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Under Kansas Skies #3
Check Mate: Under Kansas Skies, Book 3
How did I find myself sharing a tent with my obnoxious—albeit gorgeous—neighbor, Isabella Romero? It all started with a stupid bet.
All I had to do in order to win was something unpredictable. (Which my brother thought was impossible for the ever-boring David Windell).
Well, I showed him . . . by booking a trek in the Andes Mountains to see Machu Picchu.
When the brochure for the expedition mysteriously appeared on my front porch, it was like fate I could win the bet while simultaneously getting a vacation from my irritating neighbor.
Two birds, one stone.
Except, it turns out that was Isabella's brochure . . . and she booked the same trip.
So here I am, stuck sharing a tent with the woman who drives me crazy-and makes my heart race like never before.
All I had to do in order to win was something unpredictable. (Which my brother thought was impossible for the ever-boring David Windell).
Well, I showed him . . . by booking a trek in the Andes Mountains to see Machu Picchu.
When the brochure for the expedition mysteriously appeared on my front porch, it was like fate I could win the bet while simultaneously getting a vacation from my irritating neighbor.
Two birds, one stone.
Except, it turns out that was Isabella's brochure . . . and she booked the same trip.
So here I am, stuck sharing a tent with the woman who drives me crazy-and makes my heart race like never before.
Audible Audio
First published July 1, 2022
333 people are currently reading
2756 people want to read
About the author
Leah Brunner
11 books1,490 followersLeah Brunner is an Amazon top 25 best selling author who writes romance filled with explosive chemistry and relatable, flawed characters. She loves writing character driven stories that will tug at your heart strings and also make you smile.
When she's not writing, she can be found spoiling her Maine Coon cats, or watching The Office with her kids.
Although she's a Midwestern girl at heart, Leah is a proud Air Force spouse and has moved all over the United States with her husband and three children.
You can find Leah on Instagram @leah.brunner.writes
Or join her Facebook reader group: Leah's Lit Lovers
When she's not writing, she can be found spoiling her Maine Coon cats, or watching The Office with her kids.
Although she's a Midwestern girl at heart, Leah is a proud Air Force spouse and has moved all over the United States with her husband and three children.
You can find Leah on Instagram @leah.brunner.writes
Or join her Facebook reader group: Leah's Lit Lovers
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 307 reviews
August 4, 2022
I'm a sucker for a romance with an outdoorsy storyline! I adored this. And you must know this has the most hilarious one-tent scene ... involving a llama. It genuinely made me laugh out loud.
Dependable, organized, responsible David is the total opposite of free-spirited, travel junkie Isabella. Beginning as a heated game of pranks between neighbours, the two discover themselves on the same hiking excursion to Machu Picchu.
I loved seeing their bickering dynamic shift into something deeper, with the forced proximity of their shared tent bringing emotions to the surface. Seeing the protective, jealous side come out of the normally reserved David ... whew! My love for him increased tenfold.
I did find the last few chapters very rushed, but it was satisfying nonetheless. David and Isabella are definitely my favourite couple thus far! Like any great opposite duo, they truly complimented each other.
Dependable, organized, responsible David is the total opposite of free-spirited, travel junkie Isabella. Beginning as a heated game of pranks between neighbours, the two discover themselves on the same hiking excursion to Machu Picchu.
I loved seeing their bickering dynamic shift into something deeper, with the forced proximity of their shared tent bringing emotions to the surface. Seeing the protective, jealous side come out of the normally reserved David ... whew! My love for him increased tenfold.
I did find the last few chapters very rushed, but it was satisfying nonetheless. David and Isabella are definitely my favourite couple thus far! Like any great opposite duo, they truly complimented each other.
July 5, 2022
I love Leah Brunner's style of writing and her books definitely get more than a few chuckles out of me. This might be my favorite book of the series yet.
July 3, 2022
This is sweet and swoony enemies to lovers, opposites attract romance that kept me laughing, smiling and sighing from the very first page.
David is predictable and boring, his only excitement is a prank war with his attractive neighbor Isa who simultaneously annoys and intrigues him. When the two of them end up on a hiking tour together, their forced proximity (only one tent!) makes them start to see each other as, well, let's just say as more than just pesky neighbors.
Sooo many favorite things about the book!
the stargazing
the llama
the first date (the app!)
Mo the cat
the workouts with Drew
the brother's bet
the prank war
the entire last 6 chapters and epilogue
the Windells
Alright, so pretty much I loved the entire thing! The ever-growing tension between Isa and David kept me glued to the page, and I love how the author creates characters with such vivid personalities. She brings them to life in a way that makes me forget they are fictional characters.
I love the setup for Brooks' story and I am here.for.it. This is quickly becoming one of my favorite series - cannot wait for more!
CW: swearing
I received a complimentary copy of this book but a positive review was not required.
David is predictable and boring, his only excitement is a prank war with his attractive neighbor Isa who simultaneously annoys and intrigues him. When the two of them end up on a hiking tour together, their forced proximity (only one tent!) makes them start to see each other as, well, let's just say as more than just pesky neighbors.
Sooo many favorite things about the book!
the stargazing
the llama
the first date (the app!)
Mo the cat
the workouts with Drew
the brother's bet
the prank war
the entire last 6 chapters and epilogue
the Windells
Alright, so pretty much I loved the entire thing! The ever-growing tension between Isa and David kept me glued to the page, and I love how the author creates characters with such vivid personalities. She brings them to life in a way that makes me forget they are fictional characters.
I love the setup for Brooks' story and I am here.for.it. This is quickly becoming one of my favorite series - cannot wait for more!
CW: swearing
I received a complimentary copy of this book but a positive review was not required.
October 1, 2022
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Steam Level: 🔥 (kissing only)
David Windell and Isabella Romero have barely tolerated being neighbors. He's Type A and has his life perfectly organized, while she prefers adventure and flexibility. And they both love pushing each other's buttons. When they accidentally sign up for the same hiking excursion to Machu Picchu, David and Isabella can't believe their rotten luck. Thanks to some encouragement from their fellow hikers, these two start to get to know one another better and realize they might not actually hate each other. But how will David's homebody personality fit with Isabella's dreams of traveling full-time? Will their attraction for each other be enough to last beyond this amazing vacation?
I was waiting for David's story, and it definitely gave book 1 a run for its money as my favorite in the series. The first half of the book was definitely the best. I loved the pranks David and Isabella pulled on each other- especially the lawn decorations and the roosters! It was easy to feel the chemistry between these two from the beginning. The hiking trip provided plenty of fun and sweet moments as well, and I liked seeing them open up to each other and go from enemies to friends to more. Seeing them snuggle up during a thunderstorm and kiss under the stars was so romantic! And I'm not much of an outdoor person, but I would love to go on a trip like theirs in the future. Their relationship in the second half of the book moved a little fast for me, but I liked how they communicated with each other and overcame the conflict pretty easily. And I loved how this book set up Brooks and Molly's romance too! I have a feeling that might end up becoming my favorite in the series, and I can't wait to read it next!
Steam Level: 🔥 (kissing only)
David Windell and Isabella Romero have barely tolerated being neighbors. He's Type A and has his life perfectly organized, while she prefers adventure and flexibility. And they both love pushing each other's buttons. When they accidentally sign up for the same hiking excursion to Machu Picchu, David and Isabella can't believe their rotten luck. Thanks to some encouragement from their fellow hikers, these two start to get to know one another better and realize they might not actually hate each other. But how will David's homebody personality fit with Isabella's dreams of traveling full-time? Will their attraction for each other be enough to last beyond this amazing vacation?
I was waiting for David's story, and it definitely gave book 1 a run for its money as my favorite in the series. The first half of the book was definitely the best. I loved the pranks David and Isabella pulled on each other- especially the lawn decorations and the roosters! It was easy to feel the chemistry between these two from the beginning. The hiking trip provided plenty of fun and sweet moments as well, and I liked seeing them open up to each other and go from enemies to friends to more. Seeing them snuggle up during a thunderstorm and kiss under the stars was so romantic! And I'm not much of an outdoor person, but I would love to go on a trip like theirs in the future. Their relationship in the second half of the book moved a little fast for me, but I liked how they communicated with each other and overcame the conflict pretty easily. And I loved how this book set up Brooks and Molly's romance too! I have a feeling that might end up becoming my favorite in the series, and I can't wait to read it next!
July 8, 2022
(4.5 stars) - From prank war to want more!
Really entertaining, though I couldn't help cringing at how wrong a few of those pranks would be in real life. Fiendishly clever though, lol.
I love David & Isabella's amusing journey of learning to recognize their complimentarity - they're opposites who learn to appreciate how their differences work for them
You need to be willing to let a few story implausibilities go, but there's no insulting of the reader's intelligence, so it's not a hardship.
And you really do want to see the two of them find their way to each other, especially nerdy, kinda OCD, & lonely David, so the happily-ever-after is very satisfying!
*Romance level: passionate kisses, nothing graphic
*Language: minimal; a handful of common swears
Really entertaining, though I couldn't help cringing at how wrong a few of those pranks would be in real life. Fiendishly clever though, lol.
I love David & Isabella's amusing journey of learning to recognize their complimentarity - they're opposites who learn to appreciate how their differences work for them
You need to be willing to let a few story implausibilities go, but there's no insulting of the reader's intelligence, so it's not a hardship.
And you really do want to see the two of them find their way to each other, especially nerdy, kinda OCD, & lonely David, so the happily-ever-after is very satisfying!
*Romance level: passionate kisses, nothing graphic
*Language: minimal; a handful of common swears
July 1, 2022
leah does it again! i’m convinced the 🥹 emoji was created for her books. i have said before that her books feel like a hallmark christmas movie and i still stand by this statement.
david windell & isabella romero are such a fantastic grumpy-sunshine. this is one of my favorite tropes bc i love to see the sunshine break through the grump’s walls. it really warms my heart 🥹 i love the way david and isa push each other and balance each other out.
the ending was a FAIRYTALE. so romantic. all my travel dreams come true. and the COMEDY in this book. from old ladies with chickens to llamas in Peru, this book is laugh out loud funny.
check mate comes out july 1! thank you for asking me to be part of your launch team, leah! i enjoyed being back in kansas with the windells so much 🥰
david windell & isabella romero are such a fantastic grumpy-sunshine. this is one of my favorite tropes bc i love to see the sunshine break through the grump’s walls. it really warms my heart 🥹 i love the way david and isa push each other and balance each other out.
the ending was a FAIRYTALE. so romantic. all my travel dreams come true. and the COMEDY in this book. from old ladies with chickens to llamas in Peru, this book is laugh out loud funny.
check mate comes out july 1! thank you for asking me to be part of your launch team, leah! i enjoyed being back in kansas with the windells so much 🥰
July 4, 2022
Oh my goshhhhh. I loved this book. I loved all the hijinks and the beautiful details about Machu Picchu. Enemies to lovers with so many furry friends. Lizzy the llama and Mo oh my! I absolutely devoured this book so quickly. If you like Katie Bailey's The Neighbor War, you'll love this! Such vivid detailing and so many laughs.
July 29, 2022
3.75⭐
this was a really cute entertaining romcom. full of pranks and laughs!
content: kissing only, mild language
this was a really cute entertaining romcom. full of pranks and laughs!
content: kissing only, mild language
June 24, 2022
When I want a wholesome, clean (but a few curse words and innuendos thrown in to make it feel more realistic) read, this series hits the spot. As soon as the author shared that David was an enneagram 5 on Instagram, I knew I'd love him. All the Windell's are great, but David is me, in male form, if I could do basic math and had a secret real estate empire. Everything else though? I feel you, David... so much. Cute story, cute characters, cute HEA, cute, cute, cute.
April 15, 2023
STOP! I’m OBSESSED with the Windells! And sweet sweet David deserved his HEA!
Isabella was his perfect match! I LOVE A GOOD OPPOSITES ATTRACT STORY!
He calmed her, and she kept him on his toes. It was GREAT! They were adorable together!
I literally did not set the book down. I finished it in one sitting. I HAD to keep going! The story gripped me.
The characters. The setting. The “pranks”. The CHEEMMMISSTTRRYYY!! All of the above! It was the perfect book to get out of a reading slump.
A super fast, cheesy rom-com. Sign. Me. Up. For ALLL of it!!
Are they practical or realistic? Absolutely not.
But they’re fun. And you know what?!? I LOVE THAT!
I am waiting with BATED breath for Brooks’ story to release so I can inhale that one too!
*this is NOT CF!! It is a closed door romance with mild language*
4/5 stars
*I received this book from the author**All opinions are my own*
Isabella was his perfect match! I LOVE A GOOD OPPOSITES ATTRACT STORY!
He calmed her, and she kept him on his toes. It was GREAT! They were adorable together!
I literally did not set the book down. I finished it in one sitting. I HAD to keep going! The story gripped me.
The characters. The setting. The “pranks”. The CHEEMMMISSTTRRYYY!! All of the above! It was the perfect book to get out of a reading slump.
A super fast, cheesy rom-com. Sign. Me. Up. For ALLL of it!!
Are they practical or realistic? Absolutely not.
But they’re fun. And you know what?!? I LOVE THAT!
I am waiting with BATED breath for Brooks’ story to release so I can inhale that one too!
*this is NOT CF!! It is a closed door romance with mild language*
4/5 stars
*I received this book from the author**All opinions are my own*
June 22, 2022
I hyped myself up so much for this book, and it did not disappoint! The tension and chemistry between grumpy David and sunshine Isa is perfect. The llamas, the Windell siblings, the Friends references...Leah Brunner blew it out of the water with this one!
If you liked The Neighbor War by Katie Bailey, you will LOVE this book!
If you liked The Neighbor War by Katie Bailey, you will LOVE this book!
June 28, 2022
I have been so excited for this book. I absolutley adore Leah Brunner and her books and have been not so patiently waiting for this book to arrive and here it is. If you haven’t read the rest of the series yet (Running Mate, formerly A Love Unexpected and House Mate, formerly A Love Uncontainable) then stop what you are doing, right now and go and grab them and read. This whole series is amazing and although they are standalones, there are spoilers, so you definitely want to read them in order.
David and Isabella’s story had me laughing, crying, swooning and so much more. Yes this is a enemies-to-lovers book, but it was done so well and wasn’t the focus for much of the book. Other tropes in this book include grumpy/sunshine, and forced proximity.
One of the things I love about this book was all of the unexpected moments. Yes, it is a romance book, so there are some predictable moments (romance wouldn’t be what I love if it wasn’t somewhat predictable). But, there are so many fun moments that come out of nowhere. Some of my favourites include the bet with Brooks, Lizzy, David and Isabella’s first official date and many more that I can’t share without giving spoilers.
Leah is a fantastic writer and I love the way you feel as if you are living the story. One of the things I love about her series is that they aren’t set imediately after one another. Plus. since the series is about a family, the characters from previous books are there. With the time jump it is fun to see hints about the future of the characters I loved so much in the other books.
As I’ve already said, you definitely need to read this book, but go and read the rest of the series first. You will not be disappointed.
David and Isabella’s story had me laughing, crying, swooning and so much more. Yes this is a enemies-to-lovers book, but it was done so well and wasn’t the focus for much of the book. Other tropes in this book include grumpy/sunshine, and forced proximity.
One of the things I love about this book was all of the unexpected moments. Yes, it is a romance book, so there are some predictable moments (romance wouldn’t be what I love if it wasn’t somewhat predictable). But, there are so many fun moments that come out of nowhere. Some of my favourites include the bet with Brooks, Lizzy, David and Isabella’s first official date and many more that I can’t share without giving spoilers.
Leah is a fantastic writer and I love the way you feel as if you are living the story. One of the things I love about her series is that they aren’t set imediately after one another. Plus. since the series is about a family, the characters from previous books are there. With the time jump it is fun to see hints about the future of the characters I loved so much in the other books.
As I’ve already said, you definitely need to read this book, but go and read the rest of the series first. You will not be disappointed.
July 7, 2022
Financial advisor David Windell has always felt like the boring, predictable member of his family, so when his 30th birthday rolls around and one of his brothers dares him to do something unexpected before the year is out, he decides to shake things up. He's always dreamed of traveling but has never actually left the country, so when a travel brochure for Peru mysteriously shows up on his front doorstep, he takes it as a sign and books a hiking trip to Machu Picchu. Unbeknownst to him, his annoying next-door neighbor, Isabella Romero, is booked on the same trip. Her free spirit and disorganized nature have rubbed David the wrong way since the day she moved in, so sharing a tent with her is not exactly his ideal, but he can't stand the thought of her sharing with one of the obnoxious bachelor party bros accompanying them, either. The more time they spend together, the more David realizes that his first impressions of Isabella may have been incorrect, and surprisingly, they become friends by the end of the trip. Can their newfound friendship survive - and maybe even turn into something more - after they return home?
Without a doubt, this book is one of my favorites of the year so far! David and Isabella's story was just so much fun, and I empathized with both of them on so many levels. Like David, Isabella felt as if she didn't fit in with her family; they never really understood her love of travel or ambition to do more with her life than get married and work in the family restaurant. I loved the way that David supported her dreams and encouraged her to pursue them. In return, she brought out David's fun side and helped him find a better work-life balance. He needed someone to push him out of his comfort zone, and Isabella was certainly good at that! Their prank war was absolutely hysterical, though I have to admit I wouldn't want to be the victim of most of those pranks in real life.
I highly recommend this funny, sweet, and heartwarming story and can't wait for the next book in the series.
*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
Without a doubt, this book is one of my favorites of the year so far! David and Isabella's story was just so much fun, and I empathized with both of them on so many levels. Like David, Isabella felt as if she didn't fit in with her family; they never really understood her love of travel or ambition to do more with her life than get married and work in the family restaurant. I loved the way that David supported her dreams and encouraged her to pursue them. In return, she brought out David's fun side and helped him find a better work-life balance. He needed someone to push him out of his comfort zone, and Isabella was certainly good at that! Their prank war was absolutely hysterical, though I have to admit I wouldn't want to be the victim of most of those pranks in real life.
I highly recommend this funny, sweet, and heartwarming story and can't wait for the next book in the series.
*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
June 27, 2022
Before I try to convince you that you need to read this book, I’m just going to say one thing: this book had the ONE TENT TROPE!!!
Okay, I don’t think that’s officially a “trope” yet. But this is my second read this summer that has that one tent thing going on and I. Am. Here. For. It. You can’t convince me it’s not one of the best situations a romance author can throw into a book. Every one loves the one bed trope, but this is kind of even better in my opinion.
Super sweet, perfectly wholesome. With mild innuendos, a handful of swear words (I don’t know, maybe 7? Not strong swearing), and closed door romance. I would lend it to my grandmother, no problem. She might eat up the one tent trope with me, too.
If you’ve liked Leah’s other books in the past, you’ll love this one. I love David and his type A personality. He needs the control and schedule, but then you throw in Isabella and she’s the wild child that loosens him up a bit. They’re a really fun couple to be around and I truly enjoyed their sparring. The pranks, they were fun and not over the top mean (I cringe when books get too mean)
What would I change? I’m all for a longer book. But I think I say that about most books 😂 I would’ve loved a longer timeline, I want more because I’m greedy and don’t want stories to end. I still question some decisions, wondering if it was a little out of character for one of them. I don’t want to give spoilers. It didn’t affect how much I like the story, just caught me off guard.
What I do love about Leah’s books is that they’re often forced proximity. I never have to wonder when the other character is going to show because they’re living in pretty close quarters. I love forced proximity and Leah Brunner delivers it perfectly.
If you’re looking for a sweet romance that you can get lost in on a Saturday, this is for you.
And the next couple in this series is introduced perfectly in Check Mate. I am so excited for Brooks and Molly. I can already tell this is going to be a great book to look forward to.
Okay, I don’t think that’s officially a “trope” yet. But this is my second read this summer that has that one tent thing going on and I. Am. Here. For. It. You can’t convince me it’s not one of the best situations a romance author can throw into a book. Every one loves the one bed trope, but this is kind of even better in my opinion.
Super sweet, perfectly wholesome. With mild innuendos, a handful of swear words (I don’t know, maybe 7? Not strong swearing), and closed door romance. I would lend it to my grandmother, no problem. She might eat up the one tent trope with me, too.
If you’ve liked Leah’s other books in the past, you’ll love this one. I love David and his type A personality. He needs the control and schedule, but then you throw in Isabella and she’s the wild child that loosens him up a bit. They’re a really fun couple to be around and I truly enjoyed their sparring. The pranks, they were fun and not over the top mean (I cringe when books get too mean)
What would I change? I’m all for a longer book. But I think I say that about most books 😂 I would’ve loved a longer timeline, I want more because I’m greedy and don’t want stories to end. I still question some decisions, wondering if it was a little out of character for one of them. I don’t want to give spoilers. It didn’t affect how much I like the story, just caught me off guard.
What I do love about Leah’s books is that they’re often forced proximity. I never have to wonder when the other character is going to show because they’re living in pretty close quarters. I love forced proximity and Leah Brunner delivers it perfectly.
If you’re looking for a sweet romance that you can get lost in on a Saturday, this is for you.
And the next couple in this series is introduced perfectly in Check Mate. I am so excited for Brooks and Molly. I can already tell this is going to be a great book to look forward to.
July 9, 2022
Adventure abroad or at home?
Isa is someone who has found a love of travel through her blog and hopes to make it her full time job. But, when she and her grumpy neighbor end up on a trip unexpectedly together to Machu Picchu, she begins to question if there is any room for a serious accountant who seems at home in Kansas in her future.
⛺️
I have loved every story in Leah Brunner’s Under the Kansas Skies series and David and Isa’s story was a delightful next installment! I loved:
💜 the enemies to more feels
💜the travel (I even looked up some of the places they visited and felt like I got to “travel” with them 🥰)
💜getting to continue to have the rest of David’s family as part of this story
💜how different David and Isa were but how they supported each other
💜the family dynamics - how they weren’t perfect in some instances so felt more real and added depth to the story
💜the many layers to this love story in the character development and journey
⛺️
This is a wonderful rom com you won’t want to miss! You don’t have to read the others in the series in order to understand what’s happening but it will add to your enjoyment of each one for sure!
⛺️
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Isa is someone who has found a love of travel through her blog and hopes to make it her full time job. But, when she and her grumpy neighbor end up on a trip unexpectedly together to Machu Picchu, she begins to question if there is any room for a serious accountant who seems at home in Kansas in her future.
⛺️
I have loved every story in Leah Brunner’s Under the Kansas Skies series and David and Isa’s story was a delightful next installment! I loved:
💜 the enemies to more feels
💜the travel (I even looked up some of the places they visited and felt like I got to “travel” with them 🥰)
💜getting to continue to have the rest of David’s family as part of this story
💜how different David and Isa were but how they supported each other
💜the family dynamics - how they weren’t perfect in some instances so felt more real and added depth to the story
💜the many layers to this love story in the character development and journey
⛺️
This is a wonderful rom com you won’t want to miss! You don’t have to read the others in the series in order to understand what’s happening but it will add to your enjoyment of each one for sure!
⛺️
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
April 21, 2024
3.5 Stars.
The vibes:
- neighbor enemies
- A cat (Mo 🐈)
- Opposites attract
- Forced proximity
My thoughts:
Lots of silly neighbor pranks in the beginning, but don’t let that deter you if pranks aren’t your thing because once Isabella and David started getting to know each other, they were so sweet together. I loved their hiking journey, the way Isabella was straight forward with her intentions, and seeing the Wendell family again.
I really felt for Isabella because her parents (especially her mom) made my brain hurt. But a toxic familial relationship is real life sometimes and the resolution felt realistic to me.
I enjoyed the book so much until the last few chapters. I feel like the end of the book wrapped up SO fast- and I almost got instalove vibes at the end there if that makes sense. It made me question a lot and made me uncertain of their long term success. But alas - this is fiction so I will kindly chill out. 😂
The vibes:
- neighbor enemies
- A cat (Mo 🐈)
- Opposites attract
- Forced proximity
My thoughts:
Lots of silly neighbor pranks in the beginning, but don’t let that deter you if pranks aren’t your thing because once Isabella and David started getting to know each other, they were so sweet together. I loved their hiking journey, the way Isabella was straight forward with her intentions, and seeing the Wendell family again.
I really felt for Isabella because her parents (especially her mom) made my brain hurt. But a toxic familial relationship is real life sometimes and the resolution felt realistic to me.
I enjoyed the book so much until the last few chapters. I feel like the end of the book wrapped up SO fast- and I almost got instalove vibes at the end there if that makes sense. It made me question a lot and made me uncertain of their long term success. But alas - this is fiction so I will kindly chill out. 😂
April 11, 2023
a very quick read and a very clean, not complicated read!
I loved pranks pulled on each other while neighbors - i wish we saw a little more of their backstory, especially given where the story goes.
One of my biggest issues was how make out sessions were referenced? lol i understand that sounds weird or petty, but I don’t want to read about how they played “tonsil hockey” or that they “shared saliva.” It felt SO juvenile to me.
Besides that, I had issues with the timeline, but it was also acknowledged so it made it slightly better. I don’t think I’d recommend this unless I knew the person only liked closed door romance.
I loved pranks pulled on each other while neighbors - i wish we saw a little more of their backstory, especially given where the story goes.
One of my biggest issues was how make out sessions were referenced? lol i understand that sounds weird or petty, but I don’t want to read about how they played “tonsil hockey” or that they “shared saliva.” It felt SO juvenile to me.
Besides that, I had issues with the timeline, but it was also acknowledged so it made it slightly better. I don’t think I’d recommend this unless I knew the person only liked closed door romance.
June 27, 2022
Check Mate is the third book in Leah Brunner's Under Kansas Skies series and it was such a fun addition to the series! The story of the Windell family continues on with younger brother, David, known for his serious demeanor and his need for calm, order, and solitude. His total opposite lives next door: Isabella is all things adventurous, vivacious, and...complicated. When they end up sharing a tent on a hiking trip in Peru, David's opinion about his maddening neighbor starts to change. Turns out, there is more to Isabella than he ever could have imagined.
Here's a few things I adored about this book:
-The Prank War and appropriate uses of Comic Sans Font #teamisa
-Isa's relationship with her sisters
-More Windell family texts
-Mo, best matchmaking fat cat ever
-Llama kisses
-One Tent. One. Tent. (note: get your mind out of the gutter. This is a closed door romance.)
This book didn't quite feel as polished as Leah's others, which is why I gave it 3.5 stars (rounded up because it made me laugh so many times).
Thanks to the author for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own!
Here's a few things I adored about this book:
-The Prank War and appropriate uses of Comic Sans Font #teamisa
-Isa's relationship with her sisters
-More Windell family texts
-Mo, best matchmaking fat cat ever
-Llama kisses
-One Tent. One. Tent. (note: get your mind out of the gutter. This is a closed door romance.)
This book didn't quite feel as polished as Leah's others, which is why I gave it 3.5 stars (rounded up because it made me laugh so many times).
Thanks to the author for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own!
June 30, 2022
Don't you just love a good enemies to lovers story? David and Isabella are neighbors who...prank...each other, and not in a loving way. A humorous way, for sure, but they don't exactly like each other. Then a bet is made between brothers, and David and Isabella end up in Peru together. Well, not together together, but at the same time, with the same touring company, on the same 15 mile trek up a mountain, and sparks fly. The good kind.
I really like that the book isn't just about the vacation. In fact, the vacation is a very small, though important, part of it. I like seeing how everything works afterward. How things are worked out with their families, their jobs, their lives.
I enjoyed this book.
*I was given this book for review. All opinions are my own.*
I really like that the book isn't just about the vacation. In fact, the vacation is a very small, though important, part of it. I like seeing how everything works afterward. How things are worked out with their families, their jobs, their lives.
I enjoyed this book.
*I was given this book for review. All opinions are my own.*
July 5, 2022
Head over heels for the CPA...
I lovedd this banter between the neighbors...they were completely opposite, yet completely complimentary to eachother. In a lot of marriages, it's just so. I loved the story soo much.
I lovedd this banter between the neighbors...they were completely opposite, yet completely complimentary to eachother. In a lot of marriages, it's just so. I loved the story soo much.
July 9, 2022
This is book 3 in her Kansas Skies series, and the first one was awesome - first book I ever read in 24 hours - her second was hot! And now this one is the best combination of the two - hot (but still clean even with a one tent situation) and I read it in one day!
David and Isa are total opposites and I loved their neighborly banter and “yard wars” that were going on - 🦩🐓🐔🐱 (IYKYK) And then the surprise vacation together was priceless. I was rooting for David (duh, he’s the MC), but even more so because we have similar personalities. I am a few years older than he, but I still wouldn’t book a single trip Out Of The Country by myself. So major props to you David! 🤜🏻🤛🏼
What I loved is the fine line of hate and love that developed in this book. It wasn’t insta-love, which can sometimes come across as fake. And the ending… oh I better 🛑 stop! You’ll just have to read about it!
AlsoC I’m loving all the llamas in books recently! This one, has a crush on David. 🦙
Thanks Leah for my complementary copy! All opinions are my own.
David and Isa are total opposites and I loved their neighborly banter and “yard wars” that were going on - 🦩🐓🐔🐱 (IYKYK) And then the surprise vacation together was priceless. I was rooting for David (duh, he’s the MC), but even more so because we have similar personalities. I am a few years older than he, but I still wouldn’t book a single trip Out Of The Country by myself. So major props to you David! 🤜🏻🤛🏼
What I loved is the fine line of hate and love that developed in this book. It wasn’t insta-love, which can sometimes come across as fake. And the ending… oh I better 🛑 stop! You’ll just have to read about it!
AlsoC I’m loving all the llamas in books recently! This one, has a crush on David. 🦙
Thanks Leah for my complementary copy! All opinions are my own.
July 3, 2022
Loved it!
He kept her safe, she kept him wild.
He's steadfast, she's spontaneous.
I love the practical jokes, Lizzy llama, and Mo.
He kept her safe, she kept him wild.
He's steadfast, she's spontaneous.
I love the practical jokes, Lizzy llama, and Mo.
July 30, 2022
Such a fun and easy read from beginning to end! I love that these stories are clean and romantic. There is even a heart wrenching lesson to be learned through a family issue. Each book of this series could stand on its own but it’s even better when you read them in order. There’s one more brother’s story that we haven’t heard and I’m so hoping it will come soon!
June 27, 2022
This was sweet!
Full review to come soon.
Thank you to the author for an ARC.
Full review to come soon.
Thank you to the author for an ARC.
April 27, 2024
I enjoyed this until page 269.
The ending just ruined it slightly for me.
This book is about introvert David (the second Wendell son). He is an accountant who works for himself from home.
Isabella (aka Isa) is his extrovert neighbour who is juggling working at her parents' restaurant and setting up a travel blog.
David makes a bet with his brother to be more spontaneous, and due to Isabella's cat, he ends up booking a last minute 5 day trek to Machu Pinchu, which Isabella happens to be going to aswell.
Of course, as you can guess, they are the only single people, and so they "have" to share a tent. Which makes their little neighbour hate take a pause and feelings quickly rise.
This whole part of the book was great. The character building, the description of the trek.
But then you realise there is like half a book left once they head home.. and I'm thinking about what could possibly need happen. It's kind of almost done, just some cute dating moments, maybe.
They return home and same day go on their first date. An hour before the date, Isa gets a job offer to work for a major hotel chain to travel and promote their chain.
This is when it starts to get frustrating. David does the nice thing of stating that he doesn't want to hold her back and knows long distance won't work. But not once does she ask him to come with her. Or talk about looking at the schedule and working something out.. they just leap to it won't work.
From what we are told (vaguely) about the job, she would travel 1 week and write the second. But out of nowhere, she is moving to Europe and is talking about finding a flat to live in between trips. So basically, she was never willing to try long distance she always expected him to come visit her.
It felt so rushed. She got the job, and a week later, she moved out and moved to Europe.
Then, of course, we all knew David was going to show up. But what happened next gave me the ick real quick.
Reminder of the facts.. they have been "friends" for about 2 weeks. They went on 1 solo date and 1 family BBQ with his family.
He sells his house and tells his clients he is basically done with them and jumps on a plane and heads to Italy with Mo (cat) in a backpack. We just assume he had his rabies checks so he could pass quarantine international laws??
And straight away, he proposes.
I was willing to look past this (even though it was unnecessary and ridiculous) but then next page boom we are getting married tomorrow because out of no where DAVID decides he won't sleep even in the same bed with Isa till they are married. WTF.
No where was it mentioned that he felt this way. He isn't Catholic she is, but even she never said anything about this. Why wasn't this mentioned after their first date when he invited her into his house, but she had work so he walked her home. Why didn't it come up then??
Why couldn't we have some pages of them walking around Venice, talking about her next trips, etc.
It was utterly ridiculous and ruined a good story for me.
He flew out their families to celebrate the engagement, but they turned it into a wedding last minute. And of course HER BOSS of 2 weeks arranged everything.
The family has 2 hours to get ready once they arrive.. even though they are jet-lagged and have multiple toddlers, but let's rush it so we can have sex (off page).
The ending was just so insane and didn't match the rest of the story at all.
I didn't understand why the author didn't just make it that he turned up and travelled the world together. Why did they have to be married to do that.
Sorry, I had to take stars off for the terrible end.
You could just end this on page 269 before the proposal and stupid wedding, and you wouldn't miss anything.
There isn't an epilogue just a 6 months later chapter of them finally heading home for a visit. But literally nothing happens it just them leaving the apartment. It doesn't even day who is looking after Mo while they are away.
Sadly, this one started great but ended up disappointing 😔
The ending just ruined it slightly for me.
This book is about introvert David (the second Wendell son). He is an accountant who works for himself from home.
Isabella (aka Isa) is his extrovert neighbour who is juggling working at her parents' restaurant and setting up a travel blog.
David makes a bet with his brother to be more spontaneous, and due to Isabella's cat, he ends up booking a last minute 5 day trek to Machu Pinchu, which Isabella happens to be going to aswell.
Of course, as you can guess, they are the only single people, and so they "have" to share a tent. Which makes their little neighbour hate take a pause and feelings quickly rise.
This whole part of the book was great. The character building, the description of the trek.
But then you realise there is like half a book left once they head home.. and I'm thinking about what could possibly need happen. It's kind of almost done, just some cute dating moments, maybe.
They return home and same day go on their first date. An hour before the date, Isa gets a job offer to work for a major hotel chain to travel and promote their chain.
This is when it starts to get frustrating. David does the nice thing of stating that he doesn't want to hold her back and knows long distance won't work. But not once does she ask him to come with her. Or talk about looking at the schedule and working something out.. they just leap to it won't work.
From what we are told (vaguely) about the job, she would travel 1 week and write the second. But out of nowhere, she is moving to Europe and is talking about finding a flat to live in between trips. So basically, she was never willing to try long distance she always expected him to come visit her.
It felt so rushed. She got the job, and a week later, she moved out and moved to Europe.
Then, of course, we all knew David was going to show up. But what happened next gave me the ick real quick.
Reminder of the facts.. they have been "friends" for about 2 weeks. They went on 1 solo date and 1 family BBQ with his family.
He sells his house and tells his clients he is basically done with them and jumps on a plane and heads to Italy with Mo (cat) in a backpack. We just assume he had his rabies checks so he could pass quarantine international laws??
And straight away, he proposes.
I was willing to look past this (even though it was unnecessary and ridiculous) but then next page boom we are getting married tomorrow because out of no where DAVID decides he won't sleep even in the same bed with Isa till they are married. WTF.
No where was it mentioned that he felt this way. He isn't Catholic she is, but even she never said anything about this. Why wasn't this mentioned after their first date when he invited her into his house, but she had work so he walked her home. Why didn't it come up then??
Why couldn't we have some pages of them walking around Venice, talking about her next trips, etc.
It was utterly ridiculous and ruined a good story for me.
He flew out their families to celebrate the engagement, but they turned it into a wedding last minute. And of course HER BOSS of 2 weeks arranged everything.
The family has 2 hours to get ready once they arrive.. even though they are jet-lagged and have multiple toddlers, but let's rush it so we can have sex (off page).
The ending was just so insane and didn't match the rest of the story at all.
I didn't understand why the author didn't just make it that he turned up and travelled the world together. Why did they have to be married to do that.
Sorry, I had to take stars off for the terrible end.
You could just end this on page 269 before the proposal and stupid wedding, and you wouldn't miss anything.
There isn't an epilogue just a 6 months later chapter of them finally heading home for a visit. But literally nothing happens it just them leaving the apartment. It doesn't even day who is looking after Mo while they are away.
Sadly, this one started great but ended up disappointing 😔
August 26, 2024
Book 100 of 2024
I love @LeahBrunner’s style – I want to use the word simple, but I feel that some people would take that in a negative tone but it’s not. It’s not crazy off the wall stories where the author is trying to shock us. She writes simple stories of falling in love, and I love that. It’s closed-door, which means that @LeahBrunner writes in the chemistry and the little moments to pack a big punch. I have found that I enjoy her books more on audiobook than in physical form, mostly because the audiobook narrators give the books the extra punch of emotion they need to really shine.
I have read all of her D.C. Eagles hockey series, and am going back to read her original series based in Kansas. I read the first two books back in September 2023 and have been patiently waiting for them to be done on audio – and finally, they are here, and so am I! I was easily drawn back into the world of the Wendell’s and so I was able to pick up right where we left off. I love that we get glimpses of Madden and Odette with their kids, and Drew and Sophie with theirs. It makes my heart melt remembering their stories.
I love nerdy, accountant David who is set in his ways. I get him completely. I love the enemies to lovers troupe with his feisty neighbor, and how they both find themselves on an international trip together. There’s travel. There’s one bed. There’s he falls first. I mean, listen – do I wish it was longer, and that I gotten a little more packed into this whirldwind romance? Of course. But I love a grand gesture. I love quick decisions. I love destination weddings. I love a man who goes for what he wants.
My favorite thing about this book, and the others that @LeahBrunner writes, is that David and Isa did not have sex before their wedding. I absolutely love this kind of representation in books – it’s makes all the other decisions and moments so special. In a day and age where romance books are all about the spice, I love that @LeahBrunner is giving us something different but still leaving us completely satisfied.
I can’t wait to finish off this series with Brooks’ book! I know it’s going to be a wild ride.
Rating – four stars
Format – audiobook
Under the Kansas Skies Rankings –
1. House Mate (Book #2, Drew and Sophie)
2. Running Mate (Book #1, Madden and Odette)
3. Check Mate (Book #3, David and Isa)
I love @LeahBrunner’s style – I want to use the word simple, but I feel that some people would take that in a negative tone but it’s not. It’s not crazy off the wall stories where the author is trying to shock us. She writes simple stories of falling in love, and I love that. It’s closed-door, which means that @LeahBrunner writes in the chemistry and the little moments to pack a big punch. I have found that I enjoy her books more on audiobook than in physical form, mostly because the audiobook narrators give the books the extra punch of emotion they need to really shine.
I have read all of her D.C. Eagles hockey series, and am going back to read her original series based in Kansas. I read the first two books back in September 2023 and have been patiently waiting for them to be done on audio – and finally, they are here, and so am I! I was easily drawn back into the world of the Wendell’s and so I was able to pick up right where we left off. I love that we get glimpses of Madden and Odette with their kids, and Drew and Sophie with theirs. It makes my heart melt remembering their stories.
I love nerdy, accountant David who is set in his ways. I get him completely. I love the enemies to lovers troupe with his feisty neighbor, and how they both find themselves on an international trip together. There’s travel. There’s one bed. There’s he falls first. I mean, listen – do I wish it was longer, and that I gotten a little more packed into this whirldwind romance? Of course. But I love a grand gesture. I love quick decisions. I love destination weddings. I love a man who goes for what he wants.
My favorite thing about this book, and the others that @LeahBrunner writes, is that David and Isa did not have sex before their wedding. I absolutely love this kind of representation in books – it’s makes all the other decisions and moments so special. In a day and age where romance books are all about the spice, I love that @LeahBrunner is giving us something different but still leaving us completely satisfied.
I can’t wait to finish off this series with Brooks’ book! I know it’s going to be a wild ride.
Rating – four stars
Format – audiobook
Under the Kansas Skies Rankings –
1. House Mate (Book #2, Drew and Sophie)
2. Running Mate (Book #1, Madden and Odette)
3. Check Mate (Book #3, David and Isa)
July 7, 2022
Opposites attract, in Checkmate, the latest in the Under Kansas Skies series. David is perfectly happy with his organized and contained life. Everything is great, except for his neighbor. She is nice enough, but her yard is a mess and she seems determined to push his buttons. Well, at least this bet with his brother to break him out of his comfort zone will give him some space. Isabella is doing her best to balance her mother's expectations that she will take over the family restaurant and her own dreams of taking her travel blog full-time. Her grumpy and uptight neighbor is not helping. At least her latest trip will give her a few days free from all of that. But when Daivd and Isabella find themselves on the same trip to the Andes, they will have to reconsider their plans.
I love romance series where character's stories are set up throughout the series. We get to see David in the earlier books and even hints of his story. It was fun to see his organized routine. He liked his regular schedule and his predictable life. Yet, he also felt a bit stuck. The bet pushed him out of his comfort zone and Isa did too. Isa was a free-spirit. I loved her connection with her family, especially her sisters. They seemed to really like one another which was sweet. All of the family relationships in this were really nice to read about. Even though they did not always understand one another and got on one another’s nerves, they still did their best to love and take care of each other. Isa and David’s adventure in Peru was also really fun to read about and I loved the side characters that we also got to meet!
Overall, this was such a sweet book! There is a little bit of tension in the beginning, but nothing too embarrassing or angsty. I thought the romance was so cute and I loved the inclusion of their families! This is a clean romance with some innuendos. It is part of a series and can be read as a standalone, but I think it is better to be read with the other books.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
I love romance series where character's stories are set up throughout the series. We get to see David in the earlier books and even hints of his story. It was fun to see his organized routine. He liked his regular schedule and his predictable life. Yet, he also felt a bit stuck. The bet pushed him out of his comfort zone and Isa did too. Isa was a free-spirit. I loved her connection with her family, especially her sisters. They seemed to really like one another which was sweet. All of the family relationships in this were really nice to read about. Even though they did not always understand one another and got on one another’s nerves, they still did their best to love and take care of each other. Isa and David’s adventure in Peru was also really fun to read about and I loved the side characters that we also got to meet!
Overall, this was such a sweet book! There is a little bit of tension in the beginning, but nothing too embarrassing or angsty. I thought the romance was so cute and I loved the inclusion of their families! This is a clean romance with some innuendos. It is part of a series and can be read as a standalone, but I think it is better to be read with the other books.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
July 1, 2022
Neighbors to Tent mates
Reader’s Notes:
– this is book 3 of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
– this is told from David and Isabella’s points of view
– there is some innuendo
– there are 9 curse words
Review:
I absolutely loved David and Isabella 😍. I loved their prank war and David’s family’s thoughts on his feelings toward her. There were so many funny moments in this story! And while I didn’t like Fabio for so many reasons, it was funny to see Isabella interacting with him and attempting to avoid her match-making mother’s attempts to get her hitched to him. 😂 I also really enjoyed the following scenes: their first date, the llama, each and every prank, the grand gesture, and scenes that included Drew and Brooks (anyone else really excited for Brooks’ story? 👀😍).
David is a meticulous guy who is content working all the time and having things just so. When his brother makes him a bet though, David is quick to accept. The terms to win: David must do something unpredictable for him (with proof). So when a brochure shows up on his doorstep under a cat who doesn’t leave him alone, David knows he has the perfect thing to win. A hiking trip to see Machu Picchu is something so out of David’s normal. And luckily this trip will take him far away from his annoying neighbor who has been pranking him and interfering with his business.
Isabella loves to travel and even has her own travel blog that she hopes to one day be her only form of employment. Until then, Isabella works under her parents at the family restaurant. Unfortunately, her mother is trying to get her to take over the restaurant and sets her up on dates in an attempt to get her to settle down. Isabella wants none of it, but her mom keeps trying. Thankfully, Isabella has another trip for her blog that will take her away from her mom’s shenanigans. What Isabella didn’t expect was to see her neighbor on the same trip.
Will David and Isabella get past their neighbor rivalry on their trip or just reinforce all the reasons they started it?
Reader’s Notes:
– this is book 3 of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
– this is told from David and Isabella’s points of view
– there is some innuendo
– there are 9 curse words
Review:
I absolutely loved David and Isabella 😍. I loved their prank war and David’s family’s thoughts on his feelings toward her. There were so many funny moments in this story! And while I didn’t like Fabio for so many reasons, it was funny to see Isabella interacting with him and attempting to avoid her match-making mother’s attempts to get her hitched to him. 😂 I also really enjoyed the following scenes: their first date, the llama, each and every prank, the grand gesture, and scenes that included Drew and Brooks (anyone else really excited for Brooks’ story? 👀😍).
David is a meticulous guy who is content working all the time and having things just so. When his brother makes him a bet though, David is quick to accept. The terms to win: David must do something unpredictable for him (with proof). So when a brochure shows up on his doorstep under a cat who doesn’t leave him alone, David knows he has the perfect thing to win. A hiking trip to see Machu Picchu is something so out of David’s normal. And luckily this trip will take him far away from his annoying neighbor who has been pranking him and interfering with his business.
Isabella loves to travel and even has her own travel blog that she hopes to one day be her only form of employment. Until then, Isabella works under her parents at the family restaurant. Unfortunately, her mother is trying to get her to take over the restaurant and sets her up on dates in an attempt to get her to settle down. Isabella wants none of it, but her mom keeps trying. Thankfully, Isabella has another trip for her blog that will take her away from her mom’s shenanigans. What Isabella didn’t expect was to see her neighbor on the same trip.
Will David and Isabella get past their neighbor rivalry on their trip or just reinforce all the reasons they started it?
June 26, 2022
The third book in the Under the Kansas Skies series tells us the story of the third sibling in the Windell family, David who is always very calculated in life. He likes the quiet, math, organized everything and kind of feels like the black sheep in the family. He’s very successful in his accounting job but in a family full of blonde, outgoing, friendly people, he’s brunette, shy and kind of nerdy.
Isabelle comes from a very traditional Mexican-American family. Her parents run her Abeula’s Mexican restaurant and expect Isabelle to take it over when they retire since she’s the oldest. She loves her family but she also feels kind of like the black sheep wanting to have her own life. She runs a travel website and wants to take it full time. After a genealogy test, she discovers she is part Incan and decides she wants to visit Peru to see the ruins where her ancestors came from.
Her next door neighbor David can’t stand Isabelle. She’s eclectic, loves yoga, and has a giant cat named Mo who seems to like him better than her. They feud back and forth involving heavy metal music, lawn gnomes and even live roosters. After a spat with his youngest brother Brooks, David decides he needs to be more spontaneous. He finds a brochure on the porch for Peru and calls his travel agent.
Landing in Peru, Isabelle and David meet up with their travel group unaware that either one are there and get quite a surprise when they see each other.
Follow the two as they hike through ancient ruins, deal with llama invasions and shared tents. Feelings of loathing might just change unto something more.
I absolutely adored this book. I’m a bit biased because the author is my friend but she knocked another one out of the park. This closed door romance is a sweet adventure story with the enemies to lovers trope, which come on is one of the best ones. I definitely recommend. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Isabelle comes from a very traditional Mexican-American family. Her parents run her Abeula’s Mexican restaurant and expect Isabelle to take it over when they retire since she’s the oldest. She loves her family but she also feels kind of like the black sheep wanting to have her own life. She runs a travel website and wants to take it full time. After a genealogy test, she discovers she is part Incan and decides she wants to visit Peru to see the ruins where her ancestors came from.
Her next door neighbor David can’t stand Isabelle. She’s eclectic, loves yoga, and has a giant cat named Mo who seems to like him better than her. They feud back and forth involving heavy metal music, lawn gnomes and even live roosters. After a spat with his youngest brother Brooks, David decides he needs to be more spontaneous. He finds a brochure on the porch for Peru and calls his travel agent.
Landing in Peru, Isabelle and David meet up with their travel group unaware that either one are there and get quite a surprise when they see each other.
Follow the two as they hike through ancient ruins, deal with llama invasions and shared tents. Feelings of loathing might just change unto something more.
I absolutely adored this book. I’m a bit biased because the author is my friend but she knocked another one out of the park. This closed door romance is a sweet adventure story with the enemies to lovers trope, which come on is one of the best ones. I definitely recommend. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
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