelby wouldn't mind except Ryan is too appealing, too sexy, and too happy to remind her of the raucous bachelorette party when she mistook him for a stripper.
Shelby's plan is simple: find the shooter, have a fling with Ryan, and return to her non-committal life. Unfortunately, the shooter is very elusive. Shelby's feelings for Ryan are way more than adrenaline-fueled lust. And returning to her normal life is now impossible since, despite her lifelong resistance, she's managed to put her heart smack dab in the line of fire.
"Sensuality Level: Sensual"
But then gunfire erupts at the latest wedding she's agreed to be in, and it ends up being the best thing to happen to Shelby's love life. Detective Ryan Nichols is assigned to the case, and when the shootings don't stop, he becomes her 24-hour bodyguard. Shelby wouldn't mind except Ryan is too appealing, too sexy, and too happy to remind her of the raucous bachelorette party when she mistook him for a stripper.
Shelby's plan is simple: find the shooter, have a fling with Ryan, and return to her non-committal life. Unfortunately, the shooter is very elusive. Shelby's feelings for Ryan are way more than adrenaline-fueled lust. And returning to her normal life is now impossible since, despite her lifelong resistance, she's managed to put her heart smack dab in the line of fire.
"Sensuality Level: Sensual"
504 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 10, 2012
5 people are currently reading
315 people want to read
About the author
Donna Cummings
32 books120 followersI write humorously-ever-after romance, because I'm a big fan of stories where the hero and heroine banter and laugh and manage to fall in love while doing all kinds of fun (and sometimes crazy) things.
And don't forget the sexy times! Because we all know if someone is trying to make you laugh, they definitely are interested in pleasing you. I promise my stories will have lots of banter, laughter, sexy times, and of course love—everything you need for a guaranteed HEA.
And don't forget the sexy times! Because we all know if someone is trying to make you laugh, they definitely are interested in pleasing you. I promise my stories will have lots of banter, laughter, sexy times, and of course love—everything you need for a guaranteed HEA.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 19, 2014
Full disclosure: The author, Donna Cummings and I are twitter friends. We trade quips. She steals my coffee fae. I lure him back. We're good. And anyone who knows me understands that I'm honest--sometimes brutally so--when it comes to reviews. You'll notice this book got 5 stars from me. Why? Because the first night I started reading it, I was up until 3 a.m. The only reason I stopped reading was because I couldn't actually make out the words on my Kindle. And also, because I scared my Newfoundlands AND my cat because I was laughing so hard. Donna's voice reminds me of Darynda Jones' only in a contemporary romantic comedy not a sexy paranormal...comedy/thriller.“Always a bridesmaid, never a bride” is Shelby Atwood's personal credo. She’s managed to avoid commitment all her life – no pets, no plants, not even a long-term lease. Heck, she’s had colds last longer than her romantic relationships. How could she be any other way when she has a gigolo for a father?"
Shelby is adorable. Ryan is sexy, funny, caring, protective...did I mention sexy. And funny? I had a blast reading this book. If you're looking for something to lighten your mood, this just might do it for you!
February 13, 2013
I Do . . . Or Die (Crimson Romance) is a story that will have you laughing-out-loud from the first page to the last!
Shelby Atwood, the heroine, doesn’t do commitment; is always a bridesmaid [and sometimes four times, as for her best friend Alexa], never a bride, and in her own words, the eternal bachelorette who’s now dodging gunfire at the Alexa’s fourth wedding!
Detective Ryan Nichols is sexy and giving our heroine his attention, and not all professional!
Together they are cute, sexy, and better than Bogie & Bacall!
This story isn’t too long, but it isn’t short either [just under 300 pages], however with its fast pace, numerous comedic scenes and funny banter between everyone you meet, will without a doubt keep you entertained ‘till the end. Characters, dialogue and the situations they find themselves in, are so real that I felt I was right there with them!
Donna Cummings wrote this little gem not just to satisfy a romantic in me, she wanted also to touch and tickle every funny bone in my body, ‘till they all hurt!
If you’ve been lately into some heavy reading, this story will cleanse your palate and lighten your day. I’d say it’s a perfect February read and I highly recommend it.
Mel for b2b
*Book provided by the author.
Shelby Atwood, the heroine, doesn’t do commitment; is always a bridesmaid [and sometimes four times, as for her best friend Alexa], never a bride, and in her own words, the eternal bachelorette who’s now dodging gunfire at the Alexa’s fourth wedding!
Detective Ryan Nichols is sexy and giving our heroine his attention, and not all professional!
Together they are cute, sexy, and better than Bogie & Bacall!
This story isn’t too long, but it isn’t short either [just under 300 pages], however with its fast pace, numerous comedic scenes and funny banter between everyone you meet, will without a doubt keep you entertained ‘till the end. Characters, dialogue and the situations they find themselves in, are so real that I felt I was right there with them!
Donna Cummings wrote this little gem not just to satisfy a romantic in me, she wanted also to touch and tickle every funny bone in my body, ‘till they all hurt!
If you’ve been lately into some heavy reading, this story will cleanse your palate and lighten your day. I’d say it’s a perfect February read and I highly recommend it.
Mel for b2b
*Book provided by the author.
April 29, 2013
This book was a whole lot of fun. It made me laugh and at the end I had tears in my eyes. The banter between Shelby and Ryan is highly entertaining. Even when the two are in the middle of page turning danger, Shelby had me giggling. Oh, and I can't forget to mention the back and forth with Ryan's cat. Funny stuff.
Donna's writing style is clever and enchanting. It simply put me in a good mood. I highlighted many sections that I wanted to remember, so it's hard for me to pick just one quote. Okay, here's one thought from Shelby:
Why was he affecting me so much? It felt like I'd gotten stuck in the middle of my lust cycle, one I didn't even know I had. Was it because of the wedding, or because of the bullets?
Only Shelby could have a conundrum like that, lol. Shelby's plan may be simple, but now she's brought her heart into the mix. Nothing is going to be the same. So much fun. I highly recommend I Do... or Die to anyone who enjoys Contemporary Romance.
Donna's writing style is clever and enchanting. It simply put me in a good mood. I highlighted many sections that I wanted to remember, so it's hard for me to pick just one quote. Okay, here's one thought from Shelby:
Why was he affecting me so much? It felt like I'd gotten stuck in the middle of my lust cycle, one I didn't even know I had. Was it because of the wedding, or because of the bullets?
Only Shelby could have a conundrum like that, lol. Shelby's plan may be simple, but now she's brought her heart into the mix. Nothing is going to be the same. So much fun. I highly recommend I Do... or Die to anyone who enjoys Contemporary Romance.
January 24, 2013
If you like a fun breezy romance with some mystery and danger thrown in, look no further. I Do...or Die will have you grinning and laughing as you turn each page--and keep you guessing until the end. The author did an exceptional job of creating a quirky heroine and a hunky detective who share some of the best bantering dialogue I've read. The book is told for the point of view of the heroine, Shelby Atwood, with a plethora of lot of tongue-in-cheek observations.
Commitment-phobic, Shelby, the perpetual bridesmaid, never a bride, is trying to live down the infamous `okra incident' (trust me, it's priceless) that stalled her career when she suddenly finds herself the target of an unknown assailant who's taking potshots at her with a gun. Enter Detective Ryan Nichols. Sexy, hunky Detective Nichols. If Shelby's life wasn't already turned upside down as a walking target, the lusty feelings she has for Ryan add to her confusion. Especially when he reciprocates. The more time they spend together, the more Shelby realizes what she feels for Ryan is deeper than superficial attraction. Could she be falling in love? Could the poster-child for no-strings-attachments be headed to long-term commitment? You'll have to find the book to discover the delightful answers. Be prepared to laugh and cheer along the way.
One other thing I have to mention is how much I enjoyed the interaction between Shelby and Ryan's cat, Serena. Definitely a fun bonus!
Commitment-phobic, Shelby, the perpetual bridesmaid, never a bride, is trying to live down the infamous `okra incident' (trust me, it's priceless) that stalled her career when she suddenly finds herself the target of an unknown assailant who's taking potshots at her with a gun. Enter Detective Ryan Nichols. Sexy, hunky Detective Nichols. If Shelby's life wasn't already turned upside down as a walking target, the lusty feelings she has for Ryan add to her confusion. Especially when he reciprocates. The more time they spend together, the more Shelby realizes what she feels for Ryan is deeper than superficial attraction. Could she be falling in love? Could the poster-child for no-strings-attachments be headed to long-term commitment? You'll have to find the book to discover the delightful answers. Be prepared to laugh and cheer along the way.
One other thing I have to mention is how much I enjoyed the interaction between Shelby and Ryan's cat, Serena. Definitely a fun bonus!
May 29, 2013
You know how sometimes you need a silly, light, overpacked on the fluff, well written story? Wellllll..... this is it.
We have a secure in herself but not in her ability to commit, Shelby.
We have hot, sure, hot, adorable, hot, funny, hot and hot cop, Ryan. Sorry, detective!
And we have some idiot trying to shoot Shelby. While she's fulfilling her maid of honor in her best friend's 4th (Yes, FOURTH!) wedding.
I'm not even going to put in quotes, because you need them in context, but they're funneh.
The inner thoughts and ridiculousness of the fantastical realism in this story kind of made me want to live in Donna's mind. So if anyone needs a break from angst, drama, teen confusion or just a really fun read, this is it.
I didn't know how to rate this one, but honestly, I can't see any reason not to give it 5 stars. It supplied exactly what I got from the premise, and from my occasional twitter chats with Donna. Funny girl, funny words, funny romance.
We have a secure in herself but not in her ability to commit, Shelby.
We have hot, sure, hot, adorable, hot, funny, hot and hot cop, Ryan. Sorry, detective!
And we have some idiot trying to shoot Shelby. While she's fulfilling her maid of honor in her best friend's 4th (Yes, FOURTH!) wedding.
I'm not even going to put in quotes, because you need them in context, but they're funneh.
The inner thoughts and ridiculousness of the fantastical realism in this story kind of made me want to live in Donna's mind. So if anyone needs a break from angst, drama, teen confusion or just a really fun read, this is it.
I didn't know how to rate this one, but honestly, I can't see any reason not to give it 5 stars. It supplied exactly what I got from the premise, and from my occasional twitter chats with Donna. Funny girl, funny words, funny romance.
November 9, 2014
I Do ... Or Die is an absolute delight! Donna Cummings writes with such a fresh, hilarious voice, and I found myself literally laughing until tears came to my eyes at times. The relationship between Shelby and Ryan is so entertaining and at the same time so full of heat that I couldn't put the book down. I was so involved in this story that I just stumbled around the house with my Kindle in hand, not wanting to miss a word. For fans of romance and women's fiction, this one is a must read!
November 22, 2012
4.5 stars
This was a humorous and romantic thriller. So much fun, lots of anticipation and quite a few hot scenes as well.
Full review can be found at Risqué Reviews
This was a humorous and romantic thriller. So much fun, lots of anticipation and quite a few hot scenes as well.
Full review can be found at Risqué Reviews
December 27, 2012
This was a fun read with terrific sexual tension and some of the best banter I've read this year. If you like contemporary romance with sizzle and sass, you should try this one by an author whom I hope to see publishing more books in 2013.
March 1, 2013
Okay, so this book just has everything that I absolutely love about a great romance novel! Donna Cummings blended the perfect mix of humor, suspense, and lusty-sexy, then tossed in some absolutely lovable characters to make one entertaining story that I enjoyed from start to finish!
Shelby is one of those heroines who I would just love to have for a BFF, because she literally brightens every situation with her personality. I loved her as soon as her quirkiness became evident in the hilarity of her narration, and she kept me thoroughly amused as she fumbled her way through her ordeal!
"He probably liked to work out all the time, while I -- well, I did try to lift my martini glass with alternating hands, so I could evenly develop my bicep muscles. But I couldn't do that every day. My liver was too delicate for that kind of exercise regime." ~ Shelby LOC 457
Between her best friend's frequent flier miles with weddings and a father who seemed incapable of being faithful, Shelby was determined to stay single. That hadn't been a problem in the past, but the sexy and charming detective Ryan who is assigned to her case rattled her resolve. The flirty banter they shared and his role as her knight in shining armor were enough to sway any sensible woman, but really Ryan was just too adorable and sexy to not fall head over heels for him!
"I also knew it wasn't such a great idea to hang around Detective Sexy Pants much longer. He made me feel all lusty, for one thing. And for another thing, he made me feel all lusty. " ~Shelby LOC 1522
As bullets were flying and Shelby and Ryan were playing duck and cover, she handled it with all the grace she could muster...which wasn't much, so it was hilarious! Shelby was definitely a tough cookie when it came down to it, though, and it was a big part of what won over bachelor Ryan. They faced one intense moment after another, and it doesn't end when the bullets stop flying. Shelby had some serious fears to overcome, but would Ryan wait for her to work through her doubts???
With action, plenty of steaminess to fog the mirrors, and humor that will have you grinning right along with Detective Smirky, this is a must-read and I highly recommend it with 5 enthusiastic stars!!
Shelby is one of those heroines who I would just love to have for a BFF, because she literally brightens every situation with her personality. I loved her as soon as her quirkiness became evident in the hilarity of her narration, and she kept me thoroughly amused as she fumbled her way through her ordeal!
"He probably liked to work out all the time, while I -- well, I did try to lift my martini glass with alternating hands, so I could evenly develop my bicep muscles. But I couldn't do that every day. My liver was too delicate for that kind of exercise regime." ~ Shelby LOC 457
Between her best friend's frequent flier miles with weddings and a father who seemed incapable of being faithful, Shelby was determined to stay single. That hadn't been a problem in the past, but the sexy and charming detective Ryan who is assigned to her case rattled her resolve. The flirty banter they shared and his role as her knight in shining armor were enough to sway any sensible woman, but really Ryan was just too adorable and sexy to not fall head over heels for him!
"I also knew it wasn't such a great idea to hang around Detective Sexy Pants much longer. He made me feel all lusty, for one thing. And for another thing, he made me feel all lusty. " ~Shelby LOC 1522
As bullets were flying and Shelby and Ryan were playing duck and cover, she handled it with all the grace she could muster...which wasn't much, so it was hilarious! Shelby was definitely a tough cookie when it came down to it, though, and it was a big part of what won over bachelor Ryan. They faced one intense moment after another, and it doesn't end when the bullets stop flying. Shelby had some serious fears to overcome, but would Ryan wait for her to work through her doubts???
With action, plenty of steaminess to fog the mirrors, and humor that will have you grinning right along with Detective Smirky, this is a must-read and I highly recommend it with 5 enthusiastic stars!!
October 19, 2013
I received this novel from the author, Donna Cummings, in exchange for an honest review, and I absolutely LOVED this novel! The story begins with the main character, Shelby, in her best friend, Alexa's, wedding. During the first chapter, we learn that this isn't Alexa's first wedding and that Shelby is completely against marriages; she's practically a commitaphobe. Before Alexa and her beloved husband, Jordan, could say, "I do," Alexa is shot and everything becomes a huge mystery after that. At the hospital, Shelby meets Detective Ryan. He offers to bring her home and that's when they find out that Shelby is the target for the shooter, not Alexa. When Ryan elects himself to be Shelby's full-time bodyguard, tensions rise high, and Shelby begins feeling things that she's never felt before. I absolutely enjoyed this novel from beginning to end. I thought the relationships in the book were well developed and enjoyable to read. Overall, this was one of the best novels I've read in 2013!
January 26, 2013
Ms. Cummings has proven yet again that she has a great sense of humor and can really build it well into a story. Not only is the dialogue funny but she can also build the scene and actions to make it a complete picture. The story is super sexy but not overrun at all with sex but when it comes its smokin’! Don’t expect a super serious murder for hire story but there is definitely angst when it comes to who is shooting at whom and what will happen when Ryan realizes Shelby is a commitment phobe.
I Do…or Die is a lovely romantic read and Ms. Cummings has made it onto my auto-buy list!
Please see Lady McNeill's complete review and a very funny interview with Ryan on January 28, 2013 at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
I Do…or Die is a lovely romantic read and Ms. Cummings has made it onto my auto-buy list!
Please see Lady McNeill's complete review and a very funny interview with Ryan on January 28, 2013 at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
June 22, 2014
Absolutely best opening line I have ever read:
"You just don't expect to see gunfire at a wedding."
I was hooked from then on out. The characters were lovely...hilarious and thoughtful. I Loved the writing...the narrator was so witty and quick....I loved her and her love interest was perfect. Their chemistry was great. Also, the back stories were very unique and colorful. I just had such a great time reading this book. Definitely loved this book and looking forward to more contemporary romance from Donna Cummings.
"You just don't expect to see gunfire at a wedding."
I was hooked from then on out. The characters were lovely...hilarious and thoughtful. I Loved the writing...the narrator was so witty and quick....I loved her and her love interest was perfect. Their chemistry was great. Also, the back stories were very unique and colorful. I just had such a great time reading this book. Definitely loved this book and looking forward to more contemporary romance from Donna Cummings.
July 9, 2014
Absolutely best opening line I have ever read:
"You just don't expect to see gunfire at a wedding."
I was hooked from then on out. The characters were lovely...hilarious and thoughtful. I Loved the writing...the narrator was so witty and quick....I loved her and her love interest was perfect. Their chemistry was great. Also, the back stories were very unique and colorful. I just had such a great time reading this book. Definitely loved this book and looking forward to more contemporary romance from Donna Cummings.
-Review by Emily Poule
"You just don't expect to see gunfire at a wedding."
I was hooked from then on out. The characters were lovely...hilarious and thoughtful. I Loved the writing...the narrator was so witty and quick....I loved her and her love interest was perfect. Their chemistry was great. Also, the back stories were very unique and colorful. I just had such a great time reading this book. Definitely loved this book and looking forward to more contemporary romance from Donna Cummings.
-Review by Emily Poule
July 2, 2015
I Do... or Die - Donna Cummings Real funny and witty! Not a masterpiece or extremely intelligent plot just fun fun fun.I loved the relationship between Ryan and Shelby and the way it progressed during the book. their witty exchanges and Shelby's honest and "naughty" POV made this book fun and easy. A sweet book to breeze through in a day or two and put it down with a smile (after laughing your ass of half of the book :D).
January 7, 2013
Romantic, laugh out loud love story!
Full review coming on www.mrsconditreadsbooks.com
Full review coming on www.mrsconditreadsbooks.com
September 9, 2013
This is an excellent book. I laughed so hard I had to read the hospital scene to my family. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!! Highly recommend!
August 3, 2016
3.5 stars!
Loved me some Ryan! Absolutely, LOVED the banter between Shelby and Ryan, too fricken funny.
Loved me some Ryan! Absolutely, LOVED the banter between Shelby and Ryan, too fricken funny.
July 6, 2014
Love!!
I loved this story and loved the characters! I hope this becomes a series. it is definitely a must read.
I loved this story and loved the characters! I hope this becomes a series. it is definitely a must read.
July 13, 2014
Cute and funny
July 17, 2014
Very cute book. The mystery part, not so much a mystery, well, not the first part of if anyway. I really liked the love story. All in all worth the read.
July 7, 2014
This book started out as four stars for me but unfortunately deteriorated to a two star. While I really love the author's ability to come up with hilarious, snarky comments, I found it exhausting to read the inner thoughts of the heroine when every single thought was snarky humor. I would have enjoyed this book a lot more if the humor had been sprinkled in instead of crammed down my throat. It's really too bad because I ended up skimming that last fifty percent of the book for the dialog because I'd just couldn't take it anymore.
But if that is your thing then you will love this book.
I have to say Ryan was adorable and the perfect swoon worthy hero. The whole bit with the policeman stripper thing was really funny and I loved his competitive nature with his brother. His character was highly entertaining and who doesn't love the whole alpha male / caveman / I will protect you bit? Shelby would have been lovable too minus 50% of the humor/snarkiness. Maybe this story would have worked better in alternating POV to break-up the inner thoughts of Shelby. And the story line was okay - although honestly a little predictable.
But if that is your thing then you will love this book.
I have to say Ryan was adorable and the perfect swoon worthy hero. The whole bit with the policeman stripper thing was really funny and I loved his competitive nature with his brother. His character was highly entertaining and who doesn't love the whole alpha male / caveman / I will protect you bit? Shelby would have been lovable too minus 50% of the humor/snarkiness. Maybe this story would have worked better in alternating POV to break-up the inner thoughts of Shelby. And the story line was okay - although honestly a little predictable.
Read
July 13, 2014“Always a bridesmaid, never a bride” is Shelby Atwood's personal credo. She’s managed to avoid commitment all her life – no pets, no plants, not even a long-term lease. Heck, she’s had colds last longer than her romantic relationships. How could she be any other way when she has a gigolo for a father?
But then gunfire erupts at the latest wedding she’s agreed to be in, and it ends up being the best thing to happen to Shelby’s love life. Detective Ryan Nichols is assigned to the case, and when the shootings don’t stop, he becomes her 24-hour bodyguard. Shelby wouldn’t mind except Ryan is too appealing, too sexy, and too happy to remind her of the raucous bachelorette party when she mistook him for a stripper.
Shelby’s plan is simple: find the shooter, have a fling with Ryan, and return to her non-committal life. Unfortunately, the shooter is very elusive. Shelby’s feelings for Ryan are way more than adrenaline-fueled lust. And returning to her normal life is now impossible since, despite her lifelong resistance, she’s managed to put her heart smack dab in the line of fire.(less)
Can't remember who the killer is, but the book was okay - brain candy.
KINDLE
But then gunfire erupts at the latest wedding she’s agreed to be in, and it ends up being the best thing to happen to Shelby’s love life. Detective Ryan Nichols is assigned to the case, and when the shootings don’t stop, he becomes her 24-hour bodyguard. Shelby wouldn’t mind except Ryan is too appealing, too sexy, and too happy to remind her of the raucous bachelorette party when she mistook him for a stripper.
Shelby’s plan is simple: find the shooter, have a fling with Ryan, and return to her non-committal life. Unfortunately, the shooter is very elusive. Shelby’s feelings for Ryan are way more than adrenaline-fueled lust. And returning to her normal life is now impossible since, despite her lifelong resistance, she’s managed to put her heart smack dab in the line of fire.(less)
Can't remember who the killer is, but the book was okay - brain candy.
KINDLE
Read
January 31, 2013dnf
May 16, 2013
3 sweet, funny and romantic review to post soon
May 17, 2014
3.5 stars, it was cute.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews