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Almost in Love #2
Stand By Your Man
WHAT'S A NICE GAL LIKE MADDIE DOING IN A MESS LIKE THIS?
SHE'S A PRIVATE DETECTIVE, AND HER SISTER FRANCIE'S IN LOVE WITH A CRIMINAL!
Francie wants Maddie to prove Sebastian's innocent, but the Seattle Police have proof that he's guilty.
Sebastian's brother, Finn, has hired Maddie to find out the truth and set his brother free.
Finn makes Maddie's blood boil and her bells ring--and she's truly, madly, deeply in love with his little daughter, Zoe. And she's pretty certain Sebastian is guilty as charged, so she’s trying her best not to find evidence to the contrary. She's doing the exact opposite of what Finn hired her to do, betraying the guy she—well, the guy she’s supposed to be working for, the guy she just might, maybe, almost be falling for . . .
SHE'S A PRIVATE DETECTIVE, AND HER SISTER FRANCIE'S IN LOVE WITH A CRIMINAL!
Francie wants Maddie to prove Sebastian's innocent, but the Seattle Police have proof that he's guilty.
Sebastian's brother, Finn, has hired Maddie to find out the truth and set his brother free.
Finn makes Maddie's blood boil and her bells ring--and she's truly, madly, deeply in love with his little daughter, Zoe. And she's pretty certain Sebastian is guilty as charged, so she’s trying her best not to find evidence to the contrary. She's doing the exact opposite of what Finn hired her to do, betraying the guy she—well, the guy she’s supposed to be working for, the guy she just might, maybe, almost be falling for . . .
313 pages, ebook
First published February 1, 2005
287 people are currently reading
337 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 1, 2013
A week ago I was making my first visit to Story Cartel and discovered "Stand By Your Man" by Bobby Hutchinson. I have to confess, I met Bobby Hutchinson 25 years ago when I was attending writers conferences and had dreams of being an author myself. Through time I lost touch with her and most of the other members of the writing community. I was delighted to see her work again so I downloaded it for free. For the record, I read widely and I know I can give this review with no bias.
I used to be an avid reader of simple romances and while my tastes have changed more toward woman's contemporary works through the years, I absolutely loved "Stand By Your Man."
This is by no means a simple romance; it has mystery, as well as the depth of contemporary elements that include a dysfunctional family and Maddy the PI, whose secondary job seems to keeping the whole Bertusso family from falling apart or destroying itself. Add to that, hunky Finn Fisher who has his own emotional baggage, plus Zoe, his adorable daughter and the rest of his dysfunctional family; top it all off the undeniable attraction that leads to the unabashed sex that he and Maddy share with no promises or commitments and you have a great read.
I loved the snappy dialogue, the quirky and sometimes hackneyed little lines, the notes she tacked up everywhere, the farting dog; it was a refreshing, fun filled read with a depth I don't always expect to find in this genre. I have to admit that as I read I smiled often, even giggled out loud.
Snap this one up! Don't miss a treasure!
I used to be an avid reader of simple romances and while my tastes have changed more toward woman's contemporary works through the years, I absolutely loved "Stand By Your Man."
This is by no means a simple romance; it has mystery, as well as the depth of contemporary elements that include a dysfunctional family and Maddy the PI, whose secondary job seems to keeping the whole Bertusso family from falling apart or destroying itself. Add to that, hunky Finn Fisher who has his own emotional baggage, plus Zoe, his adorable daughter and the rest of his dysfunctional family; top it all off the undeniable attraction that leads to the unabashed sex that he and Maddy share with no promises or commitments and you have a great read.
I loved the snappy dialogue, the quirky and sometimes hackneyed little lines, the notes she tacked up everywhere, the farting dog; it was a refreshing, fun filled read with a depth I don't always expect to find in this genre. I have to admit that as I read I smiled often, even giggled out loud.
Snap this one up! Don't miss a treasure!
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March 4, 2018Too many random characters, too many subplots, too many cliches. And too many unanswered questions.
Why Dan? What happened to him - he was the only person I really cared about - Maddies parents were utterly awful and she wasnt that much better at times.
Not rating.
Why Dan? What happened to him - he was the only person I really cared about - Maddies parents were utterly awful and she wasnt that much better at times.
Not rating.
March 3, 2018
A book of mysteries, some laugh out loud moments, plenty of family drama, and a little sexy heat. Maddie and her employee, Hannah, are PI's. Maddie's main mission in this book is to prove to her sister, Francie, that her boyfriend with an already long rap sheet is in fact guilty as charged. Francie and Gram ask Maddie to prove Sebastian is innocent. Their parents, Bernice (a judge) and Patrick (a recently retired LEO) instruct Maddie to prove his guilt in order to wake up Francie once and for all. Then to really throw a twist in the mix Finn, Seb's brother, hires her to prove Seb is innocence. It all seems clear as mud right? Sure, throw in Finn's adorable little girl, Zoe, who quickly wraps Maddie around her little finger and it all gets even more murky.
Also in the mix is Hannah's daughter, Amy, who isn't as innocent as she seems to her mother. When Maddie checks in on Amy while Hannah is on a steak out, she finds a raging party along with Amy and her boyfriend in quite the compromising position. Then there is the "street person," Dan, whom Maddie receives "Notes" that he finds in the trash. Dan obviously has mental issues as he is always telling Maddie the FBI is after him but is he really delusional?
While this book does have an ongoing theme of family drama you aren't bogged down by it. Also, with several mysteries threaded in the story, you don't get stuck on just one. The comedic relief is appropriately disbursed throughout. The comments of four year old Zoe are also age appropriate to bring the laughs. This is a quick read, easily finished in a weekend.
Also in the mix is Hannah's daughter, Amy, who isn't as innocent as she seems to her mother. When Maddie checks in on Amy while Hannah is on a steak out, she finds a raging party along with Amy and her boyfriend in quite the compromising position. Then there is the "street person," Dan, whom Maddie receives "Notes" that he finds in the trash. Dan obviously has mental issues as he is always telling Maddie the FBI is after him but is he really delusional?
While this book does have an ongoing theme of family drama you aren't bogged down by it. Also, with several mysteries threaded in the story, you don't get stuck on just one. The comedic relief is appropriately disbursed throughout. The comments of four year old Zoe are also age appropriate to bring the laughs. This is a quick read, easily finished in a weekend.
January 4, 2018
Maddie Bertusso owned Marple Investigative Services in Seattle. She and her partner, Hannah, handled all sorts of cases like checking on unfaithful or strangely behaving spouses and purse snatchers. Everyone in Maddie's family goes to her for help so when her sister, Francie, asks her to find proof that her love interest, Sebastian Fisher, is innocent of the charge that he is the Cycle Snatcher, a thief who knocks down old ladies and steals their purses before taking off on his motorcycle, Maddie agrees. Not an easy thing for her to do since she believes he's guilty. Even their parents think he is guilty and ask Maddie to find proof. She agreed to this, too. Then she gets herself into a real mess when Sebastian's brother, Finn, hires her to prove him innocent.
This story had a lot of characters. So many that it was hard to keep track of but them at times. There was so much family drama that I wondered how Maddie handled it along with her business. Her life gets even more complicated when Finn and Maddie fall for each other. I especially liked quirky Gram and Finn's daughter, Zoe. She was such a cute little girl. Tantrums and all.
This was an entertaining story that surprised me when I found out who the Cycle Snatcher was.
This story had a lot of characters. So many that it was hard to keep track of but them at times. There was so much family drama that I wondered how Maddie handled it along with her business. Her life gets even more complicated when Finn and Maddie fall for each other. I especially liked quirky Gram and Finn's daughter, Zoe. She was such a cute little girl. Tantrums and all.
This was an entertaining story that surprised me when I found out who the Cycle Snatcher was.
March 6, 2018
I really enjoyed the book and thought it was a good first book. It was interesting to see how Maddie handled all the problems in her life. There were a lot of characters, but it was necessary to see the family dynamics. A lot of subplots, but isn't life like that? I was sorry to see Dan go, but maybe he will appear in another book? All in all, it was well written, not a lot of mistakes that would interfere with the flow of the book, and the humor was a bonus. Well done, I'll read others by this author!
March 7, 2018
Good romantic comedy
I really enjoyed this story of finding love the long way around. Maddie is working a double cross in her PI business as she tries to do as her parents ask and prove her sister's new boyfriend guilty of a crime while also agreeing to prove his innocence for his brother. She gets tangled in her web when she starts to fall for the brother and his little girl. There are laughs along the way, complicated family matters, a great dog and a very satisfying ending. It was fun.
I really enjoyed this story of finding love the long way around. Maddie is working a double cross in her PI business as she tries to do as her parents ask and prove her sister's new boyfriend guilty of a crime while also agreeing to prove his innocence for his brother. She gets tangled in her web when she starts to fall for the brother and his little girl. There are laughs along the way, complicated family matters, a great dog and a very satisfying ending. It was fun.
March 2, 2018
Circumstantial evidence aside..
Have you ever been accused of something that you didn't do? Sebastian Fischer has, and he doesn't like it at all!
Get to know Maddie, Finn and the rest of the characters in Stand By Your Man as Maddie tries to prove Sebastian's innocence to appease her younger sister.
Have you ever been accused of something that you didn't do? Sebastian Fischer has, and he doesn't like it at all!
Get to know Maddie, Finn and the rest of the characters in Stand By Your Man as Maddie tries to prove Sebastian's innocence to appease her younger sister.
March 3, 2018
Easy to love this author
Ms. Hutchinson manages to make you laugh, cry and wonder how you managed to live without her sense of humor. I appreciate her sense of right and wrong, I always feel lighter after reading one of her books.
Ms. Hutchinson manages to make you laugh, cry and wonder how you managed to live without her sense of humor. I appreciate her sense of right and wrong, I always feel lighter after reading one of her books.
March 24, 2018
My strong woman is a P.I. (private investigator). Most of her work is unfaithful people so you know that her view in life is a bit slanted. Loved the dog in the story. There’s humor along with the romance. A very good book.
May 5, 2018
This book was great.
I loved how Maddie is a Private Investigator trying to stop her sister falling for what seems to be a loser with a record. Instead she falls for his older brother. Read this.
I loved how Maddie is a Private Investigator trying to stop her sister falling for what seems to be a loser with a record. Instead she falls for his older brother. Read this.
June 5, 2018
Being a PI Can Be Crazy!
I loved all the characters in this story. Couldn’t put it down. Anyone who likes romance & problems getting to the happy ending will like this. Interesting storyline.
I loved all the characters in this story. Couldn’t put it down. Anyone who likes romance & problems getting to the happy ending will like this. Interesting storyline.
August 28, 2018
Stand by your man
Just loved Maddie, Zoe,And Finn. Bobby has a gift for creating very real interesting characters. Will definitely be reading more of her work.
Just loved Maddie, Zoe,And Finn. Bobby has a gift for creating very real interesting characters. Will definitely be reading more of her work.
September 15, 2018
lots of plot switches
strong but troubled characters
strong but troubled characters
September 17, 2018
Fun read
Fun characters and cute story. Some twists and turns and overall a good read. Wonder what happens to the note guy?
Fun characters and cute story. Some twists and turns and overall a good read. Wonder what happens to the note guy?
October 10, 2018
A nice read, I liked the quotes and plot twists. It was awesome that characters did not 100% follow a cliché.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2019
it could be called a chicklit but it has no stupid cliched characters who are mind numbing and it has a decent plot. So I guess its a lighthearted romance and like-able h n H.
October 28, 2013
Coal-miner’s daughter, Bobby Hutchinson, is normally a writer of romances, but it’s probably inevitable she’d write a book called Stand By Your Man. Only, this is not a romance by any stretch of the imagination. Oh, it has a lot of romance, but this is a rip-roaring, gas-passing mystery novel that will have you checking your underwear for railroad tracks for sure.
Maddie Bertusso is a private investigator in Seattle. She and her partner Hannah do all kinds of cases, from checking on straying spouses to purse snatching. When Maddie’s sister Francine gets hooked up with a convicted felon, Sebastian Fisher, though, the detecting schtick becomes intensely personal for Maddie. It becomes moreso, and quite complicated, when Maddie meets Sebastian’s brother Finn and his adorable daughter Zoe.
I haven’t read any of Hutchinson’s romance novels, but if they have the snappy dialogue, spot-on characterizations, and no-frills narrative of Stand By Your Man, she just might convert me to the genre. In the meantime, this is a mystery novel that stands in a class of its own. I got a free review copy of SBYM, but I’m putting the sequels on my to-buy list. It was a bit choppy in places, but then again, that fit the story which was about the ups and downs of romance, family relations, and a whole boatload of other stuff that our heroine had to contend with. You’ll like the ending – because it’s not the normal mystery novel ending, and I’ll say no more so as not to spoil it for you.
Kudos to Hutchinson for this five-star story!
Maddie Bertusso is a private investigator in Seattle. She and her partner Hannah do all kinds of cases, from checking on straying spouses to purse snatching. When Maddie’s sister Francine gets hooked up with a convicted felon, Sebastian Fisher, though, the detecting schtick becomes intensely personal for Maddie. It becomes moreso, and quite complicated, when Maddie meets Sebastian’s brother Finn and his adorable daughter Zoe.
I haven’t read any of Hutchinson’s romance novels, but if they have the snappy dialogue, spot-on characterizations, and no-frills narrative of Stand By Your Man, she just might convert me to the genre. In the meantime, this is a mystery novel that stands in a class of its own. I got a free review copy of SBYM, but I’m putting the sequels on my to-buy list. It was a bit choppy in places, but then again, that fit the story which was about the ups and downs of romance, family relations, and a whole boatload of other stuff that our heroine had to contend with. You’ll like the ending – because it’s not the normal mystery novel ending, and I’ll say no more so as not to spoil it for you.
Kudos to Hutchinson for this five-star story!
August 22, 2015
Running Wild by Bobby Hutchinson
This was a good story.
The description of the book I am listing below is from the back jacket of the book. I'm adding it because I believe the one on the Goodreads page does not depict this story.
Nice Guy Or Bad Boy?
P.I. Maddie Bertusso has always had her feet planted firmly on the ground--which makes her the perfect person to rein in her beautiful, rebellious sister, Francine. Little sis's current conquest, Sebastian, is her craziest hookup yet. But when Maddie decides to use all her skills to expose his checkered past, her investigation leads her straight to Sebastian's brother, Finn. And while Finn may not be quite as wild as Sebastian, his intense green-eyed gaze makes Maddie want to rip off her glasses, let down her hair, and do things that would make Francine blush...
...It's All Relative
Finn Fisher has been burned—badly—by ove. The best thing he has to show for an acrimonious divorce is his sweet daughter, Zoe, whose best interests color every decision he makes. Of course, a guy has to get back in the game sometime. It's been a long while since Finn trusted a woman, and even longer since he's wanted one as badly as he wants Maddie. She seems so mild-mannered and practical, but there's something undeniably sexy simmering behind those warm brown eyes. Could Finn be the one man capable of tapping into Maddie's inner bad girl? There's only one way to find out…
This was a good story.
The description of the book I am listing below is from the back jacket of the book. I'm adding it because I believe the one on the Goodreads page does not depict this story.
Nice Guy Or Bad Boy?
P.I. Maddie Bertusso has always had her feet planted firmly on the ground--which makes her the perfect person to rein in her beautiful, rebellious sister, Francine. Little sis's current conquest, Sebastian, is her craziest hookup yet. But when Maddie decides to use all her skills to expose his checkered past, her investigation leads her straight to Sebastian's brother, Finn. And while Finn may not be quite as wild as Sebastian, his intense green-eyed gaze makes Maddie want to rip off her glasses, let down her hair, and do things that would make Francine blush...
...It's All Relative
Finn Fisher has been burned—badly—by ove. The best thing he has to show for an acrimonious divorce is his sweet daughter, Zoe, whose best interests color every decision he makes. Of course, a guy has to get back in the game sometime. It's been a long while since Finn trusted a woman, and even longer since he's wanted one as badly as he wants Maddie. She seems so mild-mannered and practical, but there's something undeniably sexy simmering behind those warm brown eyes. Could Finn be the one man capable of tapping into Maddie's inner bad girl? There's only one way to find out…
April 18, 2015
Excellent
Thank you Bobby Hutchinson. Very funny, romantic, twists and turns. Early on I was able to detect who and what Jordan was. Still great funny characters and good storylines....lots of laughs. Loved all the Notes from Dan.
On a negative note...there were grammar and spelling issues. Even Maddies name was spelled Mattie.....let me proof your writing!
Will not hesitate to purchase another one of Bobbys books. Also can't wait to see if Stand By Your Man has book two out yet.
Thank you Bobby Hutchinson. Very funny, romantic, twists and turns. Early on I was able to detect who and what Jordan was. Still great funny characters and good storylines....lots of laughs. Loved all the Notes from Dan.
On a negative note...there were grammar and spelling issues. Even Maddies name was spelled Mattie.....let me proof your writing!
Will not hesitate to purchase another one of Bobbys books. Also can't wait to see if Stand By Your Man has book two out yet.
Read
August 11, 2011Well....there is a Basset Hound in it......and that is the best thing about this book!
March 10, 2015
Stand By Your Man review
Stand By Your Man is the first book in the Running Wild series written by author Bobby Hutchinson. It is a sweet and funny book.
Stand By Your Man is the first book in the Running Wild series written by author Bobby Hutchinson. It is a sweet and funny book.
March 11, 2015
Good
the woman who owns her own private Detective agency and has a family that is disfuenill.the investian of a crime brings them closer.
the woman who owns her own private Detective agency and has a family that is disfuenill.the investian of a crime brings them closer.
May 10, 2018
very slow start, but better towards the end
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews