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The Marilyns #1
Place Your Betts
As the daughter of the town slut, she clawed her way up from the bars of Bourbon Street to the Country Music Hall of Fame. She’s America’s sweetheart, darling of the media, and a multi-platinum star. But she has a secret. At the age of sixteen, she had a baby and gave him up for adoption because her boyfriend wasn't ready for fatherhood. Now she finds out that her precious baby boy has been living with his father from day one.
Gabe Swanson is a Texas cattle baron riches-to-rags story. As the only son of the town's most prominent family, it was a huge blow when his father lost the family fortune in a ponzi scheme. Now, Gabe is land rich and cash poor. But he has his son and family is all that matters.
When Betts moves back to the small town that shunned her, all hell breaks loose. She wants her son. Can Betts and Gabe leave their past in the rear view mirror so they can be a family?
Gabe Swanson is a Texas cattle baron riches-to-rags story. As the only son of the town's most prominent family, it was a huge blow when his father lost the family fortune in a ponzi scheme. Now, Gabe is land rich and cash poor. But he has his son and family is all that matters.
When Betts moves back to the small town that shunned her, all hell breaks loose. She wants her son. Can Betts and Gabe leave their past in the rear view mirror so they can be a family?
395 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 20, 2013
266 people are currently reading
1233 people want to read
About the author
Katie Graykowski
33 books410 followersKatie Graykowski is an internationally bestselling author of 25 novels.
Her latest release, Texas Rose Happily Ever-After, the 5th book in the Texas Rose Ranch series. It's out 4/11/2023.
Katie's hard at work on the 5th book in her PTO Murder Club mystery. It's called Puzzled Pieces and is out 5/30/2023.
For news about Katie, please visit www.katiegraykowski.com.
Her latest release, Texas Rose Happily Ever-After, the 5th book in the Texas Rose Ranch series. It's out 4/11/2023.
Katie's hard at work on the 5th book in her PTO Murder Club mystery. It's called Puzzled Pieces and is out 5/30/2023.
For news about Katie, please visit www.katiegraykowski.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
November 11, 2014
5 Stars! Place Your Betts is a sure thing!
If you love the quirkiness of SEP, Jennifer Crusie, Susan Donovan, and a story that grabs a hold of your heart, then take a chance on this book!
I am going to be honest, a few pages in I wondered what I was getting myself into, and well, as it turns out, I got myself into something good! The way the story played out, the plausible explanations for what kept Betts and Gabe apart, and then their the second chance at love.. . delightful. Then watching the relationship blossom between Tom and Betts...nothing sweeter. Betts' friends having her back through the worst time in her life and then being there for her when she had to confront her past, all that she sacrificed, and then try to win it back...awesome!
There isn't anything I didn't like about this book, and it was filled with fun humorous scenes, especially between Betts and Gabe. The sexual tension was off the charts, and I so wanted them to be together again, it's just meant to be.
She positioned the cinnamon rolls for maximum smellage power and flipped on the fan. Cinnamon swarmed on the breeze.
“What are you doing with those?” Gabe used the large puppy-dog eyes to soulfully gaze upon the table.
“You mean the fresh, homemade cinnamon rolls that I just pulled out of the oven?” Betts drew up her knees, placed the book on them, and pretended to read. “They’re cooling.”
“Can I have one?” His eyes hadn’t moved from the pan. “Just that little one right there.” Gabe licked his lips and pointed.
“I don’t think so. I’m pretty hungry.” His pecs flexed as he pulled off his work gloves and stuffed them in his back pocket. He shoved his hands in his front pockets, making the jeans ride an inch lower on his hips and exposing the muscular V of his lower abs.
“What do you want?”
You. Thank God, she hadn’t said it out loud. “How about a trade? One roll for a week’s worth of bathtub privileges?”
Place Your Betts had all the elements, and then some, for what I like in a romantic comedy; witty, sweet, amusing heartwarming story, character chemistry, and it all added up to make this a wonderful charming read.
*A Kindle Unlimited read*
December 2, 2013
Originally posted at http://smexybooks.com/2013/12/review-...
Favorite Quote: “He’s the enemy, but he’s got a great ass. There’s no law against admiring it while we kick it.”
Betts Monroe left her small minded town and worked herself to the bone to become a famous country music star. When her grandmother dies and leaves her a letter, informing her that the son she was forced to give up for adoption is living with his biological father, Betts drops everything and and high tails it back to the town and the man who broke her heart.
Gabe Swanson went from cattle baron to cattle rancher in the blink of an eye when his father gambled away the family fortune. Now it’s only his son and him left to carry on the family name…a name that isn’t worth the paper it’s printed on. Gabe regrets nothing about his life, except a young woman whose heart he broke. When that woman blows back into town, demanding to see their son, all hell breaks loose.
Gabe and Betts may be on opposite sides of the fence, but the attraction between them burns as brightly now as it did sixteen years ago. Can Gage and Betts overcome their past to create a future or was that first cut just too deep to heal?
Fans of Jennifer Crusie and Susan Elizabeth Phillips will enjoy this humorous debut contemporary romance of lost love and second chances playing out under the star struck eyes of a small southern town. A classic trope of young love that was brought under by the manipulations of family. Unplanned pregnancies, misunderstandings, smoking hot chemistry, a scaredy cat bull named Buttercup, and a lycra wearing grandmama will leave you laughing and sniffling just a little as you watch two former lovers try to find away to forgive each other and themselves. Fun snarky dialogue keeps the story flowing along at a steady pace. Multiple plot lines keep you entertained; merging together towards the end to provide a worthy conclusion for our couple.
Heavily character driven, the star of this book is Betts Monroe and her fun loving, no boundaries, sidekick mama. I absolutely adored those two. Lord have mercy. The two of them would get to going and I would laugh my fool head off.
Mama picked up on the second ring. “I’m kinda busy right now. Can I call you back?”
“Nope. This is an emergency. I need a chainsaw and…” Betts’s stomach growled, “a large Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Blizzard—”
“Are we having a party? Why didn’t you tell me? I’ll grab some wine too. Something dry and red. Red always goes well with mayhem and destruction.” Mama hung up.
Graykowski had the perfect blend of snarky fun conversation without oversaturating the book in one liners. Betts is a solid presence in here. Her backstory is heart wrenching and there were two people in her life I wanted to slap the ugly out of. I liked that Graykowski doesn’t make Betts larger than life or the perfect heroine. She’s made mistakes and paid a heavy price for them but she doesn’t allow herself to stay mired in the past.
“It doesn’t matter. I take full responsibility for my mistakes. I should have seen the writing on the wall. Not taking my phone calls or answering my letters was a pretty clear indication of your feelings. Love makes you blind and, in my case”—she laughed, but it sounded hollow—“stupid.”
Gabe was just as strong willed and likable. He gives as good as he gets and some of his “gives” will leave you giggling. In the beginning, I didn’t like him and didn’t want too. After reading how he handled the situation with Betts when she announced she was pregnant; I wanted to choke him. He’s cocky and acts a bit like a martyr. When the whole story is revealed, especially what Betts did after he walked away, he realizes he knew nothing and his hatred was misplaced. I personally think Betts forgave him way too quickly for somethings. Sometimes, “I’m sorry,” isn’t enough.
"Everything he’d believed about Betts had been false, and all the years of hatred seemed like a huge waste of time. She’d had to make all the hard choices because he’d been a coward."
The journey our couple takes is sexy, humorous, and heartbreaking. They were both horribly manipulated by their families and spent many years hating each other for the lies told to them. The chemistry between Gabe and Betts is HOT and is made hotter by their innuendos and negotiating. Lust and snark makes for some wild and steamy times as these two bicker and flirt their way back into bed and each others hearts. Though their relationship starts out rocky, they each harbor resentment over past issues, it progresses at a reasonable pace which is helped out by their attitudes. Bett’s isn’t emotionally broken so she never plays the victim card and Gabe isn’t a domineering jerk, hell bent on making Betts pay for presumed mistakes. It was nice that the usual over the top misconceptions weren’t made a main focus in this installment. I enjoyed watching Gage and Betts get to know one another again as adults.
“Is name-calling part of your master plan to get me into bed? I have to tell you, it isn’t working.”
Well developed secondary characters round out the storyline and add depth, good old southern wisdom, delightful snarkiness and humor to the story. The four churches and their stalking was a trip. I love watching Tom get to know his mother and find his own romance. Betts mom will keep you stitches. She may march to her own drum but she loves her daughter and will take out anyone out who even tries to hurt her.
“I’m right here if you need me.” Mama called out. “Just holler and I’ll come running, swinging my bat first and asking questions later.”
We don’t see much of Betts best friends but from what you learn, they always have her back.
The main conflict is resolved in a predictable fashion as Gabe and Betts learn exactly what happened sixteen years ago and are able to work beyond it. Various smaller storylines also wrap up with little fanfare. Though I felt the ending came a little too fast and easy, I enjoyed the overall journey. There were a few things that I felt didn’t develop quite as well as they could; the role Betts grandmother played and I was curious as to why Gabe never contacted Betts later on in life.
Place Your Betts is delightfully funny sentimental story that is just the thing for those looking for a lightweight and engaging romantic contemporary brimming with laughter, love, and a healthy dose of lust. I do believe this will be a series as Ms. Graykowski seems to be working on book two, Lucky In Love, which is based on one of Betts best friends. I look forward to reading more by Ms. Graykowski.
Favorite Quote: “He’s the enemy, but he’s got a great ass. There’s no law against admiring it while we kick it.”
Betts Monroe left her small minded town and worked herself to the bone to become a famous country music star. When her grandmother dies and leaves her a letter, informing her that the son she was forced to give up for adoption is living with his biological father, Betts drops everything and and high tails it back to the town and the man who broke her heart.
Gabe Swanson went from cattle baron to cattle rancher in the blink of an eye when his father gambled away the family fortune. Now it’s only his son and him left to carry on the family name…a name that isn’t worth the paper it’s printed on. Gabe regrets nothing about his life, except a young woman whose heart he broke. When that woman blows back into town, demanding to see their son, all hell breaks loose.
Gabe and Betts may be on opposite sides of the fence, but the attraction between them burns as brightly now as it did sixteen years ago. Can Gage and Betts overcome their past to create a future or was that first cut just too deep to heal?
Fans of Jennifer Crusie and Susan Elizabeth Phillips will enjoy this humorous debut contemporary romance of lost love and second chances playing out under the star struck eyes of a small southern town. A classic trope of young love that was brought under by the manipulations of family. Unplanned pregnancies, misunderstandings, smoking hot chemistry, a scaredy cat bull named Buttercup, and a lycra wearing grandmama will leave you laughing and sniffling just a little as you watch two former lovers try to find away to forgive each other and themselves. Fun snarky dialogue keeps the story flowing along at a steady pace. Multiple plot lines keep you entertained; merging together towards the end to provide a worthy conclusion for our couple.
Heavily character driven, the star of this book is Betts Monroe and her fun loving, no boundaries, sidekick mama. I absolutely adored those two. Lord have mercy. The two of them would get to going and I would laugh my fool head off.
Mama picked up on the second ring. “I’m kinda busy right now. Can I call you back?”
“Nope. This is an emergency. I need a chainsaw and…” Betts’s stomach growled, “a large Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Blizzard—”
“Are we having a party? Why didn’t you tell me? I’ll grab some wine too. Something dry and red. Red always goes well with mayhem and destruction.” Mama hung up.
Graykowski had the perfect blend of snarky fun conversation without oversaturating the book in one liners. Betts is a solid presence in here. Her backstory is heart wrenching and there were two people in her life I wanted to slap the ugly out of. I liked that Graykowski doesn’t make Betts larger than life or the perfect heroine. She’s made mistakes and paid a heavy price for them but she doesn’t allow herself to stay mired in the past.
“It doesn’t matter. I take full responsibility for my mistakes. I should have seen the writing on the wall. Not taking my phone calls or answering my letters was a pretty clear indication of your feelings. Love makes you blind and, in my case”—she laughed, but it sounded hollow—“stupid.”
Gabe was just as strong willed and likable. He gives as good as he gets and some of his “gives” will leave you giggling. In the beginning, I didn’t like him and didn’t want too. After reading how he handled the situation with Betts when she announced she was pregnant; I wanted to choke him. He’s cocky and acts a bit like a martyr. When the whole story is revealed, especially what Betts did after he walked away, he realizes he knew nothing and his hatred was misplaced. I personally think Betts forgave him way too quickly for somethings. Sometimes, “I’m sorry,” isn’t enough.
"Everything he’d believed about Betts had been false, and all the years of hatred seemed like a huge waste of time. She’d had to make all the hard choices because he’d been a coward."
The journey our couple takes is sexy, humorous, and heartbreaking. They were both horribly manipulated by their families and spent many years hating each other for the lies told to them. The chemistry between Gabe and Betts is HOT and is made hotter by their innuendos and negotiating. Lust and snark makes for some wild and steamy times as these two bicker and flirt their way back into bed and each others hearts. Though their relationship starts out rocky, they each harbor resentment over past issues, it progresses at a reasonable pace which is helped out by their attitudes. Bett’s isn’t emotionally broken so she never plays the victim card and Gabe isn’t a domineering jerk, hell bent on making Betts pay for presumed mistakes. It was nice that the usual over the top misconceptions weren’t made a main focus in this installment. I enjoyed watching Gage and Betts get to know one another again as adults.
“Is name-calling part of your master plan to get me into bed? I have to tell you, it isn’t working.”
Well developed secondary characters round out the storyline and add depth, good old southern wisdom, delightful snarkiness and humor to the story. The four churches and their stalking was a trip. I love watching Tom get to know his mother and find his own romance. Betts mom will keep you stitches. She may march to her own drum but she loves her daughter and will take out anyone out who even tries to hurt her.
“I’m right here if you need me.” Mama called out. “Just holler and I’ll come running, swinging my bat first and asking questions later.”
We don’t see much of Betts best friends but from what you learn, they always have her back.
The main conflict is resolved in a predictable fashion as Gabe and Betts learn exactly what happened sixteen years ago and are able to work beyond it. Various smaller storylines also wrap up with little fanfare. Though I felt the ending came a little too fast and easy, I enjoyed the overall journey. There were a few things that I felt didn’t develop quite as well as they could; the role Betts grandmother played and I was curious as to why Gabe never contacted Betts later on in life.
Place Your Betts is delightfully funny sentimental story that is just the thing for those looking for a lightweight and engaging romantic contemporary brimming with laughter, love, and a healthy dose of lust. I do believe this will be a series as Ms. Graykowski seems to be working on book two, Lucky In Love, which is based on one of Betts best friends. I look forward to reading more by Ms. Graykowski.
October 4, 2020
This could’ve, should’ve been a 5 star read. If the plot holes and inconsistencies were fixed, it would’ve been. There is unrealized potential!
Betts really got a raw deal. I felt such compassion and sadness on her behalf as a mother. She got pregnant at 16 and her grandmother, Gigi kicked her out in the rain penniless while she was pregnant. Then Betts was forced to give up her son in an illegal adoption and Gigi kept the money. Then Gigi had a relationship with her grandson while Betts was completely in the dark! The H, Gabe is a spineless, irredeemable loser. He turns away Betts (we later find out that he was protecting his mother) and lets his father call her a whore on his doorstep. She endures the pregnancy and birth alone and has to drop out of school and work 2 jobs. Gabe fails Betts in every possible way.
Fast forward 16 years. Betts is a successful and famous country singer. Gabe’s farm is being foreclosed on and he’s working day laborer jobs with migrants. He’s also raised their son while excluding Betts entirely. Wouldn’t he have pursued child support? The whole time Betts thought her son was with another family. Gabe is of course, horrible to Betts when she returns because he believes the worst of her, that she slept her way to the top and that she was only successful because of the $50,000 she supposedly got for giving up their son and the $10,000 check his father supposedly gave her. All of his implied groveling and guilt is inner dialogue. No grand gestures are made to Betts. Instead, she does everything for Gabe. She cooks for him, remodels his house, and gives him 10m dollars!
Problems with the book: Why didn’t Betts track her son down sooner? She had all these resources, wouldn’t she want to be absolutely certain he was okay? I wouldn’t trust an illegal adoption! Why didn’t she get her lawyers involved? Didn’t the people in the town know she was involved with Gabe and therefore figure out she was the MIA mother? Gabe told Tom that his mother died giving birth to him and that was never resolved. There should’ve been some culpability! The pregnancy scare with Tom’s gf made no sense. Three pregnancy tests aren’t wrong. She had to have had a miscarriage. When Gabe finally figures out Betts was an innocent victim he never actually grovels. Sure, he holds her when she cries but he never really makes up anything to her. Gabe is no prize. He’s a spineless ass. He never stood up for Betts so he doesn’t deserve her. Betts forgave him way too easily, but I get that she wanted to move forward and find happiness. She should’ve reclaimed her son and found a better man!
I loved the dynamic between Betts and her Mama Cherie. I love the backstory for the Marilyns. All in all, it was a good book but Betts deserves more!
Betts really got a raw deal. I felt such compassion and sadness on her behalf as a mother. She got pregnant at 16 and her grandmother, Gigi kicked her out in the rain penniless while she was pregnant. Then Betts was forced to give up her son in an illegal adoption and Gigi kept the money. Then Gigi had a relationship with her grandson while Betts was completely in the dark! The H, Gabe is a spineless, irredeemable loser. He turns away Betts (we later find out that he was protecting his mother) and lets his father call her a whore on his doorstep. She endures the pregnancy and birth alone and has to drop out of school and work 2 jobs. Gabe fails Betts in every possible way.
Fast forward 16 years. Betts is a successful and famous country singer. Gabe’s farm is being foreclosed on and he’s working day laborer jobs with migrants. He’s also raised their son while excluding Betts entirely. Wouldn’t he have pursued child support? The whole time Betts thought her son was with another family. Gabe is of course, horrible to Betts when she returns because he believes the worst of her, that she slept her way to the top and that she was only successful because of the $50,000 she supposedly got for giving up their son and the $10,000 check his father supposedly gave her. All of his implied groveling and guilt is inner dialogue. No grand gestures are made to Betts. Instead, she does everything for Gabe. She cooks for him, remodels his house, and gives him 10m dollars!
Problems with the book: Why didn’t Betts track her son down sooner? She had all these resources, wouldn’t she want to be absolutely certain he was okay? I wouldn’t trust an illegal adoption! Why didn’t she get her lawyers involved? Didn’t the people in the town know she was involved with Gabe and therefore figure out she was the MIA mother? Gabe told Tom that his mother died giving birth to him and that was never resolved. There should’ve been some culpability! The pregnancy scare with Tom’s gf made no sense. Three pregnancy tests aren’t wrong. She had to have had a miscarriage. When Gabe finally figures out Betts was an innocent victim he never actually grovels. Sure, he holds her when she cries but he never really makes up anything to her. Gabe is no prize. He’s a spineless ass. He never stood up for Betts so he doesn’t deserve her. Betts forgave him way too easily, but I get that she wanted to move forward and find happiness. She should’ve reclaimed her son and found a better man!
I loved the dynamic between Betts and her Mama Cherie. I love the backstory for the Marilyns. All in all, it was a good book but Betts deserves more!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2016
I have so many issues with this one, that I don't know where to start.
First I have to recognize that the characters are really cool, just like in all of Katie's books. But while the characters are memorable and the story is fun and the book is easy to read, but the story has so many plot holes that I finished the book feeling frustrated.
The book starts when Betts and her Mom are preparing a funeral, since the beginning is clear that they hate Gigi, the one who died, then Betts gets a letter, the last from Gigi, and the content of the letter drives her to go back to the town she hates, where her grandmother Gigi lived.
And here is where the story starts to fall apart:
There were just a lot of things that didn't make sense.
First I have to recognize that the characters are really cool, just like in all of Katie's books. But while the characters are memorable and the story is fun and the book is easy to read, but the story has so many plot holes that I finished the book feeling frustrated.
The book starts when Betts and her Mom are preparing a funeral, since the beginning is clear that they hate Gigi, the one who died, then Betts gets a letter, the last from Gigi, and the content of the letter drives her to go back to the town she hates, where her grandmother Gigi lived.
And here is where the story starts to fall apart:
There were just a lot of things that didn't make sense.
April 30, 2017
4.25 stars.
This is a (not) secret baby story with a twist.
She gave up the baby and become a rockstar, while he was end up with the baby, forget the dreams and poor.
Oh, he used to be the rich one and dump her while she was pregnant, he had his own reason but feel kind of weak to me, but karma is work his own way I guess.
Oh don't worry, everything ending with a HEA with she the sugar mummy:)))
Good for a change for this type of story, sigh..:)
This is a (not) secret baby story with a twist.
She gave up the baby and become a rockstar, while he was end up with the baby, forget the dreams and poor.
Oh, he used to be the rich one and dump her while she was pregnant, he had his own reason but feel kind of weak to me, but karma is work his own way I guess.
Oh don't worry, everything ending with a HEA with she the sugar mummy:)))
Good for a change for this type of story, sigh..:)
February 8, 2023
Star-crossed lovers...the wealthy quarterback and his pregnant girlfriend. Bett, a minor relinquishes her baby for adoption. The father questioned paternity, and her grandmother railroaded her. How does the father have the chutzpah to question her, is beyond me.
Despite the trauma in her life, she goes on to launch an incredible singing career…missing a vital piece from her life.
“You’re right. Your grandmother made the Wicked Witch look like the tooth fairy.” Gigi was the only subject on which Betts and her mother had ever agreed. Gigi—Irma Cherie Dittmeyer—the devil disguised as a Southern Baptist. She’d spent most of her life thumping her Bible so loudly she gave Jesus a headache.
Any love she’d had for her grandmother died sixteen years ago on May 25th at exactly 3:32 p.m. The moment she gave her baby up for adoption. Sixteen years later, at her grandmother’s behest, she stages a revelation - the whereabouts of her son. He’s with the boy’s father, Gabe, the same Gabe that questioned paternity.
“The funeral needs to run on time.”
“Why? Has Gigi got someplace to be?”
“Yep. The lab techs from LSU should be here around one or one fifteen.”
“Do I want to know why LSU lab techs are coming?”
“I donated her body to science. Maybe they can figure out what was wrong with her.”
(Admittedly, this was a funny reply).
The same cowardly Gabe, who never defended her to his father but slunk away like a coward, believing his father bankrolled Betts career. The same career he is convinced was launched because of her friendship with Lucky’s husband. “Ricky Strickland was a hell of a musician. So that’s how Betts had gotten her break in the music business. She’d used her friend’s husband. Using people, that’s what she did best. The mad was working its way back”.
“Yeah, but he was a shitty husband.” Betts said.
Not once did he credit her with earning the accolades.
(Her mother, Mama Cherie, was a bartender and the owner had a brother who was a talent scout for a Christian music label. She got her an audition).
Betts was equally happy to bury her head in the sand, rather than demanding answers, such as the terms of Tom’s original adoption, Gabe didn’t seem inclined to believe that she had no idea where or with whom Tom had been placed.
If anyone has a right to feel resentment, it’s Bett, Gabe was a coward. He lacked character, if we were assigning blame, Bett would be blameless. He caused her such heartache yet years later she isn’t resentful, merely thankful for any access to Tom.
Gabe and his father shunned her, questioning the baby’s paternity.
“That scar. I mean, I saw it the other night, but I didn’t realize it was so big…it looks like they cut you in half. Were you sick? Was it cancer? Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. It’s from my C-section. Tom was a big baby. I’m a small person. After thirty-something hours of labor, they cut me open.”
***
Gabe’s breath caught in his throat.
“It’s not straight.” Having Tom had hurt her. Jesus Christ, they’d cut her in half. It must have been unbelievably painful.
“Sorry. The free clinic did the best they could. I couldn’t exactly afford the best.”
“Free clinic? What happened to the money?”
“What money?”
“The money my father gave you the night you, um…walked to our house—”
“You mean the night Gigi kicked me out in the rain and you let your father call me a whore—”
“She kicked you out? Now I understand about the money. I’m glad my father wrote you that check.”
“I tore it up and scattered the pieces all over your front yard. I wouldn’t take a dime from that son of a bitch.”
Had she really torn up the check? That explained the free clinic. After she left, he’d proceeded to drink himself into oblivion. It was as good as an apology. (She doesn’t owe him an apology). He betrayed her.
The only person in the world who hadn’t been afraid of Peyton Swanson was Betts. Gabe was weak. He’d sent her away, alone and pregnant. Was there an explanation that made that okay?
“That night, my father said some pretty bad things—”
The reference of an engagement remains unaddressed as does the reason he questioned paternity.
That horrible night, she’d come to the house sopping wet and alone to tell the man she loved that she was going to have his baby, and he’d thrown her to the wolves.
The only woman he’d ever truly loved would hate him forever, because what he’d done was unforgivable. All these years, he’d justified his behavior because he’d been saving his mother. Now, he could no longer cling to that lie. Betts had made some mistakes—she wasn’t blameless—but he’d forced her into the situation by not standing by her.
“Every child should know both his parents—”
“Yes, but should both parents know their child?”
“He’s been here all this time and you chose now? Why?”
“I had no idea where he was or even his name. The last time I saw him, he weighed seven and a half pounds.” She was all innocence.
Gigi had made it clear to him that Betts wanted nothing to do with Tom. “So what do you want from him?”
“To get to know him, to be in his life. I’m his mother. I have a right.”
“You gave birth to him, and you gave him away. You are not his mother.” (AND YOU QUESTIONED HIS PATERNITY).
“I was sixteen; it wasn’t my choice.”
“You gave birth to him. How was it not your choice?”
“I was a minor. Gigi took care of everything. She told me that I didn’t have a choice.”
“Until a couple of days ago, I had no idea where my baby boy was. I got a letter from Gigi’s estate telling me he was here, so I got in the car and drove. I didn’t stop until my car ran off the road. How did you come to have him?” (Gigi didn’t want her to keep him, yet Gigi withheld that she’d formed a relationship with him; she accepted money in exchange for the baby then acted sanctimonious). Gigi had no redeeming qualities, in my opinion.
“I was tired and in so much pain….Gigi said he’d have a better life. She showed up—I don’t know how she found me—and called me selfish for wanting to keep him. She had it all worked out. Gigi told me that because I was a minor, I didn’t have a say in what happened to my baby. I didn’t know that was a lie and everything she did was illegal until it was too late.”
“Thank God it wasn’t legal or I wouldn’t have been able to get Tom back from the Snyders so easily.”
“What about the money?”
“What money? I told you I tore up your daddy’s check—”
“No, the fifty thousand the Snyders paid for Tom.” He was hurting her, but Gabe didn’t want any past secrets between them. Not anymore.
“I don’t know…money for Tom. Are you telling me that the couple who adopted him paid money?”
“When my mother died, she left me a letter in her safety deposit box telling me about Tom. A day later, I found him living in Longview with Deek Synder.”
“I don’t understand. Gigi said that Tom would have a mother and a father”.
“Margot Snyder died. She had some mental health issues and couldn’t handle motherhood. She committed suicide—”
“She did it in her car in some parking lot—”
“But the dad—Deek—was good to Tom, right?”
“I don’t think there was any abuse, but neglect was an issue. When I found Tom, he was locked in his room. Tom was two. Deek was more than happy to give Tom up.”
“Be gentle with him. His life hasn’t been easy…especially before I tracked him down and adopted him. He knows I’m his biological father, but I’d prefer he never finds out the details of his first…home.”
“I don’t understand.” Evasively he responds:
“I’ll agree to let you see Tom on one condition: under no circumstances can you tell him that you’re his mother. He’s been through enough, and I won’t have him hurt again. Agreed?”
He commands her to be nothing but a friend to her son.
The interaction between Betts and her mother is priceless.
“Small-busted women have big hearts. And large-busted women break hearts. Back to The Double D. I think it’s a perfect name. Your brand could be two triangles like a bra with the letter D in the middle of each.”
“I’m thinking about going into clothing design.”
“Are you sure that’s a good idea? The over-fifty stripper demographic is a pretty niche market. Think about it. When your nipple rings get caught in your belly button ring, it’s time to hang up your hooker heels.”
“I beg your pardon, my nipples are in exactly the same place they were when I graduated from high school twenty years ago.” Mama adjusted the girls for emphasis.
“That would make you thirty-eight…so you had me when you were six?”
“Miracles happen everyday.” Mama reached into the back seat and pulled out a gas-powered chainsaw and a small red plastic gas can.
“So do lies.” Betts said.
Mama stuck out her tongue and then said, “Wine’s in the trunk.”
“Check your grandmother’s trunk. She always had a length of heavy-duty chain, some duct tape, and wire snips in her trunk.” Mama nodded to the Mustang.
“Jesus, why?” Using the car key, Betts popped open the trunk, and sure enough, there was a length of chain, three rolls of duct tape, and some bolt cutters.
“My guess, it was her murder kit. I always thought she was the real Son of Sam,” Mama said.
“You also thought she was the Unibomber”.
“Go put on some clothes.” Mama glanced at Betts’s peach satin robe. “That’d be enough for me, but you’re too inhibited to pull it off in public.”
“You mean morally conscious, tasteful, and classy.”
“Sticks and stones.”
“I can see your butt crack. There’s a hooker somewhere missing her clothes.”
“That’s the nicest thing you’ve said to me in years.”
Kaitlin and Tom thinks she’s pregnant, they get Mama Cherie to pick them up.
“You didn’t buy those pregnancy tests at Bobcat Drug, did you?”
“Sure, why?”
“Are you kidding? They’ll know they’re for me. Mr. Salomen, the pharmacist, plays golf with my daddy every Saturday morning.”
Mama patted Kaitlin on the shoulder. “Honey Bee, don’t worry. I’ve been buying my pregnancy tests at Bobcat Drug since I was sixteen. Trust me. The gossip mill doesn’t have time to worry about you now that I’m back in town. And to add some extra grist, I had my estrogen replacement medication refilled while I strolled the pregnancy test aisle. Keeps them guessing.”
Mama upended the bag, and a mountain of pregnancy tests spilled out.
“Now, I got enough for everyone, so don’t fight…”
“These aren’t party favors.” Betts stared at her mother.
“I didn’t want Kaitlin to feel uncomfortable, so I got three different kinds for each of us.”
Mama grabbed three boxes and handed them to Betts. “You first, then Kaitlin, then me. It’s like an all-girl pregnancy party.”
“I’m not pregnant, and you don’t have a uterus.”
“Jesus, you’re no fun. How in the hell did I raise such a rule follower?”
“Here, I guess you’re goin’ it alone.”
Mama (Cherie) is an absolute riot.
“I can’t believe I’m a grandmother at the age of forty. That’s got to be a record.”
“No, the record is you having me at the age of seven,” Betts called after her mother.
With the support of her colourful brand of best friends Charlie (Charlotte Guidry) and Lucky (Buckley St. James), The other Marilyns and the encouragement of her eccentric Mum, she fights for the opportunity to get to know her son.
Despite the trauma in her life, she goes on to launch an incredible singing career…missing a vital piece from her life.
“You’re right. Your grandmother made the Wicked Witch look like the tooth fairy.” Gigi was the only subject on which Betts and her mother had ever agreed. Gigi—Irma Cherie Dittmeyer—the devil disguised as a Southern Baptist. She’d spent most of her life thumping her Bible so loudly she gave Jesus a headache.
Any love she’d had for her grandmother died sixteen years ago on May 25th at exactly 3:32 p.m. The moment she gave her baby up for adoption. Sixteen years later, at her grandmother’s behest, she stages a revelation - the whereabouts of her son. He’s with the boy’s father, Gabe, the same Gabe that questioned paternity.
“The funeral needs to run on time.”
“Why? Has Gigi got someplace to be?”
“Yep. The lab techs from LSU should be here around one or one fifteen.”
“Do I want to know why LSU lab techs are coming?”
“I donated her body to science. Maybe they can figure out what was wrong with her.”
(Admittedly, this was a funny reply).
The same cowardly Gabe, who never defended her to his father but slunk away like a coward, believing his father bankrolled Betts career. The same career he is convinced was launched because of her friendship with Lucky’s husband. “Ricky Strickland was a hell of a musician. So that’s how Betts had gotten her break in the music business. She’d used her friend’s husband. Using people, that’s what she did best. The mad was working its way back”.
“Yeah, but he was a shitty husband.” Betts said.
Not once did he credit her with earning the accolades.
(Her mother, Mama Cherie, was a bartender and the owner had a brother who was a talent scout for a Christian music label. She got her an audition).
Betts was equally happy to bury her head in the sand, rather than demanding answers, such as the terms of Tom’s original adoption, Gabe didn’t seem inclined to believe that she had no idea where or with whom Tom had been placed.
If anyone has a right to feel resentment, it’s Bett, Gabe was a coward. He lacked character, if we were assigning blame, Bett would be blameless. He caused her such heartache yet years later she isn’t resentful, merely thankful for any access to Tom.
Gabe and his father shunned her, questioning the baby’s paternity.
“That scar. I mean, I saw it the other night, but I didn’t realize it was so big…it looks like they cut you in half. Were you sick? Was it cancer? Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. It’s from my C-section. Tom was a big baby. I’m a small person. After thirty-something hours of labor, they cut me open.”
***
Gabe’s breath caught in his throat.
“It’s not straight.” Having Tom had hurt her. Jesus Christ, they’d cut her in half. It must have been unbelievably painful.
“Sorry. The free clinic did the best they could. I couldn’t exactly afford the best.”
“Free clinic? What happened to the money?”
“What money?”
“The money my father gave you the night you, um…walked to our house—”
“You mean the night Gigi kicked me out in the rain and you let your father call me a whore—”
“She kicked you out? Now I understand about the money. I’m glad my father wrote you that check.”
“I tore it up and scattered the pieces all over your front yard. I wouldn’t take a dime from that son of a bitch.”
Had she really torn up the check? That explained the free clinic. After she left, he’d proceeded to drink himself into oblivion. It was as good as an apology. (She doesn’t owe him an apology). He betrayed her.
The only person in the world who hadn’t been afraid of Peyton Swanson was Betts. Gabe was weak. He’d sent her away, alone and pregnant. Was there an explanation that made that okay?
“That night, my father said some pretty bad things—”
The reference of an engagement remains unaddressed as does the reason he questioned paternity.
That horrible night, she’d come to the house sopping wet and alone to tell the man she loved that she was going to have his baby, and he’d thrown her to the wolves.
The only woman he’d ever truly loved would hate him forever, because what he’d done was unforgivable. All these years, he’d justified his behavior because he’d been saving his mother. Now, he could no longer cling to that lie. Betts had made some mistakes—she wasn’t blameless—but he’d forced her into the situation by not standing by her.
“Every child should know both his parents—”
“Yes, but should both parents know their child?”
“He’s been here all this time and you chose now? Why?”
“I had no idea where he was or even his name. The last time I saw him, he weighed seven and a half pounds.” She was all innocence.
Gigi had made it clear to him that Betts wanted nothing to do with Tom. “So what do you want from him?”
“To get to know him, to be in his life. I’m his mother. I have a right.”
“You gave birth to him, and you gave him away. You are not his mother.” (AND YOU QUESTIONED HIS PATERNITY).
“I was sixteen; it wasn’t my choice.”
“You gave birth to him. How was it not your choice?”
“I was a minor. Gigi took care of everything. She told me that I didn’t have a choice.”
“Until a couple of days ago, I had no idea where my baby boy was. I got a letter from Gigi’s estate telling me he was here, so I got in the car and drove. I didn’t stop until my car ran off the road. How did you come to have him?” (Gigi didn’t want her to keep him, yet Gigi withheld that she’d formed a relationship with him; she accepted money in exchange for the baby then acted sanctimonious). Gigi had no redeeming qualities, in my opinion.
“I was tired and in so much pain….Gigi said he’d have a better life. She showed up—I don’t know how she found me—and called me selfish for wanting to keep him. She had it all worked out. Gigi told me that because I was a minor, I didn’t have a say in what happened to my baby. I didn’t know that was a lie and everything she did was illegal until it was too late.”
“Thank God it wasn’t legal or I wouldn’t have been able to get Tom back from the Snyders so easily.”
“What about the money?”
“What money? I told you I tore up your daddy’s check—”
“No, the fifty thousand the Snyders paid for Tom.” He was hurting her, but Gabe didn’t want any past secrets between them. Not anymore.
“I don’t know…money for Tom. Are you telling me that the couple who adopted him paid money?”
“When my mother died, she left me a letter in her safety deposit box telling me about Tom. A day later, I found him living in Longview with Deek Synder.”
“I don’t understand. Gigi said that Tom would have a mother and a father”.
“Margot Snyder died. She had some mental health issues and couldn’t handle motherhood. She committed suicide—”
“She did it in her car in some parking lot—”
“But the dad—Deek—was good to Tom, right?”
“I don’t think there was any abuse, but neglect was an issue. When I found Tom, he was locked in his room. Tom was two. Deek was more than happy to give Tom up.”
“Be gentle with him. His life hasn’t been easy…especially before I tracked him down and adopted him. He knows I’m his biological father, but I’d prefer he never finds out the details of his first…home.”
“I don’t understand.” Evasively he responds:
“I’ll agree to let you see Tom on one condition: under no circumstances can you tell him that you’re his mother. He’s been through enough, and I won’t have him hurt again. Agreed?”
He commands her to be nothing but a friend to her son.
The interaction between Betts and her mother is priceless.
“Small-busted women have big hearts. And large-busted women break hearts. Back to The Double D. I think it’s a perfect name. Your brand could be two triangles like a bra with the letter D in the middle of each.”
“I’m thinking about going into clothing design.”
“Are you sure that’s a good idea? The over-fifty stripper demographic is a pretty niche market. Think about it. When your nipple rings get caught in your belly button ring, it’s time to hang up your hooker heels.”
“I beg your pardon, my nipples are in exactly the same place they were when I graduated from high school twenty years ago.” Mama adjusted the girls for emphasis.
“That would make you thirty-eight…so you had me when you were six?”
“Miracles happen everyday.” Mama reached into the back seat and pulled out a gas-powered chainsaw and a small red plastic gas can.
“So do lies.” Betts said.
Mama stuck out her tongue and then said, “Wine’s in the trunk.”
“Check your grandmother’s trunk. She always had a length of heavy-duty chain, some duct tape, and wire snips in her trunk.” Mama nodded to the Mustang.
“Jesus, why?” Using the car key, Betts popped open the trunk, and sure enough, there was a length of chain, three rolls of duct tape, and some bolt cutters.
“My guess, it was her murder kit. I always thought she was the real Son of Sam,” Mama said.
“You also thought she was the Unibomber”.
“Go put on some clothes.” Mama glanced at Betts’s peach satin robe. “That’d be enough for me, but you’re too inhibited to pull it off in public.”
“You mean morally conscious, tasteful, and classy.”
“Sticks and stones.”
“I can see your butt crack. There’s a hooker somewhere missing her clothes.”
“That’s the nicest thing you’ve said to me in years.”
Kaitlin and Tom thinks she’s pregnant, they get Mama Cherie to pick them up.
“You didn’t buy those pregnancy tests at Bobcat Drug, did you?”
“Sure, why?”
“Are you kidding? They’ll know they’re for me. Mr. Salomen, the pharmacist, plays golf with my daddy every Saturday morning.”
Mama patted Kaitlin on the shoulder. “Honey Bee, don’t worry. I’ve been buying my pregnancy tests at Bobcat Drug since I was sixteen. Trust me. The gossip mill doesn’t have time to worry about you now that I’m back in town. And to add some extra grist, I had my estrogen replacement medication refilled while I strolled the pregnancy test aisle. Keeps them guessing.”
Mama upended the bag, and a mountain of pregnancy tests spilled out.
“Now, I got enough for everyone, so don’t fight…”
“These aren’t party favors.” Betts stared at her mother.
“I didn’t want Kaitlin to feel uncomfortable, so I got three different kinds for each of us.”
Mama grabbed three boxes and handed them to Betts. “You first, then Kaitlin, then me. It’s like an all-girl pregnancy party.”
“I’m not pregnant, and you don’t have a uterus.”
“Jesus, you’re no fun. How in the hell did I raise such a rule follower?”
“Here, I guess you’re goin’ it alone.”
Mama (Cherie) is an absolute riot.
“I can’t believe I’m a grandmother at the age of forty. That’s got to be a record.”
“No, the record is you having me at the age of seven,” Betts called after her mother.
With the support of her colourful brand of best friends Charlie (Charlotte Guidry) and Lucky (Buckley St. James), The other Marilyns and the encouragement of her eccentric Mum, she fights for the opportunity to get to know her son.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2016
Some books strike just the right chord out of the blue. I saw a book with a blurb that drew in my curiosity and really had no expectations. It wasn't far into this story that my anticipation grew and continued to grow as things were all laid out. A famous country singer discovers after her grandmother's death that the son she gave away as a poor, scared sixteen year old when her grandmother and her boyfriend both rejected her has been living for years with his real father back home in Texas. Yeah...that was the set up. And then as I progressed, I could see that both Betts and Gabe who loathed each other for years were both laboring under false impressions as a result of lies carefully cultivated with both of them just as they now had to figure out how best to break the truth to their teenage son. By the time I had laughed, cried, and sighed my way through this heartwarming story, I realized that I had listened to a true gem of a story and I didn't want it to end.
Fortunately, I get to stick around in The Marilyns' world as this was only the first of three stories about three 'through thick and thin' best friends known as the Three Marilyns after the one time the women as girls dressed up as Marilyn Monroe for Halloween. Can't wait to continue with Lucky's story.
But, back to Betts. Mega-successful country singer Betts Monroe is with her flamboyant, unapologettically slutty mother, Mama Sheree, as they prepare for her grandmother's funeral. Her grandmother was a hard, mean, loner woman who made the lives of those around her miserable. A registered letter arrives that rocks Betts' world. Her grandmother sent her a letter from beyond the grave so to speak telling her that the baby she gave up when she was young and scared is with his father back in her Texas hometown. Betts rushes back determined to get her son from the man who used her and threw her love back in her face when she needed him most. But easier said than done. The Swansons were rancher royalty when she was just the daughter of the town slut back in the day and Tom is now a teen and thinks she gave him away and stayed away. Still, she will do whatever it takes to get back into her son's life and show him that she never stopped loving him and she will take on Gabe and the Swansons to do it.
Laboring to hang on to the family ranch after his bitter, mean father lost almost everything in bad investments, Gabe doesn't have time to confront trouble from his past. Gabe Swanson has hated the woman who took his dad's bribe money to prove she never really cared about him and only the family wealth and then sold their baby into a bad situation all to fund her big time singing career. He raised Tom and she is not going to waltz back into his son's life, make promises and skip out on his son like she did to him. Too bad the vixen is as attractive as ever and he wants to believe her, but can he when so much is at stake? Is it possible she told him the truth?
This story has a down home touch to it behind the storm and angst of the main conflict. It felt like a modern day Shakespeare story the way the characters have been fed many untruths piled on to already youthful impressions to cause trouble and heartbreak that lasted over eighteen years. Gabe and Betts were manipulated by their respective relations for both her Grandmother Geegee and his father's purposes. It is only slowly through stormy confrontations and quiet of the night confessions that the two put together the truth which bring regret, guilt, and sorrow along with a renewed hope for the pair. I know some of the past drama was over the top, but yet it pulled at my heart and made me tear up for all these two lost at no fault of their own. It was sweet when this warring pair grew more open to the possibility for the truth coming out and it was hilarious the back and forth bartering and shenanigans the two pull on each other.
And beyond the bittersweet past and renewed romance of this middle-aged couple is a secondary story involving their young son, Tom, and his high school sweetheart where things are setting up for a repeat of the past. Gabe and Betts worry about telling Tom the truth even as Tom is meeting his mother without realizing who Betts is. Loved seeing Betts and Tom connect as mother and son over music and high school love.
Grounding all this tempestous emotion is the wry humor and understanding of Betts two best friends and her outrageous Mama Sheree. Where Mama Sheree goes anything can happen. The humor was a nice counter-balance to the drama.
I listened to this one in audio format and absolutely adored the narrator, Pam Dougherty, as a perfect match for this story. Her tone, inflections, accents, characters, emotions, and over all storytelling were spot on. She enhanced this story and was a huge part of my enjoyment. I would definitely pick up more of her work.
All in all, I was thrilled to find this new to me author and series and was engaged completely in the story of this colorful cast of characters. I can definitely recommend this book for those who enjoy sassy, sizzling, and slightly dramatic down home contemporary romance.
Fortunately, I get to stick around in The Marilyns' world as this was only the first of three stories about three 'through thick and thin' best friends known as the Three Marilyns after the one time the women as girls dressed up as Marilyn Monroe for Halloween. Can't wait to continue with Lucky's story.
But, back to Betts. Mega-successful country singer Betts Monroe is with her flamboyant, unapologettically slutty mother, Mama Sheree, as they prepare for her grandmother's funeral. Her grandmother was a hard, mean, loner woman who made the lives of those around her miserable. A registered letter arrives that rocks Betts' world. Her grandmother sent her a letter from beyond the grave so to speak telling her that the baby she gave up when she was young and scared is with his father back in her Texas hometown. Betts rushes back determined to get her son from the man who used her and threw her love back in her face when she needed him most. But easier said than done. The Swansons were rancher royalty when she was just the daughter of the town slut back in the day and Tom is now a teen and thinks she gave him away and stayed away. Still, she will do whatever it takes to get back into her son's life and show him that she never stopped loving him and she will take on Gabe and the Swansons to do it.
Laboring to hang on to the family ranch after his bitter, mean father lost almost everything in bad investments, Gabe doesn't have time to confront trouble from his past. Gabe Swanson has hated the woman who took his dad's bribe money to prove she never really cared about him and only the family wealth and then sold their baby into a bad situation all to fund her big time singing career. He raised Tom and she is not going to waltz back into his son's life, make promises and skip out on his son like she did to him. Too bad the vixen is as attractive as ever and he wants to believe her, but can he when so much is at stake? Is it possible she told him the truth?
This story has a down home touch to it behind the storm and angst of the main conflict. It felt like a modern day Shakespeare story the way the characters have been fed many untruths piled on to already youthful impressions to cause trouble and heartbreak that lasted over eighteen years. Gabe and Betts were manipulated by their respective relations for both her Grandmother Geegee and his father's purposes. It is only slowly through stormy confrontations and quiet of the night confessions that the two put together the truth which bring regret, guilt, and sorrow along with a renewed hope for the pair. I know some of the past drama was over the top, but yet it pulled at my heart and made me tear up for all these two lost at no fault of their own. It was sweet when this warring pair grew more open to the possibility for the truth coming out and it was hilarious the back and forth bartering and shenanigans the two pull on each other.
And beyond the bittersweet past and renewed romance of this middle-aged couple is a secondary story involving their young son, Tom, and his high school sweetheart where things are setting up for a repeat of the past. Gabe and Betts worry about telling Tom the truth even as Tom is meeting his mother without realizing who Betts is. Loved seeing Betts and Tom connect as mother and son over music and high school love.
Grounding all this tempestous emotion is the wry humor and understanding of Betts two best friends and her outrageous Mama Sheree. Where Mama Sheree goes anything can happen. The humor was a nice counter-balance to the drama.
I listened to this one in audio format and absolutely adored the narrator, Pam Dougherty, as a perfect match for this story. Her tone, inflections, accents, characters, emotions, and over all storytelling were spot on. She enhanced this story and was a huge part of my enjoyment. I would definitely pick up more of her work.
All in all, I was thrilled to find this new to me author and series and was engaged completely in the story of this colorful cast of characters. I can definitely recommend this book for those who enjoy sassy, sizzling, and slightly dramatic down home contemporary romance.
February 1, 2014
I found the synopsis to be intriguing that's why I decided to read this book. I enjoyed it but I have a couple of issues from it. I felt that the ending was rushed and I would have liked the "reveal" to have happened earlier in the book. It would be nice to read how Bett and Tom interact now they are both aware of their real relationship. My favorite scenes are when they were hanging out with each other and learning about their musical inclination. After a couple of scenes of them talking and tinkering about music and such this plot line was abandoned and Tom's relationship with Kaitlin takes precedence. Their romance was cute and all but I would have much preferred it to be on the background and have the music on the forefront. That plot line was more interesting because they could develop and deepen their relationship through music and we would have more of a glimpse of Bett's musician tendencies.
Anyway, the characters are great. If I'll rate the book on that merit alone, I'll give it a five. Bett is a strong, independent woman that you can look up to and her mom was the bomb. I love people who dance in their own tune and Cherie is certainly that.
Anyway, the characters are great. If I'll rate the book on that merit alone, I'll give it a five. Bett is a strong, independent woman that you can look up to and her mom was the bomb. I love people who dance in their own tune and Cherie is certainly that.
October 4, 2015
It was a fun and quick read. In my opinion, the best part of the book was the Betts/Mama relationship...with Gabe/Betts behind it!
The only complaint I have is that I was hoping the engagement (Gabe/whoever) would have been brought up and resolved as either being true or something Gabe's father made up. I was also hoping for a scene in which Betts confronts Gabe about the whole she died giving birth to me business. It's brought up that one time and not resolved.
The only complaint I have is that I was hoping the engagement (Gabe/whoever) would have been brought up and resolved as either being true or something Gabe's father made up. I was also hoping for a scene in which Betts confronts Gabe about the whole she died giving birth to me business. It's brought up that one time and not resolved.
August 30, 2016
Cute cozy, fun characters and a good story line.
February 6, 2022
Meh, I don't have anything nice to say so I am not going to say anything.
September 4, 2016
First, I totally loved the first (as far as I know) Katie Graykowski book, Perfect Summer. When I saw this one, I leaped into it, hoping, knowing I would feel the love.
What I felt instead was a warmth with a stirring of friendship.
Don't get me wrong, I liked it well enough. I will definitely read whatever she puts out next.
Here is what I loved: Graykowski's humor and her food. I want to be her BFF and hang out with her and just listen to her musings. I want to hear her rants against the dry cleaner and her swoonings over the cabana boy. I want to cook with her and then eat the feast. I want to just sit back and laugh with her.
Now, on to the story. Basic reunited lovers and secret baby story. The twist is the secret baby is secret from his mama.
Betts Monroe and Gabe Swanson had a romance when Betts was sweet 16. She got pregnant. Mayhem ensues. As often happens, Betts gives up the baby. Well, as the book explains (and not well), Gabe ends up with the baby, unbeknownst to Betts.
Betts, in the interim between the birth of the child and present day, because a country singer of great popularity and even greater wealth. (Side note, wealth seems to play a big role in Graykowski's books). Betts' unbeloved grandmother, Gigi, dies before the book starts. Gigi was apparently very unpleasant, using God and the church as a threat and in the negative. On page 5 is a quote that I will keep in my quiver to fling as necessary, "She'd spent most of her life thumping her Bible so loudly she gave Jesus a headache." So, so many people I know do that.
Anyway, back to the story. Due to the fact that Gigi had control over Betts when Betts was pregnant, Gigi exerted enough force on Betts to make her believe that because she was a minor, Betts had to give the baby up. A family was found, and the baby was placed with them. Betts believed this.
And it was true, for a couple of years. Come to find out, Gabe went looking for the baby (after being told about him by Gigi), was able to get the baby back and raise him. The boy is told that his mother is dead.
Gigi leaves Betts a note that Betts reads after the Gigi's funeral. She tells Betts that Gabe has the boy. Betts leaves immediately to meet her now 16-y-o son. And let the games begin.
I don't want to spoil too much of the story. I will just say that I had a lot of issues with a lot of things in this book as far as consistency and understanding of motive/feelings/reactions.
When 16-y-o Betts goes to tell her young man of her pregnancy, she is told that said young man (who is a couple of years older than she) is engaged. I read and reread certain portions of this book, but I never could figure out what happened to that engagement. That seemed to be a useful plot point that was abandoned. Then Gabe made a really big deal about the fact that the boy, Tom, was not to know she was his mother and she goes along with it. Okay. I can understand doing that in the short term. I have no problem with that. But heck, from I can tell she and the boy had the same color of red hair and nobody ever remarked upon that?
Oh, and this brings me to another "what?". No one in town knew that Betts was the mother, nor did they know she and Gabe were ever together. Nor did they know this famous singer was Gigi's granddaughter. Nor does anybody put two and two together about anything, anytime, anywhere. And it is not like they didn't know Betts was there. She bribes the whole town to keep her presence there secret from the tabloids. This causes what could be another Holy War as she promises contributions to the churches in town if they can keep her whereabouts a secret. And then, OMG, some Catholics come to town that could be the wild card that sells them all down the river.
Another "what?" is the fact that many clues are laid down about the fact that Tom's adoptive parents didn't treat him well. I see these clues, as big as a clown's shoes, sprinkled all about and she never, ever follows up on them. I kept thinking, "FIND OUT ABOUT YOUR BABY," but she never did. Then Gabe spent about three seconds telling her about it, and that was that. Huh? There was more time spent on the hints.
There were a number of plot issues, a number of editing issues. These issues are a pet peeve of mine, one I take out and feed often. They weren't egregious. There were certainly more than there were in Perfect Summer, though.
So what I learned about Graykowski is that she, too, has a template for her books. The similarities to perfect summer include good food, good repartee, mamas with strong personalities, a secret baby and a surprise baby. As templates go, done well and with humor, these aren't so bad. And lets not forget the money.
Betts had the ubiquitous two BFFs, sequel bait for sure. They each have interesting back stories. I will definitely read those (or at least the next one).
What I felt instead was a warmth with a stirring of friendship.
Don't get me wrong, I liked it well enough. I will definitely read whatever she puts out next.
Here is what I loved: Graykowski's humor and her food. I want to be her BFF and hang out with her and just listen to her musings. I want to hear her rants against the dry cleaner and her swoonings over the cabana boy. I want to cook with her and then eat the feast. I want to just sit back and laugh with her.
Now, on to the story. Basic reunited lovers and secret baby story. The twist is the secret baby is secret from his mama.
Betts Monroe and Gabe Swanson had a romance when Betts was sweet 16. She got pregnant. Mayhem ensues. As often happens, Betts gives up the baby. Well, as the book explains (and not well), Gabe ends up with the baby, unbeknownst to Betts.
Betts, in the interim between the birth of the child and present day, because a country singer of great popularity and even greater wealth. (Side note, wealth seems to play a big role in Graykowski's books). Betts' unbeloved grandmother, Gigi, dies before the book starts. Gigi was apparently very unpleasant, using God and the church as a threat and in the negative. On page 5 is a quote that I will keep in my quiver to fling as necessary, "She'd spent most of her life thumping her Bible so loudly she gave Jesus a headache." So, so many people I know do that.
Anyway, back to the story. Due to the fact that Gigi had control over Betts when Betts was pregnant, Gigi exerted enough force on Betts to make her believe that because she was a minor, Betts had to give the baby up. A family was found, and the baby was placed with them. Betts believed this.
And it was true, for a couple of years. Come to find out, Gabe went looking for the baby (after being told about him by Gigi), was able to get the baby back and raise him. The boy is told that his mother is dead.
Gigi leaves Betts a note that Betts reads after the Gigi's funeral. She tells Betts that Gabe has the boy. Betts leaves immediately to meet her now 16-y-o son. And let the games begin.
I don't want to spoil too much of the story. I will just say that I had a lot of issues with a lot of things in this book as far as consistency and understanding of motive/feelings/reactions.
When 16-y-o Betts goes to tell her young man of her pregnancy, she is told that said young man (who is a couple of years older than she) is engaged. I read and reread certain portions of this book, but I never could figure out what happened to that engagement. That seemed to be a useful plot point that was abandoned. Then Gabe made a really big deal about the fact that the boy, Tom, was not to know she was his mother and she goes along with it. Okay. I can understand doing that in the short term. I have no problem with that. But heck, from I can tell she and the boy had the same color of red hair and nobody ever remarked upon that?
Oh, and this brings me to another "what?". No one in town knew that Betts was the mother, nor did they know she and Gabe were ever together. Nor did they know this famous singer was Gigi's granddaughter. Nor does anybody put two and two together about anything, anytime, anywhere. And it is not like they didn't know Betts was there. She bribes the whole town to keep her presence there secret from the tabloids. This causes what could be another Holy War as she promises contributions to the churches in town if they can keep her whereabouts a secret. And then, OMG, some Catholics come to town that could be the wild card that sells them all down the river.
Another "what?" is the fact that many clues are laid down about the fact that Tom's adoptive parents didn't treat him well. I see these clues, as big as a clown's shoes, sprinkled all about and she never, ever follows up on them. I kept thinking, "FIND OUT ABOUT YOUR BABY," but she never did. Then Gabe spent about three seconds telling her about it, and that was that. Huh? There was more time spent on the hints.
There were a number of plot issues, a number of editing issues. These issues are a pet peeve of mine, one I take out and feed often. They weren't egregious. There were certainly more than there were in Perfect Summer, though.
So what I learned about Graykowski is that she, too, has a template for her books. The similarities to perfect summer include good food, good repartee, mamas with strong personalities, a secret baby and a surprise baby. As templates go, done well and with humor, these aren't so bad. And lets not forget the money.
Betts had the ubiquitous two BFFs, sequel bait for sure. They each have interesting back stories. I will definitely read those (or at least the next one).
October 3, 2014
Oh boy, I seriously loved this book!!!! Such a fun and engaging story. The story has some seriously emotional moments, but most of the time it is laugh out loud funny!
The story is a typical chick-lit romance trope. Nothing wrong with that though, there is a reason those tropes stand the test of time. Reunited lovers, who had a baby as teens, yup that is a delightful classic!
I love Betts, she is fantastic! There is something more than a little likeable about her. She breaks your heart then makes you giggle the next moment. You really want to route for her.
Gabe is a yummy cowboy. I wanted to see the fences mended in the worst kind of way. He seriously grew up from his youthful stupidity.
The banter between Betts and Gabe is incredible. I loved them together, they were great even when they were still mad at each other. They are a perfect pair and you want to see them work it all out. Add to the top of that the quirky supporting cast. Love her Mama and best friends. Can not wait to see how this series plays out.
The narrative is mixed, you get both leads POV and the teen romance as well. It is great to see it all play out and a little bit of history repeating itself. It is a great story that I could read again.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Pam Dougherty, who is amazing!! The characters have southern accents, but they are doe with a light touch. Such a delight to listen to the smooth tones and swift pace. She really gets all the amusing moments and brings them to life in a brilliant manner. She has terrific energy that brings all the emotion to life. I am definitely looking for more of her reads!!
Overall this is a great book. Fun chick-lit with a touch of emotion. I can not wait to read HEA for Charlie and Lucky!!
Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts. opinions and ratings are my own.
The story is a typical chick-lit romance trope. Nothing wrong with that though, there is a reason those tropes stand the test of time. Reunited lovers, who had a baby as teens, yup that is a delightful classic!
I love Betts, she is fantastic! There is something more than a little likeable about her. She breaks your heart then makes you giggle the next moment. You really want to route for her.
Gabe is a yummy cowboy. I wanted to see the fences mended in the worst kind of way. He seriously grew up from his youthful stupidity.
The banter between Betts and Gabe is incredible. I loved them together, they were great even when they were still mad at each other. They are a perfect pair and you want to see them work it all out. Add to the top of that the quirky supporting cast. Love her Mama and best friends. Can not wait to see how this series plays out.
The narrative is mixed, you get both leads POV and the teen romance as well. It is great to see it all play out and a little bit of history repeating itself. It is a great story that I could read again.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Pam Dougherty, who is amazing!! The characters have southern accents, but they are doe with a light touch. Such a delight to listen to the smooth tones and swift pace. She really gets all the amusing moments and brings them to life in a brilliant manner. She has terrific energy that brings all the emotion to life. I am definitely looking for more of her reads!!
Overall this is a great book. Fun chick-lit with a touch of emotion. I can not wait to read HEA for Charlie and Lucky!!
Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts. opinions and ratings are my own.
June 12, 2015
Cute, fun and worth the read!!
This was a really good book and I'm kicking myself for not finding it sooner. When I read the blurb I'm like well this sounds interesting and the more I read of it the more I fell in love. Not only did the characters capture me but the plot did as well. I stayed up really late and waking up early just to finish.
I adored Betts and how strong she was not only for wanting to give her baby another life but fighting for what she has always dreamed of. At times this book was emotional but when Gabe and Betts banter and challenge each other had me laughing. Gabe didn't have the life he expected either but he did a damn good job at trying to the best for his son no matter what it cost. The chemistry between these two was off the charts and didn't let up not once.
I really felt bad for them when they were younger and had basically no chance since other people began had to be involved. Betts mother was hilarious. One thing for sure is that these characters capture you and keep you interested.
I didn't like how Tom ended up finding about his mother or he was going to become a father. I really thought Tom becoming a father was a bit much for the story since this was supposed to be about Betts and Gabe. I am happy about the epilogue and how things were tied together. Gabe and Betts deserved the happily ever after and the family they both wanted.
Betts had some great friends but I'm not sure if I am interested enough to venture into their stories right now but I will save them for another time.
This book is on kindle unlimited for free. A must read for sure!
This was a really good book and I'm kicking myself for not finding it sooner. When I read the blurb I'm like well this sounds interesting and the more I read of it the more I fell in love. Not only did the characters capture me but the plot did as well. I stayed up really late and waking up early just to finish.
I adored Betts and how strong she was not only for wanting to give her baby another life but fighting for what she has always dreamed of. At times this book was emotional but when Gabe and Betts banter and challenge each other had me laughing. Gabe didn't have the life he expected either but he did a damn good job at trying to the best for his son no matter what it cost. The chemistry between these two was off the charts and didn't let up not once.
I really felt bad for them when they were younger and had basically no chance since other people began had to be involved. Betts mother was hilarious. One thing for sure is that these characters capture you and keep you interested.
I didn't like how Tom ended up finding about his mother or he was going to become a father. I really thought Tom becoming a father was a bit much for the story since this was supposed to be about Betts and Gabe. I am happy about the epilogue and how things were tied together. Gabe and Betts deserved the happily ever after and the family they both wanted.
Betts had some great friends but I'm not sure if I am interested enough to venture into their stories right now but I will save them for another time.
This book is on kindle unlimited for free. A must read for sure!
April 28, 2015
I thought the plot was pretty interesting with a twist on your traditional secret baby plot. The characters were over-the-top, something I'm coming to expect from Graykowski. I did have some major issues with the story line, mostly because there was so much going on that big gaping plot holes and rushed explanations were littered throughout. Just a list of what I'm talking about:
*A super-famous country singer moves into the country when she's suppose to be writing an album - agent tells her to finish ASAP and you never hear about it again
*Two friends stick with Betts for seventeen years - mysteriously have other plans when meeting the secret baby
*The two lovers have hated each other for seventeen years - manage to have sex and talk civilly before talking about the past
The list goes on and on. However, if you can put this aside and try not to think about it, it's a decent story about two flames coming back together. The steamy scenes are not all that steamy and put me off more than once.
I listened to the audio version and I must say that I'm falling in love with Pam Dougherty's style. She definitely puts the Southern charm into every book she reads and she's got the sarcastic comedy down. In fact, she was the reason I picked this book up in the first place. I would recommend listening to everything she narrates.
A decent romance with too much plot.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
*A super-famous country singer moves into the country when she's suppose to be writing an album - agent tells her to finish ASAP and you never hear about it again
*Two friends stick with Betts for seventeen years - mysteriously have other plans when meeting the secret baby
*The two lovers have hated each other for seventeen years - manage to have sex and talk civilly before talking about the past
The list goes on and on. However, if you can put this aside and try not to think about it, it's a decent story about two flames coming back together. The steamy scenes are not all that steamy and put me off more than once.
I listened to the audio version and I must say that I'm falling in love with Pam Dougherty's style. She definitely puts the Southern charm into every book she reads and she's got the sarcastic comedy down. In fact, she was the reason I picked this book up in the first place. I would recommend listening to everything she narrates.
A decent romance with too much plot.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
November 24, 2013
When I was looking at this book I was a bit apprehensive about buying it but my 'one click' addiction got the better of me! And boy am I glad it did!!!
I have laughed, swooned and cried through Place your Bets! This is the type of book you don't want to put down because you just keep saying to yourself "just one more chapter then I'll go to bed" but it just doesn't happen.
There is not one thing I can fault about this book, I loved the characters and the banter between them! I just wished I had a time machine so I can go back and get to read it all over again without knowing what happens in the end!
It is safe to say that Katie Graykowski has got herself a new fan! I can't wait to read about the rest of The Marilyn's!!
At least I've got Perfect Summer to read now!
I have laughed, swooned and cried through Place your Bets! This is the type of book you don't want to put down because you just keep saying to yourself "just one more chapter then I'll go to bed" but it just doesn't happen.
There is not one thing I can fault about this book, I loved the characters and the banter between them! I just wished I had a time machine so I can go back and get to read it all over again without knowing what happens in the end!
It is safe to say that Katie Graykowski has got herself a new fan! I can't wait to read about the rest of The Marilyn's!!
At least I've got Perfect Summer to read now!
November 2, 2013
After reading Perfect Summer, I had to read more of Katie Graykowski's work! She has a way with words and I'm so happy I stumbled across a review from Darynda Jones of Perfect Summer because now I am addicted. I cannot wait for more. Thank you Katie for sharing your work with us! You have a talent and am addicted to your work! :)
August 8, 2015
Well
That was that. It was a perfect happy ending. The conflict was being accepted in the family, I think? Not my cup of tea. I enjoyed that the thought process of each character was basically real, but I think that's it. I will not be continuing the series or recommending it.
That was that. It was a perfect happy ending. The conflict was being accepted in the family, I think? Not my cup of tea. I enjoyed that the thought process of each character was basically real, but I think that's it. I will not be continuing the series or recommending it.
February 14, 2014
could not even finish it, this was truly terrible.
February 6, 2018
4.75 stars! Place Your Betts had me hooked from the very beginning. Not only did the first page grab my attention, but it grabbed me by the feels. The story and writing are so stunning!
I must admit Gabe broke Betts heart and my own in the beginning, and I didn't think there was a way he could redeem himself, but as the story progressed, I learned not all was what it seemed. I loved how while neither Betts nor Gabe were perfect, they truly loved their child.
I also loved the relationship between Betts and her mother, as well as between her besties, Charlie and Lucky. And Betts did a wonderful job at mothering her son, Tom, even when he didn't know who she was. While the story is mainly told from Betts and Gabe's points of views which are amazing, I loved how Katie Graykowski included chapters from Tom and Katie his crush.
There's so much about this book that should be mentioned, like how I loved how the story went from past to present and then back again at times to reveal the truth of what transpired, and how the story was both passionate, hopeful, yet had a touch of sadness. Most of all I was impressed by the depth of the characters and story.
I haven't read Katie Graykowski in a few years and I can't wait to read the other books in this series, but most of all I'm really glad I picked a book randomly and came out a winner!
I must admit Gabe broke Betts heart and my own in the beginning, and I didn't think there was a way he could redeem himself, but as the story progressed, I learned not all was what it seemed. I loved how while neither Betts nor Gabe were perfect, they truly loved their child.
I also loved the relationship between Betts and her mother, as well as between her besties, Charlie and Lucky. And Betts did a wonderful job at mothering her son, Tom, even when he didn't know who she was. While the story is mainly told from Betts and Gabe's points of views which are amazing, I loved how Katie Graykowski included chapters from Tom and Katie his crush.
There's so much about this book that should be mentioned, like how I loved how the story went from past to present and then back again at times to reveal the truth of what transpired, and how the story was both passionate, hopeful, yet had a touch of sadness. Most of all I was impressed by the depth of the characters and story.
I haven't read Katie Graykowski in a few years and I can't wait to read the other books in this series, but most of all I'm really glad I picked a book randomly and came out a winner!
April 1, 2019
This second chance romance involves a 16-17 year gap. Her boys lifetime. Of all the second chance baby plots I've read the ones with this age gap upset me the most because one parent misses everything, while the other parent has everything and guilt on top.
This baby plot was different and somehow incredibly unfair! How sad for Betts. Every time you read her perspective it filled with regret, dreams, hopefulness and a genuine need to be grounded and have a family. How sad she missed out for 17 years through no real fault of her own.
Gave is harder to sympathize with. He accepts his part in what happened but I don't really get the whole discussion on how much his actions affected her life. The things that were said were not addressed I.e. Is the baby his, the money she didn't take, the so called engagement party, why he didn't ever tell her he had Tom? He had him for 14-15 years and knew who she was. He still should have investigated the adoption more.
I don't like his character even by the end. I loved mama Cherie and the small town funny business.🙃
This baby plot was different and somehow incredibly unfair! How sad for Betts. Every time you read her perspective it filled with regret, dreams, hopefulness and a genuine need to be grounded and have a family. How sad she missed out for 17 years through no real fault of her own.
Gave is harder to sympathize with. He accepts his part in what happened but I don't really get the whole discussion on how much his actions affected her life. The things that were said were not addressed I.e. Is the baby his, the money she didn't take, the so called engagement party, why he didn't ever tell her he had Tom? He had him for 14-15 years and knew who she was. He still should have investigated the adoption more.
I don't like his character even by the end. I loved mama Cherie and the small town funny business.🙃
April 30, 2019
Great story that was both entertaining and heartbreaking. Most parts were Betts and Gabe trying to get past the resentment and the hurt. Gabe was a wuss to stand up for Betts when she came knocking on his father’s door begging for Gabe to find a place she can live since her grandmother kicked her out at 16, only to have Gabe cower. 17 years it takes for Betts to get a piece of the truth from her dead grandmother to kickstart her journey to meet her now 16 year old son Tomand the man she had love. The only parts I didn’t care for was Katlin’s POV, she acts spoiled and needy and she actually pushed Tom into sex and that I didn’t want to read, when she started to use her body with Tom I didn’t read her side any more, she acted like a sl*t. And Tom wasn’t any better, a hormonal teenage nerdy boy and the cheerleader that just literally broke up with her bully of a boyfriend to chase after Tom. This story will make to cry but will get you laughing hard.
August 22, 2018
A complex story of lives interwoven, due to past actions and the present situation of the same individuals.
You see one event, and the repercussions across the lives of various people. It is an intriguing plot, one that plays out regularly and yet, can have different outcomes, depending on the reactions of the "adult" participants.
You see one event, and the repercussions across the lives of various people. It is an intriguing plot, one that plays out regularly and yet, can have different outcomes, depending on the reactions of the "adult" participants.
May 31, 2017
What a great, fun, funny, witty and heart warming story. The characters were just as great as the story. With the vivid detail you feel like you are watching a movie unfold instead of reading the story.
September 3, 2018
I was very close to putting this book down, I found it quite dull up to about 40% of the book and then it grabbed me and I was hooked for the rest of it, it was a sweet read and I liked seeing the sons story along the way.
September 8, 2018
A Mothrr's Love
Such a beautiful story. The characters seem so real. Down to earth people who are not flawless which makes them even more interesting. I loved this book and look forward to others by this author,
Such a beautiful story. The characters seem so real. Down to earth people who are not flawless which makes them even more interesting. I loved this book and look forward to others by this author,
March 20, 2019
My new fav aythor
The Lone Star series was the reason am reading this series. I loved that series! This series is just as good but a bit more serious. Can't wait to read the next book. Katie Graykowski is becoming one of my favorite authors!
The Lone Star series was the reason am reading this series. I loved that series! This series is just as good but a bit more serious. Can't wait to read the next book. Katie Graykowski is becoming one of my favorite authors!
June 5, 2019
Place Your Betts
This was the perfect story. It was well-written. The characters were realistic. The mix of romance and wit was just right. This author has become one of my favorites.
This was the perfect story. It was well-written. The characters were realistic. The mix of romance and wit was just right. This author has become one of my favorites.
June 24, 2019
Aside from the sexual bits, which take a lot of page turning (I do have to say I object to romance novels that are sex manuals, because if sex was that hard, we wouldn't have so many idiot politicians), the book is funny, sad, heart wringing, & heart warming all at once.
February 7, 2020
Betts Monroe & Gabe Swanson were a secret teen true love forever, until she got pregnant. She left town and gave their son up for adoption. Now she has found out where her son is (being raised by Gabe) and she is back.
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