Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

McGreers #1

Crashing into Tess

Rate this book
"A Bridget Jones Meets James Herriot" romantic adventure ~ Libra Press

Was “Crashing Into Tess” the hit of Jake’s lifetime?

Ivy-educated veterinarian Tess Bamberger leaves suburbia for a new adventure in Green Junction, Colorado. Rural ranch work is tough, but satisfying; it’s her attraction to Jake that finds her in one debacle after another. Tess has always been confident and carefree, but suddenly her dreams seem to be eluding her.

Divorced, single-dad rancher Jake McGreer is accustomed to hard hits. He resists the allure of the talented, flirtatious new vet, but Tess fits in seamlessly with ranch life. She stitches up his favorite quarterhorse, and mends his daughter’s broken heart. His daughter adores her, his friends want a wedding, but her parent's are certain he's up to no good ~Will the vixen veterinarian decide that Jake is her one true love?

308 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 11, 2013

32 people are currently reading
793 people want to read

About the author

Lilly Christine

27 books93 followers
Lilly Christine has authored ten titles in the McGreers Series with "Too Fast For Love" McGreers #10, currently in the "Cupid's Caribbean Cruise" Box Set. Awarded Librarian's Readers' Choice Best Western 2016, #8 My Kinda Bull released October. In 2016, Lilly also became an Amazon Bestselling Author, with "Last Chance, Cowboy" McGreers #7, included in the Cowboy Country anthology, which hit #2 in both anthologies and westerns. Lilly's "Crazy on Daisy", McGreers #2, is currently included in "More Cowboy Country" Box Set, still a Top Ten Western!

Lilly's new urban holiday romantic comedy is "New Year, Baby" Philadelphia LOVE #1. 3 more Philadelphia LOVE holiday novellas will be released in 2017. "Valentine, Baby" in Feb, "Sing It, Baby!" in March, and "Independence, Baby?" in May.

"Crashing Into Tess", Lilly's debut novel, garnished the prestigious Toronto Romance Writer's "Catherine" Award, and is a 2014 GDRW Bookseller's Best Finalist. Other titles in the McGreers series include Crazy On Daisy ( #2) Right Kinda Bull (#3) Designs on Daphne (#4) and Loving Lulu (#5) Whole Lotta Bull (#6), McGreers Special Edition Candi for Christmas, Last Chance, Cowboy (#7) and My Kinda Bull (#8)

About those McGreer's...hard-working boys endeavoring to deserve the women they crave, my lifelong fascination with the American West is media and travel driven. As a six year old, I regularly tuned into "Big Valley" for a dose of Barbara Stanwyck's tough, outspoken "Virginia Barclay". Heck, how did she get those big, strapping boys to behave?? Second grade riding lessons on a paint pony Beauregard and Johnny and Jane West's paperboard ranch provide the setting for all of my cowgirl fantasies, competently executed via heroines Tess, Daisy, Daphne, Luanne, Janie and Lindsay.....

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
65 (22%)
4 stars
83 (28%)
3 stars
95 (32%)
2 stars
32 (10%)
1 star
20 (6%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for Mandi.
30 reviews
December 10, 2013
Finally! A TASTEFULLY, well written love story that didn't turn into porn after the 2nd chapter! LOVED this book!
5 reviews
March 31, 2014
I'm a real romance fan, so when I saw this as a free kindle download, I read the first chapter and snapped it up. It's good read, funny, heartfelt, sweet n' sassy dialogue and the kind of small town setting I like reading about. It's got a few surprises, too, and I wound up rooting for Tess as she tried to untangle her feelings while dealing with the challenges. I'll be looking for more from this author.
Profile Image for Yona Racheva.
1,267 reviews251 followers
September 28, 2014
Cowboys,cowboys,cowboys...

description

I really enjoyed this one, the end didn't feel complete, but it was still a nice finish to the story.

description
Profile Image for Miranda Freeman.
39 reviews1 follower
March 12, 2014
'Crashing Into Tess' was a wonderful book. It captivated me instantly and I found that I couldn't put it down. It was well written with several grammatical errors here and there, but not to the point where it distracts you from the storyline.

Tess Bamberger is a strong-willed veterinarian with skills like no other. Knowing this, you can only be as surprised as her parents when she takes a job in some tiny hick-town. She is tired of her parents running her life so she figured moving from Pennsylvania to Colorado would be enough distance, right? Wrong. Everything she does she feels like she is still being controlled by her parents. once, you add a steamy romance with its own quirks and issues and you have got a hot pot of stress for two.

Jake McGreer is your typical, stud muffin rancher. He knows his manners and how to control his temper but something about the city-girl, Tess, just throws him into a whole new place...after he puts her in the hospital from a car accident, of course! He simply doesn't know what to do with himself when he's with her. But he must decide if he is willing to take the leap and open himself up to a woman again after his grueling divorce with his ex-wife, Vicky, who is still trying to ruin his life.

An interesting plot line, with twists and turns in their relationship and how its grows and wilts and everywhere in between. I found myself drowning in compassion for both characters because they both have reactions and fears that any normal human being would have ion a relationship. They are relatable characters and I found comfort in their believable love story. Overall, it was an adorable novel and a quick read and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys chick-lit or is more like me and occasionally enjoys a good quality romance. I can't give enough praise for this author. She has an interesting writing style (writing in third person but taking perspective by describing one character's emotions at a time, very interesting) and she is the sweetest person. I can't wait to read more from her.
Profile Image for Crystal.
Author 23 books21 followers
December 22, 2013
As other reviewers have said, the 1st edition is rife with mechanical errors, though I don't recall noticing any formatting errors. I tend to forgive that more if I love the story, and this one gets that pass. Now that I've put that out of the way, let me tell you how much I enjoyed the story.

It's always a bonus for me when a love story has an interesting setting and background story. Boy meets girl, they're attracted to each other, something goes wrong, it gets fixed, they live HEA is fine, but a little boring. HOwever, when you make the boy a rancher with an adorable six-year-old daughter, whacked ex and an enemy, and you make the girl a top-notch veterinarian (AND can back it up with authentic touches), NOW you've got a story. Another bonus for me was that it was set just a couple of hours down the road from where I live. The descriptions were so on-point that I had to get out a map to learn if Green Junction is a real town.

The story has all the right elements, and the author has paced it well, plus delivered the goods on characters you can like and a few you aren't supposed to like. I would have liked the story to be a bit longer, the problems a bit more difficult to solve, maybe even a bit more wooing on Jake's part after the misunderstanding that nearly broke them up, but for a debut, I have to say this is a very satisfying read. I want more books from Ms. Christine.
Profile Image for Heather andrews.
9,520 reviews161 followers
April 14, 2014
Poor Jake the boy doesn't know what he crashed into (literally), "he groaned softly, trying to resist. "Tess, I don't usually kiss women I barely know." He tries to be a gentleman around Tess but honestly she brings out the naughty version of him, "I'll be honest. If you want to keep this just to kissing, I shouldn't come. I pride myself on self-control, but you have a power effect one me." He's also a very passionate man, "Jake's heart lept. As he kissed Tess again, she responded hungrily, and he pulled her to the soft rug on the floor. "I've missed you, baby. I's so wanted you for mine." This was such a sweet romance, and I loved it.
1 review1 follower
December 21, 2013
I loved the characters in this book, especially Alice, Tess's sister Sam, and Jake's Aunt Olivia. It was way better than your typical romance. Tess had a lot to deal with, and I was glad when she came out on top. I liked the animal scenes. It did remind me of a chick-lit version of a James Herriot. I got it as a free Kindle download on my iphone and did not have any trouble reading it. I can't wait for this author's next book.
Profile Image for Lilly Christine.
Author 27 books93 followers
June 10, 2014
I had SUCH fun writing Crashing Into Tess, winner of a 2013 "Catherine" Award and a 2014 Bookseller's Best Finalist! Tess is a bit of an awkward heroine, a "good" girl with overbearing parents eager to experience adventure. She finds more than she bargained for in sleepy, rural Green Junction Colorado, including hot single dad rancher Jake McGreer. Thanks for reading and please leave a review!
Profile Image for Cynthia.
2,097 reviews22 followers
November 16, 2016
This was a fun exciting read from the first page you are pulled in as two people meet in a most unusual way. You watch a small town take in and get to know the new vet. As with most things in a small town everyone knows everyone’s business and word spreads fast. The author gives you a wonderful love story that builds slowly with some misunderstandings, controlling parents, icy roads, and one person doing her best to prove she belongs only to find maybe she doesn’t. One man and a little girl hoping they found the answer to a long happy life and a vet trying to find a place she belongs.

Tess comes from money she could have just about any vet job she wants anywhere in the world. She just wants a quite small town not carrying about the money. Her parents are not very happy as they try to take over her life she runs from them in hopes of standing on her own two feet. She loves them dearly but needs room to breathe. Tess really is a very down to earth character with lots of soul for the underdog. She has to prove herself before this town will let her in. The Doc is hoping she will stay and take over his business leaving him to move to be with their family. It doesn’t take long for Tessa to meet the hottest man in town hoping to make it to the top of his list she works her way into his heart. She just adores his little girl the feeling are the same for the girl. I just love how they enter act it warms your heart to see the love build between women and child.

Jake isn’t looking for love and he seem to fall pretty easy it doesn’t take long for him to find his heart on the line again. He had one big city women and just his luck he falls for another one. He is hoping this one is different but isn’t willing to take that step in case she runs back to the city. He has enough on his plate trying to keep his ranch in the black as he ex tries to take him for all he is worth. If that isn’t enough the ex has new ammo in hopes of getting more money out of him and taking his beloved daughter to the other side of the US. Just as he is ready to give love another try something happens to drive him the other way. With lots of misunderstanding Jake and Tess love might not get off the ground.

I really enjoyed this story I thought the author put a lot of time and thought twisting a wonderful plot that you get lost in. There are a few places where you hold your breath waiting for the next shoe to drop. She gives you a few twists to keep the story interesting. I really like the attraction with a slow build up as two people learn to trust, love and forgive as well as finding a new life to start building. Of course there are a few rocks that pop up getting in the way and it is touch and go if they will find their happy ever after. This is the first I have read of this author work I am really looking forward to reading more of it. I found this to be very entertaining keeping your attention with wonderful characters that pull at your heartstrings. The title really fits this story he really does crash right into her or did she him? If you haven’t read anything by this author and would like to try a new one this would be a great author to start with. She gives you a read with wonderful characters that keeps you invest from the first page to the last.
Profile Image for Nova.
479 reviews7 followers
March 18, 2015
Crashing Into Tess is written by Lilly Christine. It is McGreers book # 1. It is the story of Jake and Tess.
Tess is single and has an Ivy league education. She leaves Philadelphia and makes the move to Green Junction for a veterinarian job. She is looking for a new adventure in the small Colorado town. On her first night getting into town, Jake's truck crashes into Tess' rental car. She isn't seriously hurt but pretty banged up. Jake takes charge and makes sure she gets settled into her new place.
Jake is a divorced, single-dad. He is a rancher and used to hard work. He thinks Tess fits in with ranch life very well. She doesn't mind tough work on the rural ranches and it is satisfying to her. Tess is very attracted to Jake but things keep happening that get their signals crossed. Jake tries to resist Tess but it is hard to when she stitches up his favorite horse and mends his daughter's broken heart.
Can Tess resist the allure to a job in another town? Can Jake resist the feelings of love for Tess he already has?
I loved this first story to the McGreers series. It was nice getting to know Jake and Tess. It was sassy, fun and had a good flow. I read it in one sitting.

115 reviews
August 11, 2015
Ms. Lilly Christine hit this one out of the park. The characters have depth and the storyline is teriffic. It is refreshing to read something that embraces the English language and shows us that we don't have to curse to get the point across. Crashing into Tess is a contemporary country romance about a city girl turning country. Tess has lived with her overprotective and overbearing parents for 26 years. She is tired of having her life arranged for her by her parents. Having graduated from veterinary school, Tess is ready to spread her wing to see how high she can fly. Tess, Jake and his daughter, Cassie have stolen my heart. As Tess relocates to a small rural area in Colorado, she “crashes” into Jake. There is an immediate connection. Will it develop into something more? Will his ex-wife run her out of town or will her overbearing parents try to run her life and convince her to return home? This the first in the “McGreers” series. It can stand alone but I highly recommend the series.
Profile Image for Donna Porter.
1,034 reviews9 followers
March 31, 2014
this was a great love story. Tess is heading for a small town, Green Junction, Colorado to be their vet with another doctor, She is really excited about starting a new life away from her controlling, lawyer, parents. The weather gets bad and she slides through an intersection where she gets hit by Jake McGreer as he is driving home. Tess hits her head but she slightly remembers a handsome cowboy helping to get her out of the car. He also puts her dog in his truck. Tess gets taken to the hospital and Jake follows to help her. He feels responsible for the accident. The romance between them starts to bloom but Jake backs away. He is afraid his daughter, Cassie, will get too attached to Tess. He also starts to have ex wife problems. This is a good read and you will enjoy it
Profile Image for Renee Bruning.
51 reviews19 followers
April 19, 2014
'Crashing Into Tess' was the first Lilly Christine book I've read. Crazy on Daisy was a free Amazon download but I wanted to start with the first in the series. I was surprised that once I started Tess, couldn't put it down.

The story is about Tess Bamberger a veterinarian with skills not expected of a woman. She surprises her family leaves Pennsylvania and takes a job in a tiny town in Colorado. Her parents are a bit over protective of Tess.

Now you add a sexy rancher, Jake McGreer who puts Tess in the hospital from a car accident. Jake's not crazy about city girls due to his divorce with his ex-wife, Vicky, who is still trying to ruin his life.

It was a quick read and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good quality romance.
Profile Image for Gwen.
795 reviews3 followers
August 3, 2015
Loved loved loved this book! It is so cute and sweet and real-it is tough moving to a new town where you know no one and starting over again and that is exactly what Tess has done, moving from the big city to a small town. When she gets into a car accident, she finds the almost the whole town wants to help her. This is a story from a new-to-me author and I totally fell in love with the town and the characters. Wonderful story and can't wait to read the next one.
Profile Image for Charlene Whitehouse.
53 reviews17 followers
October 27, 2015
Talk about 2 stuburn people. Jake and Tess take the cake when it comes to love. Lilly Christine writes a Fabulous love story about two people determined to get what they want out of life. Tess is head strong and a go getter. Jake wants happiness again in his life again. Lilly Christine puts it all down on paper so we all can experience the love and affection Tess and Jake have for each other. This book is a must read. Read it in a day. You should too. I highly recommend it.
6 reviews
March 31, 2014
Super cute book. Tess is a really likeable character, and there are some unexpected turns that make this book interesting. I also really like the second in the McGreer's series Crazy On Daisy
Profile Image for Sue.
856 reviews1 follower
June 12, 2014
I found myself holding my breath for everything to work out...Lots of angst and ranches and a lovely child...the conversations seemed stilted, not very natural. A lot of characters to enjoy. A good book, all in all, but could have been better with a little more development. (Easy for me to say, since I've never published a book!!!) ;)
48 reviews3 followers
April 14, 2014
Peggy

This is a well written story, I like this author, will look for more from this author, it keeps you interested from first to last page , would recommend it to other readers, keep up the good work .
4,374 reviews28 followers
July 23, 2014
Good

the area in the mountains of Colorado are so beautiful and the people in small towns and ranches make you believe in the country.the relationships in this book breing it all together.
Profile Image for Natalie Alder.
Author 13 books133 followers
June 21, 2015
I enjoyed reading about Tess and her journey of self-discovery. She's respectable. Jake is a sexy, hard-working cowboy. You want them to just see that they belong together. And Vicki is so easy to despise. Lots of ups and downs carry you through.
Profile Image for Liz.
134 reviews13 followers
Read
April 28, 2014
Cute story. Zero steam.
Profile Image for Eve.
26 reviews
March 19, 2014
A cute little love story. Especially for this east-coaster turned Colorado Girl. Great to see the untypical set up of single parenting life-style finds romance. Thanks for the hope!
Profile Image for Dena.
1,232 reviews13 followers
March 8, 2015
It was romantic and quirky all at the same time. It was overall a great story. It was worth the read.
Profile Image for Kaniac.
44 reviews3 followers
July 26, 2014
2 out of 5


I read this book last night and slept on it. Something bugged me about it and I didn't want to just do a quick "it was ok" review.

So here goes. While the concept was a cute story I found the execution lacking. There didn't seem to be any emotion. I think I laughed one time. I felt no connection with the characters. A lot of talking but no in depth feelings came through to me. The writing also seemed rushed which could be because of the lack of emotion.

I have a very vivid imagination. When I read a book it's like I have a movie in my head. I can picture everything in a well put together book. I honestly can't even remember the characters names except Tess and that's only because it's in the title.

Basically if you want a book that you don't have to put any brain power in this is the one for you. Its like a long conversation. It's not a bad book, but in my opinion not a good one either.
Profile Image for SandyL.
3,705 reviews
June 17, 2014
This is a sweet romance story. Tess Bamberger takes a job as a vet in Colorado, miles from her home and overbearing parents in Pennsylvania. As she takes the highway exit into town, she literally crashes into Jake McGreer. They are instantly attracted to each other, but both are not looking for a romance. Fate throws them together, but they have to deal with Jake's vindictive ex-wife Vicki, his cute daughter Cassie and Ron, a cop that hates Jake.

This was a sweet easy read. What drew my attention away from the book were numerous editing issues - sentences repeated, spacing problems, sentences cut off. The characters were likeable and the story was interesting.
Profile Image for Shani.
204 reviews4 followers
November 18, 2013
3.25 stars. Ending seemed a bit rushed. Lots of typos and errors in the book
Profile Image for John McLaughlin.
58 reviews6 followers
September 12, 2018
A coming of age story which veers into mysticism, this is very well written, plausible and compelling.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.