Text Me

by Shelley K. Wall

Carter Coben is having some serious communication problems lately. First he mouthed off to a project manager at work and got fired, now his girlfriend's dumped him and trashed his cell phone. About the only place he hasn't got his wires crossed these days is at the anonymous texting app, Justchat.com. Carter thinks he might have found a real connection with "She Hearts Dogs," but little does he know he's already quite acquainted with this cunning canine-lover…

When Abigail Jeffries gets a random text message from a stranger saying he's been dumped, she can't help but answer it—and recommend he send his ex some flowers from her new shop. When she delivers the bouquet though, she finds out his ex was cheating on him with his best friend—the same best friend she's impersonating via text! Abby feels guilty, but she can't help responding. But what will happen when Carter finds out that Abby is not only the face behind the texts, but the reason he got fired at work and his mysterious mutt-loving pal on Justchat.com?

Will they ever manage to sort out their mixed signals, mistaken identities, and misunderstandings to find real love? This madcap, modern-day You've Got Mail for the texting generation will delight romantic comedy fans.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

246 pages, ebook

First published August 4, 2014

About the author

Shelley grew up in Missouri, graduated from Oklahoma State University, and took post graduate courses from OSU and the University of Wyoming.

She's a member of RWA, Sisters In Crime (SinC), and Houston Literary Guild. She writes daily, striving to perfect a voice that supplies enjoyable and memorable reads.

She has yet to meet a person she doesn't like or a job that's not worth enjoying. She writes with humor, drama, and a desire to share life's precious moments.

Shelley currently lives in Texas with her family.

Reviews

[2OCC Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoy texting to love type romance novel so when reading the description of this book I instantly got excited. Being new to me either I wasn't 100% sure what I should expect from her writing but I was very excited to see where she was going to take the story.

I really enjoyed the connection that the two main characters had. It was fun to watch. Wallet times they both seemed pretty immature, that's to be expected with the promises of wrong numbers and Abby not coming clean when she really should have.

I read this book on KU and well I like the plot I found that the formatting was too smashed together the scene changes were too sporadic and the dialogue wasn't very interesting.

Overall, The description pretty much summed up the book perfectly. There was a few twists and turns but in the end it was a pretty simple low drama type book that seemed to have more drama then it needed. I look forward to possibly reading more from this author in the future. 3 stars #2OCCJD

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that hits the ground running and entices you to keep up. Text Me offers a fast-paced and humorous depiction of the perils of romance in an increasingly digital world. Throughout the novel Carter and Abby’s relationship is both enhanced and crippled by modern technology. Although in some instances it allows them to form a deeper connection, it is also the cause of some serious misunderstandings. These misunderstandings provide plenty of humour and outlandish situations, especially when Abby and Carter start piecing together the various connections. One moment that stands out for me in the novel is when Carter tosses a rubbish bin over Abby’s head.

His arms were above his head shaking the contents of the trash receptacle. All over her. She growled and yanked the plugs from her ears. “Are you CRAZY?”

I admit this comes across as a fairly dick-head move on the part of Carter, however, he has reasons that I will leave you to discover by yourself. What this scene demonstrated to me when I read it was the fact regardless of how they choose to communicate and despite all the lies and misunderstandings Carter and Abby are comfortable around each other. They truly act as themselves and despite moments of anger they are always drawn to each other. Even when Carter thinks Abby has betrayed him he still can’t stay away from her (also for those who are completely against cheating in romance novels just to clarify there is no cheating between the hero and heroine). One of the secondary characters, I believe Jackson, states he believes in the idea of fate and certainly this is a book that portrays fated love as despite all the misunderstandings, lies and argument Abby and Carter appear destined to be together.

As the blurb describes Carter and Abby annoymously communicate in three different ways, and arguably these different interactions are what allow their romance to develop so quickly. When I was reading this book I was conscious that each form of communication allowed for a slightly different relationship to develop between Abby and Carter. I loved this aspect of the book as I thought it was fairly true of real life, for example when communicating using the Justchat app the anonymity and safety of talking to a stranger meant they quickly formed a connection based on shared interests and mutual respect. This is demonstrated in Carter’s first message where he states:

My life is filled with escaped moments that I never seem to grasp until I’ve missed them.

Now I don’t know how you start a conversation with a new person, but normally I keep the tone light-hearted and the topics neutral, subjects that are unlikely to be seen as controversial, thereby avoiding any awkwardness. On the surface this is a light-hearted book in the style of a romantic comedy and yet it is also a book that deals with deeper issues, particularly in regards to Carter’s past. What I loved is that despite the humour the author didn’t shy away from the darker side of life. Rather than allowing Carter’s past to cause a further rift between them it becomes a source of connection as Abby is able to help Carter move on.

Overall this is a great romantic comedy that made me laugh and also made me cry. Although it is centred on Carter and Abby’s developing relationship the reader is also given an insight into the friends and world of the main characters. Carter and Abby are both likeable, realistic characters, they aren’t perfect and they don’t pretend to be. Yet what is perfect is watching them reach the happily ever after they deserve.

[Steph]

The old saying "Oh what tangled webs we weave when first we practice to deceive" has never been truer in Shelly K. Wall's TEXT ME, as her heroine can't ever seem to come clean!

Abigail Jeffries learns the hard way that one innocent lie leads to dozens of others and can have lasting consequences, especially if you're trying to convince a guy you kinda dig him. What started out as a pity date after Carter Coben inadvertently texted her instead of his BFF Jackson turned into a web of deceit featuring multiple players and tons of quick thinking to cover their tracks.

Carter can't believe someone as hot as Abby would be into him, but the more he gets to know her the more he believes that the woman is making a fool of him with her lies. Even so, fate has a way of ensuring that people meant to be together are, and even though commitment-phobe Carter and inadvertently deceitful Abby try to stay apart, destiny has other ideas. Can these two hardheaded people separate truth from fiction or are they doomed to stay apart?

How many times have you read a text from a friend and wondered about their "tone"? Does the lack of an exclamation point indicate that she's mad? Do the run-on sentences mean he's excited about something? All caps...why is she yelling at me??

When Carter makes the mistake of texting Abby, thinking he's messaging his asshat BFF, it's the beginning of a series of hellaciously funny circumstances that keep Abby and Carter apart for way too long. Between the interference of their friends, the misunderstandings and the flat-out lies, TEXT ME had me smiling almost constantly.

I liked both of the main characters and thought they had good chemistry, but was so bummed that when it FINALLY came time for some sweet sweet lovin' between the two...the good stuff was completely glossed over! Their chemistry made me really wish for more in that department because I loved them together. I could definitely get into this as the start of a series featuring Carter's bumbling friends.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Text Me is a story about two people and how no matter how hard they try to avoid one another, keep crossing each other's path. Carter, who was recently fired from his job, is a moody and mysterious man with deep commitment issues. As if that were not bad enough and to make matters worse, his girlfriend of three months dumps him after he had just bought them a pair of baseball season tickets. Abigail, just branching out on her own after leaving the family business is struggling to make a living. Her newly opened flower shop is not as successful as she hoped and she is worried about how she is going to make ends meet. These two completely different people will find their way into each others lives, multiple times and in many different ways before realizing that perhaps it was fate that meant for them to be together.

My biggest complaint with this story is that maybe as a reader, I could have believed that Carter saw "Running Girl" (Abigail) in the park and wanted to meet her. And it is possible for Ruckus to take off running and conveniently knock over the girl that Carter has been trying to find a way to get to introduce himself to. I may even be able to believe that his friends somehow got her number and switched that in his phone in place of Jackson's. That is a lot of coincidence but I think I can look past it. I can't get over that not only is Abigail the person who unknowingly got Carter fired from his old job, but also, she is the mysterious woman that "randomly" is chatting with him via a phone app called JustChat. That's just too much.

Truthfully, Caroline was my favorite character. She should have a book of her own and I am sure that it would be much more entertaining. She is funny, crazy, lovable, adventurous and has a past that could be explained in her own story. Overall, this was a cute story.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in a goodreads giveaway. And i thank Shelley Wall for the opportunity to read her awesome writing.
Carter Coben is having some serious communication problems lately. First he mouthed off to a project manager at work and got fired, now his girlfriend's dumped him and trashed his cell phone. About the only place he hasn't got his wires crossed these days is at the anonymous texting app, Justchat.com. Carter thinks he might have found a real connection with "She Hearts Dogs," but little does he know he's already quite acquainted with this cunning canine-lover…
When Abigail Jeffries gets a random text message from a stranger saying he's been dumped, she can't help but answer it—and recommend he send his ex some flowers from her new shop. When she delivers the bouquet though, she finds out his ex was cheating on him with his best friend—the same best friend she's impersonating via text! Abby feels guilty, but she can't help responding. But what will happen when Carter finds out that Abby is not only the face behind the texts, but the reason he got fired at work and his mysterious mutt-loving pal on Justchat.com?
Will they ever manage to sort out their mixed signals, mistaken identities, and misunderstandings to find real love? This madcap, modern-day You've Got Mail for the texting generation will delight romantic comedy fans.
It's a little light read, yet confusing at first. So may characters yet only 2 people. But after you get them straight, and think nothing more can happen.... it does. Funny, fresh, and so worth the read. 4 stars.

[Jennifer DeCuir · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this day and age, the mix ups and mishaps that befall Carter and Abby are that much more believable - and hilarious. After his ex breaks his cell phone, Carter thinks he's texting his best friend, Jackson. Abby is actually on the receiving end of that text (and the many others that come after it) but doesn't have the heart to explain to this newly-dumped nice guy that he has the wrong number. Thus starts a very complicated relationship for this man with severe trust issues and the woman who is desperate for a little family support as she opens her own florist shop. (Have I mentioned Carter hates flowers? I mean REALLY hates flowers.)

There is plenty of conflict in this story with all of the technological snafus, that it is wonderfully confusing (for the characters, not for the reader). Then the author slowly begins to weave in Carter's back story and we're hooked. Wall creates characters that are full of depth, characters who have based their whole lives around incredibly heavy emotional baggage that, for the most part, they aren't even aware they are carrying around. So expect some Kleenex moments! Wall keeps Carter and Abby apart through part of the book, in terms of their relationship, yet still manages to find clever ways to have them remain in each others' lives.

I was offered this ARC in exchange for an honest review and I really enjoyed the book. It's the first I've read of hers, and I am now off to check out her back list for more fun titles.

[Lola Karns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner from Shelly K. Wall.

Text Me, a contemporary romantic comedy, plays with our pseudo-anonymous culture of apps, texts, and virtual chats. Carter Cobin nurses a breakup, meets the month-long object of his desire ("Running Girl"), bonds with a woman he met in a chat room and wonders why his best friend is acting so strange - avoiding him in person and sending cryptic texts. Florist Abby Jeffries bonds with a man she meets in a chat room, wonders why anyone would want to dump the nice man who is walking her grumpy neighbor's dog, and tries to find out who is sending her random texts.

The blurb calls this book an update on "You've Got Mail," but I saw a lot of elements of my Shakespeare play, "As You Like it." I laughed my way through this book as the characters tried to sort through myriad layers of identity. Both hero and heroine have strong character arcs and I sincerely hope the secondary characters receive their own book. This breezy fun book is perfect for a sunny afternoon.

I received a complementary copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Megan La · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC for review, and I zoomed through Abby and Carter's story (although, as you learn more of the tragedy in Carter's past, you'll find the story isn't just theirs; it is so much more than their comedic tangled romance). Thanks to interfering but well-meaning friends, Abby and Carter are caught up in a tangle of lies right from the start of their relationship--and if there is one thing Carter can't stand, it's lies. The tangle keeps getting worse, keeping pace with their escalating attraction and connection. With a huge slobbering dog, an incident involving a hulk costume and embarrassing photos at a small town craft fair, and an overturned garbage can, there are plenty of funny moments. Discovering why Carter hates lies is heartbreaking, but there is beauty and redemption along with the sorrow. The chemistry between Abby and Carter is undeniable, and their kisses swoon-worthy. A well-crafted and enjoyable read!

[Becky Lower · Rating 4 out of 5]

This darling book shows the pitfalls that come with today's technology. People meet and talk on-line, they text instead of having conversations, they're almost afraid to meet in person. So what happens if the person you are texting to and having long chats with via an on-line service is actually the girl you've been lusting after at the park? It's a tangled web from which both Abby and Carter have to extricate themselves in order to make their relationship work. As lie piles upon lie, you wonder how they'll ever resolve things. This book made me laugh, but it also made me cry. The bluebonnets scene played to my senses, since I spent more years in Texas than I care to think about. Definitely a book worthy of your time.

[Deb Diem · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Text Me by Shelley K. Wall. Funny story, great characters and a ton of misunderstandings. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger. I hope to read more from Shelley K. Wall in the future.

[-ˏˋ D ˊˎ- · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5*

[Purple Iris · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute story, although a bit too convoluted. Writing could use some work.

[Micah Persell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore--I cannot stress that enough--the movie You've Got Mail! I was recently mourning the fact that it now seems so out-of-date and a new audience not only wouldn't get it, they wouldn't be able to relate (What is this e-mail?). Within one chapter of picking up Text Me I knew I was going to love this book. Shelley K. Wall has given You've Got Mail an update, and it's wonderful! I absolutely adored the heroine, Abby, and, while the hero, Carter, took some time to warm up to, once I knew what was making him act the way he was, I was so ready for him to get his happily ever after. There were several laugh-out-loud moments in this book (You must read to see what the Hulk and Hester Prynne have in common!), and when I wasn't reading it, I found myself looking forward to the next time I could pick it up again. What a great read!

[Jayna · Rating 2 out of 5]

An overly complicated story with continuity issues.

Continuity issues:
-Abby says she is from Austin, TX when chatting on the Justchat app. But later it is said she is from the Midwest. Later again that she grew up three hours from Houston.
-Soon after opening her shop, she claims her family didn't even bother to call her- they don't care. They did call and she intentionally ignored it with caller ID.
- Carter called Abby on her cell phone while in Thailand. He would have known about the phone number mix up.


In the future, I believe the author could rework it and make a decent read out of it. In its current state, I really can't recommend it. It pains me to say that because I know author's work so hard on their work.

I received a copy via the Goodreads First Reads program.

[Brie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads First Reads contest.

It was a light, fun, read. Heavy on the misunderstandings leading to the two main characters acting like complete morons. I swear...I wanted to throat punch Abby by the end of the book. She just was suffering so hard from "romance novel heroine moron disease" and it was driving me crazy. I wanted Carter to dump her dumb, lying, ass and move on. But I dialed back that feeling and just let the story unfold as I read it. The story was more than a bit unbelievable but still fun. A solid 3 star book.