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Loveless & Dunn #2
Pick Me
Recently dumped by the man she’d planned to marry, no-nonsense attorney Thea Dunn has returned home to Magnolia Bay to mend her broken heart. But when she learns her new neighbor is Calder Frye, the bad boy who sets the pulse of every good girl at Magnolia Bay High racing, Thea’s verdict to swear off men is in danger of being overturned…
Fourteen years after graduation, Calder has traded his rebel lifestyle to become an ER doctor—but his sex appeal is every bit as powerful as Thea remembers. Could her short-term residence be the perfect chance to live out a teenage fantasy? Or could their reunion be a chance for something more?
Fourteen years after graduation, Calder has traded his rebel lifestyle to become an ER doctor—but his sex appeal is every bit as powerful as Thea remembers. Could her short-term residence be the perfect chance to live out a teenage fantasy? Or could their reunion be a chance for something more?
146 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 2, 2014
114 people are currently reading
573 people want to read
About the author
Erika Marks
18 books219 followersHello, fellow reader! I am the NAL author of women's fiction set by the sea. My fifth novel, THE LAST TREASURE, follows the love triangle between three treasure hunters searching for a mysterious shipwreck on the Outer Banks, and comes ashore on August 2, 2016. I love meeting with book clubs via Skype--so stop by my website to learn how we can set up a chat!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
July 3, 2014
A sweet southern inspired romance with characters you will love from the start.
Fourteen years ago, Thea Dunn was devastated after finding her prom date in the arms of another girl. She left the dance and started walking home only to be found crying on the side of the road by Calder Frye, the school's bad boy. He talked her into going for a cheeseburger to cheer her up. The night turned into one that Thea would never forget.
When they meet again, both have moved on with their lives and careers. Thea has come back to Magnolia Bay to spend time with her sisters to help heal her broken heart after her fiance dumps her. Her home is also infested with termites and needs fumigating. What else could go wrong? Then, she meets her new neighbor. It is none other then Calder. Calder might have been her teenage crush, but she is an adult now. Will she be able to resist him?
I always enjoy the Magnolia Bay stories. The characters are so real and it feels like you've come home to visit with long lost friends.
Fourteen years ago, Thea Dunn was devastated after finding her prom date in the arms of another girl. She left the dance and started walking home only to be found crying on the side of the road by Calder Frye, the school's bad boy. He talked her into going for a cheeseburger to cheer her up. The night turned into one that Thea would never forget.
When they meet again, both have moved on with their lives and careers. Thea has come back to Magnolia Bay to spend time with her sisters to help heal her broken heart after her fiance dumps her. Her home is also infested with termites and needs fumigating. What else could go wrong? Then, she meets her new neighbor. It is none other then Calder. Calder might have been her teenage crush, but she is an adult now. Will she be able to resist him?
I always enjoy the Magnolia Bay stories. The characters are so real and it feels like you've come home to visit with long lost friends.
August 22, 2014
I love Calder, "it was all he could do not to grab her and kiss the hell out of that gorgeous mouth." He sure knows how to woo a girl, "Calder stood there, holding a pint of strawberries and wearing a sheepish smile. "My dad suggested I bring a whole flat but I told him I thought that might be a little much. Then again, it did work for him." I thought this was a cute story and I enjoyed reading Calder and Thea's adventure.
May 28, 2020
Cute story but as an attorney, Thea isn't great at digging into the aspects of her break up or Dennis' quick turn-around. I wish the story would have wrapped up why he dumped her and then why he wanted her back; seemed unfinished.
July 3, 2017
This is such a sweet book! Thea and Calder are such a great couple! I can't wait to read more in this series!
September 13, 2018
3.25 stars
May 20, 2019
Very good
Thea had to go a long way to find what her heart truly needed and Erika brought this story to life. Very realistic a And romantic. Loved the book.
Thea had to go a long way to find what her heart truly needed and Erika brought this story to life. Very realistic a And romantic. Loved the book.
September 4, 2019
A fun romance with likeable characters but very short.
February 19, 2022
Sweet but ultimately predictable.
March 29, 2025
Not a frivolou8s romance, but completely believable. Once again, Erika Marks portrays real people with real problems and ties everything up in a happily-ever-after.
April 4, 2016
Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick
Pick Me is the third book in the Magnolia Bay series and is written by Erika Marks. This short and sweet novella can be read as a stand alone, and was easy for me to get into without having read the previous 2 stories in the series. I really enjoyed Thea and Calder's story, and I can't wait to read more in this series.
After having been dumped by her boyfriend of 3 years, Thea Dunn heads to her hometown for a 2 week vacation. She never expects the neighbor next door to be the sexy bad boy that rescued her on prom night fourteen years ago. Calder Frye still has his motorcycle, but he is also now a handsome doctor that never stays in one area for long. He always regretted not kissing Thea on the night they skipped prom. With her staying next door, he decides now is his chance. Can Thea and Calder turn their teenage fantasy into reality? Or will they find that the fantasy was better than the real thing?
I really liked Calder and Thea. I loved that Calder had gone from the mysterious and sexy bad boy in high school to the handsome and sweet doctor committed to doing good. He wasn't a total womanizer and I really thought it was great that even though he only did casual before that he wasn't the stereotypical single guy out to see how many women he could go through. He was a good guy and was just trying to do the best he could while also being there for his family and enjoying his career. Thea was great as well. She was successful and driven, and I love that she knew she wanted to be a lawyer in high school and made it happen. She enjoyed her career and was happy with her life, and she was really close with her sisters. I liked how they were able to give each other a hard time, but that they were always there for each other. I thought that Thea was confused when it came to her love life though, and it took her quite awhile to realize that her ex was wrong for her. It was nice to see her getting to know Calder again and how they had both changed over the years. I thought that they had great chemistry together, but they were also a great pair that seemed to work really well together. Calder and Thea were really sweet together and I liked that they had such an easy and natural relationship.
Overall, I think that this book was really cute and I loved losing myself in this sweet story. It was short but I found it to be real and believable. I liked the secondary characters a lot, and even though at first I disliked Calder's brother Pete it was good to see him make progress over the course of the book. I would definitely recommend this book to contemporary fans that are looking for something that can be read quickly and will leave them feeling happy and satisfied. Pick Me was really enjoyable, and I look forward to reading more from Erika Marks in the future.
**ARC Provided by Author**
Pick Me is the third book in the Magnolia Bay series and is written by Erika Marks. This short and sweet novella can be read as a stand alone, and was easy for me to get into without having read the previous 2 stories in the series. I really enjoyed Thea and Calder's story, and I can't wait to read more in this series.
After having been dumped by her boyfriend of 3 years, Thea Dunn heads to her hometown for a 2 week vacation. She never expects the neighbor next door to be the sexy bad boy that rescued her on prom night fourteen years ago. Calder Frye still has his motorcycle, but he is also now a handsome doctor that never stays in one area for long. He always regretted not kissing Thea on the night they skipped prom. With her staying next door, he decides now is his chance. Can Thea and Calder turn their teenage fantasy into reality? Or will they find that the fantasy was better than the real thing?
I really liked Calder and Thea. I loved that Calder had gone from the mysterious and sexy bad boy in high school to the handsome and sweet doctor committed to doing good. He wasn't a total womanizer and I really thought it was great that even though he only did casual before that he wasn't the stereotypical single guy out to see how many women he could go through. He was a good guy and was just trying to do the best he could while also being there for his family and enjoying his career. Thea was great as well. She was successful and driven, and I love that she knew she wanted to be a lawyer in high school and made it happen. She enjoyed her career and was happy with her life, and she was really close with her sisters. I liked how they were able to give each other a hard time, but that they were always there for each other. I thought that Thea was confused when it came to her love life though, and it took her quite awhile to realize that her ex was wrong for her. It was nice to see her getting to know Calder again and how they had both changed over the years. I thought that they had great chemistry together, but they were also a great pair that seemed to work really well together. Calder and Thea were really sweet together and I liked that they had such an easy and natural relationship.
Overall, I think that this book was really cute and I loved losing myself in this sweet story. It was short but I found it to be real and believable. I liked the secondary characters a lot, and even though at first I disliked Calder's brother Pete it was good to see him make progress over the course of the book. I would definitely recommend this book to contemporary fans that are looking for something that can be read quickly and will leave them feeling happy and satisfied. Pick Me was really enjoyable, and I look forward to reading more from Erika Marks in the future.
**ARC Provided by Author**
August 5, 2014
4.5 stars
Have you ever made a decision about something and then have that decision haunt you? Wish you had done something else? Or would you do the very same thing? Pick Me is a second chance love story that explores these questions and others. What would you do if you had a second chance with someone?
I really liked Thea right from the start. Even though she's been dumped, she still has her chin up. She's got a great relationship with her sisters, who were very caring and considerate. I loved their family closeness, how the girls supported their sister. Thea needs a place to stay for a few weeks, and they band together to help which is a perfect reason for the girls to get together in their hometown of Magnolia Bay.
It seems like a whole lotta of fate when her neighbor ends up being the guy who rescued her fourteen years ago from a really bad prom. He's still gorgeous, sexy and an accomplished ER doctor. AND he still rides a motorcycle. It doesn't take long for the sparks to fly between Thea and Calder again and everything looks good for them to do what they denied themselves all those years ago.
But complications arise and soon everything just goes south -- sort of. Thea and Calder are both faced with decisions that will change the course of their lives and take them in opposite directions. Will they decide on what they know or take a chance on something new?
There's so much to this story and that's another reason I loved it. Besides Thea's breakup, there's the story of Calder's family farm. It worked very well for me and I think the scene between Calder's older brother Pete and Thea had me rubbing my eyes a little. Lots of good drama there.
There is just so much packed into Pick Me, it's hard to believe that it's only approximately 130-some pages. I was really impressed by how Erika Marks was able to get me to feel for these characters in so few pages. The story grabbed me from the start and just kept getting better.
Pick Me worked very well as a standalone. I had not read the previous books in the series but I will definitely be keeping an eye on this author.
If you are looking for a short, sweet, second-chance contemporary romance between thirty-something professionals, you might like this like I did.
This review also appears on my blog at: http://redhotbluereads.blogspot.com/2014/08/review-giveaway-pick-me-by-erika-marks.html
Have you ever made a decision about something and then have that decision haunt you? Wish you had done something else? Or would you do the very same thing? Pick Me is a second chance love story that explores these questions and others. What would you do if you had a second chance with someone?
I really liked Thea right from the start. Even though she's been dumped, she still has her chin up. She's got a great relationship with her sisters, who were very caring and considerate. I loved their family closeness, how the girls supported their sister. Thea needs a place to stay for a few weeks, and they band together to help which is a perfect reason for the girls to get together in their hometown of Magnolia Bay.
It seems like a whole lotta of fate when her neighbor ends up being the guy who rescued her fourteen years ago from a really bad prom. He's still gorgeous, sexy and an accomplished ER doctor. AND he still rides a motorcycle. It doesn't take long for the sparks to fly between Thea and Calder again and everything looks good for them to do what they denied themselves all those years ago.
But complications arise and soon everything just goes south -- sort of. Thea and Calder are both faced with decisions that will change the course of their lives and take them in opposite directions. Will they decide on what they know or take a chance on something new?
There's so much to this story and that's another reason I loved it. Besides Thea's breakup, there's the story of Calder's family farm. It worked very well for me and I think the scene between Calder's older brother Pete and Thea had me rubbing my eyes a little. Lots of good drama there.
There is just so much packed into Pick Me, it's hard to believe that it's only approximately 130-some pages. I was really impressed by how Erika Marks was able to get me to feel for these characters in so few pages. The story grabbed me from the start and just kept getting better.
Pick Me worked very well as a standalone. I had not read the previous books in the series but I will definitely be keeping an eye on this author.
If you are looking for a short, sweet, second-chance contemporary romance between thirty-something professionals, you might like this like I did.
This review also appears on my blog at: http://redhotbluereads.blogspot.com/2014/08/review-giveaway-pick-me-by-erika-marks.html
April 9, 2015
**Given to me by publisher, in exchange for my honest review**
Super cute story!
This is one of those perfect summer reads. Great characters, good plot, lots of feels, some drama, good resolution. All wrapped up in a nice box with a pretty bow on top. There were a LOT of good moments throughout this book. This short but good book.
Having never read anything by Erika Marks before, I wasn't sure what to expect. I tend to have to lower my expectations when it comes to unfamiliar literary territories, but Marks definitely proved that I don't have to do that with her work.
Now don't get me wrong, this book has no profound life lessons. There are things that you, as the readers, can personally take away from the book (depending upon your circumstances). But this book's purpose is to make the reader "feel good" or smile. This is a nice contemporary romance.
Contemporary romance novels are typically, and have to be, character driven. The characters have to be well developed, interesting, yet flawed. As a reader, I always try and find a little bit of myself in the characters I read about -- and I am able to do that in this book. Our two leads, Calder and Thea, are very interesting characters. Nicely developed. Funny. They're chemistry together is very nice as well.
There are moments of frustration, happiness, sadness, etc. You feel a lot of things throughout this book, and I do find myself getting increasingly irritated with Thea more times than I can count, but her decisions were believeable. Regardless of whether I liked them or not. Calder was an all around great character, in my opinion. He was a good guys with a few vices that needed to be checked, but he was a great character to learn and read about.
The relationship between the two main characters was very authentic, very believeable and not sugar-coated lollipops and rainbows. And THAT'S what drew me into the story. I cared about the characters and wanted to see what would happen to them. Marks did a great job making me care about them.
The supporting characters were really good too. You get a lot of insight into Calder and Thea's lives through the side characters, who are mainly family members. I really liked how these characters were used in the development of our leads.
Overall, this is a read I would recommend. It's a nice feel good book that will make you smile.
Super cute story!
This is one of those perfect summer reads. Great characters, good plot, lots of feels, some drama, good resolution. All wrapped up in a nice box with a pretty bow on top. There were a LOT of good moments throughout this book. This short but good book.
Having never read anything by Erika Marks before, I wasn't sure what to expect. I tend to have to lower my expectations when it comes to unfamiliar literary territories, but Marks definitely proved that I don't have to do that with her work.
Now don't get me wrong, this book has no profound life lessons. There are things that you, as the readers, can personally take away from the book (depending upon your circumstances). But this book's purpose is to make the reader "feel good" or smile. This is a nice contemporary romance.
Contemporary romance novels are typically, and have to be, character driven. The characters have to be well developed, interesting, yet flawed. As a reader, I always try and find a little bit of myself in the characters I read about -- and I am able to do that in this book. Our two leads, Calder and Thea, are very interesting characters. Nicely developed. Funny. They're chemistry together is very nice as well.
There are moments of frustration, happiness, sadness, etc. You feel a lot of things throughout this book, and I do find myself getting increasingly irritated with Thea more times than I can count, but her decisions were believeable. Regardless of whether I liked them or not. Calder was an all around great character, in my opinion. He was a good guys with a few vices that needed to be checked, but he was a great character to learn and read about.
The relationship between the two main characters was very authentic, very believeable and not sugar-coated lollipops and rainbows. And THAT'S what drew me into the story. I cared about the characters and wanted to see what would happen to them. Marks did a great job making me care about them.
The supporting characters were really good too. You get a lot of insight into Calder and Thea's lives through the side characters, who are mainly family members. I really liked how these characters were used in the development of our leads.
Overall, this is a read I would recommend. It's a nice feel good book that will make you smile.
July 3, 2014
Thea Dunn is having a rough day month year life. After enduring the constant drama that was her baby sister's wedding the previous summer, Thea was hit with a difficult legal case that ended badly. Then, a few months later, her long term boyfriend pulled the plug on their relationship. Now, she has been chased out of her Charleston town house by termites. Not much could get worse for her, until she realizes that her neighbor is the only person witness to the most humiliating night of her life fourteen years prior: Calder Frye.
Calder never paid attention to his reputation in high school, so he didn't really notice that girls thought he was sexy or that the people of Magnolia Bay generally thought of him as a bad boy. Instead he was too distracted by his not so great home life and wanting to get as far away from it as possible. Now he's returned to town as an ER doctor and who should happen to be his new neighbor? The girl who shared with him the best night of his life. Could this be fate giving them a second chance? Or are their personal lives simply too complicated...even for each other.
This story is sweet and refreshing. Thea and her sisters are such a contradiction that the way they play off of each other is priceless. Honestly, as I am a sucker for supporting characters, I would have loved to have had more meaningful dialog with the sisters. I loved Connie and Jay from Bet the House and would have loved to seen more of them. Yet, the story involving Pete and Marie was handled very well. Ms. Marks is an expert and keeping things buttoned up until the end, so it came as no surprise that I was surprised when the source of the conflict in that story was revealed.
The main characters get a lot of interaction time in this. Maybe because the story is short, but it felt like they spent more time with each other (or alone) than with anyone else. The big shock was that I actually liked it. Their interactions were both sincere and humorous. There wasn't a lot of sex, but this story was written in a way that the tension speaks for itself and doesn't really need resolution to be satisfying.
Overall, this book and fun and enjoyable. Very heartwarming and a comfy kind of familiar.
Calder never paid attention to his reputation in high school, so he didn't really notice that girls thought he was sexy or that the people of Magnolia Bay generally thought of him as a bad boy. Instead he was too distracted by his not so great home life and wanting to get as far away from it as possible. Now he's returned to town as an ER doctor and who should happen to be his new neighbor? The girl who shared with him the best night of his life. Could this be fate giving them a second chance? Or are their personal lives simply too complicated...even for each other.
This story is sweet and refreshing. Thea and her sisters are such a contradiction that the way they play off of each other is priceless. Honestly, as I am a sucker for supporting characters, I would have loved to have had more meaningful dialog with the sisters. I loved Connie and Jay from Bet the House and would have loved to seen more of them. Yet, the story involving Pete and Marie was handled very well. Ms. Marks is an expert and keeping things buttoned up until the end, so it came as no surprise that I was surprised when the source of the conflict in that story was revealed.
The main characters get a lot of interaction time in this. Maybe because the story is short, but it felt like they spent more time with each other (or alone) than with anyone else. The big shock was that I actually liked it. Their interactions were both sincere and humorous. There wasn't a lot of sex, but this story was written in a way that the tension speaks for itself and doesn't really need resolution to be satisfying.
Overall, this book and fun and enjoyable. Very heartwarming and a comfy kind of familiar.
July 3, 2014
In Pick Me by Erika Marks, Thea left Magnolia Bay after high school graduation, worked hard, and is now a lawyer. When her relationship of 3 years is suddenly and unexpectedly over, Thea heads back to Magnolia Bay for some much needed down time. She certainly does not expect her neighbour to be Calder...the motorcycle "bad boy" every girl in high school lusted over. Or that she can still feel regret over a kiss that never happened, that he is hotter than ever, and she still tingles when she's near him. Thea is coming away from a break up though, and is still working through her feelings for her ex. Calder is only in town for a brief period, for work and family obligations...then he'll be gone again, right? Thea has never listened to her heart though...maybe it's time she did.
Pick Me is a fast paced novella that packs a lot into it without overloading the reader. Erika made me feel like I really got to know Thea (as much as she drove me a bit crazy at times!), the feelings, doubts, and insecurities she has all add a very real touch to her character. Calder has come a long way from his "bad boy" image, but he still rides that motorcycle and thanks to Erika I can totally see him on it in my mind! Great imagery!! He is dealing with family issues while back in Magnolia Bay, and those issues actually help to bring Thea and Calder closer, even if he didn't want to involve her. Erika manages to let us look at the whole package of Erika and Calder in Pick Me, and she blends it all together very well. Their characters are strong, and in this brief novella the character growth is enough to make your heart happy for Thea and Calder.
I loved the integration of Calder's family as a sub plot in Pick Me. Erika manages to make it completely relevant to the story line and uses it to draw us in even farther. I also liked seeing Thea's relationship with her sisters.
Well paced, Pick Me is all about following your heart. I'd recommend it to any romance reader looking for a very well written novella!
Pick Me is a fast paced novella that packs a lot into it without overloading the reader. Erika made me feel like I really got to know Thea (as much as she drove me a bit crazy at times!), the feelings, doubts, and insecurities she has all add a very real touch to her character. Calder has come a long way from his "bad boy" image, but he still rides that motorcycle and thanks to Erika I can totally see him on it in my mind! Great imagery!! He is dealing with family issues while back in Magnolia Bay, and those issues actually help to bring Thea and Calder closer, even if he didn't want to involve her. Erika manages to let us look at the whole package of Erika and Calder in Pick Me, and she blends it all together very well. Their characters are strong, and in this brief novella the character growth is enough to make your heart happy for Thea and Calder.
I loved the integration of Calder's family as a sub plot in Pick Me. Erika manages to make it completely relevant to the story line and uses it to draw us in even farther. I also liked seeing Thea's relationship with her sisters.
Well paced, Pick Me is all about following your heart. I'd recommend it to any romance reader looking for a very well written novella!
June 4, 2015
Check out the full review on Bookaholics Not-So-Anonymous.
Pick Me is the second book in the Loveless & Dunn series by bestselling author Erika Marks and turns the spotlight on the eldest Dunn daughter, Thea, and the quiet rebel she never quite forget from high school, Calder Frye. The story begins with a flashback to set the scene on why that one night together was so memorable for both of them, and then we fast forward fourteen years later to their unexpected reunion as neighbors. I read all three currently available books in the series, not including the two spin-offs, and I must say that Thea and Calder's love story was, hands down, my favorite. I liked these two together and their story had a mix of second chance romance and friends to lovers in it, two of my favorite themes in the romance genre. Throw in a bit of family drama and self-discovery and I was one very happy camper.
Both Thea and Calder were strong lead characters but both showed a fair amount of sensitivity and vulnerability, making even more likable than they already were. They both loved their jobs and cared a great deal for their families and their time together helped them to find the courage to face certain life choices that needed to be made. Theirs was a slow burn but I loved how they worked up to it and that everything about and between them felt natural. There were light and funny moments as well as more thoughtful and deeper interactions. These two had me squeeing a time or two and many of us can relate to jumping at the chance to be with the guy they had a crush on in high school. Have I said how much I loved this book? I haven't? Well, I loved Pick Me and I loved Thea and Calder. I'm gladly rating this five stars. ♥
Pick Me is the second book in the Loveless & Dunn series by bestselling author Erika Marks and turns the spotlight on the eldest Dunn daughter, Thea, and the quiet rebel she never quite forget from high school, Calder Frye. The story begins with a flashback to set the scene on why that one night together was so memorable for both of them, and then we fast forward fourteen years later to their unexpected reunion as neighbors. I read all three currently available books in the series, not including the two spin-offs, and I must say that Thea and Calder's love story was, hands down, my favorite. I liked these two together and their story had a mix of second chance romance and friends to lovers in it, two of my favorite themes in the romance genre. Throw in a bit of family drama and self-discovery and I was one very happy camper.
Both Thea and Calder were strong lead characters but both showed a fair amount of sensitivity and vulnerability, making even more likable than they already were. They both loved their jobs and cared a great deal for their families and their time together helped them to find the courage to face certain life choices that needed to be made. Theirs was a slow burn but I loved how they worked up to it and that everything about and between them felt natural. There were light and funny moments as well as more thoughtful and deeper interactions. These two had me squeeing a time or two and many of us can relate to jumping at the chance to be with the guy they had a crush on in high school. Have I said how much I loved this book? I haven't? Well, I loved Pick Me and I loved Thea and Calder. I'm gladly rating this five stars. ♥
November 9, 2014
**Received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**
"Pick Me" is written by Erika Marks, and it is the third book in the Magnolia Bay series. It can be read as a stand-alone novella. It features Thea Dunn and Calder Frye.
Attorney Thea Dunn has returned back to Magnolia Bay after getting dumped by her boyfriend of 3 years. She's heartbroken. Little does she know, her next door neighbor is the guy she had a crush on in high school -- bad boy Calder Frye.
Back in high school, Thea caught her then-boyfriend cheating on her at prom. Calder was there to rescue her. He wouldn't allow her to walk on the streets by herself in her gown, so he offered to take her on a ride on his motorcycle and to grab some cheeseburgers. Thea never forgot that night.
Fast forward to the present. Calder is now an ER doctor, who is back in Magnolia Bay hoping to be closer to his family and mend their relationship. Now that Thea's back in town, he has another reason to stay. He's always liked Thea.
Calder wants to woo Thea and date her, but she's hesitant at first. But with her sisters' constant meddling and Calder's charm, there's no way she can resist him.
I say this all the time when it comes to novellas, but they're either a hit or miss for me because too much can be happening in a shorter story. "Pick Me" was beautifully written, and it wasn't rushed. I adored both Thea and Calder, and it was great to see them get their chance after 14 years. This may have been the first story that I've read by Erika Marks, but it definitely won't be my last! Everyone should read this!
"Pick Me" is written by Erika Marks, and it is the third book in the Magnolia Bay series. It can be read as a stand-alone novella. It features Thea Dunn and Calder Frye.
Attorney Thea Dunn has returned back to Magnolia Bay after getting dumped by her boyfriend of 3 years. She's heartbroken. Little does she know, her next door neighbor is the guy she had a crush on in high school -- bad boy Calder Frye.
Back in high school, Thea caught her then-boyfriend cheating on her at prom. Calder was there to rescue her. He wouldn't allow her to walk on the streets by herself in her gown, so he offered to take her on a ride on his motorcycle and to grab some cheeseburgers. Thea never forgot that night.
Fast forward to the present. Calder is now an ER doctor, who is back in Magnolia Bay hoping to be closer to his family and mend their relationship. Now that Thea's back in town, he has another reason to stay. He's always liked Thea.
Calder wants to woo Thea and date her, but she's hesitant at first. But with her sisters' constant meddling and Calder's charm, there's no way she can resist him.
I say this all the time when it comes to novellas, but they're either a hit or miss for me because too much can be happening in a shorter story. "Pick Me" was beautifully written, and it wasn't rushed. I adored both Thea and Calder, and it was great to see them get their chance after 14 years. This may have been the first story that I've read by Erika Marks, but it definitely won't be my last! Everyone should read this!
August 19, 2014
I absolutely loved Pick Me. It was a sweet second chance romance. 14 years ago at her high school prom, Thea Dunn found her boyfriend making out with another girl. Thea hightailed it out of there in her ball gown and all. School "bad boy" Calder Frye found her crying on the side of the road. Instead of leaving her there, he put her on the back of his motorcycle and brought her out for burgers. After their impromptu night, they never spoke to each other again.
Now 14 years later Thea has been dumped and retreats home to Magnolia Bay. There she rents a place, where her neighbor is none other than Calder. He is now even hotter and an ER doctor. Not too shabby. Calder still has the motorcycle and is still hotter than he should. Now, they are older and wiser and Thea is not about to make the same mistake she made 14 years ago and let him walk away without so much as a kiss.
This was a cute love story about send chance love and family. I loved that Calder was back to help out at his family's farm. Thea has a big close family too. They all seem to mesh well together.
Their chemistry is through the roof. The get along as friends first before anything else.
Sometimes you need a feel good book to put you in a good mood and make you feel fuzzy inside. This was just the book to do the trick.
Now 14 years later Thea has been dumped and retreats home to Magnolia Bay. There she rents a place, where her neighbor is none other than Calder. He is now even hotter and an ER doctor. Not too shabby. Calder still has the motorcycle and is still hotter than he should. Now, they are older and wiser and Thea is not about to make the same mistake she made 14 years ago and let him walk away without so much as a kiss.
This was a cute love story about send chance love and family. I loved that Calder was back to help out at his family's farm. Thea has a big close family too. They all seem to mesh well together.
Their chemistry is through the roof. The get along as friends first before anything else.
Sometimes you need a feel good book to put you in a good mood and make you feel fuzzy inside. This was just the book to do the trick.
July 4, 2014
Thea Dunn is the oldest of the Dunn sisters, and the one who always tries to do what she thinks she should. Thea left Magnolia Bay after graduation and never looked back. Now, 14 years later, Thea is a successful lawyer whose life has thrown her a curve ball: her boyfriend of 3 years dumped her instead of proposing and termites have taken over her home. So Thea takes two weeks vacation (her first!) and heads back to Magnolia Bay to stay in a condo on the beach her sister found her. Her relaxing, no man vacation is turned on its ear when she finds that Calder Frye is living next door. Calder was the bad boy in High School that all the girls had a crush on, and the only witness to Thea's most humiliating night. Calder also left Magnolia Bay 14 years ago, and became a Doctor, and has returned to Magnolia Bay as an ER doctor to help his family.
These two sizzle together. Thea and Calder spend more time together and learn more about each other, but both have to find the courage to take a chance on life and each other.
I loved the story, the characters, and the location. I was drawn in from the first paragraph and hated it when I reached the end.
These two sizzle together. Thea and Calder spend more time together and learn more about each other, but both have to find the courage to take a chance on life and each other.
I loved the story, the characters, and the location. I was drawn in from the first paragraph and hated it when I reached the end.
July 9, 2014
**I received a free ARC in exchange for my honest opinion**
This is a fun story in the Magnolia Bay series I love. Thea has been dumped by her boyfriend--a lawyer in the same firm where she works. And her job isn't giving her the same love it once was, so she decides some R&R in her hometown might be the break she needs. Running into Calder, the motorcycle-riding, hot doctor who saved her on prom night all those years ago wasn't in the plan, but he could be. They're getting along great until her ex shows up with an engagement ring. She must decide--does she want the ex back, and does she want Calder, what is her future? But, Calder accepts a job out of state, so she's living life alone after dumping the ex. Life goes on and she decides she needs a career change and opens her own firm, in addition to doing some pro bono work. Calder has some decisions of his own to make, too, with family and a final decision on the job in California. Unexpectedly, Calder shows up on her doorstep ready to fight for their love and a future. And a basket of strawberries--if you want to know about the strawberries, you'll have to read the whole sweet and smexy story.
This is a fun story in the Magnolia Bay series I love. Thea has been dumped by her boyfriend--a lawyer in the same firm where she works. And her job isn't giving her the same love it once was, so she decides some R&R in her hometown might be the break she needs. Running into Calder, the motorcycle-riding, hot doctor who saved her on prom night all those years ago wasn't in the plan, but he could be. They're getting along great until her ex shows up with an engagement ring. She must decide--does she want the ex back, and does she want Calder, what is her future? But, Calder accepts a job out of state, so she's living life alone after dumping the ex. Life goes on and she decides she needs a career change and opens her own firm, in addition to doing some pro bono work. Calder has some decisions of his own to make, too, with family and a final decision on the job in California. Unexpectedly, Calder shows up on her doorstep ready to fight for their love and a future. And a basket of strawberries--if you want to know about the strawberries, you'll have to read the whole sweet and smexy story.
July 11, 2014
Pick Me (Magnolia Bay Book 3)by Erika Marks
Thea and Calder's story!
Recently dumped by the man she’d planned to marry, no-nonsense attorney Thea Dunn has returned home to Magnolia Bay to mend her broken heart. But when she learns her new neighbor is Calder Frye, the bad boy who sets the pulse of every good girl at Magnolia Bay High racing, Thea’s verdict to swear off men is in danger of being overturned…
Fourteen years after graduation, Calder has traded his rebel lifestyle to become an ER doctor—but his sex appeal is every bit as powerful as Thea remembers. Could her short-term residence be the perfect chance to live out a teenage fantasy? Or could their reunion be a chance for something more?
what is Calder final decision on the job in California?
will Thea and Calder fight for their love and a future?
Looking forward to reading more books by Erika Marks.
Pick Me (Magnolia Bay Book 3)by Erika Marksis a 4 stars book.
Magnolia Bay Book
Bet the House (Magnolia Bay Book 1) by Erika Marks
Sweet Home Carolina (Magnolia Bay Book 2) by Kim Boykin
Pick Me (Magnolia Bay Book 3) by Erika Marks
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thea and Calder's story!
Recently dumped by the man she’d planned to marry, no-nonsense attorney Thea Dunn has returned home to Magnolia Bay to mend her broken heart. But when she learns her new neighbor is Calder Frye, the bad boy who sets the pulse of every good girl at Magnolia Bay High racing, Thea’s verdict to swear off men is in danger of being overturned…
Fourteen years after graduation, Calder has traded his rebel lifestyle to become an ER doctor—but his sex appeal is every bit as powerful as Thea remembers. Could her short-term residence be the perfect chance to live out a teenage fantasy? Or could their reunion be a chance for something more?
what is Calder final decision on the job in California?
will Thea and Calder fight for their love and a future?
Looking forward to reading more books by Erika Marks.
Pick Me (Magnolia Bay Book 3)by Erika Marksis a 4 stars book.
Magnolia Bay Book
Bet the House (Magnolia Bay Book 1) by Erika Marks
Sweet Home Carolina (Magnolia Bay Book 2) by Kim Boykin
Pick Me (Magnolia Bay Book 3) by Erika Marks
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 12, 2014
Pick Me is the perfect short second chance romance book when you need a good pick-me-up. A cute, sweet and fun read, it will definitely put a smile on your face. I really enjoyed this lighthearted story.
The characters had depth and were very likable, though I found the youngest sister (Peach) a bit on the annoying side. But the rest were like reading about old friends-even though I haven't even read the first book in the Magnolia Bay series (that's how comfortable I was with the characters).
I'm normally a fan of these types of story lines anyway, but this book definitely delivers with the second chance romance trope. You'll find Calder to be a strong male character, and Thea-while sometimes a little frustrating when it comes to her prior relationship-will grow in this story into someone who realizes she needs to do things for herself, things that make her happy and not just what she thinks might be expected of her.
I rooted for Calder and Thea from start to finish...and give their story 4 stars :-)
The characters had depth and were very likable, though I found the youngest sister (Peach) a bit on the annoying side. But the rest were like reading about old friends-even though I haven't even read the first book in the Magnolia Bay series (that's how comfortable I was with the characters).
I'm normally a fan of these types of story lines anyway, but this book definitely delivers with the second chance romance trope. You'll find Calder to be a strong male character, and Thea-while sometimes a little frustrating when it comes to her prior relationship-will grow in this story into someone who realizes she needs to do things for herself, things that make her happy and not just what she thinks might be expected of her.
I rooted for Calder and Thea from start to finish...and give their story 4 stars :-)
March 18, 2015
Pick Me is Book 3 in Magnolia Bay. It is written by Erika Marks. It his Thea & Calder's story.
Thea has been dumped by the man she had planned to marry. The man she dated for 3 years. She is a no-nonsense lawyer. She has returned home to Magnolia Bay to reconcile her feelings, mend her broken heart, and rid her home of termites. She has a two week vacation so she rents a house in her hometown. She learns that her new neighbor is none other than Calder Frye, the bad boy high school crush who makes her heart still race. Thea had sworn men off, but Calder may have her breaking her own rule.
It's been 14 years since graduation and Calder has become an ER doctor. He traded in his bad-boy lifestyle but his appeal is still powerful on Thea. She doesn't know if she should live out her fantasy that she has carried since she was a teen or if what she feels could be something more than she thought. Family drama and other things are making it hard to make any progress in their romance.
Thea has been dumped by the man she had planned to marry. The man she dated for 3 years. She is a no-nonsense lawyer. She has returned home to Magnolia Bay to reconcile her feelings, mend her broken heart, and rid her home of termites. She has a two week vacation so she rents a house in her hometown. She learns that her new neighbor is none other than Calder Frye, the bad boy high school crush who makes her heart still race. Thea had sworn men off, but Calder may have her breaking her own rule.
It's been 14 years since graduation and Calder has become an ER doctor. He traded in his bad-boy lifestyle but his appeal is still powerful on Thea. She doesn't know if she should live out her fantasy that she has carried since she was a teen or if what she feels could be something more than she thought. Family drama and other things are making it hard to make any progress in their romance.
November 6, 2014
Pick Me by Erika Marks was a sweet story. Thea was dumped and went back home while her house was being rid of the termite infestation it had. Her neighbor ended up being her high school crush Calder. Calder rescued Thea on prom night and they both had a wonderful time. Fourteen years later, both of them still were wondering what if and they got their chance to find out. I liked this story because both characters were "real." Thea acted like most women I know do after a break up by wanting her ex to call and let her know that he realized his mistake and wants her back. I enjoyed seeing the slightly crazy side of Thea while she was imagining what she'd do if her ex came back to her. Calder was the sexy bad boy in high school and he went on to be a doctor. This was a well written, quick read. It didn't hook me in to the point where I couldn't put it down, but it was a nice relaxing read. I'd give this story a 3.5 star rating and consider reading the other books in the series.
October 24, 2015
Off for a Holiday weekend I decided to pick up a cute romance book for fun. Thea is a combination of determination and confidence as well as a lost bird who maybe doesn't know what she wants in life. Calder isn't perfect but he just about is to the point of almost unbelievably. Despite his 'perfection' their two families fill in the blanks that make both characters more believable. There is a wonderful build up of tension and chemistry between the characters that can get the blood pumping. The letdown of what could have been a 5 star book? The end. All this building and all this story and it just drops off. I felt like a very confused lemur running along and then confused as I fell off the cliff. The author could improve the abruptness of her endings and perhaps bring better closure to this specific book. I imagine since this is a series of people set in Mangolia Bay, Thea and Calder may resurface but I would have preferred something more than successfully sleeping together and end.
July 4, 2014
Thea Dunn's life is in turmoil. Her boyfriend of three years has left her. She decides to go home so that her heart can heal, but life has some surprise for her. She finds herself living next door to her high school crush, Calder Frye, and the attraction is still there. Will Thea take a chance on love rather than settling for what she thinks she needs? I love this romantic and tender story. Thea and Calder are a wonderful couple. They're both caring and compassionate. The secondary characters add sparkle and sass to the story and the beautiful setting makes a perfect backdrop for love. Erika Marks does a wonderful job bringing her characters to life. I love Magnolia Bay. Pick Me is filled with romance, tenderness and a happy ever after. A perfect summer time treat just like the strawberries that they pick.
July 22, 2014
Thea Dunn is confused… dumped by her boyfriend, her house infested with termites, and now “vacationing” back home in the Bay. Then she realizes her next door neighbor for two weeks in her high school prom “date,” Calder Frye. Yes he still is as hot as ever! What’s a girl going to do in these next two weeks?
Though a very short story Ms. Marks has the ability to draw you in and get you to fall in love with both Thea and Calder. This novella is part of a series and we have gotten to know Thea and her family a little bit before so she didn’t have to give us much with them, but she does begin with Calder and his family in such a way that we can really understand where he is coming from. The novella though part of a series can be read as a stand alone. It is not to be missed though for a sweet family oriented summer romance.
Though a very short story Ms. Marks has the ability to draw you in and get you to fall in love with both Thea and Calder. This novella is part of a series and we have gotten to know Thea and her family a little bit before so she didn’t have to give us much with them, but she does begin with Calder and his family in such a way that we can really understand where he is coming from. The novella though part of a series can be read as a stand alone. It is not to be missed though for a sweet family oriented summer romance.
July 31, 2014
Pick Me by Erika Marks is book #3 in the Magnolia Bay series and is a quick fun read. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thea Dunn another one of the Dunn sisters is a no-nonsense attorney who instead of getting an engagement ring from her longtime boyfriend gets dumped instead and to add to her misery her apartment is termite infested. Taking a 2 week vacation back home in Magnolia Bay, Thea's
sister finds her a place to stay right next door to sexy bad boy Calder Frye who Thea knew 14 yrs earlier in high school. Calder is now an ER doctor who is temporarily back in Magnolia Bay.The interaction and attraction between Thea and Calder is wonderful in this book along with Calder dealing with family stuff makes it a good read. Great romance and family dynamics makes this a good book.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher for an honest review.
sister finds her a place to stay right next door to sexy bad boy Calder Frye who Thea knew 14 yrs earlier in high school. Calder is now an ER doctor who is temporarily back in Magnolia Bay.The interaction and attraction between Thea and Calder is wonderful in this book along with Calder dealing with family stuff makes it a good read. Great romance and family dynamics makes this a good book.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher for an honest review.
July 5, 2014
Pick Me is one of those novellas that surprised me with how much it has managed to pack into what is essentially a two hour read. This is the story of Thea Dunn, who has a history of forgiving boyfriends that don't deserve the time of day, and Calder Frye, the man who rescued Thea 14 years earlier after her prom date cheated on her. I warmed to Calder immediately. What's not to like when the man in question has looks to die for, brains and compassion? Thea was a different matter. I wished the best for her while suppressing the urge to hit her over the head. Despite my frustration at her inability to see what was right in front of her I found enough in the story to keep me turning the pages. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to more from Erika Marks.
July 7, 2014
Thea had her whole life planned out. Life in the city, a lawyer, to be a power couple, etc..
Calder was back home working as an ER doctor/urgent care. He had come home to help his family, except his brother was extremely jealous that Calder was able to leave the family farm and there was tension between the brothers and their dad was an alcoholic.
By chance Thea & Calder had been able to spend one evening together conversing and having burgers. Each from different sides of life and wishing they would have taken a chance. Years later then end up neighbors and the sparks fly.
See what a Strawberry field, a little spontaneity and following your heart can do. I can't wait to see what is next in this series.
Calder was back home working as an ER doctor/urgent care. He had come home to help his family, except his brother was extremely jealous that Calder was able to leave the family farm and there was tension between the brothers and their dad was an alcoholic.
By chance Thea & Calder had been able to spend one evening together conversing and having burgers. Each from different sides of life and wishing they would have taken a chance. Years later then end up neighbors and the sparks fly.
See what a Strawberry field, a little spontaneity and following your heart can do. I can't wait to see what is next in this series.
July 18, 2014
The Dunn girls are back! Thea heads back to Magnolia Bay. Not only is her new place infested with termites but the man she thought would propose to her just dumped her. Her sister Willa finds a wonderful townhome for Thea to rent, while she waits out the fumigation of her home. Little do either sister know, the townhome is attached to Calder's home. Fourteen years prior, Calder rescued Thea from a bad prom experience; and he is still as good looking as he was back then! Is there such a thing as a second chance??
This was a fun, sassy read! I had a few laugh out loud moments, how can you not, we are talking the Dunn girls here! If you are looking for a quick read, this is the story for you!
This was a fun, sassy read! I had a few laugh out loud moments, how can you not, we are talking the Dunn girls here! If you are looking for a quick read, this is the story for you!
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