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Friends First #1
Plain Jayne
In Laura Drewry’s funny, heartwarming Loveswept debut, a man and a woman learn the hard way that a little bit of love makes staying friends a whole lot harder.
Worn out from the long drive back home, Jayne Morgan can only smirk at the irony: Of course the first person she sees from her old life is Nick Scott. Once best friends, they lost touch when Jayne left town at eighteen, but nothing could keep them apart forever. Jayne has returned to take over her grandmother’s bookstore, determined to put all her bittersweet memories and secret disappointments strictly in the past — until, that is, Nick insists she bunk at his place.
Nick never did care what people thought about having a girl for a best friend — or the “scandal” she caused by showing up to his wife’s funeral four years earlier — so he’s got no problem with the gossips now. Jayne was always the one person he could count on in his life. Now Nick is starting to realize that he never wants her to leave again... and that being “just friends” isn’t going to be enough anymore.
Includes a special message from the editor, as well as an excerpt from another Loveswept title.
Worn out from the long drive back home, Jayne Morgan can only smirk at the irony: Of course the first person she sees from her old life is Nick Scott. Once best friends, they lost touch when Jayne left town at eighteen, but nothing could keep them apart forever. Jayne has returned to take over her grandmother’s bookstore, determined to put all her bittersweet memories and secret disappointments strictly in the past — until, that is, Nick insists she bunk at his place.
Nick never did care what people thought about having a girl for a best friend — or the “scandal” she caused by showing up to his wife’s funeral four years earlier — so he’s got no problem with the gossips now. Jayne was always the one person he could count on in his life. Now Nick is starting to realize that he never wants her to leave again... and that being “just friends” isn’t going to be enough anymore.
Includes a special message from the editor, as well as an excerpt from another Loveswept title.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 8, 2014
1193 people are currently reading
3081 people want to read
About the author
Laura Drewry
12 books333 followersUSA Today bestselling author Laura Drewry writes fun and sexy contemporary romances filled with heartfelt emotion and characters readers can relate to.
When she’s not writing, she likes reading, watching Marvel movies with her boys, Pinning recipes she'll never make, and cheering for the Yankees. Laura lives in southwest British Columbia with her husband, three sons, two dogs, a turtle, a handful of chicken and about 30,000 bees.
You can find her online or stop by her Facebook or Twitter page to say hi.
When she’s not writing, she likes reading, watching Marvel movies with her boys, Pinning recipes she'll never make, and cheering for the Yankees. Laura lives in southwest British Columbia with her husband, three sons, two dogs, a turtle, a handful of chicken and about 30,000 bees.
You can find her online or stop by her Facebook or Twitter page to say hi.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 276 reviews
January 28, 2014
An arc was provided by Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
In my opinion this is the best friends to lovers book I've read in a long time!
What I LOVED about this book:
The AMAZING quotes at the beginning of each chapter from my favorite 80's movies: "Breakfast Club", "Sixteen Candles", ""Ferris Bueller's Day Off", "Home Alone 2", "Pretty in Pink", and "Some Kind of Wonderful".
The writing, story, and characters.
The author had me engaged right from the beginning and on the edge of my seat right till the very end wondering whether or not the H/h (Nick and Jayne) were ever going to see what was right in front of them. That they were in love with one another and meant to be together.
I loved the history between Nick and Jayne. They have been 'best friends' since they were in kindergarten. Through good times and bad, they always had each others backs.
Since the first day Nick met Jayne, Nick has looked after her. He was the only one she trusted with her secrets and her heart. He's the only one who ever showed genuine affection towards her whether it be a hug, a touch, or even holding hands (you'll have to read the book to understand why).
Jayne says in the book, "she's been in love with Nick since the second week of kindergarten", and that she'll take him any way she can get him, even if that means he thinks of her as a 'sister'.
It was an amazing experience reading how Nick and Jayne's relationship manifested from best friends to being "stupid-ass-can't-see-straight-in-love with each other".
At the end of the story I was exhausted, and extremely satisfied.
I highly recommend this book, and can't wait to read more from this author!
April 8, 2014
I don’t mind reading books where the hero or heroine has lost a spouse. What I do mind is when the dead spouse is disrespected or just plain dumped on. There are a lot of factors that come into play, but I for one do believe a hero or heroine can fall in love again after their spouse dies, even when they truly loved the deceased person. The deceased person does not have to be bitchy, or have some other fault that makes it ‘easier’ for the reader to fall for the new love.
Plain Jayne opens four years after Nick’s wife died. Her name was Abby and apparently she was gorgeous, yet always suspicious of Nick’s best friend Jayne. It wasn’t just Abby who was suspicious, many believed Nick and Jayne’s feelings were more than just friend feelings, although they both deny that. Jayne attends Abby’s funeral, but is thrown out by Nick after his mother makes a huge scene about Jayne being there. Jayne leaves town and doesn’t speak to Nick for four years, but now Jayne’s grandmother has passed away and she was left her bookstore with an apartment above it. Jayne was estranged from her grandmother, but still finds it surprising that the bookstore and apartment are in horrible, unlivable shape. So – Nick offers a room in his house for Jayne to crash (they have made up their feud when the book starts) and Jayne moves in temporarily.
“Before that you refused to stay with me because you thought Abby hated you.”
“She did!” The growl sounded again, slower, longer. “There was no way she would’ve let me stay with you and there was no way in hell I’d even ask.”
“Well, you’re not asking, and Abby’s not here to put up a fight, is she?”
I found Jayne very unlikable for many reasons. First, let me mention a theme throughout this book – and that is Jayne is ‘plain’ and every other woman that has been with Nick is perfect and gorgeous in Jayne’s eyes. Yes, I know it’s the title but it still got old.
I thought I’d spend the book upset by how Abby was portrayed, but she was off page quickly. What really annoyed me and frustrated me was Nick’s girlfriend Lisa, who he is dating when the book starts. Lisa herself I liked, but the problem is – Nick doesn’t break up with Lisa until the 78% mark in this book. Let me repeat – the hero is dating someone who is not the heroine, until the 78% mark of this book. Not only that, but I couldn’t stand the way Jayne acted with Lisa. First she can’t remember Lisa’s name and starts calling her Linda or ‘LindaLisa’ or other variations. It was annoying and disrespectful. She calls Lisa ‘Linda’ 31 times in this book.
It wasn’t until LindaLisa sat down that Jayne realized what she’d seen. LindaLisa was wearing a dress. No, not just a dress. A pink dress, summery and sleeveless with wide straps over her shoulders and an oversized decorative button pinned to her neckline. It was cute and girly and completely out of place here.
Again, Lisa is perfect in Jayne’s eyes.
Did she ever have an ugly day? Did she even own sweats? Her dark waves were pinned up in a soft pile at the back of her head, and her makeup looked…well…like it wasn’t even there. Dressed in slim tan capris, a fuchsia off-the-shoulder chiffon blouse, and the cutest cork wedge sandals Jayne had ever seen, Lisa obviously wasn’t there to help haul boxes down the stairs.
“Hey.” Jayne forced a smile she sure as hell didn’t feel and stuff her phone in the back pocked of her Tyvek suit.
Seriously, Jayne needed to give it a break. OR – if she is this jealous that she is this petty with Lisa’s appearance, than tell Nick how you feel! Instead, this goes on the entire book and it made me uncomfortable. Even Nick gets in on the Lisa shaming.
He didn’t even try to stop the chuckle that worked its way out. For as often as she smirked at him, Jayne deserved every single one of those creases around her eyes. Lisa would never let her creases show like that, and she sure as hell would never let him see her without her hair styled or without makeup on.
There was no denying Lisa always looked great. She was like one of those houses the hospital lotteries were always giving away, made up so perfectly you couldn’t help but want it. Jayne on the other hand…well, Jayne wasn’t anything like a shiny new house
She was home.
I don’t want to read a romance where the hero and heroine fall in love while the entire time the hero is committed to someone else. And to make things more frustrating when Nick finally breaks it off with Lisa (who of course isn’t’ even angry – she encourages Nick to follow his heart *ugh*) Nick and Jayne don’t realize they love each other.
I love courtship and sexual tension in romance books. This book doesn’t have any sex and I honestly didn’t notice until later. But what I did notice is how awkward courtship and sexual tension is for hundreds of pages when one of the people is in relationship with someone else. It’s not fun to read about.
Rating: C-
Plain Jayne opens four years after Nick’s wife died. Her name was Abby and apparently she was gorgeous, yet always suspicious of Nick’s best friend Jayne. It wasn’t just Abby who was suspicious, many believed Nick and Jayne’s feelings were more than just friend feelings, although they both deny that. Jayne attends Abby’s funeral, but is thrown out by Nick after his mother makes a huge scene about Jayne being there. Jayne leaves town and doesn’t speak to Nick for four years, but now Jayne’s grandmother has passed away and she was left her bookstore with an apartment above it. Jayne was estranged from her grandmother, but still finds it surprising that the bookstore and apartment are in horrible, unlivable shape. So – Nick offers a room in his house for Jayne to crash (they have made up their feud when the book starts) and Jayne moves in temporarily.
“Before that you refused to stay with me because you thought Abby hated you.”
“She did!” The growl sounded again, slower, longer. “There was no way she would’ve let me stay with you and there was no way in hell I’d even ask.”
“Well, you’re not asking, and Abby’s not here to put up a fight, is she?”
I found Jayne very unlikable for many reasons. First, let me mention a theme throughout this book – and that is Jayne is ‘plain’ and every other woman that has been with Nick is perfect and gorgeous in Jayne’s eyes. Yes, I know it’s the title but it still got old.
I thought I’d spend the book upset by how Abby was portrayed, but she was off page quickly. What really annoyed me and frustrated me was Nick’s girlfriend Lisa, who he is dating when the book starts. Lisa herself I liked, but the problem is – Nick doesn’t break up with Lisa until the 78% mark in this book. Let me repeat – the hero is dating someone who is not the heroine, until the 78% mark of this book. Not only that, but I couldn’t stand the way Jayne acted with Lisa. First she can’t remember Lisa’s name and starts calling her Linda or ‘LindaLisa’ or other variations. It was annoying and disrespectful. She calls Lisa ‘Linda’ 31 times in this book.
It wasn’t until LindaLisa sat down that Jayne realized what she’d seen. LindaLisa was wearing a dress. No, not just a dress. A pink dress, summery and sleeveless with wide straps over her shoulders and an oversized decorative button pinned to her neckline. It was cute and girly and completely out of place here.
Again, Lisa is perfect in Jayne’s eyes.
Did she ever have an ugly day? Did she even own sweats? Her dark waves were pinned up in a soft pile at the back of her head, and her makeup looked…well…like it wasn’t even there. Dressed in slim tan capris, a fuchsia off-the-shoulder chiffon blouse, and the cutest cork wedge sandals Jayne had ever seen, Lisa obviously wasn’t there to help haul boxes down the stairs.
“Hey.” Jayne forced a smile she sure as hell didn’t feel and stuff her phone in the back pocked of her Tyvek suit.
Seriously, Jayne needed to give it a break. OR – if she is this jealous that she is this petty with Lisa’s appearance, than tell Nick how you feel! Instead, this goes on the entire book and it made me uncomfortable. Even Nick gets in on the Lisa shaming.
He didn’t even try to stop the chuckle that worked its way out. For as often as she smirked at him, Jayne deserved every single one of those creases around her eyes. Lisa would never let her creases show like that, and she sure as hell would never let him see her without her hair styled or without makeup on.
There was no denying Lisa always looked great. She was like one of those houses the hospital lotteries were always giving away, made up so perfectly you couldn’t help but want it. Jayne on the other hand…well, Jayne wasn’t anything like a shiny new house
She was home.
I don’t want to read a romance where the hero and heroine fall in love while the entire time the hero is committed to someone else. And to make things more frustrating when Nick finally breaks it off with Lisa (who of course isn’t’ even angry – she encourages Nick to follow his heart *ugh*) Nick and Jayne don’t realize they love each other.
I love courtship and sexual tension in romance books. This book doesn’t have any sex and I honestly didn’t notice until later. But what I did notice is how awkward courtship and sexual tension is for hundreds of pages when one of the people is in relationship with someone else. It’s not fun to read about.
Rating: C-
April 7, 2014
2.5 - I Loved All The 80's references, But I Would Have Liked a Story As Well Stars...
Plain Jayne had the potential to be a 5 star book, unfortunately it fell quite short of the mark and the stars dropped down as the book progressed.
Don't get me wrong, the book is beautifully written, and I absolutely adored all of the 80’s flashbacks with the music, and the film quotes at the beginning of each chapter, Bad Medicine bought back memories of playing my Air Guitar in my bedroom, with Jon Bon Jovi staring down at me from the posters on my wall. Film quotes from classics such as The Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink, and Some Kind of Wonderful, had me reaching for the DVD box-set....
What left me a little unsatisfied was the fact that almost 80% of the book follows the exact same cycle –
• Nick and Jayne are friends.
• Nick and Jayne both want to be more than friends, but continue deny their feelings.
• Nick drops everything to help out Jayne, and completely forgets about his girlfriend Lisa/Linda depending on who you are talking to (her actual name is Lisa, but both Jayne and Nick seem to have a terrible time remembering this).
• Everyone else in the book points out that Nick and Jayne love each other.
• Nick feels guilty and spends a little time with Lisa/Linda
• Nick and Jayne are friends...... And so it begins again!!!
The first 50% of the book showed great potential and I was really enjoying it, add in a gay-blind date, Carter the goofy cousin, and some really funny dialogue and there was potential for this to be a great friends-to-lovers romance but the book just took too long to get past the above cycle.
I would definitely read more from Laura Drewry in the future, but I would like her to use fibre-optic story speed on her future works, rather than dial-up!
ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for the above honest review.
Plain Jayne had the potential to be a 5 star book, unfortunately it fell quite short of the mark and the stars dropped down as the book progressed.
Don't get me wrong, the book is beautifully written, and I absolutely adored all of the 80’s flashbacks with the music, and the film quotes at the beginning of each chapter, Bad Medicine bought back memories of playing my Air Guitar in my bedroom, with Jon Bon Jovi staring down at me from the posters on my wall. Film quotes from classics such as The Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink, and Some Kind of Wonderful, had me reaching for the DVD box-set....
What left me a little unsatisfied was the fact that almost 80% of the book follows the exact same cycle –
• Nick and Jayne are friends.
• Nick and Jayne both want to be more than friends, but continue deny their feelings.
• Nick drops everything to help out Jayne, and completely forgets about his girlfriend Lisa/Linda depending on who you are talking to (her actual name is Lisa, but both Jayne and Nick seem to have a terrible time remembering this).
• Everyone else in the book points out that Nick and Jayne love each other.
• Nick feels guilty and spends a little time with Lisa/Linda
• Nick and Jayne are friends...... And so it begins again!!!
The first 50% of the book showed great potential and I was really enjoying it, add in a gay-blind date, Carter the goofy cousin, and some really funny dialogue and there was potential for this to be a great friends-to-lovers romance but the book just took too long to get past the above cycle.
I would definitely read more from Laura Drewry in the future, but I would like her to use fibre-optic story speed on her future works, rather than dial-up!
ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for the above honest review.
January 31, 2014
Plain Jayne was such a sweet best friends to lover’s story. The relationship between the two friends Jayne and Nick was very sweet and funny. I think I had a smile on my face for most of the book.
Jayne Morgan left her home town right after high school graduation but now she is back fifteen years later. She has come back to take over her grandmothers bookstore after her death. With no family left, the only person she has to turn for help is her best friend since kindergarten, Nick. From the day they became friends Nick has always looked out for Jayne and took care of her. Living with a grandmother that never showed her affection, Nick was the one who did. He would hug her until she would push him away. For Nick nothing has changed between him and Jayne, she is still his best friend that he wants to spend all his time with and help as much as he can. Jayne keeps pushing away feelings she’s had for Nick for a very long time and doing her best to give him space, so she won’t come between him and any of his relationships. The more time they spend together the more things start to change between Nick and Jayne. Nick starts to see and feel things for Jayne that he was too blind to see before and Jayne still thinks Nick see her only as the plain Jayne she thinks she is.
Plain Jayne was definitely lite on the angst and steam but made up for it with sweet Nick and funny supporting characters. One of my favorite’s parts of the book was at the beginning of every chapter started with a quote from a character in a John Hughes movie. There was Sixteen Candles, Pretty in Pink, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Home Alone 2 and Some Kind of Wonderful. All classics in my opinion!
"You look good wearing my future."--Keith Nelson, Some Kind of Wonderful
I think everyone who loves sweet love story’s that are built on friendship, will really enjoy Plain Jayne.
An ARC was kindly provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Jayne Morgan left her home town right after high school graduation but now she is back fifteen years later. She has come back to take over her grandmothers bookstore after her death. With no family left, the only person she has to turn for help is her best friend since kindergarten, Nick. From the day they became friends Nick has always looked out for Jayne and took care of her. Living with a grandmother that never showed her affection, Nick was the one who did. He would hug her until she would push him away. For Nick nothing has changed between him and Jayne, she is still his best friend that he wants to spend all his time with and help as much as he can. Jayne keeps pushing away feelings she’s had for Nick for a very long time and doing her best to give him space, so she won’t come between him and any of his relationships. The more time they spend together the more things start to change between Nick and Jayne. Nick starts to see and feel things for Jayne that he was too blind to see before and Jayne still thinks Nick see her only as the plain Jayne she thinks she is.
Plain Jayne was definitely lite on the angst and steam but made up for it with sweet Nick and funny supporting characters. One of my favorite’s parts of the book was at the beginning of every chapter started with a quote from a character in a John Hughes movie. There was Sixteen Candles, Pretty in Pink, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Home Alone 2 and Some Kind of Wonderful. All classics in my opinion!
"You look good wearing my future."--Keith Nelson, Some Kind of Wonderful
I think everyone who loves sweet love story’s that are built on friendship, will really enjoy Plain Jayne.
An ARC was kindly provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
December 7, 2014
Arc received by net galley in return for an honest review
My thoughts while reading;
0.0% Arc from net galley - excited! Ready for a friends - lovers story :)
8.0% "Hey!" He tried to give her a wounded look, but failed miserably when his mouth curled into a smile. "Two seconds ago, you just said I wasn't a total ass."
"No. I said you weren't a total prick. You were a complete ass."
"There's a difference?"
"Duh!"
Starting to enjoy the friendship between these two! Their banter is really good :)
33.0% I'm not sure about this one at the moment. I'm enjoying it and want to see more but at the same time, I feel like nothing is really happening ...
37.0% Lisa never rolled her eyes at him or talked to him like he was a complete moron He keeps comparing Jayne to his girlfriend.... Come on Nick, realise already!!!
56.0% Okay, while nothing exciting has happened I'm seriously really enjoying this one. It's really real, just two friends going about their ordinary lives and *fingers crossed* soon realising they are in love with each other :)
71.0% He was five minutes up the road and she missed him so much it hurt. Come on, when on earth are you two going to realize??"
79.0% "Yeah," he finally nodded. "I think I've always loved her, I just never realised how much." Yayayayayay!! Just tell her now Nick!!!"
91.0% Wooo!!!! Yayayayayay, finally! :)
100%. 4 stars. This one was quite hard for me to rate. I really enjoyed it and wanted Nick and Jayne to get their HEA but while being invested in them I wasn't, if that makes sense. While I enjoyed that they just went about their normal lives and realised they were in love, nothing really exciting happened - except maybe near the end, but that may be subjective. All in all, I would recommend it as I did enjoy the story and will definitely read more of this author. Also I enjoyed the secondary characters so would be interested in seeing their stories :) the scene with all the girls, were some of my favs :)
My thoughts while reading;
0.0% Arc from net galley - excited! Ready for a friends - lovers story :)
8.0% "Hey!" He tried to give her a wounded look, but failed miserably when his mouth curled into a smile. "Two seconds ago, you just said I wasn't a total ass."
"No. I said you weren't a total prick. You were a complete ass."
"There's a difference?"
"Duh!"
Starting to enjoy the friendship between these two! Their banter is really good :)
33.0% I'm not sure about this one at the moment. I'm enjoying it and want to see more but at the same time, I feel like nothing is really happening ...
37.0% Lisa never rolled her eyes at him or talked to him like he was a complete moron He keeps comparing Jayne to his girlfriend.... Come on Nick, realise already!!!
56.0% Okay, while nothing exciting has happened I'm seriously really enjoying this one. It's really real, just two friends going about their ordinary lives and *fingers crossed* soon realising they are in love with each other :)
71.0% He was five minutes up the road and she missed him so much it hurt. Come on, when on earth are you two going to realize??"
79.0% "Yeah," he finally nodded. "I think I've always loved her, I just never realised how much." Yayayayayay!! Just tell her now Nick!!!"
91.0% Wooo!!!! Yayayayayay, finally! :)
100%. 4 stars. This one was quite hard for me to rate. I really enjoyed it and wanted Nick and Jayne to get their HEA but while being invested in them I wasn't, if that makes sense. While I enjoyed that they just went about their normal lives and realised they were in love, nothing really exciting happened - except maybe near the end, but that may be subjective. All in all, I would recommend it as I did enjoy the story and will definitely read more of this author. Also I enjoyed the secondary characters so would be interested in seeing their stories :) the scene with all the girls, were some of my favs :)
did-not-finish
April 18, 2014NOPE NOPE NOPE
I CANNOT TAKE THIS ANY MORE
Ugh
Ew
NO
If I wasn't so tired right now, I would get up and bang my head on a wall.
I wish I hadn't wasted those precious hours reading THIS.
Hell I COULD HAVE REVISED and it would have at least preserved my sanity more than what little I read of this book did.
I CANNOT TAKE THIS ANY MORE
Ugh
Ew
NO
If I wasn't so tired right now, I would get up and bang my head on a wall.
I wish I hadn't wasted those precious hours reading THIS.
Hell I COULD HAVE REVISED and it would have at least preserved my sanity more than what little I read of this book did.
May 21, 2017
3.5-4 Stars
This is my first book by Laura Drewry, and I have to say, I really enjoyed Plain Jayne. Unfortunately, I've had this on my kindle for a while now, and I am kind of upset at myself for not picking it up to read it sooner. I know that one of the reasons that I had decided I wanted to read it was because of the title alone. There have been so many times when I have felt like a Plain Jane (Jayne), so I was curious what this character was like. Would I be able to relate to her?
The answer is, Yes! Jayne is very reserved and cautious around people. She is not quick to show her emotions or feelings, both physically and verbally. And she has a valid reason. She had a pretty sad upbringing, in which she felt unloved and unwanted, and was often rejected by those around her. Thankfully, she had a best friend, named Nick, who was just the opposite. He was kind, affectionate, and sympathetic, and did not care about what others thought of her. I am so glad that Jayne had Nick as a friend, otherwise, I am certain her life would have taken a turn for the worse.
The last time Nick and Jayne saw each other was four years ago, when he asked her to leave. Although, they had spoken on the phone since then, they still had some things to resolve. In the beginning of the story, Nick tried to bring up what happened and to make amends, but Jayne would not even let him say what he had to say or even try and settle things. After that, it wasn't really brought up later in the book. This really surprised me because what Nick did really hurt her. Enough to make her move across the country for four years. I was just kind of hoping that Jayne would tell him he she felt. Maybe she thought Nick already knew?
As I said, I could understand why Jayne could be kind of prickly at times, and not very affectionate. Something that kind of bothered me about 75-80% of the way in, was how abrupt Jayne's personality seemed to change, and I don't mean character growth. She just seemed to do things that were uncharacteristic to the Jayne we knew for most of the book. Jayne was a very private person, yet when she met up with a group of girls she hardly knew, for drinks (two short meetings), she was automatically telling them all her secrets and divulging things about herself, as if she knew them for years and was bff's with them. It didn't even bother her when they would pry so early on in their friendship. This struck me as odd, because she could barely even confide in Nick at times, and she seemed so unsure of herself.
With that said, I really did enjoy this book! It was a quick read, with great small town setting in Canada, and fun characters. One of my favorite characters was Nick's cousin, Carter! There was just something about him that was intriguing and fun, and I cannot wait to read more about him in the next book, Prima Donna.
Annaberry Reads
This is my first book by Laura Drewry, and I have to say, I really enjoyed Plain Jayne. Unfortunately, I've had this on my kindle for a while now, and I am kind of upset at myself for not picking it up to read it sooner. I know that one of the reasons that I had decided I wanted to read it was because of the title alone. There have been so many times when I have felt like a Plain Jane (Jayne), so I was curious what this character was like. Would I be able to relate to her?
The answer is, Yes! Jayne is very reserved and cautious around people. She is not quick to show her emotions or feelings, both physically and verbally. And she has a valid reason. She had a pretty sad upbringing, in which she felt unloved and unwanted, and was often rejected by those around her. Thankfully, she had a best friend, named Nick, who was just the opposite. He was kind, affectionate, and sympathetic, and did not care about what others thought of her. I am so glad that Jayne had Nick as a friend, otherwise, I am certain her life would have taken a turn for the worse.
The last time Nick and Jayne saw each other was four years ago, when he asked her to leave. Although, they had spoken on the phone since then, they still had some things to resolve. In the beginning of the story, Nick tried to bring up what happened and to make amends, but Jayne would not even let him say what he had to say or even try and settle things. After that, it wasn't really brought up later in the book. This really surprised me because what Nick did really hurt her. Enough to make her move across the country for four years. I was just kind of hoping that Jayne would tell him he she felt. Maybe she thought Nick already knew?
As I said, I could understand why Jayne could be kind of prickly at times, and not very affectionate. Something that kind of bothered me about 75-80% of the way in, was how abrupt Jayne's personality seemed to change, and I don't mean character growth. She just seemed to do things that were uncharacteristic to the Jayne we knew for most of the book. Jayne was a very private person, yet when she met up with a group of girls she hardly knew, for drinks (two short meetings), she was automatically telling them all her secrets and divulging things about herself, as if she knew them for years and was bff's with them. It didn't even bother her when they would pry so early on in their friendship. This struck me as odd, because she could barely even confide in Nick at times, and she seemed so unsure of herself.
With that said, I really did enjoy this book! It was a quick read, with great small town setting in Canada, and fun characters. One of my favorite characters was Nick's cousin, Carter! There was just something about him that was intriguing and fun, and I cannot wait to read more about him in the next book, Prima Donna.
Annaberry Reads
August 27, 2016
4 stars!
I love reading novels that most people don’t know or don’t even think about reading. I like doing it because 1) every author deserves to have his/hers book read and 2) because you can find precious stories, just like this one.
I think that the blurb here at GR does not do justice to the story. It goes far beyond.
Jayne thinks she’s just a Plain Jane because that’s what she’s been told and treated her whole life. Nobody has told her how important and loved she was. Not even the only person she loved the most. Therefore, she leaves the small town when she graduates from high school.
Nick, at the age of five sat on a kid because he stole Jayne’s lunch (or something, I don’t really remember what it was), and since then, they became friends.
Janey’s Grandmother dies and leaves her a bookstore, so she decides to return home to reopen it and the first person she sees is, of course, Nick. He never really cared about the fact that his best friend is a girl and if people wanna talk about it, let them talk.
However, throughout the book, Nick realizes he missed Jayne in more ways than one, but has she missed him?
Other comments about the book:
Besides the fact that Nick is infuriating (yeah, I know men are slow, but come on… Nick needed a “pedala”), it’s a sweet story and the best part was how the author used quotes from movies from the 80s like “The breakfast Club”, “Ferris Buller’s Day Off” and “Sixteen Candles” at the beginning of each chapter.
I also loved how she introduced some other characters that I’m sure will be in other books (can’t wait to read the next one with Carter, Nick’s brother). There are a handful of characters, but the story was written in a way that they all have their importance, but no more than Nick and Janey.
There were two scenes that I completely loved:
1) The restaurant scene with Martin. That’s all I’m gonna say.
2) The scene where Maya goes to her house with Jayne to get her things.
Really, this book is an easy read and totally worth it.
I love reading novels that most people don’t know or don’t even think about reading. I like doing it because 1) every author deserves to have his/hers book read and 2) because you can find precious stories, just like this one.
I think that the blurb here at GR does not do justice to the story. It goes far beyond.
Jayne thinks she’s just a Plain Jane because that’s what she’s been told and treated her whole life. Nobody has told her how important and loved she was. Not even the only person she loved the most. Therefore, she leaves the small town when she graduates from high school.
Nick, at the age of five sat on a kid because he stole Jayne’s lunch (or something, I don’t really remember what it was), and since then, they became friends.
Janey’s Grandmother dies and leaves her a bookstore, so she decides to return home to reopen it and the first person she sees is, of course, Nick. He never really cared about the fact that his best friend is a girl and if people wanna talk about it, let them talk.
However, throughout the book, Nick realizes he missed Jayne in more ways than one, but has she missed him?
Other comments about the book:
Besides the fact that Nick is infuriating (yeah, I know men are slow, but come on… Nick needed a “pedala”), it’s a sweet story and the best part was how the author used quotes from movies from the 80s like “The breakfast Club”, “Ferris Buller’s Day Off” and “Sixteen Candles” at the beginning of each chapter.
I also loved how she introduced some other characters that I’m sure will be in other books (can’t wait to read the next one with Carter, Nick’s brother). There are a handful of characters, but the story was written in a way that they all have their importance, but no more than Nick and Janey.
There were two scenes that I completely loved:
1) The restaurant scene with Martin. That’s all I’m gonna say.
2) The scene where Maya goes to her house with Jayne to get her things.
Really, this book is an easy read and totally worth it.
March 13, 2014
Sometimes a warm and fuzzy, sweet and tender romance is just the thing for a dreary or sunny day! Childhood friends since Kindergarten, Jayne and Nick have been through a lot together, only having been separated when Jayne left town after her grandmother kicked her out of the house upon her graduation. Jayne returns when her grandmother passes on and leaves her the family bookstore, now in shambles. Best friends who have had their differences, there is still that special bond between them. Everyone in town calls it love; Jayne knows how she feels, but Nick is in complete denial. In a clear case of friends destined to become lovers, these two seem to be the last to see what they share.
Plain Jayne by Laura Drewry is unapologetic flowers and fluff! True Chick Lit at its finest! Romantic love, almost delicate, Laura Drewry captures love at its best with humor, warmth and a trip down memory lane at the beginning of each chapter! Rounded out by great supporting characters, Jayne and Nick are a delightful couple to meet! Their story is well-paced, slow enough to savor each scene, fast enough to keep each page turning!
I received an ARC edition from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: April 8, 2014
Publisher: Loveswept
ISBN: 9780804177733
Genre: Women's Fiction, Contemporary Romance
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Plain Jayne by Laura Drewry is unapologetic flowers and fluff! True Chick Lit at its finest! Romantic love, almost delicate, Laura Drewry captures love at its best with humor, warmth and a trip down memory lane at the beginning of each chapter! Rounded out by great supporting characters, Jayne and Nick are a delightful couple to meet! Their story is well-paced, slow enough to savor each scene, fast enough to keep each page turning!
I received an ARC edition from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: April 8, 2014
Publisher: Loveswept
ISBN: 9780804177733
Genre: Women's Fiction, Contemporary Romance
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
March 24, 2014
3 cute stars!
This was sweet and cute but a little bit unpredictable friends to lovers story. I usually love this trope but for some reason, this one didn't really send my heart-a-flutter. Maybe because it took forever for Jayne and Nick to get together.
Nick spent majority of the book in a relationship with another woman and Jayne was a bit unlikable in the beginning. I couldn't relate to her character but I did warm up to her in the end though. And even though I had a hard connecting with both main characters, I enjoyed and loved the secondary characters and the small town setting of the story.
Overall, it's an okay read. I'll definitely recommend this to readers who love the friends to lover trope as much as I do. :)
ARC provided by Random House - Loveswept via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was sweet and cute but a little bit unpredictable friends to lovers story. I usually love this trope but for some reason, this one didn't really send my heart-a-flutter. Maybe because it took forever for Jayne and Nick to get together.
Nick spent majority of the book in a relationship with another woman and Jayne was a bit unlikable in the beginning. I couldn't relate to her character but I did warm up to her in the end though. And even though I had a hard connecting with both main characters, I enjoyed and loved the secondary characters and the small town setting of the story.
Overall, it's an okay read. I'll definitely recommend this to readers who love the friends to lover trope as much as I do. :)
ARC provided by Random House - Loveswept via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 5, 2016
This book is, hands down, the best friends-to-lovers book I've read in ages. I started off not feeling too warmly toward Nick, given the details of his and Jayne's last face-to-face encounter, but his obvious regret, plus their warm relationship, made me realize that it was more of an awful moment in his life than any sort of indicator of his normal behavior. Everybody makes mistakes. Also, this book is set in Canada. It's possible that my fond feelings toward our northern neighbor translates into an extra half star when figuring out my ratings, but I can't say for sure; maybe Canadian books are just better.
A lot of romance novels feel to me like those plays that take place in a single setting: claustrophobic and limited in scope. What really worked for me in this book is that the characters do stuff. A lot of non-angsty, not specifically romantic things happen! There isn't an endless amount of internal dialog, although Ms. Drewry provided a good amount of insight into what each of the main characters was thinking. This title would probably make a good audiobook. A large part of the time you got to see Jayne and Nick working toward something; he has his business, and she is in the process of getting her bookstore up and running.
Jayne is a courageous character and I admired her a lot. At the beginning of the book, she comes back to a town that she'd basically been run out of, first by her cold grandmother, and then by the devastating behavior of her best friend. The fact that she comes back at all and doesn't hold a grudge is nothing short of remarkable (to me, at least, as I am a champion grudge-holder). She goes out of her way to let Nick know that she was hurt, but there are no lingering hard feelings. Nick is a really dependable guy who tries to do right by everybody. He plays the peacemaker between Jayne and the various people in this book who give her crap, but in a way that is neither off-putting nor overly aggressive.
I found the secondary characters in this book uniformly interesting, even the ones who I didn't like a ton. It wasn't difficult to put myself in Lisa's shoes and see why she would have a problem with Nick and Jayne's closeness. Nick and Carter's relationship is a thing of beauty. It's nice to see male cousins who so shamelessly enjoy each other's company, and who can communicate using more than grunts and insults. I liked how Jayne's new female friends help her feel more integrated into the community, even though there were a few rough moments within her new group that I didn't feel were satisfactorily resolved.
I think that anybody with longstanding friendships would agree that Ms. Drewry did a good job of capturing the routines and nuances of a 25 year friendship. Nick and Jayne have their own shorthand, and know each other so well as friends that they're the last two to catch on to their changing/revealed feelings for one another.
In addition to all of this, this book is sometimes laugh-out-loud hilarious. I really enjoyed Plain Jayne and would certainly read another book by Ms. Drewry.
I received this book free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review and Bruce Springsteen's phone number.
A lot of romance novels feel to me like those plays that take place in a single setting: claustrophobic and limited in scope. What really worked for me in this book is that the characters do stuff. A lot of non-angsty, not specifically romantic things happen! There isn't an endless amount of internal dialog, although Ms. Drewry provided a good amount of insight into what each of the main characters was thinking. This title would probably make a good audiobook. A large part of the time you got to see Jayne and Nick working toward something; he has his business, and she is in the process of getting her bookstore up and running.
Jayne is a courageous character and I admired her a lot. At the beginning of the book, she comes back to a town that she'd basically been run out of, first by her cold grandmother, and then by the devastating behavior of her best friend. The fact that she comes back at all and doesn't hold a grudge is nothing short of remarkable (to me, at least, as I am a champion grudge-holder). She goes out of her way to let Nick know that she was hurt, but there are no lingering hard feelings. Nick is a really dependable guy who tries to do right by everybody. He plays the peacemaker between Jayne and the various people in this book who give her crap, but in a way that is neither off-putting nor overly aggressive.
I found the secondary characters in this book uniformly interesting, even the ones who I didn't like a ton. It wasn't difficult to put myself in Lisa's shoes and see why she would have a problem with Nick and Jayne's closeness. Nick and Carter's relationship is a thing of beauty. It's nice to see male cousins who so shamelessly enjoy each other's company, and who can communicate using more than grunts and insults. I liked how Jayne's new female friends help her feel more integrated into the community, even though there were a few rough moments within her new group that I didn't feel were satisfactorily resolved.
I think that anybody with longstanding friendships would agree that Ms. Drewry did a good job of capturing the routines and nuances of a 25 year friendship. Nick and Jayne have their own shorthand, and know each other so well as friends that they're the last two to catch on to their changing/revealed feelings for one another.
In addition to all of this, this book is sometimes laugh-out-loud hilarious. I really enjoyed Plain Jayne and would certainly read another book by Ms. Drewry.
I received this book free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
February 25, 2014
This was a nice fluffy chic-lit story. Pacing was a bit off. I mean, there's only so much miscommunication I can take before I need to slap a few heads!
Jayne's grandmother made it clear that she wasn't happy about having to raise another child. She kept a roof over her head, food in her belly, and didn't beat her. No birthday parties, nothing that would make her get a big head & think she was important. Jayne's childhood had two bright spots. Grandma's book store and Nick, her best friend since kindergarten. Sweet old Gram constantly reminded her that when she turned 18 & finished high school, she was on her own. So, after graduation, she boards a Greyhound bus and waves goodbye to her BFF.
Over the years, her calls & letters to her grandmother go unanswered but she always stays in touch with Nick. She returns to attend his wedding, but Nick's mom & wife treat her like a home wrecker or something. She stays away until Nick's beloved wife is killed in a tragic car accident. She drops everything to fly across the country to support her devastated buddy. That doesn't go so well, both moms flip out at the funeral over a public hug. Nick escorts her to the door & asks Jayne to leave - totally humiliating her. She's had it kind of rough, but she manages to become a copy editor & carve out a life for herself. She finally kicks her emotionally abusive cheater boyfriend to the curb. Things are looking up, right?
Gram dies, and Jayne is surprised to learn that the wicked old witch left her the bookstore and the apartment above it. She must've loved her after all! Jayne sells her things, gives up her job, and moves back home to run the bookstore she's always adored. Nick meets her at the store. To his credit, he's apologized a million times for his funeral behavior, but their friendship is strained. Oh, happy moment - she turns the key in the lock and opens the door to discover the biggest shock of all. The entire store is stuffed with bags & boxes of total crap. Junk, trash, rats. When they clear a path up the stairs to the apartment, it smells horrible! (Much to my dismay, there was no dead Grandma in all that mess.) Where are all the books? Where on earth is she going to live?
Jayne begins the nasty job of cleaning out the bookshop, determined to restore & reopen it. She's on a tight schedule as the city's only given her a certain amount of time to bring it up to code. Good thing her buddy Nick is a contractor and gives her a place to stay while she guts her apartment.
Friends to...maybe something more trope. Predictable, but fun. I had serious problems with Jayne looking for a sign that her grandmother cared. Please, get some counseling & leave that bitter old hag in the past! I liked that she made some FEMALE friends in town and started dating. She steps out of her comfort zone (sweats & ball caps) and tries fun stuff like highlights, a new haircut, and a girly dress. The best way to give her gran the bird is to start having some fun!
Jayne's grandmother made it clear that she wasn't happy about having to raise another child. She kept a roof over her head, food in her belly, and didn't beat her. No birthday parties, nothing that would make her get a big head & think she was important. Jayne's childhood had two bright spots. Grandma's book store and Nick, her best friend since kindergarten. Sweet old Gram constantly reminded her that when she turned 18 & finished high school, she was on her own. So, after graduation, she boards a Greyhound bus and waves goodbye to her BFF.
Over the years, her calls & letters to her grandmother go unanswered but she always stays in touch with Nick. She returns to attend his wedding, but Nick's mom & wife treat her like a home wrecker or something. She stays away until Nick's beloved wife is killed in a tragic car accident. She drops everything to fly across the country to support her devastated buddy. That doesn't go so well, both moms flip out at the funeral over a public hug. Nick escorts her to the door & asks Jayne to leave - totally humiliating her. She's had it kind of rough, but she manages to become a copy editor & carve out a life for herself. She finally kicks her emotionally abusive cheater boyfriend to the curb. Things are looking up, right?
Gram dies, and Jayne is surprised to learn that the wicked old witch left her the bookstore and the apartment above it. She must've loved her after all! Jayne sells her things, gives up her job, and moves back home to run the bookstore she's always adored. Nick meets her at the store. To his credit, he's apologized a million times for his funeral behavior, but their friendship is strained. Oh, happy moment - she turns the key in the lock and opens the door to discover the biggest shock of all. The entire store is stuffed with bags & boxes of total crap. Junk, trash, rats. When they clear a path up the stairs to the apartment, it smells horrible! (Much to my dismay, there was no dead Grandma in all that mess.) Where are all the books? Where on earth is she going to live?
Jayne begins the nasty job of cleaning out the bookshop, determined to restore & reopen it. She's on a tight schedule as the city's only given her a certain amount of time to bring it up to code. Good thing her buddy Nick is a contractor and gives her a place to stay while she guts her apartment.
Friends to...maybe something more trope. Predictable, but fun. I had serious problems with Jayne looking for a sign that her grandmother cared. Please, get some counseling & leave that bitter old hag in the past! I liked that she made some FEMALE friends in town and started dating. She steps out of her comfort zone (sweats & ball caps) and tries fun stuff like highlights, a new haircut, and a girly dress. The best way to give her gran the bird is to start having some fun!
February 5, 2014
ARC was provided courtesy of Netgalley and Loveswept in exchange for an honest review.
Plain Jayne is the story of two lifelong friends - Jayne and Nick. When Jayne returns to town after a long absence to reopen her deceased and estranged grandmother's book store, she comes face to face with... junk. Lots and lots of it. Together with Nick and under City's looming threat to condemn the building, she manages to clean it and restore it to its full glory. Along the way, she must come face to face with her long suppressed feelings for Nick, what Nick's mother thinks of her, ghosts of her own past, and what her grandmother really thought about her.
Nick, in a perfectly decent relationship with his girlfriend, Amy, is forced to come to terms with his work, his colleagues, his feelings for Amy... and Jayne. What transpires is in some places funny and others just so real it was breathtaking.
I really enjoyed Drewry's debut novel. It was solidly written. Told from both Jayne and Nick's perspectives, in some cases it was clear that neither of them were reliable narrators. It wasn't until I'd finished the first third of the book that I really got an inkling about Jayne's feelings, and I really liked that. She was in denial, and as the reader, I was left guessing and got to figure it out alongside her... and him.
The secondary characters were rich, and Drewry left the door open for spin off books with them. Hello, Carter! I want to know all the things!!!!
Readers should know that there is a lot of UST but no real sex. The hint of it at the end was fade to black, which I personally prefer, but if you go in expecting it, you'll be disappointed.
This book felt like some of my own friends' lives, and the whole thing worked for me! I look forward to reading more of Drewry's work.
Plain Jayne is the story of two lifelong friends - Jayne and Nick. When Jayne returns to town after a long absence to reopen her deceased and estranged grandmother's book store, she comes face to face with... junk. Lots and lots of it. Together with Nick and under City's looming threat to condemn the building, she manages to clean it and restore it to its full glory. Along the way, she must come face to face with her long suppressed feelings for Nick, what Nick's mother thinks of her, ghosts of her own past, and what her grandmother really thought about her.
Nick, in a perfectly decent relationship with his girlfriend, Amy, is forced to come to terms with his work, his colleagues, his feelings for Amy... and Jayne. What transpires is in some places funny and others just so real it was breathtaking.
I really enjoyed Drewry's debut novel. It was solidly written. Told from both Jayne and Nick's perspectives, in some cases it was clear that neither of them were reliable narrators. It wasn't until I'd finished the first third of the book that I really got an inkling about Jayne's feelings, and I really liked that. She was in denial, and as the reader, I was left guessing and got to figure it out alongside her... and him.
The secondary characters were rich, and Drewry left the door open for spin off books with them. Hello, Carter! I want to know all the things!!!!
Readers should know that there is a lot of UST but no real sex. The hint of it at the end was fade to black, which I personally prefer, but if you go in expecting it, you'll be disappointed.
This book felt like some of my own friends' lives, and the whole thing worked for me! I look forward to reading more of Drewry's work.
April 8, 2014
Happy Release Day!
Oh, goodness...there are so many heart clenching moments here. Jayne has had some tough times in her young life. The one thing that has been a bright spot is the fact that Nick is her best friend. He's been that to her since kindergarten. He knows her secrets, well, most of them.
Jayne has come back to re-open her grandmother's book store. The store is the one place she's always felt at home. When she and Nick open the door, they are shocked at all the STUFF that fills the space. They are also at a loss that none of it is books.
See that bit in the blurb about Jayne showing up at Nick's wife's funeral? Yeah, hard times, that. And now he has a perfectly perfect girlfriend, just ask his mom! Nick has been, and still is, clueless. But finally, he realizes that the reason he's so happy to have Jayne home is because she is HIS home.
There are many obstacles in their way, Nick's "cluelessness" being only the first. That perky, perfect girlfriend is another. Oh, and his mom might be a road block, too...
This is one of those books that when you get to the end, and are treated to the "Aha" moment, you have to go back and re-read some parts with new eyes. That was fabulous! Well done, Ms. Drewry!
And after saying that, I kind of wish that I could have smacked Jayne's grandmother... maybe about ten times, even.
I will definitely be looking for more from this author.
FOUR and a HALF BOOKMARKS for this one!
*Thank you, NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept, for the opportunity to read Plain Jayne
If my review appeals, would you consider hitting "Like"? And adding Plain Jayne to your own shelves. Thanks!
Oh, goodness...there are so many heart clenching moments here. Jayne has had some tough times in her young life. The one thing that has been a bright spot is the fact that Nick is her best friend. He's been that to her since kindergarten. He knows her secrets, well, most of them.
Jayne has come back to re-open her grandmother's book store. The store is the one place she's always felt at home. When she and Nick open the door, they are shocked at all the STUFF that fills the space. They are also at a loss that none of it is books.
See that bit in the blurb about Jayne showing up at Nick's wife's funeral? Yeah, hard times, that. And now he has a perfectly perfect girlfriend, just ask his mom! Nick has been, and still is, clueless. But finally, he realizes that the reason he's so happy to have Jayne home is because she is HIS home.
There are many obstacles in their way, Nick's "cluelessness" being only the first. That perky, perfect girlfriend is another. Oh, and his mom might be a road block, too...
This is one of those books that when you get to the end, and are treated to the "Aha" moment, you have to go back and re-read some parts with new eyes. That was fabulous! Well done, Ms. Drewry!
And after saying that, I kind of wish that I could have smacked Jayne's grandmother... maybe about ten times, even.
I will definitely be looking for more from this author.
FOUR and a HALF BOOKMARKS for this one!
*Thank you, NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept, for the opportunity to read Plain Jayne
If my review appeals, would you consider hitting "Like"? And adding Plain Jayne to your own shelves. Thanks!
Want to read
February 20, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/20/2019)! 🎁
Blurb:
Twenty-five years was a long time to be stuck in the Friend Zone. For the last dozen of those years, Jayne has lived half way across the country, and even though she and Nick have stayed in contact, she hasn’t actually seen him since he kicked her out of his wife’s funeral almost four years ago.
Does she still have feelings for Nick? Possibly. . .maybe. . .okay, yes, but the Jayne who left town all those years ago is not the same Jayne who’s moving back. This Jayne is smarter, more experienced, and determined to build herself a better life, the kind of life she wants and deserves. She’s a grown-ass woman with a plan for crying out loud, and she’s not about to let these feelings for Nick slow her down another second.
But from the second she hits town, she knows it’s only a matter of time before this freight train of disaster derails in spectacular fashion, and when it does, she’s not only going to lose her best friend, but the only family she’s ever known.
Blurb:
Twenty-five years was a long time to be stuck in the Friend Zone. For the last dozen of those years, Jayne has lived half way across the country, and even though she and Nick have stayed in contact, she hasn’t actually seen him since he kicked her out of his wife’s funeral almost four years ago.
Does she still have feelings for Nick? Possibly. . .maybe. . .okay, yes, but the Jayne who left town all those years ago is not the same Jayne who’s moving back. This Jayne is smarter, more experienced, and determined to build herself a better life, the kind of life she wants and deserves. She’s a grown-ass woman with a plan for crying out loud, and she’s not about to let these feelings for Nick slow her down another second.
But from the second she hits town, she knows it’s only a matter of time before this freight train of disaster derails in spectacular fashion, and when it does, she’s not only going to lose her best friend, but the only family she’s ever known.
August 11, 2016
An arc was provided by Random House Publishing Group via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I can easily see this book turned into a PG-13 romantic comedy with Channing Tatum as Nick, Rachel McAdams as Jayne and very sexy and funny Ryan Reynolds as Carter. It’s comical, sweet, cute and refreshingly innocent. It will grab you with its sage and witty eighties’ movie quotes setting the stage for each chapter and keep you entertained with a great playlist sung by, probably off key, none other than Jayne, and its witty banter between well developed characters.
Growing up as a bastard daughter, unwanted granddaughter and constantly being reminded of it by her grandmother didn’t just give a new meaning to the phrase tough love it made Jayne feel unlovable and unworthy, especially of Nick. So she decided to have him however she could, even if it meant just being his best friend. I admired her strength and resolve, and loved her inner monologues.
Nick is hot, successful, reliable, a problem solver, hot and I like to prance around my house half dressed provoking my best friend, he doesn’t care what other people think and plays by his own rules, he’s quick with his smart remarks. He’s also incredibly slow on the take and dense regarding Jayne’s emotions towards him and vice versa. I could almost label him as Nick the prick at the beginning of the book when I found out his actions regarding Jayne the last time he’d seen her.
So even though they’ve been BFF’s since the tender age of five, and they both acknowledge that every single important moment in their lives includes the other, she’s afraid to show him her true feelings and lose him, and he’s just clueless.
The book shows us how well they know each other, how they pick up their friendship as though they were never separated by time, distance, a jealous dead wife or a well meaning mother with an ugly attitude.
With each passing page I longed to have them realize how they were meant to be together, especially Nick. Because from the start he knows he loves her, he just doesn’t realize it’s the kind of I want you forever in my life, you are the other part of my soul kind of love. And when he does at the end, it drags a bit due to misunderstandings and lack of communication and fear, but once they get “their shit together” it’s all wonderful. I only wish their happy ending would have lasted a bit longer.
I really enjoyed Laura’s writing style. She made the story richer with wonderful secondary characters which I would love to read more about (Hint: Carter). Even Star Wars made an appearance, but you’ll just have to read the book to know how! I will definitely put her in my list of authors to look out for regularly.
I can easily see this book turned into a PG-13 romantic comedy with Channing Tatum as Nick, Rachel McAdams as Jayne and very sexy and funny Ryan Reynolds as Carter. It’s comical, sweet, cute and refreshingly innocent. It will grab you with its sage and witty eighties’ movie quotes setting the stage for each chapter and keep you entertained with a great playlist sung by, probably off key, none other than Jayne, and its witty banter between well developed characters.
Growing up as a bastard daughter, unwanted granddaughter and constantly being reminded of it by her grandmother didn’t just give a new meaning to the phrase tough love it made Jayne feel unlovable and unworthy, especially of Nick. So she decided to have him however she could, even if it meant just being his best friend. I admired her strength and resolve, and loved her inner monologues.
Nick is hot, successful, reliable, a problem solver, hot and I like to prance around my house half dressed provoking my best friend, he doesn’t care what other people think and plays by his own rules, he’s quick with his smart remarks. He’s also incredibly slow on the take and dense regarding Jayne’s emotions towards him and vice versa. I could almost label him as Nick the prick at the beginning of the book when I found out his actions regarding Jayne the last time he’d seen her.
So even though they’ve been BFF’s since the tender age of five, and they both acknowledge that every single important moment in their lives includes the other, she’s afraid to show him her true feelings and lose him, and he’s just clueless.
The book shows us how well they know each other, how they pick up their friendship as though they were never separated by time, distance, a jealous dead wife or a well meaning mother with an ugly attitude.
With each passing page I longed to have them realize how they were meant to be together, especially Nick. Because from the start he knows he loves her, he just doesn’t realize it’s the kind of I want you forever in my life, you are the other part of my soul kind of love. And when he does at the end, it drags a bit due to misunderstandings and lack of communication and fear, but once they get “their shit together” it’s all wonderful. I only wish their happy ending would have lasted a bit longer.
I really enjoyed Laura’s writing style. She made the story richer with wonderful secondary characters which I would love to read more about (Hint: Carter). Even Star Wars made an appearance, but you’ll just have to read the book to know how! I will definitely put her in my list of authors to look out for regularly.
April 4, 2014
I am looking forward to checking out Laura Drewry's backlist after enjoying this Contermpary Friends to Lovers Romance which is her Loveswept Debut.
Here is what I liked about this small town Canadian Romance:
Our heroine is a bookworm who has been in love with the hero her whole life. They are really best friends forever. I love that. She is funny. She has real fears that keep her from risking the friendship based on her childhood.
Our hero adores the heroine. I never can get enough of that. He is charming and so there for her.
The setting is lovely and unusual (West Coast British Columbia). There are a lot of funny moments, a good set up for the rest of the series, and a great dog.
What I feel neutral about:
The romance. They don't actually get together as lovers for a long, long time in the book. However, they are really together in all other ways the whole book and that offsets this issue for me because I get plenty of couple time.
The hero is called a dumb ass by several friends and its true--he is clueless, painfully clueless not just to the heroine's feelings but to his own. If I was his friend, I would tell him exactly why he is a dumb ass and not just call him one. But, whatever. His behavior is true to character and utterly believable even if I want to smack him. I was still very much engaged.
What I didn't care for:
The hero's mother is pretty awful to the heroine and yet everyone loves her. She never retracts her behavior or her part in keeping the hero and heroine apart.
The sister is pretty bitchy too. Basically, some of the secondaries need more dimension and more integration.
I think we earned a scene that dealt with the hero marrying someone else.
We wait the whole book for them to say the I love yous. We have earned more time in an HEA and not a fade to black on the sexy times.
Despite these issues, I was engaged the whole time I was reading. Overall, a very promising new to me writer.
I am interested most in Lisa getting her own romance and becoming more herself and less nice.
I was given this book for my honest review. So, there you have it.
November 24, 2025
You had me with all the '80s movie quotes and kept me with the wonderfully sweet and tender romance.
Plain Jane was a fabulously heart-warming story of two best friends finding love in each other after years of life had kept them apart.
Jayne Morgan is coming home. She is coming back to run the bookstore her grandmother left her in her will. To say Jayne is conflicted is putting it mildly. Her grandmother through her out when she was 18 and the only place she ever felt home was the book store. Why would her grandmother leave her something when she hated her so much... Jayne soon discovers the book store is in shambles and packed with junk. Grasping onto her dream of reopening the book store, dealing with the scars of her past and facing a bleak future without finding true love is sitting all on Jayne's shoulders.
Nick was always Jayne's rock. When they last saw each other, Nick threw Jayne out of his wife's funeral. Now he wants to make amends, so he pulls out all the stops to help Jayne find her dreams.
The romance is bittersweet, while Jayne is sure of her feelings for Nick but never acts on them. Nick is in denial, while everyone around him can see it plainly...everyone but Jayne.
If you're looking for a wonderfully romantic, touching story to curl up and enjoy, Plain Jayne is the perfect book for you.
I received this ARC copy of Plain Jayne from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept in exchange for an honest review. This book is set for publication April 8, 2014.
Plain Jane was a fabulously heart-warming story of two best friends finding love in each other after years of life had kept them apart.
Jayne Morgan is coming home. She is coming back to run the bookstore her grandmother left her in her will. To say Jayne is conflicted is putting it mildly. Her grandmother through her out when she was 18 and the only place she ever felt home was the book store. Why would her grandmother leave her something when she hated her so much... Jayne soon discovers the book store is in shambles and packed with junk. Grasping onto her dream of reopening the book store, dealing with the scars of her past and facing a bleak future without finding true love is sitting all on Jayne's shoulders.
Nick was always Jayne's rock. When they last saw each other, Nick threw Jayne out of his wife's funeral. Now he wants to make amends, so he pulls out all the stops to help Jayne find her dreams.
The romance is bittersweet, while Jayne is sure of her feelings for Nick but never acts on them. Nick is in denial, while everyone around him can see it plainly...everyone but Jayne.
If you're looking for a wonderfully romantic, touching story to curl up and enjoy, Plain Jayne is the perfect book for you.
I received this ARC copy of Plain Jayne from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept in exchange for an honest review. This book is set for publication April 8, 2014.
February 19, 2014
**I received an ARC copy from Netgalley in exchange for honest review**
4.5 stars
You'll laugh, you'll cry and maybe have a mini break down here and there but it's all good right? ...
I loved that each chapter started off with one of my favourite 80's movie quote, I loved that the characters never changed their personalities. The story never drifted even though others were involved. Loved that it was based in CANADA!!
Can your best friend really be your soul mate??? Yes, yes they can !! This book was outstanding, the characters Nick and Jayne have been best friends since Kindergarten, they were like two peas in a pod, no matter who came into each of their lives they were and always the best of friends who would do anything for one another (even give a hug and get kicked out of funeral) . Nick who was protective, out spoken, a social magnet, a man who had it all, then there was Jayne, someone who didn't like socializing with new people, a person who didn't have it all, a emotional neglected child, she was a quiet girl who would sit for hours reading a book trying to keep herself invisible to the outside world. Growing up she and everyone saw her as Plain Jayne except for Nick and his family.
I really am hoping for some spin off books here :) Carter killed me a few times and boy oh boy I have him and someone who I would love to be together.
This was beautifully written and it's not your typical love story with two best friends, there are many other characters that are involved that I am truly hoping for spin-offs.
4.5 stars
You'll laugh, you'll cry and maybe have a mini break down here and there but it's all good right? ...
I loved that each chapter started off with one of my favourite 80's movie quote, I loved that the characters never changed their personalities. The story never drifted even though others were involved. Loved that it was based in CANADA!!
Can your best friend really be your soul mate??? Yes, yes they can !! This book was outstanding, the characters Nick and Jayne have been best friends since Kindergarten, they were like two peas in a pod, no matter who came into each of their lives they were and always the best of friends who would do anything for one another (even give a hug and get kicked out of funeral) . Nick who was protective, out spoken, a social magnet, a man who had it all, then there was Jayne, someone who didn't like socializing with new people, a person who didn't have it all, a emotional neglected child, she was a quiet girl who would sit for hours reading a book trying to keep herself invisible to the outside world. Growing up she and everyone saw her as Plain Jayne except for Nick and his family.
I really am hoping for some spin off books here :) Carter killed me a few times and boy oh boy I have him and someone who I would love to be together.
This was beautifully written and it's not your typical love story with two best friends, there are many other characters that are involved that I am truly hoping for spin-offs.
February 2, 2014
This book was so cute and I loved Jayne's blunt honesty, "so you kicked me out of your wife's funeral in front of church full of people. Big deal. It's not like it was the first time I was shown the door in this town." The green flecks in Nick's eyes darkened and his jaw tightened, but before he said anything else, she yanked the key ring of his grip and stared straight back at him." Lisa I didn't like her at all, "the other thing I know about Nick is that he's not one to sit around and wait. When he sees something he wants, he goes after it." She licked her glossed lips again. "Given how long you've been friends with him, if he had wanted you, he would have had you by now." Nick I think he's just got confused about what he wants, "if it makes you feel better - or less better, if that's what you're going for here - I got some for Lisa, too, only her bunch was bigger." He stretched his mouth down and gently shaved the stubble from his upper lip. "How would it look if I got her flowers for our date and not you?" It's cute how he gets embarrassed, "all he managed was a choked laugh as he looked down at what he was wearing: brown work boots and green tartan boxers that didn't hide anything. He yanked her jacket off his shoulder and held it in front of himself."
December 27, 2015
Plain Jayne is a sweet best-friends-to-lovers romance and a great start to a new series.
Two life-long best friends, Jayne and Nick, reunite after years apart when Jayne returns to her home town to inherit her grandmother's book shop. But soon, Jayne and Nick begin to realise that perhaps friendship just may not be enough anymore.
A very sweet, innocent romance. There is no sex in this one, because they truly are just friends throughout the book (as opposed to friends with benefits), so there's just friendship and chemistry and getting to know characters who will no doubt feature in their own books. (I can't wait for Carter's story!!) But its a great read, thoroughly enjoyable, funny, romantic and I can't wait to read more.
Two life-long best friends, Jayne and Nick, reunite after years apart when Jayne returns to her home town to inherit her grandmother's book shop. But soon, Jayne and Nick begin to realise that perhaps friendship just may not be enough anymore.
A very sweet, innocent romance. There is no sex in this one, because they truly are just friends throughout the book (as opposed to friends with benefits), so there's just friendship and chemistry and getting to know characters who will no doubt feature in their own books. (I can't wait for Carter's story!!) But its a great read, thoroughly enjoyable, funny, romantic and I can't wait to read more.
April 6, 2014
Loved, loved, loved this book. If you enjoy small town romances this book is for you. An amazing friends to lovers story that you don't want to miss. This is the first book I have read my Laura Drewry and I was completely captivated. I am pretty sure this is the first in a new series, if it's not it needs to be. The secondary characters scream for their own stories. I am looking forward to reading more of her books!
May 4, 2014
3.5 stars
This was much better than I thought. The writing was great, and the story actually flowed. However, I felt like I kept waiting for something to happen. And when it finally did, it was close to the end and I just felt like it was rushed. I guess a faster build would have been better. But this was still a really good book.
This was much better than I thought. The writing was great, and the story actually flowed. However, I felt like I kept waiting for something to happen. And when it finally did, it was close to the end and I just felt like it was rushed. I guess a faster build would have been better. But this was still a really good book.
March 13, 2019
*Read this couple years back, just adding it to the shelf....
Liked it!!!
March 14, 2022
3,5 stars
Laura's writing is, as always, so good. I always instantly lose myself in a story written by her. The writing style, the characters and their interactions, the romance and the chemistry... I was hooked yet again! The best friends to lovers trope is one I always really enjoy and I think that these characters were a really good fit together.
Do feel like the development could've been a bit quicker. It sometimes dragged on a bit too long for me regarding the 'eureka moment' when they finally come to terms with the fact that they're in love with one another.
A fun, fast paced read overall seeing and I definitely plan to continue the series because as I said; I liked all characters in this book and can't wait to read about the other couples in the next installments.
Laura's writing is, as always, so good. I always instantly lose myself in a story written by her. The writing style, the characters and their interactions, the romance and the chemistry... I was hooked yet again! The best friends to lovers trope is one I always really enjoy and I think that these characters were a really good fit together.
Do feel like the development could've been a bit quicker. It sometimes dragged on a bit too long for me regarding the 'eureka moment' when they finally come to terms with the fact that they're in love with one another.
A fun, fast paced read overall seeing and I definitely plan to continue the series because as I said; I liked all characters in this book and can't wait to read about the other couples in the next installments.
April 12, 2014
4.5 stars.. much love...
The story in a nutshell…
After years away, Jayne Morgan returns to her hometown once more determined to take over her grandmother’s bookstore. Upon her return, she discovers that a lot of things have changed, e.g., the bookstore that no longer looks like a bookstore, and a lot of things that have not changed, e.g., her best friend Nick Scott.
What worked for me?
This was such an engaging story about these two people who have been best friends since kindergarten. Since kindergarten! To say that they have seen each other at their worst, have been through so much together than most people would have had, would be an understatement. This kind of setting requires a lot of history between our characters and I love how Laura Drewry was able to give this to the readers, sometimes in bits and pieces and sometimes in chunks. And she weaves it in a way that does really great things for the plot and character development.
For those who do not enjoy slow burn romance. Be forewarned. But for those who love this kind of build-up in a romance, then you’re in for a treat. Slow burn romance is this book’s tagline. As it is a slow burn, there are a lot of character moments in the story, which I really loved. And although the path to that happy ever after seems dim especially in the beginning, you should tag along for the ride of a lifetime with these two because the payback’s good.
I really like Jayne’s character. Life has really done a number on her, being raised by a grandmother who did not want her, her own mother died of OD when she was still a baby, having to deal with people who question her friendship with Nick. But I love how her character develops in the story. It’s as much about her journey as it is about the romance. Nick, on the other hand, you can’t help but like as well. He’s very devoted to Janye as her best friend. But sometimes, I just want to grab him and shake him until he makes some very important realizations.
There were a couple of heartbreaking scenes in this book but even though tears were forming in my eyes, my brain and my heart were full of gladness because the foundation the author has built for these scenes were really solid, grounded organically within the story.
What didn’t work for me?
I have nothing to say here other than that I would have wanted more from the ending. This is not to say that the ending wasn’t good or satisfying. It’s just that I really liked Jayne and Nick and would have wanted to read more about their happy ending.
My over-all take on it?
This was a great friends-to-lovers story. And if you enjoy slow-burn romance, then you’re in for a real treat. I honestly can’t wait to read more from this author. I like her writing style, her pacing, her tone. It was a very lovely read.
The story in a nutshell…
After years away, Jayne Morgan returns to her hometown once more determined to take over her grandmother’s bookstore. Upon her return, she discovers that a lot of things have changed, e.g., the bookstore that no longer looks like a bookstore, and a lot of things that have not changed, e.g., her best friend Nick Scott.
What worked for me?
This was such an engaging story about these two people who have been best friends since kindergarten. Since kindergarten! To say that they have seen each other at their worst, have been through so much together than most people would have had, would be an understatement. This kind of setting requires a lot of history between our characters and I love how Laura Drewry was able to give this to the readers, sometimes in bits and pieces and sometimes in chunks. And she weaves it in a way that does really great things for the plot and character development.
For those who do not enjoy slow burn romance. Be forewarned. But for those who love this kind of build-up in a romance, then you’re in for a treat. Slow burn romance is this book’s tagline. As it is a slow burn, there are a lot of character moments in the story, which I really loved. And although the path to that happy ever after seems dim especially in the beginning, you should tag along for the ride of a lifetime with these two because the payback’s good.
I really like Jayne’s character. Life has really done a number on her, being raised by a grandmother who did not want her, her own mother died of OD when she was still a baby, having to deal with people who question her friendship with Nick. But I love how her character develops in the story. It’s as much about her journey as it is about the romance. Nick, on the other hand, you can’t help but like as well. He’s very devoted to Janye as her best friend. But sometimes, I just want to grab him and shake him until he makes some very important realizations.
There were a couple of heartbreaking scenes in this book but even though tears were forming in my eyes, my brain and my heart were full of gladness because the foundation the author has built for these scenes were really solid, grounded organically within the story.
What didn’t work for me?
I have nothing to say here other than that I would have wanted more from the ending. This is not to say that the ending wasn’t good or satisfying. It’s just that I really liked Jayne and Nick and would have wanted to read more about their happy ending.
My over-all take on it?
This was a great friends-to-lovers story. And if you enjoy slow-burn romance, then you’re in for a real treat. I honestly can’t wait to read more from this author. I like her writing style, her pacing, her tone. It was a very lovely read.
March 27, 2014
Original review found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...
I received an advanced readers copy of this book from Random House Publishing Group- Loveswept via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank You!
Just when I was craving a super cute read I found one! It was one of the better friend to lover books that I have read in a while. I won't re-tell the story because I don't want to ruin it for everyone, instead I will share my thoughts on it.
What I liked...
Each chapter began with a quote from an eighties movie and there were numerous references to songs from the eighties. Every time a new one popped up I found myself smiling and remembering it like it was yesterday.
I loved the friendship between Jayne and Nick. 25 years of friendship made for some pretty interesting and funny banter between the two of them. The love and devotion between them was what dreams are made of. Who wouldn't want a friend that has your back through thick and thin? The chemistry was dripping off the pages and I found myself routing for them and hoping they would get their acts together and realise that they belong together. They were both strong characters that I could easily like.
Although there was a ton of chemistry the book was not filled with trashy sex scenes which would have cheapened a very sweet story. Nick and Jayne's friendship was 25 years strong and jumping into bed would have taken away from my enjoyment.
The book was filled with quirky, likeable characters from Nick's cousin and sister to Jayne's girlfriends.
Lastly, the book takes place while Jayne is re-doing and opening a book store! Whats not to like about that?
What I didn't like...
Nick lost his wife four years prior to where the story takes place and I found it odd that he wasn't more damaged from it and that the story wasn't more of a focus. It was like she was gone...end of story.
As much as I loved the build up of Nick and Jayne's relationship there did come a point where I wished they would just get their act together and admit their feelings for each other. It dragged on a little longer than I would have liked.
I enjoyed all the eighties references but I did find it a little odd that they were referenced when both Nick and Jayne would of lived their teenage years in the 90's.
Overall it was a cute, light story of friendship and love that I am glad to have had the pleasure of reading.
I received an advanced readers copy of this book from Random House Publishing Group- Loveswept via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank You!
Just when I was craving a super cute read I found one! It was one of the better friend to lover books that I have read in a while. I won't re-tell the story because I don't want to ruin it for everyone, instead I will share my thoughts on it.
What I liked...
Each chapter began with a quote from an eighties movie and there were numerous references to songs from the eighties. Every time a new one popped up I found myself smiling and remembering it like it was yesterday.
I loved the friendship between Jayne and Nick. 25 years of friendship made for some pretty interesting and funny banter between the two of them. The love and devotion between them was what dreams are made of. Who wouldn't want a friend that has your back through thick and thin? The chemistry was dripping off the pages and I found myself routing for them and hoping they would get their acts together and realise that they belong together. They were both strong characters that I could easily like.
Although there was a ton of chemistry the book was not filled with trashy sex scenes which would have cheapened a very sweet story. Nick and Jayne's friendship was 25 years strong and jumping into bed would have taken away from my enjoyment.
The book was filled with quirky, likeable characters from Nick's cousin and sister to Jayne's girlfriends.
Lastly, the book takes place while Jayne is re-doing and opening a book store! Whats not to like about that?
What I didn't like...
Nick lost his wife four years prior to where the story takes place and I found it odd that he wasn't more damaged from it and that the story wasn't more of a focus. It was like she was gone...end of story.
As much as I loved the build up of Nick and Jayne's relationship there did come a point where I wished they would just get their act together and admit their feelings for each other. It dragged on a little longer than I would have liked.
I enjoyed all the eighties references but I did find it a little odd that they were referenced when both Nick and Jayne would of lived their teenage years in the 90's.
Overall it was a cute, light story of friendship and love that I am glad to have had the pleasure of reading.
August 7, 2014
4 No huggin' Stars
First off I may have been born in 92' but the quotes at the beginning of each chapter from the 80's movies: "Breakfast Club", "Sixteen Candles", ""Ferris Bueller's Day Off", "Home Alone 2", "Pretty in Pink", and "Some Kind of Wonderful" were by far my favorite! I LOVE those movies!
When Jayne comes back to her smaller than small town twelve years later to run her grandma's book shop what she doesn't expect is for it to be filled with JUNK lots and lots of JUNK, and strangely not one book.
When her BFF Nick Scott tell's her to stay at his house until they can fix up the place, Jayne is less than thrilled. Having not seen Nick since his wife's funeral 4 years prior where Nick basically kicked her out in front of the whole town, Jayne doesn't want the drama. Especially since Nick has a girlfriend Linda … I mean LIsa. The last thing Jayne wants is for the rumor mill to start up again about their relationship, or lack there of. They're best friends nothing more ..
Without any other options Jayne is forced to accept;. Falling into old routines is easy though. From making breakfast in the morning, to waking Duke, and having Nick protect her anyway he can. It's like old times, but not so much because Jayne doesn't want so much attention/ At least not as much as he's giving her. From flowers, and dinners, and movies, not to mention the entire renovation of the bookshop for free. It's just to much. But Nick Scott gets what he wants and he wants to help.
But at what cost, the guys who work for him are getting angry not to mention LindaLisa is getting the short end of the stick. It takes a lot for these two to realize what they really want, and even longer for them to act on it.
------
91% 91% on my kindle was a glorious number. THEY FINALLY KISSED. GOOD LORD, I waited long enough.
This was such a cute story filled with a TON of angst, and humor.I mean was anyone else singing "Before he Cheats" by Carrie Underwood when Maya went a bit postal. Loved it!
I wish I knew why Nick hurt his leg, that was the only thing, They kept talking about his limp I just have no clue why he had it haha. Other than that this was a super cute summer read. Nothing deep or dramatic, a really fun light read which is exactly what I needed!
Definitely recommend!
First off I may have been born in 92' but the quotes at the beginning of each chapter from the 80's movies: "Breakfast Club", "Sixteen Candles", ""Ferris Bueller's Day Off", "Home Alone 2", "Pretty in Pink", and "Some Kind of Wonderful" were by far my favorite! I LOVE those movies!
When Jayne comes back to her smaller than small town twelve years later to run her grandma's book shop what she doesn't expect is for it to be filled with JUNK lots and lots of JUNK, and strangely not one book.
When her BFF Nick Scott tell's her to stay at his house until they can fix up the place, Jayne is less than thrilled. Having not seen Nick since his wife's funeral 4 years prior where Nick basically kicked her out in front of the whole town, Jayne doesn't want the drama. Especially since Nick has a girlfriend Linda … I mean LIsa. The last thing Jayne wants is for the rumor mill to start up again about their relationship, or lack there of. They're best friends nothing more ..
Without any other options Jayne is forced to accept;. Falling into old routines is easy though. From making breakfast in the morning, to waking Duke, and having Nick protect her anyway he can. It's like old times, but not so much because Jayne doesn't want so much attention/ At least not as much as he's giving her. From flowers, and dinners, and movies, not to mention the entire renovation of the bookshop for free. It's just to much. But Nick Scott gets what he wants and he wants to help.
But at what cost, the guys who work for him are getting angry not to mention LindaLisa is getting the short end of the stick. It takes a lot for these two to realize what they really want, and even longer for them to act on it.
------
91% 91% on my kindle was a glorious number. THEY FINALLY KISSED. GOOD LORD, I waited long enough.
This was such a cute story filled with a TON of angst, and humor.I mean was anyone else singing "Before he Cheats" by Carrie Underwood when Maya went a bit postal. Loved it!
I wish I knew why Nick hurt his leg, that was the only thing, They kept talking about his limp I just have no clue why he had it haha. Other than that this was a super cute summer read. Nothing deep or dramatic, a really fun light read which is exactly what I needed!
Definitely recommend!
January 20, 2014
Plain Jayne
Laura Drewry
Jayne Morgan was raised by her grandmother after her mother died. Unfortunately Grandma was a bitter old lady and Jayne had a horrible childhood, never experiencing the love of a family. She leaves town at eighteen on only coming back once for her best friend Nick's wife's funeral.
Jayne and Nick had been buddies since kindergarden, they were the best friends ever and he was the only family that she had. He was the only person that she had ever said those three little words too " I love you."
After Grandma passes away Jayne comes back to her home town hoping to run Grandma's bookstore. The one place that she loved to be as a child. Of course things are never that easy and the bookstore is a big disaster. Unlivable in fact. What is she to do. Nick steps up to the plate and offers her a room with him. Nick's friends are the best, his dog Duke is so lovable, the girlfriend Linda, a little to prissy.
Everyone can see that Nick and Jayne are meant to be together, finally after all these years, everyone that is but Nick and Jayne. They are just friends. best friends.
This story was extremely well written. I loved seeing the struggles of these two as they begin to become attracted to one another but are too blind to recognize the signs. The blind date that Nick tries to arrange for Jayne is just priceless. Jayne trying so hard to like the perfect girlfriend was hilarious. And the patience and love that Nick shows as he helps her deal with the bookstore was just priceless. This was denfinately a feel good kind of novel. I was a little worried about whether they were ever going to clue in to their feelings.
I thought this story was very well written, both the two main characters and the secondary characters were flushed out and believable. I enjoyed reading it and rate it 4/5.
Laura Drewry
Jayne Morgan was raised by her grandmother after her mother died. Unfortunately Grandma was a bitter old lady and Jayne had a horrible childhood, never experiencing the love of a family. She leaves town at eighteen on only coming back once for her best friend Nick's wife's funeral.
Jayne and Nick had been buddies since kindergarden, they were the best friends ever and he was the only family that she had. He was the only person that she had ever said those three little words too " I love you."
After Grandma passes away Jayne comes back to her home town hoping to run Grandma's bookstore. The one place that she loved to be as a child. Of course things are never that easy and the bookstore is a big disaster. Unlivable in fact. What is she to do. Nick steps up to the plate and offers her a room with him. Nick's friends are the best, his dog Duke is so lovable, the girlfriend Linda, a little to prissy.
Everyone can see that Nick and Jayne are meant to be together, finally after all these years, everyone that is but Nick and Jayne. They are just friends. best friends.
This story was extremely well written. I loved seeing the struggles of these two as they begin to become attracted to one another but are too blind to recognize the signs. The blind date that Nick tries to arrange for Jayne is just priceless. Jayne trying so hard to like the perfect girlfriend was hilarious. And the patience and love that Nick shows as he helps her deal with the bookstore was just priceless. This was denfinately a feel good kind of novel. I was a little worried about whether they were ever going to clue in to their feelings.
I thought this story was very well written, both the two main characters and the secondary characters were flushed out and believable. I enjoyed reading it and rate it 4/5.
February 17, 2015
Thanks to NetGalley & Loveswept for an ARC copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this story. Once I picked it up, I didn't really want to put it down. It was one of the better 'friends to lovers' kind of story I've read. Perhaps because I had a best guy friend growing up and all my boyfriends never understood or accepted it. I really connected with that part of the story.
Plain Jayne is about lifelong friends, NIck & Jayne. Nick is a successful contractor in a small Northwestern town. The same town Jayne fled once she graduated from high school. The last time Jayne was in town was to support Nick when his wife died. Only Will kicked her out of the funeral when his Mother-in-Law became inconsolable at the picture of Nick and Jayne in a misconstrued consoling embrace. Jayne isn't really sure where she now stands, but the moment Nick sees her, it's like their 6 year absence never happened.
Jayne is back in town to take over the Bookstore her estranged grandmother left for her. She finds the store and the apartment above in deplorable condition, a sure candidate for the Hoarders television show.
The story revolves around Jayne and Nick's ultimate realization that they really should be more than friends even though they keep denying it to everyone who asks them. I love the real portrayal of an opposite sex best friendship. I had one and the story really felt honest in the way you need to handle people's constant questioning of your motives.
I really enjoyed this story and would recommend it for those of you looking for a fluffy, sweet friend to lover kind of story.
I really enjoyed this story. Once I picked it up, I didn't really want to put it down. It was one of the better 'friends to lovers' kind of story I've read. Perhaps because I had a best guy friend growing up and all my boyfriends never understood or accepted it. I really connected with that part of the story.
Plain Jayne is about lifelong friends, NIck & Jayne. Nick is a successful contractor in a small Northwestern town. The same town Jayne fled once she graduated from high school. The last time Jayne was in town was to support Nick when his wife died. Only Will kicked her out of the funeral when his Mother-in-Law became inconsolable at the picture of Nick and Jayne in a misconstrued consoling embrace. Jayne isn't really sure where she now stands, but the moment Nick sees her, it's like their 6 year absence never happened.
Jayne is back in town to take over the Bookstore her estranged grandmother left for her. She finds the store and the apartment above in deplorable condition, a sure candidate for the Hoarders television show.
The story revolves around Jayne and Nick's ultimate realization that they really should be more than friends even though they keep denying it to everyone who asks them. I love the real portrayal of an opposite sex best friendship. I had one and the story really felt honest in the way you need to handle people's constant questioning of your motives.
I really enjoyed this story and would recommend it for those of you looking for a fluffy, sweet friend to lover kind of story.
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