What do you think?
Rate this book
Waylaid
Addy Lafollette has a plan. College. Veterinary school. Then way down the road, marriage and kids. Her plan doesn’t include getting involved with someone before she even leaves for college. But gorgeous Graham throws a glitch in her well thought out life.
Graham Stewart is content to float through life working on his uncle’s farm, hanging with friends, and pitching for the local softball team. He’s never had a reason to get serious about much. Until Addy. Life becomes a quest to convince her to stay in town, with him, when all Addy wants is to leave for college to implement her plan.
Can Addy find a way to be with Graham without giving up her dreams?
Graham Stewart is content to float through life working on his uncle’s farm, hanging with friends, and pitching for the local softball team. He’s never had a reason to get serious about much. Until Addy. Life becomes a quest to convince her to stay in town, with him, when all Addy wants is to leave for college to implement her plan.
Can Addy find a way to be with Graham without giving up her dreams?
214 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 24, 2015
About the author
Ruth J. Hartman
57 books207 followersRuth J. Hartman spends her days herding cats, and her nights spinning mysterious tales that make you smile. She, her husband, and their cats love to spend time curled up in their recliners watching old Cary Grant movies. Well, the cats sit in the people's recliners. Not that the cats couldn't get their own furniture. They just choose to shed on someone else's.
Ruth, a left-handed, cat-herding, farmhouse-dwelling mystery writer uses her goofy sense of humor as she writes tales of klutzy women who find trouble without even trying. Ruth's husband and best friend, Garry, reads her manuscripts, rolls his eyes at her weird story ideas, and loves her in spite of her insistence that all of her books have at least one cat in them.
Ruth, a left-handed, cat-herding, farmhouse-dwelling mystery writer uses her goofy sense of humor as she writes tales of klutzy women who find trouble without even trying. Ruth's husband and best friend, Garry, reads her manuscripts, rolls his eyes at her weird story ideas, and loves her in spite of her insistence that all of her books have at least one cat in them.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 22, 2015
To be honest, after finishing this novel, I wanted to be a hypocrite and HATE it. I feel like I am in the minority in that I not only became engaged while still in college, but I was married at the age of 19 (and I am still married 11 years later for those that care). My entire life I have heard the story about how I was "too young", or how I "didn't know" what I was "getting into", and I almost wanted to base my review on that. That these two were too young, and potentially making a mistake.
HOWEVER. This was such a sweet romance that you couldn't help but not only fall in love with the characters, but root for them. While there were some characters that seemed completely one dimensional (Kendra being an "airhead" for lack of a better word, Ali for being a stalker, and Amber for not being able to distance who she was from her boyfriend and family for instance), the two main characters were both completely well developed and "fleshed out", and that made me not care so much about the other "non essential" characters. I wasn't focused on them - I didn't care about them. All I found myself caring about was Graham and Addy and what THEY would do. I found myself laughing at some of the exchanges between them, while also having my heart ripped out when Addy did leave for college and left her future with Graham uncertain.
My ONLY complaint is that the epilogue should have taken place AFTER the epilogue in this book. Did they have children? Where they able to balance college life with married life? Did they find jobs in their desired professions?
Hopefully my "complaints" (such as they were) give the author an idea for a SECOND book in this series as I was definitely NOT ready to say good-bye to these characters just yet.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
HOWEVER. This was such a sweet romance that you couldn't help but not only fall in love with the characters, but root for them. While there were some characters that seemed completely one dimensional (Kendra being an "airhead" for lack of a better word, Ali for being a stalker, and Amber for not being able to distance who she was from her boyfriend and family for instance), the two main characters were both completely well developed and "fleshed out", and that made me not care so much about the other "non essential" characters. I wasn't focused on them - I didn't care about them. All I found myself caring about was Graham and Addy and what THEY would do. I found myself laughing at some of the exchanges between them, while also having my heart ripped out when Addy did leave for college and left her future with Graham uncertain.
My ONLY complaint is that the epilogue should have taken place AFTER the epilogue in this book. Did they have children? Where they able to balance college life with married life? Did they find jobs in their desired professions?
Hopefully my "complaints" (such as they were) give the author an idea for a SECOND book in this series as I was definitely NOT ready to say good-bye to these characters just yet.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
February 28, 2015
I'm not really sure how to review this book... I enjoyed reading it and found it to be a fairly quick read for me, but once the end of the story rolled around I found myself saying "dear god, what are these kids thinking..." Those thoughts are simply my own because I don't believe in love at first sight, and I find it crazy when kids get married at such a young age.. With that being said, that aspect of the book would not cause me to give it a bad review because like I said above, it was a good read. It was nice to read a story that was about two different kinds of characters rather than the typical CEO story, or the bad boy chasing the innocent girl (and yes, I love those too!).
March 6, 2015
Sometimes, life knows just what you need and it goes about seeing that you get it.
I settled down to read Waylaid without much idea of what the story was about and I have to say it was a sharp yet sweet romance.
Addy and Graham have lovely characters, the sort that are easy to fall in love with and to keep your fingers crossed that everything they wish for their futures comes true.
Addy is three years younger than Graham and has her heart set on being Vet, college beckons and she is certain that she knows how her future will pan out. That is until she meets Graham because this guy knocks the wind from her sails.
Graham is just plain old charm personified – having had his fingers burnt once in the love department he is in no hurry to step back into the frame again but with Addy, he has a pull that he cannot fight – she quickly becomes his focus.
I loved Graham this guy was such a gent, he genuinely cared and was prepared to do whatever it took to get his woman. He showed her respect and gave credence to the fact that the old adage - work hard, play hard doesn’t always mean that all the fun has to be found between the sheets. He waited for his woman and that was a breath of fresh air in the genre.
Addy was delightful, naive but strong willed but I have to say that when she pushed me to the edge of my seat when she left for college, I was yelling at my kindle – I mean how she could leave him behind!!
The secondary characters were strong, some more so than others and some not in a particularly positive way but those are the hallmarks of a well-rounded story – you get both the good (Graham and Addy) and the bad (Ali and Amber).
Overall a good read, a healthy dose of honest clean romance with a hint of the “what if’s” about it but a whole heap of the feel good factor – thoroughly enjoyable!!!
I settled down to read Waylaid without much idea of what the story was about and I have to say it was a sharp yet sweet romance.
Addy and Graham have lovely characters, the sort that are easy to fall in love with and to keep your fingers crossed that everything they wish for their futures comes true.
Addy is three years younger than Graham and has her heart set on being Vet, college beckons and she is certain that she knows how her future will pan out. That is until she meets Graham because this guy knocks the wind from her sails.
Graham is just plain old charm personified – having had his fingers burnt once in the love department he is in no hurry to step back into the frame again but with Addy, he has a pull that he cannot fight – she quickly becomes his focus.
I loved Graham this guy was such a gent, he genuinely cared and was prepared to do whatever it took to get his woman. He showed her respect and gave credence to the fact that the old adage - work hard, play hard doesn’t always mean that all the fun has to be found between the sheets. He waited for his woman and that was a breath of fresh air in the genre.
Addy was delightful, naive but strong willed but I have to say that when she pushed me to the edge of my seat when she left for college, I was yelling at my kindle – I mean how she could leave him behind!!
The secondary characters were strong, some more so than others and some not in a particularly positive way but those are the hallmarks of a well-rounded story – you get both the good (Graham and Addy) and the bad (Ali and Amber).
Overall a good read, a healthy dose of honest clean romance with a hint of the “what if’s” about it but a whole heap of the feel good factor – thoroughly enjoyable!!!
February 24, 2015
I love reading books by Ruth Hartman - every one is a perfect book to cozy up with for an afternoon read. Waylaid is a sweet romance that brought back so many memories of finishing up high school and starting college. I probably loved it so much because I can relate so well to Addy. She's a girl after my own heart. She has a plan and she's sticking to it - nothing is going to get in the way of her big dreams of going away to college and becoming a veterinarian. It's amazing how when we have these great plans - life kind of gets in the way sometimes. It's when we aren't looking for love that we find it.
Graham is perfect! He's a good ol' country boy who has had his heart broken and isn't in a rush to pursue another serious relationship. But, when he meets Addy he can't help but take notice. Nor can he ignore the connection between them - despite the 3 years separating them. I love how he's always rescuing her - from little things to big ones like Ali. Ooh I really didn't like Ali. But, he gave Graham the opportunity to rescue Addy and be her hero. I'll admit - I melted a little bit.
Waylaid is an adorable YA/NA sweet romance. I love that it's a clean read and not riddled with graphic language or overly intimate scenes that are found in so many books these days. I love a leading man who loves and respects his girl enough to wait for marriage - so rare these days, but still the epitome of chivalry. Thank you Ruth Hartman for this wonderful book!
Honest disclosure - I received a copy in connection with a blog tour
Graham is perfect! He's a good ol' country boy who has had his heart broken and isn't in a rush to pursue another serious relationship. But, when he meets Addy he can't help but take notice. Nor can he ignore the connection between them - despite the 3 years separating them. I love how he's always rescuing her - from little things to big ones like Ali. Ooh I really didn't like Ali. But, he gave Graham the opportunity to rescue Addy and be her hero. I'll admit - I melted a little bit.
Waylaid is an adorable YA/NA sweet romance. I love that it's a clean read and not riddled with graphic language or overly intimate scenes that are found in so many books these days. I love a leading man who loves and respects his girl enough to wait for marriage - so rare these days, but still the epitome of chivalry. Thank you Ruth Hartman for this wonderful book!
Honest disclosure - I received a copy in connection with a blog tour
March 10, 2015
Adelaide Lafollette is a senior at high school with her life all planned out. After school she wants to leave town and go to college to become a veterinarian, get a job and then get married. Her only problems at the moment are trying to break up with her cute junior boyfriend, how she can say no to going out with her best friend Kendra and her boyfriend Marcus and a prince who will just not accept no as an answer.
But little did Addy count on meeting Graham Stewart.
Graham is Marcus's best friend and is instantly attracted to Addy. But Graham is not in Addy's plan as he has no interest in college and works on a farm.
Yet, as Graham and Addy begin to grow closer she begins to question her plan and what she really wants out of life.
This book was really well written and I loved all the back and forth flirting between Addy and Graham. There were so many awesome lines in the book that had me laughing out over and over.
I also liked that there was a real support for love and that it can happen at any time and can be genuine. Both the main characters were real with issues that have to be dealt with in life that many of us can relate to.
But little did Addy count on meeting Graham Stewart.
Graham is Marcus's best friend and is instantly attracted to Addy. But Graham is not in Addy's plan as he has no interest in college and works on a farm.
Yet, as Graham and Addy begin to grow closer she begins to question her plan and what she really wants out of life.
This book was really well written and I loved all the back and forth flirting between Addy and Graham. There were so many awesome lines in the book that had me laughing out over and over.
I also liked that there was a real support for love and that it can happen at any time and can be genuine. Both the main characters were real with issues that have to be dealt with in life that many of us can relate to.
February 24, 2015
Many readers may be familiar with Ruth from her Regency romances. However, she also excels with contemporary romances. She demonstrates that with her latest YA/NA novel, “Waylaid”. It is s a cozy, sweet romance, reminding the reader that love is often found when it is least expected.
Anyone who has ever attended college will be able to relate to Addy, who is determined to stick to her plans: attend the college of her dreams and pursue a veterinary career. And then she meets good ol’ country boy Graham. He is content working on his uncle’s farm. They immediately notice a strong connection, despite the three year age difference. While both were certain they had their futures mapped out, they will come to learn that destiny sometimes steps in with its own plans.
This is a clean read, containing no bad language. It is refreshing to have a hero like Graham who respects the heroine and her values. Hartman’s latest is likely to take the reader back to memories of their own high school and college years.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Anyone who has ever attended college will be able to relate to Addy, who is determined to stick to her plans: attend the college of her dreams and pursue a veterinary career. And then she meets good ol’ country boy Graham. He is content working on his uncle’s farm. They immediately notice a strong connection, despite the three year age difference. While both were certain they had their futures mapped out, they will come to learn that destiny sometimes steps in with its own plans.
This is a clean read, containing no bad language. It is refreshing to have a hero like Graham who respects the heroine and her values. Hartman’s latest is likely to take the reader back to memories of their own high school and college years.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 23, 2015
TRUE LOVE IS WORTH THE WAIT
What a sweet story of true and committed love. Graham Stewart is a giant of a man with a caring heart, good work ethics and great morals. Addy LaFollette has had her life planned out, graduate high school, go to college, on to veterinary school, fall in love and get married. Oh but sometimes in life, life happens and it takes you by storm. The story is captivating, the dialogue is witty and heartwarming. You can't help but fall in love with the characters and respect their commitment. The growing relationship and developing love story is enduring. I love that Addy and Graham waiting for each other and waiting to make their marriage bed extra special.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.
What a sweet story of true and committed love. Graham Stewart is a giant of a man with a caring heart, good work ethics and great morals. Addy LaFollette has had her life planned out, graduate high school, go to college, on to veterinary school, fall in love and get married. Oh but sometimes in life, life happens and it takes you by storm. The story is captivating, the dialogue is witty and heartwarming. You can't help but fall in love with the characters and respect their commitment. The growing relationship and developing love story is enduring. I love that Addy and Graham waiting for each other and waiting to make their marriage bed extra special.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.
February 22, 2015
This was a very easy cute read. I really enjoyed it. The only reason for the 4 stars instead of 5 is I felt the Prince Ali character was out of place and kind of awkward. The story would have been just as good without him and just when I kind of forgot about him he would reappear. But I adored the rest of the story. I started dating my husband just before college started as well and so I felt I really connected with these two! We did wait until after school to get married but I know how these guys felt, we were 3 hours apart for 3 years. Graham is a super nice and sweet guy who really cares for Addy. Addy has to dig in deep to see what she really needs to do, live her life's dream or her new one. Thankfully it all works out in this super cute story:).
Disclaimer. I received a copy from the author in return for my fair and honest opinion. The review above is mine and mine alone.
Disclaimer. I received a copy from the author in return for my fair and honest opinion. The review above is mine and mine alone.
March 13, 2015
Another amazing book from Ruth J Hartman!!
5++ stars
I love all of Ruth's books and this is a refreshing tale of two young adults. I must say, she knocked it out of the park!! I absolutely loved her two main characters, Addy and Graham. They both are at different stages in their lives, neither of them are looking for love. Sometimes, you cannot predict fate. This is a fun, clean romance book that is full of love and humor. Ms Hartman's humor is always present in her books and it will have you laughing out load and right along with her characters. Being from the farm, I loved the parts of the book that were based around the farm and cattle! If you love a sweet romance with humor and a couple of cats, Waylaid is for you! Thankyou Ruth for another wonderful book!
5++ stars
I love all of Ruth's books and this is a refreshing tale of two young adults. I must say, she knocked it out of the park!! I absolutely loved her two main characters, Addy and Graham. They both are at different stages in their lives, neither of them are looking for love. Sometimes, you cannot predict fate. This is a fun, clean romance book that is full of love and humor. Ms Hartman's humor is always present in her books and it will have you laughing out load and right along with her characters. Being from the farm, I loved the parts of the book that were based around the farm and cattle! If you love a sweet romance with humor and a couple of cats, Waylaid is for you! Thankyou Ruth for another wonderful book!
February 16, 2015
This was the first book by Ruth Hartman that I have read.
This book was so easy to read before I knew it I had finished. A terrific NA book that was full of life and true to today's society. I love to read a good book that is current and with the times. Addy and Graham were so stinking adorable. I love that they completed one another and didn't take each other for granted. Definitely a book that is worth taking the risk in reading. I think you will love it. Looking forward to reading many more by this author.
I was given a copy of this book to read and review by the author for an honest opinion.
This book was so easy to read before I knew it I had finished. A terrific NA book that was full of life and true to today's society. I love to read a good book that is current and with the times. Addy and Graham were so stinking adorable. I love that they completed one another and didn't take each other for granted. Definitely a book that is worth taking the risk in reading. I think you will love it. Looking forward to reading many more by this author.
I was given a copy of this book to read and review by the author for an honest opinion.
February 27, 2015
What a super cute read! As with all of the books by Ms. Hartman, I brew a cup of coffee and settle in! Fun story, and as a Type A Control Freak, I loved reading a character that could have easily been me! We always get such a bad rap, but in this story, it was told in a manner that felt very real. She has a plan and she wants to stick to it, she has worked very hard for years and she's not going to let some guy throw her off track - but she didn't come off as cra-cra, like most Type A Control Freaks do, she came off as human, and the struggles she had to go through in following her path and following her heart made for a great book!
March 5, 2015
This book starts out in the last few weeks of Addy's senior year of high school. She's got her plans made with college. But then she meets country young man Graham. He tried college but ended up working on his uncles farm. But when city meets country sparks fly. The more time they spend together, the stronger their feelings become. Yet she is to leave for college and become a Vet. This book is about two younger people who make mature decisions. It was wonderful to read a book that completely conveyed the true growth of a relationship between two younger people. I would strongly suggest this for anyone who enjoys books with strong morals and growing love.
June 5, 2015
What a spectacular book. This book is about a love story that managed to surpass many difficulties. I really liked Addy she had her own brain and she knew exactly what she wants out of life. Graham was a gentle "giant" ( you will get the reference when you read the story). These two people are amazing by themselves but spectacular when you put them together. I know that I would kill to get a guy like Graham and to be a girl as great as Addy. You definetly do not want to pass up this great love story.
P.S this is not a cliffhanger
P.S this is not a cliffhanger
February 10, 2015
If you like sweet romances with quirky characters, look no further -- Ruth J. Hartman is the author for you. Her sense of humor and love for animals shines through in every one of her books.
This is a New Adult romance about a high school senior with a vision for her future who meets someone with seemingly no ambition. They both feel an immediate and lasting connection, but can two people going in the opposite direction make it work? You'll just have to read it to see.
This is a New Adult romance about a high school senior with a vision for her future who meets someone with seemingly no ambition. They both feel an immediate and lasting connection, but can two people going in the opposite direction make it work? You'll just have to read it to see.
February 21, 2015
This story was about a first young love experience. Addy has her future planned out and is waiting to finish high school so she can move on to college. One night at a party she didn't want to go to, she meets Graham. They fall hard for each other, then life reenters the picture and tough decisions will need to be made.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 29, 2025
I'm not really much of a romance reader, but this was easy and cute, if slightly cheesey. Prince Ali was an unbelievable character who detracted from the main story of two people trying to see if they can create a life together. I often find these type of stories weak and vapid, but have to admit the sacchrine sweetness and undemanding nature soothed a slight reading slump.
June 13, 2015
This was nearly a two-cupper for me. The idea for the story was a good one, however the delivery was not as strong as it could have been. At times I felt as if it was an adult writing what she thought was going on in a teenager’s head. At other times, I was put off by some representations and references which were, at best, lacking in political sensitivity. What made this a three-cup review for me was the romance between Addy and Graham. It made the read worthwhile. To those interested in reading this book, I would recommend they be prepared to look past the surface delivery to the heartwarming romance beneath.
Veronica
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Official Review @ Coffee Time Romance & More
Veronica
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Official Review @ Coffee Time Romance & More
October 2, 2015
I had a difficult time with this one. It is a very dialogue driven book. Each chapter is made up of mostly conversations, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. But it did make the descriptive narrative of the book feel severely lacking. Still, it wasn't a bad way to spend a few hours.
I was provided with a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.
I was provided with a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.
March 2, 2015
This would have been a 4-41/2 star read until the last 45 minutes. Seriously, it got Bad! Prince Ali? Is this Aladdin now? Um, no. Rape? Come on, Graham really just sent him on his way? No, just no. So disappointed :(
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews