Crazy Little Thing Called Love

Jackson Family Distillery #1

by Mariah Ankenman

Cassandra Brown is desperate. Thanks to her grandmother’s last wishes, she has six months to nab a husband or she’ll lose Gran’s house, the only place she’s ever called home. But is she desperate enough to accept Delta Jackson’s offer of marriage? She can’t marry her best friend’s little brother...can she?Del knows Cassie is in a pickle, but so is he. He wants to expand the family distillery and open a restaurant. It’s his one chance to prove he’s not the unambitious bartender his family believes he is. He just needs cash, a task that proves harder than he imagined.Marriage could solve both their problems. Del will play the doting fiancé and husband, and Cassie will give him the startup money he needs. It’s a business agreement. A temporary ruse. Totally fake...Until it isn’t.After years of bickering and avoiding their true feelings, Cassie and Del find themselves facing a volcanic attraction that's poised to explode, taking their fake relationship into very real territory.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance

238 pages, Paperback

First published March 8, 2020

About the author

Bestselling author Mariah Ankenman lives in the beautiful Rocky Mountains with her two rambunctious children and loving spouse who is her own personal spell checker when her dyslexia gets the best of her.

Mariah loves to lose herself in a world of words. Her favorite thing about writing is when she can make someone’s day a little brighter with one of her books. To learn more about Mariah and her books follow her on social media or sign up for her newsletter.

Reviews

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Readers will devour this book, possibly in one sitting! This fun-loving relationship that blossoms over years is as true as it gets.

Read full review in the 2020 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Arlena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Crazy Little Thing Called Love
Author: Mariah Ankenman
Publisher: City Owl Press
Series: Jackson Family Distillery Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Crazy Thing Called Love" by Mariah Ankenman

My Speculation:

"Crazy Little Thing Called Love" was a 'humorous, fascinating, and steamy sexy romantic' read that will keep you turning the pages till the end. I enjoyed reading how this story comes together, starting with a fake relationship that turns into something entirely unexpected for the participant's Delta Jackson and Cassandra Brown. It was a compelling read seeing how Cassie, who was a cougar, finally getting the love and the trust she so needed.

From the read, we will see that for Cassie to keep her grandmother's home, she will need to marry within six months, or the house will go to a cousin. With Del, who needs money to get a restaurant started for his family, it seems like a win-win situation taking up Cassie's offer. How one plus one will make two, you will have to pick up this story to see how well this author will present it to the reader. I found the characters were well developed and defind giving the reader a captivating satisfying read.

Thank you to the author for providing me the read and my giving my honest opinion of the story.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh! That was so fun and so angsty! The thing I like best about fake relationship stories is that even though the couple involved say they’re just pretending, we all know that very real feelings are going to get in the way. The chemistry between Del and Cassie crackles from the page. When we first meet them, it’s all snarling and sniping, but it’s just more evidence to prove that hate isn’t the opposite of love. There’s a lot of soul searching and growth that this pair undergoes throughout the story and while they kept trying to break my heart, they also kept me hanging in there to see them get the happy ever after they deserved. I’m already falling in love with the whole Jackson family, and I can’t wait to read more about them.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.

[H.M.S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book by Mariah Ankenman! Crazy Little Thing Called Love is the first in the Jackson Family Distillery series and Del and Cassie were two terrific characters I could really get behind and root for throughout the book.

An ultimatum from her Aunt's will said Cassie could have the house she essentially grew up in but only if she gets married. Otherwise, it went to a money-hungry cousin who didn't even live in town.

Del can't stand idly by while she goes through a bunch of awful first dates in an effort to get to know someone well enough to marry. So, not really liking him, but already being a friend of his family, she agreed to his proposal. Unfortunately, or fortunately?, it turns out they are attracted to each other and not the frenemies they thought they were.

I love a good fake dating romance because it's my favorite trope - forcing the two characters to actually take the time to get to know each other and when these two fell for each other, they fell hard.

Side notes:

* I was really hoping for the cousin to get her comeuppance. Needless to say, I didn't like the resolution about the house - especially since it came out of nowhere.
* I love a good happy ending and with the Jackson Family... there are going to be more excellent books!

This is the second book I've read by this author I originally discovered on IG and I can't wait to read more in this series.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quickfire review: A fun, sweet, frenemies to lovers small town romance complete with both best friend’s sibling and fake engagement tropes. And by sweet I don’t mean closed door; it’s sexy, too. My first book by this author but not my last!

CWs: grief/loss

[Cali Jewel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A highly entertaining, heartwarming and laugh out loud fun adventure filled with witty and engaging charters, heart racing twists and exciting passion. An edge of your seat emotional roller coaster from beginning to end.

[Kelsey | Kipperblossom · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was cute. I needed something to decompress after reading an amazing but stressful sci-fi book, and this was perfect.

[Drea Braddock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I don't read romance. It's not my thing. I have, however, known the author since childhood and saw this as a way to check out her work without paying for a genre I don't like. Jerk move! This sweet story was well worth the price of admission and I will be purchasing Mariah Ankenman's other books in a genre "I don't like." Why? Mariah crafts characters that are like herself--quirky, funny, and flawed. I found myself cheering them on, anxious to see what would happen to them next. It's easy to dismiss romance as tired tropes rehashed but Mariah takes a well known base, like friends to lovers, and makes it fresh and fun! There were some surprises along the way, supporting characters that were equally interesting, and sizzling chemistry! I would 100% recommend this book and can't wait to check out the rest of Ms Ankenman's catalog!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Come_read_with_me_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars
I really enjoyed this book.

Cassie has just inherited her grandmother house however the problem is there is a stipulation on it. She has to have a husband. Not only is she not engaged, she hasn’t been in a relationship in years! Let the dating commence.
Del is Cassie’s best friends little brother. He’s not so little anymore, after returning to work in the family business, Del is very much a man and he has ideas. Ideas that cost money, money that he doesn’t have. On hearing Cassie needs a husband, Del thinks this is a great opportunity. He’s sure they can help each other out. He will marry her so she can get the house and he will get the money to start his future plans. As he’s never been in relationship before he believes he can do the fake marriage with no feels and no strings attached, or so he thought.

I loved the pace of this book. I devoured it in one sitting! Del is extremely sweet and supportive. The chemistry and history between Cassie and Del are a breath of fresh air. They really are amazing! At times I wanted to shake Cassie and tell her to open her eyes however it all becomes clear why she is feeling the way she’s feeling. This book is all about self discovery. It has great character development. I love the banter between the siblings. I actually laughed out loud.

Most fake relationship novels aren’t very believable however this book was. The characters had the history to back everything up.

Mariah has a writing technique that is captivating. I think if she wrote a book about slugs I would probably read it and love her writing so much I’d fall in love with the horrible little creatures 🤣

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crazy Little Thing Called Love, book one in the Jackson Family Distillery Series is a small-town romance following Cassandra and Delta. Cassandra needs to marry to keep her grandmother’s house and Delta needs money to expand his family’s business and decide entering a fake relationship can solve both of their problems. The story immediately grabbed my attention and both Cassandra and Delta were likable characters. Overall, it was a fun, light-hearted read.

The sibling dynamic in this book had me laughing throughout and I am interested in continuing with the series.

I received a free copy of this book from LibraryThing in exchange for an honest review.

[Sammi Chev · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a sucker for a friends to lovers romance and Mariah Ankenman just does them so good! I absolutely love the comedy in her writing and in my opinion it sets the bar for romantic comedy books because I just never find writers that make me laugh out loud like she does! I fell in love with these characters and even though it was a quick lighthearted romance she writes characters so well that I became so invested I sobbed when things hit the fan. I absolutely loved this book!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was so cute! I love Delta. The whole distillery background was cool. I always love hometown stuff.

I liked the characters interactions. They were funny! Cassie was definitely sassy. The ending was so perfect, I like that the characters learned and grew from each other.

This was my first book by Mariah and it was awesome. I’m definitely going to get through some of her other series’ soon. I hope we get more from the Jackson family soon because Charlie needs her HEA too!

[Rachel Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassie and Del are old friends. She needs to get married to keep her grandmothers house, and he just wants to be taken seriously by his brothers, so they hatch a plan for a fake relationship. Will their lies catch up with them when they start to fall for each other?
Looking forward to the next books in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book one in the Jackson Family Distillery series, a well written story with a very good storyline. Cassandra Brown and Delta Jackson’s story two people who have to let go of their pasts to move forward. I enjoyed reading and want to read the next book.I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassie and Del have known each since they were young. When they both find themselves in a bind they go into a fake relationship. The characters are well developed and engaging and there is chemistry throughout the pages. The storyline flowed smoothly.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 1st book I've read written by Mariah Ankenman; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the chemistry between the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crazy Little Thing Called Love is a sweet, funny, sexy romance. I love the fake relationship trope and this didn't disappoint. Del and Cassie's fake engagement quickly becomes real as they spend time together and get to know each other. Reading about Del's warm and loving family was a treat as well. I'm looking forward to reading more of this series!

Thank you to City Owl Press for the eARC.

[Sarah Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous feel good read.

Del and Cassie’s story was gorgeous. I enjoyed meeting the Jackson family, and particularly the youngest sibling, Delta. The relationship that built between Del and Cassie was so beautiful and their chemistry was off the charts. I really lovely feel-good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Felt real.

Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Mariah Ankenman

Believable characters. Fake marriage trope but author makes it feel real.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book except for the "Gift of the Magi" type ending. Almost DNFd when late in the book Cassie made the stupidest (IMO) of decisions. I'm still stewing about it.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a good small town romantic comedy read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melissa B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marriage of convenience, best friends little brother and small-town rom-com. Cassie and Del were likable characters and their love story was one you could feel.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[flowers6 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute, funny and compelling read. The novel was well written with exciting surprises and unexpected turns of events. The characters also had great chemistry.

I'm definitely interested in reading more of Mariah Ankenman's work

[Arceli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like the sunshine and grump person. The book was really well written. The romance was sweet and steamy. I liked fake relationships and it was a good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!

[Diane · Rating 2 out of 5]

okay read

An okay read with enough angst to keep it interesting. Characters were quirky with an extended family that could cause mayhem in an empty house. Okay read.

[Jemi Fraser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun, flirty, sexy, sweet, and charming!

[Manda · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I got this book from LibraryThing for my honest review**

I absolutely love Mariah Ankenman’s work and this wasn’t any exception. I loved this. I did have some problems with how these two handled the situation in general, but I still loved these two together and was rooting for them from the beginning.

ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ

Writing: 4/5
Story: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Personal Thoughts: 4/5
Overall: 4/5 (4 stars)

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this sweet book. Delta and Cassie make a great pair and the rest of the Jackson brood make excellent secondary characters.
I wish Cassie had chosen to keep her house and we saw the wedding, and maybe Cassie buying Delta the car back, or a similar one.

[Jennifer]

(premarital sex, graphic sex, drinking, swearing)